Journal 9: “Tapping the Power of the Crowd”
Ragan-Fore, J. (2009, December). Tapping the Power of the Crowd. Retrieved December 10, 2009, from ISTE.
I found this article to be very realistic and hold much truth behind the discussion and argument that the author was presenting. Without realizing it, every day Americans use a term called “crowdsourcing” which is defined as putting trust in the power of a massive group of people who have the “majority rules” in order to make personal decisions and providing one with the most accurate data set. Every time one goes on line they are subconsciously crowdsourcing themselves. For example questions that may pick your brain while you use crowdsourcing are; choosing a restaurant to eat at by looking up reviews online, or the best way to make a sandwich based on the amount of positive feedback that was provided online. Majority creates a power in this world, and the more voices heard, seems to present data more reliable and trusting.
How is the show “American Idol” representing crowdsourcing?
Viewer’s text and call to place votes in for their favorite singer, and the person that they want to be the next “American Idol”. The person who receives more votes from week to week stay on the show to compete another week. Those who receive the least amount of votes are sent home. At the end of the show, the winner is chosen by the person receiving the most amount of votes to win. Majority here is definitely used as a power and used as the said “correct” answer because there are large amounts of people supporting it.
How is ISTE using crowdsourcing to its benefit?
ISTE is using crowdsourcing in conferences. Themes, strands and topics are chosen based off of what the majority wants. The keynote speaker for ISTE’s 2010 conference will be chosen directly be the people since majority rule seems fair and like the correct choice as proven by America based on the way we respond to crowdsourcing in our everyday lives.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Journal 6: "The Trouble With Rubrics"
Kohn, A. (2006, March). The Trouble With Rubrics. Retrieved December 10, 2009, from English Journal.
I found it very interesting what Kohn had to say about grades, and rubrics. Kohn wrote in the article that research has been conducted that students who are doing an assignment or assessment that they know is going to be graded perform much worse or to a much lesser level that they are capable of reaching due to the stress of knowing they are getting a grade. Superficial thinking can be triggered. Students are less likely to take risks or feel free to perform how they would under the spotlight because they want to impress their teachers. I can’t agree more with this! Rubrics are great ways to take the stress off students. Students can refer to a rubric to make sense of ideas instead of trying to perform to the standards of a good letter grade.
How can rubrics be seen in a positive light?
Students know ahead of time how they are going to be evaluated. They have expectations and ways to organize assessments or assignments before beginning working on them. Using rubrics teachers can much easier grade every student fairly and equally. Rubrics trigger the question from students “how am I doing?” This is a great sign from a student because they are curious on their progression unlike on a grade scale where expectations can be unclear.
What else can be said about rubrics and how they can be more useful?
Rubrics are organized and neatly written and drawn out in a way that can show way more than a simple letter grade. A rubric can be learned from by a student because there is a lot of feedback that can be written on a rubric. Students can see how they met expectations or didn’t in a clear and easy to read manner. Rubrics are the future for student’s evaluation through my eyes.
I found it very interesting what Kohn had to say about grades, and rubrics. Kohn wrote in the article that research has been conducted that students who are doing an assignment or assessment that they know is going to be graded perform much worse or to a much lesser level that they are capable of reaching due to the stress of knowing they are getting a grade. Superficial thinking can be triggered. Students are less likely to take risks or feel free to perform how they would under the spotlight because they want to impress their teachers. I can’t agree more with this! Rubrics are great ways to take the stress off students. Students can refer to a rubric to make sense of ideas instead of trying to perform to the standards of a good letter grade.
How can rubrics be seen in a positive light?
Students know ahead of time how they are going to be evaluated. They have expectations and ways to organize assessments or assignments before beginning working on them. Using rubrics teachers can much easier grade every student fairly and equally. Rubrics trigger the question from students “how am I doing?” This is a great sign from a student because they are curious on their progression unlike on a grade scale where expectations can be unclear.
What else can be said about rubrics and how they can be more useful?
Rubrics are organized and neatly written and drawn out in a way that can show way more than a simple letter grade. A rubric can be learned from by a student because there is a lot of feedback that can be written on a rubric. Students can see how they met expectations or didn’t in a clear and easy to read manner. Rubrics are the future for student’s evaluation through my eyes.
Journal 8 "Have You Tweeted Today?"
Fingal, D. (2009, October). "Have you Tweeted Today?". Retrieved December 10, 2009, from ISTE
“Have You Tweeted Today?”
