This semester was very rewarding in the end. I have learned a lot from EDM 310. The projects we completed in this class were fun AND I am going to be able to use them in the classroom later on when I begin teaching. I have actually spoken to a few teachers that I work with and we are going to try and start student blogs next year. I think it will not only give the classroom teachers a chance to "involve parents" but also give the students a chance to show off their work and be proud of what they have accomplished.
I thank you, Dr. Strange and Mr. Tashbin for giving me the opportunity to further my knowledge in technology and better myself. The world is becoming technologically dependent and I believe that I am on the right track in "keeping up!" Thanks!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
EDM 310 Final Reflection
1. Think about the many things we covered in class: blogs, wikis, presentations, Google Docs, Google spreadsheets, Picasa, podcasts, videocasts, YouTube, movie making, posts you read, PLNs, Twitter, other teachers and students outside of our region, comments4kids, comments4classmates, comments4teachers, iTunes, iTunesU, accessibility issues and the use of html tag modifiers to address some of those issues, who you are as a professional, Google forms, data bases, Google Earth, Delicious, ACCESS, ALEX, technological literacy, the future of schools, your "intellectual trail". Did I miss anything? Take each of these and consider what you
learned and how or if it may or will be useful to you as a teacher and as an individual in this "modern age." List what you learned and comment about it if appropriate. List as many things as you can think of. If you did not learn anything from this class, say so. I hope, however, that was not the case.
Blogs: I think that blogging is very important for students. It not only gives the teacher a chance to keep parents informed, but it also gives students a chance to display their work and be proud of it. As Dr. Strange said before, you are leaving your "Intellectual Trail" for the world to see. The future of the schools is leading to technologically dependent classrooms. There are more things that are evolving making the classroom a technology savvy environment. There are Smart Boards, Elmos, and Ebeams available to give students and teachers to interact with technology instead of the traditional black or white boards.
Presentations: Presentations are always important for students to partake in because it promotes self confidence and also gives them a chance to vocalize their thoughts and be creative.
Google Docs: These are wonderful because if students don't have Microsoft Office they are able to use the same types of programs but FREE of CHARGE! I love Google Docs because I don't have to carry around a jump-drive and worry about losing my documents.
Picasa: I love using Picasa. You are able to put finishing touches on photos you have taken and enhance them. I have only used Microsoft Photo Editor and I love PICASA!
Podcasts: The podcasts were really fun to do. I enjoyed being on a "radio talk show" and giving information that I came up with on educational resources. I think that podcasts would be fun to do in the classroom because students are able to give information through a "talk show" and other students can listen to the podcasts and respond to them.
Videocasts: Videocasts could be as useful as the podcast except with video. I didn't get to do one this semester, but I am interested in learning how to do one. I will research it and get my brother to show me when I decide to do one.
YouTube: The YouTube videos were very interesting. My favorite was the PS22 Chorus. I think that these videos are great for students because they can see first hand what other students around the world are doing in their classrooms.
Movie Making: We watched a video one of our classmates made on ScreenJelly and it was really cool to see how she put a regular PowerPoint to use in a movie with her voice. Students would love to be able to do one of these. I think they would be useful to do in Science or Social Studies as a group research project. The students will give their "report" through the movie.
Posts you read: Some posts I read were very interesting. I enjoyed some so much that I made them part of my PLN. It is important to read materials to learn more and be a lifelong learner.
PLNs: I believe that a Personal Learning Network is very important for everyone to have as a professional. A PLN is a great tool to keep your resources readily available and at your fingertips. A great site to organize your PLN is Symbaloo
Twitter: Twitter can be a very useful tool for anyone, including teachers. I am not sure if I would use Twitter in the classroom or not, but it is great for teachers.
Comments for teachers and kids: This would be great to use because you are able to see what other students and teachers are doing in different schools. Also, teachers and students outside our region is a great tool because you are able to see what is going on in other schools around the globe. Also, you and your students can learn something from them that you may or may not have already known.
Comments for Classmates: I believe this is WONDERFUL! Classmates can comment on each others work and give feedback. It is great for students to hear compliments from friends and classmates.
iTunes: iTunes and iTunesU is helpful in finding music for presentations and demonstrations students might need to prepare. You can also find things to use in the classroom such as stories and books to listen to.
Google Forms: Google forms are great because not only is it free but you don't have to carry around a jump drive. A survey can be distributed to anyone with a google address or email. Also, the survey results are compiled into a spreadsheet for you. It is very useful in organizing materials.
