learning and computers

Chapter # 9 Assesing Constructive learning....

2006-06-14T23:08:46Z

I am starting to end my last blogging of this course. I feel sad to leave this course
although it has been absolutley painful and like I said before very, very emotional.
I will see if I can type and paste from the Lab. Shall see you soon, and I will go and find a picture too.

This chapter is quite interesting because it shows how to evaluate this type of learning and in all different aspects of constructive learning based on computer technology.
I see rubrics being used more often now than ever. I believe it is useful not only students but i believe it also helps the teacher focus on what it is being evaluated. Last night in class, however, we were speaking of a teacher who seemed not to follow the rubric. Even then I think that teachers will be able to be called up on it. Including for parents the use of a rubric is quite beneficial for the same reasons. I enjoy reading, in this article , the the emphasis that is placed on trying to create a rubric that can evaluate active learning instead of passive learning. What the rubric wants to evaluate is meaningful learning "'where they are intentionally and actively processing information while pursing authentic tasks together in order to construct personal and socially shared meaning for the phenomena they are exploring and manupulating". One interesting point that i read in this article is that technology should be used in the pursuit of meaningful learning,however, what this courase has inspired me to do is to look for other ways that children can learn , as early learners that is tangable and concrete for them to explore. I would likke to find tangible ways, meaningful learning in every aspect of a child's life.It only point it out to me to create a rubric first on what i really whant to achieve. Say I want to teach early literacy, I would have to brainstorm about what it is i want to achieve and extend the learning to including computers into it. as i ponder it feels so exiting and at the same time so overwhelming. Exciting beacuse all this terrific learning at our finger tips that require ,however, lots of problem solving and dedication. What makes this work a lot easier and more applicable or appliable is the fact that the author has made our exploration sim;pler by ading samples of rubrics to be used for " assessing active learning, contructive learning, Intentional learning, authentic learning, cooperativre learning'.
The text goes further into assessing Problem solving with technology and braking it down into "Assessing Information, Searching, Modeling, decision Making and Designing". It is quite a helpful , elaborate and detailed information to be used by teacher.

Chapter 7

2006-06-05T18:49:26Z

Learning by Exploring Microworlds and Virtual Realities

This chapter is one of the most complicated for me to read. let m explain in brief what I gathered from reading this chapter.I

This chapter seemed somewhat more intricate. Understanding that Microworlds are ëxploratory learning environments¨´is one thing,

understanding how they work is quite different. These environments are explore by´´simulyion of a real phenomena wherein

learners can manipulate, explore and experiment in different ways´´. This sound simple enough, however it took me several reviews

to try to undrestand it in simple mode.however it seems to be a feaure that allows for a lot of constructive learning such as ´´ problem solving stategies,

critical thinking skills and creativity´´. I also learned that it is a practice oriented simulation ¨that allows the student to learn about objects

in the environment and their relationship´´. I also learnd that the most well known computer based microworls are´´ environment created with the Logo

Progamming Language´´. Probably for me the best palce to, also, visit the web site listed on the book. It was quite amazing to see how this program is and

can be utilized on many learning subjects such as physics, math, language,science.

The article refers to animation as an integral part of the program and the children on the picture look quite involved. Knowing that learning about animation is

a components will cal the attention of most children and adults. the exploration of virtual reality is a realm where children and adults can become quite involved in.

thus, making this media quite attractive to intreact with, however the most difficult to deal with. I assume that to problem solve in dealing with micro worlds one

has to be and older student and for teachers to be quite knowlwdgable in dealing with these programs.

In conclusion, as usual all this new information is not only everwhelming but also, fascinating. many things i read about I cannot get my head around it. All this information wil help me to become at least more up to date about what is out there and the manners in which it can be implemented in the classrooms.

chapter 6

2006-06-05T15:44:56Z

Chapter 6

Learning by Constructing Realities with Hipermedia

The moe I read the more my knowledge is broaden. My understanding of what exactly can be achieved

with computers is expanded is truly impresive. The word multimedia even sounds loaded, complicated and expensive.

