Saturday, May 7, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Comments 4 Teachers Summary
The first post I read was Doing Better By Generation Y. This article was written by Cathy Davidson. The article is about Generation Y, which by Wikipedia definition means "marked by an increased use and familiarity with communications, media, and digital technologies.” This article discusses the generation who has grown up with technology, internet being the main topic. The blog post states studies now put Internet use by teens at over 30 hours a week. I believe this statement because with so much entertainment available with just a click of a button, people are staying in and sitting on their computer to play games or watch movies. Click here to read the full article.
The second post I read was Cyberbullying: An International Perspective. This post was written by Raquel Recuero. The post discusses the different ways people can bully others over the internet. There have been many bullying instances all over the place. Some people have even committed suicide because the bullying had been taken to far and they couldn't handle everything going on. I invite you to read the article here.
The second post I read was Cyberbullying: An International Perspective. This post was written by Raquel Recuero. The post discusses the different ways people can bully others over the internet. There have been many bullying instances all over the place. Some people have even committed suicide because the bullying had been taken to far and they couldn't handle everything going on. I invite you to read the article here.
Final Report on PLN
My PLN is not full. The websites I have on my PLN are checked daily. I'm sure as time goes on I will add many more websites. The link to my PLN is below.
MY PLN!!
MY PLN!!
Final Project
My group included myself, Colby-Win Beasley, Alexandra Maniaci, and Nickolas Sullivan. We comprised interviews about peoples opinion on technology in the classroom. We have a series of two videos, one of which being solely Dr. Strange.
Friday, April 22, 2011
C4K 2
The first comment for Journey sing along from Mr.Mclungs class. I thought this was such a wonderful idea for a school activity. I think it would have been so amazing to do something like that when I was in high school. I find Mr. McClung to be a very amazing educator. I think the ideas he comes up with are fun and entertaining for everyone. The journey sing-a-long can be found here
The second student I commented on was Victoria from Mrs. Yollis' third grade class. The blog post I wrote a comment on was titled Hawaiian Volcanoes. This post was about Victoria's trip to Hawaii and her visit to volcanoes. My comment to her was,
"Hi Miriam,
I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class. I am sad to say that you are my last C4K. I have enjoyed this part of my class very much.
I found your pictures about Hawaii VERY interesting. One of my best friends lives there right now and I always enjoy looking at her pictures. I love to visit new places. I do love to explore new places. I've recently been to Nashville, Tennessee. I hope to one day to travel to Italy.
I have also never been to a volcano. I best it was an exciting experience!
Keep up the good work on your blog!
Courtney"
The third student I followed was Abby from Ryan's blog. The blog I posted on was Rome, Italy. She went to Italy over the summer. My comment I left her was,
"Hi, I am a student at the University of South Alabama in EDM 310. I am so jealous you went to Italy. My mothers side of the family is from Tuscany, which is located in the north east part of "the boot." I hope to one day visit there. I applaud you for trying authentic Italian food. Keep up the good work on the blog! "
My Blog.
The second student I commented on was Victoria from Mrs. Yollis' third grade class. The blog post I wrote a comment on was titled Hawaiian Volcanoes. This post was about Victoria's trip to Hawaii and her visit to volcanoes. My comment to her was,
"Hi Miriam,
I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class. I am sad to say that you are my last C4K. I have enjoyed this part of my class very much.
I found your pictures about Hawaii VERY interesting. One of my best friends lives there right now and I always enjoy looking at her pictures. I love to visit new places. I do love to explore new places. I've recently been to Nashville, Tennessee. I hope to one day to travel to Italy.
I have also never been to a volcano. I best it was an exciting experience!
Keep up the good work on your blog!
Courtney"
The third student I followed was Abby from Ryan's blog. The blog I posted on was Rome, Italy. She went to Italy over the summer. My comment I left her was,
"Hi, I am a student at the University of South Alabama in EDM 310. I am so jealous you went to Italy. My mothers side of the family is from Tuscany, which is located in the north east part of "the boot." I hope to one day visit there. I applaud you for trying authentic Italian food. Keep up the good work on the blog! "
My Blog.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Special Metaphor Assignment (Blog Post #14)
1. Why did you miss the metaphor in Tom Johnson's post, or, if you "hit the nail on the head", why do you think you understood the metaphor and why do you think that others in the class missed the metaphor?
----I missed the metaphor because I just did. Maybe I was in a hurry reading, I don't know. I went back and read it and now that Dr. Strange pointed it out, I understand the post. Another reason could be that I have never really been able to pick up quickly on metaphors. Yes, I get the cheesy ones like, "It's raining cats and dogs" or "He's such a chicken." I am much like a student in last semesters EDM 310 class who said why not just come out and say what you want to say. Any time I have tried to use a metaphor in reference to something else, I always end up having to go back and explain what I was talking about. To me, its just easier to say what you need to say and go on. There's less confusion by just coming out and saying what you really want that person to know.
2. What metaphors have you encountered since I asked you to create a log of them?
-----To be honest, I wasn't aware that we were asked to create a log of metaphors. However, some off the top of my head are; The ball is in your court,To beat around the bush, and to burst someone's bubble.
3. What other things can we do as educators to help our students to understand and to use metaphors?
----- I think that as educators the best thing to do to help our students understand metaphors is to obviously give an entire lesson on them. There are many examples of metaphors and ways to understand them. We can give them many examples of how to identify them. Chances are, they already know many of them, they probably didn't realize they were called metaphors.
4. Why do we use metaphors?
-----They are a way to describe something.
----I missed the metaphor because I just did. Maybe I was in a hurry reading, I don't know. I went back and read it and now that Dr. Strange pointed it out, I understand the post. Another reason could be that I have never really been able to pick up quickly on metaphors. Yes, I get the cheesy ones like, "It's raining cats and dogs" or "He's such a chicken." I am much like a student in last semesters EDM 310 class who said why not just come out and say what you want to say. Any time I have tried to use a metaphor in reference to something else, I always end up having to go back and explain what I was talking about. To me, its just easier to say what you need to say and go on. There's less confusion by just coming out and saying what you really want that person to know.
2. What metaphors have you encountered since I asked you to create a log of them?
-----To be honest, I wasn't aware that we were asked to create a log of metaphors. However, some off the top of my head are; The ball is in your court,To beat around the bush, and to burst someone's bubble.
3. What other things can we do as educators to help our students to understand and to use metaphors?
----- I think that as educators the best thing to do to help our students understand metaphors is to obviously give an entire lesson on them. There are many examples of metaphors and ways to understand them. We can give them many examples of how to identify them. Chances are, they already know many of them, they probably didn't realize they were called metaphors.
4. Why do we use metaphors?
-----They are a way to describe something.
Blog Assignement 13
Alabama Learning Exchange, also known as ALEX, is a helpful website to current teachers and future students. On this website, there is information from lesson plans to a breakdown of different books and ideas to the classroom. Anyone can choose from any subject and any grade, K-12. The lesson plan section is very helpful if a teacher needs an idea on a any subject. Teachers from different Alabama counties post their lesson plans for different subjects. All of the lesson plans are very detailed. Some even come with attached documents such as worksheets for review and quizzes. Projects are also posted on the website.
Under Podcast treasury, you can find Podcasts on different subject areas. I was able to find a podcast on the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill. It was an introductory video which gave the viewer a first hand look into the tragedy.
I find ALEX to be very helpful to teachers and future teachers. I believe it is helpful to current teachers because it can help them change things up in their classroom. It can also give them an idea for a project to help their students better understand a subject. There are many helpful tools that I invite everyone to look at. Explore and click on the different tabs.
Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators & Students State wide, ACCESS, is to help high school students. As stated on the ACCESS website, the vision is to provide equal access to high quality instruction to improve student achievement through distance learning opportunities to all high school students. This program will prepare students for college and the 21st century work force. Students are given the opportunity to take advanced courses.
I know many students who have participated in this program. It is a wonderful program that helps students to advance academically. It also allows them to know their potential. This program prepares students greatly for college. It gives them a small look into how colleges work is and the specifics professors look for.
Under Podcast treasury, you can find Podcasts on different subject areas. I was able to find a podcast on the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill. It was an introductory video which gave the viewer a first hand look into the tragedy.
I find ALEX to be very helpful to teachers and future teachers. I believe it is helpful to current teachers because it can help them change things up in their classroom. It can also give them an idea for a project to help their students better understand a subject. There are many helpful tools that I invite everyone to look at. Explore and click on the different tabs.
Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators & Students State wide, ACCESS, is to help high school students. As stated on the ACCESS website, the vision is to provide equal access to high quality instruction to improve student achievement through distance learning opportunities to all high school students. This program will prepare students for college and the 21st century work force. Students are given the opportunity to take advanced courses.
I know many students who have participated in this program. It is a wonderful program that helps students to advance academically. It also allows them to know their potential. This program prepares students greatly for college. It gives them a small look into how colleges work is and the specifics professors look for.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Progress Report on Final Project
My group includes Nicholas Sullivan and Alexandra Maniaci. We have decided that we are going to interview students on their thoughts about technology in the classrooms and in general. We are going to get together throughout the week to film it.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Blog Assignment 12
Read the interview An Interview with Alex Hiam: If we cut the Arts, are we cutting our throats? Write your reaction to this interview.
-----I do not think it should be cut out for many reasons. Art shows each students creativity, whether it be a lot or a little. I know I was not an artistic child or adult, however I loved doing crafts and learning do things about art. Theater is also another way for anyone to show their creative side. They are also able to dress up as someone else and be that person for a day or so. Not many people know what its like to actually walk in someone else s footsteps and be that person for a day. Theater allows people to play dress up and be someone else. It also can teach them a lot more about different subjects. For example, having to play someone with a speech impediment can really open a persons eye and make them see the struggles that people with disabilities like that go through on a day-to-day basis.
