10 Principles for the Future of Learning

http://eduratireview.com/2009/07/10-principles-for-future-of-learning.html/

This article explained how the presence of technology will and must be involved with learning.  In a report by Davidson and Goldberg, it was mentioned that the internet and technology as a whole is a powerful tool to learning. They found that the ten principles are: “self learning, horizontal structures, presumed authority to collective credibility, a de-centered pedagogy, network learning, open source education, learning as connectivity and interactivity, lifelong learning, learning institutions as mobilizing networks, flexible scalability and simulation.”  The major trend that I noticed in this article (as well as Sarah Robbins-Bell’s speech in Module 3) was that learning is a lifelong lesson.  If we as teachers are no longer willing (or able) to learn, how must we expect our students to do the same? We lead by example and that means learning to the best of our abilities. Only when we embrace the technology that surrounds us, can we be the best students and teachers.

Twitter As a Learning Tool. Really.

http://www.astd.org/LC/2009/0409_galagan.htm

Much like another article will explain (see below), Twitter can not only be used for personal use (like in this story) but also as a corporate one.  A user claimed that Twitter: “it accelerated my learning curve, it helped me with personal learning, and it expanded my circle.”  It’s interesting to note that this same notion can be extended into the classroom.  As teachers (and even administrators) we can use Twitter as a tool to stay connected and communicate ideas to others. Not only that, but we can also expand our social and professional circles within the classroom. Most of the article did not add anything new to my information of Twitter, yet one line really stuck with me: “Think before you tweet. Each tweet is a webpage. It can be Googled. It’s forever.”  This is such a true statement. It’s powerful to know that everything we do online can still be found. This is a lesson that all teachers and librarians must be aware of. It can affect our future and the kids we plan on teaching.

AP Issues Strict Facebook, Twitter Guidelines to Staff

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/06/facebookfollow/

I heard about this story a while back and I was blown away that the AP would crack down on the Facebook and Twitter sites. It’s ironic to me that an organization who prides itself for sending out massive amounts of information on a daily basis would stringently watch these sites.  The first line of this article says it loud and clear: “The Associated Press is adopting a stringent social-networking policy for its employees, informing them to police their Facebook profiles ‘to make sure material posted by others doesn’t violate AP standards.’”  It is also funny to me that the AP tagged this action so that it does not “violate AP standards.”  What exactly does that mean anyway? I couldn’t have put it better: “Parts of the policy seem to be snuffing out peoples’ First Amendment rights of expression by a company that wraps itself in the First Amendment.”  WHAT A PROFOUND THOUGHT! How could an organization pull a stunt like this? It makes money BECAUSE it gives the news and expresses thoughts on wordly events. So why can’t its employees do the same? In a country where we pride ourselves in our beloved first amendment, I find it strange that a news institution would back an action like this.  I understand that employees are a representation of the company they work for but this is out of line.  What employees do and say on their free time should not be controlled by the company they work for.  There is a line that the company has no right to cross. This brings up another issue of controlling and reviewing people’s online actions and how it impacts their occupation. Where is the line? Where can a company go to keep itself safe and not intrude on employee rights? Tough question…especially as the world is becoming more and more reliant on technology. Personally, I will not be using as many social networking sites (or participating) as I used to.  This is a good example of how teachers’ online selves can affect hiring/firing/status at work.  I will probably use some tools like jing and googledocs, but not other tools like Facebook or Twitter –there is too much that can go wrong…with my head on the chopping block.  The line between personal and professional life is blurring. Scary thought but valid.

