Thursday, December 02, 2004

Papyrus News

A blog by a colleague at UC Berkeley, with interests in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as well as other areas of coptuer use. Papyrus News

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Learning Together Apart

This is an interesting-looking site using the Moodle CMS and having plenty of examples of online courses. I'm looking forward to perusing this site. Learning Together Apart

Just for Fun

I think this tool will be able to facilitate collaborative achievement of cross-curricular goals. Educational Jargon Generator

Thursday, November 11, 2004

The Keck Project At Virginia Union University

This is a fascinating project in which they are redesigning two entire departments' curricula using instructional systems design strategies. This approach can help with technology integration, with assessment , and with other things as well. The Keck Project At Virginia Union University

Monday, November 08, 2004

A Guide to Education and No Child Left Behind -- TOC

From the US government, this site follows our progress under NCLB, key provisions of the legislation, and gives a good summary. A Guide to Education and No Child Left Behind -- TOC

Monday, November 01, 2004

Academic Commons

Here's an interesting incipient project about the flashpoint between technology and liberal arts education. This project will be open in January of 2005, so this would be a good time to get in on the ground floor. Even if you don't work in a liberal arts institution, it's a good bet that some of the objectives that you stress have much in common with liberal arts, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills. It looks like quite a promising project! I'll be interested in following its progress. Academic Commons

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Using Online Interaction to Break Your Addiction to Classroom Training

Some good ideas for getting online interactive training going and using games to create engaging learning spaces. Using Online Interaction to Break Your Addiction to Classroom Training

Building the Library of Tomorrow

Here is an approach that Penn is taking. This site was suggested to us by Pat Willis, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Building the Library of Tomorrow

Building the Library of Tomorrow

Here is an approach that Penn is taking. This site was suggested to us by Pat Willis, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Building the Library of Tomorrow

Monday, October 25, 2004

Shared learning objects

A repository of shared learning objects from Midland South Community College. Many of these could help us out, I think! Shared learning objects

LLT Vol8Num3: SECOND LANGUAGE SOCIALIZATION IN A BILINGUAL CHAT ROOM: GLOBAL AND LOCAL CONSIDERATIONS

This article, from the Language Learning and Technolgy journal, is a fascinating qualitative study that discusses the usage patterns of bilingual Cantonese/American students in a Hong Kong chat room, and the ways in which they use this chat room as a "safe place" to practice and to learn more English. I found it fascinating! LLT Vol8Num3: SECOND LANGUAGE SOCIALIZATION IN A BILINGUAL CHAT ROOM: GLOBAL AND LOCAL CONSIDERATIONS

Monday, October 18, 2004

Course Management Systems and the Reinvention of Instruction

This article has the interesting approach of using a CMS for two purposes: 1) instructing a completey online course and 2) using the CMS to supplement a f2f course. I would really like to get a discussion like this going on the ENGAGE-L list. More later...Course Management Systems and the Reinvention of Instruction

Weblogg-ed - Using Weblogs and RSS in Education

I enjoyed this blog entry, which gave a truly balanced view of blogs:" both the good and the bad. I wonder which way this will work out for me? Probably some entirely different way. :-) Weblogg-ed - Using Weblogs and RSS in Education :

However, I've got to agree with the student's comments on the blog vs. a discussion board. I think that the discussion tool may be much better suited for a lively conversation, while a blog would be most useful for professional reflection and development. I know it's certainly helped me to think about my instruction a lot more.

Thursday, October 14, 2004

Print: The Chronicle: 1/30/2004: How Computers Change the Way We Think

Print: The Chronicle: 1/30/2004: How Computers Change the Way We Think Sherry Turkle's reflection on the effects that technology has on us, or rather, the difference between the world of now and the world that we grew up in. Interesting ideas that I'd like to address more later.

Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Blogbox.com

Two of my favorite words: "free" and "toy" featured in this article. Blogbox is a free set of tools to add multimedia and content to your blog. I haven't gotten a chance to take a look at it yet, so please let me know what you think if you try these out. Blogbox.com

From eLearning Dialogue: Student's View of CMS

A much-neglected view: one student's view of the use of a Course Management System. eLearning Dialogue Amazing, isn't it, that while we're trying to be student-centered, this is the first article like this that I've read? It's possible that professors are busy talking to their students about what's going on with instructional technology, and that this need is being filled. Somehow, I doubt it.

