Halloween Greetings

Using Google in Everyday Life

Ok, here is my story...my mother and I have 2 desktop computers and they are both in different parts of our house, not to mention we have individual laptops. Now even though I have all the computers on a network that lets them share files and a printer, I would still get the usual statement from my mom of "Hey, Kim, can you go find this file for me cause its not on this computer or how do I do this with this computer?!" So I would have to stop whatever I was doing, and either go transfer the file or pull up a program or just tell her she had to switch computers. But now that I have her on iGoogle, she saves all her files to them and no matter what computer she is on she can have the stuff she needs, plus I have added her a bookmark gadget to where she can have her websites also, so I dont hear, "Hey, what was that address again?" LOL I have also put all of my son's activities. days off from school and stuff on a google calendar and shared it with her, so she will know when he gets out early or when his next Taekwondo lesson is which helps us out immensely cause she sometimes has to pick him up or take him somewhere.

itunes University

Well it does seem the technology has finally caught up with the hectic lifestyle people live today. itunes University is a place you can go to download education just like you would a movie, song, or TV show. It is based on the itunes store, but instead of entertainment, you can actually download lectures, performances, demonstrations, etc. that your school and teachers have uploaded. As long as you have access to a Mac, PC or even an ipod you are connected to your education. I think that is an excellent use of technology. And it would be an amazing instrument to use as a teacher, cause I think kids are more open to learning something if it can be done on their terms and at times they have free. Because we all know how insane life can get and sometimes you just run out of time, but if you have items you can get to at all hours of the day it would make things a bit more easier. If you want more information about iTunes University check out this link ~ iTunes U

Duke's use of iPods

Duke university first started using iPods last year. They distributed about 1600 iPods preloaded with orientation material to all new incoming first-year students. The students are supposed to keep the iPods up and use them in whatever classes require them. Next year they plan on just focusing on giving the iPods to students who sign up for a specific class that the teacher feels can use the iPods.
The teachers seem to be as thrilled with this embrace of new technology as the students. Some of them are recording their lectures so the students can download them to their iPods. Others are letting the students look up stuff that relay to their lectures or discussions in class. All in all, it seems to be a way of keeping the students and teachers more in contact with one another and the educational information at the students fingertips no matter where they are.
As far as using iPods in my teaching, honestly I have not had a chance to play around with an iPod and am not very familiar with what an iPod is capable of, so I cant really say how it would be helpful. But I am checking into them and will probably have one before Christmas.

Culloden (2 Pics posted to same blog using Picasa)

This is the memorial stone for the Battle of Culloden.
This is the plaque at the base of the monument.

Fairy Ring (3rd Pic from Picasa)

This is a fairy ring. It is from these rings that we get the legends of the leprechauns.

Highlander Castle (2nd Pic from Picasa)

If you have ever watched the movie Highlander then you will know this site. It is the castle where they filmed part of the movie.

Stonehenge (1st Pic from Picasa)

Welcome to Stonehenge! This is an amazing structure to see in person. Or at least that is what my mother tells me. Hopefully I will get to see for myself in a couple of years.

Dr. Stange's "Cultural Revolution"

After reading the article, I went back to my previous post and still agree with everything it stated. The time of listening and watching is here and it seems to be growing larger every day. Paper is out and multimedia is in, which is not a horrible thing, it is just a new way of thinking and living in a changing world. I do agree with the fact that if people or institutions don't embrace the technology of today and make it readily available to the younger generation, they will be pretty much left by the waste side and that would be a shame. Everyone should stop complaining about what they think we are losing and start paying attention to what we are getting. I, myself, have no problem with this new technology and as for my future as a teacher, I can't wait!!! Think of all the exciting stuff I will be able to share with my students. The classroom will actually come alive, because instead of students just reading about things, they will actually be able to participate in them, a hands on type of learning.

My Picture Changed to Sepia Tone in Picasa

My picture changed to Black and White in Picasa

Seymour Papert

Unfortunately, from what I can find on the web and at this link, The Learning Barn, Seymour Papert is only working on getting himself healthy again after a horrible traffic accident. But I did do a bit of background research on this apparently amazing guy. He is pretty much the one who started the educational wave of technology we have today. Back in the 60's people laughed at him because he talked about children using computers as instruments of learning. He is credited with inspiring the first intuitive aimed at giving a personal computer to every student in a state. You can find more information and papers he has written at this link, Professor Seymour Papert.