http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org Another excellent Edublogs.org blog Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:49:05 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Jack, who is blind, enters classroom 2020 and selects an MP3 player loaded with a CBS update on the outbreak of MRSA in area high schools.  Mason and Alena are checking their Pageflakes for the latest news on antibiotic resistant bacteria, while Janet and Celine check their blogs and del.icio.us accounts and discuss ... http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/11/17/9-c-1-2020-vision/ Google Notebook is a tool that I would recommend to students and/or parents of students who have a fear of being published on the web.  Since the Google Notebook cannot be edited like a wiki and can be sent only to those email addresses chosen by the learner, it may ... http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/11/13/9-a-1-web-applications/ A paperless class reinforces the role of teacher as facilitator and moderator of learning as opposed to being the sole purveyor of knowledge.  In such a situation, it would be the job of the teacher to design a format (blog, wiki, etc.), a time frame, and a clear assessment tool ... http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/11/06/8-b-1-paperless-class/ Will Richardson’s Big Shift #3, “The Social, Collaborative Construction of Meaningful Knowledge” has probably had the most impact on my teaching practice so far.  Through blogs, I have connected with at least one educator who offers collaboration with my students.  When I design my lessons, I now think with the ... http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/11/06/8-a-1-big-shifts/ My response to Skype Ideas can be found on David's blog.   http://davidbakki195300.edublogs.org/ skype http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/11/03/response-to-skype-ideas/ Connecting through Skype was fun!  Turning on my laptop to find messages waiting added yet another dimension to networking.  The experience brought to life the opportunities to communicate with others who come from different backgrounds and perspectives.  It is refreshing to learn how people in other states or countries view education ... http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/11/03/7-c-2-skype-ideas/ The following comments by Jay Cross found at http://bcefall07pls.wikispaces.com/PRO+Group seem to be contradictory to George Siemens's ideals surrounding his connectivism theory. Mr. Cross states that "the bottom line is performance, not learning" and that "the group mind is your friend." In a blog post made on October 4, 2007, Mr. Siemens ... http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/11/03/7-a-3-responding-to-connectivism/ Scientific American publishes “60-Second Science” a daily podcast of an important topic in the scientific world.  (http://www.sciam.com/podcast/index.cfm?e_type=25) Instead of beginning class with my traditional “Brainwarmer,” I would use the podcast as a kickoff for discussion.  The archives would also allow me to select something pertinent to the unit we are studying.  ... http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/10/25/6-b-3-podcasts-in-the-classroom/ Recently, I took my AP Biology students to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for a “Behind the Scenes” tour.  Our favorite moments were spent with a macaroni penguin such as the one in the photo that I obtained from Flickr.  Most of the students took pictures of exotic animals ... http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/10/23/6-a-1-flickr-possibilities/ The development of a wiki this week was an eye-opener.  I learned quickly that it is great to have a partner who knows a lot more than I do about navigating through new tools!  It drove home the power of cooperative learning and the richness of collaboration in the classroom ... http://friendlyarachnids.edublogs.org/2007/10/20/5-d-1-wikis-in-your-classroom/