Week 11 Podcasts

Infinite Thinking Machine

Episode Title: And the Walls Came Tumbling Down
Episode Number: 6
This episode covered the advantages of social networking and online communities in the field of education. Despite the numerous negative aspects educators and administrators have expressed concerning social networking. These negative perspectives come from social networks which are open to anyone with a first and last name. However, there are safe networks for young students to meet other children their age, play games, and interact socially through chatting. I think these networks can be implemented in the schools for educational purposes that would benefit the students. Allowing students to connect with other students from different parts of the world would encourage and motivate learning about various geographical concepts and cultures. When students know that they are learning useful and practical information, they will be more likely to retain it.

Moving at the Speed of Creativity

Episode Title: Science and Math Videos on a Purple COW
Date: 3-17-07
Episode Number: 140
Wesley Fryer interviews a representative of Ignite Learning during this podcast. She talks about the purple COW, "Curriculum On Wheels" that Ignite sells. The COW is a digital curriculum product that focuses on instructional content in the subjects of math and science in the upper elementary and middle school levels. This seems like a fun and motivating addition to ANY classroom! I think the best advantage to the COW is that it is so convenient (does not require an internet connection, includes its own projector, only needs a power supply and a place to project it). After attending a school with the best technology being an old TV on a squeaky cart, I can’t believe it has come so far! I just wonder how much a Purple COW costs?

Tech Chick Tips

Episode Title: 21
Date: 03-15-07
Episode Number: chacha.com (and other websites)
The Tech Chicks talked about a few interesting websites throughout this podcast. The first one was chacha.com which functions as a search engine but other people respond to a question. The Tech Chicks went to the site for the first time during the podcast and seemed leery that they were talking to a real person. Even if this is a computer responding, I think this site is a great way for students to learn how to familiarize themselves with the internet. Younger students who are searching for specifics independently may use this to help find a legitimate site for the topic at hand. Another site that was emphasized was Tumblr, which can serve as a basic site for students to blog. The Tech Chicks stressed the importance of the site being user-friendly for elementary students. Also, the blog spot does not allow comments. While students are learning how to blog, and until they become more comfortable and confident with their writing, not allowing comments might be beneficial. However, as students begin asking questions and feeling more comfortable, changing to a site where they can experience that social connection with readers is important. Instead of students always using journals, I think blogging is a great idea, no matter what age!