Download

I downloaded a video from youtube. It was super easy. I was so amazed because I could just click and download. I experienced no problems! As far as fair use, youtube is free game. I can download and watch/show anything I want as long as I say where I got it. Had I ripped a movie however, it would have to be for an educational purpose. I am glad that we had to do this because it really taught me how to do something simple which I had no idea of how to do it previously!

copyrights

I had always known the general idea of what copyrights are, however, today I learned that there are ways that you can use material under copyright. I also discovered the fact that there are places to go to get material, on which the copyright has runout, or the owner has a creative commons copyright on the product. This information is quite valuable, because it means that although I need to restrict my use of certain materials, there are many options open so that I should not feel "restricted".

Here are some fun websites:

http://creativecommons.org/legalmusicforvideos

http://manybooks.net/categories/CCL

I decided to do an example of a project that students might turn in. Therefore, I will include my movie and a copy of the assignment. My plan for my movie includes images of Thomas Jefferson's life, and footage of someone rapping. The rapping will be the main audio, but will be supplemented by music. Here is a rough draft of the words:

Text:

Common little children let me tell you a story

And teach you a lesson all bout fame and glory

There once was a man by the name of TJ

Born in Shadwell in the great state VA

Known for his skill in putting words together

Adams and Franklin they gave him a feather.

And said, "Mr. TJ we’re coming to you

Write against the stamp act and the Georgian king too!"

So TJ wrote: the grievances we cannot stand

We declare independence yup that’s what we demand

Well push came to shove, and they started to fight

A new nation was born, as if over night.

His wife Martha died – thus ending their romance

But TJ moved on and was ambassador to France

The great things he accomplished did not end there

He fought for freedom until his red head was bare.

He fought hard with federalists for states rights

Became U.S. president with political might

Louisiana purchase, foundation of UVA

Contributions like these still affect us today.

So remember my children, how to be great

TJ is one of the best examples to date.

PLN's

I have actually found Google reader to be an excellent PLN. For it to be truly effective, I will need to build up my contacts, so that I can increase the amount of discussion, and exchange of information. However, I have found it very useful for getting information from blogs which I can then share with others. One of my favorite things I have discovered is: online museums. I have been following the blog of a world history teacher, who put up a link to the online museum for the Met. It is a great resource for displaying art history. It organizes art by location as well as chronology. I also loved Grant's 95 thesis Rap! I have already learned so many great things through Google reader.

Blogs to follow

After searching for some good blogs to follow, I discovered there are really lots of good materials on the internet. Here are a few that I found particularly helpful.

http://historyiselementary.blogspot.com/2010/09/wordless-two.html

The above site has fun history facts, and stories. It also has good information about how to prepare for the first day of school, etc.

http://historyiselementary.blogspot.com/2010/09/wordless-two.html

This website has a great compilation of helpful history trinkets.

http://ushistoryeducatorblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/great-divergence-series.html

This has lots more online content, and technology that could be useful to history teachers.

These websites really helped me get excited about the amazing things that are out there to help us all become a great history teachers.

more information about why using blogs!

http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/weblogs/#value

Uses of blogs

As discussed in class blogs can be very useful in a classroom setting.

1. Blogs can be used to provide a fun way for students to share his ideas with each other.
2. Teachers can use them as ways to get students to answer prompts.
3. They can improve communication between teachers.
4. Also allow chances for teachers to share ideas with other teachers.