final project

https://sites.google.com/site/educ2201group6/standard-1

WebQuest

https://sites.google.com/site/whitneysquest/

At first I figured I'd just borrow the question "Why hasn't the United States had a female president?" I believe this is a worthy topic to explore, but in honesty i'm really not all that interested in politics. Since i'm an English major, it would seem proper to explore something in that field. I may pose the question "What makes Fantasy/ Science Fiction literature?"

WebQuest activity

WebQuest about WebQuests Worksheet

Print this page out and use it to jot down notes while you examine each site. Remember to stay in character as you examine the sites and don't compare notes until you get back with your four-person group.

Your Role

___Efficiency Expert

___Affiliator

__X_Altitudinist

___Technophile

Your Impressions

WebQuest	Strengths	Weaknesses
Grow School Greens	Eye catching animation, clear directions, direct process, specifies each job and its importance to the whole. Includes tips,	Too much reading for younger children. Minor grammar mistakes. Is a display book necessary? Wouldn’t it be better to use a technological presentation?
Where is My Hero?	Students will increase vocabulary, analysis of a hero, clear rubric, valuable resources	First page makes a political statement. Is Michael Jordon really a “hero?”
Underground Railroad	Requires students to think critically, asks questions, requires creativity, clear roles, valuable resources, This one is our favorite	Wouldn’t an online journal be more productive?
Ice Cream	Clear instructions, vivid,	Font may be too much., redundant, too long.
Ancient Egypt	Explores ancient civilizations, interactive, requires online research, least favorite	Inaccurate links,

Bernie Dodge, Department of Educational Technology, SDSU

Journal #11

The Youtube video "Thinking Creatively" explores three concepts: Content, Technology, and Pedagogy. To began with, I liked how the instructors set up the video. Instead of recording themselves giving a presentation that borrowed an idea from Stephen Colbert (I'm a huge fan) and displayed their massage with two different content boxes of sorts. In the video blog the authors discuss three problems. The first is that "Teaching with technology is a wicked problem." Then "Wicked problems require creative solutions," and finally that teacher are designers of the total PACKage." What I thought was most interesting is what the author said teacher are supposed to be. Not only are we meant to educate, but we are expected to be wise, funny, dramatic, sensitive, and flexible. I think this is an important notion because I hope to be those things for my future students.

Geary, , perf. Thinking Creatively: Teachers as designers of Content, Technology and Pedagogy. Youtube, 2008. Web. 9 Apr 2012.

Web 2.0 Timeline.

http://timeglider.com/app/viewer.php?uid=line_0f4ec6b63cadbf25bf980b06e6d86fb9

This is the URL for my Timeline that I created on https://timeglider.com/app/

Storybird

You can access my Storybird project here

Scratch Project.

My Scratch Project can be found on its website, since I'm not too sure how to upload it to my blog. This is the link http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/whitneyofgreatness/2444249

I used the "glide" and "say something" scratch cards.

Journal #10

"In classrooms, students have begun to use Scratch to create reports and presentations—replacing traditional PowerPoint presentations with content that is far more dynamic and interactive."(Resnick )

The first time I ever heard about this Scratch program was in this class. I find that surprising considering that it could potentially replace PowerPoint some day in the future. The article expresses that scratch users are developing presentations that exceed the creative limits of PowerPoint presentations. This program allows its user to become more involved in their research by having the capabilities to create simulations. For example, the text details the experiments of younger students. One boy was able to show the flashing of a lightening storm within a project on Benjamin Franklin. By doing this, it would seem to me that the viewers would have a more aesthetic experience that that of traditional PowerPoint viewers.
Resnick, Mitchel. "Sowing for a More Seeds the Creative Society." Learning & Leading with Technology. 2008: n. page. Web. 28 Mar. 2012.

ipad assignment app reviews.

for this ipad assignment, we were instructed to explore two different education apps for the ipad. I was having some technical difficulties figuring out how to download the apps, since the instructions on blackboard only supply a password, and not a username. From this I am unable to download any apps that are not already on the device. Therefore, I intend to review two of the default apps.

The application "Maps," seems to be a version of google maps. This application allows users to search streets, towns and cities all over the world. At the top of the screen a search option is available. This is for entering an address, in which the application will direct the user to the location through picture. This could be beneficial for students because it could potentially strengthen geographical skills.

