Avatars for Education

Avatars for education are a 'bleeding edge' technology that is gaining attention. Avatars are no longer just for gaming. There are researchers at Vanderbilt University, Stanford University , and the University of Washington who are working to produce intelligent agents that are capable of teaching and/or learning. I stumbled upon this field when choosing a topic for an Innovations in Education course at the doctorate level. Though research is limited, pedagogical avatars and intelligent agents are sure to become more mainstream in the near future as humans look to computers as a source of artificial intelligence.

The Mis-Integration of Technology in Education

Educators are facing an upcoming dilemma and may not realize it as of yet. They must decide whether there will be continued focus and reliance on state tests, standardized tests, and other instruments meant to rank students in comparative groups and sub-groups. We don't really need technology to accomplish this task since this is the model of the past. Students don't need a computer or web 2.00 tools to prepare for this educational model since there is no point of collaborating, cooperating, or creating artifacts. Students will merely need to recall information and synthesize mental constructs to make a choice and bubble in the correct answer.

Many schools and districts are choosing to serve two masters. They want students to prepare for tomorrow by using technology in the classroom to collaborate and create, solve real-world problems, and use digital media to inform and inspire others. Schools then agonize over student performance on standardized tests, regardless of how well prepared they are for the 21st Century. Educators want students to become adept at learning while using blogs, wikis, mashups, and other digital mediums. Educators want students to create, produce, publish, and reflect. Educators want students to become lifelong learners and face the challenges of the brave new (digital) world with responsibility and integrity. Students engage in classroom activities that promote the development of these skills, enjoy learning, and reflect metacognitively. They are then handed a pencil and paper exam to test what they learned about a particular subject following the activity and the air is sucked out of the room and the learning/academic progress is minimized by this archaic, culminating educational assessment practice.

It's time to take a closer look at 21st Century assessment options. Maybe it is time to rethink whether the 21st Century needs to be measured by a 20th Century ruler. How will the focus on data help students and teachers become better users of technology in the clssroom? It proably won't. It will just keep one foot in yesterday and the other in tomorrow without realizing the benefits of technology in education today.

Say 'No' to Health Care Reform?

The Administration believes that comprehensive health reform should:

•Reduce long-term growth of health care costs for businesses and government
•Protect families from bankruptcy or debt because of health care costs
•Guarantee choice of doctors and health plans
•Invest in prevention and wellness
•Improve patient safety and quality of care
•Assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans
•Maintain coverage when you change or lose your job
•End barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions
(Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/)

Let' imagine for a moment that health care reform does not pass. Let's imagine that the politicians and the country remain divided on this issue. Let's imagine that some men, women, and children have health care coverage and some do not. Next, let's imagine an outbreak of Swine Flu, Bird Flu, or any other potentially pandemic strain of influenza.

For many people, this may be quite acceptable since it will more than likely affect the poor, the disenfranchised, and the forgotten people of the country. Let's imagine that they are affected (and infected first) by the epidemic and they get sick and begin to die en masse. Since disease is no respector of affluency, let's imagine that the influenza begins to find its way into the homes and bodies of those who have insurance. The insurance dollar is there to treat the covered member but the influenza has had enough time to mutate into a super-germ since it affected millions of other people first. The insurance covers treatment and medication but it is too late. Research & development of medications for these super-germs is not occuring fast enough. The affluent, insured member dies.

Think about it. Can we really afford to say 'no' to health care reform?

A good use of technology!

Since all of the singers are actually the same person, ths is representative of the power of technology and creativity. The singer's friend mixed the audio and video. What do you think?

Societal TXT Addiction?

Txt Test & Our Youth

After this research, do you think that technology is creating addictive personalities among our nation's youth? Is it a problem? What should we do to promote F2F interactions among youth?

Texting Habits Among Adults
Are adults to blame for the texting behavior of teens? What limitations and guidelines on texting should adults follow in everyday life?

Right Wing Politics and Technology

It is seldom that I post about how politics affects technology. I like to believe that the two are separate entities. I was, however, impressed with how President Obama included Technology as an issue in his Blueprint for Change when he was campaigning for president. Obama fought to keep his iPod, uses web 2.0 tools to keep the office as transparent as possible, and has an overall healthy outlook on technology's risks and benefits. President Obama has assembled a cabinet that is possibly one of the smartest in recent years.