I do not agree with cutting p.e out. There have been many studies done that show exercising helps with children development. It allows children to learn how to play different games. It also gives them the interaction with peers outside of the classroom.
-----I do not think it should be cut out for many reasons. Art shows each students creativity, whether it be a lot or a little. I know I was not an artistic child or adult, however I loved doing crafts and learning do things about art. Theater is also another way for anyone to show their creative side. They are also able to dress up as someone else and be that person for a day or so. Not many people know what its like to actually walk in someone else s footsteps and be that person for a day. Theater allows people to play dress up and be someone else. It also can teach them a lot more about different subjects. For example, having to play someone with a speech impediment can really open a persons eye and make them see the struggles that people with disabilities like that go through on a day-to-day basis.
I do not agree with cutting p.e out. There have been many studies done that show exercising helps with children development. It allows children to learn how to play different games. It also gives them the interaction with peers outside of the classroom.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Special Assignment
1. What do you know (or have you found out) about Mr. McClung that is reflected in the way he has constructed his class blog?
-----From looking at Mr. McClungs' blog, I have noticed that first and foremost he is very organized. Also, he is creative. I like that Mr. McClung is very involved with his students, and he opens the floor for discussion on different topics. One for example being, "Lesson Two – Wrestlin’ Talk," which is about a boy who was supposed to wrestle a girl but forfeited the match claiming that it was against his religious beliefs to wrestle a woman. I'm sure this topic wasn't discussed in many classes, but I like how he incorporated the topic into the day to hear what his students thought of it.
2. Comment on what you would say about Mr. McClung as an educator.
-----Once again, I would say that he is a very organized and creative educator. From the looks of things, he keeps everything very interesting. If I was a student in his class, I would look forward to learning in his class because I feel like I would be on my toes about tomorrows lesson and how exciting it would be. I think I would HATE all of the snow days and having no school. As much as I would love the snow, I know I would get sick of having to sit in doors and not have much to do due to the snow.
3. I asked above that you read Mr. McClung's "rules" and think about them. What do they say about Mr. McClung, his teaching, and his connection with his students? What is your reaction to these rules (and guides) as a student and as an aspiring teacher?
-----In my opinion, these rules show that he wants his students to just listen and follow directions. Based on what I have read, it is clear to me that Mr.McClung wants to develop a relationship with his students. Reading these rules also tell me that he truly cares about his job and that his students learn in his class. I think these rules are great. I think that when I become a teacher I will use rules similar to these.
4. What was the first thing under Everyone needs? Why do you suppose that is the first requirement?
-----The Day Planner! I love this because this will teach students organizational skills!! I also think it will teach them how to manage their time. It's never to early to start learning time management!
5. Note the penalties for being late (under Homework). Compare them with my penalties for being late. Comment
-----Mr. McClung is quite hard on his students and I think that is great. They need to understand that you cannot turn in your homework whenever and get full credit. It is not fair to the ones who did what they were supposed to do and on time.
6. Read carefully his paragraph about what he hopes to accomplish with his blog. Comment and apply to your own aspirations as a teacher.
-----I think his aspirations for his blog are just what they should be. All classroom blogs should be very informative and be a guideline for the students. It should also keep students informed on what they have missed if they are absent.
7. I asked you to review at least two Useful Links in depth after reviewing all of them. Which two did you review in depth? Describe each of the two. How might each be used? Why do you think each made Mr. McClung's list.
-----The two links I looked in depth at were The Plagiarism Checker and Twitter Times. The Plagiarism Checker is very cool. You can copy and paste your students homework or paper to see if it is plagiarized. Twitter Times, as I quote directly from the website itself,"The Tweeted Times is a real-time personalized newspaper generated from your Twitter account."
----For obvious reasons the Plagiarism Checker made the list because he wants to know if the work he is receiving from students is theirs or someones' that they are putting their name on. I think Twitter Times made the cut because #1 its fun and #2 because it does keep you up to date on news.
8. Under Internet Safety I asked you to read carefully the rules Mr. McClung sets forth for safely using the internet. Comment on these rules. Are there any you would add or subtract.
-----I would not add any rules nor would I subtract any. They are great tips to help keep the students safety. I actually learned a few things from reading that I probably should have known but didn't.
9. In the C4K part of this blog I asked that you look carefully at one of the categories under which you assigned post was filed. What did you find? Select one of the posts in the category and review it for me.
-----I read the Trail of Tears post. I have always been fascinated with this story. As far back as I can remember, I always enjoyed this part of my history lesson.
10. Mr. McClung uses Edublog as his blog host. In some ways it may seem more "advanced." But Blogger has many abilities that we have not covered in EDM310. This leads to this question: Is there anything (or things) that Mr. McClung can do with his blog that you would like to do in Blogger?
-----I like the fact that everything works when you click on it! I have has many issues when trying to get buttons to work on my blog. I just basically like the overall layout better than Blogger.
11. In what ways does Mr. McClung make his blog useful to parents, teachers, administrators, students like you, and others?
-----Well for one, everything is either educational or entertaining. Also for future teachers like myself, we can get ideas on classroom rules. The main thing that I like is that I can get ideas from reading different posts. Also, seeing all of the videos makes it easier to get more of a first hand look at what they are doing in class.
12. How does Mr. McClung's 8th grade blog differs from other blogs you have visited including other 8th grade blogs? Why the differences do you think?
----- Like I said above, It is very educational. Also, just in the reading of the syllabus and class rules, you can see how much he cares about his job. The passion he has for his job is wonderful. The fact that you can see that in just a blog is fascinating to me.
Please check out Mr. McClungs' blog. You will be glad you did!
-----From looking at Mr. McClungs' blog, I have noticed that first and foremost he is very organized. Also, he is creative. I like that Mr. McClung is very involved with his students, and he opens the floor for discussion on different topics. One for example being, "Lesson Two – Wrestlin’ Talk," which is about a boy who was supposed to wrestle a girl but forfeited the match claiming that it was against his religious beliefs to wrestle a woman. I'm sure this topic wasn't discussed in many classes, but I like how he incorporated the topic into the day to hear what his students thought of it.
2. Comment on what you would say about Mr. McClung as an educator.
-----Once again, I would say that he is a very organized and creative educator. From the looks of things, he keeps everything very interesting. If I was a student in his class, I would look forward to learning in his class because I feel like I would be on my toes about tomorrows lesson and how exciting it would be. I think I would HATE all of the snow days and having no school. As much as I would love the snow, I know I would get sick of having to sit in doors and not have much to do due to the snow.
3. I asked above that you read Mr. McClung's "rules" and think about them. What do they say about Mr. McClung, his teaching, and his connection with his students? What is your reaction to these rules (and guides) as a student and as an aspiring teacher?
-----In my opinion, these rules show that he wants his students to just listen and follow directions. Based on what I have read, it is clear to me that Mr.McClung wants to develop a relationship with his students. Reading these rules also tell me that he truly cares about his job and that his students learn in his class. I think these rules are great. I think that when I become a teacher I will use rules similar to these.
4. What was the first thing under Everyone needs? Why do you suppose that is the first requirement?
-----The Day Planner! I love this because this will teach students organizational skills!! I also think it will teach them how to manage their time. It's never to early to start learning time management!
5. Note the penalties for being late (under Homework). Compare them with my penalties for being late. Comment
-----Mr. McClung is quite hard on his students and I think that is great. They need to understand that you cannot turn in your homework whenever and get full credit. It is not fair to the ones who did what they were supposed to do and on time.
6. Read carefully his paragraph about what he hopes to accomplish with his blog. Comment and apply to your own aspirations as a teacher.
-----I think his aspirations for his blog are just what they should be. All classroom blogs should be very informative and be a guideline for the students. It should also keep students informed on what they have missed if they are absent.
7. I asked you to review at least two Useful Links in depth after reviewing all of them. Which two did you review in depth? Describe each of the two. How might each be used? Why do you think each made Mr. McClung's list.
-----The two links I looked in depth at were The Plagiarism Checker and Twitter Times. The Plagiarism Checker is very cool. You can copy and paste your students homework or paper to see if it is plagiarized. Twitter Times, as I quote directly from the website itself,"The Tweeted Times is a real-time personalized newspaper generated from your Twitter account."
----For obvious reasons the Plagiarism Checker made the list because he wants to know if the work he is receiving from students is theirs or someones' that they are putting their name on. I think Twitter Times made the cut because #1 its fun and #2 because it does keep you up to date on news.
8. Under Internet Safety I asked you to read carefully the rules Mr. McClung sets forth for safely using the internet. Comment on these rules. Are there any you would add or subtract.
-----I would not add any rules nor would I subtract any. They are great tips to help keep the students safety. I actually learned a few things from reading that I probably should have known but didn't.
9. In the C4K part of this blog I asked that you look carefully at one of the categories under which you assigned post was filed. What did you find? Select one of the posts in the category and review it for me.
-----I read the Trail of Tears post. I have always been fascinated with this story. As far back as I can remember, I always enjoyed this part of my history lesson.
10. Mr. McClung uses Edublog as his blog host. In some ways it may seem more "advanced." But Blogger has many abilities that we have not covered in EDM310. This leads to this question: Is there anything (or things) that Mr. McClung can do with his blog that you would like to do in Blogger?
-----I like the fact that everything works when you click on it! I have has many issues when trying to get buttons to work on my blog. I just basically like the overall layout better than Blogger.
11. In what ways does Mr. McClung make his blog useful to parents, teachers, administrators, students like you, and others?
-----Well for one, everything is either educational or entertaining. Also for future teachers like myself, we can get ideas on classroom rules. The main thing that I like is that I can get ideas from reading different posts. Also, seeing all of the videos makes it easier to get more of a first hand look at what they are doing in class.
12. How does Mr. McClung's 8th grade blog differs from other blogs you have visited including other 8th grade blogs? Why the differences do you think?