As the writter explains the chapter and breaks down the theme one can beging understanding all that it entails

using Multimedia in Education. The first thing that stroke me is the fact that Multimedia is now affordable and

can be applied to computers called Multimedia Desktop Computers. It call my attention when the article mentioned

that this computers are commom in schools, enough to investigate what kind of computers are there in my

children´s school. I am eager to find out how sofisticated they are. Reading about programs such as the leqrning

Constellation adpted for use in school is a marvelous thing. With this multimedia system children can ´

¨construct multimrdia programs,ncluding videos,pictures and narratives ¨. This obviouly makes it quite

engaging. In addition, the article speaks about the role of the teacher which allows for a framework of constructivism.

I am eager,also ,to find out classrooms or schools that carry out such projects around my neighbouhood

schools. In terms of multimedia used in classrooms, in a smaller scale,

I must say that it makes me realize how much I had noticed a significant increase in the use of lap tops and their

features not only by teachers but also by students. Presentations are ever more sofisticated with the use of video,

sound, power points and so forth. However, I would imagine that used in a class curriculum it would be more

versatile. I was impressed with Monique´s poem, for instance, which is simmilar to the balluga Whale poem exanple

found on this artcle . These clear examples opened up ideas and optionson how to meke multimedia work for one

as an educator. I was also very impressed learning about the virtual reality proyects, story telling, design informaton iosk,

Children as ethnographers proyects. these chapter provides us with guidance in how to go about resarching our

Colaborative assignment and what to focus on.

Learning by Constructing Realities with H.M

2006-06-02T22:39:52Z

Today is Friday. I am here at Ryerson and they "flickered" the lights. I thought I would be here al least until 10:00pm. I guess not on Fridays!
So I do not think I will have the time to post right now. I will go home and try to post on my slow computer. Tonight at 9:00pm we are going to meet in chat line to disscuss a chapter or two. Hopefully everything goes well and now ALL of us can connect.!!!
I shall try to retun tomorrow to work on all my assigments I have to do, including the ones for this class.
Later......

Now I am Posting Children and Photography

2006-06-02T22:03:25Z

I was trying go edit my previous page but beacuse I played with the customizing of the page I seem to have moved the edit button so here.

Children as Photographers:

This is a very interesting article. I am glad that research on topics as such is out there. This article comes at a time when my daughter coincidently went to a class trip and requested a camera. I gave her one that only had 7 pictures left since I deemed that whole picture idea cute and fun but by no means significant. The only purpose that I saw in it was the satisfaction of taking pictures, per se. So I now I now that perhaps I have been imposing my own opinions and projections towards my daughter’s (and Son’s) interests. I often wondered about the reason why my children and children in general, enjoy taking pictures so much. However, I never took the time to pay attention to the learning potential. The dog example, in terms of subject matter, serves me as a good example to awaken my senses and also to respect the interest and the activity itself as a meaningful learning opportunity for children. With this example, I recall my son asking for a camera, His answer to my questioning that he loved Alby (Our 12 real old dog) and he just felt he wanted to take pictures of him to remember him by. I replied that we already have pictures of him and discourage him on his pursuit. Well I am glad when I am put in my place, especially when it relates to my dealings and understanding of children. How could I dismiss the importance of photography all together and not allow my children to expand on such learning activity??? I find that as a busy mother sometimes we do not capture those learning opportunities for our own children, or our students. Now when I think more about it, would my reaction change if I had a digital camera? … Will I allow them to take more pictures since it cheaper and less waste...Possibly? However, what about damages to it in the hands of seven, eight, nine and the sort? If I expand this question some more… Will I allow children to play with Videos Cameras? I assume like in the research paper the age groups began from the around the ages of seven, which will make it a bit safer that a 5 year old per se. However, will the Boards entrust cameras to 7 year old (or young children in generally) indiscriminately?

As a learning tool I believe it has its value but features of safety to the equipment must be ensured before children are allowed to use such equipment! Outside of that I believe that children expressions as such (Photography) are Ok to be motivated and should be encouraged. My attention was caught when I looked at the chart and reviewed the interest of picture taken in reference to their children ages and by what they have to say about their pictures.

Article found: Children as Photographers

2006-05-31T13:14:16Z

I found where the article was so I am off to reading and stll working on Google

Lab. In a while...

children as Photographers

2006-05-30T22:43:02Z

Well. I have had to make a decision: Library to work on my Google and other computer work or my heavy duty philosophy class. Guess who won?Hopefuly my decision will be worth the sacrifice. So back to work...see you in a while... going to find pod cast to listen to , as well as the article to read on , as well as google and work on the Google lab.... in a while crocodile....