Google Earth: This was very neat to see how you travel the world. Not only would it be useful in mapping out directions, but a geography lesson would be easy to teach using Google Earth.
Delicious: Delicious is very useful in keeping all bookmarked sites available at your fingertips. Also, you have access to others bookmarked sites.
ACCESS: Access will be extremely useful in the classroom because of the teaching resources available.
ALEX: ALEX is a teacher's best friend. There are lesson plans available along with the standards for each. I already know I will use this on a daily basis! It will be my best friend when creating plans for the week.
Technological Literacy: I believe that every teacher should be technologically inclined. Without technology a teacher will be left behind...quickly! Email, PowerPoint, Smart Boards, and other educational tools are a necessity in today's world.
Future of Schools: The future of schools is definitely headed towards technology. Technology seems to be taking over. There is always something new coming out that can benefit the classroom and other business venues.
2. Are there things you would like to have learned in this class but did not?
I would have liked to have to do some sort of project using a Smart Board or Promethean. The schools are going to Smart Boards and I believe that this would be a better project instead of Google Earth or two presentations. One of those presentations should be using a Smart Board or Promethean board.
3. Are there things you learned in this class but wish you had not (and you will try and forget them or not use them as soon as possible)? Explain your items in this list (if any) telling me why you think it is appropriate to forget these things.
There is really nothing I will forget about this class. I believe I can use everything in some way, even if it is not in the classroom. It is always good to learn new things.
4. Did this class excite you in any way? I mean excite, as opposed to "was useful" or "was interesting" or "I did it"? If No, say that. If Yes, tell me what excited you, why, and how.
This class was very useful in the fact that it taught me how to use things that are available to me that I had no idea even existed. I never knew about Google docs. They have become my lifeline in school. I believe they will be a great tool for my students.
5. Did you find anything in this class to be particularly "intellectually challenging"? If so, what? Why do you think it was "intellectually challenging"?
I don't really think there was anything that was intellectually challenging. I do believe that this class is an EXCELLENT class for teaching time management. If you do not manage your time well with the work and get behind, you will have a hard time catching up. I did however manage my time as best as possible and was able to finish all my projects on time and I enjoyed doing them.
6. Were you bored by this class at any time? If so, what bored you and how might that be corrected?
The only thing I felt was redundant was the blogging. I think every week the comments on kids/teachers/classmates should alternate. There should be more projects and less blogging per week. I think the blogging on kids, teachers, and classmates were all useful, just do one per week all semester.
7. Would you change this course in any way (add things/delete things or anything else)? If so, give me your suggestions. Since I am always changing this course I could use your input! Do not, however, make an argument as to why you might think you were overworked. I do not intend to change the workload for this course whatever your position on this question might be. If you do not feel overworked in EDM310, you may say so if you wish.
As I said before, the workload is intense, but it can be done efficiently if you manage your time well. The only thing I would add is use of a Smart Board.
8. Are you Technologically Literate at the moment? To what extent? Low Some Medium Good Great
I would say I am good at being technologically literate. I am still learning new things but I can do a lot already. I love learning how to use new tools on the computer and Internet. I am still learning though.
9. How will you maintain or improve your technological literacy between now and the time you graduate? … the time you start teaching?
I am always looking for new ideas and new ways of doing things. I believe I will continue to improve and use technology in new ways. By the time I start teaching, I hope to have the Smart Board down pat and be able to teach others how to use it.
learned and how or if it may or will be useful to you as a teacher and as an individual in this "modern age." List what you learned and comment about it if appropriate. List as many things as you can think of. If you did not learn anything from this class, say so. I hope, however, that was not the case.
Blogs: I think that blogging is very important for students. It not only gives the teacher a chance to keep parents informed, but it also gives students a chance to display their work and be proud of it. As Dr. Strange said before, you are leaving your "Intellectual Trail" for the world to see. The future of the schools is leading to technologically dependent classrooms. There are more things that are evolving making the classroom a technology savvy environment. There are Smart Boards, Elmos, and Ebeams available to give students and teachers to interact with technology instead of the traditional black or white boards.
Presentations: Presentations are always important for students to partake in because it promotes self confidence and also gives them a chance to vocalize their thoughts and be creative.
