Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Virtual Library Tour in Second Life
What better way to see what a virtual library looks like than to go visit one. Please enjoy this YouTube video of SL Libraries - Info Island Archipelago Tour.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Connections with the Real World
What does the near future look like? With this being a new concept to me, it seems futuristic. I am surprised there are already many podcasts available. As Richardson (2009, p.113) points when he refers to the Education Podcast Network(http://epnweb.org/), there are lists of about 1 000 education-related shows that are available. I checked out some that were at the middle school level (as that is where I teach) and found an impressive looking list. Some podcasts were unable to locate the feed or I felt some were too dated. What I did find were many feature length programs that could be applied to professional development in my school. One example might be to share the ITConversations(http://itc.conversationsnetwork.org/shows/detail4147.html#) where Dave Winer talks about receiving the news on Twitter. Boy, that would be an eye opener for my staff. Others were more applicable to certain subject areas such as the Medieval Podcast(http://podcasts.medievalstudies.info/archives/7). This would supplement the Socials class quite nicely with the speaker being a specialist in the area.
A question to pose is how do I approach my staff to share in this huge wealth of knowledge to make these connections with podcasting for both their professional development as well as their everyday teaching? How would another library do it, I wonder? Let's look to the experts and see what their recommendations are. On Library 2.0, I found a forum discussing this very topic Library 2.0(http://library20.ning.com/forum/topics/515108:Topic:10190). The Colorado Department of Education has a detailed Podcasting Resources for Libraries(http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/technology/podcasting.htm). In this podcast resource, it includes directions for finding podcasts, subscriptions to podcasts - aggregators/RSS Readers, videos and conversions, online resources as well as Podcasting articles in Library Journals. What a great resource to find, use, and share. A number of the other posts referred to using podcasts for book reviews. It's great to get the 'word on the street'.
By bringing this news to my staff, colleagues and district, I feel we can greatly develop our technological abilities in our schools. Having a time set aside at each staff meeting to discuss new developments is also a way to disseminate information. Daily memos can remind staff about resources to peruse. Having book talk podcasts uploaded into the school blog allows students to access this new technology as well. The only downside is the amount of time to get it all together as there is so much out there to tap into and so much we can do to publish our own work. The possibilities seem endless - in a positive way of course.
Sources
Drew, Bill. (2009). Anyone using podcasts in the library? Library 2.0. Retrieved from http://library20.ning.com/forum/topics/515108:Topic:10190
Podcasting Resources for Libraries. (2009, March). Colorado State Library. Retrieved from http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/technology/podcasting.htm.
Richardson, Will. (2009). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Corwin Press, CA.
Warlick, David. Education Podcast Network. Retrieved from http://epnweb.org/
Richardson, Will. (2009). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Corwin Press, CA.
Warlick, David. Education Podcast Network. Retrieved from http://epnweb.org/
A question to pose is how do I approach my staff to share in this huge wealth of knowledge to make these connections with podcasting for both their professional development as well as their everyday teaching? How would another library do it, I wonder? Let's look to the experts and see what their recommendations are. On Library 2.0, I found a forum discussing this very topic Library 2.0(http://library20.ning.com/forum/topics/515108:Topic:10190). The Colorado Department of Education has a detailed Podcasting Resources for Libraries(http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/technology/podcasting.htm). In this podcast resource, it includes directions for finding podcasts, subscriptions to podcasts - aggregators/RSS Readers, videos and conversions, online resources as well as Podcasting articles in Library Journals. What a great resource to find, use, and share. A number of the other posts referred to using podcasts for book reviews. It's great to get the 'word on the street'.
By bringing this news to my staff, colleagues and district, I feel we can greatly develop our technological abilities in our schools. Having a time set aside at each staff meeting to discuss new developments is also a way to disseminate information. Daily memos can remind staff about resources to peruse. Having book talk podcasts uploaded into the school blog allows students to access this new technology as well. The only downside is the amount of time to get it all together as there is so much out there to tap into and so much we can do to publish our own work. The possibilities seem endless - in a positive way of course.
Sources
Drew, Bill. (2009). Anyone using podcasts in the library? Library 2.0. Retrieved from http://library20.ning.com/forum/topics/515108:Topic:10190
Podcasting Resources for Libraries. (2009, March). Colorado State Library. Retrieved from http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/technology/podcasting.htm.
Richardson, Will. (2009). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Corwin Press, CA.
Warlick, David. Education Podcast Network. Retrieved from http://epnweb.org/
Richardson, Will. (2009). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Corwin Press, CA.
Warlick, David. Education Podcast Network. Retrieved from http://epnweb.org/
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Readings Made Podcasting Sound So Easy.
