Reflection

Reflection on Blogging
Eleven or so weeks ago, I had heard of the word “blog” but didn’t actually know what the purpose of a blog was or why individuals wanted to be bloggers. I was anxious about initially setting up my blog site, but followed the directions precisely, and much to my delight-was able to get everything up and running in no time.
Expressing my thoughts, presenting information, and communicating with my classmates during the past 2 ½ months through the use of my blog (and theirs) was a motivating and enriching experience. I enjoyed the learning experience that the blog provided as well as the personal connections that were fostered through written communication.
I learned that participating in a blog can be intellectually stimulating and I looked forward to the discussions that would take place. I was disappointed at times though, when there was no response to my blog or nothing new to read elsewhere. I noticed the differences in style and presentation that our blogs had, each reflective of our individuality, however, I didn’t like the fact that comments wouldn’t appear on other blogs until they were released by the blog’s author.
I think that I would create a new blog on a topic of my own choosing and continue blogging to stay in touch with those who share my interests or passions in life. I feel “connected” to the activity now, it has become part of my daily routine, and I sincerely believe that I will miss blogging when this class concludes!
When I return to work (school) in late August, I will definitely expose my school community to blogging and survey my colleagues to see if there is an interest in establishing blog sites. I think it is a great tool for collaboration and see it as an invaluable resource especially for less experienced teachers who could use the extra support. I’m glad I’ve become a “bloggger”!


**Beatrice Laga**

Cybersecurity

I believe that this is a topic which needs to be addressed in our schools today. Teachers must receive professional development on this issue in order to instruct the children regarding their safety while using the internet. I agree with many of the points stated in the paper which we read on cybersecurity and ethics. Those which struck the loudest chord with me were:
--that we do, indeed, need a means to create a secure community
--that this topic requires additional national exposure
--that parents must be aware and help teach their children about these issues
--that children must protect their personal identities
--that children must engage in cyber ethics and interact appropriately when online

I think that if we all share this information with our school communities, then we will have touched and hopefully made an impact on a great number of lives. It's time to reach out.

**Beatrice**

Teachers using Technology with DyKnow Vision

On this particular site, the uses of DyKnow Vision in the classroom are explored and highlighted. One thing I learned that I hadn't picked up on previously was that students could form work groups and"can share notes and collaborate internally". This site also provided a blog for those of us who would like to communicate our thoughts and experiences regarding DyKnow Vision and a summary of the technology-which is said to be "collaborative note-taking, student response tools, content replay, and anywhere, anytime access."

The website where you can check out this information is: http://teachersusingtechnology.com/?p=77


Let me know what you think.
**Beatrice**

Update on DyKnow Vision

This information is relatively current and gives an update about DyKnow Vision, it is from April 2007. There is now DyKnow Monitor Software which can "allow instructors to block applications from running on students' computers and blank out student screens when the instructor doesn't want the student to be distracted. It displays a thumbnail of each student's screen on the instructor's monitor, providing control over the students' computers." The article doesn't say whether this new software was developed because of input from professors, but I'm wondering if it was. What do you think?

The website for the article is:
http://thejournal.com/articles/20458

**Beatrice**

Digital Literacy

I think that there are a wealth of online resources for educators out there on the web. For me, it's just a matter of finding the precise ones that you need at the time. I'm always happy to see suggestions from professors and colleagues about great sites because then I copy the URLs into a log book that I have under a certain category and I have it there when I'm looking for something. (I know I should bookmark it, but I still do things the old-fashioned way-but I am getting better!) I hope that libraries don't completely forget about books because I just LOVE books-they are one of life's treasures! I do use the ICDL in my library becuase it is a valuable, free resource and really helps out getting materials for populations that I have nothing else available for them.

Do you guys like the ICDL?

Web-based teaching and learning tools

For me, the biggest draw to web-based tools is that they are interactive. Students (and teachers) like to be stimulated when they're learning and it also makes the time go much faster. I find that the periods in the school day fly by when everyone is actively engaged. I learned a great deal about webquests this week already because I am the facilitator for my group's discussion. Although I have never created a webquest, the format seems similar to the lessons that we created in Dr. Small's class. I remember having fun with that, but also remember the huge amount of time put into the lesson. I was wondering if people get paid to just produce webquests for schools, or is it just a voluntary thing done by professionals who want to enhance learning? I've also utilized sites on the web to produce rubrics and worksheets-so I feel a little more connected to this topic than some of the others we've explored! How about you guys, have you created webquests?

**Beatrice**

How Much IS DyKnow Vision?

