Thursday, December 8, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Final PLN report
C4T # 4
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 4th 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.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Blog #13
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.
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.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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 21st 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 21st 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.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Blog Assignment # 11
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
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 18th. 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.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Blog Assignment # 10
Do you teach or Do you Educate http://youtu.be/W0fJKvdjQgs
Do you Teach or Do you Educate was an awesome video. It’s one of my favorites I’ve seen thus far. I added this video to my PLN. This video inspires you and really makes you stop and think on. The Peter Brougham and Socrates quotes at the end of the video were very meaningful and a great point to the video. I absolutely loved them. I intend on being a teacher that educates instead of just teaching a lesson then being done. I want to brighten their futures, learning, and abilities. I want to help inspire their learning and enjoyment of every subject. As a future educator I want to teach them material they can use and take with them throughout life.
I would want to encourage dreams, passions, and social matters. To help make them think on their own, and to explain no answer is the wrong answer. It is very important to have a student communication and interaction while learning. That being said I will try to have that with my students. In teaching my goal is to educate in all areas, curriculum, social networking, and technology keeping up with the latest. To make sure they gain the fullest capacity of knowledge. Learning is not just text books, notes, and drilling it’s so much more than that. So my point is this there are many teachers but which ones teach and which ones educate? Teaching can be associated with lecturing, listening, paper, pen, notes. Educating is involving, learning, inspiring, and thinking to educate is why I want to become a teacher.
Don’t let them take home Pencils
This post presented a wonderful message to administrators, teachers, future educators, and parents. I liked how this talked about the standardized testing and scores. In my personal opinion testing is important, but it doesn’t determine learning skills or intelligence it’s to test that the given material was taught appropriately. All the specialist was concerned about was the test scores whether they were low or high and keeping them maintained in a certain percentage. The teacher was concerned about the real problems which was not being familiar with the pencil. So noticing the problem of taking pencils home he confronted the problem and gave a solution. In my opinion as an Educator that is our purpose to find the problem and create solutions. By giving his students activities, and projects he was able to develop ideas and learning tools to interest them. The point was made about playing games with the pencils he addressed that even playing a game they could be learning in areas we can’t see. Games can be incorporated into learning skills with the use of strategies, and thinking. Using pencil helps with their writing and use of writing tool. I thought this was a great post.
C4T# 3
The teacher’s blog I commented on was Dr. McLeod. His blog is a great resource and ideas to refer to. You can learn many different ideas daily. His first post I commented on was “5 trends for the future of education” in this post is he gave 5 highlighted points made in Mobility Shifts Conference. The five things listed were: Openness, Greater Insight in knowledge, Mobile learning, Alternative terms of assessment, and Rethinking the classroom environment. Each one gave great detail and was used by speakers from the conference. I responded by explaining who I was and how I enjoyed reading his post. I also explained how I could see how each one can be or are used in education today. The conference he attended sounded really interesting and educational. The nest post I commented on was called “Districts are still fearful of teacher’s communication with students on Facebook.” In this post Dr. McLeod talked about how he just learned of a school district dealing with the issue of teachers using facebook with their students. He makes a reply to the superintendent that told him with explaining how Facebook is like any other use of social media. He gives the statement that Facebook is public unlike via emails which are not public. His reasoning for thinking it was better that as long as it was appropriate why is so concerned. My reply to this post was explaining how I agree with some of his points made but also disagreed and understood the schools issues and concerns. I believe when used appropriate it could be good when using a student school page not regular page to page. I believe in it has advantages but also disadvantages as any technology. Both posts were excellent to read as are all of his posts. He comments and post daily which I liked.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Blog Post # 9
May 27, 2009 “What I’ve learned this year”http://attheteachersdesk.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-i-learned-this-year.html
I really liked reading this post. I feel like Mr. McClung offered advice to new educators, students majoring in education, and starting in the profession. The advice that was given gave ways to help you through teaching and important things to keep in mind. One of the main points he made was to “always have your students in mind.” You have to remember their learning skills and make it student involved. The comment I liked most was “no lesson is ever perfect, the lesson you teach and the one you plan are always different.”(http://attheteachersdesk.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-i-learned-this-year.html) This really stood out to me. When your lesson you created isn’t step by step, or not as informative as you’d like its ok. You can’t worry on it you have to work harder to correct it next time. “Be reasonable” was another comment Mr. McClung really emphasized on. My reaction to this was he was exactly right about being a teacher being reasonable is a major key. All your students will not be on the same levels in learning they all learn differently. When a certain goal is not met, we the teachers are there to not scold about not meeting the goal, but to give encouragement to help them work harder next time. Mr. McClung made an excellent point on listening to the students. In order to let the students know we care about them and their learning is to simply listen. As Mr. McClung says “Take an interest in their lives”(http://attheteachersdesk.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-i-learned-this-year.html), the student will take notice that you care deeply. The last important things I saw talked about was never stop learning. The changing in technology, learning, and tools it’s important we grow as well. Being an educator it is very important we take in as much of the new learning and ideas we can. We are not only growing stronger in the profession, but helping to better our student’s education and knowledge.