After reading many articles on the basics behind podcasting, most offered the downloading of a couple of programs to facilitate the production of podcasts. The two programs that were most often recommended were Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) to record the audio component and convert it into an MP3 format. This format is then uploaded onto a web based storage provider OurMedia (http://www.ourmedia.org/) to then access onto a website. OK this is the format - but it doesn't always go according to plan.
Step 1: I downloaded Audacity.
Step 2: I created a recording (after many tries) and editing.
Step 3: I converted this file into a MP3 format and saved it on my computer.
Step 4: I used OurMedia.com to upload the file to create a URL. The field at the bottom says "copy the code below and paste it into your favorite pages".
Step 5: I changed and saved the format settings on my blog to accommodate the link.
Step 6: I imported the file from OurMedia to my blog (OK, I'm thinking, I've finally done it - a smile comes across my face - success) but I got an error message that says "URL contains illegal characters". Now what:(
Step 7: I went back to the saved file to hear the recording and oh, no - it was super fast. Huh, what happened there?
So now I have two unresolved problems - one is that my podcast (from the recording I've done) is saved in a zip format [I think] to conserve space (on the OurMedia server) and two - I can't upload my Travelling Crooked Man podcast. Apparently not all answers are on the Internet - I need to talk to a real person, but who? Any suggestions?
What Have I learned in all this? Yes, I agree we need to be able to understand and use this technology before we expose our students to it. Yes, I still have some way to go before I am there but I do feel there is great potential once the problems are solved. I can also envision a fabulous blog I can include podcasts for students, teachers, parents, and be able toshare with the world as well. Whether these podcasts are created or shared, I feel that with all the possibilities of bringing information closer to us, it almost seems like the world is getting to be a smaller place.
Step 1: I downloaded Audacity.
Step 2: I created a recording (after many tries) and editing.
Step 3: I converted this file into a MP3 format and saved it on my computer.
Step 4: I used OurMedia.com to upload the file to create a URL. The field at the bottom says "copy the code below and paste it into your favorite pages".
Step 5: I changed and saved the format settings on my blog to accommodate the link.
Step 6: I imported the file from OurMedia to my blog (OK, I'm thinking, I've finally done it - a smile comes across my face - success) but I got an error message that says "URL contains illegal characters". Now what:(
Step 7: I went back to the saved file to hear the recording and oh, no - it was super fast. Huh, what happened there?
So now I have two unresolved problems - one is that my podcast (from the recording I've done) is saved in a zip format [I think] to conserve space (on the OurMedia server) and two - I can't upload my Travelling Crooked Man podcast. Apparently not all answers are on the Internet - I need to talk to a real person, but who? Any suggestions?
What Have I learned in all this? Yes, I agree we need to be able to understand and use this technology before we expose our students to it. Yes, I still have some way to go before I am there but I do feel there is great potential once the problems are solved. I can also envision a fabulous blog I can include podcasts for students, teachers, parents, and be able toshare with the world as well. Whether these podcasts are created or shared, I feel that with all the possibilities of bringing information closer to us, it almost seems like the world is getting to be a smaller place.
The New Wave is Here
Just as tsunamis can travel around the world, through the access of computers, something even more powerful is taking over on land - podcasting. According to Gatewood in Podcasting: Just the Basics, this new revolution in education, "podcasts contain information on almost any topic, delivered via the Internet in audio or video form. They allow learners to access information at anytime from anywhere, with no constraints-just the free flow of information". This development is huge in that it's a whole new experience in learning. I believe it has the momentum and the power to circumnavigate the world! I just don't see it taking over too soon in the educational field. I've found that the young teachers are incorporating podcasting techniques into their teaching, but the many more veteran educators are less comfortable with applying new technologies into their practice. I feel if we can show even a few at a time how powerful podcasts can be, they will assist in engaging their students, more interactive learning can be done, and it will tumble rapidly thereafter to produce well-rounded citizens.
How might we approach such a feat? Many applications of pocasts were suggested by Lamb and Johnson in Podcasting in the school library, part 1: integrating Podcasts and vodcasts into teaching and learning. Among these possibilites were collaborative projects with buddy readers, interviews with specialists, and virtual tours to museums. To locate podcasts, Education Podcast Network (http://epnweb.org/) was provided where podcasts are broken down into elementary, middle and secondary schools and then into specific subject areas. Another great connection was about how to evaluate a podcast. Kathy Schrock's "Evaluation of Podcasts" (http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/evalpodcast.html) provides a checklist for students to critically look at podcasts; a great tool to add to their repetoire. I know I'll be using this one.