The "Youtube" application for the ipad is an easy way for one to navigate to everyone's favorite website. Through this one simply can search in the top right hand corner for educational subject matter. There are also options at the bottom that allow users to view videos that are top rated or featured. This is beneficial to students because it allows one to quickly and easily view their favorite videos in high quality.

Journal #9

"They are writers not just readers. This concept allows players to ‘write’ their own story and have it tailored to their liking. This wasn’t always the case, because only until rather recently video games were simply produced and then left to the buyers to consume and wait for the companies next release"("Learning in gaming" )

I most enjoy games that allow me to create my own story. Games like the Fable series allow players to decide they're own choices. Allowing them to become a good or bad character or something in between. In the Gardens of Time game that were played for class, had a some reading that pertained to a story line. It would seem that games as these are close to reading a book. Not quite, but a player is involved in a story that is told with words, accompanied by pictures to further the experience. One can examine, that this is a new thing for gaming. Older games like Mario had a strict progress, and didn't allow for any personalization. 

 "Ten things students can leran from video games. ." Learning in gaming. 2012: n. page. Web. 21 Mar. 2012. 

II found this blog that listed 7 ways games can contribute to learning. It can be found here.

Gardens of Time activity

Out of the ten things that schools can learn from gaming, I found that the five following "things" are most relevant to the Gardens of Time game we were introduced to in class.

The first is Interaction. In the game, player interact with characters. These characters instruct the player on how to accomplish goals.
The second is Risk taking. The object of this game is to find things among a group of other things. Through this is some kind of risk involved. By finding items slowly, or missing, one looses points.
The third is Customization. Besides locating items, another aspect of this game is creating your own garden. This allows players to be creative, and make a garden that is unique.
The fourth is Taking Relationships into Consideration. This game allows players to invite friends. This is beneficial because friends can help with the success of the game by gift sending, and sharing.
The fifth and final is Exploring. This game allows players to explore places of a time in the past. This is where players look for items.  

I received this information from http://www.learningingaming.com/10-things-schools-can-learn-from-video-games/

Journal #8

a. What is Wikipedia? According to the article, Wikipedia is a web based free encyclopedia project, that is multilingual and  non profit.
b. How would you answer the question posed in this piece “How reliable can a source be when anyone can edit it?" By trusting Wikipedia we're relying on the "wisdom of crowds."
c. Who do the creators of Wikipedia place their trust in when it comes to weeding out misinformation? They hope that by having many people watching it that it will reduce errors and vandalism.
d. Why did founder Larry Sanger leave Wikipedia? He believed it should give more authority to experts, and created him own in which does. 
e. What would abuse or vandalism look like on a Wikipedia page? It would sound comical or absurd.
f. What do the statistics quoted in the third paragraph of this piece reveal? That Wikipedia is a pretty popular website. 
g. Why do you think Wikipedia is so successful? It gives unlimited, and easily accessible information at ones fingertips. 
h. Why might Wikipedia’s creators not want to accept advertising? To keep it non profit.
i. How does Wikiscanner help increase the reliability of Wikipedia entries? It helps remove information that is of self interest to the government and businesses. 

 

I found all of my information from the following link: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/featured_articles/20090206friday.html

Website Evaluation

The website posted above is an article supporting the protection of a creature called "The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus." My first reaction was absolute skepticism, my thoughts were similar to "what? I've never heard of this crazy thing." For the sake of the assignment, I supposed it would be wise to at least read more to see if there is a chance that the information is accurate.
To begin with, I considered where this bit of information was located. As one could see, the address ends with a .net, which implies to me that i was right to be skeptical, because anyone can create a website in that form.
Secondly, I searched the article for any information that would reveal the name of the author or organization. From my observations, there is no information to credit its author. Wouldn't someone want acknowledgment for their hard work? Lastly, I read throughout the article and came upon information that was absurd in nature. For example it lists Sasquatch (a fictional creature) as one of its predators. Furthermore, i googled with tree octopus, and read from other websites that it was an internet hoax. It would seems that my suspicions were confirmed.

Teaching Philosophy.