Apparently, there is a website that lists the benefits of DyKnow Vision for students, teachers, administrators as well as the IT staff. On this website you can also narrow down which group you belong to (education, in our case) and fill out a form to request a price quote. If you are interested the URL is http://www.swexpress.com/home.nsf/licensing/*DyKnow_Education_Licenses!OpenDocument&menu2


I also came across a teacher in a K-8 environment(I think it was Julie who made mention of DyKnow Vision and whether or not it was being used in elementary school) who wrote a glowing review about this technology in 2006. The URL to check that out is http://www.teachingk-8.com/archives/blue_ribbon_reviews_february_2006_by_linda_lindroth.html

I hope these sites answer some of your questions concerning this technology!

**Beatrice**

Assistive Technology

This topic is near and dear to my heart. I think all professionals in schools should be aware of the technologies available to assist individuals with special needs as well as receive training every year updating them on the technology and how to utilize it. I wholeheartedly agree with the statement made in the learning module calling for "people first" language, concentrating on the individual rather than the disability.

One of my responsibilities is to choose a Book of the Month which centers around developing character education as well as exploring multiculturalism. I create a packet for the teachers to assist them with strategies on how to incorporate the book into the curriculum. This past June's book was entitled We Can Do It! and it was a nonfiction biographical sketch of 5 youngsters with varying disabilities and how they display courage to perform their daily activities and how they like and do the same stuff as other children. Well, I have to tell you, the teachers and students fell in love with the book and the children in the book. They saw them as real people overcoming challenges and the students really made connections. The teachers thanked me for choosing a book which encouraged their students to think about others. I hope my school community has become a little more aware about individuals with disabilities are "real" people and I think I will offer the information in this week's learning module as a resource for my colleagues.

Let me know how you feel about this topic and the treatment it receives in your school.

**Beatrice**

DyKnow Vision and Classroom Engagement

I have feverishly been trying to reactivate the title bar for this blog but cannot get it to work-so I've put the title in the text. Sorry!

I read and looked through slides from a presentation done by David Berque from DePauw University entitled Fostering Classroom Engagement with Electronic Whiteboards, Tablet PCs, and DyKnow Vision.

The main points of the presentation were:
--How to make the classroom more engaging and interactive.
--How teachers and students get feedback more quickly.
--How evaluation results are readily available in the system for students after they log on.

The presentation offers concrete examples for classroom exploration and use. Check it out at this site:
http://connect.educause.edu/library/abstract/FosteringClassroomEn/38383?time=1183994754


Let me know what you think!
**Beatrice**

Podcasting

It seems that what were once home movies have turned into "capturing and sharing personal experiences" and the oldtime documentaries seem to have been replaced by "sharing information and events". It seems like all of the equipment has been updated and if you have access to the right technology, you have the ability to produce your own podcast. Hopefully someone besides yourself would want to view it though, not like spending holidays with the relatives and being forced to endure the old family movies!

I like the idea that podcasting can make "education portable" however, it's not interactive. Personally, I prefer systems that are interactive because I like to be stimulated and am an aggressive learner. (I really liked the clicker that Julie mentioned in her blog!) All in all though, I am amazed by the wealth of technology that I am being exposed to and learning about.

**Beatrice**

DyKnow Vision

Just when I was getting really excited about Virtual Museums, it's time to switch topics! My new topic is DyKnow Vision and this is a really cool thing to learn about as well (I hope you share my enthusiasm!).
On the company's homepage they send this message to the public: "DyKnow is devoted to empowering educators with intuitive technology-based tools that enhance sound teaching strategies and engage students." When I saw their product, I realized that they weren't kidding! DyKnow has a software product that runs on the average computer and allows teaching to become interactive. The product can "transmit content to student computers, students can annotate notes, and play back their notebook later." What amazing technology! Take a look at the website and let me know what you think:

http://www.dyknow.com/products/vision/

**Beatrice**

Social Networking

To be honest, I wasn't comfortable when I was checking out the 3 mentioned social networking sites. I felt as though it was meant to meet people (dating) or to begin a physical relationship. I didn't get the positive feeling I thought I would get. Adults can make their own decisions, however, I don't believe I would want my own children on these sites at this time. I just think that there's too much danger involved. I think I'll have to explore this topic further in order to gain more of an understanding of why people have such a need to connect online. What do you think?

**Beatrice**

Come Fly With Me!

Come and discover the Louvre! Take a virtual tour of one of my favorite museums-now we can all get to Paris (virtually!). I immensely enjoyed being guided through the Louvre and remembering places and exhibits I had seen when I visited many years ago. Now I hope to increase my knowledge of museums around the world through the use of this assignment. That way, when I'm ready to actually visit or teach about various places in the library-I'll have a sufficient knowledge base to draw off of. The website is http://www.louvre.fr/llv/musee/alaune.jsp?bmLocale=en
Hope you enjoy your tour!

