Wikis

A wiki is a website that is in a state of constant change because anyone in the world can edit it. Among its many uses, wikis can be used to share personal knowledge, to gain information, or collaboration with others. Wikis can also be a good source of information for slang or new words that have not been published in dictionaries. There is potential to using wikis in the educational setting including:

1. Increased student collaboration
   
2. Parental involvement and communication
   
3. A learning environment extending outside classroom
   
4. Centralized location for information

Because any one can update, edit, and change a wiki page, it is important to discuss validity and personal responsibility when using wikis with students. Furthermore, students need to be notified that wikis are not the only type of web page open to editing; anyone who has a computer can create a web site containing false information. The Internet (not just wikis) exemplifies the concept of, “Let the reader be aware!”

podcasting

Podcasting allows individuals to select audio content to be downloaded as desired.  Podcasts can be stored on the computer or portable devices such as iPods or mP3 players. Podcasting is a general term that encompasses both audio and visual content that is portable and accessible anytime, anywhere. Throughout the last two weeks I have learned that podcasting has more potential in my classroom than I had originally thought. Podcasting has its place in education as it can allow students to access:

1. Audiobooks
2. News
3. missed lessons
4. tutorials
5. personal information
6. music 

In my classroom, I use podcasting as a way to increase reading fluency in a creative way. Students collaborate to share poems. Students map out who speaks and when, what sound effects will be included and when, how to create the audio effect, and in some cases, what video and graphics to add. I also use audiobooks on iPods for as a literacy station during my guided reading groups, and my students LOVE it.    When I need supplemental materials to enhance or teach a lesson, I often search for a Vodcast or Podcast for the lesson.

These past few weeks have also made me begin to wonder about the structure of our current educational system.  If there is this much information that is portable and available on-demand, the radical change to the educational system seems appropriate, and possibly more economic.  

self reflection: web 2.0

Throughout the past two weeks, I have learned about many ways educators have integrated web 2.0 tools into existing curriculums.  I am excited to report, that through collaboration and personal research, I have discovered how to enhance technology use in my own classroom.  

An overwhelming theme that appeared throughout this discussion, was the frustration of managed computers.  I am fortunate to be the administrator on all of the machines in our building, so I can freely download applications when needed.  I have not always been in this position, however, so I can understand the frustration level of educators who find quality tools, but then get hateful message declaring the lack of administrative rights.  

I have mixed feelings about managed machines.  On one hand, not all teachers are at the same level of proficiency, and by giving them rights, they may not always know what they are doing.  This has happened recently with some printer drivers, and it has increased my workload because I am backtracking to fix the mistakes of others (this frustration is enhanced because with many of the teachers I work with, they are not learning from their mistakes because they aren't the ones fixing the problem).  Also, managed machines ensure that updates happen as they should, keeping machines running properly.  Lastly, I have been put into situations where teachers have requested I load software on multiple machines and, thus, violating copyright laws.  I feel like the Gestapo when I tell people when and where they can load software on their machines.  More often than not, I am the "bad guy".    I can understand and sympathize how managed machines make life maddening for many educators, and disregards professional judgement in many cases; however, I also believe that everything, including computers need a system of checks and balances.  

Zamzar

Zamzar is a free online file conversion software. Zamzar is a free web application; however, it can be purchased. By purchasing Zamzar, more options become available such as faster file conversion and file management. For free users, files can be converted as long as the are less than 1 GB in size.  All Zamzar users can convert a variety of files including audio, graphics, documents and video without the requirement of purchasing anything. The only thing that is required to use it is a valid email address, and both Mac OS X and Microsoft users can easily use Zamzar.  After selecting the files to be converted, Zamzar will email you a link where you can access and download the files with the new format.  This link is only available for 24 hours. These are just a few reasons that Zamzar is a powerful tool

• it's free
• it's fast
• easy to user interface
• no need to download an application
• advertisements are not distracting

Zamzar is a powerful tool for educators!  There are many media sites that are blocked while within a school district's firewall.  Some of these sites contain information that is academically relevant to a classroom, and Zamzar allows a way to utilize these resources.  Another reason Zamzar can benefit educators is when students email assignments.  Because there are a variety of options available in computer platforms and software, not all files can be opened on all computers.  It is also available online, which means it does not require an application to be downloaded.  Oftentimes, teachers are not administrators to their work machines, and adding new applications can either be denied (because of administrative rights) or simple problematic because they have to justify how is educationally relevant.  The BEST part about Zamzar is that is it free!  

The video below is an introduction to Zamzar.  This video can also be found at

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=a9e0b49dc35484d52e3c

Just a note, in the video, I did not demonstrate how to convert a file that was already on my computer, as I didn't want to show the world my documents.  Have no fear, it is easy!