Top Ten New Technology Gadgets

I found a fun, yet educational article - slide show that showcased 10 top new technology gadgets at: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=2010-gadget-guide-sciam.  What I loved about this article was that the products were not outrageously priced.  They even had a device that helped improve literacy (a type of talking book) for only $10.  What fun options to think of not only for students, but for holiday gift giving as well!  I was really impressed with the camera lenses for smart phones.  Since I work in the field that I also teach in - I don't always have the needed equipment that I might use to video tape a treatment session that might be used in a class later.  Using my smart phone to video tape or take pictures of things is easy though.  Having extra lenses for closer or better photo images is a great idea. They have pedometers that look cool for kids that record there miles online and award points for rewards.  There is even a phone 'alarm' fob that attaches to your keys.  It syncs with bluetooth and it helps locate your phone for you (trusting you can find your keys).  It also allows you to answer calls or place emergency calls through the device even though your phone may be in another location.

Social Media For The Classroom

Bringing technology to the classroom has it's advantages.  Accessing free technology to enhance your students educational experiences also helps the educator.  I reviewed an article about free social media at:  http://mashable.com/2010/10/16/free-social-media-tools-for-teachers/ that outlines 7 resources with detailed information about their features, uses and classroom applications.  They even include video information and demonstrations about each of the offerings.  I found this information helpful and encouraging.  I was impressed and appreciative of the special security features that a number of them provided.  And, even though I teach at community college where my students and I have free training and access to an internet system that already offers discussion forums, quiz sections, etc... I readily was able to identify ways that some of these tools could be used and accessed by other areas of my life for teaching, meeting and collaborating with others.  For example, I would love to organize a church bible study on one of the sites for collaboration and insight. I believe the more we experience the available media, the better able we will be to determine which ones will help us meet our students needs better.

Chance for Dollars for Technology Teaching Solutions

The NEA foundation is offering $2,500 for the best 5 solutions to 4 chosen classroom problems at:  http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/12/01/nea-foundation-looks-to-reward-teaching-solutions.aspx.  These solutions need to cost no more than $500 each.  Once solutions are identified, teachers can petition for up to $500 to be able to pay to implement them.  The problems have to do with: improving math and fracture skills; improving reading skills for students without literacy success; improving parental involvement; and assuring student participation in decision making.  I think this is a great initiative.  It encourages everyone to try to create, improve and share information and ideas for some of the more challenging or ongoing concerns in teaching.  It appears that the NEA will offer opportunities for educators to continue to submit future problem lists for future consideration and future contests.  As we learn more and more through this program - perhaps one of us could develop a viable solution that could win a consideration.  Wouldn't that be great!  It could certainly help pay for expenses!

Podcasting and It's Use for Education

I reviewed a slideshare power point on how to utilize podcasts for health care, but the bulk of information was very complete and usable for any education at: http://www.slideshare.net/rodbrent/podcasting-web-20-implications-for-health-care-education.  It included some free resources that we already know about such as 'audacity', as well as some additional ones.  I found the information very complete and even learned some things from it.  It even contained information about creative commons and how to use it and work from it.


I am beginning to enjoy accessing information from my delicious bookmarks.  I have found it helpful to go back into areas that I already linked and add more tags to them.  I have also started to look at and review other students delicious bookmarks and link those of interest to my delicious bookmarks.  I almost wish we had class longer so that we had more time to interact in this way together.  This class has certainly given us a good start though at building resources that I plan to access and use again and again.

Educational Podcasts

The Educational Podcast Network offers a series of podcasts for a myriad of topics and subjects.  At: http://www.epnweb.org/index.php?request_id=734&openpod=9#anchor9 I found podcasts related to anatomy which I might be able to use with some of my students.  I really enjoyed the statement, "We are a multicast society of speakers and listeners, listeners and speakers, teaching and learning in a life and time of change."  These podcasts were created to help doctors, nurses, students and anyone who had an interest in learning more about anatomy.  The link also provides numerous resources for just about every subject and topic imaginable.  By listening to podcast number 22 on respiration and the diaphragm, I learned about muscles that aid in inspiration and expiration that are not mentioned in the text that my students are currently using.  Over the next few months, I will be reviewing this information to see how I might choose to use it.  I am tempted to potentially use the podcast for a number of students to review and discuss for the rest of the class to learn from.  I also couldn't help but look at other topic offerings noted on the left of the screen.  The categories are easily found for various grades and topics.  As I create things - I may look at posting things in this network for others to find and use.  It has truly been helpful and educational.

