UbD with Technology

• What benefits are their to using a UbD template for filling out your unit and lesson plans?

Personally, UbDs are better and more well planned out for the long term. It is a new approach that helps teachers and learners by focusing on keeping the goals and objectives in mind. It works with 3 stages, and each stage focuses on a central and integral part of the learning process.

• What disadvantages or weak areas did you find when using a UbD template?

When we were first introduced to UbDs, we needed more than one Professional Development to master the backwards design model. Implementation of UbDs require a lot of time, planning, and money (for PDs) in order to ensure proper implementation of the lesson plan process.

• Was the technology simpler to integrate with the experience of this course behind you?

Yes, I found it easier to integrate with the knowledge and experience I've learned and is still learning.

• What advice would you give for others beginning to use UbD? Or beginning to integrate technology more heavily into their lessons?

Keep the end in mind. Put less emphasis on the specific activities and pay attention to strategic intents and outcomes of your curriculum. Define what students want to achieve and use that to frame your curriculum in order to achieve your desired objective.

Week 4: ToonDoo & Pinterest

Tool #7: ToonDoo - www.toondoo.com

http://www.toondoo.com/aboutus.jsp

• Practical Uses in the classroom or in education in general:

ToonDoo is an instructional tool that helps students create cartoons or comics without requiring artistic abilities. 

• Learning Process for the tools as either an adult (you) or as a student, such as potential barriers, disadvantages or advantages, etc.:

Advantages:

1. Easy to use and anyone can adapt to its features after learning the "ropes"
2. Add dialogue using speech bubbles or in-text.
3. Add pre-set graphics, backgrounds, and characters at a click of a button.
4. Fun and engaging for all age groups
5. Best of all, it's free!

Disadvantages:

1. Can't include your drawings or animations.
2. Cartoons must be public in order to comment and you must sign in.
3. The main page is too congested with so much tabs and features to navigate from.
4. It may take a while to learn the "ropes"

• Link to your example or another public example:

Here is my ToonDoo: 

• Must link to at least one resource to help teachers/parents/students begin to explore each tool:

I use ToonDoo a lot in my lessons and before teaching about the website, I showed this YouTube tutorial for ToonDoo. 



Tool #8: Pinterest - www.pinterest.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinterest

• Practical Uses in the classroom or in education in general:

Pinterest is a visual bookmarking tool that helps you create boards related to your interests. As an educator, Pinterest allows me to create a collection of related topics based on what I am teaching. I am also able to browse for different ideas that many educators have on their board and re-pin what they have posted. I can collect resources for different units and organize them into boards, gather visuals and videos for presentations, look for resources from other teacher boards, share quotes and inspirational sayings, show student work, suggest reading materials, and encourage student participation.

• Learning Process for the tools as either an adult (you) or as a student, such as potential barriers, disadvantages or advantages, etc.:

Advantages:

1. Pinterest allows you to collaborate with community boards and re-pin what they have found in other boards.
2. Organization
3. Collection of interests
4. Students can critique their peers.

Disadvantages:

1. Cannot pin all types of media.
2. Copyright can be an issue.
3. We can often lose track of time. Users can be "lost" in the pinning world where they dive in too deep and forget about what they were originally supposed to do.
4. Inappropriate content might pop up when searching.

• Link to your example or another public example:

Click on the icon     to view my pinterest page.

• Must link to at least one resource to help teachers/parents/students begin to explore each tool:

I also uploaded a link to view my screencast tutorial for using pinterest... 

Week 3: Animoto & Wordle

Tool #5: Animoto - www.animoto.com

http://animoto.com/about

http://animoto.com/

• Practical Uses in the classroom or in education in general:

Animoto is an extremely awesome tool that helps users create custom, professional videos from digital photos and clips. Students can create their videos that relate to projects or even topics that are being covered in class. 

• Learning Process for the tools as either an adult (you) or as a student, such as potential barriers, disadvantages or advantages, etc.:

Advantages:

1. Hassle free when making short video clips.
2. Easy to share videos with just one click to other social media platforms.
3. Animoto creates a new and unique version of your video each time you make revisions. 

Disadvantages:

1. The free version only allows 30 second clips.
2. Limited amount of music choices and templates.
3. Submits videos to only two video hosting sites.
4. Every remix is different. There is no way to control the transitions between frames or the appearance of your video. 
5. Cannot download or burn onto a CD or DVD.