----- Like I said above, It is very educational. Also, just in the reading of the syllabus and class rules, you can see how much he cares about his job. The passion he has for his job is wonderful. The fact that you can see that in just a blog is fascinating to me.
Please check out Mr. McClungs' blog. You will be glad you did!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Blog Assignment 11
I really like Ms. Cassidys' approach to technology. Her way of using it in her classroom and making it fun for her students is fascinating. She has a great approach to protecting her students identities. She uses their faces, obviously, and she posts only their first names and not with a corresponding picture. In the interview, Ms. Cassidy says, "You are handicapping your students by not using the tools available us." She also says the world is changing and we cannot teach the same way we did ten, even five years ago. I agree with both of these statements because we are "handicapping" our students be not using the technology that is available to us because technology with only become more advanced with time and not allowing our students to use these and become comfortable with them is the opposite of our job description as teachers. We are supposed to teach them, not discourage them from using the resources available.
I think I will defiantly use blog posting in my classroom. I think it is wonderful that something so easy can do so much. With a blog post, you can post information that an absent student can see to get caught up. You can also post updates so your parents can see what is going in the classroom. You can post videos of certain things you are doing in your class so anyone can see what is going on.
I know I will run into issues with my blog post. I think the main issue I will run into is the privacy issue. I think I will handle it the same way Ms. Cassidy handles privacy. She posts the students pictures with first name only, and does not post the names with corresponding pictures. The benefit of this is that it protects their privacy because their last names aren't shown.
I think I will defiantly use blog posting in my classroom. I think it is wonderful that something so easy can do so much. With a blog post, you can post information that an absent student can see to get caught up. You can also post updates so your parents can see what is going in the classroom. You can post videos of certain things you are doing in your class so anyone can see what is going on.
I know I will run into issues with my blog post. I think the main issue I will run into is the privacy issue. I think I will handle it the same way Ms. Cassidy handles privacy. She posts the students pictures with first name only, and does not post the names with corresponding pictures. The benefit of this is that it protects their privacy because their last names aren't shown.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Project # 14 Teach Someone Something
For this assignment, pick and choose an organization or charity that you care deeply about. Then, write a brief paragraph about why you like it so much. In another paragraph, give reasons on why you would want others to join and be involved in your organization/charity. If you do not know of an organization then come up with one that you would be interested in being involved in if it existed. Don't be afraid to explore your creative side. Be sure to include a website so others can read more into your organization. If you have made up the organization, then include a made up one. I have an example below. The example is not much, but it can give you an idea of where to start.
The organization I chose to write about is Susan B. Komen for the Cure. This organization is designed to end breast cancer. Nearly 1.5 million dollars has been raised since 1982 to go towards a cure. The federal government donates more then $900 million to breast cancer research a year. There are many ways to get involved such as donating, volunteering, or participating in a event. This information was all taken from The Susan B. Komen Website. Please visit the website for more information.
The organization I chose to write about is Susan B. Komen for the Cure. This organization is designed to end breast cancer. Nearly 1.5 million dollars has been raised since 1982 to go towards a cure. The federal government donates more then $900 million to breast cancer research a year. There are many ways to get involved such as donating, volunteering, or participating in a event. This information was all taken from The Susan B. Komen Website. Please visit the website for more information.
Blog Assignment 10
An open letter to educators
My experiences in college are very similar to Morgan Baydas'. For many of my core classes I used to sit in class for the two hour lecture, take notes trying to keep my eyes open, and zone in and out of the lecture. I had spent an easy $200 on the book, and barely opened it throughout the semester because the professor would say, "Just study my lectures," "I don't really prefer this book," "Just use the book as a reference from time to time," "If you study my notes, you will pass the class." So we had spent all of this money on a book, to barley ever use it. Now, this experience is not from all of my classes. You did have those few professors that understood college life and they used the book quite often so you would get your money worth. They also had the book open while they were lecturing and guide us as they were teaching.
My experiences in college are very similar to Morgan Baydas'. For many of my core classes I used to sit in class for the two hour lecture, take notes trying to keep my eyes open, and zone in and out of the lecture. I had spent an easy $200 on the book, and barely opened it throughout the semester because the professor would say, "Just study my lectures," "I don't really prefer this book," "Just use the book as a reference from time to time," "If you study my notes, you will pass the class." So we had spent all of this money on a book, to barley ever use it. Now, this experience is not from all of my classes. You did have those few professors that understood college life and they used the book quite often so you would get your money worth. They also had the book open while they were lecturing and guide us as they were teaching.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Comments 4 Teachers
Classroom Chronicles
I was assigned to read Henrietta Miller "Classroom Chronicles." The first article I read was titled Sometimes it is the simplest things . The post was about personal, portable whiteboards. These are smaller white boards that each student has. This video tells about the white boards. It is a very interesting video and I recommend everyone to watch it.
The second post I read was titled Sydney Teach-Meet. This post was about a meeting inaugural Sydney Teach- Meet for primary teachers is on April 19. "So the challenge is out, If you are a primary school teacher who is interested in sharing, learning or just listening to other teachers in the flesh, I can promise an interesting day." This is a direct quote from the blog.
I was assigned to read Henrietta Miller "Classroom Chronicles." The first article I read was titled Sometimes it is the simplest things . The post was about personal, portable whiteboards. These are smaller white boards that each student has. This video tells about the white boards. It is a very interesting video and I recommend everyone to watch it.
The second post I read was titled Sydney Teach-Meet. This post was about a meeting inaugural Sydney Teach- Meet for primary teachers is on April 19. "So the challenge is out, If you are a primary school teacher who is interested in sharing, learning or just listening to other teachers in the flesh, I can promise an interesting day." This is a direct quote from the blog.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Blog Assignement 9
"What I've Learned This Year" by Mr. McClung
The first topic Mr. McClung talks about is "How to read my crowd." In this paragraph, he talks about how he developed a mindset that was all about him, the teacher and that he lost tough with his lesson. I imagine that a lot of first time teachers would fell this way because they are trying so hard to give a good lesson, all the while thinking if they are even doing a good job. I am quite sure that first time teachers let their nerves get the best of them.
The second paragraph Mr. McClung talks about is being flexible. He states, "No lesson is ever perfect. The lesson you teach and the one you plan are always different." I think this statement is very true because you can plan and plan for something to go perfect, however the reality of it is nothing is perfect. As much as we would all like to be perfect and have the perfect class with the perfect lessons, doesn't mean its going to happen. Also, you can't plan out life. I am quite sure that this is something that all first time teachers are going to experience. Teaching is something I have dreamed out since I was in the 2nd grade, and I know I am going to want everything to go a perfect as possible.
The third and in my opinion the most important paragraph of the entire blog is Communication. In my opinion, communication is the most important aspect of any relationship, be it a friendship, relationship or student-teacher relationship. If you do not have communication, you do not have a relationship. I also agree with Mr, McClung when he says communication skills are the hardest to develop. I think the reason communication skills are the hardest to achieve is because people are afraid to express their opinions in fear they may be wrong. I know that working with students now, they are deathly afraid of being wrong. I blame society for this because our society is very judgmental. We are constantly judging the girl with the crazy hair or the boy who looks like he just rolled out of bed. I believe our students are afraid they will be scolded if they are wrong.
The fourth paragraph Mr.McClung writes about is to Be Reasonable. I know as teachers we are going to want the best from our students. We are going to want them to give their best and be their best. Some students will be able to exceed this expectations, others will meet our requirements, and the rest will fall behind. We have to learn to except that that is how its going to be. We need to acknowledge the ones that exceed our expectations and that meet our expectations, and then encourage the others who fall behind.
The fifth paragraph is about not being afraid of technology. This is true because technology is all around us. It is in our homes, offices, schools and stores. We are having to incorporate this into classrooms because that is what our students are comfortable with. We need to make them as comfortable as we can in the classroom and whether we like it or not, they are comfortable with learning thought technology and we need to respect that.
The sixth paragraph is about listening to your students. It is very critical that we listen to our students. They are a voice in this world and deserve to be heard. Mr. McClung also points out that teachers do not know enough about the students they are teaching. I think that all teachers should know everything they can about their students, especially the younger ones. The reason I feel this way is because if something tragic has happened or something bad is going on in the household, the teacher should know because it could affect their learning and school work. Also, teachers should want to get to know the people they are teaching. I know that I try to find out different things with my students. I always ask them how things are going or how their family is so I can find out if their is something I should know. From the older ones I get answers, and from the younger ones I generally have to ask their parents because the child gets confused. I always feel much better after knowing whatever the issue is because I am able to help and be another eye when the parents aren't around to make sure the child is alright.
The last topic in the blog post is Never Stop Learning. Mr. McClung talks about how some educators "refuse to learn ans grow as professional learners." He also points out that we work in a learning environment so why not soak up as much as we can. This I completely agree with because education is constantly changing. Things are changing so rapidly that you have to be apt to learning new skills and things. Not only to we have to learn it, but also pass the information along to our students. They also can teach us a thing or two about technology so we need to be able to learn from our students while we are teaching them.
For the full article by Mr. McClung, you can click here
The first topic Mr. McClung talks about is "How to read my crowd." In this paragraph, he talks about how he developed a mindset that was all about him, the teacher and that he lost tough with his lesson. I imagine that a lot of first time teachers would fell this way because they are trying so hard to give a good lesson, all the while thinking if they are even doing a good job. I am quite sure that first time teachers let their nerves get the best of them.
The second paragraph Mr. McClung talks about is being flexible. He states, "No lesson is ever perfect. The lesson you teach and the one you plan are always different." I think this statement is very true because you can plan and plan for something to go perfect, however the reality of it is nothing is perfect. As much as we would all like to be perfect and have the perfect class with the perfect lessons, doesn't mean its going to happen. Also, you can't plan out life. I am quite sure that this is something that all first time teachers are going to experience. Teaching is something I have dreamed out since I was in the 2nd grade, and I know I am going to want everything to go a perfect as possible.