Google Docs: These are wonderful because if students don't have Microsoft Office they are able to use the same types of programs but FREE of CHARGE! I love Google Docs because I don't have to carry around a jump-drive and worry about losing my documents.
Picasa: I love using Picasa. You are able to put finishing touches on photos you have taken and enhance them. I have only used Microsoft Photo Editor and I love PICASA!
Podcasts: The podcasts were really fun to do. I enjoyed being on a "radio talk show" and giving information that I came up with on educational resources. I think that podcasts would be fun to do in the classroom because students are able to give information through a "talk show" and other students can listen to the podcasts and respond to them.
Videocasts: Videocasts could be as useful as the podcast except with video. I didn't get to do one this semester, but I am interested in learning how to do one. I will research it and get my brother to show me when I decide to do one.
YouTube: The YouTube videos were very interesting. My favorite was the PS22 Chorus. I think that these videos are great for students because they can see first hand what other students around the world are doing in their classrooms.
Movie Making: We watched a video one of our classmates made on ScreenJelly and it was really cool to see how she put a regular PowerPoint to use in a movie with her voice. Students would love to be able to do one of these. I think they would be useful to do in Science or Social Studies as a group research project. The students will give their "report" through the movie.
Posts you read: Some posts I read were very interesting. I enjoyed some so much that I made them part of my PLN. It is important to read materials to learn more and be a lifelong learner.
PLNs: I believe that a Personal Learning Network is very important for everyone to have as a professional. A PLN is a great tool to keep your resources readily available and at your fingertips. A great site to organize your PLN is Symbaloo
Twitter: Twitter can be a very useful tool for anyone, including teachers. I am not sure if I would use Twitter in the classroom or not, but it is great for teachers.
Comments for teachers and kids: This would be great to use because you are able to see what other students and teachers are doing in different schools. Also, teachers and students outside our region is a great tool because you are able to see what is going on in other schools around the globe. Also, you and your students can learn something from them that you may or may not have already known.
Comments for Classmates: I believe this is WONDERFUL! Classmates can comment on each others work and give feedback. It is great for students to hear compliments from friends and classmates.
iTunes: iTunes and iTunesU is helpful in finding music for presentations and demonstrations students might need to prepare. You can also find things to use in the classroom such as stories and books to listen to.
Google Forms: Google forms are great because not only is it free but you don't have to carry around a jump drive. A survey can be distributed to anyone with a google address or email. Also, the survey results are compiled into a spreadsheet for you. It is very useful in organizing materials.
Google Earth: This was very neat to see how you travel the world. Not only would it be useful in mapping out directions, but a geography lesson would be easy to teach using Google Earth.
Delicious: Delicious is very useful in keeping all bookmarked sites available at your fingertips. Also, you have access to others bookmarked sites.
ACCESS: Access will be extremely useful in the classroom because of the teaching resources available.
ALEX: ALEX is a teacher's best friend. There are lesson plans available along with the standards for each. I already know I will use this on a daily basis! It will be my best friend when creating plans for the week.
Technological Literacy: I believe that every teacher should be technologically inclined. Without technology a teacher will be left behind...quickly! Email, PowerPoint, Smart Boards, and other educational tools are a necessity in today's world.
Future of Schools: The future of schools is definitely headed towards technology. Technology seems to be taking over. There is always something new coming out that can benefit the classroom and other business venues.
2. Are there things you would like to have learned in this class but did not?
I would have liked to have to do some sort of project using a Smart Board or Promethean. The schools are going to Smart Boards and I believe that this would be a better project instead of Google Earth or two presentations. One of those presentations should be using a Smart Board or Promethean board.
3. Are there things you learned in this class but wish you had not (and you will try and forget them or not use them as soon as possible)? Explain your items in this list (if any) telling me why you think it is appropriate to forget these things.
There is really nothing I will forget about this class. I believe I can use everything in some way, even if it is not in the classroom. It is always good to learn new things.
4. Did this class excite you in any way? I mean excite, as opposed to "was useful" or "was interesting" or "I did it"? If No, say that. If Yes, tell me what excited you, why, and how.
This class was very useful in the fact that it taught me how to use things that are available to me that I had no idea even existed. I never knew about Google docs. They have become my lifeline in school. I believe they will be a great tool for my students.
5. Did you find anything in this class to be particularly "intellectually challenging"? If so, what? Why do you think it was "intellectually challenging"?
