Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Movie Maker

I am learning to utilize a webcam and Windows Movie Maker software to create a 2-3 minute webcast for my first parent newsletter releasing in August. My trials began when the sound did not record, a computer reboot fixed that problem. I then realized the webcam software only records for one minute, not quite the length of time I had proposed for the webcast. After recording a few one minute episodes I then turned to Windows Movie Maker to put together the two short clips with transitions and effects, along with a photograph and music. It is a work in progress but I have learned more about using a webcam and movie making software than I ever imagined. I have great hopes that the end project will come to life for all who view the broadcast and ignite students and staff in utilizing technology creatively this school year.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Teachnology Leadership 09

I have been rapidly learning this past year to utilize a variety of web 2.0 tools for the benefit of my students, school community, and family. Educators have to be willing to grow, take risks and think outside the box if they are going to embrace the tools of the future. I believe Alan November said it well in Empowering Students with Technology when he wrote, "the real revolution is a transformational shift of control from the school system to the learner" (2001). Technology is not an add-on but an integral part of the curriculum creating a change in the teacher to student relationships in today's classrooms.
Soshana Zuboff's research clearly defines two approaches to using technology - automating and informating. She explains how the automation of technology leaves all things the same such as locus of control, relationships, the work and processes leading to little improvement. However, if an organization implements informating "new technologies can leverage empowerment through access to new sources of information and relationships" thus leading to high levels improvement(1988). This fundamental shift of control changes relationships, schedules, the use of space, and places responsibility on the learner. "Informating leads to empowerment" (November,2001).
With that said it is time for all educators to select the approach that will best serve the student's of today as they prepare for tomorrow's workforce. The global economy will require employees to be self-directed and interdependent with the freedom to manage their own work. Let's get this Techno-Revolution Rolling !