The third and in my opinion the most important paragraph of the entire blog is Communication. In my opinion, communication is the most important aspect of any relationship, be it a friendship, relationship or student-teacher relationship. If you do not have communication, you do not have a relationship. I also agree with Mr, McClung when he says communication skills are the hardest to develop. I think the reason communication skills are the hardest to achieve is because people are afraid to express their opinions in fear they may be wrong. I know that working with students now, they are deathly afraid of being wrong. I blame society for this because our society is very judgmental. We are constantly judging the girl with the crazy hair or the boy who looks like he just rolled out of bed. I believe our students are afraid they will be scolded if they are wrong.
The fourth paragraph Mr.McClung writes about is to Be Reasonable. I know as teachers we are going to want the best from our students. We are going to want them to give their best and be their best. Some students will be able to exceed this expectations, others will meet our requirements, and the rest will fall behind. We have to learn to except that that is how its going to be. We need to acknowledge the ones that exceed our expectations and that meet our expectations, and then encourage the others who fall behind.
The fifth paragraph is about not being afraid of technology. This is true because technology is all around us. It is in our homes, offices, schools and stores. We are having to incorporate this into classrooms because that is what our students are comfortable with. We need to make them as comfortable as we can in the classroom and whether we like it or not, they are comfortable with learning thought technology and we need to respect that.
The sixth paragraph is about listening to your students. It is very critical that we listen to our students. They are a voice in this world and deserve to be heard. Mr. McClung also points out that teachers do not know enough about the students they are teaching. I think that all teachers should know everything they can about their students, especially the younger ones. The reason I feel this way is because if something tragic has happened or something bad is going on in the household, the teacher should know because it could affect their learning and school work. Also, teachers should want to get to know the people they are teaching. I know that I try to find out different things with my students. I always ask them how things are going or how their family is so I can find out if their is something I should know. From the older ones I get answers, and from the younger ones I generally have to ask their parents because the child gets confused. I always feel much better after knowing whatever the issue is because I am able to help and be another eye when the parents aren't around to make sure the child is alright.
The last topic in the blog post is Never Stop Learning. Mr. McClung talks about how some educators "refuse to learn ans grow as professional learners." He also points out that we work in a learning environment so why not soak up as much as we can. This I completely agree with because education is constantly changing. Things are changing so rapidly that you have to be apt to learning new skills and things. Not only to we have to learn it, but also pass the information along to our students. They also can teach us a thing or two about technology so we need to be able to learn from our students while we are teaching them.
For the full article by Mr. McClung, you can click here
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Blog Assignment 8
This is How we Dream, Parts 1 & 2 by Richard Miller:
I really enjoyed listening to the presentation. The more I watch presentations dealing with the advancement of technology, the more I become scared and excited. I am exvited about the future of technology. We can already do so much with technology. Its hard to believe that there is even more things we can do.
I feel that I will be prepared to write with multimedia. I also think my students will be able to as well because they are growing up with technologoy more than I did as a child. I actually think that my students will be able to tell me a thing or two about technology that I will not even know!
The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies
The Chipper Series is a very good video. My favorite part was Chipper saying she wanted to go on Wikipedia and change the definition of Wikipedia. Yes, that can be done, but that doesn’t mean it changed the definition as a whole to everyone. Chipper thinks she can procrastinate and wait until the very last minute to get her work done and still pass EDM 310. Sadly, that is very untrue. If you wait until Sunday afternoon (like I did today) you are in a hurry to get your assignments done. If you are like me, waiting until the last minute results in sloppy work that doesn’t make sense. By then end of the week you are tired and more than likely; don’t want to do your work so you half do it, which results in a not so good grade.
In EDM 310 for Dummies, this video was very true. At the beginning that was how I felt. However, instead if procrastinating, I learned very quickly to manage my time and I am able to get my work done 2-3 days before the actual due date. This is the week of Spring Break and this assignment slipped my mind. Luckily, I remembered in enough time to still be able to complete it before the deadline. As Dr. Strange said in The Chipper Series, "If there’s a deadline, you must complete your work by the deadline in order to get full credit.” So to all readers and future readers if this blog, take a deep breath because you are about to embark upon an incredible intellectual journey. You will become frustrated at times. If you do not procrastinate, you will succeed in this class.
Learn to Change, Change to Learn
I really enjoyed this video. I 100% agree that we need a community system. The classroom really is just a place to do a project or watch some video that no one pays any attention too. I feel that people need to realize that everything is changing. With technology being able to do so many things, our jobs are going to change. Our classrooms are changing drastically. I’m sure as much as people would love to see the classroom the way it used to be where they teacher spoke and then the students went home to do homework. They even have to realize everything is changing and that includes in the classroom.
The Secret Powers of Time by Philip Zambardo
There are six main time zones people live in. Two focus on the past, two on the future, and two on the present. Past positive remembers the good, such as Successes, happy birthdays. The people that focus on the past focus on the negative are past negative. To be orientated, you have to trust. If you make a decision of the future, you have to trust it’s going to carry out. Closer you are to the equator the more present oriented you are. La Lega in Italy basically cuts country in half. South wants children. North says all they do is work. In a book written by Robert Levine, he talks about pace of life. Think about how much time has expired when you’re sitting in the dentist office before they start drilling, or waiting in line? Time duration is about whether you’re bored or excited or not. In U.S, you can rank 60 cities according to high or low pace of life. High pace has more coronary problems. In US, a child drops out of school every 9 seconds. By the time a boy is 21, he has spent 10,000 hours playing video games alone. Add more hours if they have watched porn. They haven’t used social skills, because they live in a world they create. They will never fit in a traditional classroom because their brains are being re wired. The statistics in this video are unbelievable. This is a very interesting video and I invite everyone to watch it.
I really enjoyed listening to the presentation. The more I watch presentations dealing with the advancement of technology, the more I become scared and excited. I am exvited about the future of technology. We can already do so much with technology. Its hard to believe that there is even more things we can do.
I feel that I will be prepared to write with multimedia. I also think my students will be able to as well because they are growing up with technologoy more than I did as a child. I actually think that my students will be able to tell me a thing or two about technology that I will not even know!
The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies
The Chipper Series is a very good video. My favorite part was Chipper saying she wanted to go on Wikipedia and change the definition of Wikipedia. Yes, that can be done, but that doesn’t mean it changed the definition as a whole to everyone. Chipper thinks she can procrastinate and wait until the very last minute to get her work done and still pass EDM 310. Sadly, that is very untrue. If you wait until Sunday afternoon (like I did today) you are in a hurry to get your assignments done. If you are like me, waiting until the last minute results in sloppy work that doesn’t make sense. By then end of the week you are tired and more than likely; don’t want to do your work so you half do it, which results in a not so good grade.
In EDM 310 for Dummies, this video was very true. At the beginning that was how I felt. However, instead if procrastinating, I learned very quickly to manage my time and I am able to get my work done 2-3 days before the actual due date. This is the week of Spring Break and this assignment slipped my mind. Luckily, I remembered in enough time to still be able to complete it before the deadline. As Dr. Strange said in The Chipper Series, "If there’s a deadline, you must complete your work by the deadline in order to get full credit.” So to all readers and future readers if this blog, take a deep breath because you are about to embark upon an incredible intellectual journey. You will become frustrated at times. If you do not procrastinate, you will succeed in this class.
Learn to Change, Change to Learn
I really enjoyed this video. I 100% agree that we need a community system. The classroom really is just a place to do a project or watch some video that no one pays any attention too. I feel that people need to realize that everything is changing. With technology being able to do so many things, our jobs are going to change. Our classrooms are changing drastically. I’m sure as much as people would love to see the classroom the way it used to be where they teacher spoke and then the students went home to do homework. They even have to realize everything is changing and that includes in the classroom.
The Secret Powers of Time by Philip Zambardo
There are six main time zones people live in. Two focus on the past, two on the future, and two on the present. Past positive remembers the good, such as Successes, happy birthdays. The people that focus on the past focus on the negative are past negative. To be orientated, you have to trust. If you make a decision of the future, you have to trust it’s going to carry out. Closer you are to the equator the more present oriented you are. La Lega in Italy basically cuts country in half. South wants children. North says all they do is work. In a book written by Robert Levine, he talks about pace of life. Think about how much time has expired when you’re sitting in the dentist office before they start drilling, or waiting in line? Time duration is about whether you’re bored or excited or not. In U.S, you can rank 60 cities according to high or low pace of life. High pace has more coronary problems. In US, a child drops out of school every 9 seconds. By the time a boy is 21, he has spent 10,000 hours playing video games alone. Add more hours if they have watched porn. They haven’t used social skills, because they live in a world they create. They will never fit in a traditional classroom because their brains are being re wired. The statistics in this video are unbelievable. This is a very interesting video and I invite everyone to watch it.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Smartboard Presentation
Peer Evaluation Results
1)On a scale of 1-10, please rank if the teachers' language and vocabulary was clear and age appropriate? All three participants gave each of us a 10.
2) On a scale of 1-10, please rank the overall presentation in comprehension level.
All three participants gave each of us a 10.
3) On a scale of 1-10, were students asked to participate in the activity?
All three participants gave each of us a 10.
4) On a scale of 1-10, rank the overall creativity of the activity.
All three participants gave each of us a 10.
5-8 Please comment on each persons overall performance.
For myself, Rebecca Sisson, Samantha Fleming, Myself, and Jacob Webb, we were all given a job well done.
9) What was the most prominent aspect of the lesson presented?
----Liked that our game gave a grade at the end
-----Very enthusiastic
------Liked the multiple choice game
10) Please tell us if there is anything you would change or add to the presentation.
