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.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Survey: EDM 310 as a Hybrid course... Who is this class designed for?
Here is a link to the results of my survey:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AqsjdI36O9aWdE9MWlU3WjB0S1BTSFZZNEZrVTFMZHc&hl=en
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AqsjdI36O9aWdE9MWlU3WjB0S1BTSFZZNEZrVTFMZHc&hl=en
Monday, March 29, 2010
Blog Assignment #11, April 4, 2010
The video by Kaia was very eye opening. This statement, "If you take the time to look closely at things that are ugly far away may be beautiful" says it all. There are many times that people take one look at things and see the "negative" in it and turn the other way. If we slow down a bit and take the time to look closely we may find that there are more positive than negative in most things in life. I know I am guilty of running through life and I don't take the time out to enjoy things and appreciate what is out there for my benefit.
I have noticed in this class that I have not only taken technology for granted, but I don't use it to its fullest capacity. I have so much available at my fingertips and I don't utilize it the way I should . After reading Intrepid Teacher: Singing Hearts I realized that there is so much that can be done with technology as a teacher. In times of crisis, such as the Swine flu they spoke of, technology can be a saving grace. There will be an answer to shutting down schools during health epidemics. School can be held online using technology.
I believe that there is a new age coming about with technology. The world needs to utilize what is available with technology and the possibilities are endless! As a teacher, I plan to use technology in every way I can so that my students learn what technology is capable of doing and they use it first hand and have the experience. I believe that with technology you can do anything!
I have noticed in this class that I have not only taken technology for granted, but I don't use it to its fullest capacity. I have so much available at my fingertips and I don't utilize it the way I should . After reading Intrepid Teacher: Singing Hearts I realized that there is so much that can be done with technology as a teacher. In times of crisis, such as the Swine flu they spoke of, technology can be a saving grace. There will be an answer to shutting down schools during health epidemics. School can be held online using technology.
I believe that there is a new age coming about with technology. The world needs to utilize what is available with technology and the possibilities are endless! As a teacher, I plan to use technology in every way I can so that my students learn what technology is capable of doing and they use it first hand and have the experience. I believe that with technology you can do anything!
Larry Ferlazzo- Comments for Teachers
Comments for Teachers: I visited Larry Ferlazzo's blog
2/28/2010 "Should Have, Could Have: What Parents Regret About High School" I commented: I only wish I had had a teacher that gave me this questionnaire. I do think back about things I could have done better or differently in high school. This would have given me a chance to step back and take a look at what I could change when I was in high school instead of wishing I had done things differently in some areas (12 years later!). Great tool for teachers! Thanks!
3/1/2010
I found these sites very helpful. I believe these would be an awesome tool to use in the classroom when learning about habitats and animals or different species. I have to agree that "Who Pooped?" is pretty gross just thinking about it. I haven't checked it out, but I will leave it at the title alone...GROSS! ;)
However, ROAR, the game is an excellent learning game to use. Not only will I be able to teach my students a science lesson about animals and their habitats, BUT I will also be able to get a little language arts and grammar in too! Thanks for sharing!
3/8/2010
"The Importance of Good Endings"
I commented: I loved this post! I believe it is very important for the "remembering self" to have a more positive experience than the "experiencing self" because as you said you are more apt to remember a positive or good experience if the ending is positive! This was a wonderful point that I have never thought about before but it makes perfect sense....THANKS!
2/28/2010 "Should Have, Could Have: What Parents Regret About High School" I commented: I only wish I had had a teacher that gave me this questionnaire. I do think back about things I could have done better or differently in high school. This would have given me a chance to step back and take a look at what I could change when I was in high school instead of wishing I had done things differently in some areas (12 years later!). Great tool for teachers! Thanks!
3/1/2010
I found these sites very helpful. I believe these would be an awesome tool to use in the classroom when learning about habitats and animals or different species. I have to agree that "Who Pooped?" is pretty gross just thinking about it. I haven't checked it out, but I will leave it at the title alone...GROSS! ;)
However, ROAR, the game is an excellent learning game to use. Not only will I be able to teach my students a science lesson about animals and their habitats, BUT I will also be able to get a little language arts and grammar in too! Thanks for sharing!