Thursday June 23, 2011 “What I learned this year”http://attheteachersdesk.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-i-learned-this-year.html
Reviewing Mr. McClung’s end of the year reflection was very interesting to read. In reading the blog I was able to get a sense of guidance almost like I was being mentored just by reading. I thought this feeling was great to receive just from reading a blog. All his comments made were so wonderful and helpful. Mr. McClung made the statement “Our decision making process should always be student centered and not centered on pleasing adults.” (http://attheteachersdesk.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-i-learned-this-year.html). This quote really made me understand how important it is to have your students come first, not being left out. I sometimes try to be a people pleaser by reading this comment I was able to grasp pleasing everyone should not be important, but why we choose this career. Mr. McClung pointed out to “always keep your excitement”, whether others agree or disagree. You have to remain happy about your teaching and the new changes. You can’t let others non excitement or unhappiness ruin yours or discourage you. Be happy with the teacher you become, it’s okay to be the odd ball out and the black sheep. An s long as you stay true to yourself and methods you’ll do just fine. I feel the most important point Mr. McClung stressed was “Don’t touch the keyboard”(http://attheteachersdesk.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-i-learned-this-year.html), in other words let the students learn to think on their own. I believe this is crucial in education. In teaching giving a student a task and the task becomes difficult for them, we can’t jump in to complete it for them. If we do the work and complete the given task then what was the point of giving it to the student if he or she didn’t complete the work. What did they learn? Were they able to think for themselves? The answers are no the students didn’t gain anything from the work. The teacher taking control doesn’t help teach. The student doesn’t experience learning and thinking for themselves or on their own. If we allow that the student will not learn or master the skills taught to them. They will always expect the teacher to do it for them and not gain any knowledge. We as educators need to encourage and teach the student to think and process on their own.
Both post were very enjoyable to read. These by far were the best I’ve read, and my favorite I wanted to keep reading. I felt guided on what the first, second, and third year will be like and all the different things you will experience and learn. I liked how he expressed how there will be bumps along the way, but learning from each can help improve the next year. Also take each mistake and error and learn from it. Always try in every area to better yourself as an educator. Set out to keep learning the more you learn the more you grow in teaching and helping prepare for the future. I will keep up on this blog often to learn more! He provide great tipsto take with me on my journey and help me become a great teacher!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
blog post #8
Dr. Miller “This is how we dream”
The video “This is how we dream” part 1 and part 2 both present valid points. In the first video Dr. Miller elaborated on how the writing literacy and culture have taken a change. Many people no longer write using pen or paper, but by carrying laptops using word processor. Dr. Miller explains while writing an article he used the web to collect all the information needed without going to a library. He talks in detail how important global communication is in today’s society. I personally do not enjoy reading that much, especially attending a library to search many different books. Being able to use goggle search for information with just one click away is wonderful.
In part 2 Dr. Miller talks about how sharing the educational media freely is important in providing resources around the world to different educators. Dr. Miller stressed the importance of finding important global news for example finding the polls, weather, and other important issues. The digital composing is more of the writing culture today. Being able to make work visual is helpful way in showing what Universities are about. Using you tube and iTunes U to publish work provides new ideas to be pushed into the culture.
Dr. Miller leaves with this “This is an incremental change, not a fundamental change.” (http://techliterateteacher.blogspot.com/2009/07/dr-richard-e-miller-discusses-writing.html) He wants teachers to be familiar and education in the composing of writing in today’s 21st century. The goal is to articulate dreams. Digital media is the new culture and word processor will no longer be of use.