I don't really think there was anything that was intellectually challenging. I do believe that this class is an EXCELLENT class for teaching time management. If you do not manage your time well with the work and get behind, you will have a hard time catching up. I did however manage my time as best as possible and was able to finish all my projects on time and I enjoyed doing them.
6. Were you bored by this class at any time? If so, what bored you and how might that be corrected?
The only thing I felt was redundant was the blogging. I think every week the comments on kids/teachers/classmates should alternate. There should be more projects and less blogging per week. I think the blogging on kids, teachers, and classmates were all useful, just do one per week all semester.
7. Would you change this course in any way (add things/delete things or anything else)? If so, give me your suggestions. Since I am always changing this course I could use your input! Do not, however, make an argument as to why you might think you were overworked. I do not intend to change the workload for this course whatever your position on this question might be. If you do not feel overworked in EDM310, you may say so if you wish.
As I said before, the workload is intense, but it can be done efficiently if you manage your time well. The only thing I would add is use of a Smart Board.
8. Are you Technologically Literate at the moment? To what extent? Low Some Medium Good Great
I would say I am good at being technologically literate. I am still learning new things but I can do a lot already. I love learning how to use new tools on the computer and Internet. I am still learning though.
9. How will you maintain or improve your technological literacy between now and the time you graduate? … the time you start teaching?
I am always looking for new ideas and new ways of doing things. I believe I will continue to improve and use technology in new ways. By the time I start teaching, I hope to have the Smart Board down pat and be able to teach others how to use it.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
How to Use Vocaroo
Vocaroo is a tool to make a voice recording that you can embed into a blog or a website. You may email the recording to someone too. It is very simple to use:
- First you go to Vocaroo.com
- Click on "Record" (make sure your microphone is installed and working properly first)
- Click "Stop" when you are finished recording
- Click "Listen" to listen to your recording
- If you are not satisfied, click "Record Again", to re-record and then follow steps 1-3 again.
- Once you are satisfied with your recording, you can share it with others.
- Click on "Send To a Friend" if you wish to email your recording
- If you would like to embed your recording into a blog or website, click on "Post to the Internet" and it will give you the appropriate codes to do so.
Blog Assignment #14, April 25, 2010
A 7th Grader's PLE
This video was very interesting. I went to Symbaloo and played around to see what I could come up with. I am going to try and create my PLN using Symbaloo. I think this is a great way to create your PLN and an easy way to be able to organize and use it.
Two Questions That Can Change Your Life
What's My Sentence?
This is something that I have never thought of. I thought about what my sentence would be and it is....."I am a striving mother, wife, and student pursuing a lifelong dream to become a teacher and positively influence the lives of many children. " I believe that if I commit to be a lifelong learner then I have the power to teach children to do the same. You have to do as you want your students to do and if they see that you are still learning and improving, they can too!
Was I Better Today Than Yesterday?
I believe that this is a great way to end each day. As a teacher you need to ask yourself this question daily. Was I better today than yesterday? Teachers need to always be on the lookout for ways of improving their teaching methods and being able to adapt to their student's needs.
Combine these two sentences and the motivation will take care of itself! Students rely on teachers to guide them through their academic careers and if a teacher just slides through a day with the same practices and shows no initiative....what is that teaching her students?
Each day should be a stepping stone to excelling in your teaching career. Take each day as a "lesson" and build as you go throughout your career. You will become an excellent role model for your students and not to mention, gain more knowledge and success for yourself!
This video was very interesting. I went to Symbaloo and played around to see what I could come up with. I am going to try and create my PLN using Symbaloo. I think this is a great way to create your PLN and an easy way to be able to organize and use it.
Two Questions That Can Change Your Life
Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.
What's My Sentence?
This is something that I have never thought of. I thought about what my sentence would be and it is....."I am a striving mother, wife, and student pursuing a lifelong dream to become a teacher and positively influence the lives of many children. " I believe that if I commit to be a lifelong learner then I have the power to teach children to do the same. You have to do as you want your students to do and if they see that you are still learning and improving, they can too!
Was I Better Today Than Yesterday?
I believe that this is a great way to end each day. As a teacher you need to ask yourself this question daily. Was I better today than yesterday? Teachers need to always be on the lookout for ways of improving their teaching methods and being able to adapt to their student's needs.
Combine these two sentences and the motivation will take care of itself! Students rely on teachers to guide them through their academic careers and if a teacher just slides through a day with the same practices and shows no initiative....what is that teaching her students?