Math Skills for Children with Language Processing Problems

I recently reviewed a blog by Ann Logsdon entitled:  "Ways to Teach Math Skills to Children with Language Processing Problems" located at: http://learningdisabilities.about.com/b/2010/11/25/ways-to-teach-math-skills-to-children-with-language-processing-deficits-5.htm#comment-31084.   What I appreciated about this blog was that strategies suggested would work for different courses as well.  She also provides a number of links to other articles and resources to explain information in more detail.  She also provides information about receptive and effective aphasia along with resources for them as well.  Even though most teachers might not have had experience with children with disabilities, I thought this blog would be a good resource - since more and more schools are mainstreaming students with disabilities.  As a therapist, I have also worked with students with these diagnoses to improve their skills in reading, writing, math and science. 

New Jersey's Attempt to Get Tough on Bullying

Apparently in New Jersey there is a push to implement the toughest anti-bullying legislation in schools.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/22/AR2010112204676.html?hpid=sec-education  There has been a concern and an outcry about suicides and harassment, especially that geared toward gays.  With the increase in internet use and technology, it is getting harder to monitor and limit this type of harassment.  Students and their parents have few options and resources once this threat is identified.  And, although their are state suggestions for dealing with this type of concern, there is no law and no school education to help discourage it.

I see the need for a change and agree that something needs to be done.  The article (NJ lawmakers approve tough law to fight bullying) did note that the law is awaiting approval of the governor.  It also noted that some social conservatives had concerns over the bill.  What the article didn't provide was more specific information about the bill itself.  I felt this (lack of information) is a disservice to those reading the article.  Clearly, most would want to protect those that are wronged.  The real question is whether or not that protection comes at a price that would affect everyone in the long run (potential loss of our constitutional rights).  Regardless, I felt this article was a good example of one of the dangers of increased internet use.  I had read other articles earlier in the year that had identified this problem with the recommendations that policies and monitoring be put in place BEFORE students are encouraged to use the internet and computers in school.  I think this would be very wise.

Help For the Paraplegic!

I found a RSS feed that links articles related to Physics to one source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/headlines/science/physics.rss.  From it, I found an interesting article about new medical technology developments to help paraplegic patients exercise at:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122102802.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29.  This is exciting news for my students who may treat paraplegic patients.  If nerve endings can be stimulated at or below the area of spinal injury, then hope for additional functioning is now possible (even though they will continue to research it for a year).  Engineers and scientists are even looking to see how they use the technology to improve bowel and bladder function as well as reduce spasms.  Having these feeds linked to my blog and/or netvibes - makes it easy for me to keep up to date with changing medical trends and help my students with up-to-date information.

How Stuff Works

This week I found a great RSS feed called "How Stuff Works" at:  http://people.howstuffworks.com/rss-feeds.htm.  I found it when I was looking for information on augmented reality (something we will be learning about in the next few weeks).  The article I reviewed was located at:  http://www.howstuffworks.com/augmented-reality.htm and was entitled:  How Augmented Reality Will Work.  To be honest, I wasn't sure what augmented reality was.  I was fascinated to learn that I have already started using it in my recently purchased DROID phone.  When my husband and I were out driving the other day, I accessed an application in my phone called "yp".  It gave me options of businesses to locate near my present location including restaurants and stores (to name a few).  It even provided me with ratings (# of stars) of each business.  I was even able to view information about different musicals or other events (including dates, locations, etc...) happening in my area - all through the same application!  In need of something different to do - there really is no excuse with this app!  The article provides information on augmented reality in personal use, professional industries, as well as in teaching. 

This RSS feed is great, addressing areas like:  animals, health, home and garden, science and technology.  Besides being an RSS feed, it also has feeds for video, podcasts, blogs, quizzes and games.  If you are like me - you won't be able to resist but plug in some special topic and see what you find!

Lisa Loves Gardening and Gardens!

I found this great RSS feed at: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/headlines/life-style/gardening.rss.  I've included the feed (along with other feeds I've found) on the right hand side of this blog - for your reference and entertainment.  You might be asking what gardening has to do with teaching.  I am instructor in the field of occupational therapy.  Many think that this has to do with finding someone a job, but it doesn't necessarily relate to regain of functioning to return to work.  It has to do with creating and managing a balance in individuals between work, play and self-care.  For the infant, their work is in getting nutrition and progressing through their developmental milestones.  Play is an important component that needs to be integrated to assure their success.  Their self-care is provided by their parent.  For the middle-aged patient, work might be a larger component to consider in treatment.  An occupational therapist can specialize in work hardening to progress them to return of their profession (which may or may not include gardening).  For the older individual, their work relates more to their self-care and management of their home environment (which may or may not include gardening).  For all patients - play - is an important component to look at.  This is where hobbies and leisure skills are important in improving quality of life for any individual.  Part of occupational therapy is being able to look at anything that might be important to an individual and being able to analyze the steps or components involved and progressing the patient to return it.  If they are unable to return to their previous functional level, then the OT will locate various resources and instruct the patient on how they can adapt the activity - so that they can still participate or accomplish it.