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

EDTEC Saturday Seminar: Weblogs for Writing

Surprise, surprise that Bernie Dodge has an excellent resource on blogging on his own blog. Par for the course. However, I'm just glad that he keeps sharing these great resources! That's an interesting idea for a workshop format...one hour one week, one hour the next, and web-based discussions in between. You know, I think something like that would really go over well at Marietta. EDTEC Saturday Seminar: Weblogs for Writing

Monday, October 11, 2004

DigitalJournal.com - Digital Culture For Creative MindsThe

An excellent overview of the Copyright Extension Act. And my students don't believe me when I call it the Mickey Mouse Copyright Act! This article is an excellent overview of the law as well as the reasons behind the law. DigitalJournal.com - Digital Culture For Creative Minds

Friday, October 08, 2004

Quick Tips about Blogs--OLN

Here's a collection of resources by the Ohio Learning Network about blogs in education, complete with articles and example blogs. Enjoy! Quick Tips

Innovate - October/November 2004

The inaugural issue of a new interactive journal about online learning. Some interesting articles this month about learning objects and curriculum change, among others. It should be an interesting journal to be a part of! Innovate - October/November 2004

Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops

This is a new initiative sponsored by thte government with the idea f bringing professional development to teacher in all parts of the country via online professional development. I think this is one of the best applications of the Internet, to bring just-in-time professional development to even those who live in rural areas or those who can't fit professional development into their schedules until 10 p.m. Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

Weblogs in Education: Bringing the World to the Liberal Arts Classroom

An interesting story detailing several uses of blogs in the liberal arts classroom, with links to many more resources. I've not completely checked all of these out yet, but I'm looking forward to it. The NITLE News Volume 2, Number 1, winter 2003, by Sarah Lohnes

CNN.com - Some professors won't give up chalk for technology's sake - Oct 5, 2004

The chalkboard is back in the spotlight at the center of controversy. It should be no stranger at this point. :-) CNN.com - Some professors won't give up chalk for technology's sake - Oct 5, 2004

Designing blogs for education - by Jonathan Briggs

Some interesting insights on using blogs for education, mostly in outline form. It'll be a good place to interact, I think. Designing blogs for education - by Jonathan Briggs

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

The Chronicle: 9/17/2004: With This Enrollment, a Toy Surprise

The next stage in technology enticements for students? The Chronicle: 9/17/2004: With This Enrollment, a Toy Surprise


Sharon Douglass sent this along. I think this is important to consider as we continue our discussion on the laptop requirements. Are we trying to do another gimmick? If so, then there are much less expensive ways to provide a tangible incentive to students. Is this a road that will lead us to better learning for students? If not, then why should we consider this

Wednesday, September 29, 2004

CBS News | College Gambles On Technology | September 14, 2004�18:45:46

This story seems to be amore balanced view, a combination of the two stories I posted earlier. Let me know what you think. CBS News | College Gambles On Technology | September 14, 2004�18:45:46

USC Annenberg School Center for the Digital Future

This is a summary of the latest report on trends in Internet use. Among these trends: the digital divide is closing, but not closed; credibilty of Internet information is down (hey, maybe our messages on information evaluation are getting through), and the implications fo the shift from viewing the TV to actively participating in Internet activities. The only thing that concerns me is that I don't know if browsing the Internet is necessarily a more active activity than watching TV. I think it would depend upon what folks are doing on the Internet. If they're using the broadband (another rising trend) to watch movies and film clips, what would be the difference between watching the TV and "watching" the Internet? USC Annenberg School Center for the Digital Future

Monday, September 27, 2004

The Other Side of the WV Wesleyan Story

This article appeared in the paper in Buckhannon. Wesleyan reacts to AP report

The Status of Ubiquitous Computing

An EDUCAUSE Review article addressing the latest dealing with issues of ubiquitious computing, including wireless networks and laptop colleges. This article was written by the Instructional Technology Specialist (Karen Petitto) at West Virginia Wesleyan College.I think we should look at these issues and determine where we stand on our ability to address them. The Status of Ubiquitous Computing

West Virginia college takes a gamble on technology - The Washington Times: Culture, etc. - September 27, 2004

This is one analysis of the situation at West Virginia Wesleyan College. This article presents the down side, while a presentation that I saw last summer indicated that most faculty would never go back to a non-laptop campus. This will be some good food for thought as we begin to discuss this issue again. West Virginia college takes a gamble on technology - The Washington Times: Culture, etc. - September 27, 2004

Friday, September 24, 2004

Wired News: Campus Life Comes to Second Life

An interesting article about an exciting new tool for community planning, leadership, environmental studies...the possibilities are limitless! Wired News: Campus Life Comes to Second Life

Wednesday, September 15, 2004

Peter Sefton : Links considered too difficult for online education software

An interesting view of LMS and how they should be used. I agree with Peter that too often WebCT is used like a digital version of a reserve reading section. Even though there is a place for these kinds of documents, I think that the greatest advantage that web-enhanced learning has is the abilty to draw connections, either the professors drawing connections and sharing them with the students or the students creating their own connections with the guidance of the professor. Some good food for thought. Peter Sefton : Links considered too difficult for online education software

WIDS (Worldwide Instructional Design System)

The Worldwide Instructional Design System (WIDS) provides software, professional development and training to help you create a learner-centered curriculum

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Boston.com / News / Boston Globe / Opinion / Editorials / Learning with a laptop

Experiences from Massachusetts state schools, some of which may be applicable here. Boston.com / News / Boston Globe / Opinion / Editorials / Learning with a laptop