**Beatrice**

Simulations

I actually felt a bit more connected to this topic this week because I have incorporated numerous non-electronic simulations over the years while teaching. It seems as though the simulations (electronic or not) motivate the children and inspire open communication and collaborative learning. Rules and procedures are a necessary component to this type of classroom activity as is making learner outcomes clear with the assistance of rubrics. Children should realize that although they may be having fun when being actively engaged, there are also expectations and accountability involved. What do you think?

**Beatrice**

Museum Resources

I located a wonderful site for educators interested in virtual museums! It has museum resources "for those who are starting out building virtual museums with their students." The site is http://fno.org/museum/oldies&goodies.html
The site also has an article written by Jamie McKenzie (1995) about virtual museums. The subtopics in the article are:
--The Virtual Museum Defined
--Students as Curators of Virtual Museums
--Virtual Museums are Global
--Virtual Museums are Dynamic, Multidisciplinary, and Multisensory

I learned a lot by reading this article and the links on the website also bring the user to schools that have tried this-food for thought! Enjoy!!

**Beatrice**

Museums Around the World

Amazingly, this virtual museum site has reached almost 6 million who've visited it! The site provides a listing of museums around the world which are categorized by country/continent. When you click on the USA, it then gives the user a state list which can be clicked on as well. Museums, complete with addresses and a brief blurb about it are shown along with a direct link to their web page. I have truly enjoyed taking tours of some of these museums and some of their web pages are fantastic! Here is the website so that you can check it out for yourself: http://icom.museum/vlmp/world.html
Let me know what you think.

**Beatrice**

Tagging

Another new word to add to my ever increasing computer world vocabulary! Tagging seems like a very useful activity to use in order to organize the contents of your collection. Organization is a key component in being able to access information quickly and really get the stuff that you want! Therefore, it seems like a lot of thoughtful consideration must go into tagging.

**Beatrice**

Social Bookmarking

As I read about the various social bookmarking sites, my first impression was that there really seems to be some sort of connection for individuals to reach out to others with the same interests. When I explored the sites I spent an awful lot of time doing so and wondered how much time do people actually spend on their computers. Mine feels like an extra appendage lately. I think the sites are useful, but because I am a novice with all of this, I have only used the "regular" bookmarking to save certain sites on my own laptop or for the children at school. I see there is a lot to learn, share, and utilize on these sites.

**Beatrice**

RFID

I was happy scanning books with barcodes at my fieldwork location, and tonight I just finished reading about this incredible Radio Frequency Identification! What an extraordinary leap for libraries as they strive to handle their collections and improve service. I'm still hoping to be automated at my school and I certainly hope I'm there long enough to utilize this amazing technology!

**Beatrice**

Virtual Museums

Virtual Museums - what an interesting idea! There's a whole world out there to discover and you can do it all from the convenience of your own PC. I've been reading a great deal of information regarding these virtual museums and what I've grasped thus far is that museums are represented online now just like many other educational and commercial entities. There has been something called Virtual Library museums pages (VLmp) online since 1994 and this is an online museum directory which is internationally distributed. The site is monitored and maintained by 20 experts from around the globe. Related vocabulary that I read about concerning this topic was: online museum, virtual library, access statistics and museophile. What is a museophile? It is a term that comes from Britain which has to do with supporting online museums and virtual libraries. The website that you can visit to find out about the VLmp is http://forums.museophile.net/section/VLmp .
Till next time---

**Beatrice**

The First 2 Weeks...

So...two weeks has gone by in the blink of an eye! I think I may finally have gotten all of the groups and assignments straight in my head. Although I truly was panic-stricken at first-I have learned some new things thus far, like---what a "blog" is and their purpose, how to actually create and use a blog, as well as alternate methods of communication which may very well be the wave of the future. I look forward to learning more in this class now that I have broken it down into bite size pieces that I can actually digest!

**Beatrice**

Hello Out There!

Hello to everyone out there reading this blog! My name is Beatrice and I'm studying to become a Library Media Specialist at Syracuse University. I've been teaching for 21 years and can't believe I'm back in school again after all of these years. The program is both interesting as well as challenging and I've learned so much thus far. I've also had the privilege of meeting some really outstanding peple and have been exposed to many different points of view regarding educational processes and institutions. Although sometimes I am stressed out, I wouldn't trade this experience for the world!
My family (husband-Rich, children-Alison-14, Richie-10, and Sarah-9) have encouraged me to spend as much time on the computer as I need to and they just love checking out my report card when it arrives! Being away from them last summer was tough, but we made it through and everyone is looking forward to me graduating. Then I will need to look at colleges for my daughter-maybe Syracuse-who knows? For now I can't (we can't) wait for summer to come to get some R&R-we are a true sports and activities family and are on the run a lot. I would just like to settle down on a lounge chair and read a book of my choice-not a college text:)
For now though, I take one day at a time and have learned to become more flexible. I am enjoying this journey and will take with me an increased knowledge base as well as invaluable practical experiences.

**Beatrice**