Comment from Jsarnett on Twitter: Wednesday, Apr 30 2008 

Social Networking Site tnprater1006 11:51 am

I think that Jsarnett “hits the nail on the head” in his comment:

Jsarnett’s Weblog: The more time I spend on Twitter, the more I begin to understand that it is much different than the other SNSs like MySpace and Facebook.  Twitter is not so in depth as these other sites.  Twitter is more of a place to stop and chat a bit on you way to somewhere else……image MySpace or Facebook being a party on the penthouse floor of the building….then Twitter is the elevator….complete with small talk and some occasional obligatory music to cover the silence. 

I find it interesting that one can only type 140 characters in Twitter which causes one to be short and directly to the point of what one is doing and/or thinking.  I do however like “small talk” because it makes for short reading but one of the biggest problems that I find is that if you aren’t on Twitter daily you can get lost very quickly in conversations (you are no longer in the “know”).

 

Me, as a 21st Century Learner: Monday, Apr 28 2008 

EDUC 628 Post tnprater1006 4:50 pm

For those that are interested in how I am a 21st Century Learner, you may watch my video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39Up1f0lmOA!

 

Children Learn What They See! Monday, Apr 28 2008 

EDUC 628 Post tnprater1006 4:22 pm

Someone sent me a video the other day that was labeled “Children Learn What They See” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diUB7OGRJ8E) which has a very profound message.  I really began to think after watching the video how true it is that children do learn what they see! When one looks at education, culture and technology and the role that the three play in society, it is apparent the importance of each of them.  Without education, how will future generations be able to contribute to socieity?  The answer is simple, they won’t!  Education is the key that unlocks the door, technology is the door and culture is acturally what is behind the door.

As a parent and an educator, I see on a daily basis the importance of all three concepts.  I am fortunate in that I teach technology and can help my students “open the door” with the key of education and enter into their culture along with the culture of others.  As one progresses and goes through society, one can quickly see changes that need to occur to imporve the culture in which they live.  But without education of the ones that will be required to make the changes, change will not occur!  Without the knowledge of knowing what needs to be changed, changes will not occur!  With knowledge, one must have information; technology is where the information can be found for the purpose of creating change. So back to the statement, children learn what they see; if children see a culture that doesn’t value education, they will also not value education.  If children see a culture that doesn’t value and utilize technology, they will also not value or utilize technology.  If children see a culture that doesn’t want change, they too will not want change!

And on a lighter note, my children also learn what they see from me (which is not always a good thing). Sometimes, you really don’t know what they are watching and learning which is why one needs to be extremely careful what they say or do.  My oldest son, Dillon, is a lot like me (pray for him! :) ) in that he loves technology. The other day, he got into the car and ask if we could play his CD that he had “burned” himself (now keep in mind that Dillon is only 10 years old and only watched me one time burn a CD for him).  When I put the CD in, I was pleasently surprised to learn that he apparently likes the 1980’s hard rock bands (Guns n Roses, White Snake, Poison, etc.) which is what the CD consisted of.  But other than being pleased with his wonderful taste in music (ha ha), I was even happier with his ability to apply what he had only seen me do one time! 

I think that as parents and educators, one needs to realize that those that are viewing us are much more advanced in their abilities than ever before.  It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that you are allowing individuals to see the change that you want to occur in a culture.  Just remember, you are the locksmith that can create the “key that opens the door”! :)

 

Badges to Webpages Tuesday, Apr 22 2008 

Social Networking Site tnprater1006 1:56 pm

I know that I am probably behind the times but I love the badges that you can add to your custom webpages.  For example, if you want to visit my on-line classroom I have created, (http://www.magoffin.kyschools.us/mcctc/Webquest/Mrs_Praters_Homepage.htm) you will see the two badges I have added from dogster.com and Classroom 2.0.  These badges take you directly to the SNS’s you are involved with.  A really neat trick – the HTML code is written for you so you just copy and paste it into your webpage. :)

 

Classroom 2.0 – A New SNS Adventure! Tuesday, Apr 22 2008 

Social Networking Site tnprater1006 1:15 pm

I always suspected that I suffer from adult ADD and after researching social networking sites, it is apparent that I have difficulty sticking with one thing two long.  So in that being said, I am on to a new SNS called Classroom 2.0 which is a social networking site designed for educators of all kinds.  As I have stated in the past, what makes a SNS successful for me is the information in which I can retreive from it.

Last night, I created a home page (http://www.classroom20.com/profile/TraciPrater) and began yet another exploration through the world of social networking sites.  I actually stumbled upon this site with help of Dr. Lowell when I ask the question: Do you know a good global blog site designed for K-12 students to communicate with other K-12 students around the globe for the purpose of getting information about the area in which others live?  Dr. Lowell responded by asking me who was logged into CR20, maybe they could help!  Now I am sure that sometime during this class, Dr. Lowell has mentioned Classroom 2.0 but me being the absent minded professor (ha ha); I apparently missed the memo.  Since I created my page, I have already had a few responses from those that I have added as friends and also met a nice professor at Eastern Michigan University that teaches technology.  I am not sure where this path will lead but I am excited in walking down the trail to find out!