Why, then, is the Republican Right Wing angry rather than hopeful? I will tell you why--CHANGE! I recently listened to a Rush Limbaugh broadcast that chided President Obama for looking for an alternative energy supply in chicken poop ( yes, that's right!). Scientisits believe that the amount of hydrogen that can be harnessed may help ease this country's dependence on oil. As farfetched as it may sound, it has a sound scientific base. That's the problem for right-wingers who have had their money invested in the foreign oil market for years. Their predictable 'cash cow' may be dying. Bush vetoed every type of research proposed that would lead to alternative fuel sources until he invested in the research himself before touting himself as the president who is seeking alternative measures for fuel to ease the burden on America. So, let me get this straight-- Bush is from an oil family with deep investments in the oil market, both here and abroad, and he is also investing in alternative fuel research so that he can also benefit from any gains in that market in the event that a new energy source is discovered that is financially lucrative. I get it now. It's a no lose situation for him. Why don't other Republicans follow the lead of their hero (Bush) and invest in the new market rather than try to squeeze the last drop of blood from the dying market? Is change that scary for the rich? Or are Limbaugh, Hannity, Combes, and other right wingers watching the playing field being leveled for others to gain a portion of the American pie (that has been so out of reach for so many) and getting scared?

Fear has its place, but get out of the way, Right Wingers! You had your reign for the last eight years and enjoyed limited prosperity. There's a new sheriff in town-- President Barack Obama. Allow the new thinkers with the new blood to have a chance! There's new money to be made! With Obama's vision, intelligence, and educated staff, Science and Technology have a chance to be used for good (and not evil) once again.

References:

Blueprint for Change: Technology. Available at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/technology/index_campaign.php .

Bush on Technology. Available at http://www.issues2000.org/2004/George_W__Bush_Technology.htm .

Alternative Fuel and Bush. Available at http://thepanelist.com/Hot_Topics/Alternative_Energy/_20070810510/ .

Bush and Stem Cell Research. Available at http://www.issues.org/23.1/hill.html .

Obama and Science. Available at http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/01/obamascience-1/ .

Obama on Science. Available at http://sefora.org/2008/02/16/obama-on-science/ .

Pres. Obama and Technology Progress. Available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/Technology/ .

NECC 2009

Since there was no time to blog from the conference (just too busy taking in information and Washington, D.C.), I had to wait until I returned home and could find time to write. This was my first time attending the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC 2009) and I am already looking forward to next year's conference! I walked away with Wetpaint wiki certification and now have a better idea how to use and improve my one-dimensional wikis on other sites. I also learned how to create online courses using Moodle. Though the workshop did not tell me about the free Moodle hosting sites that are available, I found quite a few by googling 'free Moodle hosting'. I also learned that wikis can be used for note-taking. Though the Moodle workshop had difficulties with its network connections ( the same IP address was being generated by all machines due to an imaging error), I managed to take a few notes using a wiki to guide me through my first online course setup. I must remember to add more notes to the wiki for a more comprehensive set of notes. I tweeted from the conference and also did a live streaming feed just to test it out. I am now 'following' Chris Dede ( Harvard River City Project) as a result of his response to my Ning from the conference. I also met a few people from other countries who I am following on Twitter. I now understand the value of social networks.

I have become such a techno-junkie since attending the NECC! I wake up early to add to my wiki. I am creating a website for a presentation that I will give to CPA teachers in a few weeks and am working on that! I wake up to post to my online class at Walden U ! I search the Net for cool information, websites, and artwork to make my wikis, blogs, and websites more 'sexy' and interesting for viewers. I am consumed with technology!!! I am spending more time with my technology than I am with friends and family! Though I haven't started tweeting from church, I have actually considered the benefits! ( Didn't I blog about this preoccupation with technology before?!!!)

Now I must find time for friends, family, and other responsibilities. Technology is an EVIL temptress!!!

My NECC Ning: http://necc2008.ning.com/profile/Derek

NECC Conference

I will be blogging from the upcoming NECC Conference. Check out my conference Ning!

http://www.necc2008.org/profile/Derek

I will also be streaming live feeds from the conference. Tune in at one of the following sites:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/whatz-happening-now

http://www.livestream.com/whatzhappeningnow

Please follow me!

Long time, No Blog!

It has been far too long since my last blog! Much has happened that should have been written. This blog will serve as a reflection on my experience as a first-year Technology Coordinator.