-----All three said they would change nothing, and it was great.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Blog Assignment 7
Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture
This was the most powerful speech I think I have ever seen. I have so much respect for Randy Pausch. When watching his lecture and hearing his words, the only thought that went through my mind was, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" He seems to have such a zest for life. To have gone through so many bad things and still have a wonderful outlook on life, and have the strength to stand up in front of all of those people and give a lecture, and be able to get through it...WOW! I know I could not do it.
The first thing I noticed while watching this video was how organized he was. He had everything he needed to give an effective speech. He knew exactly what he wanted to say and how he wanted his audience to receive it. In order to be an effective speaker and a good educator, you have to be organized. I know as a future educator, I am trying every day to stay organized and make sure I have what I need day. I am also very well at not being a procrastinator. I am learning how to use my time wisely. EDM 310 has certainly helped me with that goal!
The second thing I noticed about his lecture was he made his audience think about different things. He would say, "Think about..." and the audience would have to imagine what he said so we could get a good feel about what he was talking about. I enjoy when I listen to lectures/speeches and I am told to "think about" something. It always makes me feel like the speaker cares and really wants us to get a good understanding of what he/she is about to say.
The third technique I noticed about Randy was how entertaining his presentation was. He did not just stand in front of a room and lecture with a power point slide, he made it entertaining. He made his audience laugh which makes listening to a lecture enjoyable. I think this is the best technique when teaching because it keeps people on the edge of their seats, waiting for something else funny to come out of your mouth. Now I know a lecture isn't about being funny, but it sure helps keep people paying attention to you instead of sleeping or playing on their cell phones!
This was the most powerful speech I think I have ever seen. I have so much respect for Randy Pausch. When watching his lecture and hearing his words, the only thought that went through my mind was, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" He seems to have such a zest for life. To have gone through so many bad things and still have a wonderful outlook on life, and have the strength to stand up in front of all of those people and give a lecture, and be able to get through it...WOW! I know I could not do it.
The first thing I noticed while watching this video was how organized he was. He had everything he needed to give an effective speech. He knew exactly what he wanted to say and how he wanted his audience to receive it. In order to be an effective speaker and a good educator, you have to be organized. I know as a future educator, I am trying every day to stay organized and make sure I have what I need day. I am also very well at not being a procrastinator. I am learning how to use my time wisely. EDM 310 has certainly helped me with that goal!
The second thing I noticed about his lecture was he made his audience think about different things. He would say, "Think about..." and the audience would have to imagine what he said so we could get a good feel about what he was talking about. I enjoy when I listen to lectures/speeches and I am told to "think about" something. It always makes me feel like the speaker cares and really wants us to get a good understanding of what he/she is about to say.
The third technique I noticed about Randy was how entertaining his presentation was. He did not just stand in front of a room and lecture with a power point slide, he made it entertaining. He made his audience laugh which makes listening to a lecture enjoyable. I think this is the best technique when teaching because it keeps people on the edge of their seats, waiting for something else funny to come out of your mouth. Now I know a lecture isn't about being funny, but it sure helps keep people paying attention to you instead of sleeping or playing on their cell phones!
My PLN: Post 1
I have signed up for Symbaloo and I really like it. I was going to sign in to my account today to explore some more but the website is having trouble and it keeps telling me to come back soon. So hopefully later on today I will be able to sign in and learn more about Symbaloo. What I do know about it, I like. And as soon as I am able to sign in I'm going to get it organized and set it as my internet back ground. I did read that on the website so I'm hoping that means that when I open Firefox, Symbaloo will come up and I can access anything I want at the click of a button.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
C4T #2
Comments 4 Teachers
The teacher I was assigned to read was Jeff Utecht. His blog is titled the "The thinking Stick." He is an international educator. I found a video on YouTube; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8djV8slDN0, that is a speech Jeff did. It was very interesting and I recommend anyone who reads this to watch it.
The first blog post I read on Jeff's blog was titled, "Learning through Presentations." The post begins by talking about how sometimes, right before class, teachers will go online, copy and paste information onto power point slides, and then stand in front of the classroom and read off of the screen. It also points out that how much learning can there be by a student writing down the notes exactly how you have them written on your presentation. The students are focused on copying down what you have written, chances of them listening are very slim. The blog goes onto to talk about how Jeff has partnered up with a 9th grade teacher to come up with a program that will allow for the presentation to become a story, journey, or an in-depth look into some aspect of a book. This can be achieved by using a modified Pecha-Kucha format. Because of timing instead of 20 slides 20 seconds a slide go with 15 slides x 20 seconds for an even 5 minute presentation. For a more in depth look at this article, go to Jeffs blog;http://www.thethinkingstick.com/.
The second article I read about was entitled, Wikispaces Extends Free Education Wikis to Higher-Ed. This article is about how Wikispaces who has always been a great supporter of wikis in K-12 Education giving away some 980,000 free ad-free wikis for classroom use over the years will announce next week that not only will it continue to support K-12 Education, but will also be opening up it's free service to higher education as well. The features in these free educational wikis normally cost $50 per year, but are completely free for educational use.
The teacher I was assigned to read was Jeff Utecht. His blog is titled the "The thinking Stick." He is an international educator. I found a video on YouTube; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8djV8slDN0, that is a speech Jeff did. It was very interesting and I recommend anyone who reads this to watch it.
The first blog post I read on Jeff's blog was titled, "Learning through Presentations." The post begins by talking about how sometimes, right before class, teachers will go online, copy and paste information onto power point slides, and then stand in front of the classroom and read off of the screen. It also points out that how much learning can there be by a student writing down the notes exactly how you have them written on your presentation. The students are focused on copying down what you have written, chances of them listening are very slim. The blog goes onto to talk about how Jeff has partnered up with a 9th grade teacher to come up with a program that will allow for the presentation to become a story, journey, or an in-depth look into some aspect of a book. This can be achieved by using a modified Pecha-Kucha format. Because of timing instead of 20 slides 20 seconds a slide go with 15 slides x 20 seconds for an even 5 minute presentation. For a more in depth look at this article, go to Jeffs blog;http://www.thethinkingstick.com/.
The second article I read about was entitled, Wikispaces Extends Free Education Wikis to Higher-Ed. This article is about how Wikispaces who has always been a great supporter of wikis in K-12 Education giving away some 980,000 free ad-free wikis for classroom use over the years will announce next week that not only will it continue to support K-12 Education, but will also be opening up it's free service to higher education as well. The features in these free educational wikis normally cost $50 per year, but are completely free for educational use.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Comments 4 Kids
The first student I was assigned to read was named Evan. The blog he wrote was titled "Asessippi Ski Area" He said skiing at Asessippi is fun and that you would definitely come back with bruises. He also went on to say that he sat with his freind Jesse on the way home and they watched the movie Flicka.
----I really enjoyed reading his article. It wasn't very long but that's OK, it was still entertaining. I really like these assignments because I am learning about different places that I have never heard of. Also, hearing about a ski trip makes me want to go one day!
The second student I was assigned to read was Yasmine from Mr. St. Pierre's class. The blog I read was Terryville ghost strikes again! It was very exciting and interesting to read. The story is about Yasmine and her friends, Ciara and Genesis who had an encounter with a ghost that comes around often. I have never had an encounter with a ghost before so reading this story gave me the chills. I hope I never come in contact with a ghost!
The third students blog I got to read was a student names Jonita. She is from the island of Samoa. I had never heard of this island so I wanted to know where it was located and I found out it is by Australia.I also realized there are many islands by Australia. Also while reading her blog, I learned about a sport called netball. I research this as well and found out it is a sport a lot like basketball.
----I really enjoyed reading his article. It wasn't very long but that's OK, it was still entertaining. I really like these assignments because I am learning about different places that I have never heard of. Also, hearing about a ski trip makes me want to go one day!
The second student I was assigned to read was Yasmine from Mr. St. Pierre's class. The blog I read was Terryville ghost strikes again! It was very exciting and interesting to read. The story is about Yasmine and her friends, Ciara and Genesis who had an encounter with a ghost that comes around often. I have never had an encounter with a ghost before so reading this story gave me the chills. I hope I never come in contact with a ghost!
The third students blog I got to read was a student names Jonita. She is from the island of Samoa. I had never heard of this island so I wanted to know where it was located and I found out it is by Australia.I also realized there are many islands by Australia. Also while reading her blog, I learned about a sport called netball. I research this as well and found out it is a sport a lot like basketball.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I am a huge fan of the T.V show F.R.I.E.N.D.S, and also a huge fan of Lisa Kudrow. She graduated from Vassar College in New York. In May 2010, she was invited to speak to the graduating class. I wanted to share with everyone because it is very humorous, and also very motivating. She is a wonderful speaker and I hope everyone enjoys.
Blog Assignment 6
The only blog that I could find that comes close to finding an opposite argument was by a student in a class similar to EDM 310. The post does list cons of smart boards as well as pros. The three cons Brittany points out are: you can control everything from the SMARTboard, you don't have to sit behind a computer and desk but in front of the classroom, you can convert written document into text and students interact with the lesson.
For further information on Brittany's post, you can go to her blog: http://notesfrombrittany.blogspot.com/2011/01/do-smartboards-create-more-effective.html
Michael Staton, Why Smartboards Are A Dumb Initiative
I'm not sure how I feel about this post because for one I've never used a smart board so I don't really know how they work or if they are an affective learning tool. From the the classes I am taking that use a smart board, I don't see a negative side of them. We are able to see where items are online that we need. This for sure helps me because I am more of a visual learner and need to see things done. So seeing the website or document I need for an assignment, I am able to remember what the page looked like which helps me identify it when I'm on my own looking for it.
I have a couple teachers write on the board, and it doesn't come out the clearest, however when a lot my past professors have written on a white board, I haven't been able to read it. So the type of board you write on doesn't mean its any more clearer.
