Podcasting

Podcasting is not something new to me.  A few of my friends have told me about podcasting used for classes.  I have not participated in creating a podcast nor subscribed/listened to any.  Podcasting would be beneficially for a special education class.  This would be a good way for a teacher to go over class material, explain the homework/assignment and give examples.  The students could assess the podcast giving them the chance to rehear the assignments and go over material.  Also, podcasting would be a great way for students that have a hard time writing or speaking in front of the class to be able to give their presentation/assignment in a creative way.

          Podcasting is similar to other Web 2.0 applications in that it is a great means of getting/gathering information for free on the internet.  It is unique in that you are creating an audio and/or video informational system rather than just words.  Voicethread does use audio but it is not available to be downloaded to a portable device such as Podcasting.  Web 2.0 applications are giving educators and students opportunities to create interesting and exciting ways to learn and gather information.

          I do own an iPod and have to be honest and say that I have not updated my music on it since I moved from North Carolina to El Paso, Texas 2 ½ years ago.  I have 2 ½ year old pictures on my iPod but nothing updated.  Most of the time I would use my iPod to listen to music while bicycle riding or in my car.  I would consider using podcasting in my classroom if I found it would be beneficial to my students.  The advantages would be giving the students access to information they have already learned in class and being able to go over this information again as needed.  The only disadvantage is if there are students that do not do well with focusing on audio versions of class work.  Not all students learn the same way and I would incorporate podcasting as a way to benefit those that might need more of an audio/visual aid but not penalize those that did not do well with it.  It would not be required but only be an added benefit for those needing it.

Wikis, Socialbookmarking and Voice Thread

Since I have not yet taught in a classroom nor do I know what type of class I will have it is hard to say exactly how I will use wikis and blogs or even technology in my classroom.  My goal is to work in either a resource room setting, with child that have severe learning disabilities or even in a life skill/vocational setting.  I may explore wikis with my students in order for them to learn how to build onto a subject together as a class and not only work on a subject individually.  This may teach them to listen and respond to another student’s ideas and thoughts.  This would be a great way to teach team building and working together.  Blogging has many different possibilities.  It may be a great what to have student’s journal.  They do not have to be too personal but it would be a great form of expression.  Simple blog questions could be; what did you do this weekend for fun, did you like the rain storm on Wednesday evening, or even ask was the subject matter hard to learn in class today.  This can open up doors for students to express themselves and may even remove some of the emotional tension that can occur.

Socialbookmarking will be very useful for me as a teacher.  This will give me the availability to bookmark and access it from any computer.  Now as far as using it for a class, yes this would be good for them as well..it would be great for the class to be able to assist each other with sites they have found and share them.  VoiceThread is interesting.  I think it can be used many different ways for various activities and to teach using different skill set depending on the student.  It can be used for student to add voice to a project or for me to read along for a book assignment.

Again, I am not sure of the setting I will have for my class nor the severity of a disability I may be working with but I know I will adapt my lessons for the students and utilize as much technology as I can.
I have looked over Tapped In a little but have not yet explored enough.  I think that it would be very beneficial to speak with other teachers from all over.  There are so many new techniques to explore in teaching and being able to share successful ideas would be terrific.  Sometimes school districts have one set idea of how a lesson plan should go but being able to explore new ideas outside of your area creates a whole new approach on teaching.  Also, students can work with others students from all over on various topics.  It can be a very beneficial site to use once I am teaching

D. Jonasses, J. Howland, R. Marra & D. Crismond. (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.