Each day should be a stepping stone to excelling in your teaching career. Take each day as a "lesson" and build as you go throughout your career. You will become an excellent role model for your students and not to mention, gain more knowledge and success for yourself!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
My Personal Learning Network
Throughout the semester I have added to my PLN (Personal Learning Network). I started at the beginning of the semester with:
TwitterAt the Teacher's Desk (Blog)
I have added a few interesting sites since then that I feel might be of great use in the future as a teacher:
Larry Ferlazzo's blog
Dr. Alice Christie's blog
ALEX
ACCESS
Dr. John Strange's Professional Blog
There will always be more tools that I will use and I will continue to modify and add to my PLN.
Interview with technology teacher
I interviewed the technology teacher at St. Mary's school. I asked her the following questions:
1. Why do you think it is important for elementary school children to learn about technology?
Answer: I believe it is important for students to be able to type on a computer and put projects together. I think that they will be better off later on in school and life.
2. What do you think is the most important thing about technology in schools?
Answer: As I said before, the students are getting ahead with their knowledge of technology. The world is evolving into a technologically dependent world and these children are our future.
3. If there were one thing that you could leave out of the technology curriculum what would it be?
Answer: Nothing. I think that everything to do with technology is important. There are aspects of every part of it that are very important for us to learn.
4. What do you typically teach elementary school children?
Answer: I try and start out with typing. We use different games to teach proper ways to place your hands on the keyboards and it gives your wpm. In the middle grades such as 3rd, 4th, and 5th, I start introducing PowerPoint and other programs. I work with the classroom teachers to intergrate classroom lessons. The 4th grade actually entered the Technology Fair at Faulkner State University this past month and some of them actually placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in their divisions.
5. Do you have any technology groups for elementary school children?
Answer: Yes, we have a computer club offered to all students from 3rd grade up. These students test programs for me to see what will work best for their age groups. I let them be the "test group" and their opinions are what help me pick what to teach. I get a better idea of what is preferred for each grade level.
I also interviewed some children at the school to see how they viewed technology in their curriculum. Their responses were:
"I love learning how to use the computer and different things on it."
"That is my favorite class!"
"I wish we had more computer and more times a week!"
"I am in the computer club and I like helping figure out what programs are better."
"I like making projects on the computer. It takes me a really long time to type though."
After interviewing the technology teacher and several random students I have come to realize that not only is it important to include technology into school curriculum, but the children also love it!
1. Why do you think it is important for elementary school children to learn about technology?
Answer: I believe it is important for students to be able to type on a computer and put projects together. I think that they will be better off later on in school and life.
2. What do you think is the most important thing about technology in schools?
Answer: As I said before, the students are getting ahead with their knowledge of technology. The world is evolving into a technologically dependent world and these children are our future.
3. If there were one thing that you could leave out of the technology curriculum what would it be?
Answer: Nothing. I think that everything to do with technology is important. There are aspects of every part of it that are very important for us to learn.
4. What do you typically teach elementary school children?
Answer: I try and start out with typing. We use different games to teach proper ways to place your hands on the keyboards and it gives your wpm. In the middle grades such as 3rd, 4th, and 5th, I start introducing PowerPoint and other programs. I work with the classroom teachers to intergrate classroom lessons. The 4th grade actually entered the Technology Fair at Faulkner State University this past month and some of them actually placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in their divisions.
5. Do you have any technology groups for elementary school children?
Answer: Yes, we have a computer club offered to all students from 3rd grade up. These students test programs for me to see what will work best for their age groups. I let them be the "test group" and their opinions are what help me pick what to teach. I get a better idea of what is preferred for each grade level.
I also interviewed some children at the school to see how they viewed technology in their curriculum. Their responses were:
"I love learning how to use the computer and different things on it."
"That is my favorite class!"
"I wish we had more computer and more times a week!"
"I am in the computer club and I like helping figure out what programs are better."
"I like making projects on the computer. It takes me a really long time to type though."
After interviewing the technology teacher and several random students I have come to realize that not only is it important to include technology into school curriculum, but the children also love it!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Comments for Classmates: April 18, 2010
Brittani Milligan
I commented: I couldn't agree with you more. The school system definitely needs an "upgrade." As for the PS22 video, I loved it! Those children really put their hearts and souls into singing that song and for Stevie Nicks to be touched by them singing her song says a lot! Great post!