This RSS feed is so much better than subscribing to magazines, because it provides links to magazine articles.  I reviewed one at:http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/garden-ready-for-winter.html that discussed how to prepare a garden for the winter.  Why would an OT need to know that??  Well OT can include instructing patients in anything that they are interested in - to improve their participation in life (quality of life), as well as working with them to create a better balance between work, play and self-care.  Many people do not 'play' enough and are over-stressed.  Stress management (and a better balance between work, play and self-care) is important in remaining healthy and in longevity of life.  I also found an interesting reference to the 'best' bird feeders that showed pictures of the top 10 in a picture slide show at:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningpicturegalleries/8126539/Best-bird-feeds-and-feeders.html.

Podcast News

I found a great RSS feed for podcast information at:  http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/headlines/internet/podcast.rss .  From it I found a great video tutorial telling how to make a music video (or set pictures to music) using iMovie11 at:  http://www.podcastingnews.com/content/2010/11/making-a-music-video-with-imovie-11/ .  When I think of our slideshare project and the difficulty I experienced in trying to time the picture durations to music, this might have been a neat tool to use.  It can be used to locate and mark beats in the music (and yes, music is already programmed in it - free to use) for more effective video or image transition.  I also found information about making podcasting easy with recommendations for specific tools and how to use them at:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/8124113/Podcasting-made-easy.html . 

This RSS feed is a great resource to available tools and information that could help with any potential project that one might desire to create.  It also provided information on webhosting at:  https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/hosting/landing.asp?isc=gppt05A887&ci=12887&domain=sandiegomag.com .  Let me know if you found this blog posting helpful. 

Aging News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com

I found a great link at: http://www.bignewsnetwork.com/?rss=e390506bcb297536  that is interesting and applicable to my therapy students.  It links articles on the aged from all over the world.  I found an interesting article that stated that researchers found that they could isolate and use functional stem cells from older cardiac or diabetic patients that could be potentially used to successfully rescue an impaired heart at: http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=708842  I found it refreshing to hear that someone is actually researching older stem cells vs only wanting to research those from fetuses and having success with it. 

I also found two articles regarding older drivers.  This has a significant impact to occupational therapists since they can test for deficits in this area and treat patients to improve their skills.  The first article at:  http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/unexpected-findings-on-elderly-drivers/?partner=rss&emc=rss   noted that older women tend to give up driving earlier than men, but that they tend to live longer.  Noting that by giving up their driving privileges, it may limit and reduce their mobility and  thereby decrease their ability to maintain functioning.  The article also noted that older drivers today are having less accidents than they used to and may be able to drive longer than their families might be willing to let them.  The second article on driving I found at:  http://www.nrtoday.com/ARTICLE/20101120/NEWS/101119737/-1/RSS  noted that there is a growing number of older drivers.  This growing number will require better roads and potentially smarter cars to help keep them on the road longer.  What the article didn't note, but that I readily acknowledged, it will require more occupational therapists to address this area and potentially specialize in it.  There are already driving simulators available through therapy that test some one's  reflexes and response time.  The simulator reminds me of going to an arcade and sitting down at a driving game only after driving it prints out an analysis of the driver's performance.  A therapist can analyze the data and determine what skills need to be addressed in therapy to improve the driver's safety and performance to help them keep their independence.  I have encouraged older driver's (as well as their families) to access this type of therapy to decrease arguments and allow an 'expert' to determine whether or not the elderly driving should continue to drive or not. 

I love Astronomy

This week I found a RSS feed that helped to satisfy a personal passion of mine - astronomy.  It is a blog much like this one located at: http://telescopereflections.blogspot.com/  Even though a number of the blogs are dated from 2009, the creator has provided links to all sorts of other wonderful places to the right of the blog.  For example - Astronomy.com - News as well as Sky and Telescope.com's Most Recent Observing Stories which includes an updated reference for 'this week's sky at a glance'.  There is also a link to an updated monthly audio sky tour.  The fact that all of these leads are automatically linked to this one feed makes it a gold mine to me.  And, although it may appear that this lead has little to teaching Kinesiology, it does have a place in the field of occupational therapy.  Part of occupational therapy is in helping patients to regain their abilities to participate and be independent in the activities in their life that have meaning to them.  This therapy may require the therapist to analyze and adapt just about any life skill including hobbies such as star gazing.  This RSS resource would become even more useful to me as I progress on to teach other courses in the occupational therapy program.  In the mean time - I will enjoy regularly checking it for updates. 