Here! I am back! The wiki page does not open. Where will I go to work on My Google lab? I will go back and try again...In awhile...

I got connected. Just realized I have an error on my link. I wrote com, instead of org... Hasta Luego!

Hacking Humans

2006-05-29T22:20:25Z

I am going to work on this article. I shall see you in a few.... I already read and posted on Edralin's entry. I am going to try to connect to MSN as well. I phoned the Libraryin Mississauga they do not have MSN, so I will try in my luck with my slow computer. I will continue later, Trying to connect to MSN.
Well, I accomplised one big thing: To Connect to MSN from home!. Edralin,via Carmen, told me that I needed to down load MSN(Newbie, newbie,ne...) I finally managed, very static about that, however, it was too late to meet with the girls. We shall meet on saturday in our chat line, however I think I may go to ryerson instead( Unless I test it before then).
I am working on Word, typing my commentns on hacking Humans. Now , my body is toooooo tired. I must sleep some hours. Still lots to do here,( 12:35 am). May tomorrow be 10 times as prosperous than today, to be able to accomplish lots more!!!!
Livepillars.
Hello, I am back. Editing entry. Tuesday 30th, at 11:00am.
Here is my Hacking Humans Contribution:

Hacking Humans…

In this article we deal with the biggest violation, or one of them, of a person. I would assume it is an assault to one’s privacy. As I was discussing wit Dr. Jason in class, I was beginning to get comfortable with technology however, after this article I have walked back3 steps. I almost think it to be impossible that in this day an age a ‘non intruder program’ has not been devised. The ‘jest’ that I gathered from this paper is .simply, that if one chooses to be involved with computers (in spite of all advancements) One is taking a risk while dealing with the Computer. So every Time one in on the computer, the risk is there to be violated. What this reading has made me realize is that we are not safe. As I was speaking with Dr. Jason, I discovered that every time we are on internet we are giving a bit of ourselves.

Hacking also can destroy lives entirely, if the hackers use or creates an Identity based on the information he obtains about one, damage can be done for a long time. What if a person is a stoker? A predator? Speaking with Dr. Jason N. I came to the conclusion, which is pretty much, the conclusion for all that our safety is in the numbers. In other words we may not be picked by I hacker. Now, to a worry mother and person that I am in brings little comfort, really! When I think of the safety of my children and children in general is becomes quite troublesome!

However, I am more convinced that our only weapon is to be informed ourselves. Dr. J.N. mentioned that going wireless provides a barrier to hacking, so I shall use that in my everyday life. I also now know to look for information that will help me protect and my family form hackers. As teachers I am beginning to understand the implicit obligation we have toward the betterment of the children in terms of technology and its safe use. There is nothing better in life to get a grip on life issues and being proactive about them. I have to face the fact that my children are going to be using technology and I owe it up to them to get acquainted with what they are going to be immersed in. In our conversation with Dr. Jason N. I took from it, also, as very significant, the fact that he himself, knowing as he knows, was very proactive in the life of his ‘growing’ niece as she shared with others over the internet. So if I claim to be proactive in other areas I must realize that I must be proactive in this technology arena in order to provide a safe pace, not only for my children but for others.

Learning by Visualizing with Technology

2006-05-29T18:07:17Z

Chapter 5 I realized I am falling behind so iI am attemping to catch up. I will go to WORD to type and shall paste it when I am done. So see you in a few ... I am back, one hour late( 3:10 pm) here is my contribution.

Learning by Visualizing with Technology: Recording Realities with Video.

As I have learned about many different ways in which technology can be applied in earlier chapters I am learning the many ways in which video can be used. I continue to find this text as very resourceful for beginners students like me. The explanations are not too complicated to digest. Also, if anything seems beyond my understanding I believe it is a text that one can write the information down and seek for advice. It gives me a starting point as to where and how use not only the technology but the lingo necessary to further acquire more knowledge. In other words it helps me feel confident in approaching a sales person and making my needs and enquiries met.