Brittany South
I commented: I couldn't agree with you more. There are teachers out there that really need to re-evaluate their teaching styles and accept change. I think the students are the ones suffering when a teacher refuses to change and adapt to new ideas. As for the PS22 video, I loved it! Those children really put their hearts and souls into singing that song and for Stevie Nicks to be touched by them singing her song says a lot! Great post!
Kelly McKinnell
I commented: I loved the PS22 video. Those children had their hearts and souls singing that song. It really touched me to see so much emotion in their faces! Even Stevie Nicks was touched by their song! Great post!
Deborah Snowden
I commented: I agree totally with you about teachers needing to change. The only people that are suffering from teacher unwilling to adapt to change is their students. Teachers should be lifelong learners and willing to make changes when necessary, especially when it comes to teaching practices! The PS22 video was amazing! I was very touched to see so much emotion in the children's faces while singing that song. I watched it 3 times that night! :) Great post!
I commented: I couldn't agree with you more. The school system definitely needs an "upgrade." As for the PS22 video, I loved it! Those children really put their hearts and souls into singing that song and for Stevie Nicks to be touched by them singing her song says a lot! Great post!
Brittany South
I commented: I couldn't agree with you more. There are teachers out there that really need to re-evaluate their teaching styles and accept change. I think the students are the ones suffering when a teacher refuses to change and adapt to new ideas. As for the PS22 video, I loved it! Those children really put their hearts and souls into singing that song and for Stevie Nicks to be touched by them singing her song says a lot! Great post!
Kelly McKinnell
I commented: I loved the PS22 video. Those children had their hearts and souls singing that song. It really touched me to see so much emotion in their faces! Even Stevie Nicks was touched by their song! Great post!
Deborah Snowden
I commented: I agree totally with you about teachers needing to change. The only people that are suffering from teacher unwilling to adapt to change is their students. Teachers should be lifelong learners and willing to make changes when necessary, especially when it comes to teaching practices! The PS22 video was amazing! I was very touched to see so much emotion in the children's faces while singing that song. I watched it 3 times that night! :) Great post!
Comments for Teachers: Blog and Podcasts for ELT Professionals
What's New In The World?
"English at Cebit"
This post was wonderful. I commented: I love the comment you made, "The more you can get the subject out of the classroom and into the real world, the more chance you have of getting the kids to connect with it." I believe that the only way that children can really learn new things and remember them is to put them to work in the real world and experience it first hand. If your students get a chance to practice the English language in a public setting, that is excellent. This gives them the chance to make their mark and really test their skills. Thank you for sharing this post!
"Are Teachers Like Factory Workers?"
I was enthralled in this blog. Too many times I have experienced the same situation you are speaking of. The comment "how can you be interested in teaching and not have heard of PLNs" is very interesting. I am currently in school at the University of South Alabama pursuing my teaching degree. I had never heard of a PLN before taking a technology course (EDM 310, which is what directed me to your page) and I understand how important it is for someone in education to have a PLN. As a teacher, you should be a "lifelong learner" and willing to make change when change is necessary. I believe every teacher should take the initiative to go beyond the requirements and attend seminars and presentations to expand their knowledge on different topics. Great post! Thank you for sharing...I am adding you to MY PLN! Thanks!
"English at Cebit"
This post was wonderful. I commented: I love the comment you made, "The more you can get the subject out of the classroom and into the real world, the more chance you have of getting the kids to connect with it." I believe that the only way that children can really learn new things and remember them is to put them to work in the real world and experience it first hand. If your students get a chance to practice the English language in a public setting, that is excellent. This gives them the chance to make their mark and really test their skills. Thank you for sharing this post!
"Are Teachers Like Factory Workers?"
I was enthralled in this blog. Too many times I have experienced the same situation you are speaking of. The comment "how can you be interested in teaching and not have heard of PLNs" is very interesting. I am currently in school at the University of South Alabama pursuing my teaching degree. I had never heard of a PLN before taking a technology course (EDM 310, which is what directed me to your page) and I understand how important it is for someone in education to have a PLN. As a teacher, you should be a "lifelong learner" and willing to make change when change is necessary. I believe every teacher should take the initiative to go beyond the requirements and attend seminars and presentations to expand their knowledge on different topics. Great post! Thank you for sharing...I am adding you to MY PLN! Thanks!
Blog Assignment #13, April 18, 2010
Thoughts about EDM 31o...