Carly’s Blog #12
I loved reading Carly Pugh’s post it was very motivating. It gave me a clear understanding of Dr. Miller’s definition on writing with digital media. Carly presented material that used exactly what Dr. Miller was trying to encourage in the new writing culture and to be educated in the area of new changes. I’m not much of a reader, and English is my least favorite subject. Reading the assignment she created is something I would enjoy doing. It was such a wonderful idea that can also provide helpful tips in teaching and learning new ideas. Carly really demonstrated the use of multi-media and examples of how it can be used.
Chipper
This video was very true and humorous. So many people assume its ok to submit assignments, homework, and papers in late and it still are ok because they “did it”. In my opinion being late and not on time with assignments only hurts you in the long run. It does not help in becoming adult and meeting deadlines they will have along the way. This video in my opinion represents that meeting deadlines is crucial not only in school but life in general. The statement chipper made that “she wants to be taught so she doesn’t have to learn”. I believe in this class we are being taught but in a way we can learn and use the resources in our future careers. Being in Edm 31o I have learned that you do have to be fully dedicated to wanting to succeed in this class. Nothing is given you having to earn it all. When Dr. Strange explains that this class needs 9 hours allocated he is very correct!
Edm 310 For dummies
This video is also funny with real time questions and frustrations. A lot of the questions asked I had to say yes to. I could definitely see me sometimes acting like they were in the video about the class. The tutorials were all very helpful to watch to get an understanding of how to do it and what exactly all you need. By watching them I was able to learn about the different tools. Being given an instruction manual has helped me figure it out mostly on my own, before having to ask. As the class furthers I learn more and more each week. This video was great! That book should be published I probably would’ve purchased it prior to class. That could be a helpful resource offered.
Learn to Change, Change to learn
What a great educational video. “Learn to change, change to learn” (http://youtu.be/BHiby3m_RyM) is such an inspiring statement. Using that statement helps set a motto for education everywhere. It‘s sad that coal mining is above education. Education should not be that low. How can we fix education today? What do we start changing? I believe it starts within the classroom. Start providing teachers with tools of new learning and incorporating the web, social networking and grouping. We need to start making the classroom a community. Teaching the 21st century tools we are helping to create opportunities in schools, colleges, future careers and life itself. I liked how one of the speakers stated “There are new 21st century literacy not involving memorizing, but asking Do you know how to research, validate, solve, and interpret.”(http://youtu.be/BHiby3m_RyM) I strongly believe with the arguments made. In learning and adapting the new skills for the 21st century would help provide essential knowledge in using it and being able to teach it. Society does not like change, but in order to renew our educational teaching change is necessary. Take advantage of all the new useful tools and technology made available and help improve life learning.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Project # 10 PLN
I started slowly on my Personal Learning Network. With just starting out you may see my PLN doesn't consist of very many icons. The further we go along in this course I will be adding to it. I have organized all my icons with different colors and grouping. All my social networking are together in pink, utilities in blue, shopping in green, white school sites, red are search tools,brown news and orange my music. I am able to find the icon of choice easier by the organized colors and grouping.
C4T #2
I enjoyed reading the second Post “In the Same Boat” http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com/2011/10/in-same-boat.html . Mr. Wheeler spoke about teachers of different fields and different countries all being in the same boat with problems within the education system. He believes because of these problems educators should remain in contact. Mr. Wheeler believes with the teachers experiencing all the same problems remaining in contact and helping with the pressures the Government will finally stand and done something. In this post he describes how the web was one of the important discusses made. They talked about how crucial it was to use and know the criteria of using social and web media within classrooms. He then explains how important it is to involve the kid’s excitement in learning. He posted different teachers suggestions which was very encouraging and provided helpful tips. In my respond to this post I explained how much it relieved me to see all different teachers from different areas in the same boat with the system being broken. I pointed out statements that really stood out. One was stated by Ferran Ruiz Tarrago “being an educator you are to Strive to be excellent in an imperfect system.” The next one was by Julia Minguillon which was “As an educator you are encouraged to help make changes to better and reform the education system”.
I liked both posts on Mr. Wheeler. I enjoyed seeing him have a new post every day. He kept you motivated to want to read more and learn more. His post includes teachers and discussing ways of helping each other to better the students learning ability. The second post was above all my favorite post. I loved how he was giving encouraging advice and extending ways of bettering your Teaching techniques. He offered other educators advice and helpful tips in bettering the system. Overall he is very interesting and has many great posts to read.