It was enlightening how the author makes the case for Video Making as a way of learning instead of watching or learning by watching T.V. The objection that I have is that if we take all children producers who are going to watch all this Videos? I believe that the T.V approach was a harsh one. I for one do not approve of children being exposed to any kind of inappropriate programming, which unfortunately is done by many parents or caregivers. I have seen first hand how children’s world has been negatively impacted upon leading T.V lives. This, vice, happens with computers as well.

The point I am trying to make is that TV offers the good, mediocre and the plain bad. It is up to the adults to conclude what type of individuals they would like to raise, then provide accordingly. In other words, one can not expect to raise a well mannered child if the parent has exposed such child to, unlimited Vulgarity viewing, promiscuity, violence, consumerism and aggression. It just does not add.

Good TV selection and programming has a remarkable ability to promote learning: Learning about social skills, learning about the world in general. It can be very engaging. My own children are a testament to that, they are very good students, very social and physically active. However, this does not come easily. It is a time consuming activity. A parent has to know what they would like to achieve in a child’s live and work hard to focus on the goal. So, to summarize, our busy ‘world’, in my opinion is what keeping parents to using any kind of technology appropriately. This hurried lives that many of us are forced to lead have a huge impact, mostly tumultuous and not so positive, when it comes to monitoring our children and Technology.

What I have learnt to do last week.

2006-05-23T20:08:46Z

This past week I learnt that to be successful in writing a journal one ishould: Be typing your entry on a Microsoft word document. Therefore, I should not have my typing disappear on me any more. I also learnt that, spelling doest not have to be done right on the journal page but while one the Microsoft Document. . Cut it and paste it on to the Livejournal page when finished. After this my quality of life shall ‘improve’.

Chapter 4

2006-05-23T03:32:57Z

About Chapter 4: This chapter deals with all the many aspects of technology that can be used to enhance learning. I understand that the learning that is emphasized is that of co-operative learning, which I now discern is one of the central focuses of the book. Chapter four refers, also, to the understanding of the technology available to us. As teachers it is most important to become acquainted with all mediums of technology available. This thought brings me back to the initial times of my exposure to technology. I remember arguing with those who advocated for computer use about my continual aversion stance. Almost twelve years later I come to realize (speak about slow acceptance) that technology is here to stay and I must adapt to it. Another emphasis of the text in the book is the acknowledgement of the wise use of technology. We must learn to run it, not it running or controlling us.

So reading about this in this chapter reassured me of that no longer do I have to think it will control me or my children or my home life. This course is given me the confidence to pursue wise, constructive learning accessing all the technology available to us. More over it gives you examples in how it can be use in this manner. Technology been used for its highest purpose: Education.

I believe that it, for me, it had to happen like this, come to learned about it when there is so much information on how to be smart using the technology at hand. I lived the euphoria years. However, leaving the euphoria years that destroyed many people placed in danger many children, relationships, and families we are beginning to understand, construct and discern the boundaries necessary to be successful in the use of technology. We have alerted the public, and began educating the adults and children of the risks involved and how to protect ourselves from unlawful activity. We have begun training the public on how to remain safe while engaged with technology. I appreciate this course because it shows me all that is available to use , it affords many explanation of the basics and it enlighten us on how to apply it in manner that will foster active learning.

Not enough time to do all I have to do!

2006-05-19T01:58:57Z

Today learned how to change and customized my page( Took me hours since my home computer is slow). Although I did not like the end result, at least I am getting better at playing with it and finding features. Today I also applied to receive a po cast account so hopefuly I will be able to do one soon.
Thanks.

Chapter #4

2006-05-18T01:42:27Z

Life is not so bad after all!

2006-05-17T22:06:19Z

I went to move the car( parked at dominion). Am I a few minutes late? Ii wondered. As I approach the booth, all beaten up, The attendant was gone! a sign said...PROCEED.

I also treated myself to a bar of Chocalate, to calm my 'nerves'.

It helped!!! I feel all nice and sweet!!!
I keep on trying.

This is Horrible!!!

2006-05-17T21:18:15Z

It did it AGAIN!!!!!!! I have been working sooooo harddddddd! One hour work and ........it got erased!!!!!!. Waht a Luck!!!!
ASk me again what I think of technology????Xoy, Xoy, Xoy and what ever else! My nerves cannot take this bashing Dear Dr. Jason!!!
Do I cry?, Do I share my immediate trauma with those sitting around me???? Do i Yell so loud I rock the lybrary?????