Not only does this approach allow for increased teaching implimentation, but it assists with professional development as well. Gatewood also states "podcasts are changing the way we teach, learn, and communicate. They offer one more method to help teachers build better curricula, provide their students with differentiated instruction, increase their knowledge of educational topics through ongoing professional development". This is a positive attribute for any teacher.
Even the teacher who has been teaching for many years can liven up their teaching by supplementing podcasts into their curriculum. Here's an example of one such experience: as I was going to a class to deliver a note to a teacher, the teacher has his laptop hooked up to a LCD projetor and was sharing a podcast relating to the humanities class that was in session. Now this class had the reputation of being a lively group. As I walk into this class, all eyes were drawn to the presentation that was taking place. Fully engaged, interested, mesmerized with the delivery. Granted this may not be the case with all podcasts, but the more they are developed through sheer demand, the better they will become. It's not just in the classroom where a difference is being made.
This goes even further than the classrooms, as the school librarian can incorporate podcasts onto the school website or blog to inform all interested parties of current events, tutorials on research skills, allow students to conduct book reviews, and use as a communication tool for parents. Will this wonderful technology take away from the personal, social aspect of schools that we know of today?
Picture this new world once the podcast tsunami has taken over. Students no longer need to go to school, they just log in to their computers from home. Their teachers can instruct the lessons on an individualized basis due to the differentiated learning that can be incorporated. Even the science labs can be viewed in vivid detail. Yes, this could be the schooling of the future. What would be the ramifications if this came to pass? Where is the physical activity? Where is the personal social interaction? Could this type of society be sustainable?
Sources
Gatewood, Kelly. (2008). Podcasting: Just the Basics. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 44(2), 90-93. Retrieved from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1404441791).
Lamb, Annette & Johnson, Larry. (2007). Podcasting in the school library, part 1: integrating Podcasts and vodcasts into teaching and learning. Teacher Librarian, 34(3), 54-57. Retrieved from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1204860731).
How might we approach such a feat? Many applications of pocasts were suggested by Lamb and Johnson in Podcasting in the school library, part 1: integrating Podcasts and vodcasts into teaching and learning. Among these possibilites were collaborative projects with buddy readers, interviews with specialists, and virtual tours to museums. To locate podcasts, Education Podcast Network (http://epnweb.org/) was provided where podcasts are broken down into elementary, middle and secondary schools and then into specific subject areas. Another great connection was about how to evaluate a podcast. Kathy Schrock's "Evaluation of Podcasts" (http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/evalpodcast.html) provides a checklist for students to critically look at podcasts; a great tool to add to their repetoire. I know I'll be using this one.
Not only does this approach allow for increased teaching implimentation, but it assists with professional development as well. Gatewood also states "podcasts are changing the way we teach, learn, and communicate. They offer one more method to help teachers build better curricula, provide their students with differentiated instruction, increase their knowledge of educational topics through ongoing professional development". This is a positive attribute for any teacher.
Even the teacher who has been teaching for many years can liven up their teaching by supplementing podcasts into their curriculum. Here's an example of one such experience: as I was going to a class to deliver a note to a teacher, the teacher has his laptop hooked up to a LCD projetor and was sharing a podcast relating to the humanities class that was in session. Now this class had the reputation of being a lively group. As I walk into this class, all eyes were drawn to the presentation that was taking place. Fully engaged, interested, mesmerized with the delivery. Granted this may not be the case with all podcasts, but the more they are developed through sheer demand, the better they will become. It's not just in the classroom where a difference is being made.
This goes even further than the classrooms, as the school librarian can incorporate podcasts onto the school website or blog to inform all interested parties of current events, tutorials on research skills, allow students to conduct book reviews, and use as a communication tool for parents. Will this wonderful technology take away from the personal, social aspect of schools that we know of today?
Picture this new world once the podcast tsunami has taken over. Students no longer need to go to school, they just log in to their computers from home. Their teachers can instruct the lessons on an individualized basis due to the differentiated learning that can be incorporated. Even the science labs can be viewed in vivid detail. Yes, this could be the schooling of the future. What would be the ramifications if this came to pass? Where is the physical activity? Where is the personal social interaction? Could this type of society be sustainable?
Sources
Gatewood, Kelly. (2008). Podcasting: Just the Basics. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 44(2), 90-93. Retrieved from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1404441791).
Lamb, Annette & Johnson, Larry. (2007). Podcasting in the school library, part 1: integrating Podcasts and vodcasts into teaching and learning. Teacher Librarian, 34(3), 54-57. Retrieved from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1204860731).
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