References

Telescope Reflections.  (2009, August 13).  Retrieved November 13, 2010 from
http://telescopereflections.blogspot.com/

Medicare Site Updates

In searching for additional RSS feeds that I could access and use for my students, I found one that provides updates on Medicare information: http://www.medicare.gov/rss/medicaresiteupdates_feed.xml

Teaching future therapists can become more challenging if I ever leave the field of practice to teach full-time.  This particular feed can help me stay abreast of current information and regulations that could affect one's practice.  The Medicare rules and guidelines change every year and having a viable resource is important.  And, even though I also currently practice in the field, I am not working in every field of practice.  This resource can provide additional up to date information that is vital to keeping myself and students current with the regulations and concerns for practice (in the field of occupational therapy).  The information accessible on this feed can also prove helpful to the patients and families that I service.  I particularly liked the Medicare.gov Data Updates link found within the RSS feed. It allowed me to view government information and ratings for all sorts of health care services including hospitals and nursing homes.  Searching out and finding new RSS feeds is a very helpful exercise. 

Reference

Medicare.govSiteUpdates Retrieved November 13, 2010 from http://www.medicare.gov/rss/medicaresiteupdates_feed.xml

Kinematics At It's Best

I found this great article through an RSS feed for Scientific American about kinematics, velocity and acceleration.  The name of the article is "How Can a Slower Runner Catch a Faster One?" 

What I really enjoyed about this article is that it not only perfectly fits into the first week's lesson plan for the Clinical Kinesiology class that I teach, but that it also includes an embedded video link to a video that discusses the 'Science of NFL football' where all of the information is clearly explained through the game of football.  The article goes on to discuss how a lion (which is clearly slower than a gazelle) can catch a gazelle - not with speed, but through acceleration of velocity over time.  Then the article relates the information of the lion and the gazelle back to football.  This is definitely an article that I will use in my hybrid online course for my students to review and discuss.

References

Editors, The, (2010, November 12).  How can a slower runner catch a faster one?  Scientific American.  Retrieved November 13, 2010, from  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=football-how-can-a-slower-runner

Feedzilla:Persons With Disabilities News

Feedzilla has a large selection of free RSS feeds.  The one that I have added to my Delicious Bookmarks and Google Reader is "Persons With Disabilities News".  I have included a link if you'd like to add it your list:  http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/headlines/society/persons-with-disabilities.rss?client_source=feed  The article that I chose to review is one that I feel all educator's could benefit from:  "Self-esteem is key to success in school."  It's author, Ann Logsdon points out that self-esteem is important for all students, but especially for those that have special needs.  She also provides a link to activities that can help you improve your special needs child self-esteem.  I have provided a link to the article for your review: http://learningdisabilities.about.com/b/2010/10/19/self-esteem-is-key-to-success-in-school-3.htm  I originally chose this RSS feed because I am an occupational therapist and teach assistants at a local community college.  However, when I viewed the recent available articles, I found one that can help all educators.  I hope you enjoy the information and the reference.

                                                Reference

Logdon, Ann (2010, Oct. 19) Self-esteem is Key to success in school. Ann's Learning Disabilities Blog.  retrieved Oct. 31, 2010 from  http://learningdisabilities.about.com/b/2010/10/19/self-esteem-is-key-to-success-in-school-3.htm

Feedzilla: Education News

Feedzilla is a free RSS feed and they offer lots of choices of topic matter. I have included the link for your reference:  http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/headlines/society/education.rss (I have also included a view of this RSS feed at the bottom of my blog.)  The article that I am reviewing for you today is located under the subheading of society and is an educational news source.  An article that caught my eye today was entitled:  "What does it take to teach online?" by Jamie Littlefield.  I included the link for your reference:  http://distancelearn.about.com/b/2010/10/27/what-does-it-take-to-teach-online.htm  The article itself was short and sweet.  She noted that online teaching is not for everyone.  She also noted that just because a teacher is effective in a face-to-face environment does not mean that they will be when teaching online. What I really appreciated was a link to another article entitled:  "How to get a job teaching online."  You might just want to check it out!  I printed out a copy for my reference for later.

