Final PLN report

My PLN  is complete!I found my PLN to be very helpful in saving and organizing all my resources. In my PLN I have organized it into color codes and sections depending on what the category is. In my reds I have all my tools for learning as in you tube videos such as; Sir Ken Robinson, and other assigned videos that I have really enjoyed. Also in read is the google and encyclopedia. In my browns I have my news icons. In pink I have all my social networking tools such as wiki, facebook, and my blog. In my oranges I have all my music icons that categorize one another. In blue I have my applications and utilities. In mt black is my contact tools for emails, and my business. In white are all my school websites. My PLN is very organized to my preferences I have only a few titles left and looking forward to filling those in the future. I have loved and enjoyed having a PLN and plan on expanding it way more in the future. I love that I was able to edit and choose my own colors and websites to put on there.

C4T # 4

  The first blog i commented on was Mrs. Hernandez's blog Taking Notes. In this blog Mrs. Hernandez explained the new method of note taking she used with her class. The class and she discussed the process of taking notes and how to take notes, also by asking the students questions about why to take notes. She then discussed and jotted down many ways of taking notes.  Before showing the movie on geography to take notes she allowed her students to choose which type of not taking they want to use. By doing this lesson about note taking and the different styles she noticed how much more her students were engage in watching the video and taking notes. The students reacted by asking questions about the video. The many styles of not taking discussed impacted the students on a good note. I responded by tell her my name, school, and edm 310 class. I explained how great it was that she explained the different styles of not taking. I also told her how it’s exciting to know just by talking about note the students became more engaged and excited about note taking and watching the video. I talked about how each student learns differently and taking notes can be one.

  The second of Mrs. Hernandez blogs I commented on was Eudblog award nomination.In Mrs. Hernandez’s blog Edublog award nomination she spoke on her nomination of her students for this award. Mrs. Hernandez said that she had never done a nomination before. Using the title the “best” is incapable of her doings.  She explains that while working with 5^th graders on blogging only 3 out of 15 students have really put in effort. In doing so she has decided to nominate a student while thinking long and hard about which student gets her nomination. The award nominations include: the best teacher blog, individual blog, student blog, individual twitter, free web tool, and Ed teach and resource sharing blog. In my respond to her with my name, school, and being in Edm 310. I explained how great I thought it was to nominate students. I told her how I thought it was a great motivation and help in pushing the students to work harder.

C4k Summary # 3 November

Izbobiz A different Learning Style - The Age of Exploration: A different learning style is the first kid I was given. This blog was about learning styles and which one best suited her. She explains how she has always marched to a different beat than other kids her age. She talked about how hard it is to accommodate different learning styles of children. In her class Age of Exploration she is allowed to choose her own topics, interests, and presentations instead of being limited to one type. She was able to express her active learning style effectively and that best suits her in the class. She likes Shakespeare so she chose to research Henry VIII. I replied with my name, school, and major. I explained how her writing and thoughts were excellent to read. I also explained how great it is that she was able to figure the type learning style she learns best at. A little while after leaving the comment I received two different replies. One of the replies was from Izbobiz thanking me for my comment and compliments. The next was From Mr. Mike Gwaltney expressing his thanks to me for taking time to comment on his student’s blog. He also stated how great it was for the students to receive feedback from readers to help create conversation and replies.

 The next blog was Mrs. Yollis Classroom Blog 307-UNICEF-  This blog was about students collecting money while Trick or Treating. Each student was sent with a box to try and collect any money towards UNICEF. The UNICEF means United Nation’s Child Fun which helps feed and save children in need all over the World. The class goal was set at $25.00 they managed to collect $227.75 for UNICEF. I responded with my name, school, and major. I explained how outstanding raising that amount of money was. I talked on doing some research to learn more about what UNICEF was and who it helped. I loved how the children collected the money while Trick or Treating. They were doing something enjoyable, but were helping others less fortunate then they are at the same time.

Levi S. is a 4^th grade at Point England School Auckland, New Zealand. He wrote his blog on Ice Cream Comets. His blog talked about how they had ice cream comets in class. Levi told how the teacher scooped chocolate ice cream into his hands the ice cream was so cold he wanted to drop it but didn’t. He added sprinkles which were delicious and wanted to slide a cone underneath but the ice cream was melting rapidly before he could get one. I told him my name and school and how I live in Alabama in the United States. I mentioned how that day sounded like a very enjoyable day to have ice cream in class. I said he was making me want some ice cream by reading about how good his was.

