Screencast Demonstration

I created this demonstration with the intention of showing it to my Introduction to Computers class. Within the class, there are several activities that require students to copy and paste images with only using the software that is available on their location machines. This demonstration shows you how to effectively save an image even when the "Save As" option is not available. This demonstration would be presented in conjunction with several others when new students enter into the program.

Note: Due to the size of this video I recommend clicking the full screen button after the video begins.

The button looks like this (on the lower right corner of the video).

Concept Map

Concept mapping is a great method for showing visual links to objects within an intended project.  In my computer operations class, I have a lesson where students are required to identify all of the components within a computer network for a specified business.  The map is created by hand and is not currently generated from the computer.  Using the Bubble.us site would allow my students to complete this project via a web-based application.

Here is what would be generated from each student after identifying the main components of a computer network from a given small business:

Google Map Activity

In a Business Education class, it is common to have students create their own business plan which describes in detail main features of a prospective new business.

During this process, I would incorporate a lesson where students would be required to create a Google Map of a four to five mile radius of their chosen location.  Then, the student would identify all competition that would later be assessed to determine if their chosen location would survive.


Here is an example of what would be created from a student that is interested in opening a new car wash location within the Grand Rapids area:



View Greg's EDT 5410 Map in a larger map

Delicious: Social Bookmarking

This week I explored social bookmarking.  Even though I am aware of what social bookmarking is, I never took the time to create my own page.  Click the hyperlink below to see my new bookmarks and tags as it relates to this class.

http://www.delicious.com/Gregedt5410

Audio Podcasts (Profiles)

Audio Podcasts can be a great educational tool for sharing information relating to a specific topic.  Below are several podcasts that I previewed over the weekend that I thought were either related to this class or just good to share.

EDTECH 41 (Educational Technology)

Description: This episode of Educational Technology discusses PLNs (Personal Learning Networks) and how you can use them to learn about the use and new innovations of technology in education.

Link to Podcast: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/8813552

Link to Show Profile: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podcasts/62298

Social Marketing and the use of Technology

Description: This podcast describes several marketing tools that could help market your educational program or business.  RSS feeds, blogs, and web conferencing are several examples of what will be discussed.

Link to Podcast: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/9579401

Link to Show Profile: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podcasts/52531

Dave Ramsey Show – 07152011

Description: Teaches how to manage and budget your money and most importantly, get out of debt.

Link to Podcast: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/10338543

Link to Show Profile: http://www.daveramsey.com/home/?ectid=itunes

gregedt5410's photostream

gregedt5410's photostream on Flickr.

Check out my photostream on flickr...

Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39

View Larger Map

Last Launch of Atlantis!

Space Shuttle Atlantis docks with the space station on Sunday.

My RSS Links

Here are a few of the links I added to my Reader.  You may copy and paste them into your subscriptions if you like.

Grand Rapids Weather

http://rss.weather.com/weather/rss/local/USMI0912?cm_ven=LWO&cm_cat=rss&par=LWO_rss

Grand Rapids Local News

http://www.wzzm13.com/rss/news/14/10.xml

CNN Headline News

http://rss.cnn.com/rss/cnn_topstories.rss

Wiki

Click here to view my wiki site.

R/D 1

Incorporating Technology in Education

            As an advocate for incorporating technology in the classroom, I believe it is necessary to provide these opportunities to students to keep pace with what employers demand.  We live in a society that is driven from technology and lacking these skills may mean the difference between success and failure.  There does, however, need to be an appropriate balance between the use of technology in the classroom and other resources/strategies employed.  I remember someone telling me when I was little that “too much of anything is not good.”  I believe that rule applies here as well.

            The article written by Neil Postman, suggests that technology takes away from teaching “soft skills” such as teamwork, discipline, and getting along with others.  With an appropriate balance in place, these skills can still be learned and mastered appropriately.  Hearing 8^th graders taking 100% of their education online, however, would be an imbalance.  This may result in students lacking the social skills that Postman explains.  The author also considers technology to be a distraction in the classroom and takes away from other issues that should be addressed.  This may or may not be true depending on the teacher.  The teacher is responsible for choosing resources that are appropriate and may maximize the amount of learning, which may lead to including technology in a lesson.  The effective teacher would also have rules in place to help establish an environment that is conducive to learning and regulate the use of technology that is available to students.  Checking personal e-mail and social networking sites would be off limits while class is in session and it would be up to the teacher to ensure these policies are enforced.

            The article written by Charles Reigeluth is more closely in line with my vision of incorporating technology in the classroom.  Reigeluth presents several technologies: EPSS, computer-based tutorials, and computer-based simulations that can be utilized to facilitate learning.  When I first started teaching at my tech center, I was amazed at the overall lack of technology available to students.  During the past three years, I have made it a priority to implement several technologies into my classroom and others.  We recently switched to a program called Examview for all summative assessments.  The tests are deployed through the network and students get to experience computer-based testing first-hand.  This is certainly not a new technology but it was something that our center did not previously have.    

            To prepare ourselves as instructors and to best equip our students with the knowledge and skillsets needed to succeed, we must strive to learn and incorporate technology in our classrooms.  Programs that are opting not to pursue technology and training will soon become obsolete.  Even Michigan’s new governor has made it one of his priorities to look towards technology when restructuring our current education system.  We need to jump on board with making our programs ready, reliable, and relevant.