Tip of the Week #1 (TOTW#1): Immerse yourself in technology
Most of us became teachers b/c of our desire to help others and we naturally gravitaed towards subjects or grade levels that interested us. I know I would never be able to teach English simply b/c I never had a passion for it.
A great way to immerse yourself in technology is by finding things that interest you. One of the easiest ways to do this is by getting involved in podcasts. There are plenty of podcasts out there and they cover any topic imaginable. I consider podcasts a great “gateway” technology. They will lead you towards other technologies and also give you a broad platform that you can bring to the classroom that will allow students to CREATE.
A great way to get into podcasting is to start subscribing and watching some. There are many ways to subscribe to podcasts, but I prefer to go to the iTunes and search topics I enjoy. And NO they don’t all have to be educational. Find things you enjoy. They will peak your interest and give you ideas for designing lessons in your own classroom. Here are some that I enjoy in no particular order.
- Twenty Minutes for Tech (Tech Ed)
- TEDTalks (Technology, Education, and Design)
- Discovery Channel Video (Discovery Channel show highlights)
- NYTimes Video: Technology with David Pogue (Technology)
- NYTimes Video: The Minimalist with Mark Bittman (Cooking)
- Geek Brief.TV (Technology)
- National Geographic Video Shorts (National Geographic short films)
- Apple Quick Tip of the week (Technology)
- Diggnation (Technology and Entertainment)
- Best of YouTube (Anything)
- Seasame Street Podcast (ok this is my daughters favorite, but I like it too
(Kids) - DadLabs (Parenting)
- VH1 Best Week Ever (Entertainment)
- ESPN Fantasy Focus (Sports)
- A Prarie Home Companion News from Lake Wobegon (Fiction)
- The Writer’s Almanac (Poetry)
- ESPN: PTI (Sports)
- TWiT (Technology)
Yea I do actually listen to all of these (and some more). My wife thinks I have a problem. but try some and see what you like. They are great.
Tags: dandridge, podcast, technology
