Blog Reflection #5

My "aha" moment occurred when I was learning about wikis and podcast.  One of the biggest challenges I face in my unit is how to provide training to unit members when our schedule is jammed pack. By using the technologies that we reviewed in this course, that can be accomplished.  I was really surprised how easy it was to create a podcast!  My philosophy hasn't really changed, but I now have some technological tools that i can use to make my training program more efficient.

Reflective Blog #4

I love this section of the course regarding podcats.  I did not know it was so simple to create one.  This will be a huge advantage in training my unit members.

• Are you more comfortable composing documents online than longhand?  I prefer online because of the ability to spell check and edit the document in addition to sharing it (as in a wiki)
  
• Have you turned your "remembering" (phone numbers, meetings, and so on) over to a technology device? Without a doubt, YES!  I can't live without my smart phone.  I synchronize with my work computers and I rarely miss a meeting...birthday... or anniversary  :-)
   
• Do you go to meetings with your laptop or PDA?  Usually I take my smartphone
  
• Are you constantly connected? Is the Internet always on whether you are at home or work? Is your cell phone always with you? Yes
  
• How many different activities can you effectively engage in at one time?
  
• Do you play video or computer games?  Sometimes.  I'll play a game on my son's XBOX360.  I would not consider myself a "gamer"
  
  What generational category do you fall in or are you a mixture of a few?  I believe I am a mixture of a few categories.  I believe I am digitally literate and a non-traditional learner.
  
  
  This article focused on implications primarily for higher education; however, the characteristics for the Net Gen remain true for students in K12. What and how do we need to change?    I think we need to take advantage of the capabilities of the Next Gen student.  I feel that the basic structure of education is sound for the most part, however, we should make learning available everywhere.  Think of it as "Education & Training on Demand".  We can order a movie, watch some of it, pause it, and finish it later.  Education can be the same way.  Imagine a student able to review notes from a previous class a year later.  Imagine the ability to podcast a lecture and being able to rewind until you can comprehend it.