Blog Assignment #7
Randy Pausch’s Video the Lat Lecture: Achieving your childhood dreams was incredible. Even with Pausch being diagnosed with cancer he still has an enlightening attitude. Randy remained happy and finished what he loved to do in helping to teach through lectures. I was very interested in the video and what he wanted to say. I loved how he was not wanting pity, or to discuss his condition and dying. He wanted to really talk on dreams, and lessons learned about education.
Pausch talks on childhood dreams. He explained about how his dream was to become a football player. What really caught my attention is when he quoted his football coach’s valuable words. Randy stated “If your screwing up enough times and no one tells you it means they have given up, If someone tells you when you screwed up they haven’t and they care.” This was really meaningful in all aspects of life, especially in education. In receiving criticism sometimes it’s hard to really grasp, or taken the wrong way. Hearing that statement just means receiving criticism is that much more important in correcting your screw ups and having someone care enough to help you.
Another teaching method he used was the data table which was a wonderful idea. They made a data table which indicated how easy you were to work with in a group and how hard you were. It was used in evaluating and giving positive tips and criticism to fix some of the things that weren’t effective. It’s always important to know how well you are to work with and if you are easy to work with. In providing the table it’s great to receive the stats of how your peers rate your working ability. You are able to see what you can correct and work harder. Randy spoke on using it as self reflecting on you. Also I liked how he mentioned, “We learn from our students”, I believe this is very true. You can learn new ways about doing things and using them with students. You are able to receive new generation outlooks, and creative ideas.
Randy Pausch has provided “4 ways of having people help you.” He stated: Tell the truth, be earnest, apologize when you’re wrong, and focus on others not yourself (Randy Pausch). These are the most important tips that can be given. Being honest creates a trust. It shows people they can put trust in you and extend a helping hand. Being able to apologize when you’ve made a mistake or at fault is respectful to people it encourages them to help you correct it. The last is one everyone should take into account which is being able to focus on others instead of you. I believe they are great classroom values that can be used to help teach kids. Knowing and learning each can help them with a mentality of helping others and in return you will receive help. Lastly I loved the “brick walls” Randy used in the lecture. Brick walls are everywhere in life in careers, school, marriages, and finances. Randy’s advice was to not let them stop you or hold you back, but work much harder! To me Randy has faced a few brick walls in education, and health determining his life, but yet he still remains the happy person he is. He has pushed the brick wall down just by not giving up and remaining himself. I think this is a great method in teaching children and adults. It helps show them nothing in life is easy but as long as you work hard, and not give up you are able to accomplish anything and everything you set your mind to.
In my opinion this video was very inspiring to watch. It made me realize all the important things I need to be learning and teaching to other people one day. He made the lecture for children as an encouraging message to children all over. The last lecture should be viewed by all students, leaders and teachers. Randy Paucsh was a great leader and educator. His main goal was to help teach people, to make them learn. He wants to inspire people to achieve and pursue their dreams. No dream is to big, or to crazy set out to achieve it!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Project # 7C4K Summary
The first comment was to a little boy named Crawford in Mrs. Krebs 8th grade class in lowa. His blog is at www.pencil.trailsoptional.com . Crawford wrote his blog on geocaching and a GPS. I replied to Crawford telling him where I am from and what school I went to and my major. I also explained to him have I haven’t heard of geocaching, but it sounded fun and exciting. He was a new blogger I told him I was also a new blogger.
The second comment was Aiden a boy in Mr. Mike Harris’s Room 19 in Point England School, Auckland, New Zealand. Aiden (pesaidant.blogspot.com) was a young boy In New Zealand explaining about Clevedon, England. He talked on what special things you could find there a Farm Village and a champion winning Rugby Team. He provided beautiful pictures, and resourceful websites. I responded to Aiden explain I live in the U.S. studying Elementary Education at South Alabama. I told him how interested I was in the Farm Village and one day visiting one.
The third comment was for a classroom at St. Elmo’s on the Costal iPad Program. They presented a wonderful video of the class receiving their first iPads thanks to Lucy Buffet of Lulu’s. The video expressed interacting with classmates and teachers. You could see how feeling of happiness and excitement came out of the children. I responded to this video by explaining the joy I received while watching how excited the children were. I could also see how much more they were going to enjoy learning from this point on.
