Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Podcast Project #8

C4T #1

The first video I watched was a project using QR codes. The code is placed over the mouth of someones face. You may then place a video of someone speaking over the QR code. Very interesting a creative idea.
The second video I watched was about Web 3.0. This video talks about the advancements in technology and the use of the internet in some things that I didn't know were even possible. Very informative video!

Project #9

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Blog Post #3

It's Not About the Technology
In Kelly Hines' "It's not About Technology," she shares her thoughts on teaching and technology. She talks about how useful technology can be, but also stresses that this same technology is only a tool. The teachers themselves still must be good at teaching and not depend on technology to teach for them. Kelly has several ideas that I tend to a to agree with.
I like how she talks about about teachers being learners. Technology is constantly changing, now more than ever. Teachers must keep up and stay informed with worldly advancements in order to keep up. I also agree that teaching and learning are not the same thing. It is a teachers job to make sure that the information is not only being taught, but also being learned. Teaching is nothing if there is no learning to go along with it.

Is it Okay to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
Karl Fisch makes a bold statement in his post, " Is it Okay to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher." He stresses that teachers cannot be successful at this day and age if they do not keep up with the ever changing technology. While I mostly agree with his viewpoints I think he gets a little too opinionated. I believe teachers, even now, can be successful without the use of technology.
Technology I agree is one of the greatest things to happen to the teaching and learning world. It can make difficult projects easy and some things that could never be done can now be accomplished in short periods of time. However, I do believe that an extreme knowledge of technology is not necessary for every teaching position. As long as the material is taught and successfully comprehended it should not matter whether or not technology played a part.

Gary Hayes' Social Media Count
After looking at Gary Hayes' Social Media Count it is astounding to see how many people use technology(especially the internet)for so many different things. Learning new things can be very frustrating. But if teachers stay informed with such advancements I think it can only work out for the best. The better informed our teachers are, the better informed our students will be.
One tool that has made things easier is the use of social networks. Things like facebook and twitter have vastly increase the ability to spread and obtain knowledge among people. People are able to obtain answers to certain questions from people that they don't know and will probably never know. We need to quickly begin to make use of these tools to better ourselves and increase our own knowledge.

Michael Wesch: A Vision of Our Students Today
I appreciated this video allot. I feel like I personally relate to it in many ways. Of course there will always be good and bad teachers and classes anywhere you go no matter what. But I believe that the general way of teaching and learning should be reformed.
I'm tired of paying for books I never use and sitting and classes listening to teachers ramble about nothing. Technology I'm sure can't solve everything but I'm sure would help. If schools started to incorporate more technology into the classrooms I think it would increase overall learning. It may be difficult and expensive to do but, if possible, should be given a try.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Blog post #2

As demonstrated in Fisch's and Mcleods' "Did you Know 3.0?", technology is constantly evolving. Technology has greatly increased in the last 15 to 20 years and is evolving more so now than ever. We must keep up with these advancements so we are not left behind.
While technology of course can be used counter-productively, I strongly believe that our current advancement in technology is ultimately good. So many every day activities have been made easier because of technology. For instance, you can now check and send emails on your mobile phone. You know no longer have to physically have to be at a computer to do so, you can do it on the run!


After watching "Mr Winkle Wakes," I'm not quite sure what to make of it. I don't know exactly what message this video is trying to convey. I do know, however, that the majority of schools are moving farther away from what I would call "traditional learning." Schools of all grades everywhere are becoming more and more technologically advanced. While some of the traditional ways of learning are still relevant and should still be taught, I believe that the advancement of technology, especially in schools, is ultimately what is best for teaching and learning.

While Ken Robinson had many interesting things to say, I'm not sure if I agree with everything. I do not think that classes like dance should be something that is required. While I agree that creativity should be emphasized more I do not believe it is on the same level as "literacy." I also wish he would joke less.
A few of his arguments were persuading but not all of them. I did like, however, his view on professors. Describing their bodies as means of transportation for their head was a very interesting way of looking at that. His story at the end was good and made a strong statement about his beliefs.

It is always interesting to see where our country is at in comparison to others. When it comes to our education system, after comparing it to some others, it's obvious that ours needs some work. I think Ken Robinson had a few good things to say during his short interview with Cecelia Gault. I agree with his myths of creativity and I also agree with his thoughts on what should be done to advance our education system.

After watching Vicki Davis' video, it has made me realize how useful technology can be. She is using programs to teach her kids and herself while connecting to others across the world. It was fascinating to see her young students not only teaching themselves but her as well. These kids seem very self motivated to learn for themselves which I believe is a great attribute as a teacher if you can make you kids to that.
I think having these types of classrooms is a great idea. I think it would be best to have these classes in as many schools as possible, starting in high school. I do not think, however, that it should be a required class. Students should be able to choose for themselves if they wish to educate themselves in that particular field or not.

Monday, August 29, 2011

About Me

Hi everyone, my name is Jonathan Kondis. I am now in my third year of college, second year at the University of South Alabama. My Freshman year I attended the University of Mobile where I played soccer. Unfortunately, that school costs a million dollars attend so I was forced to make a change.
It seems as time goes on I have less and less time to do the things I most love doing, but when I do get the chance I love to my sports. I have played soccer all my life and enjoy playing and watching several other sports. I am also a big music guy. I always have music in the background of whatever I'm doing. I played some piano when I was younger and wish I would have stayed with it but I unfortunately I did not. If I do not post this now it will be late, sorry.