You see, I am a mother who limits her precious time with her children, neglecting laundry, bathing the dog, reviewing my children home work( in hopes that my husband develops into me ever so slightly and cover where I have sacrifed). I ran to dominion twice, to get free parking and buying ten dollars worth of my grocery shopping each time( drive out, drive in right away) so i cn save on money that i have to spend ever so wisely( Out of full time work, husband covering for my expenses) for what????

Sweet worldly aggravation!!!!

Let's make sense of this?

I know, now,( and at least) I pressed the back space button a couple of times and my writting dissapeared!!! I desperatedly tried to retrieve it....It was no use!!! What is to become of me???? How do I make that hour lost!!!
I was falling for it, it was begining to convinve me of it imporatance in my lifeand... all for what. is it my fate to "hate" it!!! Beacuse at this moment I hate it indeed!!!!
This is when it feels like a horrendous date you cannot get rid off!

trying to link

2006-05-15T22:00:31Z

Hom

It is fun trying to link, and link and link!!!!

Continuation On Chapter #3( Livepillars)

2006-05-15T21:38:37Z

I feel ressured when I read , in this chapter , about the safety precautions that are discussed with the children. I am a true beliver in keeping children safe and away from troublesome information that they may encountered while on the Computer. t The more I read the more I come to understant the absolute fear I have about feeling powerless in front of a Computer. I do not wish to be presented with information that I do not appreciate. As an adult it is somewhat easier, however I still get caught some times. So reading upon the teacher's role in teaching children evaluation information i thought that was excellent to read about. There are those who dissagree that childdren will be exposed anyway. Regardless, I would be a parent that would want to keep Internet filtering software in schools and of course Home. The information about Web publishing seems quite interesting. I trully enjoy the concept of teaching children to become reaserchers. the examples given of the teachers and their learning extensions are phenomenal. I think all the web sites are great resources to learn and get familiar with programs and projects to apply to learning.

Chapter 3, Hopeful and refreshed!

2006-05-15T19:53:06Z

It is for them...the children!!!

I reviewed your comments. My entries are short. I apologize about it. I was not aware of the lenght or simply missed the information. I shall try to make them longer. as you are aware my last entry was a chaotic one. I was INDEED going crazy. it was my last desperate effort to see if it would post.Sure enough the 'crazy' one takes! Just my luck!.
In any event here we go again!.
Chapter 3, elnlightens those of us who have been dormant in the use and understanting of computers and what they can do. I must say that computers to me where 'good' as long as I could type my paper work, check spelling,send and receive e-mails, looking for specific sites on the internet and, that was pretty much it.
In the chapter 3, the introduction to the internet is very much appreciated. I learned that the internet is viewed as "a powerful new means of communication. It has become extremely prolofic. It called my attention how the internet use has grown since 1994. I learned that the speed of transmission has been one of the great advances of the internet (bandwidth. Informayion is transmitted faster, almost in real time. Other multi-madia has been able to benefit so that "faster communication allows seamless streaming audio and video" (page 35). When I read about video and audio I think of pod casting and the cameras that allows persons to see each other when they communicate( Video conferences). I almost feel anxious to know that I am going to be learning about it. It it all surreal.
I found very interesting to read about how the internet has been incorporated into classrooms succesfully. I like the idea of the examples given because they become very ilustrative to me who, earlier, could not imagine what applications the book was refering to in terms of meningful learning. I like how in this chapter there are many web sites linked to the information so one can go and investigate what the sites are all about.
Interesting is also to read about the innovations that are comming our way such as: internet2,wireless and Human-Centric Computing.
Imagine!!! innovations such as the size of thechnology,.
What caught my attention is the fact that children can learn how to use the technology for research and that this can be introduced very Young in their lives.

PS. I shall come back. Must move car!

children

2006-05-15T14:49:38Z

More pictures

livepillars @ 2006-05-15T10:31:00

2006-05-15T14:34:49Z

Learning how to post picture.

Chapter 3 is making me loca.