The fourth comment was Odi in Diane Dall’s 2nd grade class new blogs for students. Odi talks about how he is in the process of reading Judy Blume’s book Super fudge. He explains a little on the book and how some parts of the story relate to his life with siblings. He mentions how funny the book is to him. I reply to Odi by telling him how excited I am to see him reading Judy Blume. I begin to explain to him that when I was younger Judy Blume books were all I wanted to read. I love her as an author and her books. I had collected almost all I could of her books. Her books are great and fun books to read.
I really enjoyed reading and commenting on each of the kid’s blog. It’s a way of communicating and getting involved with their class and blogs. They all gave a different experience and read. I loved how they weren’t all the same. Seeing the children being able to interact with the blog site shows me how it could be incorporated into my future classroom.
Blog assignment #6
The video was a great presentation of networking in the 21st century. The video explains a student researching a topic of his choice. He searches all his information through Goggle Scholar to find all the answers to his questions. In using Google Scholar he was able to contact many famous scholars through the web instead of person.
I did not have a surprised reaction to this video. Edm 310 is the exact same thing it provides me with the same information, and delivers same websites and processes. The question “Why does the networked student even need a teacher?” I believe the teacher is still needed by students no matter what area the student is in. You still need a teacher to help provide the correct steps, information, and give helpful resources to use. The teacher is there to help assist you through the process. If the students have questions, and concerns the teacher is there to help answer the questions. Teachers are still needed to the student.
“Am I prepared to be a teacher to a networked student?” Yes, I believe I am prepared and will have gained all the correct ways of teaching a networked student. Edm 310 helps provide the steps in fully understanding all the advances on the internet, technology, and social networking. Although networking is great I do not prefer to teacher all too networked students or only about networking. I believe in teaching one on one it is important in involving teachers and students together in a classroom setting.
I really liked her PLE and the way she had she had all her icons organized with one another. Her PLE was very full and colorful. The icons she chose were all different colors which categorized each one so she would know which belong together. My PLN is not fully completed but is similar to hers. The difference between her PLE and my PLN is mine is not as full. My icons and selected learning tools are somewhat different. Some similarities in her and mine is we have some of the same icons. We both organized them according to the icon. Each was color coordinated. As I continue to work on my PLN I will use her helpful tips and ways of organizing and apply it to my own PLN.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Blog assignment #5
My position on Dr. McLeod’s post is I agree to disagree. I believe he is right on certain points he makes and I disagree with some in general on the whole spectrum of technology. I like the arguments he made about cyber bullying, porn, and other harmful websites. In all reality, everything you do can on the web there can be a risk involved. On the other hand, kids can become involved in online chat rooms, most importantly cyber bullying which can play a tremendous part in computers and social networking today. I do believe technology is part of the future and can help better opportunities. I just don’t like the thought of solely relying on technology and it failing us in the problems that could occur. I still strongly believe education should be taught by teachers using some of the old ways, as well as incorporating the new technology advancements.
Dr. Scott McLeod- J.D. Ph. D is a very well know figure to the technology world today.He is a professor at the University of Kentucky. McLeod has founded a academic technology center. The name of this successful institution is UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership Education. He is the author of The book Did You Know series: Nation’s leading academic experts on technology K-12. Dr. McLeod has received several highly recognized honors: Emerging Leader, and the first untenured teacher to receive the Leader in Distinguished teaching award.McLeod has accomplish great things in the technology world and creating ideas for using technology for educators.
I watched Travis Allen’s videos on iSchool Initiate and Young’s mind entry. I thought they were very interesting videos. He believes the education system is broken. Travis seems to think technology can solve that problem. He develops this program and idea called school which involves the use of the phone, iPod, and iPod to be used in the schools. This invention would take the place of teachers using paper, materials, and spending. His plan is to help eliminate the mass budget cuts, change education and to create interacting between teachers and kids. His video is very clear and he provides apps that are already accessible for school education. Each subject matter provides: a scientific calculator, note taking, recorder, formulas, star walk, U.S. presidents and Constitution and email all provide at the touch of a finger. The amount of money he could save for the students and teachers individually is tremendous. In his next video, he is in college and still promotes his iSchool program. He and 25 employees travel around the world holding seminars for the iSchool in schools. Many schools have already adapted this program. His motto is “Rethink, Retool, and Rebuild our Education.”