In Michael Statons blog, he writes that all smart boards are good for is standing in front of a screen. But I don't see what the difference is in standing in front of a smart board as apposed to a chalkboard. As a teacher, you should be standing up in front of the class, what difference does it make whats behind you? Your students are supposed to be looking at you, not focusing on whats behind you.
Bill Ferriter
In Bills blog, he explains how he isn't a huge fan of the smart board. Once again, going back to the fact that I have never used one, it is hard for me to say what I think about these two posts. Bills says he used his board for two or three assignments, all of which he says could have been done with his computer. Also in his blog, Bill talks about how he went to a Twitter Ed Chat about interactive white boards. I clicked on the Twitter Ed Chat to learn more about what it was, and it told me the URL i requested could not be found. Anyways, Bill concludes this discussion by saying, "The majority of participants recognized that without time and training, they quickly become nothing more than really expensive overhead projectors." Hopefully this isn't true. From what very little I know about smart boards, I like them and find them very useful.
The Networked Student
To answer the question, "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" The answer is for guidance when he needs it, and also the teacher is the one who taught him how to build a network. This story reminds me of EDM 310. We are given all of out material, told what to do, and have many many different ways of getting in touch with Dr. Strange and the lab staff. We do not meet twice a week, but with all the opportunities to go to the lab and get help, you could basically go to this class twice a week. I think I would be ready to take on a student like the Networked Student, well once I get all of this technology and all of the programs to go along with it, I could defiantly handle this type of student. I hope Ms. Dexler does well with middle school students. I'm sure they can handle everything. Students are much more advanced these days than I was in middle school so I feel confident they can handle it.
For further information on Brittany's post, you can go to her blog: http://notesfrombrittany.blogspot.com/2011/01/do-smartboards-create-more-effective.html
Michael Staton, Why Smartboards Are A Dumb Initiative
I'm not sure how I feel about this post because for one I've never used a smart board so I don't really know how they work or if they are an affective learning tool. From the the classes I am taking that use a smart board, I don't see a negative side of them. We are able to see where items are online that we need. This for sure helps me because I am more of a visual learner and need to see things done. So seeing the website or document I need for an assignment, I am able to remember what the page looked like which helps me identify it when I'm on my own looking for it.
I have a couple teachers write on the board, and it doesn't come out the clearest, however when a lot my past professors have written on a white board, I haven't been able to read it. So the type of board you write on doesn't mean its any more clearer.
In Michael Statons blog, he writes that all smart boards are good for is standing in front of a screen. But I don't see what the difference is in standing in front of a smart board as apposed to a chalkboard. As a teacher, you should be standing up in front of the class, what difference does it make whats behind you? Your students are supposed to be looking at you, not focusing on whats behind you.
Bill Ferriter
In Bills blog, he explains how he isn't a huge fan of the smart board. Once again, going back to the fact that I have never used one, it is hard for me to say what I think about these two posts. Bills says he used his board for two or three assignments, all of which he says could have been done with his computer. Also in his blog, Bill talks about how he went to a Twitter Ed Chat about interactive white boards. I clicked on the Twitter Ed Chat to learn more about what it was, and it told me the URL i requested could not be found. Anyways, Bill concludes this discussion by saying, "The majority of participants recognized that without time and training, they quickly become nothing more than really expensive overhead projectors." Hopefully this isn't true. From what very little I know about smart boards, I like them and find them very useful.
The Networked Student
To answer the question, "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" The answer is for guidance when he needs it, and also the teacher is the one who taught him how to build a network. This story reminds me of EDM 310. We are given all of out material, told what to do, and have many many different ways of getting in touch with Dr. Strange and the lab staff. We do not meet twice a week, but with all the opportunities to go to the lab and get help, you could basically go to this class twice a week. I think I would be ready to take on a student like the Networked Student, well once I get all of this technology and all of the programs to go along with it, I could defiantly handle this type of student. I hope Ms. Dexler does well with middle school students. I'm sure they can handle everything. Students are much more advanced these days than I was in middle school so I feel confident they can handle it.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Blog Assignment 5
100 Ways to Use Your I Pod to Learn and Study Better
I cannot believe all of the many things I can do with my I Pod! I thought an I Pod was only good for music. My favorite part about reading the article, "100 Ways to Use Your I Pod to learn and Study Better" was reading that I could install Spark Notes. I have always liked using spark notes for quick referencing of different books. I am also really glad to know we can get tutorials as well.
Before this class, I was not very fond with the idea of using technology in the classroom, but the more articles I read and videos I watch about how much technology can help me teach my students and be a better educator, the more I realize how much of a better education my students can get because of all of the different learning tools available.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
A pod cast is a recorded lecture that can help students review highlights from previous lectures in class. Students can view these podcast to help them review for a test. Students can also find other podcast with other information to help with many different subjects needed for classes. This video made me realize how wonderful of a tool pod casting is. I think that our students are lucky that if they are home sick, they can be caught up with what their class is doing. It will make the student, parents, and teachers less stressed knowing that the child is caught up.
I also found it very interesting that I am in the "millennial" generation which is someone who was born after 1980. The millennial generation doesn't know life without technology. Since it has been around all of our lives, doing anything without a computer seems almost absurd for some people.
Eagles’ Nest Radio & Class Blog
The pod cast done by the third graders was very interesting. The students did a very good job of speaking. They made it very entertaining and amusing. It was an educational video and I applaud them.
As I was listening to this pod cast, it made me realize that if third graders can do a pod cast and make it an educational experience, then there is nothing wrong with putting technology in the class room. One thing I do worry about is the students looking at a computer screen too long. It can be harmful to people's eyes of all ages. I will make sure that I do limit the amount of computer time my students have and I would like to have more pod casts available for my students to listen. Depending on what grade I teach, I would also like for my students to put together a pod cast. I think that it can be a great thing for the students to show off that they have done and learned. It will also be permanent to the internet and there will be the excitement of knowing that other students can Google the pod cast and it can help them learn about different topics.
I cannot believe all of the many things I can do with my I Pod! I thought an I Pod was only good for music. My favorite part about reading the article, "100 Ways to Use Your I Pod to learn and Study Better" was reading that I could install Spark Notes. I have always liked using spark notes for quick referencing of different books. I am also really glad to know we can get tutorials as well.
Before this class, I was not very fond with the idea of using technology in the classroom, but the more articles I read and videos I watch about how much technology can help me teach my students and be a better educator, the more I realize how much of a better education my students can get because of all of the different learning tools available.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
A pod cast is a recorded lecture that can help students review highlights from previous lectures in class. Students can view these podcast to help them review for a test. Students can also find other podcast with other information to help with many different subjects needed for classes. This video made me realize how wonderful of a tool pod casting is. I think that our students are lucky that if they are home sick, they can be caught up with what their class is doing. It will make the student, parents, and teachers less stressed knowing that the child is caught up.
I also found it very interesting that I am in the "millennial" generation which is someone who was born after 1980. The millennial generation doesn't know life without technology. Since it has been around all of our lives, doing anything without a computer seems almost absurd for some people.
Eagles’ Nest Radio & Class Blog
The pod cast done by the third graders was very interesting. The students did a very good job of speaking. They made it very entertaining and amusing. It was an educational video and I applaud them.
As I was listening to this pod cast, it made me realize that if third graders can do a pod cast and make it an educational experience, then there is nothing wrong with putting technology in the class room. One thing I do worry about is the students looking at a computer screen too long. It can be harmful to people's eyes of all ages. I will make sure that I do limit the amount of computer time my students have and I would like to have more pod casts available for my students to listen. Depending on what grade I teach, I would also like for my students to put together a pod cast. I think that it can be a great thing for the students to show off that they have done and learned. It will also be permanent to the internet and there will be the excitement of knowing that other students can Google the pod cast and it can help them learn about different topics.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Blog Assignment 4
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please? By Scott McLeod
I really enjoyed reading this article. I thought it was well said and put together. They layout of the post really added to his point. In my opinion, I think getting children involved with technology to soon can become an issue. We need to let them enjoy their childhood. They only get it once.
Scott McLeod, J.D., Ph.D., is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading academic experts on K-12 school technology leadership issues. Dr. McLeod is an Associate Professor in the Educational Administration program at Iowa State University. He also is the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), the nation’s only academic center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators. Dr. McLeod blogs regularly about technology leadership issues at Dangerously Irrelevant and occasionally at The Huffington Post. He is the creator of Leader Talk, the nation’s first group blog written by school leaders for school leaders. Dr. McLeod also was a co-creator of the wildly popular video, Did You Know? (Shift Happens).
The information about Dr. McLeod was found here.
The iSchool Initiative
I see his point. That it could save money blah, blah. Technology has many positive and negative qualities, however, with technology; you don't get the student-teacher connection. Students will not get that one on one experience. Technology is already taken away the interactions with people. Technology is teaching people how not to communicate one on one. They are able to type something, send it and possibly never have to meet that person. It's taking away life in my opinion. Now with the click of a button, people can do the majority of their errands, online. Video games are taking away going bowling, tennis and many other sports. So many people have problems with video games=violence, and that's what they blame for all of these students who go on a shooting spree, isn't converting school and everything else to technology the same as having no life?
The Lost Generation
I think this video was well put together. If you focus on this when its being read backwards, I think these words are very true.
Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir
I thought this was very cool to watch. I think it is interesting that technology can allow something like this to happen. The song is very pretty. I had never heard of it before now. I think it’s so amazing that all of these people had recorded the song and then it was able to be put together to make it seem like it was recorded all at once.
Teaching in the 21st Century
My reaction to the video is true. Our children are able to go on the internet and navigate around to find out the answers to anything. I'm not really sure what "To Teach" in the 21st century means to me. I feel like it means that same thing it has meant throughout time. We just have an easier and quicker way of getting answers. We can find out anything within seconds. We also have different ways to get our material across to students.
I really enjoyed reading this article. I thought it was well said and put together. They layout of the post really added to his point. In my opinion, I think getting children involved with technology to soon can become an issue. We need to let them enjoy their childhood. They only get it once.