Blog Assignment # 14

While exploring Jose Picardo’s  Educational Blog I was able to find the long list of resources provided to be very interesting. By reviewing the list of resources I found it to be very helpful to new upcoming educators or pre existing educators everywhere. This list provided free resources from A to Z of things Educators could use in the classroom daily. There were almost over half I’d never heard of or knew about, but sounded very useful to use in learning. This shows me how useful and important Edm 310 is to educators and is to learning the use of technology. The many things we are learning or have learned so far do not even begin to cover the whole technology world.

While watching top ten tips for using technology in classrooms I was able to learn more about the tips of what and how to incorporate them into the classroom. Listening to all the great tips in just four minutes made me even more excited to involve technology in my classroom. Picardo mentioned some I have used regularly in Edm 310 such as blogging, social networking, smart board, and internet tools. The one that I wasn’t familiar with in incorporating it into the classroom was using music more often. He spoke on tuning in to what your students like and the ways you can merge it into learning. By identifying what your students like to listen to you are then able to use ITunes to your advantage in learning.

Blog #13

 In My Teacher is an App the main focus is on using online courses in Public schooling. It talks about the effects, advantages, and savings that can occur from using this new technology. It can also arise a worrying question will it eliminate teachers? The article explains how many states and school districts nationwide have already transfer to using this new program for K-12. The fact of the matter is many schools are becoming more computer-based than lecturing, or using books. Virginia has added 13 new online schools, and Florida has also required at least one online course be taken. Over 30 states have now allowed students to complete all online schooling and classes. On an average of 250,000 children are enrolled in online schooling. Schools hire outside companies to plan, conduct, and establish their online schools.

In using online schools or classes many states save high amounts of money. Tax payer’s dollars are uses at much efficient prices as much as 60% less than before. Although this seems to be an advantage it plays a disadvantage in testing scores decreasing to lower scores do to online usage. Experts state “using Hybrid schooling can help blend online study with face to face interaction with teachers.” Many parents, school personnel believe this is a great invention and more flexible with time. It’s used for children of the more Modern century what do you think? The school staff has said it will not be affected but the teachers will be able to accommodate a larger number of students at the same time than before. Lesson plans are not going to be needed or to be made, grading is simpler, and attendance would increase.

My reaction to the facts and arguments made is an open minded view, but also weary of completely changing the way of educating and of schooling. My opinion is it’s a great tool in advancing, self learning, more direct instruction, and a money saver but at the same time to dependent on. Roekel president of National Education Society state “Obviously we all want to save more, but to replace teachers with online learning is a mistake!” I agree with I think he hit it head on with this statement. If the education system was left and transformed to all virtual online learning how much are kids actually learning? Why need teachers? Integrating is the best way in my opinion to introduce technology and learning all in one.  By Children educating themselves through online classes what type of educational experience are they receiving, not a great one. So many children forget about their online classes, homework and assignments, test and quizzes, or cheat their way through school how does that help benefit them in life? Online classes are a great convenient way, but should not be the sole base of learning. We should keep it the way it is, but to improve and integrate both to help fulfill the full educational potential. 

Special Assignment Additional Post # 1

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 believe I missed this metaphor because I took it too literal. I think I definitely over looked what Mr. Spencer was referring to in this post. I thought way to hard on it being a deeper subject then what was meant. By taking the post to literal I skipped over it being a metaphor referring to technology and not real pencils. The fact pencils were mentioned and it was an article could also have thrown me off. I'm not one to use a lot of metaphors, but by having it explained in greater detail helped me catch it the next time I reread it. I will now know how to spot metaphors and to think outside of the "box" next time. Rereading the post changing the pencils to computers I was able to understand and interpret it a lot better than before.
2. What metaphors have you encountered since I asked you to create a log of them?
I have encountered them in Mr. Winkle Wakes, and Don't take home the pencils.
3. What other things can we do as educators to help our students to understand and to use metaphors?  I think as Educators we can help teach and understand the metaphors to students by talking about them. We should explain what a metaphor is,what the purpose of using metaphors are, and how to use them correctly. We could also teach them hot to spot out metaphors and the information we are needing to know. Having your class write and develop their own metaphors and discussing them could also provide help in learning and understanding.
4. Why do we use metaphors? I think we use metaphors to make a statement, article, or paper humorous. To discuss information without giving all the needed information. They help draw an interest to the writing and reading of the topic.  To also make you think outside of the "box", and reading between the lines of the real problem.