Accomplishments:

• Advanced technology management skills through problem solving
• Learned more about network management
• Setup Google Doc files to track orders and equipment
• Became more Mac proficient (still learning!)
• Developed dual platform skills
• Learned more about tech integration needs for SpEd students
• Learned the value of having students plan projects on paper before beginning work
• Learned how time-consuming technology can be (my motto: Technology takes time!)
• More proficient at school website management
• Designing A/V Lab for school
• Prepared new computer lab for students to use (Management software & Deep Freeze are essential!)
• Wrote Parent Technology CUrriculum for school parent training
• Implemented EdTech strategies learned from Walden University Ph. D. program

Challenges to Overcome:

• Only served 3 classes last year, going school-wide for upcoming year
• Need time to train all staff in technology
• Need to develop better communication system for teachers
• Teacers do not use available software and technology for instruction
• Students are eager to learn but have interfering behaviors
• Need to develop a database for lessons
• Educational leadership requires additional technology training
• Need checks and balances to ensure that teachers are updating webpage

The list could continue but these are my present reflections. Overall, it was a good year of learning for me ( and the students and staff, I hope!). I did not accomplish as much as I had hoped and was not able to use as much knowledge as I have gained from my doctoral program. I plan to incorporate more strategies next year and use more web 2.0 tools for learning.

Obama and Technology

It is wonderful to celebrate the fact that we finally have a president who has embraced technology. Whether fighting to keep his Blackberry or looking ahead at providing the infrastructure necessary for public access to the Internet in all major U.S. cities, President Barack Obama has made it clear that technology is necessary for the growth and advancement of our nation and society. Click on the links below to glimpse our president's goals for future technology:

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/technology/

http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/65926.html?wlc=1234652099

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93194932

http://obama.3cdn.net/780e0e91ccb6cdbf6e_6udymvin7.pdf

Finally, CHANGE has come!

GIANT STEPS vs. baby steps

As technology becomes more integrated into education and student skills improve, the question arises whether it is better to introduce new technologies slowly and gradually or without regard for skills, anticipating the 'discovery' process that will occur. It becomes a question of how much is too much. Admittedly, overwhelming a student can become counterproductive. Ironically, I believe that underwhelming a student by 'spoon feeding' what can be easily consumed can impede progress as well. One problem with spoon feeding is that the learner may lose interest during the process and learning, in turn, may lose its inspirational and motivational ability. After all, it is what we don't know that usually pushes us into the new areas of our minds and into the learning mode.

Overwhelming students may actually have some positive outcomes if planned for and welcomed as part of the learning process. When an entire group is overwhelmed, human nature usually provides the opportunity for each person to have an opportunity to exercise leadership skills. ( Surely one person will see this as a challenge and will step up to the plate as a 'leader' in problem solving. This confidence is usually infectious and prompts others to do the same!). Also, there will be a chance to really explore the possibilities of collaborative and collective learning. There will, undoubtedly, be many 'OH, WOW!' moments that may actually electrify the learning environment. As knowledge and skills increase, there is a sense of victory over the unknown that will serve to develop personal confidence as well group confidence. Furthermore, communication skills can be enhanced as students share new knowledge. (An adept teacher will know how to capture the knowledge using web 2.0 tools!).

Lastly, the slow, plodding process of task analysis and practice toward skill mastery can be unnecessarily time-consuming when the skills can be learned as an inherent and purposeful part of a bigger picture. As long as personal safety is not at risk, what is the harm in presenting a technological challenge to students that is waiting to be used as a vehicle for collaborative learning and victory? One may be surprised at the outcome of taking GIANT STEPS into technology! ( After all, baby steps are for babies!!!)

Coordinating Technology

Technology requires skill, patience, and wisdom to coordinate into an existing system. As a result of technological challenges, I am convinced of the following:

1. Two heads are better than one.
2. Technology requires a backup plan.
3. Clear vision is a prerequisite for success.
4. Technology planninng is vital for successful implementation.
5. Never freak out; technology will only laugh at you.

Point One:

I have encountered so many new and unusual technological problems. Sometimes, I have been able to solve them but some problems were so perplexing that I needed to consult others. Thank God for the 'tech gurus' that I can ask. I am learning how much more I will need to learn to effectively coordinate technology systemically.

Point Two:

Technology is like an evil mistress who fails you at the most important times. Whether trying to get all computers online at once, give a presentation, or clear a paper jam from the printer, technology is bound to fail at the most undesirable time. A backup plan must always be available. Sometimes, we may need to revert to B.G.(Before Google) methods of problem solving.

Point Three:

A clear and realistic vision of the capabilities of technology must be assessd and evaluated. Important questions include: What am I trying to do? What purpose will technology serve? What will technology implementation look, feel, and sound like? Is everyone benefitting from technology? Is there a suggestion box available? What skills are needed to effectively use the technology? Is assistive technology needed? How will technology use be assessed? Where are the aspirin?

Point Four

Planning is essential for success. Failure to plan is planning to fail. Take the time to develop a plan to turn a vision into reality. Follow a template. Follow through. Realize that you are never finished making improvements.