I found this article very interesting because I have only used Twitter as a social interaction website. I have never thought of Twitter as a way of learning from someone else in educational purposes. Links and conversations can be followed from professional experts. One major advantage and drawing point to using Twitter is the quick and instantaneous way of communication that occurs. One could get questions asked and answered instantly on Twitter. What has been learned in conferences or small meetings amongst educators can instantly be shared and accessed by using Twitter. I think that is awesome, and as Twitter becomes more and more popular, I feel Twitter will become more and more used for purposes like this instead of used for just social aspects like I use it.
How did Beth Still feel about using Twitter?
Beth Still is a promoter of Twitter trying to get her colleagues on board, but many colleagues won’t quite open their eyes to using Twitter as an educational tool. One piece of advice Beth gives is to throw all assumptions out the window, and to really give Twitter a fair shot because more than likely one’s assumptions or negative thoughts toward Twitter are incorrect.
What are some reasons for negative thoughts toward Twitter discussed in the article?
Some say there is not enough time in the day to fit in Twitter and spend more of their time answering questions and comments on Twitter. What they don’t know is that Twitter is a fast way of communication that doesn’t take much time out of one’s day. There is no introduction necessary in Twitter, questions, comments and communication can simply be stated as just that since there is a character limit on how much you can type and post on Twitter.
“A Cocktail Party Filled With Educators”:
This article was about a reporter and principal. The principal was exposed to Twitter, and hey, what do you know, he gave it a shot and liked it! He also learned a lot from it and said that it helped improve his school tremendously. He liked the social interaction created on Twitter and the easy access to ideas, responses, and questions, comments and feedback toward educational purposes.
“Have You Tweeted Today?”
I found this article very interesting because I have only used Twitter as a social interaction website. I have never thought of Twitter as a way of learning from someone else in educational purposes. Links and conversations can be followed from professional experts. One major advantage and drawing point to using Twitter is the quick and instantaneous way of communication that occurs. One could get questions asked and answered instantly on Twitter. What has been learned in conferences or small meetings amongst educators can instantly be shared and accessed by using Twitter. I think that is awesome, and as Twitter becomes more and more popular, I feel Twitter will become more and more used for purposes like this instead of used for just social aspects like I use it.
How did Beth Still feel about using Twitter?
Beth Still is a promoter of Twitter trying to get her colleagues on board, but many colleagues won’t quite open their eyes to using Twitter as an educational tool. One piece of advice Beth gives is to throw all assumptions out the window, and to really give Twitter a fair shot because more than likely one’s assumptions or negative thoughts toward Twitter are incorrect.
What are some reasons for negative thoughts toward Twitter discussed in the article?
Some say there is not enough time in the day to fit in Twitter and spend more of their time answering questions and comments on Twitter. What they don’t know is that Twitter is a fast way of communication that doesn’t take much time out of one’s day. There is no introduction necessary in Twitter, questions, comments and communication can simply be stated as just that since there is a character limit on how much you can type and post on Twitter.
“A Cocktail Party Filled With Educators”:
This article was about a reporter and principal. The principal was exposed to Twitter, and hey, what do you know, he gave it a shot and liked it! He also learned a lot from it and said that it helped improve his school tremendously. He liked the social interaction created on Twitter and the easy access to ideas, responses, and questions, comments and feedback toward educational purposes.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Wiki Page (NETS V)
In this assignment I used Web 2.0 which is a website that has links to many different tools that are all used for educational purposes. The tool I researched on was called LyricsFly. It wasn't the wisest decision to use this tool since I got docked a point! haha...I was supposed to research on this specific tool and create my own wiki for others to see and comment on, based on the website I chose to research on.
Excel Crossword (NETS III)
Crossword Puzzle
In this assignment I had to create my own crossword using Microsoft Excel. I watched video tutorials online in a step by step process to create my own personal crossword with clues about my own life. I changed the colors on my crossword as well as line thickness, and I also typed in clues to the crossword on a separate sheet so that the crossword could be done not only on the computer, but on paper as well.
Google Earth (NETS I, IV)
For this assignment I downloaded the Google Earth software. I opened Google Earth and I picked three different locations. I chose my house, the Staples Center, and Sprinkles Cupcakes. I titled these places in my maps and I drew out a trail from each different location to the next. Then I described the path I made and chose specific colors for my trail.
iMovie CSUSM (NETS III)
In this assignment I created my own personal movie. My professor provided me with the footage which was of our campus of CSUSM. I had to download iMovie software and use the knowledge we have applied to edit clips into a one minute movie of our own. I added a voiceover, used iTunes to add music to my video, used transitions between clips, used special effects, put freeze frames in, added text to clips, and also added a title and credit page.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