Twitter is a Player in Iran’s Drama

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/16/AR2009061603391.html?wpisrc=newsletter

Yet another example of how social networking sites are connecting the “real” world and online communities.  Twitter plays an important role for not only gossip-driven entertainment worlds, but also political activities, such as in Iran. Even with Iran’s crackdown on these types of social tools, Twitter played a major part (and still does) in interpreting, communicating, and deciding political agendas.  These lines absolutely blew me away: “‘The predominant information is coming from Twitter’” since foreign reporters’ movement has been limited, she said. “‘They are relying on Iranians and others who are Twittering to get this information out to the mainstream media. A lot of people are coining what is happening in Iran as a Twitter revolution.’” A Twitter “Revolution??!!” Is this really happening? Are we noticing history as we speak? This is such a profound thought that something as small as a cell phone can forever affect the political background of a powerful country like Iran! Twitter is definitely a huge part of the Iranian world, but let’s compare it to our usage of Twitter: http://twitpic.com/20sp7r. We use ours for personal enjoyment and expression…like in this example…a chef’s personal favorite orange soda. How naive are we to think that Twitter is only used for personal expression?! Iran is using it for survival. How powerful…

Cola Truce? Coke and Pepsi Trade Niceties on Twitter

http://blogs.reuters.com/shop-talk/2009/07/07/cola-truce-coke-and-pepsi-trade-niceties-on-twitter/

Granted, even with the political upheaval present in the Middle East right now, there also serves a purpose to Twitter outside of political expression (like in Iran).  Twitter can serve not only teachers (through communication with other teachers and even with parents and students), but can also be used as a tool for professional relationships.  In this article, Pepsi and Coke are back at it again, but they actually have treated each other nicely…for once. A follower on Twitter asked if both Pepsi and Coke could just be nice to each other and follow each other online. As I was reading the article, a saying came to mind that actually appeared at the end of the article: “You know what they say about keeping your friends close and enemies closer.”  Regardless, both companies know the power of social networking.  In this respect (unlike the aforementioned topics regarding personal communication and political upheavals), Twitter is used for professional and corporate development.  It’s interesting to see that soda companies are not the only beverage companies using Twitter. Since I worked in a brewery, I have noticed that many beer companies are using Twitter as a marketing tool. Especially Flying Dog Brewery who offers specials and discounts for followers.  It’s neat to see how such a tool can be used in so many respects.

P.S. – This guy is super pale…Whoever he is….

I can see why this activity is included in this course.  The Aviary and Flickr programs could serve as a wonderful tool for teachers to relate to students and make it fun!!!

Besides the life lesson of drinking in moderation, a larger, more pressing issue of child literacy can be learned through the use of such sites as Flickr.  Many students (I know I am one of them) are visual learners and can conceptualize information when presented in a pictorial mode. Additionally, the use of sound (which could aid auditory learners) and other forms of presentation (like movies, short stories, games, etc.) could allow students to comprehend lessons.  In terms of literacy, students are becoming increasingly savvy with technology and computer usage. The teacher can most definitely relate to students and their mode of learning (through technology) in the classroom when presenting lesson plans.  Not only that, but students could be able to access these online and technical lessons at home where they could further their learning while being comfortable in an online setting.  Learning and teaching is becoming more and more technical for both students and teachers.  The outside world (outside of the classroom) drives the consumption of technology and therefore technical and literal literacy.  Only with the use (and full understanding) of these technologies, can teachers relate to students and propel them to their highest level of academia.

http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337 (Elementary)

Mrs. Cassidy’s Classroom Blog is a cute little blog site that exhibits the activities of a first grade class in Canada.  This blog features videos and lesson summaries.  The purpose of this blog is invite the outside world (those not in the class) to learn and teach the student different lessons.  Pictures also allow the class to “come to life” and show off each student’s abilities.  By posting this type of information, each student can access what they have done in the classroom.  Their self esteem would be greatly boosted when they see their picture and name on the site. The educational value would be greatly higher to younger students as compared to older ones because they are still developing a sense of self during these formative years. As previously stated in a number of blog posts (see previous posts), I would think that blogging would help fellow teachers improve their classroom and teaching styles.  In addition, teachers could apply what other classrooms are doing to their own class.  There are many advantages to blogs and are beneficial to not only faculty but also students and parents. I plan on having a blog in my classroom (it will help not only students but will also keep parents informed of the interactions within the class).

http://classblogmeister.com/1.0/blog.php?blogger_id=21564 (Middle)

