Sony Lab & History

Taking this course has renewed and inspired my beliefs about the integration of technology in the education system. More importantly, how these changes directly affect the classroom as a means to enhance and enrich the learning environment. Until a few weeks ago, I had never been to nor heard of the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. However, the learning possibilities and opportunities presented are vast! I feel by integrating the Sony Wonder Lab into a history museum allows students significantly more freedom for exploration and meaningful learning through using technology. Our students are products of their environment-almost any type of technology. They can’t remember their multiplication tables or homework; however, they know how to navigate the web, send a text message, and download their favorite songs onto their i Pods. Through technology, students gain access to places impossible to visit, and therefore, comprehend. Informational technology enriches and enhances learning in a more meaningful way. Integrating technology with any museum makes learning about the past meaningful and current. Whether it is virtual tours, listening to pod casts, interacting with touch tone screens- all the aforementioned are part of students’ reality and comprehension. Whether learning about an artist-a student can be simultaneously learning about the history at that moment in time, having immediate feedback and understanding what may have been influencing factors to that artist or era. For example, in the Sony Wonder Technology Lab, one particular station I learned about hurricanes. After questions were posed and immediate feedback was given on whether the decisions I made were appropriate for the scenario presented. Having the feedback gives greater understanding because the choices made were personalized. Not only if the choices were appropriate, but there was an explanation to each decision I made. This was personalized and meaningful, as educators, isn't this what we strive for each student’s education. Technology is a vital resource; the possibilities to enrich and enhance learning are endless.

The American Museum of Natural History

One of my favorite museums in New York City and my second museum visit was The American Museum of Natural History. I have not been to this museum in about ten years; however, it won’t take me so long to make my way back. I love this museum for so many reasons, particularly for the Museum dioramas. They are fantastic! I was fascinated by how they were able to depict moments in time. Every detail carefully crafted, from the size of the animals, geographical location. Each diorama depicts a moment in time, the way the animals frozen in time, making that particular exhibit come alive. Each exhibit transcends a moment in time, maybe traveling to countries or geographical regions unknown. These dioramas shed light on environmental matters whether the animals are endangered or on the verge of becoming extinct. The excitement from adults and children alike who come to visit is contagious. Everyone becomes engrossed in what is before them and simultaneous can’t wait to talk about it or point out something new and exciting. Being an elementary school teacher and being in such close proximity to New York City seems cruel not to take field trips into all Manhattan has to offer. Unfortunately, due to school policies and safety, it is not a consideration.
However, where there is a will there is a will. After my trip into Manhattan I went to the Museum’s website. The website has many options, information, and best of all a virtual tour. Without ever leaving school grounds, students can take virtual tours of exhibits! It makes learning exciting and meaningful!

Google Earth/Map

I LOVE Google Earth and Google Maps! I have been on the computer for hours playing with the sites! For the past week, I have become the spokeswoman for Google Earth. The combination of traveling around the world, being able to zoom in or out, going on tours. I have gone on a “cybervisit” of virtually every place I have ever been and want to go in the world! There are countless benefits, but one useful tool I had a blast with was the ruler. Like my class, I am a visual learner. Using the ruler, I was able to measure or outline my desired locations. The ruler easily converted into different forms of measurement. The highlighter was a bright yellow, easy to see and manipulate. You can outline anything you desire to trace, track, or follow desired. Like me, many of my students are visual learners. For them learning becomes more meaningful when they see it (should I say “experience” it)! Geography isn’t just a word but truly an experience through technology. When I entered this program, I was looking for this exposure to quality websites which can be implemented into my classroom. All the sites I have visited (and added to delicious) exceed my expectations. THANK YOU BRIAN!

TappedIn

My TappedIn experience was interesting and informative. I went onto the “tips and tricks” discussion with Jeff C. My cyber visit was interesting, the first group I joined up with, and besides the instructor I was the only one who showed up. I waited around for the second tour. Fortunately another woman joined us and we went to various rooms. I went especially to the K-3 resource room where there were many resources available to elementary educators. Then the instructor brought us to his daughter’s school to show us what he has done collaborating with her teacher. On the link there was a picture of the Hubble space telescope of the stars. Directly underneath, there were safe links for second graders to link onto and explore further. He explained that his daughter and a friend did a PowerPoint presentation on Neptune and you could link onto it so the students could view it whenever they wanted. I truly found my experience to be interesting and informative. I have never been involved in any type of “chat” rooms; however, I see the benefits when it meets your needs. It is definitely a great resource for teachers and I plan on using it!

Darfur is Dying

This blog feels like a confessional. I have never been into video games; however, I see the allure and excitement through my students when referencing the newest video game. Upon playing “Darfur is Dying” I was surprised by how I felt. The graphics have a cartoon appeal with a serious message. I can definitely see how my students become drawn in; I kept going through different characters and scenarios presented, whether it is going to get water or the refugee camp. What surprised me most was the audio. The sound of the jeep driving in the desert or the sound of animals crying in the refugee began to affect me. Even in its simplicity, it puts you in the role of what it like to be a refugee. Also, the links connecting you to various support sites-whether sending an e-mail to the president or what you can do to make a difference as an individual. The sites are meant to empower you and let you know you have a voice and can make a difference.

Regarding how to introduce more complexity, one thought which crossed my mind while playing was making real connections to the imaginary characters. When clicking onto a character having a real profile pop-up giving a background to the player playing. Another idea is linking news video clips at the end of the game. After experiencing the game, having players watch real news video clips of the refugees in the Darfur region. Even though this is a video game it can be used as an opportunity for current events discussion. Not just regurgitating information, but after experiencing the role of the refugee taking the perspective of one and making a personal connection. I don’t believe I will ever be the person who waits in line for hours to be one of the first to purchase a video game, but I have a greater understanding and appreciation.