Project #15 Smartboard part B

C4K # 10 Part 1

Mrs.Yollis Class Blog

Mrs. Yollis’s blog is very instructional and educational. Mrs. Yollis’s provides every aspect of what can be done by using a blog page. She not only uses it for her classroom and students, but for parents to be involved in their child’s learning.  In the month of November she has named it family blogging month she invites relatives, moms and dads, grandparents, and siblings to comment on the child’s blog. The parents have really enjoyed this; because they are able to see what their children are doing, learning, and the progress they have made over the weeks in writing, spelling, and grammar. Mrs. Yollis doesn’t limit a topic but encourages all different types from responses after lessons to their choice of travel, to Halloween. I loved the fact that she incorporated skyping with classes from different states across the U.S. In talking with different classes they are able to learn Social Studies, Geography, and facts and similarities of another state. They are able to learn on more broadly while enjoying it. The blog consist of many different pages and facts. She offers an educational wiki calledEducational Blogging . This has videos of tips and ways of commenting, starting blogs, and topics to write, why they are useful and may other helpful tips offered to help teachers. Mrs. Yollis explains about herself and why she uses blogging and definitely teaches by exampling by blogging herself. The cluster map is very different between theirs and Edm 310 about 23,000 differences which are outstanding! I believe the difference of visitors is due to family, relatives, and different classes around the world visiting. In my opinion Mrs. Yollis’s blog is very instructional. It offers great tips and encouragement in learning about technology and the tremendous affects it can have.  She provides examples of the educational factors that can take place and how it’s taught correctly the kids can not only learn but be interested in what they are learning. You are able to see all the many ways it can be used and in all age groups.

Project #14 Skype Interview

Progress Report project #16

We have decided to explain and show how Gmail, Blogger, Smart Board, and Symbaloo (PLN) are great resources for current teachers and those to come. We will break down each program by using Debut to show our audience how the programs work and how they can be useful to teachers. 

Blog assignment # 12

Watch this video A vision of k-12 students today. Answer the following “What type of education do you want them to have?” How will you engage students to learn in the 21^st century? What tools and teaching techniques do you plan on using to incorporate learning through technology? As educators what do you need to know about 21^st century learners?  Express your thoughts on the questions and video.

 Watch this video Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the Learning Revolution. Write two paragraphs explaining your thoughts. Think about everything that has been presented in the video. He talks about changing from standardization to personalizing. What are your opinions on his argument? Do you agree education needs a radical shift to personalizing? As a future Educator does believe education should be customized to the actual students you will be teaching? Robinson believe this is the answer to the future change education needs to help schools flourish what do you think.

Blog Assignment # 11

Little Kids.. Big Potential

I enjoyed watching this video and all the great resources and tools being provided to the kids. Mrs. Cassidy opened their minds to using different technologies to learn. The students are not just expected to do worksheets, listen or read, but encouraged to explore different methods of learning using technology tools.  The kids were able to think outside the box and really use their own thinking in her class. They were able to learn being hands on creating blog pages, and using Nintendo DS’s to provide learning. I believe she has gotten the class involved and interested in learning by allowing the exploration in using the internet and hands on projects.  Mrs. Cassidy’s learning techniques and approaches are excellent! In regards to the whether or not she was talking about Edm 310 students when she implied Alabama students I do believe she was but also about another Alabama class. I think she was talking about the class that joined in on their Wiki page in creating letters of the alphabet by drawing, videoing, or movie making. The kids seemed to really enjoy all the opportunities and learning Mrs. Cassidy is providing them with.

Interview With Ms. Cassidy

 The Skype interview with Ms. Kathy Cassidy was to help provide Edm 310 students with an insight and advice on incorporating the use of technology with learning. She has had a classroom blog for about 10 years now. Ms. Cassidy is always adding new things to her blog. She first started with 5 simple Microsoft computers with the internet being the only use on each one. Instead of letting the center go to waste she wanted to be able to use and incorporate the tools she had been provided with. Ms. Cassidy began doing her own internet research creating her own ideas on incorporating learning with the use of the internet.  Her willingness to learn more and to create usage of the tools she was given is magnificent it shows her passion for wanting to help expand the minds of her students and their learning. Ms. Cassidy doesn’t set limits, but opens minds and doors to new learning for her students and their knowledge on how and what to use the internet for.

