Module 8 RSS and google reader

As an individual tool, this is great. Although I would have to play around with it before deciding to use it in the classroom. I can see students adding blogs or news sites that simply interest them rather than subject/work appropriate. It all comes down to educating them on propper use. I guess an interesting application in the classroom could be to create the reader as the teacher, add students in order for them to follow the relevant news/blogs etc. Other than this, create a class specific account, select the relevent sites, then, as a class, check on this each lesson, or once a week to keep up to date on new news/ideas that erlate to the given unit of work. The class could add to blogs, via the teacher to add to the educational dialogue. I feel this is one I need to use for a while before determining its use in the classroom. I guess for seniours who can be more selective and responsible, it could be a great tool for study, information and research gathering relevant to specific task and subject areas.

Module 7 Delicious

Delicious could be both a hindernce as well an in exciting tool. Providing you are organised, the account will work really well for you, otherwise, your most needed information can become lost among your less relevant bookmarks. So, BE ORGANISED!! This is especially important for our students as they learn to use these tools. They most understand what it means to be selective and not just bookmark anything they come accross. Using this as a researching tool in class is a fantastic idea. As a teacher, you could have a class account that bookmars sites specific to that subject. This models for students that there are a host of well informed, interesting information sites they can source from. It is impoertant to teach out students to go far beyong "Wikipedia" and use a number of sources for their researching. Here, we can provide a platform for them to begin more in depth research, and to be more selective about the information they use and document. Interesting point salso on http://www.michaelcroucher.blogspot.com/. I have commented here also.

WEB 2.0 Module 6

At first I found bubbl.me a little confusing. Not so much using it, but saving and exporting. Once I got past this, I find it very usefull. I have spoken with my Yr7 Technology class, who will be doing an ICT promoational project and discovered they have already used it. We will be using as many WEB 2.0 tools as we can for this project. We'll start with a class bubbl.me mind map and go from there. I felt Glogger is a great tool, you do however, need to pre plan for this. A fantastic media tool, I'm going to experiment with this in Yr12 media. While I did create a small Glogger and imbedded my bubbl.me mindmap, I didn't publish it. I do want to incorporate this, as well, into the Yr 7 project, which is promotional design. During the holidays, with more time to really play with Glogger, I'd like to create something more substantial.
I do feel both of these tools are great, as they are online and accessable to ALL students, it makes the idea of learning, anywhere, anytime, a real educational fact. Not all students have mind mapping software, or media software enabling them to complete more substantial technology based work. This literally brings it home for them and makes these options accesable to all students.

WEB 2.0 Module 5

Podcasting, Vodcasting and iTunes are great ways to get students interacting and sharing their work. Last year, our Yr8's made a music compilation on Sony Acid express. They thouroughly enjoyed this. In order to share work and complete marking, we downloaded their mustic to my iTunes account. This was much better than burning discs and having the issues of discs not wiorking properly when I marked their work. It was a great way for them to share and listen to each others creations, they found this to be very motivational and they became proud of what they had created.
As well as this, instead of Launching their music via a poster, power point as an advertisement, some chose to create a podcast to communicate their ideas and give a speech as opposed to standing in front of the class. For studewnts whon find any kind of public speaking a challenge, the idea of vodcast is great for them. They can prepare and deliver their speech without the intimadation of everyone watching. When they play it to the class they begin to loose thier inhibitions about speaking in front of everyone.
I think these are both great tools for teaching communications.
My Yr10 PDM will also be able to share thier short films via iTunes and not just on Facebook or youtube channels.

Rachel Danos WEB 2.0 Module 1: Module 4

Rachel Danos WEB 2.0 Module 1: Module 4

What are your thoughts on Flickr and using it in the classroom. How do you deal with the issue of copyright and getting this across to your students.

I've also included one of my photos from Flickr,
"The Medici Palace, Florence"

Regards,
Rachel