Media is the message deate

     There is a debate about media.  Richard Clark argues that media "do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes change in our nutrition."  While Robert Kozma argues that learning tasks can be done with media can media.  This debate that was made by Clark in the early 1980's is still being discussed in 2016, thirty-three years later.

     I agree with Kozma's argument.  He says that media  says that the question should be "In what ways can we use the capabilities of media to influence learning for particular students, tasks, and situation?"  The capabilities relate to technology, symbol systems, and processing capabilities.  Kozma defines technology as "the physical, mechanical, or electronic capability of the medium."  In addition , "its primary importance is in the way it communicates and presents information. "  Just having computers isn't technology.  It also includes how things are delivered and received.

      Having computers in the classroom doesn't mean that students are learning.  From my short ten years in education I have went from feeling the way Clark feels about to technology to the way Kozma argues technology/media.  Technology through computers is one of the tools for learning.  There are times when there are issues with the technology in the classroom.  I was without the promeathean board, document camera, and and access to display any visuals to students.  It was back to chart paper or the dry erase board and markers.  For me it was comfortable to present information that way, but only about half of the students were receptive of the information.  Students like to interact in their learning.  The use of  programs and visuals to aid in learning aids to in receiving and processing information.  The role of technology in education has changed.  Teachers have to learn high tech ways to present information therefore changing the way information is delivered.  Educators are using blogs, videos to share information and get input from learners.

      When students can google it or find it on youtube, as educators its important to integrate media/technology into instruction to engage the learner. I agree with Dave Moffat's conclusion of Clark and Kozman's debate.  "The debate is finished and the winners are everyone.  Design is the key influence to learner.  Both medium and method are important elements in the design.  To reach today's learner, we must include technology or the learner will eek it out alone."   

References

Moffat, D.  (2013, April 17).  Clark and Kozma Debate is Still Relevant. Retrieved November 20,                  2016 from
        https://dcmoffat71.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/clark-and-kozma-debate-is-it-still-relevant/

Mellon, C.  (1999).  Technology and the Great Pendulum of Education .  Journal of Research on                 Computing in Education.  32(1).  pp.28-36.  Retrieved from

     web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?sid=f52ffac0-7db9-4a32-af45-      90a4f1d1f60c%40sessionmgr4008&vid=0&hid=4114&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=2780716&db=a9h

      

The media debate.  (2012, August 30).  Retrieved November 17, 2016, from                                                       http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/The_media_debate 

Podcast

     This week was a rough week for me teaching.  I lost my voice for two days.  When I did have my voice it wasn't normal.  Congestion from sinus and allergies made it difficult for me to talk.  At one point I found a screencast to teach fact families to students.  Well, this week I tried a few websites that allow you to do podcasts.  I thought to myself it would be a great idea to go ahead and record the selection of the week for my reading lesson.  Something different every so often can capture student's attention.

     The first podcast I tried was SoundCloud.  It was easy to sign up.  I just simply used my google account information.  It was easy to navigate.  I found the upload button.  It gave me the choice to upload a file or began recording.  I chose to start start recording right away.  I figured it would be best to start with partner engagement activity.  It was easy to record, add a title and information, and then save the recording.  I figure that students can use this like an audio book. We have computers in the classroom, but the new ones will not read the cds with the story selections.  Students can follow along a listen to the story while at the computer.  The only thing that I didn't like about sound cloud was that I could not pause and continue with the recording.

https://soundcloud.com/jennifer-adams-560091007/a-big-fish-for-max




   I then tried PodOmatic.  To sign up for PodOmatic I could use my Facebook account or my email.  To create an episode I recorded the selection with my phone.  After saving the file to my computer I added and uploaded the file.  What I like about this one was that it gave me a choice to upload a picture or image.  This too was easy to use.  Being able to record with my phone or computer I could stop and edit my recordings.


     The last one I tried was audioBoom. I was able to sign up for an account and have my email address verified.  I had to apply to do a podcast.  While waiting for permission I have the option to listen to other podcast.  I saw AudioBoo as well.  I was able to get the app on my computer , but was unable to use it.

     I plan to use podcast like an audiobook.  When I checked out the link http://www.booklistreader.com/tag/audiobooker/ the author Stephen King talked about how he used audio books for entertainment.  He mentioned that he like to listen to books while taking a walk or while multitasking.  I can use podcast to scaffold and differentiate learning for learners in my classroom.  I will first use it as a whole classroom lesson this Tuesday!  I am still having trouble with my voice and still have to teach.

Burkey, Mary (2016, July 5).  Stephen King  Declares "Audio Books Are Terrific". Booklistreader,      Retrieved November 13, 2016 http://www.booklistreader.com/tag/audiobooker/ 

Comics and Cartoons

Comic strips can be used to reinforce rules or concept in the classroom.  On the campus where I work students draw comics to show understanding of a concept as a formative assessment.  I like the fact that there are three FREE websites to create comic/cartoon strips.  I will explain my experience with using the websites to create comic strips.

The first website I used was Make Beliefs Comix.  This site does not require you to sign up.  You can start creating the comic right away.  It automatically starts with three panels.  You have the option to choose from about forty characters, eight talk balloons, eight thought balloons, background colors, and a choice of two, four or three panels.  This was very easy to use.  I could see elementary students being able to use this website easier.  I am constantly reminding my students how to take care of books.  So, I decided to make a strip about caring  of books.

I had to create an account to use this site. When creating a you can choose the number of panels you want and the direction.  There can be 1-4 panels either horizontal or vertical.  You have the option of characters, backgrounds, props, conversation bubbles, or upload your own pictures.  You also have the option to redo a comic strip that is already published.  For some reason I had more trouble than I should using this website.  I had to do some resizing to get my text to fit inside the conversation bubbles.  I thought the characters with the phones were cute so I decided to use them.  Overall it's fairly easy to use.  It has a lot of character options that students would enjoy using.

https://Pixton.com/ic:f5zpkuuw

 https://Pixton.com/ic:63cmkeji  

I used Pixton to create a strip of the writing process for my classroom.  I chose a character and added conversation bubbles.When I added another panel it copied the character from the first panel and the conversation bubbles and I just added text.  This site was easy to use.  I could not download the cartoon with the free account.  I was only able to share by email.   I did the one below first.  Then after not remembering how to add the comic to my blog I decided to create another comic strip for a word problem.   If you can tell me how to easily embed the comics to my blog please leave a note in the comment section. 

 I am a classroom teacher.  I would like to use comic strips as reminders in centers and introducing character traits.  I could even add comic strips to the classroom newsletter or remind app.  Make belief comix actually gives a list of 25 ways to use comics in the class including introducing social skills, practice new vocabulary words, practice social skills, or promote team collaboration.  I am sure there are many great uses for comic/cartoon strips in the classroom or library.

I referred to this website

Zimmerman, B. How to play with Make BeliefsComix.com.  Retrieved November 6, 2016 from

http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/How-to-Play/Educators/.