Week Two: Your So-Called Digital Life ;-)

I know that week one is always a bit overwhelming for those who don't spend their lives on a computer. This week, I will ensure that everything from last week is clear and that you feel comfortable with my expectations in this class. . .I know I ask a lot from you, but you will receive a lot of support!

This week I want to ensure that everyone has a functioning blog (most are already on the blogroll) and that you posted your Intro Letter with a picture. And don't forget your Twitter account!
We will discuss the Journal Article 1-5 assignment, EdTechProfile and the scan. . .I also want to discuss iGoogle, RSS, Twitter, and Photobooth. . .fun will be had by all, I promise ;-)  Hopefully, you have had a chance to subscribe to ISTE and TaskStream.  I will show you how to self-enroll in the appropriate programs.

Journal 1: "Computing in the Clouds," by Doug Johnson from the Dec/Jan 2009/2010 issue of ISTE's Learning and Leading with Technology.  For a few more days, this article is free.  After this weekend when they change issue's, you will have to be a member to access.
I will go over in class how to access the L&L online version.

Don't forget to comment on the weekly questions. . .it is part of your attendance and participation grade for the semester.

Tech tip #37: click on the cartoon to get a larger view!

This week's Question:  Who is your current favorite musician or band?

Blog and Twitter Survey

Please complete the following survey. Don't forget to hit "submit" when you have completed the survey!!

Instructions: How to Create a Blog!

Publishing a Blog Spring 2010

Instructions 4 Intro Letter

Write a three-paragraph letter of introduction to me and your classmates that you will post on your class blog. You can see a sample Intro Letter of yours truly below!!


Content:


Title:  Include your Name and some text. . .Introducing. . .etc.

1st paragraph: Introduce who you are, where you are from, and where you went to school (K-12) and college.

2nd paragraph: Give an overview of your experience with technology. Are you a Mac or PC person? How much do you depend on technology on a daily basis? New question for technology: which version of Microsoft Office are you using the most (with the Office 07 release for PC and 08 release for Mac, the transition is not an easy one for most people. . .and some of my instructions will need to be modified depending on the version you are able to access!)

3rd paragraph: Read the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement (It’s on the syllabus) and respond to any part of the statement that speaks to you. Was it a factor in your decision to apply at CSUSM?

Include a digital picture of yourself inside the blog post (see sample Intro Letter).

Also, comment on at least three other peers' blogs.

To submit in webCT: include your blog link and the names of the peers whose blogs you commented on.

Grading: Three points for the intro/pic on blog; two points for peer comments.

Sample Intro Letter. . .Jeffery Heil

My name is Jeffery Heil and I am from, well, I'm not sure. I was born in Las Vegas, NV and lived there until I was two years old. Then I moved to Phoenix, AZ and lived there until first grade. . .then I moved back and forth from Seattle, WA (actually, Marysville, but no one outside of the NW knows the city) to Phoenix, AZ. I attended quite a few elementary schools in Phoenix and Marysville and then attended two high schools twice. I started high school in Marysville, moved to Phoenix, moved back to Marysville, then moved back to Phoenix to finish high school. I have attended almost every college in San Diego. . .but I received a BA in Philosophy from UCSD, my teaching credential from National University (awesome synchronized swimming team!), and my MA from SDSU in Liberal Arts & Sciences. I also dropped out of a doctoral program at Pepperdine University. . .if you think it's expensive to see a doctor, try earning one at a private university ;-)

My experiences with technology are varied. I had little or no experience until I began college, then I developed a love of computers. I am proficient in many different programs from basic word processing to advanced video editing. I have been teaching educational technology for the last 5+ years and I love to show people how to integrate technology into their teaching! I am currently (in my day job!) a technology resource teacher for the San Diego County Office of Education's Juvenile Court and Community Schools, where I assist teachers in their use of technology to support student learning. Oh yeah, I am a Mac. My district is moving toward almost exclusively PCs, so I have been forced to go to the DarkSide during the day, but I guess it has made me more of a well-rounded computer geek ;-)

The mission statement of the CSUSM/COE was a factor in my decision to apply to be a distinguished teacher in residence (DTiR). As a San Diego County Office of Education employee, working for the Juvenile Court and Community Schools, I have been very committed to ensure educational equity for all students. The academic achievement gap isn't something that will go away with positive thoughts, but through hard work and dedication from everyone involved in the education of our students. I see CSUSM as an institution dedicated to producing educators who can affect positive change as we transform public education! Technology can be a great medium for social change, which I hope to model for you this fall!

Week 1: Welcome to Ed 422. . .Do not pass GO without Reading!

Welcome to another awesome semester of EDUC 422. . .Technology Tools for Education. I expect that you will learn a lot about how to integrate technology into the classroom, as well as learn how to ramp-up your so-called digital life ;-)


I will use this blog to keep everyone updated on the weekly requirements for the course, as well as model for you how to create a blog for your future classroom!  I need you to read each entry carefully, as I will be giving away $50 a week to the person who finds the hidden gnome on the post. . .okay, not really, but I need everyone to read each entry ;-)

Technical Issues:  
First order of business:  If you do not have a Gmail Address/Account, you need to get one!  (and no, your CSUSM email does not count).  Don't worry, I have worked it out with Google to give you free email accounts!
You will be asked to join and/or participate in a number of web-based tools, software, etc. . .I recommend that you find a user name that identifies you, is appropriate for school/parents, and you can remember. . .
While this course has no required text, you will be required to subscribe to ISTE, the International Society for Technology in Education (see link on this blog), as well as purchase a subscription to TaskStream, an online portfolio generator.  
     For TaskStream (also linked on this blog): You will need to self-enroll in two separate portfolios.      
     Here are the codes you will need:
                                               Local TPE: 6SG3BA
                                               TPA: JF5BNH

I will also ask you weekly questions on this blog that you will need to answer. Some are related to education and most are related you your lives. . .It allows me to build community while ensuring that you are reading the weekly posts!

This Week's Question: What is your current favorite piece of technology and why? (mine is most definitely my iPhone!)