Blended Edu

Friday, December 30, 2005

Michigan, Online Courses, and Education for the "Flat World"

Michigan Considers Requiring Online Courses for Students: "The Michigan State Board of Education is set to approve a new graduation requirement today that would make every high-school student in the state take at least one online course before receiving a diploma.

The new requirement would appear to be the first of its kind in the nation. Mike Flanagan, the Michigan state superintendent of public instruction, said he proposed the online-course requirement, along with other general requirements, to make sure students were prepared for college and for jobs, which are becoming more technology-focused.

"We don't want our kids left in the global dust," Mr. Flanagan said. "It's an experience we need to have." (via)


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posted by Derek Baird at 13:52 | 0 Comments

Thursday, December 29, 2005

On Wikipedia Credibility

Nature: An International Weekly Journal of Science
Internet encyclopaedias go head to head, Jim Giles

Abstract

Jimmy Wales' Wikipedia comes close to Britannica in terms of the accuracy of its science entries, a Nature investigation finds.

"One of the extraordinary stories of the Internet age is that of Wikipedia, a free online encyclopaedia that anyone can edit. This radical and rapidly growing publication, which includes close to 4 million entries, is now a much-used resource.

But it is also controversial: if anyone can edit entries, how do users know if Wikipedia is as accurate as established sources such as Encyclopaedia Britannica?"


Links


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posted by Derek Baird at 12:28 | 0 Comments

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

CNET Online Course: Macromedia Studio 8


Just recieved your new Macromedia Studio 8? Need to construct a bit of learning? Try out CNET's Help.com Online Courses. You can enroll free for an online course in Macromedia Studio 8 or you can learn how to set up your own wireless home network.

More online courses are planned. Sounds like a great opportunity to learn at your own place and pace.


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posted by maryanne campo at 00:01 | 0 Comments

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Blip.tv

Blip is trying to simplify the vlogging (video+blog) experience with an easy, one click process to upload video to your blog. In addition to being able to movlog (mobile+video+blog) your video, Blip allows you to add tags and even add your video to the Internet Archive for safe keeping.

To recap: Click, Upload, and consider it Blip'd! Yes, it's that easy...

On an educational related note, Blip co-founders Jared and Diana recently taught a course on vlogging and posted some interesting observations about who is vlogging and using social media in the BlipBlog.

Blip is a video sharing site worth keeping your eye on....



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posted by Derek Baird at 14:01 | 1 Comments

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Storynory: Children's stories for your iPod

Storynory is an innovative podcast site that features free children's stories for your iPod. You can choose from a wide variety of stories including: Charles Dickens, Christmas stories, and even some modern stories!

But what's a story without pictures? Well, Storynory solves that problem by using Flickr to display illustrations done by kids! In particular, I love the picture by Isabella of her family! Brilliant work Isabella!

Hugh Fraser, the brains behind Storynory, provides a good overview of how teachers in the UK are using podcasts in the curriculum. It's great to see kids interested in learning the art of storytelling at such a young age!

Kudo's to Hugh, Bertie, and the rest of the talented kid artists at Storynory!


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posted by Derek Baird at 19:51 | 0 Comments

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Skypito: Voice Chat and Gaming for Kids

Skypito: "Keeping your kids safe on the Internet is a priority for us. Skypito is the safest communication tool available for kids. Parents or guardians must pre-approve who kids are allowed to talk to or chat with."

And it's free!

Links

posted by Derek Baird at 20:43 | 0 Comments

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Yackpack Upgrades!

Have you tried YackPack yet? If not, here are two new reasons to give it a try:

  • The interface has been simplified. Now it's even easier to Yack with students, family, & friends!

  • Webmasters (and mortals) can embed YackPack on their own website. Just email the wiz kids over at YackPack and they will provide you with a partner ID and code. A few quick steps later and you're ready to go!


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posted by Derek Baird at 10:39 | 0 Comments

Saturday, December 17, 2005

More on FlickrEdu...

Many thanks to BlendedEdu readers for such a positive response to my article on using Flickr as an educational social networking tool.

Since its publication in the November 2005 edition of techLearning, I have received email and feedback from educators from all over the world.

I'm thrilled that so many of you--from Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, U.S, and elsewhere--have found the article a worthwhile addition to your arsenal of curriculum and teaching resources!

Thank you, again, for your feedback!

db


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posted by Derek Baird at 09:57 | 0 Comments

Friday, December 16, 2005

SFMOMA Artcast Podcast

I recently received an email from Andrew Goodrich (SFMOMA visitor services) regarding a new podcast series being launched by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Here are the details:

"SFMOMA has released its new podcast series, called SFMOMA Artcasts. Each monthly installment has two parts: an audiozine filled with a variety of short features related to works on view and a tour for a current exhibition meant to be used in the galleries.

You don't need to come to the Museum to enjoy the podcast, but if you do bring your downloaded Artcast, we're offering $2 off museum admission through the end of January (with a student I.D. that's only $5!).

To further encourage our visitors to respond to the collection, this podcast announces an invitational that provokes visitors to produce short entries inspired by the Museum.

