Pic Fix'n

I'm trying out another cool tool that I didn't know existed (until this class started). I'm using Picnik to upload and edit a few photos that need a little work. Here is an example of a photo that I edited by changing the exposure level.

Before

After

Concerning PLN's ....

Although I have seen many benefits to expanding my PLN, I do have a few thoughts about something Benjamin Franklin was a strong advocate for.... moderation.

I seriously wonder/worry about the effect that so much technology (ipods, cell phones, blogs, etc.) is having on people's abilities to appropriately interact with a human FACE TO FACE. I am finding that too many of my students are a bit lacking in their social skills, and how they far too often seem to wrap themselves into a multimedia "cocoon". Whether it's putting on their headphones and submersing themselves in their music with thier ipods (even in the short passing periods between classes, I see this!) or constantly glancing at/playing with their cell phone. I have some serious concerns about the future of human interaction (this includes manners!). As Franklin might say,... everything in moderation.

A Better PLaN

So far, I've got to say that I'm impressed (and pleasantly surprised) with how my PLN has/is taking shape. I really was uncertain about how useful all this blogging, wikiing, and googling (I'm still not convinced that Twitter is really worth the time and effort) might be to me, either personally or professionally. At first, my attitude was "I'll try to keep an open mind about this blogging business, but I expect the more useful and powerful stuff will come along later". Now,... I'm glad I kept an open mind about it. Reading others' blogs has given me

Up until now, like so many others, my personal learning network has consisted mostly of my fellow teachers, my family, and some close friends. Although well intentioned, I sometimes feel that I already know what they are going to say, or how the conversation is going to go (I'm talking mostly about our conversations revolving around teaching here). They might even say the same thing about me and what I say, my opinions, etc.. And that's o.k.. I very much value their opinions, and wisdom, and professionalism, and ideas. But, I think it can be a bit limiting. What about fresh ideas? What about those things that I never saw coming that challenge me? If I do not seek them out, will they just find me? If I'm really devoted to my craft (education), shouldn't I at the very least be aware of these ideas and provoking thoughts about the direction of education? At least be open minded about it?

The answer is YES! And I've found that using/expanding my PLN is a great way to do that! Not just to find some nifty web gadgets, but to engage in some real professional dialogue about matters that are in need of some serious profession dialogue. For instance, there has been some terrific discussion about the appropriate use of technology in the classroom (graphing calculators, to be specific) and how to use it without it hindering our students' reasoning and thinking abilities (I sure hope that discussion continues!). If I am really to best understand this creature we call "student", I should be aware of how it has evolved since I started teaching, so I can better relate to it and its world. I would consider myself remiss if I didn't look into utilizing the blogs, and wikis, and such in my classroom.

Again, this exposure to new ideas and perspective and potential all happened (and happened quite easily, I might add) because of how the web has influenced my PLN. Oh ya,... and now I can stay up to date on science news, blog posts, emails, wikis, and who knows what else I haven't discovered yet, super easy and fast. More AND better! That McRocks (and is one of the hallmarks of good technology)!

"Dewey’s vision of education - I believe that education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living."

Good quote! Thanks for that, Eric!

Dry Ice Video

Guiding Principles for implementing technology

In order for technology to really be useful in education, I believe the technology itself must be.....

• Simple & Seamless. Technology should have a nice, intuitive feel to it. Look at the success of the I-pods and I-phones and such. These days, using one (at least most of their functions, especially the primary ones) doesn't really require a wealth of time or education. I see using technology more as a vehicle to get something done, not the job itself. Technology should facilitate gathering information, not get in the way of it.
• Accessible. If it's worth having, then it shouldn't be a chore to use it when needed.
• Reliable.
• Flexible

That being said. Here are some things I think are wise to consider when deciding on whether to implement technology in education:

1. Will it help me/my students do something, we weren't able to do before? or expedite some process? Maybe that "something" is relating better to my subject (better engagement, perhaps), or to other students (with regard to their understanding of science). Maybe it is a way to collect data, organize it, analyze it, and/or communicate it. Maybe it is a way of observing or manipulating something they were incapable of in the past.
2. Is it going to be a substitute brain for my students? Will it "do too much" for them and process information for them, thus leaving them out of the loop and lacking in thinking skills they should be developing themselves? I think that answer is most often in how teachers allow/encourage students to use that technology.

I think of graphing calculators and how their programs can be used to perform functions (like automatic graphing) that I want my students to know how to do first. Mind you, these same calculators allow students to solve problems in multiple ways, that would be too tedious or arduous to do otherwise. I do allow and encourage my students to use technology, as long as it is a supplement to their own thinking and work, not a replacement of it.