Jornal #7

"Researchers find that reading for understanding online requires the same skills as offline reading, including using prior knowledge and making predictions, plus a set of additional critical-thinking skills that reflect the open-ended, continually changing online context. For example, online readers play a more active role, selecting links rather than turning pages, and they often must interpret visual images to make sense of what they are reading" (David 84-86)

This statement seems to reveal the scope of the article. I found it interesting that the author compared the skills for offline reading to online. I agree that one needs to develop an additional set of skills for online reading, as the author suggests. For example, when I am doing a research paper I have to be careful with the online sources I choose. I have to make sure the articles I am choosing to cite are creditable and scholarly pieces of information. When making this decision I look towards the URL address to see if it indicates that it is from an educational institution. Also, I take notice of the sources, and the overall quality of the information. The major difference with offline material is that that students are usually citing text books, ones that are instructor approved.

 David, Jane. "Teaching Media Literacy." Educational Leadership. 66. (2009): 84-86. Web. 5 Mar. 2012.

This video explores educating older adults on advancing their media literacy.  

 

 "Media Literacy--Opening Access to Adults." BBC. Youtube, 2011. web. 5 Mar 2012.

   

Teacher of the year

Journal #6

"There are other news pitfalls that media-literate students should be ready to identify. Reporters operating under a time crunch may overly rely on controlled information from a press briefing managed by the press secretary. Or, because of a lack of expertise in economics or science, news reporters may use a press release composed by a corporate publicist without checking the information through other sources."(Abilock)
   
     According to this statement, there are times among our media when those who are reporting it are knowingly giving out information that could be inaccurate. This surprised me because I've never given that concept any prior thought. Whenever i have had issues with the media, it is usually because i disagree with whatever opinion that a speaker or reporter is sending to the audience. There have been times in my life when i feel that a politician is taking another politicians words out of context, in order to suit his own dogma. For myself, i suppose I've always have had a blind trust that a reporter would do their job, and make sure the information he/she is sending into the public is correct. I've always assumed that to do otherwise would result in someone finding error in the publication. Wouldn't a journalist want to avoid this to save themselves embarrassment?

 Abilock, Debbie. "A Seven-Power Lens on 21st-Century Literacy." . MultiMedia Schools, 2003. Web. 26 Feb 2012. <http://www.infotoday.com/mmschools>. 

This video discusses some of the issues we have been discussing. This deals with how the media isn't always accurate and acknowledges that the information we receive is usually biased.  

How the News Works. Youtube, 2007. web. 26 Feb 2012.

Media Literacy meets ISTE-NETS

The first standard expresses that teachers must inspire students to learn and be creative. Furthermore, Part B instructs that we, by using digital tools, should promote an understanding of real world issues.
     Media Literacy could assist this standard by the instructor having access to unlimited information about about political and economic issues that are relevant towards a particular part of study. An instructor who has knowledge of Media Literacy could easily find reliable and unbiased information pertaining to a particular subject. Furthermore, the instructor would be informed of any inaccurate information, and refrain from exposing students to media that has motives towards fear mongering or any other political agenda.
The second standard expresses that instructors should use modern tools to insure students are receiving information that can later be evaluated. Part B of this standard instructs that teachers use technology to allow students to explore individual interests.
     Media Literacy is an asset to this approach because having it allows instructors to guide their students to credible websites or databases to help them find the most useful and scholarly resources. For example, in most of my classes that required a research paper, we we shown how to properly navigate through databases to find articles most relevant to our searches. This was helpful because it allowed one to find articles that were easily assessable.
     Media literacy is important in this media age because we are essentially overloaded with information coming from those who wish to persuade us to their way of thinking. I find it essential to know the difference between opinion and fact. By being literate towards the media, one can filter the information that is important to the individual.   



   

Journal Entry 5

"For example, historians regularly quote both other historians’ writings and textual sources; filmmakers and visual artists use, reinterpret, and critique copyright material; while scholars illustrate cultural commentary with textual, visual, and musical examples.(Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education)

     The scope of our Digital Story project is exactly covered in the quotation above. Our assignment was to create a video that represented our West Virginian culture through the means of pictures, text and copyrighted music to create a emotional response. We, as a group, borrow copyrighted material and used it to create something of our own, and in this way we were following the guidelines of the Fair Use policy.
     Even though I intended no copyright infringement through my video, it was removed from public viewing on youtube. I have concluded that this must have been a flaw in my crediting. I mean to fix this issue promptly.