2006-05-15T05:20:01Z

I have written two wntries today thithis is the third one . I do not know what happens. When I go to check my information is vanished, I am utterly frustratMy readings have proven quite interesting. I have learned a lot of inforrmation. I hav I heve learned about what the internet is all aboy. I have learned some of the key features that have helpehelpded in the advancement of the Internatesuch as bandwidth. YThis has given a jump to all kinds of multimedia features. I was inrested in reading about how children should be taght about"intentionality" in regards to provide focus and safe and responsable use of the internet. I am a mother who would want precautions in regards to site access for my children, not only at home but at school. I have been also reading about how teachers in different classrooms utilize the internet for meaningful learning. I like the examples since I could not picture exactly how it could be used in the classrooms. HThe chapter expresses the importance to learned about the internet so we know how to use it , instead of having children that know more about it thatn us. This was for me and it becomes an encouragement to learn more. I learned abourWeb Quests and how to use them. As soon as I have the opportunity I shall visit those web sites to draw more learning and ideas about how it all works.

Web publishing technology

2006-05-15T00:30:00Z

With this reading I learned more about what web-logs are about. When I signed up for this class I was interested in "catching up" with what is happening in the world of computers and how to use them as learning resources. As I read about the technology advancements I get a sense of panic. I realize also that to develop basic skills in tis realm one has to "play" with the "apparatus". I must confess I have a dislike of it, specially if it calls me to spend time with. What will it do to me, where will it take me. How will it threaten my family? It feels like a monster I have to decide to tame or else... So here I am trying to tame all these pieces of information given to me: Weblogs, Blogs, Blogosphere, connections and links, wikis, wikipedia, social networking systems, microcontent, diaries, journals, e-portafolios,msn(and for a 'newy' my head just spins and spins in ciberspace).
Web pages seem a lot less terrorizing when I read things such as they being used for teachers in terms of course management, places of engagement. In the text they were refered to as 'knowledge to which one subscribes. What caught my attention was when I read 'Ways of having an effect on the world and making their(people's) action matter'. These remarks make me, all of a sudden, feel empowered to be able to make a difference and be a contributor about what is important to me.

livepillars @ 2006-05-14T16:28:00

2006-05-14T20:39:27Z

Co-contruction of knowledge. Today I am trying to update my journal. I had written Co-construction of knowlwedge. So, to take on on that idea I would say , as we have being learning, that the hope or goal is to be able to help students learn in a way that is meaningful to them. A manner in which children( and adults) learn to actively think , actively investigate and actively learn. Some of the manners or requisites to learn in such manner are for example as we were informed in our readings:
Active, constructive, intentional, authentioc and co-operative. The main point that I take with it is that each one, encouraged by whay we read, should be a force to initiate in our teaching carreers this type of learning. At this point,I am not working within the the Elementary school System ( which is were I would like to end)and have only a vague idea on how to implement this kind of learning in a Kindergarten class( with which I am most familiar).However, I would be very interested in my following placements to look into incorporating into the curriculum this type of active learnig. Is it possible? I suppose I will find out, although I have my reservations.

TRYING TO POST STILL

2006-05-04T00:40:14Z

I ENJOY THE CLASS I AM TRYING TO POST

livepillars @ 2006-05-03T06:48:00

2006-05-03T10:41:08Z

I found this first class most interesting. What caught my attention was the fact that Dr. Jason spoke about his own learning challenges and how he managed to overcome them. Perhaps my interest is mostly triggered because I have a Boy who I know struggles with the learning system( and environment). His struggles are based on how he learns and what is asked of him in the educational system in which he is a part of. I believe that he is required to conform to a manner of learning which is simply not his. A manner of teaching that does not tap on what his potential is , but a system that sets children like him for failure. If I use the example of Dr. Jason is because I would asume that under different circumstances he would have simply failed,( like many other children that having potential simply are lost) if it were not for his desire to find a way to "rescue" himself and become what and who he has become.

On chapter one we read about all these theories of learning, however, do we apply them to the benefit children or to still use them to devise a factory like environment for children who must fit our theories but fail in the practice?.
If technology was an integral part of helping children learn and help Dr. Jason, I am very willing to understand how. I am very intrigued about how exactly this learning occured and how it can be passed on to others.
I am looking forward to trying to learn, understand and apply this knowlwedge.