PCWorld.com - Burning Questions: When Good Discs Go Bad

A good overview outlining the differences in optical media, such as CDs and DVDs, along with a guide on how to make sure you're getting good media. PCWorld.com - Burning Questions: When Good Discs Go Bad

Thursday, August 19, 2004

Valparaiso University's New Library

I found this article to be interesting. Granted, we're not going to spend $33 million on our new library, and the robotic arm is probably a bit of overkill, but I think there are some ideas worth examining in this article. News Sentinel | 08/12/2004 | Robotic arm facilitates access to library books

The New York Times > Technology > Trying to Take Technology to the Masses

An interesting project at Carnegie Mellon is trying to build a $250 wireless networked laptop to try to reach across the digital divide. The New York Times > Technology > Trying to Take Technology to the Masses

Friday, July 30, 2004

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Dr. Helen Barrett's Electronic Portfolios

A great resource for electronic portfolio templates, etc. Dr. Helen Barrett's Electronic Portfolios

Site also contains a link to Cambridge's Deep Learning presentation that sounds really good.

She made several presentation at the TLMI conference at Otterbein college this week. Terrific conference, as always!!

One presentation was talking a good bit about what I like to call "the dark side of portfolios." Discusses the pressures on portfolios for student learning as well as portfolios for demonstration of mastery of concepts. Assessment for learning vs. assessment of learning. Story of learning, not a checklist of skills learned.

Thursday, July 22, 2004

BugMeNot.com

This site allows you to use "dummy" logins to access content on sites for which you need to register. Neat idea! BugMeNot.com

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Dihydrogen Monoxide - The Truth

This would be a great site to encourage critical thinking and informaiton evaluation among kids. Dihydrogen Monoxide - The Truth

Friday, July 09, 2004

The Educator's Reference Desk: Resource Guide

The Educator's Reference Desk: Resource Guides This site is the same as the old ERIC site housed at Syracuse. Quite helpful in finding lesson plans and compiliations of research on selected educational topics. Not quite as useful if you're looking at technology, although many lesson plans do incorporate technology.

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

A crisis for Web preservation

Maybe I'm just a tad skeptical about the government (especially this one), but it seems a bit sinister that this information is self-vaporizing so quickly. It reminds me way too much of 1984 and Minitrue. I'd wonder what kinds of examples we could find of what's getting lost. I remember Dr. Maughan in graduate school saying "Information wants to be free." The problem is that too often free implies valueless.A crisis for Web preservation

BEEP's Best Bets Archive

Here are some of education's best bets. there are several innovative (and time-saving!) technology tools in thia site. Best Bets' Archive

Thursday, July 01, 2004

Weatherstation Report

Weatherstation Report: Thwarted Innovation This study conducted by UPenn is subtitled "Why did the e-learning boom go bust?" I'm going to read it now (at least the conclusions) and muse a bit later on.

Tuesday, June 22, 2004

Tablet PC Info

what do you think about using this biog (or a Wiki) to share our experiences with the new tablets? I was thinking of Reflection as well as tips & tricks.

Ocean and Stars: Welcome!

A wonderful blog about Mark Warschauer and Keiko Hirata's new baby Daniel Kaito. I'm looking forward to seeing their little one grow up on this blog.
Ocean and Stars: Welcome!

Friday, June 18, 2004

Teaching and Developing Online

Teaching and Developing Online The blog that got me started. Always interesting discussions.

Wednesday, June 09, 2004

Blogs and Wiki: WikiAndBlog

Blogs and Wiki: WikiAndBlog A source that should be useful as I prepare for Educ. 630

Last Year's 630 Class

Last year's 630 was quite valuable. This year we will be expanding our topics so that more are directly relevant to your practice.

Wednesday, June 02, 2004

Computers in Education class

I've been thinking a lot lately about the class I will be teaching this summer, Education 630 (Advanced Instructional Techniques). It's really Computer Uses in Education or the like. You know that educators can't give the same name to two classes. :-) The students are mostly inservice teachers, though there are a few career-changers.

I'm going to use this blog as a gathering point for my resources and what should be taught in this class. I'm toying with the idea of having the students create their own blogs as well. Any ideas of the use the blog in education, or important educational issues that we should be dealing with are welcome.

Homemade PowerPoint Games - Lloyd Rieber & Gretchen Thomas

Homemade PowerPoint Games - Lloyd Rieber & Gretchen Thomas
This is a pretty neat resource that I got from the folks at ITFORUM. There's been a lively discussion these past few days about PowerPoint tutorials and resources. I always get a lot of good material, ideas, and discussion from that list.

Welcome

Hello, and welcome to this blog! I've created it to have an easy way to share ideas about instructional technology, distance learning, and how these can be used to enhance student learning. I'd like to post a few resources every day to keep myself (and the faculty at Marietta College) up on the neat uses of IT that I find.

Enjoy, and please let me know if you have comments or something to share!