They children love learning how to create and use a blog they created and can work on daily. The parents also like it because it allows them to see the work and progress their child has made from the beginning to the end. It provides a portfolio of the students work and learning over a period of time. My favorite part about her creating this is she still makes sure her students are protected by only allowing the first name and making the pictures not match with any name.

Ms. Cassidy has been such a motivator and influence to another first grade teacher at her school wanting to learn how to involve these methods in his own classroom. Her motivation for learning more and researching for what to do next is outstanding. The question asked to Ms. Cassidy was “Do you believe all teachers should be technology literate?” Her reply was absolutely! Technology is changing and improving more and more than it had years ago. It’s important you know how to use it. She explained how over the years it has changed from just using word, spreadsheets, documents and programs to blogging, and tweeting.  I liked how she implied how important it was to keep up with what is being created around you. Never stoop learning as an educator always want to learn more.

Ms. Cassidy expressed her thoughts on Twitter and how relevant of a tool it has become. It is a huge helpful tool in gathering ideas, sharing ideas, learning, resources, websites, and advice to help encourage incorporating technology. Twitter allows you to share ideas and dreams with other educators wanting to create what you’re wanting also.  Find something that interested in and research using that she referred to it as your “entry point” and everyone’s is different. You’ll find that they provide one for writing, videos, communicating, and sharing.

I learned from this interview that you can’t be closed minded to researching or the use of technology, but to be open in researching new tools and learning more about what is out of your comfort zone and to pursue the new developments around you. I loved her teaching techniques and all the different methods to learning she used. I liked how she made it hands on and visual learning. She changes their thinking and mindset on what learning involves. I would use many of her tactics in my classroom. One that stood out is the Skype being used to communicate, read, and listening with other students and classrooms from around the word. The benefits I would encounter from using her approaches would be huge. I would help change mindsets and ways of learning in kids. To expand the learning area by incorporating technology and the resources provided. I will open unlimited opportunities for them to use, explore and think on.

C4K Summary #2

My first Kid was Rohan. He was a new blogger and didn’t have a lot of posts. He did however; post several math games and other education games that he enjoyed. Rohan told that his favorite sport was soccer.

The second Kid was Shelby. She wrote her blog on “How fast an average person walks.” She explained how fast a person walks which is about 2.5 miles per hour. The speed is about 5 km per hour. She described how age, weight, and height can play a part in determining how fast. I responded to her explaining my name, major, and school I attend. I told her how interesting and helpful her post was on giving information. She responded back telling me she appreciated my comment. To also give her any ideas on correcting it and making it better she would use them.

The third was Rachel. Her blog was about having a Spirit week at her school to celebrate homecoming. She told what the theme was for each day of the week. Rachel described each outfit she had worn from head to toe. I responded to Rachel by giving my name, major, and school. I told her I loved reading her post on the spirit week. I then talked about her outfits being really creative and spirited. I gave some background on how I also enjoyed homecoming and spirit week at my high school. Rachel also replied back telling me she enjoyed my comment. Also how much fun and enjoyment she had during that week.

My Fourth kid was named Ella. In her blog she wrote a description about her dog named Pip. She talked about what Pip loves to do, and how great of a dog he is. Ella included very cute photos of Pip. She also told that he will be 1 year old on November 18^th. She posted questions at the end asking: What is your favorite type of dog? do you have a dog and Name? What type of dog? I responded with stating my name, school, and major. I talked about how adorable Pip was. I told her she seemed like a great dog owner. I also answered all the questions she has asked in her blog. It was a happy post to read.

The last kid was named Quasia. She is in Room 12 Mrs. Keri Bark’s class at Pt. England school in Auckland, New Zealand.  Her blog was entitled “Large Rodents.” In her blog she had created and posted a short 42 second video on a Canadian Beaver. At the beginning she explained the characteristics of the beaver and what it is known for. In the last few seconds the beaver demonstrated cutting down the tree. I responded with my name, major, and school. I told Quasia how excellent her video was. I told her I liked the demonstration of the beaver cutting the tree at the end. She did a great job! 

I loved commenting on each kids blog. some of the things that post it very interesting to read and see. I enjoy leaving comments and receiving comments back from them! It gives you an insight on what kids their age are thinking and learning.