This math blog from a middle school allows students to post information and assignments online for the rest of the class (and teachers and parents) to see.  Not only does this type of blog help other students work through math problems, but also allows teachers to access how the students are progressing through certain lessons.  Prior to blogging, pencil and paper assignments were turned in and only seen by the teacher.  Online blogging can help other students overcome math issues (I had plenty of them!!!) and become more comfortable in an online setting.  Also, teachers can view fellow faculty’s site and apply it to their class.  Teachers are lifelong students who never stop learning. Blogging is a great idea.

http://annesmith9h.blogspot.com/ (High)

This high school blog provides a similar style to the previously-mentioned middle school blog. This ninth grade blog gives upcoming dates, assignments, and assorted events for students to see.  Unlike the other blogs, this one deals with just dates and assignments without directly teaching new information (the other blogs give detailed lessons).  High schoolers are perceived to be comfortable with online usage so this style of blogging (with reminders and recaps) is appropriate for the age group.  Again, blogging is a great way to not only connect students and teachers, but also keeps parents and fellow faculty up-to-date with events and proceedings.

http://www.elearnspace.org/blog/

This blog by George Siemens dives into a plethora of issues concerning vast topics such as: GoogleTV, the need for academic journals, and negative issues relating to Facebook.  Siemens addresses a number of topics (dealing with technology, knowledge, and learning) in a succinct manner, while providing background information.  He often posts blogs as a response to a prior blog by someone else, but gives his opinion while supplying support (with links).  I was drawn to his notion of the need for academic journals.  I am especially interested in this concept because I have spent hours upon hours studying historical journals and academic letters. He doesn’t expound too much on his personal thoughts but rather opens Pandora’s box in reference to acknowledging the problem itself.  In my personal opinion, these journals provide the substance that theses, papers, and academic works are founded upon. Without question, these journals (regardless of the academic field) are vital to the academic world.  Aside from this specific blog, I would incorporate blogs into my classroom so that specific topics (such as the aforementioned issue with journals) can be discussed by not only myself but also students and parents. I could attach links and other pertinent information to prove a point.  This could help students understand complex issues.  By creating this blog I could also connect with fellow teachers (by sharing it with them) and allow for dissenting or agreeing opinions to be expressed.  A different point of view on a topic could also further my perspective on an issue.  I would most certainly think about creating my own personal blog. It could be a fascinating way to learn.

http://www.teachandlearn.ca/blog/

This blog dives into a number of issues dealing with learning and teaching.  Aside from the in-depth analysis on many topics (including a fascinating blog on Second Life), Konrad Glogowski expounded on a captivating issue in the blog entitled “Teaching How to Learn.” He discusses that today’s student in fact needs to be exposed to the new media literacies (as mentioned earlier in Module 1).  He also cites that instead of “institutional accountabilities” students are preoccupied with “social communication” and how they are viewed by their social cohort.  In my personal opinion, there is a lot of truth behind this argument.  Students at all levels of learning are concerned with the opinions of others and being accepted into certain social groups.  A powerful line reads: “This is also about traveling with them, not to supervise or hold their hand, but to advise as more experienced peers – to explore, learn alongside them, and help them reflect on what they are learning.” What an interesting statement that as teachers we must travel with them. I totally agree with that concept. Glogowski’s style of blogging is different compared to Siemens’ for reason that Glogowski’s focus is on more in-depth examination of teaching styles, issues, and philosophies that will improve teachers’ performances in the classrooms.  His blogging could allow teachers within the school to reevaluate their own personal teaching style and philosophies to better the students’ lives.  This style of blogging could also invite fellow teachers to ask questions and explain their own personal teaching styles in comparison to other teachers.  This could be a great way to connect with fellow faculty.

http://remoteaccess.typepad.com/

This blog by Clarence Fisher draws stark differences compared to the aforementioned educators.  It seems that Fisher provides links to clothing sites, equipment stores, and other markets.  This type of blogging could be classified as a marketing blog so that members of the community can have access to certain markets.  Fisher’s blog could be advantageous to the education world by supplying links to certain sites like: government sites, census polls, and certain educational studies.  Even quirky links such as the following could help teachers bring fun and entertaining lessons to the children: http://www.wall-maps.com/World/UpsideDownWorld_Close.gif.  This style of blogging could help fellow teachers become better at not only teaching but also learning.