Week 5 photo week

This week's assignment was interesting. I enjoyed reading the chapter and dealing with the scenario for our assignment. I think this type of circumstance will become more common and the better we get at dealing with it the better off we will be.

As for the photo sites: flickr was pretty easy to set up. I used to have a photo bucket account years ago but that one was no longer active...again my lack of keeping up with technology proves troublesome for me! I hope to utilize my photo account more regularly; I have a habit of taking pictures but never doing anything with them. It is easy to lose pictures when you operate that way.

my flickr account

The writing assignment involved a scenario where technology was provided for a 7th grade class, both at school and at home. I had to speculate why it might not have influenced teaching interventions and how to remediate the problem. The following is my solution...

In this scenario some obvious possibilities for minimal effect on instruction exist. First of all there may not have been enough training, for teachers and students and possibly parents, to make the experiment a success. It could be that this program was simply “announced” and put into place without input from the people involved and there may not have been any specific guidance as to what was supposed to happen with the technology. Perhaps the teachers were not encouraged to use the computers innovatively but they simply became another tool to complete homework or write papers. Secondly, I could see from a home view, the use of these computers being considered supplementary or a great opportunity to have internet for a year. While the use could have been limited by policy, it is easy for the internet and computers to become a leisure experience rather than an educational tool. Parents and students without motivation or knowledge of the potential for learning may not be able to utilize laptops and internet access for this goal; and if the work was not getting done in the home setting, the teachers would need to continue using a more traditional method of instruction. Finally, and more than likely, a problem could occur in the resistance of the people involved to the intervention.  Throughout the chapter “resistance to change” is mentioned in nearly all the scenarios. In this case it appears to be a “top down” change and the teachers may not buy in for that reason. There also seems to be a concern about teachers being replaced by technology and naturally they would resist embracing increased use of technology if they felt their jobs were being threatened.

I feel the main issue that needs to be addressed in this scenario is the resistance to change. The first way I would remediate that is with some advanced planning and making sure that all participants understood the vision as much as possible. I think change and integration of technology is inevitable and at some point we all are going to have to accept that to a certain degree. That doesn’t mean that we should just throw people in to the mix without preparation. The teachers in the example probably have various degrees of computer skills and if their skills were on the low side and they did not have adequate training, they would naturally default to a comfort zone. In addition, I feel the families involved would need some serious training and would also need to buy in to the experiment. It may be better to ask families to participate and involve those that can and will commit to the idea, at least initially. Perhaps if the first year was successful for those who participated then a more extensive project could be launched for subsequent years. I definitely think, with technology, slow and steady change is going to be better accepted and more successful for most people. 

Week4 - Delicious!

We are into week four and finally utilizing a tool with which I have some experience...that being said I had some adjusting to do. When I first used Delicious a year or so ago, I downloaded the buttons that stayed on my browser. When Delicious changed things a while ago, I didn't bother to follow up with it so I basically had to start over. Apparently I didn't use it as much as I thought I would!

I don't know about the value of using Delicious in education. I suppose it lends itself to many of the tasks we have already mentioned - networking between coworkers or professionals, class projects, developing networks for students. At this point I think it boils down to which tool you like and with one is easiest for you to use. One advantage to Delicious is that students and teachers may find themselves using various computers and devices that access the internet. Having your bookmarks available at any given time may be very convenient and a time saver. For me, Delicious falls somewhere between RSS feeds and Wiki. I am more likely to use it than RSS because it is my own bookmarks and they can be organized in a way that makes it convenient to use. I think I would lean toward the Wiki for networking, planning, and group work however. It just seems like a better platform for me.

My Delicious

The Trends and Issues chapter was very interesting to me as I hadn't really thought about Educational Design and Technology as a career. My focus has always been on what is available to me and who can teach me to use it correctly! In many ways the chapter reminded me of my own struggle to define my vocation,  Music Therapy, and define it for others. When a field is relatively young I think definitions change and evolve frequently as it seems this one has. As you gain experience you realize the potential and the influence of your profession and naturally seek to define it more clearly. This seems to be the path of Ed Tech according to this chapter. I must confess that when looking at this topic I expected to explore various programs and types of technology (computer, iPad, communication devices...) and didn't think along the lines of designing learning strategies and assisting learners. I also like that the definition opens the field to all types of learners, specifically with a focus on workplace learning. In our organization we talk about creating "life long learners" and technology is important along the entire spectrum of learning.