I feel that without this class I would be lost in the world of technology. I have always thought of myself as a technologically savvy person, but there is so much out there that I did not know existed. The podcasts were fun to put together and do as a group. I have never even heard of a podcast. I always referred to them as a "radio talk show." There are many things in this class that turned out to be very useful. The class as a whole was very stressful in trying to keep up, but I do feel that it will be extremely useful in the long run.
The one project I think I will continue to use is the blogging. The blogs will be a great way for my students to express themselves and also share what they have learned and are learning with the world. I will give them assignments that they will have to post to their blogs and maybe coincide with another school or class to make comments on their blogs. The blogging is a useful tool to give students a chance to show their work and be proud of what they have accomplished. I will also have a class website that has links to the students blogs. I believe this will be a great opportunity to share with parents what we do on a daily basis and the things that are going on in our classroom. We will update our blogs and site daily. I am really excited to get things started! I can't wait!!!
I feel that without this class I would be lost in the world of technology. I have always thought of myself as a technologically savvy person, but there is so much out there that I did not know existed. The podcasts were fun to put together and do as a group. I have never even heard of a podcast. I always referred to them as a "radio talk show." There are many things in this class that turned out to be very useful. The class as a whole was very stressful in trying to keep up, but I do feel that it will be extremely useful in the long run.
The one project I think I will continue to use is the blogging. The blogs will be a great way for my students to express themselves and also share what they have learned and are learning with the world. I will give them assignments that they will have to post to their blogs and maybe coincide with another school or class to make comments on their blogs. The blogging is a useful tool to give students a chance to show their work and be proud of what they have accomplished. I will also have a class website that has links to the students blogs. I believe this will be a great opportunity to share with parents what we do on a daily basis and the things that are going on in our classroom. We will update our blogs and site daily. I am really excited to get things started! I can't wait!!!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Comments for Kids and Classmates
Comments for Kids: http://pesscribes.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html
I commented: Hi! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am an EDM 310 student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. You sound like you really had fun making butter. Homemade butter on fresh bread sounds yummy!
Comments for Classmates:
Matthew McGhee
I commented: I have to agree with Heather. Here we are looking at a small child that is using technology and enjoying sharing her thoughts with the world and there are adults that don't even know how to use a digital camera. AMAZING!
Jessica Purvis
I commented: I cannot believe that a small child is more in tune with technology and willing to share her thoughts with the world while there are still adults out there that have no interest in even attempting to learn how to use a computer. Hopefully this child will encourage others to follow in her footsteps!
I commented: Hi! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am an EDM 310 student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. You sound like you really had fun making butter. Homemade butter on fresh bread sounds yummy!
Comments for Classmates:
Matthew McGhee
I commented: I have to agree with Heather. Here we are looking at a small child that is using technology and enjoying sharing her thoughts with the world and there are adults that don't even know how to use a digital camera. AMAZING!
Jessica Purvis
I commented: I cannot believe that a small child is more in tune with technology and willing to share her thoughts with the world while there are still adults out there that have no interest in even attempting to learn how to use a computer. Hopefully this child will encourage others to follow in her footsteps!
Blog Assignment #12, April 11, 2010
Dr. Suess...The Zax
The world is going to change, along with education. Dr. Suess has a lesson for everything and I think this one is superb for teachers and those in education. You need to change your ways as education progresses and new teaching practices emerge. There is not ONE way to teach, but always room for improvement for everyone. Don't be a ZAX and stand still in your tracks....be willing for change for your students will be the ones that reap the benefits!
Why is it important for students to post their work to blogs or any other way?
I believe it is important for students to post their work to blogs because it gives the world a chance to see children's views on things and a chance to appreciate what these children think and feel. Children are innocent and often give more meaning to things because they speak what is on their minds. Questions that are sometimes asked make you think deeper into things and give you a chance to look more closely.
There are many things that are excellent examples of students giving the world a chance to see what they think or how they are feeling:
The world is going to change, along with education. Dr. Suess has a lesson for everything and I think this one is superb for teachers and those in education. You need to change your ways as education progresses and new teaching practices emerge. There is not ONE way to teach, but always room for improvement for everyone. Don't be a ZAX and stand still in your tracks....be willing for change for your students will be the ones that reap the benefits!
Why is it important for students to post their work to blogs or any other way?