My beliefs on this video is that they are great productive ideas but not realistic. Granted our world today and the future are heavily consumed in technology. Technology is a great component to life and everyone today. We are so dependent on technology being involved in everything we do so why wouldn’t his iSchool be a great program. Yes, the Iphone, Ipod and Ipad provide it all from a radio to homework, but what happens when they crash, break, or no longer work? What would we do? I believe technology is one of the greatest inventions and can help make the future brighter, but education should not completely rely on using it for teaching, or work. There still needs to be the basic everyday papers and books. Education can use a lot of improvements and fixing but technology can’t be the sole solver of this problem.
Jennifer Chamber’s post Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir was great! I was just so surprised to see how a video like that can be created using the internet. The most interesting was to see a choir of 185 people performing through online technology. It’s shocking to me that these people had never met, nor performed together before. For them to put a production together like this was just mind blowing. The reason for that is to see how much technology has developed and become so much more advanced than it was years ago! This video shows a prime example of the advancements that are provided to us today. Each day there is another invention in technology. This production alone shows people what the future may hold. The only downfall was the many buffering I had while loading the video.
Robert thinks teachers are no longer the main source of knowledge but the filter. He thinks teachers need to teach kids the use of technology. Robert believes you need to show them how to use the available resources given to them. He thinks teaching is meaningful, can solve problems, leave long term effects, and leave impressions. Robert believes highly that teaching should be engaging to students not entertaining. I feel this video is right, but then again as I have said above, education should not rely on technology itself. I too believe Robert’s belief in education needs to be engaging not entertaining. I also believe in making it enjoyable and learning the material in a well rounded way too. Technology is the future and we as educators need to be capable of teaching it and teaching it correctly.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Blog #4 assignment
In reading, 100 ways to use your IPod and study better, I learned the new ways of studying Apple has developed. I have an IPod, but all I have been using it for is to listen music on. In learning about the 100 other ways to use it, I can now change it and help use it to study on the go which would be of great help! Many people are not aware of the different things available to IPods. Education is expanding to our daily needs. Being on the go is a big part of so many people’s lives. They are always on the go due to , kids, family, school and jobs. They have developed these new advances for all age groups.
I liked viewing the Judy Scharf Pod cast Collection. She gave a wonderful explanation on what exactly a Podcast meant. I learned it is a cross between an IPod and a broadcast such as: a talk show, or radio show. This website provided me with two helpful websites in creating and receiving help. Judy gave a list of table of contents that can offer help in topics, and questioning that could occur. I got to see how the effect of audio should sound and how it’s used in podcasting. This information given from the website was a helpful source! I am able to receive a better understanding in creating a podcast that’s fun and interesting. I knew what a podcast was but was not familiar with how to create or to watch one. I was able to gain the exact definition of what it means.
These tips were all very educational to a new beginner as myself in using podcasts. I was given helpful tips that I will carry on. I can use this information when I start creating my podcast. I will also plan what I’m going to say and all the information before doing the actual podcast. I noticed a lot of them talked without any note cards or paper in their hands, which was great because they kept the attention on them the whole time. You really have to be involved in your podcast for the readers and watchers attention and likings. I now know the rights and wrongs in using podcasts. The helpful tips and websites will be useful in case of confusion and not having a general understanding.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
C4T
In Mr. David Warlick’s post “games and rules”; he spoke on how the games and rules were when he was a kid and how they have changed over the years. He mentioned how much our world has generated more video games, and rules have changed for our kids. In his post he explains his generation grew up with highly defined games with rules that had no changes, nor new learning objectives and goals. Mr. Warlick questions in his post is this good or bad? The new generation today has been offered new rules, games and goals that are in fact always changing. In post #2 “we don’t trust what we can’t see”; he talked about the confidence level the public has in schools. He demonstrated the percentage with graphs to show exactly how low the confidence level in schools is to other institutions. The public’s level of confidence is an astonishing low with 37%. In the year 1977, the percentage was 54% and the level has dropped over the years with the question “why”? David made an excellent point in stating “people will have less confidence in something they do not see regularly, or they can be more easily dissuaded of confidence” (David Warlick; 2 cent worth). Mr. Warlick’s point in this post was to ask how we can inspire. He makes you think about how to give the public more confidence in our schools of today.