Scott McLeod, J.D., Ph.D., is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading academic experts on K-12 school technology leadership issues. Dr. McLeod is an Associate Professor in the Educational Administration program at Iowa State University. He also is the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), the nation’s only academic center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators. Dr. McLeod blogs regularly about technology leadership issues at Dangerously Irrelevant and occasionally at The Huffington Post. He is the creator of Leader Talk, the nation’s first group blog written by school leaders for school leaders. Dr. McLeod also was a co-creator of the wildly popular video, Did You Know? (Shift Happens).
The information about Dr. McLeod was found here.
The iSchool Initiative
I see his point. That it could save money blah, blah. Technology has many positive and negative qualities, however, with technology; you don't get the student-teacher connection. Students will not get that one on one experience. Technology is already taken away the interactions with people. Technology is teaching people how not to communicate one on one. They are able to type something, send it and possibly never have to meet that person. It's taking away life in my opinion. Now with the click of a button, people can do the majority of their errands, online. Video games are taking away going bowling, tennis and many other sports. So many people have problems with video games=violence, and that's what they blame for all of these students who go on a shooting spree, isn't converting school and everything else to technology the same as having no life?
The Lost Generation
I think this video was well put together. If you focus on this when its being read backwards, I think these words are very true.
Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir
I thought this was very cool to watch. I think it is interesting that technology can allow something like this to happen. The song is very pretty. I had never heard of it before now. I think it’s so amazing that all of these people had recorded the song and then it was able to be put together to make it seem like it was recorded all at once.
Teaching in the 21st Century
My reaction to the video is true. Our children are able to go on the internet and navigate around to find out the answers to anything. I'm not really sure what "To Teach" in the 21st century means to me. I feel like it means that same thing it has meant throughout time. We just have an easier and quicker way of getting answers. We can find out anything within seconds. We also have different ways to get our material across to students.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
C4T 1
I was assigned to read e Learning Blog Don't Waste Your Time by David Hopkins. I found his posts to be very interesting. He seems to have a strong opinion about things which is a lot like me. I really like to get my point across.
His first post I read was about QR Codes. Now, if you’re like me, after reading the first sentence your thinking, "What on earth is this code thing and why do I have to read about it." Well, luckily enough, I went on to read the entire post and found it to be very interesting. If you’re still asking yourself "What is a QR code, allow me to summarize what Mr. Hopkins said.
The first thing he explains is simply, what is a QR code. The answer is a matrix code (or two-dimensional bar code) created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. Now, you're probably still wondering the importance of this. My opinion, there isn't one. However, they are in more places than you think. Chances are you have seen one and not even known. David Hopkins explains that Pepsi used them on bottles to give people access to special games and competitions not available anywhere else on the web. Calvin Klein used them to entice you to see their advert, “uncensored”. I ask all of my fellow followers to go to David’s' blog and read more about QR codes. The website is http://www.dontwasteyourtime.co.uk/.
The other blog I read by David Hopkins was about Twitter & Facebook use by Russell Group Universities. He gives links for two articles for his viewers to read. He then asks the readers opinion of the two articles. He then asks, "Are Universities using these tools because they think they ‘have’ to in order to be seen as progressive, modern, interested, social, etc, or is there a well-defined and implemented strategy behind the decision?" I once again invite my viewers to go to his blog and read the articles and think about what you think about the above questions.
http://www.dontwasteyourtime.co.uk/
His first post I read was about QR Codes. Now, if you’re like me, after reading the first sentence your thinking, "What on earth is this code thing and why do I have to read about it." Well, luckily enough, I went on to read the entire post and found it to be very interesting. If you’re still asking yourself "What is a QR code, allow me to summarize what Mr. Hopkins said.
The first thing he explains is simply, what is a QR code. The answer is a matrix code (or two-dimensional bar code) created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. Now, you're probably still wondering the importance of this. My opinion, there isn't one. However, they are in more places than you think. Chances are you have seen one and not even known. David Hopkins explains that Pepsi used them on bottles to give people access to special games and competitions not available anywhere else on the web. Calvin Klein used them to entice you to see their advert, “uncensored”. I ask all of my fellow followers to go to David’s' blog and read more about QR codes. The website is http://www.dontwasteyourtime.co.uk/.
The other blog I read by David Hopkins was about Twitter & Facebook use by Russell Group Universities. He gives links for two articles for his viewers to read. He then asks the readers opinion of the two articles. He then asks, "Are Universities using these tools because they think they ‘have’ to in order to be seen as progressive, modern, interested, social, etc, or is there a well-defined and implemented strategy behind the decision?" I once again invite my viewers to go to his blog and read the articles and think about what you think about the above questions.
http://www.dontwasteyourtime.co.uk/
Blog Assignment 3
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
My reaction to this video SO TRUE!
Secondly, I'd like to say I liked how well the students put this movie together. It was very creative.
I have bought books for a class and never used it, then turn around and sell it back to the store to only receive 20% of what i spent on the book, if that, back. But I think we all can agree college books are too expensive.
I also agree with the fact that we all have to be "multi-taskers." There is so much responsibility and work that we have to be. I sometimes feel like this work isn't necessary but then I look at the big picture. I realize that on top of all of this work and responsibility that I am learning so much more. I am learning how to manage time better, becoming more organized and getting a good education from qualified professors. I also know that learning how to manage time and balance work and school will help for when I have a real job and I get on my own. Being organized is key for making it in this world and having less stresses.
"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
I enjoyed reading about Kelly Hines' opinion on technology in classrooms. The one thing that I liked most out of the entire post was, "Teachers must be learners." The first thing the majority of my professors have said to my in my education classes was that statement, and I truly believe it myself. I believe that as educators, we cannot go into a classroom and think we know everything. For one, if we did know everything, then there would be no point in college. We are the ones that are students are going to look up to. We are the ones that are going to shape the future. IT is up to us that our students get the best out of us so they can make this world a better place to live in.
We also need to remember that we were in there seats at many times on our lives, as elementary students all the way to college students. We would not have wanted our teachers to have had a bad attitude when they were teaching us and not given us the time of day. Life is about living as well as learning. New discoveries are being made almost daily and are being shown to the world for people to learn and pass on. Everyday is about learning something new. In my opinion, that makes things interesting. Who wants to only know the same stuff and never branch out? I've always enjoyed learning new things and look future to learning more things as an educator.
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
"In order to teach it, we have to do it. How can we teach this to kids, how can we model it, if we aren’t literate ourselves? You need to experience this, you need to explore right along with your students. You need to experience the tools they’ll be using in the 21st century, developing your own networks in parallel with your students. You need to demonstrate continual learning, lifelong learning – for your students, or you will continue to teach your students how to be successful in an age that no longer exists." Karl Fisch
I could not agree more with this quote from an award winning post by Karl Fisch. I truly from the bottom of my heart believe that in order to be a successful teacher, educators have to be able to be a good learner. With technology always changing and new discoveries being made, everyone has to always be prepared to continue learning in order to keep up with everyday changes. As educators, we also have to make learning fun for our students. Our students will also teach us many things along with making our jobs very rewarding.
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
I believe this media countdown is showing us by second how much the world is changing with technology and how much time people spend on the internet. I think for my professional career, this means that I better get used to technology taking over the world because everything is changing by seconds.
![Landon]()
My reaction to this video SO TRUE!
Secondly, I'd like to say I liked how well the students put this movie together. It was very creative.
I have bought books for a class and never used it, then turn around and sell it back to the store to only receive 20% of what i spent on the book, if that, back. But I think we all can agree college books are too expensive.
I also agree with the fact that we all have to be "multi-taskers." There is so much responsibility and work that we have to be. I sometimes feel like this work isn't necessary but then I look at the big picture. I realize that on top of all of this work and responsibility that I am learning so much more. I am learning how to manage time better, becoming more organized and getting a good education from qualified professors. I also know that learning how to manage time and balance work and school will help for when I have a real job and I get on my own. Being organized is key for making it in this world and having less stresses.
"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
I enjoyed reading about Kelly Hines' opinion on technology in classrooms. The one thing that I liked most out of the entire post was, "Teachers must be learners." The first thing the majority of my professors have said to my in my education classes was that statement, and I truly believe it myself. I believe that as educators, we cannot go into a classroom and think we know everything. For one, if we did know everything, then there would be no point in college. We are the ones that are students are going to look up to. We are the ones that are going to shape the future. IT is up to us that our students get the best out of us so they can make this world a better place to live in.
We also need to remember that we were in there seats at many times on our lives, as elementary students all the way to college students. We would not have wanted our teachers to have had a bad attitude when they were teaching us and not given us the time of day. Life is about living as well as learning. New discoveries are being made almost daily and are being shown to the world for people to learn and pass on. Everyday is about learning something new. In my opinion, that makes things interesting. Who wants to only know the same stuff and never branch out? I've always enjoyed learning new things and look future to learning more things as an educator.
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
"In order to teach it, we have to do it. How can we teach this to kids, how can we model it, if we aren’t literate ourselves? You need to experience this, you need to explore right along with your students. You need to experience the tools they’ll be using in the 21st century, developing your own networks in parallel with your students. You need to demonstrate continual learning, lifelong learning – for your students, or you will continue to teach your students how to be successful in an age that no longer exists." Karl Fisch
I could not agree more with this quote from an award winning post by Karl Fisch. I truly from the bottom of my heart believe that in order to be a successful teacher, educators have to be able to be a good learner. With technology always changing and new discoveries being made, everyone has to always be prepared to continue learning in order to keep up with everyday changes. As educators, we also have to make learning fun for our students. Our students will also teach us many things along with making our jobs very rewarding.
