Even though there are many interesting blogs on the Internet, I have chosen three as my favorites for their innovative ways of delivering educational content, the well-organized architecture of information and interesting application of new technology.
The topic that these web blogs have in common is Education, but the approach to educational issues is different in content and format. In my opinion, their contribution to the educational field is particularly valuable because these web blogs are focused in the creation of dialogue between educators, parents, students and general audience. The blogs encourage the audience to share their viewpoints about situations in and outside of class, learning techniques, and application of new technology in education.
The first web blog is http://www.absolutely-intercultural.com
It is a blog and Pod cast (audio files distributed over the internet) dedicated to intercultural experiences and issues hosted by two European scholars.
I like in particular the use of Pod cast introducing the subject of the web notes and the format of web show that teach and help to understand the concept of culture as shared habits, beliefs and values of a national group. The subjects of the show are presented by the two scholars with contributions from people that share opinions and personal experiences in different parts of Europe.Its layout is simple but effective with a clear and appealing design. The content is presented based on a three color code and intuitive iconography. As a result, it is easy to individualize the notes, the additional material relate to the topic, and other links with more information organized by comments and dates.Finally, This blog allow participants learn from other cultures by interacting with the members of this virtual community interchanging opinions and experiences while theypromote digital literacy using Pod Cast technology.
The Second web blog is http://wordgirl.typepad.com/This blog is focused on sharing and discussing educational field’s concerns. It includesdiscussion about state, school and classroom policies and practice in the US. It also have a variety of recommended reading material as well as links with resources for students and educators.This blog has also a simple but efficient layout with a very well organized content.Even though it has a multilayer of information, the hierarchy on the content is very well thought out. It has the main information is in the center and the secondary content on the right and left using words and images for the internal and external links.I think this blog offers a good opportunity for sharing opinions and insight about learning and teaching practice. It also connects, students, teachers, and parents in a beneficial and productive way for the field. Moreover it a very good communication tool for those who live or teach in remote places.
The third blog is http://blogs.adobe.com/educationleaders/It is the Adobe Software company educational leaders web blog. Where you can get educator’s experiences using Adobe software for educational purposes. There are a lot of information related with Adobe technology and new applications for classes.Even though Adobe is the leader in the market for design and web design softwarethis blog does not have in my opinion a very good design compared with the two previous ones.It is not as friendly specially in the main body of text and notes.I consider this blog the best of the three for promoting digital literacy, teaching essential software skills, facilitating online learning, and linking with information and education about new risk on Internet specially for children and teenagers.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
What do we mean when we use the term digital media?
To me digital media is like any other media, and each media has its own advantages, disadvantages and limitations. When I choose one media over another it is based on, choosing the one that suits my needs. For instance, if I want to have a realistic and accurate source of printed visual material related with a place, moment or situation I will choose photography.
On one hand, the advantages of choosing photography are accuracy, multiplicity of reproduction, and instantaneity. In addition, capturing the essence of any subject matter by pushing a button is a very good option because it avoids time-consuming process creating sketches, drawings or paintings.
On the other hand, the biggest disadvantage of this media is that I will know if the obtained material is good or bad almost by the end of the photographic process. Further more the limitations of this media are, the required access to digital equipment (computer and printer) or photo studio, and the knowledge and skills to master the photographic process, including software and hardware if it is involved or required.
Since the invention of personal computers, digital processes, and Internet became available and accessible to almost everybody, digital media is unique in that it allows people to express their ideas, concepts, thoughts, and situations with almost no limits including geographic location.
In my experience, the use of digital media in education has changed the way of thinking inside and outside of the classroom. Because we can create, edit, share and deliver the final material with high standards of presentation worldwide.
I would like to learn in the Digital Media for Art Educators class about the use of digital tools (software and Hardware) to improve student’s process of learning and have a better understanding of digital media as related to Art.
I had the chance to teach different art classes to students from six to fourteen years old. Some of the class curriculum required us to use traditional material and the skill building process based on them. However, I found that I could introduce multi and digital media to deliver the content in a better way for all the groups. As a result, their response to this new approach to traditional art techniques was very well received and profitable for all of them.
Unfortunately, the classes were just 5 days long and we could not delve into the approach to digital and multimedia very far. However, after the course they learned the content and experienced great feelings thanks to multimedia presentation (animations, music, video, etc)
On one hand, the advantages of choosing photography are accuracy, multiplicity of reproduction, and instantaneity. In addition, capturing the essence of any subject matter by pushing a button is a very good option because it avoids time-consuming process creating sketches, drawings or paintings.
On the other hand, the biggest disadvantage of this media is that I will know if the obtained material is good or bad almost by the end of the photographic process. Further more the limitations of this media are, the required access to digital equipment (computer and printer) or photo studio, and the knowledge and skills to master the photographic process, including software and hardware if it is involved or required.
Since the invention of personal computers, digital processes, and Internet became available and accessible to almost everybody, digital media is unique in that it allows people to express their ideas, concepts, thoughts, and situations with almost no limits including geographic location.
In my experience, the use of digital media in education has changed the way of thinking inside and outside of the classroom. Because we can create, edit, share and deliver the final material with high standards of presentation worldwide.
I would like to learn in the Digital Media for Art Educators class about the use of digital tools (software and Hardware) to improve student’s process of learning and have a better understanding of digital media as related to Art.
I had the chance to teach different art classes to students from six to fourteen years old. Some of the class curriculum required us to use traditional material and the skill building process based on them. However, I found that I could introduce multi and digital media to deliver the content in a better way for all the groups. As a result, their response to this new approach to traditional art techniques was very well received and profitable for all of them.
Unfortunately, the classes were just 5 days long and we could not delve into the approach to digital and multimedia very far. However, after the course they learned the content and experienced great feelings thanks to multimedia presentation (animations, music, video, etc)
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