• Link to your example or another public example:

Here is my Animoto entitled, "Visit Australia, The Land Down Under." I initially used Animoto during our Partners in Print workshop. I thought of it as a child-friendly website that students can use to easily create videos. Parents that used this loved it! They loved how easy it was to manipulate the photos and add music. It was hassle free and worry free. Click here to view a sample of the video that the parents made. 

• Must link to at least one resource to help teachers/parents/students begin to explore each tool:

Here is a link to teach about the basics for Animoto. Here is a 60 second intro video for Animoto that I used with my Partners in Print parents and a tutorial for Animoto beginners.

Tool #6: Wordle - www.wordle.net

http://www.wordle.net/

• Practical Uses in the classroom or in education in general:

Wordle allows you to create any type of word cloud that you may desire using words you provide either from a website with an RSS feed or from any document. Once you input all the words, Wordle then creates your word cloud. Once your word cloud is formed, you are able to change the font, color, and orientation of the cloud. Wordle can be used in many ways. Students could use it for rhyming words, similes & metaphors, nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc. 

• Learning Process for the tools as either an adult (you) or as a student, such as potential barriers, disadvantages or advantages, etc.:

Advantages:

1. Wordle is free and no sign up is required to use the tool.
2. Wordle helps by summarizing/highlighting the keywords of a text.
3. Wordle allows for a visual representation of a text placing emphasis on words that are commonly used.
4. User friendly, easy to use, and visually pleasing.

Disadvantages:

1. Word clouds puts emphasis on the popular information, that might not always be the useful/important information.
2. In some cases the visual effects of the tag cloud can bias the interpretation of the visualization.
3. Without internet connection, your Wordle may not be accessible unless you have printed it or saved the image.

• Link to your example or another public example:

I used my 8th Grade Social Studies Syllabus and this is what my wordle looked like: 


I created another one using CNN's Tech News Feed and this is my wordle: 

• Must link to at least one resource to help teachers/parents/students begin to explore each tool:

For more information and tutorials on Wordle, visit this website. This is my screencast on how to use Wordle. 

Week 2: Glogster & VoiceThread

Tool #3: Glogster - www.glogster.com

Screenshot from http://edu.glogster.com/what-is-glogster-edu/

• Practical Uses in the classroom or in education in general:

A Glog is an interactive visual platform where users create an online poster or web page about certain topics that include text, audio, video, images, drawings, charts, links to websites, etc. In the classroom, we can let our students create posters, 

• Learning Process for the tools as either an adult (you) or as a student, such as potential barriers, disadvantages or advantages, etc.:

Advantages:

1. It is hands-on and student-centered
2. Students learn technology skills
3. Students can be creative
4. Students can learn from people all over the world
5. Posters are pleasing to the eye
6. Glogster provides a private and safe student environment
7. Easy to use, edit, and share
8. Students and teachers can use other Glogs that are already made by other users.
9. Teachers can monitor student work
10. Videos and other links can be embedded directly into the Glog.
11. Differentiated instruction tool - students can work on their own pace and lessons can be tiered to fit individual learners.
12. Instructional tool for multiple intelligences - It addresses and engages several intelligences and learners.

Disadvantages:

1. Students need basic technology skills
2. No spell check
3. Must have working computers and reliable internet
4. The website often lags (could be due to internet connection, too).
5. May be challenging for students with special needs.
6. Should be an in class project since not all students have internet connections at home.
7. Students could easily become distracted by the graphics and sounds instead of focusing on the main point of the project.
8. Often times, creating a Glog can be time consuming.

• Link to your example or another public example:

I created a Glogster about NMI History - Ancient Chamorro Period. I plan on using Glogster next school year when it is time to teach the lesson and for future lessons.

• Must link to at least one resource to help teachers/parents/students begin to explore each tool:

I used the slideshare that Mr. Pascoe provided to work on my Glogster.



Tool #4: VoiceThread - www.voicethread.com

Screenshot from http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/7-things-you-should-know-about-voicethread

• Practical Uses in the classroom or in education in general:

VoiceThread is a new way to engage students while learning. It helps foster discussion and breaks barriers when it comes to communication and interaction in the classroom. It is a very simple and easy tool that even students can use for assignments.

