Conversation about Digital Social Networking and Internet Safety (Operation Aware)

This podcast by Wesley Fryer was held at the Operation Aware conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Social Networking and Internet Safety is so imporant to students.  The presentation shows how social networking and internet safety need to have some caution.  Wesley Fryer mentioned a book, "Last Child in the Woods", by Richard Louv.  Wesley highly recommends the book for insight into social networking and being internet saavy.  Wesley shares the dangers of social networking.  They are isolation, talking with people you don't know and using chat rooms.  With today's technology, anyone can connect to anyone across the world.  You need to be saavy and good decision making when social networking.  Just having an accunt of social network puts you at risk.  Wesley Fryer near the end of the presentation mentioned, "Invest in your student's lives."

It is an interesting and shows great wisdom in discernment with social networking and Internet Safety.  I would suggest this podcast to others, especially to parents who have children.  Enjoy good listening from Wesley Fryer...

VSR01: Learning for Life

     This podcast was presented by Chris Betcher, an Austrialian educator, from the Virtual Staffroom.  Chris interviewed Anne Baird , who works along side with teachers at Wedderburn school in Victoria.  Anne has a touch and a skill to support teachers and make things happen.  Anne mentioned, "It is performing old things in new ways."  According to Anne, it is important to collobarate with others work and create blogs and read each other's blog.  Anne said, "chanllenge kids to think further..."  With all the new technology, Anne thought the students would have a tendency to be glued to the computer. 
     I listened to a great deal of valuable information about technology for the students as well as the teachers.  Anne is a big advocate in learning new ways of learning.  It was good to hear another teacher's perspective.
I would recommend listening to the presentation.

Podcast 252: Effective and Appropriate Use of Text Messaging

    This podcast by Wesley Fryer was very educational of using proper use of text messaging.  Rhonda, who is the text message expert,  has some excellent ideas about appropriate text messaging. Rhonda is a teacher at Yukon High School at Yukon, Oklahoma.  Rhonda has one good limitation to her students on texting her.  She mentions to her students NOT to call before 7 am and after 9 pm.  Her students use text messaging often.  For example, Rhonda said her students sent out a text when she was sick, "We miss you!".  Rhonda has basically opened the lines of communication to her studenets.
    Through the technology of text messaging, Rhonda said we can understand the students better since that is where the students best relate.  Rhonda also believes a blending of learning of inside and outside of school is important.  I liked the information and was interesting, but was not excited about the story.  I can understand why text messaging is so important to the 21st century students. 

Podcast 354: Behind the Curtain of the NORAD Tracks Santa program

     Wesley Fryer developed this podcast on one night sitting on the porch with other adult at a Scout Troop outing.  He ended up sitting next to Stacia who actually with the Air Force Public Affairs Officier for 5 years at NORAD.  Wesley had his digital recording device in hand and went into action.
     It was a great story how NORAD got involved by accident to track Santa Clause.  In 1958, a little boy called NORAD by accident.  Colonel Shoup of NORAD received the message at the time.  From that point on, NORAD tracked Santa and his reindeeer across their screens using DSP satellites.  Corporations such as Google and U-Tube got involved.  Plus, there were 1200 volunteers at one point who spent their time tracking Santa.  Stacia said, "We always knew where Santa was."
    This was a great story how NORAD got involved to track Santa!  Wesley mentioned, "Google loves educating people."  To me, this is exacting what they did.  There is a related website to go along with the tracking of Santa, which is  http://www.noradsanta.org/.  This podcast includes technology, a little bit of history and imagination.

Podcast refection 316: Behold the Honor and Glory of the Snack Leader!

     The podcast was created by Wesley Freyer.  He did a wonderful job communicating how important it is for a five year old child to be a snack leader.  In the very beginning, Wesley said, "From the Nobel Peace Prize to the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Congressional Medal of Honor, there is no such of a high honor."  To be a snack leader, it is a special privilege to be a leader for a day.  Wesley went further and said, "All the students will follow the Snack Leader and look for the Snack Leader for guidance."
     The snack leader will also be in charge of show and tell for the day.  The student will show his/her prize possession to the class.  Wesley said in the presentation that the educational world falls on this one individual.
     At the very end of the communication, a five year old student was interviewed by Wesley.  The student says, "I am the snack leader...  I will bring smores-chocolate, marshmallow and graham crackers."  She further described her item to show to the class.
     The presentation was very inspiring and uplifting showing the importance to be a snack leader.  In the background, Wesley was playing the theme song of Star Wars in the background.  I really understood why he chose that song.  The song is also very inspiration.  I know I love all the Star Wars movies.  I enjoyed the podcast and would recommend it to others for enjoyment.  After listening to the presentation, I just would love to turn back time to be 5 years old and be the Snack Leader.

Podcast reflection # 1: Podcast 275: Installing Moodle via Fantastico from CPanel on a Custom Sub-Domain

Wesley Fryer demonstrates how to install Moodle via a tool Fantastico using screen displays.  Wesley mentions that he has installed TikiWiki and WordPress as well using Fantastico.  He steps through the installation step by step assisting by screens shots.  Fantastico stated, "Fantastico creates MySql database which saves time downloading and uploading source files."  Wesley Fryer said, "I can teach modules through Moodle using Fantastico."

Wesley said that this new technology will enhance new ways to connect to ecommerce, image gallery and Project Management and other modules.

He shows to be very knowledgeable about the subject matter in the installation.  He was very positive and energized during his demonstration.  He was detailed and helpful as well leaving the listener with a good conclusion.  Wesley ended how this new technology could be very good to everyone in teaching.  Personally, I feel this is an excellent tool presented by Wesley Fryer and would recommend it to others.