Introducing Web 2.0 was a very cool video. I thought it was great how it introduced what each tool was and then a whole variety of different places on the web that each tool is offered. I haven't ever really used podcasts so it was interesting to see different places where I could go to look them up and find them on the internet and learn more about them. It also really helped how it had a definition for each tool and it was an easy to understand definition so I could understand each tool better. I've known of most of the tools and used some of them, but I've never really thought of a definition for them so it made it more clear to me exactly what each one was and what it can be used for. This age is really becoming more and more advanced technologically and its great to learn of just a few popular sites for where to find these great classroom tools.
Technology Article Blog
PLANET FOSS (FULL OPTION SCIENCE SYSTEM)
There are so many tools in technology. It was difficult to decide on just two, but the first
tool I came upon is called Planet FOSS (Full Option Science System). I decided that I wanted to
find a cool way to teach science and this technology tool is an INCREDIBLE way!! I am so
excited to have found it! FOSS is completely interactive. Everything on each page does
something when you click on it or drag your mouse over it. There are many different parts of
Planet FOSS. Some of these include: An interractive GPS for the human body, a virtual lite brite,
and video-conferencing between teachers, parents, and students. FOSS also has a place where
students take, share, and view scientific photos from other students all over the country! There
are worksheets already made up to go along with activities and there is a place to order all kinds
of science materials for your classroom. The best part though about FOSS is all of the online
tools. There are countless tutorial videos and online interactive learning games. Not to mention,
FOSS has a search engine where students can type in any word and it will bring up tons of
different games to teach what that word means, books to teach, ask a scientist interactive
activities, quick tips, etc. I can't brag enough about this AMAZING new tool I found! It is easy
for kids to get around on and its fun! Also, under each different topic of science such as "air
and weather" there are videos, images, audio stories, and a list of websites to teach more about
each one. The possibilities are endless with planet FOSS. Also, it has an additional parent letter
already made up where you can insert your name as a teacher and send home to make sure the
parents are aware of what FOSS is and the media/digital pictures involved. It asks the parents
give consent with their signatures also. FOSS fits in with curriculum for each grade level and
specifies what activities are under which grade level. The only cons to FOSS that I can think of
is how much information there is! It contains so much that it will take the teacher quite a while
to find their way around and organize it. Also, not all students will own a digital camera which
can be a disadvantage to them. Parents will love it because its easy to use and can be done at
home also. I've chosen this tool because it has proven stats that FOSS increases student's
science test scores and it is a fun way to learn about science. It is a tool that will help kids
want to come to school and participate at home also. I love it!
References
Integrating Technology and Science
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech233.shtml
WEBQUESTS
I think webquests are great because they really help students to learn how to use the
internet. Some pros to webquests are that they help students use their imaginations and
problem-solving skills. They must discover the answers for themselves. Webquests are
also a great way to get students into groups so that they can communicate with one
another. It is way more interactive than just memorizing. Students can sort out ethical
issues on their own and pick a side after they have "discovered" the topic with guidance by
their webquest. Webquests also are adaptive. You can make the adjustments needed on them
for those students with special needs or make them more advanced for the students at a higher
level. You can make webquests go right along with your curriculum and encorporate flexibility
into them so students have more room to personalize it. With today's internet focused world,
webquests will give students the chance to learn how to use the internet and become experts.
The cons to webquests are the time they take to build. Parents will find webquests helpful in
teaching their children creativity, allowing children to go at their own pace yet challenging
them, and teaching them how to use the internet. I think webquests are great! Mostly because
of the technology and many different websites they allow children to discover on their own.
References
Using WebQuests in the Primary Grades: Joy’s Thomas’s Planet WebQuest
My Blog has been acting crazy!! Hopefully I can try again and get this fixed!
ReplyDelete