3/8/2010
"The Importance of Good Endings"
I commented: I loved this post! I believe it is very important for the "remembering self" to have a more positive experience than the "experiencing self" because as you said you are more apt to remember a positive or good experience if the ending is positive! This was a wonderful point that I have never thought about before but it makes perfect sense....THANKS!
Henry Jenkins- Comments for Teachers
Henry Jenkins http://henryjenkins.org/
I commented: Hi! I am a student of Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I loved your post. My brother is a computer animator and talks about these movies all the time. It was very interesting to hear how these movies are actually based upon shifts in American race and culture. The movies were interesting too because they gave me an insight to what my brother is actually talking about. I never really know what he is saying, I simply smile and nod! Thank you for sharing this! Leigh Ankersen
Henry Jenkins is really into Avatar and comparing sci-fi movies and books to real life situations. There are many points he made that I had to really think about. I had a hard time understanding exactly what he was getting at in most posts. I am not really into sci-fi and things like that. He is a very smart man, but his posts were just not of my interest.
I commented: Hi! I am a student of Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I loved your post. My brother is a computer animator and talks about these movies all the time. It was very interesting to hear how these movies are actually based upon shifts in American race and culture. The movies were interesting too because they gave me an insight to what my brother is actually talking about. I never really know what he is saying, I simply smile and nod! Thank you for sharing this! Leigh Ankersen
Henry Jenkins is really into Avatar and comparing sci-fi movies and books to real life situations. There are many points he made that I had to really think about. I had a hard time understanding exactly what he was getting at in most posts. I am not really into sci-fi and things like that. He is a very smart man, but his posts were just not of my interest.
Timetoast Timeline
I did my Timetoast Timeline on Disney cartoons and their premiere dates. You can view my timeline at:
http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/47436
Monday, March 22, 2010
Comments for Kids/Classmates/Teachers
Comments for Kids
http://kidblog.org/mscarpentersclass/student-blogs/
http://kidblog.org/mscarpentersclass/Zaria/starry-nights-project/
I commented: Hi Zaria! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I think your oil pastel project is magnificent! It looks like you put a lot of hard work into recreating Van Gogh's Starry Night painting. Great job!
Comments for Classmates
David McDonald
I commented: There is nothing to comment on....last post on February 28, 2010
Rachel Hernandez
I commented: There is nothing to comment on....last post on February 23, 2010
Comments for Teachers
Henry Jenkins
I commented: Hi! I am a student of Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I loved your post. My brother is a computer animator and talks about these movies all the time. It was very interesting to hear how these movies are actually based upon shifts in American race and culture. The movies were interesting too because they gave me an insight to what my brother is actually talking about. I never really know what he is saying, I simply smile and nod! Thank you for sharing this! Leigh Ankersen
http://kidblog.org/mscarpentersclass/student-blogs/
http://kidblog.org/mscarpentersclass/Zaria/starry-nights-project/
I commented: Hi Zaria! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I think your oil pastel project is magnificent! It looks like you put a lot of hard work into recreating Van Gogh's Starry Night painting. Great job!
Comments for Classmates
David McDonald
I commented: There is nothing to comment on....last post on February 28, 2010
Rachel Hernandez
I commented: There is nothing to comment on....last post on February 23, 2010
Comments for Teachers
Henry Jenkins
I commented: Hi! I am a student of Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I loved your post. My brother is a computer animator and talks about these movies all the time. It was very interesting to hear how these movies are actually based upon shifts in American race and culture. The movies were interesting too because they gave me an insight to what my brother is actually talking about. I never really know what he is saying, I simply smile and nod! Thank you for sharing this! Leigh Ankersen
Blog Assignment #10, March 28, 2010
I commented: Hi! I am a student of Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed reading your post. You made some great points about pointless time in class and the way class should be. There are so many things I have learned with hands on experience in my computer class that if I had simply been told how to do it, I KNOW I would not remember a thing. I have had several classes that I thought "What am I going to take from this class? or Do I really need this class?" Dan Brown hit it right on the head: Education these days has lost its value. I have a degree in Marketing already and for the past 6 years I have tried to get a job....to no avail. I was told I "didn't have the experience needed!" This was for a starting position. What experience would I have for a starting position? This point alone shows that society no longer cares what "credentials" you have, but what you know from the working world. Sure, it helps to have a degree, but without the experience you have nothing. I am continuing my "education" to attain a degree in Education so that I can give my students not only those credentials, but also the experience they need to make a difference in the world. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. It really made me think about my own personal situation and how things should be.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Comments for Kids/Classmates/Teachers
Comments for Kids:
St. Pius X Room 6: Anastasia
I commented: Hi Anastasia, my name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. I really enjoyed reading your post about your first day of school. I could remember how I felt on the first day of school when I was younger. It brought back some wonderful memories. Very descriptive and well written.