I think I missed Web 1.0!

Week three and the assignment is Web 2.0 and Wiki pages. I guess I've heard the term Web 2.0 but never really bothered to find out what it meant. I honestly did not know the true background of the web and how it has evolved over the years. Also seeing that this article (What Is Web 2.0, Tim O'Reilly) was written in 2005, I find myself wondering if I'm actually trying to learn Web 3.0...

After reading the article I looked back at the initial chart that listed 1.0 on one side and 2.0 on the other. I think it is a good descriptive example of how things have changed from the web as storage of information from which I can research and draw out items I need to the web that ebbs and flows with me and my needs. This web we have now follows me and adapts to my preferences, experiences, and inquiries. This may be a bit "big brother" and privacy will always be a concern, but it does make for more productive time on the internet and honestly make the internet easier to use. I am also much more familiar with the Web 2.0 terms than 1.0, which tells me that the web has become more user friendly to some degree. So it seems the web itself must grow and stretch to accommodate its new users as much as users must adapt to the increase in the use of technology.

By the way - I thought the initial video was a great visual for the concept of how the web has changed, both in appearance and function. Honestly, it probably did more to help me understand the concept than the article!

Wikis - I had heard of Wikis and, in fact, our Young Adult program has used one for a couple years now. I probably would never have investigated them on my own without this class. I can definitely see possibilities here for me in my job. I work in Special Ed in a center-based school. I have often wanted to reach out to other music programs and share ideas and information. I think my students could create a "Music Wiki" and each class could contribute ideas, pictures, and thoughts. Then we would have a platform for connecting with other students from all walks of life and in this way we expand our awareness of the world around us and learn about and utilize the technology that is becoming such a big part of our life.

I also like the potential for Wiki as a professional networking tool. As a music therapist I am the only professional in my entire county. Even in my building we have 2 occupational therapists, 2 physical therapists, 2 speech therapists...this is a common set-up for music therapists in education. A Wiki would be a great tool to get some much needed peer interaction and professional support, again also immersing us in technology and keeping us up to date.

I'm now attempting to link this blog to my Wiki page - be warned I may need to come back and edit this post at any given time!

Wiki front page

Week Two - Where's the RSS button?

This week's articles were interesting and good food for thought. I'll figure out the RSS thing later but I'll try to get my thoughts down now. Let's call this part one!

Early impressions: I think a blog could be a useful tool. Of course many people use blogs and have used them for a long time. I have two other blogs that I've started...one has one post and one has three! That being said, given how students take to technology, a blog might be a great way to motivate writing for students that avoid the task as much as possible. It's also an excellent way to disseminate information and see/hear what others are thinking/doing on any given topic. The RSS feed seems like it could be useful as well - sort of like a bookmark system for things I want to read and discover. I had some difficulty setting it up however, I guess I want more directions than I saw on the screen in front of me. Honestly, outside of this class, I'm not sure how much I would use Google Reader, I don't tend to do a lot of browsing.

As far as where does all this fit into the Cone of Experience: While I see computer technology and the internet in general being like a television medium - lots of creative potential, covers all periods of time, can show details of events you might not otherwise experience; the specific tools we are using seem to fall into the radio, recordings, and still picture level and above. Obviously with a blog we are using the written word, verbal symbols. I imagine that the different feeds I will follow will mainly be written information, however if I pursue areas of interest I may find videos, demonstrations, and possibly even something similar to a contrived experience. I may also be inspired to go on a study trip or see an exhibit. In many ways then, this is an example of technology opening up many avenues of learning for me - or my students.

Finally in regards to computer imagination - I believe any medium has the potential for creative and imaginative use. I could see using a blog as a kind of internet pen pal system. This allows students from very different places and experiences to communicate and exchange information. In addition, the process of creating a blog gives ample opportunity for creativity on the part of the blogger, including layouts, colors, pictures, links, etc. Taken all together it might be a way to encourage writing that appeals to students who dislike the actual task of writing. (I have a 14 year old with this issue!) While he doesn't enjoy the process, both organizationally and physically, of writing; a format that allows him to work creatively might motivate him to spend more time and advance in the skill.

