The following are a few RSS feeds (blogs) that I have found to be both interesting and enlightening towards my field of graduate studies in Educational Media Design and Technology.
- Clive on Learning
Clive Shepherd is a man who has spent the last two and a half decades studying computer learning; which, in and of itself, is reason enough for a graduate school student of educational technology and media design to be interested in reading his notes. I am further intrigued because I see that he speaks from experience in another country besides myself- The United Kingdom, and for some time, I have heard of the UK's embrace of modern technology in K12 education... more-so than that of the United States in public education. By browsing this blog, one can quickly see that Clive enjoys seeking out the views of many of education's reformers and reviewing their proposals to enhance education as we know it. I am enlightened to piggy-back off of his gleanings and learn these truths for myself. His blog notes inspire me to think outside of the box that I am currently in, while showing me that there are men and women who are actively revolutionizing education... and I too can become one of those. Many of Clive's blogs have their foundation, or inspiration, in the review of another professional's blog, which give me a link to another source for reflection, contemplation, and study.
I was first drawn to this blog because it is referenced on several other blogs for education and technology; therefore, it is apparent that the publications in this blog are favored by many in my same field of study. After visiting and touring the blog myself, I have found that many of the "buzz" words of my field are apparent throughout: social networking, connectivism, and elearning just to name a few. Under the "teaching" tab, I found discussions that directly relate to my situation in a school system that does not embrace web 2.0 tools. As I read through these notes, I am relieved that there are people out there speaking out on my behalf, encouraged that I am not alone in my feelings, and saddened by the commonalties of a lack of participation. I appreciate that this blog gives me links to many articles of interest such as "Confessions of an Early Internet Educator" and "Distance Learning: Step by Step." Since starting this program of graduate school, I have become more comfortable with the idea of teaching k12 online as a career... and just at the time when GA is offering an online high school! Being exposed to such articles and the thoughts of other distant peers help me to more fully understand the field.
Solely on the basis of the title of this blog, I was sold! Then after browsing the site, watching the videos posted there, and reading the notes- I am still intrigued by much of it, while also distracted by the personal sections like a family beach trip...etc. The main reason I add this blog to my list is that there are many discussions about how government budget cuts directly (& negatively) effect education. Many of the postings read like news articles exposing the sad realities of school closures, laid-off teachers, and students lacking needed resources; all of which are also facing my state. Just recently, I have been shifted two years in a row based on teacher allotments and budget crisis. My heart and life are personally burdened by the governments decision to balance the budget on the backs of educators. For those reasons, this blog interests me.
I enjoy Carol's blog because I can quickly see that she is very focused on the use of technology in the k12 environment. My immediate excitement came when I saw that she, like myself, is experimenting with Twitter in the classroom. It is quite encouraging, and empowering, to see that Carol seems to be at the heart of my dealings in the classroom! After reading her "50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Education" blog, I find several techniques that I am going to implement with my few classroom followers! Furthermore, I appreciate how organized Carol's blog site is. She posts just about everything in a step by step outlined format that makes it easy to read and to follow.
My initial feeling when visiting this blog was discouraging in that the last post was in January 2009... obviously meaning that it is not kept active and up to date. However, after perusing the archives I see that it is still a rich source for information and ideas. Several free web resources are advertised that I had no idea even existed (not in cost-free form anyway). I greatly appreciate the softwares for assessment, as this is something I have desired to use with my students for some time but yet have not had the funds to do so. I also appreciate the many educational games listed... these can be posted to my own classroom website and assist in student remediation and enrichment. I believe that I will be able to use the contents of this blog to find printable, educational games, and assessment softwares that can ultimately make my classroom lessons more interactive with technology as well as take less time in the planning and creating stages that often wear me out as a teacher.
This blog provides up to the moment information about the newest technologies introduced and the uses of those already available. I strongly believe that it is important for those studying and desiring to implement technology to know what is available and understand the uses of applications. Technology is a fast-paced, ever-changing and developing culture that must consistently be kept up with. This blog is a great assistant in such efforts to stay informed! Several news articles are posted daily exploring the companies monopolizing our culture such as Microsoft, AT&T, Macintosh, and Google to name a few. Though aspects of this blog may not directly relate to my explorations and experimental research as a k12 educator, they are necessary and helpful to keep me, the technology student, well informed. I did find, however, a file within this larger blog that specifies the field of "educational technology." It is also by Ray Schroeder- a man whom I did not know of before this research, but of whom I have seen mentioned in many of the blogs I have been exploring. Turns out that his research and expertise have won him several remarkable awards in educational technology! Therefore, reading his notes and reflections would be an intellectually sound decision on my part seeing that I am a student of that field! As I explore, I find where he has investigated happenings and articles written in my own city's newspaper (Atlanta Journal)... thus, the content is relevant to not only my field of study, but also my location.
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