Comments for Classmates:
Timothy Mai
I commented: I too was very moved by Randy Paush's final lecture. I found it amazing he could be so upbeat and uplifting when dealing with this time in his life. I enjoyed listening to him talk and he had excellent points about pushing students forward to do better and the "brick walls" you will encounter on tasks. I learned a lot from Mr. Pausch and will take what he said and his pointers and use them to the max! Great post...I enjoyed reading it.
Tashley Gaines
There was nothing posted since February 9, 2010.
Comments for Teachers:
Larry Ferlazzo
"The Importance of Good Endings"
I commented: I loved this post! I believe it is very important for the "remembering self" to have a more positive experience than the "experiencing self" because as you said you are more apt to remember a positive or good experience if the ending is positive! This was a wonderful point that I have never thought about before but it makes perfect sense....THANKS!
St. Pius X Room 6: Anastasia
I commented: Hi Anastasia, my name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. I really enjoyed reading your post about your first day of school. I could remember how I felt on the first day of school when I was younger. It brought back some wonderful memories. Very descriptive and well written.
Comments for Classmates:
Timothy Mai
I commented: I too was very moved by Randy Paush's final lecture. I found it amazing he could be so upbeat and uplifting when dealing with this time in his life. I enjoyed listening to him talk and he had excellent points about pushing students forward to do better and the "brick walls" you will encounter on tasks. I learned a lot from Mr. Pausch and will take what he said and his pointers and use them to the max! Great post...I enjoyed reading it.
Tashley Gaines
There was nothing posted since February 9, 2010.
Comments for Teachers:
Larry Ferlazzo
"The Importance of Good Endings"
I commented: I loved this post! I believe it is very important for the "remembering self" to have a more positive experience than the "experiencing self" because as you said you are more apt to remember a positive or good experience if the ending is positive! This was a wonderful point that I have never thought about before but it makes perfect sense....THANKS!
Blog Assignment #9, March 12, 2010
ALEX
http://alex.state.al.us/index.php
This site will be extremely helpful in teaching. There are links for
- Courses of Study: In this section you will find a list of subjects offered in elementary school settings. Click on subject needed and it will bring you to a list of grade levels. Choose your grade level and then you will find each standard for that subject and grade level and what you are required to teach for that standard. There are lesson plans available here too for a lesson you are interested in teaching.
- Lesson Plans: In this section you will find lesson plans by searching for authors, subjects, or school. There is also a link to log in to your personal workspace.
- Professional Learning:In this section you will find links to Alabama Department of Education program websites. In these sites you can find professional development opportunities, teaching and learning tools, current events, and other teacher's best practices.
- Podcasts: In this section you will find a variety of podcasts you can listen to for professional development and lesson plans. There are teacher created podcasts and also student created ones.
- Web Links: In this section you will links to teacher websites, administrator websites, and student websites. The teacher websites are a variety of sites available for lesson plans, reference, and technology. The administration links are professional development, funding, and leadership development. The student links are career education, ESL, and reference for subjects learned in school.
- Personal Workspace: In this section you will be able to set up an account to create your own personal space to keep your lesson plans and any information viable to your teaching. It is more like an online filing cabinet for your teaching resources.