Point Five

Above all, realize that the technology imps will decide to visit occassionally. A network will slow down and burp when needed for training. Software may seem to have its own mind and exercise its right to freeze at the most inappropriate time. Teaching others to use technology brings out the worst in technology. Laugh and remain calm through technology crises. He who laughs first...

The Value of Vision- Near and Far

Vision is a necessary part of any journey. Close your eyes and walk to the door of the room that you are in without stumbling over or walking into anything. Now, keep your eyes locked on an object that is right in front of you. Without taking your eyes off of the object, ball up a piece of paper and try to throw it in the garbage. Next, stare out of a window and name everything that is in the room. How did you do?

The exercise above is an example of how important vision is in everyday life. When planning for technology, vision is critical for success. Near-sighted vision prevents large outcomes from occurring by placing too much emphasis on small accomplishments in growth. Far-sighted vision negates the importance of having important elements in place that ensure success.

Vision, expectation, and planning must co-exist for technology integration to be successful in education. 'Techno-mania'(rushing into technology) is tempting but also part of the recipe for failure. A new computer, device, gadget, or peripheral may be exciting to watch or use but effective integration requires more than just placing technology into the hands of unskilled users who have not yet analyzed the anticipated result they hope to achieve.

Technology is a tool, not a toy...

Time 2 Blog!

It is not that I have had nothing to blog about during my hiatus but more that I have not TAKEN the time to blog. After relocating to Chicago at the end of August, my life has been spinning faster than I can run! A new position as Technology Coordinator has been wrought with challenges and successes that are too numerable to list. I believe that the next blog entries that I make will be a glimpse of the struggles and triumphs of this era of my life. My new motto: Time 2 Blog!

Art Education + Technology =???

This claymation movie is an interesting use of technology. What is it communicating to us?

The Future of Educational Technology

A middle school in Boston is already using educational technology to boost student attendance, motivation, interest, and academic performance. This article details how technology will become an essential component of the public and private educational system by 2020. According to the article, the number of teachers expected to be employed as classroom teachers will fall but the number of high school students enrolled in online classes will rise.


http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/technology/tech-usa-education-technology.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Google vs. Brain Use

I recently read an article about how much of our brain is no longer used as a result of Internet use. Since we know "if we don't use it, we lose it", we must find the balance between technology and cognitive processing. We do not want to become so dependent on technology that we are no longer able to process information or problem-solve without technology. This article addresses the problem but does not really offer solutions. I guess that is up to us to figure out...

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/google

Technology Challenges

I have been visiting friends and family this week and am amazed at how we learn to live with the problems and challenges of technology. i have spent endless hours clearing malware from the computers of my friends and family. Living with a slow computer has become acceptable by many people. I take it for granted that everyone is knowledgeable about computers and networks since they have been a part of mainstream society for about two decades.

This raises a few questions. How do we know when we are getting the maximum benefit out of technology? Also, how can we share technological skills, knowledge, and expertise on a wider scale? Can technology be a limiting factor when applied to education?

I will seek out the answers to these questions during this year.

Lessons Learned

I feel as though I am writing for the last time but I realize that I have only just begun. I have learned so much about existing and emerging technologies. I have come to understand the collaborative benefits of blogs, wikis, and Skype. I have made friends with classmates that I have never met. We have laughed, shared, and experienced a bit of each other's life over the last twelve weeks. I plan to remain in touch with my classmates as a result of my new-found technologies. The sense of community is mind-boggling, yet real enough to feel.

I have learned that blogs are for more than keeping up with your favorite celebrity or hobby club. I have learned to trust wikis as a reliable source built on intelligence and integrity. I have learned that there are technological advances are being made in education but are not reaching the classrooms of our country in large enough numbers. I have learned that many people are afraid of the change that technology can bring to the classroom and may refuse to give it a try out of fear. I have learned that there are ways to incorporate iPods and cellphones into the classroom experience that embrace technology rather than resist its presence. Most of all, I have learned that I must stay abreast of new and emerging technologies, read the research reports, and familiarize myself with these technologies so that I can emerge as an expert in the field of Educational Technology.

No, this is not my last blog. Now I will post because I want to add meaningful reflections and input for the purpose of Collective Intelligence...

The Power of Collective Intelligence

This film displays the need for and power of collective intelligence in a society, whether human or non-human. The dynamic evolution of a society results when the efforts of individuals are combined to create 'systems in action'. These systems may reflect a collaboration of efforts that lead toward 'collective good' or 'collective evil'. As collective intelligence, web 2.0, and social wisdom become more mainstream, we must seek to maintain love for one another and keep it an utmost priorirty so that we strive to work towards 'collective good' in the future course of humanity.



Reference
http://www.revver.com/video/337252/soh23-the-power-of-collective-intelligence-and-awareness/