Resources Available to Utilize
LSTE 7310
Boundless resources and services exist via the web, but finding which ones facilitate learning, especially when trying to address a specific issue, can take time. When searching for resources, I look for support services for instructors and learners that are simple and safe to use, easy to access, and preferably free.
Below is information on some resources I have gathered during my time in the LSTE program to help instructors and learners address issues involving location, selection & acquisition; organization & distribution; storage & retrieval; and maintenance. Some services may require you to create an account, but each is free to use. Below, you may view a slide show of screenshots for each resource, as well as click on the links to visit the actual websites. I have additionally included a list of resources specifically helpful for integrating the arts in education.
Below is information on some resources I have gathered during my time in the LSTE program to help instructors and learners address issues involving location, selection & acquisition; organization & distribution; storage & retrieval; and maintenance. Some services may require you to create an account, but each is free to use. Below, you may view a slide show of screenshots for each resource, as well as click on the links to visit the actual websites. I have additionally included a list of resources specifically helpful for integrating the arts in education.
Learning Theories Analysis:
Objectivism, Constructivism, and Technology
LSTE 7310
This research paper compares and contrasts the constructivist and objectivist/directed learning theories in the areas of approach, foundations, and types of instruction and learning. It additionally gives examples of educational technology resources that correspond with each of these theories.
Location, Selection, & Acquisition
Web Directories can assist in your search for online resources that are relevant to you. A web application index, like GO2WEB2.0, is a website that allows you to browse, search for, and learn about current online tools and applications. WatchKnowLearn
is a site dedicated to sharing free educational videos in which you can narrow your search by subject and age. Both GO2WEB2.0 & WatchKnowLearn include category and subcategory tags to help make your search efficient and worthwhile. Licenses are important to know about when searching for material to use (e.g., images, documents, videos, audio). Materials are automatically copyrighted (except for fair trade use), but Creative Commons (CC) licenses work with copyright to expand the Open Educational Resources (OER) Movement. On the CC site, you can search for CC licensed materials, as well as choose a license for your own materials. On the Stanford Copyright & Fair Use site, you can view FAQ and helpful tools and charts you can use in your classroom.
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Organization & Distribution
Information Sharing tools allow you to share your created content online in an organized way. This can include creating calendars and collaborating on projects with Google Docs and Google Apps for Education; making and sharing ePortfolios and packages of resources with LiveBinders; and collecting and sharing information and links on a web based bulletin board with Glogster.
Alternative Communication tools can help you convey the information you want to share in engaging multimedia formats. Screenr is a web based screen recorder that allows you to capture audio and video simultaneously via your computer screen and then share your creations on the web. Voki also allows you to record audio, but adds that audio to an avatar that you can embed into a webpage. Voki for Education even includes lesson plans and activities to help you integrate effectively. QR Stuff generates QR codes (print based hypertext links) that you can put on a webpage, print, or email; and QR Voice generates QR codes that, when accessed, will say what you typed. |
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Storage & Retrieval
Cloud Computing allows you to store information outside of a particular device, so that it is accessible from any device (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, smart phone) through an internet connection. Here are a few tools that offer a limited amount of free storage: Dropbox, Microsoft SkyDrive, Amazon Cloud & Cloud Player, & Copy.
Download/Conversion tools assist you when working with video, audio, and other files that you need converted for compatibility and/or downloaded. Zamzar converts an assortment of files and videos, 7-Zip specializes in compressing and extracting files, Audacity offers a variety of options with audio, and Deturl (pwn) provides a simple way to download YouTube videos. These are free tools, some of which are open source.
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Maintenance
Support sites not only help you solve technical issues and explain how to do certain things, they also help you maintain an up-to-date knowledge base on what you can do with your current tools, and give you new ideas involving brand new tools, as well. Google Gooru offer tips, tricks, and tools for Gmail & Google Apps through numerous tutorial videos. Both Apple & Microsoft provide helpful searchable technical support sites. |
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Arts Integration
The Kennedy Center:
ArtsEdge J. Paul Getty Museum: Resources for the Classroom Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Online Resources for Teachers and Students Partnership for 21st Century Skills: 21st Century Skills Arts Map ReadWriteThink: Arts Lesson Plans Public Broadcasting Station (PBS): LearningMedia, The Arts |
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