July 7th

Today we started the class by watching a video that showed how to use the new skype feature on facebook. It looks like it will be a great tool to keep in touch with frinds ad family members on facebook. It is amazing how quickly the video came out after the announcement.

After that we spent some time looking and and using Elluminate Live. I initially learned how to use it when when I started my M. Ed. however, that was 3 years ago and I haven't used it since, so it was a good opportunity for me to see it again and try using it. Unfortunetly after that I had to leave early to go to the DR, so I didn't get to spend a long time working with it.

July 6th

 In today's class we started out with a 17 minute Ted talk by Sugata Mitra that show the power of children's will and desire to learn, and if left alone to their own devices they will accomplish amazing things. It really was a facinating glimpse into the possibilities of education and technology.

We also learned about a program called Jing, which proved to be very useful. It allows you to capture screen shots and videos and save them for future use. This will be a great tool to help save things that would normally be difficult to save. I can't wait to try it out.

Finally we created out own wikispace for teachers. the will give us our own LMS system that can be used as a hub for your class to check assignments and look at upcoming lessons. you can make into what ever kind of space you wish and customize it depending on the class you are teaching. Overall again the tools we used today will be very useful to use in planning my lessons and with my learners.

here is the link to my wiki https://charlottes-class.wikispaces.com/Main+Page

Collaborative learning - July 5th

 In todays's class we were focusing on working collaboratively using Skype, Titan Pad and Google Docs. I have used Skype before; however, Titan Pad and Google Docs were new programs for me. I have to say I really enjoyed getting to know and use these. 

First of all Titan Pad, proved to be a very useful tool. I think that it would be a great tool for group brain storming, or group writing. I liked the fact that you can make numerous revisions and everyone can work at the same time. I look forward to experimenting with it and coming up with some ways to utilize it with my students.

Google Docs is an excellent tool for both teachers and students. I love the way that several people can work together and edit documents or slideshows, it would be a great tool for preparing presentation with colleagues or for having students do group work, especially from home. Adding skype to either Titan Pad or Google Docs makes for an even more collaborative experience. Overall, I learned alot today.

Introduction

Hi Jean, 

My name is Charlotte Beaubier and I am one of the many students in this course that is doing this as my last course required for my M.Ed. I grew up in St John's NL, but I have been living in Calgary for 11 years. I like it here, but I really miss the smell of the ocean in the air. I have been an ESL instructor at Bow Valley College for the past 11 years and I am excited about this course. I feel like I will gain a lot of useful knowledge about how to better utilize technology in my ESL class and get some new ideas about programs and websites that will be useful for me as well as my learners. It looks like we will have a lot to do during the class; however, I think that the hands on nature of will prove to be very practical and will help me remember how to use what I have learned.