ACCESS http://accessdl.state.al.us/
This site is geared towards distance learning for teachers and students. The website states that "The goal of the distance learning plan is to create equity through additional educational offerings for all Alabama public high school students."
I believe it is a way of connecting the classrooms to unite everyone. There are several links such as:
- Courses: a section for courses you can register for and take for tests
- Educators: an educators section for teachers with policy manuals and resources for them
- Students: a student's section has program requirements and questionnaire to see if you are fit for the program. Also, you can find policies and technical support for students here. There will be a section for parents soon.
- Technical Support: computer software support and a support center for technical issues.
- Resources: this section offers test preparation help and help in mathematics, science, and general education.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Blog Assignment #8, March 7, 2010
Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving your childhood dream
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
I really enjoyed Randy Pausch's lecture. He made some really awesome points. The one point he made that immediately stuck with me was: "As long as someone is riding you and pushing you to do better, that means they still care. They haven't given up on you!" This is so true and I can think of several times when I was younger that I thought someone was "picking on me" because they didn't like me or wanted me to quit. In all reality, they only wanted me to excel!
Another point Randy Paush made was that "there are always brick walls that will get in your way. These brick walls are there for a reason....they let us prove how badly you want something and they keep people out that don't want it as bad as you do." This could not be more accurate. I can think of many times when I was ready to give up because it seemed as though every time things seemed to be going my way, there would be something to "get in the way" and hold things up. I only had to push harder to accomplish my goal and get my desired outcome.
The thought of pushing people to seek their childhood dreams is very motivating to me. I believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and I can enable others to push for the their dreams! This is an empowering thought. There are so many people and children that think their dreams are impossible and unattainable when in reality anything is possible if you put your all into it! The possibilities are endless and you are the driver in the ride to and for your future.
Randy Paush gave an amazing lecture. He was very upbeat and had strong hopes for himself and his destiny. He is terminally ill, but instead of pitying himself he is a motivator for others to reach their dreams as he did his. After listening to him speak, I feel as though I can accomplish anything I want and I need not give up until I get the result I am hoping for. He was very uplifting and entertaining.
I really enjoyed the virtual video that was in the movie with the rabbit. It was very cheerful and funny....especially the "turn" in the end of it. That was very humorous to see the rabbit and it's happy world,not want to end. The moral was all good things come to an end. This is a great point and this video put it into aspect.
All things do come to an end, so we must make the best of it while we are here! Great movie! Thanks!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
I really enjoyed Randy Pausch's lecture. He made some really awesome points. The one point he made that immediately stuck with me was: "As long as someone is riding you and pushing you to do better, that means they still care. They haven't given up on you!" This is so true and I can think of several times when I was younger that I thought someone was "picking on me" because they didn't like me or wanted me to quit. In all reality, they only wanted me to excel!
Another point Randy Paush made was that "there are always brick walls that will get in your way. These brick walls are there for a reason....they let us prove how badly you want something and they keep people out that don't want it as bad as you do." This could not be more accurate. I can think of many times when I was ready to give up because it seemed as though every time things seemed to be going my way, there would be something to "get in the way" and hold things up. I only had to push harder to accomplish my goal and get my desired outcome.
The thought of pushing people to seek their childhood dreams is very motivating to me. I believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and I can enable others to push for the their dreams! This is an empowering thought. There are so many people and children that think their dreams are impossible and unattainable when in reality anything is possible if you put your all into it! The possibilities are endless and you are the driver in the ride to and for your future.
Randy Paush gave an amazing lecture. He was very upbeat and had strong hopes for himself and his destiny. He is terminally ill, but instead of pitying himself he is a motivator for others to reach their dreams as he did his. After listening to him speak, I feel as though I can accomplish anything I want and I need not give up until I get the result I am hoping for. He was very uplifting and entertaining.
I really enjoyed the virtual video that was in the movie with the rabbit. It was very cheerful and funny....especially the "turn" in the end of it. That was very humorous to see the rabbit and it's happy world,not want to end. The moral was all good things come to an end. This is a great point and this video put it into aspect.