Our goals in promoting the podcasts are two fold:

  • Encourage you and your readers to download the latest SFMOMA Artcast and send us feedback on how this series can be improved and expanded.

  • Generate additional idea's that we can pass along to the staff - how can we expand our online content to supplement the museum's collection to meet the expectations of internet savvy visitors?"

Questions? Comments? You can send questions or suggestions to: asksfmoma@sfmoma.org

Thanks for the update Andrew!


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posted by Derek Baird at 10:53 | 0 Comments

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Architeacher: Historic Preservation Education

Architeacher: "A major thrust of the program is training teachers to help their students value beauty and function in architectural design. Since Architeacher values the elegance and craftsmanship of buildings from the past, strong focus is given to building student attitudes toward preserving the architectural heritage."


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posted by Derek Baird at 10:41 | 0 Comments

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Macworld Expo SF 2006

Be sure to mark January 9-12 on your calendar and head over to the Macworld Expo SF. This is an opportunity to learn more about your Mac, meet other enthusiasts, and check out the latest Mac gadgets, tools, and more at the show.

But wait--there's more! You can go to the Expo for free!

Jason Shellen, uber blogger and organizer of the 5th Annual Macworld SF Blogger lunch and schmoozefest, has details on his blog on how to grab a free Macworld Expo Pass.

For you bloggers out there, be sure to check out and attend the Macworld SF Blogger lunch. This is an opportunity to meet other bloggers, discuss all things Mac, and well---schmooze!

Thanks to Jason for the info!


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posted by Derek Baird at 12:41 | 0 Comments

Monday, December 12, 2005

Yahoo! Answers

Yahoo! Answers "is a place where people ask each other questions on any topic, and get answers by sharing facts, opinions, and personal experiences."

The unique thing about Yahoo! Answers, is that the community provides you with feedback and answers to your question. Questions are also organized by topic, so it's easy to find the best category for your question.

This new service (currently in Beta form) is designed to be a very interactive and collaborative community. And as such, you can choose to have the community vote on the best response to your question, or you can select what you feel is the best answer.

Since student privacy rules all web-based educational activity, it would be nice to be able to pose a question to a private group (such as your students) and then solicit feedback. Perhaps one way to facilitate private groups is to integrate Yahoo! Answers with your Yahoo! 360 contact list.

In any event, Yahoo! Answers is now open!

Go ahead. Try it!


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posted by Derek Baird at 16:57 | 0 Comments

Education Podcast Network (EPN)

Education Podcast Network: "The Education Podcast Network is an effort to bring together into one place, the wide range of podcast programming that may be helpful to teachers looking for content to teach with and about, and to explore issues of teaching and learning in the 21st century."



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posted by Derek Baird at 16:27 | 0 Comments

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Cyber bullying Prevention Resources

Name calling. Intimidation. Physical violence.

These are hallmarks of what we have long considered "bullying" in schools. But the net generation have found ways to move the bullying into the online world.

New forms of online bullying, dubbed "cyber bullying", include:

  • Threats of physical violence posted in online groups, message boards, and blogs

  • Using mobile-enabled devices, such as a camera phone, to take and/or distribute photographs taken in locker rooms

  • Distribution of embarrassing and/or private information via email or IM

  • Using any form of web-based technology to threaten, embarrass, or intimidate students, teachers, or administrators

A recent and highly publicized example of cyber bullying involves two students who were suspended after allegedly posting threatening statements towards a teacher in an online message board.

As part of a new educational outreach campaign aimed at providing teachers and students with information, tools, and resources on bullying and youth violence in schools, the Department of Health and Human Services' has launched, Stop Bullying Now!.

The Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use (CSRIU) has put together a web site with resources for parents, counselors, and educators to combat the growning epidemic of cyber bullying.



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posted by Derek Baird at 12:04 | 0 Comments

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Poetry: An Artistic Form of Storytelling

To Wikipedian’s “Poetry as an art form predates literacy. Poetry was employed as a means of recording oral history, storytelling (epic poetry), genealogy, and law.

As a result many of the poems surviving from the ancient world are a form of recorded cultural information about the people of the past, and their poems are prayers or stories about religious subject matter, histories about their politics and wars, and the important organizing myths of their societies….”


Poetry transfers cultural information from generation to generation, passing along imagery that’s invokes feelings. Do you remember your favorite poem or reading your favorite poem to your students? One of my favorite memories is reading Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends.

Where the Sidewalk Ends is just one of the poems you can find on Shel Silverstein's new interactive site. Filled with poems, teacher and parent resources and even a place to send an Shel 'e-card' to your friend.

This site will preserve Silverstein’s work for generations to come in the digital medium.



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posted by maryanne campo at 04:14 | 0 Comments

Monday, December 05, 2005

Storytelling U, YackPack & You

"The experience of participating in a story, as teller or audience, is typically that of being caught up in it while it is being told...
Stories convey meaning about the social context and identity of the teller and audience. However, stories also have an effect on that identity and context." - John McLeod

Since the dawn of time, storytelling has been a part of the human experience. From early man's cave drawings to the tall tales of the American South, stories are a mirror which show us where we've been, and shape where we are going as a society.

Sharing our experiences has the power to build bridges of understanding between cultures, and provide generational continuity in the circle of life.

