Blogging Experience

I am trying not to be negative as I revisit my blogging experience this term.  Although, I am still a little apprehensive about the whole blogging concept I can see the pros and cons of the experience.  I have repeatedly tried to become involved and post comments; however I am still unmotivated and have no desire to post comments on the World Wide Web.  My lack of blogs isn’t because of my lack of desire nor my irresponsibility to complete my assignments; however it does stem around a lack of time. In a different world when I had no job, family, four other classes, and a life I believe I would have eventually enjoyed the concept of blogging with my classmates.  When looking back at some of my past blogs, I feel I have grown as an individual and professional. Some of the assignments and questions forced me to apply, what I was learning from week to week.  As a student and a professional who is striving for excellence I can appreciate that concept.  Honestly, I have enjoyed the challenging assignments and even some of the late nights on the computer trying to figure things out.  Overall, I think the blogging helped with my written communication.  Consciously and sadly, I held back at first in my writings.  Mainly out of fear of making grammar mistakes and broadcasting it for everyone to review.  Yeah…I too am guilty about reading other’s material and passing judgment.  Knowing that writing is one of my weaknesses, I regret that I didn’t write more.   As an educator I understand that written and oral communication is essential and being a blogger can help.

Phonics Song

I found the “ABC Phonics” video fun, colorful, educational and interesting for young children that are ready to read.  The song and animation adds a flavor that is helpful and can be use as additional tool for recognizing letters and sounds. I believe this visual will support and add excitement to the classroom, as the children are learning.

Youtube is great in the classroom back you should always have a back up plan when you are dealing with the internet.  Youtube only works when the internet is up and running. Another issue users might be faced with is, if the publisher decides to take the video of the site.                                                               

Going Wireless (Podcast)

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30977_3-20020643-10347072.html

"Safety first" a statement that is repeated several times during the course of a day.  Although, my # 1 reason for being fascinated by WiFi is the ugly wires that hang off of the desk and go across the room.  “Integrating Technology Into the Classroom” talks about integrating computers and laptops into the classroom.  Computers and/or laptop are great to have, however you will never recieve maximum use if you don’t have access to the internet?  WiFi in the classroom will enable the children to conduct research immediately  but also supports incorporating technology in the classroom. In the podcast “WiFi Direct let Devices Talk to Each Other ,” Larry Madrid discusses with Kelly Davis-Felner the updated version of WiFi connection.  WiFi Direct allows you to use a WiFi Direct device as a modem to acccess the internet. I thought this concept was very interesting because I have seen how people are buying several data plans to accommodate their internet use. The amount of money a household spends to have internet accessibility is outrages. If you were to calculate the average cost a household spends on data plans for their phones, wireless games, ipads, mobile hotspots and in their home broadband internet the dollars keep going and going and going. God forbids you to go over on your data plan the extra charges you will accrue. This concept is great, however I found this information to be slightly disturbing becauses in order to save money you are forced to buy "newer" updated equipment because of the compatibility. WiFi Direct is that piece of equipment that a lot of people will be interested in using, however you must now go out and by a new device that has this capability.                                                                                 

Software Eval (JumpStart)

JumpStart Reading KaraokeSoftware is designed for children age 4-7 that are intrigued and interested in taking that step to learn how to read.  Software allows the children to have fun as they learn, by singing and dancing to the music. The sing along software introduces the children to sight words and phonics increasing their vocabulary and confidence as they learn.  Program also records and reports the child progress allowing the teachers to monitor the child’s success. Unlimited access to the website is available for $700 and other offers are also available.  The reviews for the software were great. On a scale from 0-5 the software received a 5.0 for educational value and ease for use. It received a 4.5 kid appeal.   For additional information visit JumpStart Review.

WebTool Evaulation (Vocabulary.co.il)

Vocabualy.com.il website is designed for all ages that are interested in increasing their vocabulary by playing different word games. Vocabulary.co.il is a fun educational website dedicated to helping you build reading, phonics, or English language skills. The site offer over 100 Free Online Word Games which are specifically designed to build vocabulary skills and to motivate people to learn through fun practice in spelling, phonics, and vocabulary. This site doesn’t appeal to older professional people that are looking to increase their vocabulary. During some of the reviews it was said that the word choices are not useful for casual conversation.