All things do come to an end, so we must make the best of it while we are here! Great movie! Thanks!!!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Comments for Kids/ Classmates Week 8
Comments for Kids:
I visited http://mrsshetler.edublogs.org/2010/01/21/a-day-full-of-rain-byalaska-alyssa
I commented: Hi Alyssa! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a EDM 310 student at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed reading your poem. I felt like I was sitting in your classroom at Borman Middle School with you! Very descriptive….Loved it!
Comments for Classmates:
Carl Herring
I commented: It is crazy how things used to be done by hand and now everything is done by computer! Even classes are being held via iPhone! I really enjoyed the video by Michael Wesch too. He made a lot of good points and I have to agree with the whole American Idol fad!
Jessica L. Ferris
I commented: I would have to agree with you on the fact that it is the teachers duty to ensure that students are learning and using all information acquired from class and technology..but are they willing to use it and are they successful at it. Teachers are key to ensuring that students are getting the maximum benefit out of their lessons.
Comments for Teachers
Larry Ferlazzo
I found these sites very helpful. I believe these would be an awesome tool to use in the classroom when learning about habitats and animals or different species. I have to agree that "Who Pooped?" is pretty gross just thinking about it. I haven't checked it out, but I will leave it at the title alone...GROSS! ;)
However, ROAR, the game is an excellent learning game to use. Not only will I be able to teach my students a science lesson about animals and their habitats, BUT I will also be able to get a little language arts and grammar in too! Thanks for sharing!
I visited http://mrsshetler.edublogs.org/2010/01/21/a-day-full-of-rain-byalaska-alyssa
I commented: Hi Alyssa! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a EDM 310 student at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed reading your poem. I felt like I was sitting in your classroom at Borman Middle School with you! Very descriptive….Loved it!
Comments for Classmates:
Carl Herring
I commented: It is crazy how things used to be done by hand and now everything is done by computer! Even classes are being held via iPhone! I really enjoyed the video by Michael Wesch too. He made a lot of good points and I have to agree with the whole American Idol fad!
Jessica L. Ferris
I commented: I would have to agree with you on the fact that it is the teachers duty to ensure that students are learning and using all information acquired from class and technology..but are they willing to use it and are they successful at it. Teachers are key to ensuring that students are getting the maximum benefit out of their lessons.
Comments for Teachers
Larry Ferlazzo
I found these sites very helpful. I believe these would be an awesome tool to use in the classroom when learning about habitats and animals or different species. I have to agree that "Who Pooped?" is pretty gross just thinking about it. I haven't checked it out, but I will leave it at the title alone...GROSS! ;)
However, ROAR, the game is an excellent learning game to use. Not only will I be able to teach my students a science lesson about animals and their habitats, BUT I will also be able to get a little language arts and grammar in too! Thanks for sharing!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Comments for Teachers/ Kids/ Classmates Week 7
Comments for Teachers: I visited http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2010/02/28/should-have-could-have-what-parents-regret-about-high-school
I commented: I only wish I had had a teacher that gave me this questionnaire. I do think back about things I could have done better or differently in high school. This would have given me a chance to step back and take a look at what I could change when I was in high school instead of wishing I had done things differently in some areas (12 years later!). Great tool for teachers! Thanks!
Comments for Kids: I visited http://melvilleroom8.blogspot.com/
I commented: Hi class! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am in EDM 310 at the University of South Alabama. Your Mihi's were very interesting! I have never heard of one and I have been in school for a very long time. It was neat trying to notice words in your presentations. I did catch "principal" once I think. You were great!!!
Comments for Classmates: I visited:
Haley Green (Class A)
I commented: I really enjoyed Dr. Christie's site too. She has a lot of useful links and materials available. The iTunes U is pretty neat! I would have never thought that you could "attend school" via your iPhone...what's next? Great post!
Brittany Ellison (Class C)
I really enjoyed Dr. Christie's site too. She has a lot of useful links and materials available. The iTunes U is pretty neat! I would have never thought that you could "attend school" via your iPhone...what's next? Great post!