 

Remote Access Wednesday, Apr 16 2008 

EDUC 628 Post tnprater1006 7:13 pm

As assessment time approaches, it always amazes me how much time and effort has to be spent throughout the school year preparing students for state assessments which is reality are a huge waste of time (in my opinion!).  As Remote Access stated:

Remote Access
In education, innovation is a problem. As with any other industry, we have many parts and pieces that we need to look at, and many places that are in need of the “innovation spotlight.” Assessment, timetabling, course content, school building design, etc., etc. The list could continue.

Innovation is a problem in education, but it is also a must.  If educators, especially those in the public school systems, don’t start standing up for what the children really need in the classroom instead of what the “suits” at the Department of Education think they need (which how would they know because many of them haven’t been in the classroom setting for years) the educational systems are going to go on a downward spiral from which one can not recover. 

As we look at education and the educational environment, it is apparent that changes occur on a daily basis.  The students in which one teaches are also rapidly changing.  So why is it that those in charge of making the “important” decisions are having difficulty with innovation?  It is my opinion that for someone to by innovative, one must have in-depth knowledge into what they are trying to be innovative about! When those trying to make decisions haven’t been on the “front-lines” for an extended period of time, it makes it a little difficult to understand how and what needs to be changed and improved upon.

 

SNS 101 Monday, Apr 14 2008 

Social Networking Site tnprater1006 4:57 pm

I have just investigated www.dogster.com and I am really pleased with this SNS.  I have not been really pleased with Twitter because I don’t have time to see what others are doing on a continious basis.  I also find it difficult to determine who you are compatiable with without conducting in-depth research.  I also am not sure what type of relationships one could actually build on Twitter.

I went ahead and created a profile for my dog Abby on www.dogster.com and thus far, I have really enjoyed reading about the animals and what thier owners have to say about them.  I think that I am discovering the key to a SNS and that is a SNS will only be successful if you have stuff in common with the individuals involved.  Much like face to face friendships; you wouldn’t want to be friends with someone you have nothing in common with – what would you have to talk about?

 

Pets Need Pals Too – Prevention.com Monday, Apr 14 2008 

Social Networking Site tnprater1006 10:49 am

As one looks a social networking sites, I really never consider having a SNS for your pet.  In the article, Pets Need Pals Too – Prevention.com the author discusses a site known as http://www.dogster.com/ which is designed to help pet owners find friends for their furry companions.  After reading the article, the author demonstrates that the site is also effective in helping the owner locate friends with common interest.  As if we didn’t know that that is what the site was designed for.  I think I would freak if I came in and saw my wonderful Abbey (Golden Retreiver) sitting in the computer chair surfing dogster.com! :)

 

Twitter – Finding Compatability Wednesday, Apr 9 2008 

EDUC 628 Post tnprater1006 7:25 pm

I have really been exploring in Twitter based on some valuable information provided by Dr. Lowell and I have found that the best way to search for individuals is through those that you are following.  I have been viewing profiles based on location and interest along with reading what they are talking about before I determine if I want to follow that particular individual.  I have found that this type of research has been most helpful and provide me with the type of people I want to follow.  Dr. Lowell also provided a site (http://twitterpacks.pbwiki.com/) in which one can search for different areas of interest.  The best recommendation that I can provide regarding this site, is go to the link and look at the profile.  This is another way in which you can view what people are interested in and talking about!  This also give you access to those that they are following! :)

This is the way in which I find individuals to follow on Twitter.  Others may be able to provide information that can help them access individuals with similiar interest.  I was really excited to find links based on different states.  I was born and raised in Michigan and I found several Twitter links that were associated with individuals from the area in which I lived (Ann Arbor) and I also found a Twitter profile that provided periodic updates of news events happening in Michigan!  I am beginning to enjoy my Twitter account – still researching what it can do – I think there is more to this SNS than meets the eye!

 

Tuition Cost = Resources Wednesday, Apr 9 2008 

EDUC 628 Post tnprater1006 6:12 pm

This is a huge topic in the state in Kentucky right now because the new governor has proposed a huge budget cut that apparent will be effecting the post-secondary institutions.  The University of Kentucky has announced that due to the proposed budget cuts across the state, that tuition would probably be taking a 9% increase next year and it would more than likely result in loss in educators.  After reading the following post, I felt that I needed to comment regarding tuition cost and the effect it has on the amount of resources a school can provide:

phaedrus
The theory goes that students are better off at universities that charge more so that they have more educational resources —

Well, lets take a look at exactly what resources the larger universitities are utilizing!  I understand that a university the size of UK would require a lot of funding to ensure that the school can continue to operate but when so much funding is being spent in their athletic programs and for their coaches, the price tag immediately goes up.  I also understand that athletics bring in a lot of funding but the majority of those that the tuition cost is being transfered on to doesn’t even participate in an athletic program.

I am a big fan of smaller community colleges because I feel that individuals can receive a really good educational experience without the high cost of the larger schools.  The main important aspect that needs to be considered when attending a post-secondary institution is what your major will be and what is the best school to offer the program in which you are interested.  Once again, it comes down to being an informed learner of the 21st century.

 

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