RSS feeds I feel are a little more difficult to design imaginatively. This may be because I don't have tendency to "surf the net" and don't foresee myself using them that much. The system reminds me of the Delicious system I used a year ago. It was fun to set it up and I did use it occasionally to find a website I had been using, but overall I didn't utilize it often. I do think perhaps the RSS feed could be a good tool for people who were learning to use the internet however. In this age of technology many people, primarily adults, have difficulty making the transition to using the internet. I know many people who voice fears about banking online, using credit cards online, or being online in general. They talk about confusion and frustration frequently and often end up giving up on the idea. I think as people are more and more required to make the transition from paper and pen to computer and RSS feed could assist in introducing them and guiding them through the basics of internet use. They would be able to compare notes with other people and hear (or read) first hand what has and hasn't worked. Best of all, it is all in one place so very little need to search around for it and maybe end up somewhere they don't want to be. This would be a convenient and safe way to introduce people to the convenience and potential that the internet holds for them.

Time for a paradigm shift?

Okay - so I'm not sure who will read this so here is some background. I just read two articles for a graduate class I am taking at Western Michigan University. The class is looking at educational technology and the articles were kind of a for and against technology in education forum. You should probably know that I am notorious for seeing both sides of a story and sometimes have difficulty picking sides for that reason. I think there's always some merit in an opinion or philosophy if it has been studied and communicated effectively. That being said, I think I am on the side of using technology as much as possible at this particular moment. Following is a breakdown of the articles and my thoughts on each.

Article one:

Of Luddites, Learning, and Life, Neil Postman

In general this article is skeptical and cautious about embracing technology in education. The author is very careful to pose the question "What is the problem to which _______ is the answer?" A very good question to ask. Too often we simply accept something just because and expert somewhere says it's so or because a celebrity or authority figure has endorsed it. It can never hurt to look at a problem or situation and question it. My position? Agree on the concept and endorse checking out the "problems" in education.

A second point that stands out to me is the author's assertion that a primary function of education is to teach children how to behave in groups. I think this ends up being the primary function – but probably shouldn’t be. This should be an outcome maybe of participating in schooling. If you have ever been around someone who doesn’t value education/knowledge, you will understand. There is basic information, skills, and tasks that we all need such as reading…these are the things that can also be supplemented by technology. Different ways to teach and learn, creative ideas, alternatives for students. Not to mention the fact that most students these days are drawn to technology anyway. Motivation then plays a part in the education. My position? Education should be valued for everyone and not just as a social behavior system. Knowledge is important whether we like to admit it or not.

 The final point that caught my attention here was that we are suffering from an information glut. My position? Agree wholeheartedly! Oh, and school is way to competitive, too stressful, and many kids fall between the cracks. Schools do the best they can but the needs are to varied and too many. Again, technology could be a help here by providing the options some students may need. Eventually however, we each need to make the decision about what’s important to us. Whether we utilize technology wisely or let it run our lives is up to us. This is a problem people have always faced I think – in this age it is just packaged as technology.

  

Beyond Technology Integration: The Case for Technology Transformation

Reigeluth and Joseph

A second article, much more pro technology and emphasizing the paradigm shift from "sorting" and categorizing students to a system that seems more student centered and individualized. The author talks about “…the ways technology can transform the way we teach" as opposed to supporting what is already done in the classroom.

Change is inevitable as is technology. I think much of the resistance to technology comes from the rate of change that we need to undergo in order to participate with technology. I am all about high tech gadgets BUT they are not second nature to me by any means. When I get a new phone or computer or even an update to a new system (Windows 11 for example) there is still a huge learning curve for me, even though I have been using the basic technology for years. I like this article because it challenges the current system and encourages thinking beyond what works right now to what will work better. It is however, a big paradigm shift and an idealistic idea that needs much development to be practical. Just the thought of a teacher having to teach several different concepts to several students at the same time is overwhelming. Kind of makes me think of what a one room school house might have been like with all ages attending at the same time…maybe there really is nothing new under the sun!

Obviously people are talking about technology, people are using technology, and people are avoiding technology. In my circle of life I know tech savvy people, "I use it because I have to" people, "I'm going to figure this out if it's the last thing I do" people, and people who don't have a computer at home. My parents don't have a cell phone and won't talk to me on my phone if I'm driving - even though I have the cool sync feature in my car so I can talk hands free. Bottom line for me is the change is coming. I hope the change agents can find a way to bring as many along as possible so the transition can be made to the benefit of education.