Storytelling is also a powerful learning and teaching tool. The story form model provides a context in which teachers can bridge cognitive roadblocks, scaffold knowledge, and actively engage students in social learning activity.

But storytelling, in many communities, is becoming a "lost art."

In partnership with professional storytelling coaches around the country, YackPack has launched Storytelling U to teach and promote the art of storytelling.
This is a wonderful (and free!) techno-constructivist opportunity for your students to learn the art of storytelling, engage in social activity, and learn how to use new technology.
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posted by Derek Baird at 13:47 | 0 Comments

Saturday, December 03, 2005

NMC Online Educational Gaming Conference

I’ve just added New Media Consortium (NMC) Online Conference on Educational Gaming on Dec 7th & 8th to the BlendedEdu group page on upcoming.org.

This NMC Online Conference theme will explore the use of gaming and its use with the techno-savvy digital natives arriving on our campuses.

How can colleges take advantage of ‘gaming’ to create visually rich learning environments and collaborative learning projects that hook this new generation that is already hooked on technology + gaming?

This totally online conference, with synchronous and asynchronous components, will explore game theory, gaming practices, and gaming's potential impact on education.

posted by maryanne campo at 19:06 | 0 Comments

Blended Edu + Upcoming.org

Check our sidebar for a new feature: Blended Edu+Events.

What is this exactly? Well, Blended Edu + Events is listing of education technology and distance learning conferences we think you might be interested in attending. We started a group page over on Upcoming.org and the events posted in the group event calendar are then shuttled over onto our sidebar. Ah, the magic of technology!

Upcoming.org is a global event calendar and social networking service, where all the events are added by the community. You can add keywords (tags), create private or public groups, search for events by metro, share events with friends, post comments, and keep track of your calendar events.

Oh, did I mention Upcoming.org is free? It's true!

Upcoming.org is an easy way to keep everyone in the loop, discover or share events or find people with the same interests. So, go ahead and create a group for your school, professional development, or social events.

We are interested in listing conferences from all over the world and using Upcoming.org as a collaborative tool to help each other find people, conferences, and resources in the education technology community.

If you hear about education related events taking place in your metro--please add it to the Blended Edu+Upcoming.org group page!


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posted by Derek Baird at 15:00 | 0 Comments

Friday, December 02, 2005

Glide Effortless

A new web service that went live yesterday, Glide Effortless, allows users to create a personal web site to share files among their social network.

"It is a compatible browser-based online solution with integrated software and service environments, providing powerful file management, creation, communication, sharing and e-commerce capabilities."

Glide allows you to upload and share you favorite photos, music files, even Word and PowerPoint documents.

"TransMedia, the company behind Glide, has some legitimate gripes about the way you have to perform tasks on a Mac or PC." You have to do learn different ways to work when you cross-platform and to share pictures you have to send images via email.

The small company of 24 employees is trying to handle the overload of interest since it went live, so maybe its best wait a while before you try to register.

Then I’d suggest ‘you gotta try this’...for sharing!


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posted by maryanne campo at 05:29 | 3 Comments

Online Treasury of Poetry Readings

UK Poet Laureate Andrew Motion and recording producer Richard Carrington created The Poetry Archive, where you can listen to the recordings of great English-language poets.

Students can find supporting material for poetry and poets and locate resources where they can research and learn about poetry.

Teachers can find lesson plans and activities to help get the most out of the site and ideas for using poetry to enrich areas across your curriculum. There are many 1 -2 minute poetry readings that would be ideal to use in the classroom and a great audio resource for ESL/ESL classes.

The Children’s Poetry Archive has poems that will fascinate and keep young listener’s attention, some will make them even laugh out loud.

Think of this site as music for your ears.


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posted by maryanne campo at 04:49 | 0 Comments

Thursday, December 01, 2005

December 1st: Africa, AIDS, and Children


Today, December 1st, is World AIDS Day.

In many parts of the world, Africa in particular, the spread of AIDS/HIV infection among children is rampant. Consider the following:

  • The LA Times reports that there are one million African children who have been orphaned by AIDS. Even more shocking is that 40% of childhood deaths in Africa are related to HIV infection. (1)

  • PlanUSA, an organization dedicated to children's issues, estimates that "unless relief measures are improved immediately, an estimated 40 million African children will be orphaned by HIV/AIDS by 2010." (2)

  • The ONE Campaign reports that every day 1,400 babies are infected with HIV. Some 15 million children under 17 have lost one or both parents to the disease, the vast majority in sub-Saharan Africa. (3)

I look forward to the time when December 1st becomes a day that we honor the memory of those that died, secure in the knowledge that the ravages of AIDS/HIV are in the past.

Let's make December 1st a day with art, music, love, joy, and most importantly--the sound of children filling the playgrounds and wide open spaces of Africa with laughter.

Until that day, please do what you can.

Educate your friends, family and community regarding the plight of these children. Donate your time, money, and political voice to organizations and causes that are working to provide medical care, education, and other resources for children who have had their lives ravaged by this disease.

Links

Get Involved!

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posted by Derek Baird at 17:40 | 0 Comments