                                                         Reference:

Littlefield, Jamie (2010, Oct. 27).  What does it take to teach online?  Distance Learning Guide. Retrieved   Oct. 31, 2010, from  http://distancelearn.about.com/b/2010/10/27/what-does-it-take-to-teach-online.htm

Edutopia: Review of "Animation as a Pathway to College and a Career" from Edutopia RSS

Edutopia has a lot of information as to what is 'hot' or current is education.  In reviewing the video: "Animation as a Pathway to College and a Career", I learned that in order to produce computer animation the student must also learn and understand physics and anatomy (not only of humans, but also of animals).  In this type of classroom setting, they also learn work skills and how to work as a team.

I have provided a link to the video, if you'd like to see it:  http://www.edutopia.org/stw-career-technical-education-classes-model-video?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

The other point that seemed to be apparent for the students, was how much they seemed to be enjoying the class.  It is clear that there was a lot of work involved with each production, but the students didn't seem to mind, instead they seemed to be more motivated because of it.

                                                              Reference


The George Lucas Educational Foundation (September 16, 2010).  Animation as a pathway to college and a career [Review of the video Animation as a pathway to college and a career].   Retrieved 10-31-10 from: http://www.edutopia.org/stw-career-technical-education-classes-model-video?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Animating Made Easy

Viewing our instructor in a cartoon like animation was fun!  I had to subscribe!! http://blog.goanimate.com/
I have even included a gadget in this blog (near the bottom), so that you can see new information as it is posted.  I am looking forward to 'playing' with all of this technology.  However, I do realize that 'playing' takes extra time - due to the desire to have some fun coupled with the tendency to make errors.  Needless to say, I am blogging this at almost 4 in the morning (nope, haven't been to bed yet).  Part of my drive - is to progress through all the requirements of the course, and part of it is related to a desire to learn more (and play too).  If you look at my previous blog, you will see that I have made a cartoon picture of myself!  Yep, yep - couldn't resist.  I have included a link for that in the blog below.

ReadWriteWeb

Technology has it's pro's and con's.  Every time I try to learn some new technology, I certainly require additional time to experiment (as well as make some mistakes).  While I was taking a look at some of the recent articles on the ReadWriteWeb, I found a link to 'cartoonize' myself from a site called 'my web face' :  http://home.mywebface.com/hp.pl 

Needless to say, I couldn't resist.  So - here I am.  I could have added in a few wrinkles - but I prefer my dimples. :)


I also saw an interesting article about the recent problems that Facebook has experienced with the release of individual's personal information:  
 Facebook to encript user ID
 Instead of encouraging me to further engage in this type of communication, it only heightened my hesitation (which has always been present).   My children enjoy technology and it's ease of communication, but I am more reluctant.  I wonder who is watching, listening, and reading it.  I also wonder if it will always be 'out there' somewhere in cyberspace for someone else to find or trip over.  How can it affect someone's life then?  Perhaps I am not as trusting because of the environment that I grew up in (Detroit area), or maybe it has something to do with my father's profession (law enforcement), or my own profession (health profession) and the importance of patient's HIPPA rights (realizing that electronic devices automatically store patient sensitive information and the devices cannot be treated the 'normal' way).  Now that I am an educator, I am cautious about what I post on the web.  I am not only concerned about copy rights, but my students identities as well.  They may have signed releases to me to use photos for the college, but they have not signed anything allowing me to post anything for a college course that I am taking.  I also have a dean that is no fan of i.e. youtube - for posting anything that might directly relate to a course through their program.  Technology can be exciting, but as educators we also need to be wise as to how we choose to utilize it personally as well as professionally. 

I look forward to learning more about technology options through EDU 653, as well as all the potential safeguards and cautions that might need to be enlisted.

New RSS feed: English and Grammar

I recently located an interesting RSS feed, a blog on English and Grammar.  http://grammarrule.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default/?alt=rss  The author provides interesting little tidbits to enlighten and enrich me, and hopefully improve the way I communicate.  I look at it as my 'thought for the day'.  Her insights remind me of dear learned friend who years ago informed me (ever so gently) that irregardless was not a word.  "It sounds impressive," she would guide me, "because of it's size."  She then informed me that 'regardless' was the only correct term to use. 

Thanks to Kimberly's blog (English and Grammar), I now realize that 'alot' is not a word (as my spell check just pointed out to me).  The correct term is: a lot.  Kimberly also gently pointed out that an easier way to remember it is to realize that 'alittle' isn't a word - so why would we say 'alot'?  (by noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly); October 15, 2008).

                                                      References


Kimberly, noreply@blogger.com (2008, October 15).  English and grammar.  

         Retrieved October 22, 2010 from http://grammarrule.blogspot.com/feeds

          /posts/default/?alt=rss