Ed Tech in the Classroom

A Blogger Code of Conduct

Having just assessed my ICT students on their knowledge of The Core Rules of Netiquette (adapted from Virginia Shea's book), I was intrigued by today's New York Times article "A Call for Manners in the World of Nasty Blogs. The article discusses the pros and cons of developing an online code of conduct for bloggers. Regardless of our view on this issue, as educators we need to warn students of the harm  in cyberbullying and flaming. Most of all, we need to remind them to remember the number one rule of netiquette: Remember the human.

Videocast on Weblogs in the Classroom

I know that videocasting has been around for a while, but I'm just now getting into it.

I posted my very first videocast called "Take Time to Listen". You can view it here. It's all very exciting stuff.

Any educator interesting in using blogs in the classroom knows about Will Richardson's blog. Today, over at Blogs in the Classroom I found a great link to a short videocast on weblogs in the classroom. (Check it out!) Unfortunately,  Will has beaten me to the punch and stolen my idea for my next i-video. His ponytail must be giving him his inspiration. ;-)

(image via marcelotas)

Copyright Issues and Creative Commons

It's worldwide movement, folks. A kinder, gentler way to share work. Check out Creative Commons.

Where The Big C says: RED LIGHT! NO TRESPASSING! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Creative Commons says:

Green light. Come on in. Some rights reserved.

I've used the following two flash movies with middle and high school students as an anticipatory set for discussing copyright issues. I've also used them as models for showcasing the capablities of Flash.

"Get Creative" (7 Mb, Flash, available for download in Quicktime)

"Reticulum Rex" (7 Mb, Flash, available for download in Quicktime)

These files can be downloaded as quicktime files so viewers don't have to rely on an internet connection for access. Flickr's Creative Commons shows how symbols beside images give viewers instant knowledge of what type of image is available for use by other creators.

Every educator should watch these videos, or at least take a look at the Creative Commons site.

-Little Ms. Blog