I believe it is important for students to post their work to blogs because it gives the world a chance to see children's views on things and a chance to appreciate what these children think and feel. Children are innocent and often give more meaning to things because they speak what is on their minds. Questions that are sometimes asked make you think deeper into things and give you a chance to look more closely.
There are many things that are excellent examples of students giving the world a chance to see what they think or how they are feeling:
- Another PS 22 Video: This video was very touching. These children had so much emotion in their faces and their body language it really made me listen to the words. I love this song and I have never really actually thought about the words until watching this video. I watched the video 3 times and everytime I caught something I had missed before. It is amazing to think that this chorus actually brought tears to Stevie Nicks's eyes. WOW!
- http://pesyear1.blogspot.com/ This blog is great because it shows how the
se students (young students) view things in the world. A typical animal may look different to a child because of their imagination. As we get older we seem to loose our imagination so I think looking at children's artwork and views can help us open our eyes a little more to the things around us. This one particular picture shown is a "Father crocodile looking for food in the water."
- http://kidblog.org/mscarpentersclass/ This blog is great because it
has a lot of artwork along with written views of students. There is one particular one I enjoyed was for a pet project contest http://kidblog.org/mscarpentersclass/miranda9/pet-project-contest. This poster really touched me because it says "Everyone needs a home." Society often treats animals as though they are forgettable. This student shows that animals are living and deserve to be treated respectfully. I believe children can make a difference just by making posters like this one and the more that is posted to the Internet, the more people around the world are able to see what children are thinking and like I said before, small comments by children can make a difference because it forces you to think more in depth about things and take a second look.
- Dear Kaia http://dearkaia.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-photo-essay.html This little girl is amazing. She is enthralled in learning about technology and sharing her thoughts with the world and I think that is great. There are
many adults that are stuck in the past and have no interest in learning how technology works and they are being left behind. Kaia is embracing the new world and learning early. She will be ahead in the future when the rest of us are still trying to keep up. I think it is wonderful that she has such a caring father willing to help and teach her. Very inspiring blog.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Skype Project
I have used Skype in communicating with my brother. He lives in Atlanta and doesn't get to come home much so I Skype him and let my children talk to him and see him. My daughter thinks it is the coolest thing. She asked me "How Uncle Michael was in the computer?" the first time we did it. It is so cool.
Comments for Kids and Classmates Week 12
Comments for Kids: http://pesyear1.blogspot.com/
Izac: I commented: Hi Izac, my name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. This is a beautiful picture of a zebra. I knew exactly what I was looking at before I even read the description below the picture. Great job!
I noticed on the spreadsheet that Dr. Strange assigned one student to "class A" on the list. I went ahead and posted to both student 1, Izac, and student 2, Henry.
Henry: I commented: Hi Henry! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I love your snail. You are a very good artist. Snails are hard to draw and I think you did an awesome job. Great work!!!
March postings:
Judah: I commented: Hi Judah! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I love your giraffe. You are a great artist and you should be proud of your work! Great job!
Maurice: I commented: Hi Maurice! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I think you did a great job on your lion. I knew exactly what it was before I read the description. You should be proud of your artwork. Great job!
Rachel Hernandez
Nothing to comment on. Blog post for Morgan Bayda not done.
Izac: I commented: Hi Izac, my name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. This is a beautiful picture of a zebra. I knew exactly what I was looking at before I even read the description below the picture. Great job!
I noticed on the spreadsheet that Dr. Strange assigned one student to "class A" on the list. I went ahead and posted to both student 1, Izac, and student 2, Henry.
Henry: I commented: Hi Henry! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I love your snail. You are a very good artist. Snails are hard to draw and I think you did an awesome job. Great work!!!
March postings:
Judah: I commented: Hi Judah! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I love your giraffe. You are a great artist and you should be proud of your work! Great job!
Maurice: I commented: Hi Maurice! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I think you did a great job on your lion. I knew exactly what it was before I read the description. You should be proud of your artwork. Great job!
Comments for Classmates:
David McDonald
I commented: I have to agree with you. I attended South Alabama 12 years ago for the first time. I was excited to come back to school to attain my degree in Education thinking things would be a little different this time...more interesting? NO! There has been no change in the presentation of material. This class is the FIRST class I have had hands on interaction with the work assigned. I think schooling needs to be overhauled and make it worth your time and money to attend and actually leave having real knowledge of things.David McDonald
Rachel Hernandez
Nothing to comment on. Blog post for Morgan Bayda not done.
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