I received this information from: http://mediaeducationlab.com/sites/mediaeducationlab.com/files/CodeofBestPracticesinFairUse_0.pdf

Class Activity: Code of best pratice in Fair Use for Media Literacy.

1. What is the difference between Media in Education vs Media Literacy Education? According to the article, Media Literacy is "the capability to access, analyze, evaluate and communicative messages in a wide variety of forms." While Media in Education is simply using the media as a means of education. 
2. What social bargain is at the heart of Fair use? According to the text the bargain is "we as a society give limited property rights to creators to encourage them to produce culture; at the same time, we give other creators the chance to use that same copyrighted material, without permission or payment, in some circumstances."
3. Why is Fair Use more important today? According to the article Fair Use in more important today because "As copyright protects more works for longer periods than ever before, creators face new challenges: licenses to incorporate copyrighted sources become more expensive and more difficult to obtain—and sometimes are simply unavailable."
   
   
4. What are the two key questions judges use to determine Fair Use? There are two questions judges ask when determining fair use. The article lists them as: "Did the unlicensed use “transform” the material taken from the copyrighted work by using it for a different purpose than that of the original, or did it just repeat the work for the same intent and value as the original?" and "Was the material taken appropriate in kind and amount, considering the nature of the copyrighted work and of the use?"
   
5. A teacher shows a movie of The Lion King and asks student to notice how the animals in the movie reflect racial stereotypes? Is this Fair Use? Why? Yes, because the copy righted material is being used for educational purposes.
6. Which principle relates most strongly to the digital story you created in class? Explain. My Digital Story would fit under the first principle I was attempting to "transform" the material to tell my own story. 
7. Are there limitations to the amount of pictures, length of music, or video that can be used in a multimedia project? This article does not seem to specify. 
8. Do you need to request permission from the original creator in order to use copyrighted material in multimedia project for school related assignment? no. 
9. Should educators try to change the policies in their school in they are not in line with Fair Use doctrine? Of course. The law is the law, right? 
10. What common myth about Fair Use surprised you the most? Probably the one that expressed that a misconception is that if one isn't making money off something then it's fair use, and it's not fair use if it's the other way around. 

Digital story project

Journal #4

"It is interesting how many students are now being labeled "attention disordered." Years ago, only medical practitioners determined whether a child had an attention disorder, and the numbers were small. Now, teachers, relatives, and next-door neighbors are quick to point out the characteristics of ADD. Increasing numbers of youngsters are routinely placed on ”trials” of Ritalin, without first ruling out other factors that could be causing apparent ADHD symptoms" (Linksman.)

     This article is relevant to my own thoughts and I've engaged in conversations among like-minded friends about this particular topic. One may notice that there has been, without a doubt, a rise in those who are diagnosed with this disability. When I young, my teacher suggested my mother having me tested, and this resulted in my taking medication. I was on Ritalin until I reached High School, this is when I decided (as a slight form of rebellion) that i didn't need it and I wasn't taking it anymore. I don't consider myself a "Kinesthetic" learned by any means. I never was the type that felt uncomfortable sitting still. My problem was/is that I'm a day dreamer, and I tend to let my inner monologue dominate my consciousness.
   I believe that diagnostics for this condition need to be taken more seriously. It seems that some might forget that these drugs we are feeding our children are narcotics. The drug Adderall is highly addictive and is abused among college students around the country. What's worse is that it probably wouldn't take much to convince a doctor to prescribe it to any of us!

 Linksman, Ricki. "The Fine line between ADHD and Kinesthetic learners." Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy. 1998: n. page. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. 

 Barkley , Russel. Internet Videoconference Interview

Journal #3

"The standardization of English spelling began in the 16th century, and although it is unclear at exactly what point our spelling became set, what is certain is that ever since it happened, people have complained that the rules of spelling, such as they are, just don’t make sense." (Shea)


I have considered the idea that our language is more difficult than others because our rules of spelling greatly differ. For example "rough" and "dough" look like they should rhyme, but sound nothing alike.   I have very little knowledge on the linguistic aspects of this, but i assume that our language was created this way for a reason. I have heard that other languages don't operate this way, that spelling rules are less confusing. It seems to me that these complaints might actually be an excuse, in order to justify those who have trouble spelling. In all honesty, I'm really not sure, but i don't see an abrupt change being possible. If there was to be one, it would definitely have to be gradual. I'm not the only one who doesn't like change! As for myself, i don't have problems spelling, and i find the English language beautiful. Though, i must admit that i'm simply biased because it's the only language I've ever known.  