• Learning Process for the tools as either an adult (you) or as a student, such as potential barriers, disadvantages or advantages, etc.:

Advantages:

1. Interactive - Others can comment in several ways, via phone, typing messages, writing/drawing tool, webcam, recording.
2. Use different types of media, such as pictures, video, media, images, documents, and presentations to create an interactive slideshow.
3. Slides can be explained in detail using a recording/doodle tool.

Disadvantages:

1. It only gives you 3 VoiceThreads with 75mb total.
2. Students may not take it seriously and play around with the recordings.

• Link to your example or another public example:

Here is my VoiceThread. Please comment on the VoiceThread if you know the answers to the puzzles. :)

• Must link to at least one resource to help teachers/parents/students begin to explore each tool:

• Here is a document that explains 7 things you should know about VoiceThread.
• I used the following YouTube videos to create my VoiceThread: Introduction to using "VoiceThread," "What is a VoiceThread," and "An introduction to VoiceThread" I even used thisVoiceThread to teach me about the basics of VoiceThread. 

Week 1: Prezi & Dipity

Tool #1: Prezi - www.prezi.com

Screenshot from www.prezi.com/about

• Practical Uses in the classroom or in education in general:

Prezi is a much more modern way to present your lessons to students. Instead of the mundane and traditional Powerpoint, it gets the students to become more tuned into the lesson and it allows for new kinds of visualizations, such as zooming capabilities, and opportunities to link images to motion, which in turn creates a deeper understanding and retention of the lesson. 

• Learning Process for the tools as either an adult (you) or as a student, such as potential barriers, disadvantages or advantages, etc.:

Advantages:

1. Free and Web-Based - anyone with internet access can create Prezis.
2. Link text and images to movement - there are several capabilities such as zooming and adding transitions to different images and text found in the Prezi.
3. Powerpoint friendly - users can download powerpoint presentations from Microsoft and create a Prezi presentation from there.
4. Age appropriate - anyone can use Prezi and it is for all students who are capable of using a computer.

Disadvantages:

1. Caution: Dizziness - Because of all the movement and zooming capabilities, it causes viewers to become dizzy or experience motion sickness.
2. You need reliable internet access - It is web-based, you need to make sure that you have a reliable internet access to create your Prezi.

• Link to your example or another public example:

Here is my Prezi Prezintation... :) Song credits: Coldplay - Clocks (Gabrie & Dresden Bootleg Remix)

• Must link to at least one resource to help teachers/parents/students begin to explore each tool:

Prezi's main website has several tutorials to use their tool. Click here to go directly to the website. 

Tool #2: Dipity - www.dipity.com

Screenshot from www.dipity.com

• Practical Uses in the classroom or in education in general:

As a Social Studies teacher, I see so many benefits to using Dipity. Not only is it free, it is also interactive and students can contribute and collaborate with other sources (video, websites, pictures). It is a fun and interesting way to teach about chronological order, history, and important events.

• Learning Process for the tools as either an adult (you) or as a student, such as potential barriers, disadvantages or advantages, etc.:

Advantages: 

1. Dipity timelines can be shared and embedded through several media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Digg, etc. 
2. Users can add text, videos, article links, photos, social media extracts, messages, and blog links to represent a series of chronological events.
3. Dipity allows you to control who can view, edit, and contribute to the timeline.
4. There are numerous ways and formats for inputting dates and it gets sorted into your timeline automatically.
5. Dipity gives you different options for viewing (flipbook, list, and map).

Disadvantages:

1. With the free account, you are only allowed to create 3 timelines.
2. There are too much advertisements floating around the website.
3. It could be a little time consuming, if you are a beginner.
4. Depending on your connection, the website often lags.

• Link to your example or another public example:

Here is my NMI History Dipity Timeline. I tried my best to make it as accurate as possible and I am planning on using this dipity when I teach this lesson next school year.

• Must link to at least one resource to help teachers/parents/students begin to explore each tool:

To explore this tool, click on this link to help create an interactive timeline using Dipity. I used this tutorial to help guide me with Dipity.

PLNs and PLEs ----- PLS?

PLN (Personal Learning Network)

Summary: PLN is a system that helps support a person's learning. Support can come from social networking sites and applications and contact with other people you're connected to.

Metaphor: Like a tree that branches out to different avenues and shows how each branch is connected to the main trunk of the tree.