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
I believe this media countdown is showing us by second how much the world is changing with technology and how much time people spend on the internet. I think for my professional career, this means that I better get used to technology taking over the world because everything is changing by seconds.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Blog Assignment 2
Did you know
First, I would like to say that I found the video to be VERY interesting. My mouth was on the floor the entire time. I could not believe the statistics that were shown. To know that in approximately two years there will be a computer that exceeds the computational capabilities of a human brain, or that we are possibly preparing our current students for jobs that haven't even been invented yet! That is quite a scary thought considering how advanced we are now, to imagine there are things out there that people are currently working on for us to use in the future. Who knows what is next?
The more I think about the advancement of technology, the more concerned for Americans I become. Why, you may ask? The reason is because the saying, "Technology is going to take over the world" already gives me chills down my back. But to think that there are already robots working to do our jobs. Yes, I know they can do things much faster than we can, but what comes to mind with me is obesity and health. If technology is soon going to take over, doesn't that mean our jobs too? So now we can just sit around and press a few buttons while drinking coffee and eating, just what we need. Eventually, jobs are going to turn into making sure machines are doing the job and that everything is working correctly. I agree, technology is a wonderful thing for some things, but we shouldn't let it completely take over. I may be old fashioned, but whatever happened to doing some things by hand?
Mr. Winkle Waits
As I was watching Mr. Winkle Waits, I couldn't help but think of my grandparents. To them, it seems as if one day they woke up and technology was everywhere. Like Mr. Winkle, my grandparents are shocked at what a computer can do. Not only can a computer let you chat to someone on the other side of the world, but also you can see them. With a click of a mouse, you can shop, buy, sell,watch movies and many other things.
Many people may look at technology as a bad thing, but with technology we have been able to save lives by keeping people breathing. Also it has allowed us to research many cures for a wide range of diseases. Lastly, it has allowed Americans to reach higher potentials that were never thought of. Technology has changed the world and will continue changing it rather we like it or not.
Sir Ken Robinson
I really enjoyed watching the Sir Ken Robinson video. He was very interesting and seemed like he has a good personality with the humor he added during his speech. His quote, "If your not prepared to be wrong you'll never come up with anything original" is so true. If people are afraid to branch out and explore the creativity then nothing they come up with will ever be their own. He also says many kids who grow up are afraid to be wrong. I believe this very much because the students I work with are always afraid of being wrong. Sometimes when they are wrong and I correct them, they get this look of embarrassment. I then take the time to explain to them that being wrong is alright. No one is perfect and I try my hardest to help them understand that.
In his lecture, he also points out there is no dance taught in educational systems. I find that dance is a form of creativity and expression. We want our students to express themselves and be creative, so why not have dance offered. Not all students can show their creativity through art. Educational systems should offer different ways of creativity. It doesn't have to be necessarily dance, but some other way for our students to show us who they really are.
Cecilia Gault
As I listened to Cecelia's interview with Sir Ken Robinson, I was blown away at her professionalism at such a young age. I thought her choices of questions were well chosen for a professional speaker. Her first question was how can education change to meet the needs 21st century and make better use of technology. I agree with Mr. Robinson that we need to make better use of technology. It’s obviously not going anywhere so we might as well make as much use out of it as possible. Also, with the young generation growing up with computers and being comfortable using them, we should incorporate computers more into education system.
In response to the question, "How I would make sure the Cecelia Gaults have a good education in my classroom", I would sit down with each child individually, find out there likes and interests, and put together a program to where each child went to a different station in my classroom to learn the lesson for the day. Now, things are easier said than done. So I know typing it in response to this question and making it a reality one day are different. As a teacher, I would like to try to meet their individual needs so they can learn effectively.
Vickie Davis
I really enjoyed watching the video about Vickie Davis and they way she teaches students. I feel like she is meeting all of her students needs by using technology as a learning tool. Since students are so comfortable with technology, using it to help them learn is a great idea. I think if Sir Ken Robinson watched this video then he would be very pleased to know Ms. Davis is using many forms of technology in her classroom.
I would recommend this video to all teachers and future teachers as a way of encouragement. I know many teachers who stress about reaching all of their students needs. With technology advancing the way it is, this seems like the way to go.
First, I would like to say that I found the video to be VERY interesting. My mouth was on the floor the entire time. I could not believe the statistics that were shown. To know that in approximately two years there will be a computer that exceeds the computational capabilities of a human brain, or that we are possibly preparing our current students for jobs that haven't even been invented yet! That is quite a scary thought considering how advanced we are now, to imagine there are things out there that people are currently working on for us to use in the future. Who knows what is next?
The more I think about the advancement of technology, the more concerned for Americans I become. Why, you may ask? The reason is because the saying, "Technology is going to take over the world" already gives me chills down my back. But to think that there are already robots working to do our jobs. Yes, I know they can do things much faster than we can, but what comes to mind with me is obesity and health. If technology is soon going to take over, doesn't that mean our jobs too? So now we can just sit around and press a few buttons while drinking coffee and eating, just what we need. Eventually, jobs are going to turn into making sure machines are doing the job and that everything is working correctly. I agree, technology is a wonderful thing for some things, but we shouldn't let it completely take over. I may be old fashioned, but whatever happened to doing some things by hand?
Mr. Winkle Waits
As I was watching Mr. Winkle Waits, I couldn't help but think of my grandparents. To them, it seems as if one day they woke up and technology was everywhere. Like Mr. Winkle, my grandparents are shocked at what a computer can do. Not only can a computer let you chat to someone on the other side of the world, but also you can see them. With a click of a mouse, you can shop, buy, sell,watch movies and many other things.
Many people may look at technology as a bad thing, but with technology we have been able to save lives by keeping people breathing. Also it has allowed us to research many cures for a wide range of diseases. Lastly, it has allowed Americans to reach higher potentials that were never thought of. Technology has changed the world and will continue changing it rather we like it or not.
Sir Ken Robinson
I really enjoyed watching the Sir Ken Robinson video. He was very interesting and seemed like he has a good personality with the humor he added during his speech. His quote, "If your not prepared to be wrong you'll never come up with anything original" is so true. If people are afraid to branch out and explore the creativity then nothing they come up with will ever be their own. He also says many kids who grow up are afraid to be wrong. I believe this very much because the students I work with are always afraid of being wrong. Sometimes when they are wrong and I correct them, they get this look of embarrassment. I then take the time to explain to them that being wrong is alright. No one is perfect and I try my hardest to help them understand that.
In his lecture, he also points out there is no dance taught in educational systems. I find that dance is a form of creativity and expression. We want our students to express themselves and be creative, so why not have dance offered. Not all students can show their creativity through art. Educational systems should offer different ways of creativity. It doesn't have to be necessarily dance, but some other way for our students to show us who they really are.
Cecilia Gault
As I listened to Cecelia's interview with Sir Ken Robinson, I was blown away at her professionalism at such a young age. I thought her choices of questions were well chosen for a professional speaker. Her first question was how can education change to meet the needs 21st century and make better use of technology. I agree with Mr. Robinson that we need to make better use of technology. It’s obviously not going anywhere so we might as well make as much use out of it as possible. Also, with the young generation growing up with computers and being comfortable using them, we should incorporate computers more into education system.
In response to the question, "How I would make sure the Cecelia Gaults have a good education in my classroom", I would sit down with each child individually, find out there likes and interests, and put together a program to where each child went to a different station in my classroom to learn the lesson for the day. Now, things are easier said than done. So I know typing it in response to this question and making it a reality one day are different. As a teacher, I would like to try to meet their individual needs so they can learn effectively.
Vickie Davis
I really enjoyed watching the video about Vickie Davis and they way she teaches students. I feel like she is meeting all of her students needs by using technology as a learning tool. Since students are so comfortable with technology, using it to help them learn is a great idea. I think if Sir Ken Robinson watched this video then he would be very pleased to know Ms. Davis is using many forms of technology in her classroom.
I would recommend this video to all teachers and future teachers as a way of encouragement. I know many teachers who stress about reaching all of their students needs. With technology advancing the way it is, this seems like the way to go.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Blog Assignment 1
My name is Courtney Bengtson. I am 22 years old and have lived in Daphne, Alabama my entire life. I enjoy doing many things from hunting and fishing to cooking and reading books. I also enjoy the family gatherings my family has every Sunday afternoon. It has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember.
As a child, I always wanted to be a second grade teacher. I remember loving second grade and my teacher and hoping one day I could take her place. While attending Troy, I changed my major to Psychology in hopes of becoming a counselor one day. That quickly changed as I began taking Psychology courses and realized it was not for me. I decided to fulfill my childhood dream and pursue an Elementary Education major. I had heard many great things about the University of South Alabama and since it was close to home, it made my decision even easier.
I currently work at Christ the King Catholic School in Daphne, Alabama. I run the After School Care program with my grandmother. I gladly accepted the job for the experience of working with children. I love going to work every day. There is such a great pleasure in working with children. They really know how to put a smile on your face. I think the best part about it is seeing how curious they are about everything. They have such a will to learn even after an eight hour day of constant learning and schoolwork. Answering their questions makes me get more excited everyday about one day having my own classroom full of second graders.
As a child, I always wanted to be a second grade teacher. I remember loving second grade and my teacher and hoping one day I could take her place. While attending Troy, I changed my major to Psychology in hopes of becoming a counselor one day. That quickly changed as I began taking Psychology courses and realized it was not for me. I decided to fulfill my childhood dream and pursue an Elementary Education major. I had heard many great things about the University of South Alabama and since it was close to home, it made my decision even easier.
I currently work at Christ the King Catholic School in Daphne, Alabama. I run the After School Care program with my grandmother. I gladly accepted the job for the experience of working with children. I love going to work every day. There is such a great pleasure in working with children. They really know how to put a smile on your face. I think the best part about it is seeing how curious they are about everything. They have such a will to learn even after an eight hour day of constant learning and schoolwork. Answering their questions makes me get more excited everyday about one day having my own classroom full of second graders.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
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