Dr. Curt Bonk, Indiana University

Dr. Curt Bonk provided some excellent insight on Web 2.0 tools. There are a lot of misunderstandings dealing with Web 2.0 and it means different things to different people. However, it can be such a powerful tool with fantastic applications.

Web 1.0 is about pushing up pages of content. Web 2.0 relates to micocontent. Items can be resaved, reused, shared, and ownership. Web 1.0 was about connecting learners in new ways. We could connect but it was not very interactive. With Web 2.0 we are moving toward a more engaging era. Teaching vs. Learning. Theory is not catching up to web 2.0 technologies, from teaching paradigm to a collaborative learning paradigm. Learners create their own wikibooks, produce news, comments, podcasts, blogs, create groups, etc.

The Thiagi Challenge was very interesting information about 99 second presentations. I think that might be a fun activity to use with my students. Dr. Bonk did a great job presenting information on the web in 99 seconds.

The idea of terabite technology is amazing to me, but I have noticed that technology is becoming increasingly free.

The IRRODL is an innovative website that researches podcasts. Online conferences could be considered a form of digital scholarship and many of the tools are free. Wikibooks has so many fantastic resources that are collaborative. WeBook is a place where you can get people to vote on your book and it can be published with the assistance of others. You can actually sell books at webooks.

I would love to see how I can use YouTube to anchor instruction and would enjoy exploring game-based learning.

The Google presenters also provided marvelous information about tools available by Google such as Google Earth and Maps.

We also heard some additional information about Wikis--great information.

I gave my presentation on Cmap and FreeMind. I must admit that I favor Cmap. My presentation can be viewed at the following link:

http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=df2h82t8_6cp4sj6fx

Technology Shaping Education

Emerging Technologies: I enjoyed the common craft videos; they provided a simple way of presenting information. Web 2.0 tools are an excellent resource that can enhance learning and communication. Web 2.0 is "people-centered" and focuses more on the learner. It is a collaborative tool with so much information which is why it changes learning and research. Students need to think critically about what information they need and about its relevance.

Technology had diverse ways of presenting information and how we process information. I noticed that the way individuals learn is changing. Starting with the "big picture" and researching information to meet your needs is a more common method when there is a sea of information available on the web.

Graphic encoders was a new concept for me and I enjoyed hearing examples from our guest speaker, Sylvia. Combining a variety of tools can create a progression of information in diverse ways. Different tools can enhance diverse learning styles. She is implementing such fun ways of applying web 2.0 to the classroom environment. Pandora sounds fun as well--I think I'll check it out.

I liked her wiki: http://starvocabwiki.wetpaint.com/

Marshall gave a great presentation on the Kindle eBook, which is another piece of technology that I have never before heard of. It's a lovely piece of machinery. He was very knowledgeable and provided marvelous information. I will be looking at Cmap and Freemind next week.

wiki vs. blog: Wiki is an excellent collaborative piece or a content management tool where as a blog is mostly used for reflection.

Flat Classroom: Students are participating in global project-based learning in order to collaborate with one another. They have specific areas of expertise and work in groups across continents to acquire information and encourage diversity. I love this project and would enjoy working with people from different places. I would be so interested in participating in a global project-based assignment if I was a student in these classrooms.

Digital Learning

As I learn about new and innovative technologies I can be overwhelmed with information about the countless tools out there. I love learning about new technology and how I can use those tools in my own classroom. Reflective learning is a key component. I want students to ask: "How do I learn?" Instead of: "What did I learn?" When individuals take responsibility of their own learning, they acquire resources and tools for discovering new information. In my classroom, I often encourage students to conduct research and to apply project-based learning that applies to real-world situations. The wiki tools, RSS, and other systems can be used by students to enhance learning in this increasingly global economy. Their social networks are expanding beyond their cities and states. Students can communicate almost instantaneously with people thousands of miles away. We learn through our social interactions and networking is one way of expanding that process.

The class presentations were fantastic and I learned about new tools that I have never before known existed. I also enjoyed hearing the background information on the history of the tools.

2nd Class

We talked about some excellent tools out there and compared them with one another.

iLearn: is a closed network for a class. It is controlled by the instructor and information is limited. Teachers post assignments and online discussions take place only among enrolled students.

Ning: it is a social network that can be either open or closed. Individuals can choose people to participate or allow anyone to view ideas or subject matter.

Blog: a blog is an online journal or a digital diary. Content and widgets can be added and individuals can subscribe to diverse blogs. People can get updates on content that has been added.

Netvibes: is an aggregater and it is a way of collecting a variety of information and websites on one location. It can also be used as a blogging tool.

There are so many tools out there!

Learning means different things to different people, because we learn in diverse ways. Connectivism goes beyond the traditional behaviorist, cognitive, and constructivist theories and can appeal to learners of the digital age. Educators must combine a variety of learning theory for diverse learners. Knowledge is distributed and new learning theory can explain learning. The process of learning is more important than the content. It is often shared throughout the different sources for research and sharing. Network-based learning is a valuable tool that affects the role of teachers and learners. Learning is a social experience that is distributed among a mass of contributors. It goes beyond traditional learning boundaries and opens global grouped learning.