Examples: Twitter, Facebook, Edmodo, Youtube, Blogs, Social Networks, Bookmarking sites like Diigo or Delicious, Teacherlingo, Atomic Learning, Hootesuite, Wikipedia, Conferences, Meetings at a Coffee shop or Lounge, Chat rooms, Staff/Department Meetings, Professional Developments, or any other medium where information is being shared.

PLE (Personal Learning Environment)

Summary: Any learning that takes place in your life.

Metaphor: Human brain absorbing and processing all the information it comes across.

Examples: Life experiences, our brain/memory, Five senses, Observations

Your feelings on the idea of a PLN and how it might be useful to teachers and students: 

The idea of a PLN can influence our learning experiences based on our interactions with other people, colleagues, and students. We are able to influence our student's PLN by giving them opportunities to learn, expand their curiosity, and building on positive choices and attitudes that they make. Providing students with different avenues to become active participants in their PLN will not only expand their connections with other people, but help them gain a broader understanding of any learning that is taking place.

Web 2.0 & Web 3.0

What are your feelings on using web 2.0 applications in your classroom or in your own teaching? I am very excited when it comes to integrating technology and web 2.0 applications in my classroom and in my own teaching practices. I like being the teacher that uses technology with my students. There are so many teachers that are stuck to the traditional teaching styles that it gets students disengaged when it comes to learning. I am glad that the 1-1 laptop initiative was created because it gives our students the opportunity to become well versed in this digital age and keeps us on our toes with the latest trends.

Are there pitfalls to relying on web 2.0 applications? Yes, there are pitfalls. Some may include unreliable internet access at school or at home. Internet safety could be another issue. Some applications are not free. How credible is the source. Some apps could be blocked by the CNMI PSS server through filters.

Do you trust web 2.0 applications? Somewhat. I usually research reviews about the application first to see if the content or application is trustworthy and credible. For example, Blogger. It is useful in the educational field and safe for our students. At times, if used excessively, social networking sites can pose as a hindrance to students learning. When we integrate our work/lessons via social networking sites, students may be so caught up and immersed with Facebook or Twitter that they tend to forget that they actually had an assignment to work on. 

These apps tend to be free so should we look to these kinds of solutions before looking to purchase a product? Yes. I like free stuff. We should always take advantage of the free applications. However, if we come across applications that require them to be purchased, then there are some sacrifices that we need to make due to the limited funds that our schools have. Teachers are notorious for spending from their pockets. We tend to buy school materials and supplies for the sake of our students learning. I truly believe that we shouldn't let a few dollars hinder the impact of our students learning. But free stuff is always something we should look for first. 

The Power and Peril of Web 3.0 by Jason Ohler (2010)

Which "leap" towards a semantic web do you think is the most simple? Most difficult?

Most difficult are Leap 1 and Leap 2. A universal language must be agreed upon first to tag and sift through information. Most simple is leap 3 because using the shared ontologies and intelligent tagging from Leap 1 and Leap 2, it connects the information and cross-references databases.

What causes of concern does this bring up for you? (be more specific than "privacy") I am most especially concerned about giving away personal information and connecting that information with our bank accounts, iTunes, Amazon, etc. Strangers and hackers will be able to steal our identities and we are faced with insurmountable problems in the future. Another concern I have is if developers are willing to agree upon a "universal" language for tagging, how long will it take to fully introduce web 3.0 to the general public? Could it create chaos and confusion to people who are not digitally literate? What are the effects that it could have to people who are unfamiliar with their information being shared online?

Something interesting I felt when reading the section on Education 3.0 and knowledge construction is what I've heard called the "library fallacy" that to earn your grade you must go to a library and do the research - do you think anything is lost here if all the information is aggregated for a student instead of compiling all the resources themselves.

We need to teach our students other avenues besides relying on the internet for information, like looking through credible sources such as the newspapers, journals, magazines, and encyclopedias. Yes, the internet provides millions of information on one single topic in seconds; but, are they really credible? Just like in the article, Ohler mentioned that in Google, when searching "global warming" in a few seconds there were 33 million hits regarding that topic. Do we really have time to look through 33 million pages? Using the web is much more efficient because information is given to you in a matter of a few seconds, but we must know how to determine whether or not the source is credible and useful. Thus, it is essential and important to teach our students the basics of research and looking into other sources other than the internet for all the information.