I can imagine using statistics software or websites in a collaborative unit with Math. Students could record statistics from their games in PE and then use websites like statpages.net to plot and present their information in Math. The statistics technology could also be used to analyze student data. For example, in our 9th grade across the curriculum, Good Eats, students could look at the correlation between eating healthy and performance in PE.
The pros to a personal web site and LinkedIn are that you can connect and network with students and other professionals. The sharing of ideas, procedures, and techniques can benefit everyone in the profession because it keeps educators focused and progressive while instructing and educating students at the same time. I don't really see cons, but I do see the challenge of transforming as a teacher from an exclusively activity based, hands on practice to utilizing technology more in the PE classroom. PE is an activity course that is most successfully completed with actual practice and play time on the field or court, but Physical Educators can definitely use technology to assist in analysis, visualization, and learning. The main issue, not really a con, is getting time to practice with the technology so teachers feel comfortable using it effectively in their classes.
Networking is essential in meeting new people who you can collaborate with to enhance your knowledge and creativity, but it is also advantageous to meet someone who could help you get the job you are applying for. Most employers want to hear from somebody that knows your quality of work to determine if you are the right fit for the institution and if you meet someone who can recommend you, it is an advantage for you. Networking also allows you to stay current on new technology and strategies so you can continue to grow as a professional.
I think wikis are a great way to discuss educational topics to help one another solve problems or enhance creativity. Just like all informational strategies that allow for comprehensive discussion and input, it allows people to visualize tactics that they would not have been able to on their own. The nice thing about wikis are that you are able to use one document to add information to and everyone can see the document as it is developed. From a technological perspective it is nice that the information is stored in one place unlike an group email that each participant would have to sift through to find all of the comments and information.
The biggest difference that I notice with LinkedIn versus Facebook is that LinkedIn is more professional. The main focus of LinkedIn seems to be connecting people of similar professions so they can network with one another professionally. Facebook offers this as well, but it definitely is more about connecting with your friends and sharing your lives together.
There is tremendous potential for apps on your mobile phone for education. As a PE teacher, I can see using apps on my phone quite often because I have to carry supplies with me to the field or gym. If I could download apps for grading, detailing notes on student behavior, and organizing my lesson plans I wouldn't have to carry as much in my clipboards and I would be able to keep better records more quickly.
The main thing that I learned about the top 100 tools is that there are many technological options available to make your life more organized, productive, and creative. To me it seems overwhelming to try to keep up with all of the advances. This course has been a blessing simply because of the exposure to new ideas in technology. I'm not sure how much of this I will actually use, but I definitely see the potential. I think the key is having the time to practice and become comfortable using the new technology. I researched Evernote because I had not heard of that before and I was surprised to see it as the #6 on the list. I may or may not sign up for an account, but at least I know something like that exists if I feel frustrated finding things or if I feel like I need to become more organized.
I love using YouTube videos for instruction in PE. I will use basketball highlights, for example, to show students certain aspects of the game like spacing, running lanes, defense principles, basketball skills, or simply the intensity needed to play the game for a good workout. The internet is revolutionizing education. I had no idea that the University of Phoenix was the largest university in the United States and it speaks volumes to how much we have embraced the internet. I think it is a good and bad thing. It is positive because students that work a 40 hour plus week have an option to continue their education and it allows people to stay motivated and knowledgeable in their field with the convenience of being in your own home. I think that online classes are perfectly suited for graduate students that work full time and I am thankful for this masters program to allow me to continue my education. However, I think it should only be a part of the undergraduate program. We should not let the importance of face to face contact and interaction be totally replaced by online courses. There is tremendous growth from working in a group together, answering questions and discussing issues as a class together, and being accountable and presentable when showing up for class. I hope we continue traditional and internet learning at the undergraduate level and allow graduate students to choose what works best for their schedule.
I like the web page that Deanna Butler created. I love the ocean and I was immediately interested in her web page because I felt I had something common with her and her pictures gave me a sense of serenity. It was pleasing to the eye and captured my interest to find out more about her. I like the fact that she posted her personal interests as well as posting aspects of her coaching because researching is much more interesting when you can find out personal things about other professionals. I would definitely copy her theme of the ocean because that is something that allows me to relax and critically think about potential blog topics. I think something she could do to improve would be to attach a video of herself coaching to learn more about her coaching style.
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