Shea, Ammon. "The Keypad solution." New York Times. 2010: n. page. Web. 5 Feb. 2012

Bell, Masha, perf. "Why Improve English Spelling?." youtube, 2009. web. 5 Feb 2012

Comix Strip

Journal #2

"They like to hear quick sounds and they are very organized. They are also good spellers who can imagine and visualize the words in their minds. In addition, visual students have good handwriting, and they can remember the spelling of the words by writing the words on paper rather than by moving their mouths and pronouncing words as they read. They also like to learn by using pictures, maps, and charts" (Al-Failkawei, 2005).

      Out of the particular learning types that were described in this article, I feel that I would be considered a "visual learner." I found this statement interesting because while I agree with it for the most part, I find issues with the descriptions of certain characteristics. I do fairly well in my spelling abilities, and my consciousness is word based. Though, I must admit I'm not the tidiest person, and I have the handwriting of a 5th grader. I further find error with this statement because it has always been my assumption that, for the most part, writers tend to be a bit disorganized. Well, that's the stereotype anyway.  In general, I usually don't like to assume certain characteristic based on abilities or life style choices. There is always an exception, I suppose.

 "Web 2.0 and Emerging Learning Technologies/Learning Styles." Learning Styles and Diverse Learners. Wiki, 2011. Print. 

comp. "Learning styles." youtube, 2006. web. 29 Jan 2012

Activity #2

From the Learning Style test we were instructed to complete, it was revealed that I learn strongly from reading/writing. Before taking the test I was pretty sure I already knew the answer, but it's nice to have confirmation. The test went on to explain to me that in order to learn more efficently I should consider making lists, and re-reading information. I agree with this because I already use this method, and it seems to have worked so far.

As you can see, I'm not much of an artist. My attempt was to emphasize the eyes. The purple things are suppose to be my glasses.

Technology and my learning style:

• "advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources."

Because I am a English Education major, and a bit of a writer, I understand the inportance of respecting copyrighted material and sourcing information.

• promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.

As a learner who most benefits from reading/writing, I feel comfortable blogging and using other methods in order to get my ideas out through the web.

contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community. Since I'm best at reading, I would be able to discover new information. through technology, that would contribute to the school.

Snip.

Poll everywhere

You can find my poll here.

Double Entry Journal 1

"That classroom needs new ways of measuring progress, tailored to digital times — rather than to the industrial age or to some artsy utopia where everyone gets an Awesome for effort." (Heffernen)

 

     This particular quote reveals the overall emphasis of the journal article. With this statement the author seems to be expressing that we must upgrade our classrooms to keep up with the technology of the time. It seems to me that some of our elders would choose to ignore this progress, and stick to a more traditional means of educating our students. In my opinion this way of thinking is simply living in the past, while our life is in the future. Just because one willfully ignores change, doesn’t mean the change doesn’t occur. I believe such thinking will only rob our youth of an education that will be beneficial to their future. A future, I might add, that they will create. We as Americans must adapt, or else we’ll be left in the dust. 

Heffernan, Virginia. "Education Needs a Digital-Age Upgrade." New York Times. (2011): n. page. Web. 21 Jan. 2012.

 Gardner, Howard, perf. "Big Thinkers: Howard Gardner on Digital Youth." Edutopia, 2009. web. 21 Jan 2012.

Introductory

Hello there, fellow future mind molders! I'm Whitney: Master of words, enchanter in ink, and sorcerer on paper. I'm originally from Barbour County, but now I live here in Fairmont. My major is English Education, and I'm technically a junior. I spend my days devouring words, and soaking up any information my mind will retain. My ultimate dream is to teach college level English, but I think it wise to start small with high school. I don't see myself being too picky about the grade in which I teach, but I would definitely prefer a more mature classroom. I would like to have the academic freedom to engage in semi-controversial subject matter, and you can't really do that with the younger ones. I'm looking forward to the new semester, along with the opinions of my peers.