My summary responses
I absolutely loved reading both posts from Mr. Warlick. I enjoyed his post because they spoke strongly on real issues. The post really made me see more outside the box and really think about what he was referring to. In the post Games and Rules, I agreed with him. I noticed how the games of his generation and the ones of today have changed dramatically. I also responded with understanding how he was talking about life in general is different than his time not just games and rules. I see how games, rules, goals, and learning have changed and how they keep changing every day. The next post I responded to was called; we don’t trust what we can’t see. He speaks on the low level of confidence in our schools. I explained to him in my response I did agree with his points he made. I spoke on how I see and feel the confidence has dropped also. I stated that the amount of teen dropouts, pregnancies, drugs, and alcohol have affected the view in confidence from the public. My explanation in how to inspire more confidence was to invite them to school events, performances, and meetings to show performance our schools. I really enjoyed following his posts and views they are intriguing to read. I advise everyone to visit his page and read up on his posts. They are excellent!
Blog Assignment # 3
In the post by Ms. Hines “It’s not about technology”. Ms. Hines talks strongly about the importance of technology and learning how to use the new tools presented to us. I agree with Ms. Hines on how teachers should not solely just use text books, or the technology, but how to incorporate both in your teaching. Each student has different ways of learning. In using both, you can reach out to the different techniques presented to capture the student’s attention in wanting to learn and focus. I like the fact that she stated teachers must be learners. In making this statement she explains what teachers learned over the years have changed dramatically. In being a teacher you have to be self motivated in keeping up with current developments, technology and new research. You should have a general understanding in where the child comes from when entering the classroom. I believe technology is useless if not used correctly or the teacher being uneducated on it. The classrooms are given all the right tools to help better educate but are not providing it due to lack of knowledge. You also have your teachers not wanting to learn new ideas or technology. In wanting to learn they could help change teaching and learning. By not using the tools given you are keeping the students from not understanding the use of technology, the world around them, and the future ahead of them. I hope to use all the pointers in Ms. Hines post in my future classroom and ways of teaching my students. To not only better myself as an educator, but better my student’s education and future. http://www.eduratireview.com/2009/04/its-not-about-technology.html
In the post “It Okay to Be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?” By Karl Fisch, he stresses the importance of the teacher being literate. I understand his view on being a role model to your students. If you’re illiterate you are not setting a good example in helping them become literate. He really states why teachers need to be literate for their own personal benefit as well as their students. When you have students coming in the class room being more technological advanced than the teacher you should feel embarrassed. His post explain how dependent our world is on technology and moving in a fast pace to more advancements every day. Students need to learn technology and learn it in the correct way. It is involved in our world more than ever today and being literate in the area is very crucial. You’ll be bettering your education in technology as well as your students.
Gary Hayes social media count is a flash app showing the numbers changing every time one of the many social media is used on the web. The rate of the numbers and how fast they change is just incredible. The count shows the world just how fast technology and the use of it changes every minute of the day! This proves how much future educators and educators now should be prepared and gather knowledge on these advancements. You have to be able to keep up with the everyday discoveries, ideas, learnings and tools provided through technology. It is surprising to think that years ago you wouldn’t have expected for society to move as fast as it has. My parents and grandparents and ancestors before them weren’t offered the advancements or technology we are today. In viewing this post I need to research more, become aware of just how far technology has come and the rate it’s moving. We are the future generation. We will be the ones in charge of educating the future and making sure they use it correctly. To teach the upcoming more advanced generation we need to know just the right information and tools to be able to further their education.
Michael Wesch’s video “A vision of student today “caught my eye in such an astonishing way. I related to the video and each message the students showed. I feel the same way everyday about my schooling. The books that cost high prices but are never put to use, pages we write but never read. It shows what the teacher and students feel nothing is being achieved. The video provides the information on just how much technology is used and plays a role bigger than the class room in our lives. The classroom teaching is good and valuable but technology consumes the attention more. What is the purpose of sitting in a class over a 100 students being lectured for 3 hours? When face book, YouTube, and twitter has the attention of the students and not the teacher. It makes the teacher feel useless in what they are teaching, but we can change that all. I highly recommend that every student and teacher watch this video. It is such an enlightening video with the message it sends to the viewers. Real issues are shown in students, teachers and classrooms.
Peer Editing
Peer editing is a valuable trait to have today in critiquing the everyday work of peers. It teaches you the importance of the use of words, editing, and tips to always use. The most important thought to peer editing it to always remain positive. It helps provide in seeing punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure errors in your papers. Peer editing helps better your work on a personal level as well as an insight to fixing it ahead of time. Another important tool is to give and take the advice in a way that it’s not an attack on you personally. The advice is to help you become better in writing. I liked reading about peer editing in the fact that they demonstrated a lot of good tips and learning how to become a good editor.
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