I commented: I only wish I had had a teacher that gave me this questionnaire. I do think back about things I could have done better or differently in high school. This would have given me a chance to step back and take a look at what I could change when I was in high school instead of wishing I had done things differently in some areas (12 years later!). Great tool for teachers! Thanks!
Comments for Kids: I visited http://melvilleroom8.blogspot.com/
I commented: Hi class! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am in EDM 310 at the University of South Alabama. Your Mihi's were very interesting! I have never heard of one and I have been in school for a very long time. It was neat trying to notice words in your presentations. I did catch "principal" once I think. You were great!!!
Comments for Classmates: I visited:
Haley Green (Class A)
I commented: I really enjoyed Dr. Christie's site too. She has a lot of useful links and materials available. The iTunes U is pretty neat! I would have never thought that you could "attend school" via your iPhone...what's next? Great post!
Brittany Ellison (Class C)
I really enjoyed Dr. Christie's site too. She has a lot of useful links and materials available. The iTunes U is pretty neat! I would have never thought that you could "attend school" via your iPhone...what's next? Great post!
My PLN this far....
I have been working on my PLN since the beginning of the semester. It is difficult to find things that I think are important enough and interesting enough to add as part of my PLN. I have the following as part of my PLN:
1. I am on Twitter and Facebook
2. I am a subscriber to the following podcasts:
EdTech Weekly
SmartBoard Lessons
3. I am a follower of the following blogs:
At the Teacher's Desk
I will continue to look for things to add to my PLN throughout the semester.
1. I am on Twitter and Facebook
2. I am a subscriber to the following podcasts:
EdTech Weekly
SmartBoard Lessons
3. I am a follower of the following blogs:
At the Teacher's Desk
I will continue to look for things to add to my PLN throughout the semester.
Blog Assigment #7, February 28, 2010
Richard Miller: This is how we dream (Parts 1 & 2)
Richard Miller speaks about how much writing has changed. We have evolved from writing on paper to using word processors to write and communicate. There are constantly changes in technology and improvements being made to everything around us. Pretty soon there will be no need for human beings to do any job because a computer can do just about anything!
Mr. Miller made the statement that technology is an incremental change, not a fundamental change. Technology is only making things easier for us and not trying to change things all together. Computers are making students' lives easier in enabling them to "write" papers with ease and being able to correct mistakes without starting over. I can remember in high school when I would make a mistake writing a paper and I would have to start over again from the beginning because we could not have white out on our papers! Wow! How times have changed.
Technology is a blessing for today's society. I do not think we could live without technology and the benefits it gives. We have become entirely too reliant on technology to go back now! There are a million opportunities and benefits and if we use our resources wisely and to their maximum potential the possibilities are endless!
The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler
This video actually made connections between networking and learning. Connectivism is learning from networking. Networking is available through Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter! Students are networking and half of them are not even aware of it!
The video had steps for the "networked student" They were:
1. Using Google scholar to search for peer reviewed articles
2. Social bookmarking sites which are sites that are used to share URLs with others that you have bookmarked for future use
3. Search for blogs (they are opinions rather that hard facts usually) which you can comment on and follow
4. Once the student has established a Knowledge base they create their own blog to publish thoughts of what he has learned and have others read and comment on
The video also referenced iTunes U. With this new technology courses can be downloaded to iPod and students can have access to best professors in world! Skype can be used for interviews with other people and also as a communication tool. There are a wide range of connections in 21st century student and we have endless opportunities available if we just use them! RSS feeds make it possible to subscribe to changing content on Internet and stay up to date on information you are subscribed to.
Ms. Drexler asked why need teacher? A teacher is the one who is responsible for teaching how to build networks and how to take advantage of opportunities that may arise. They are also responsible for pushing students to do their best and become the best. Without teachers we would not have our "guide" to success!
Richard Miller speaks about how much writing has changed. We have evolved from writing on paper to using word processors to write and communicate. There are constantly changes in technology and improvements being made to everything around us. Pretty soon there will be no need for human beings to do any job because a computer can do just about anything!
Mr. Miller made the statement that technology is an incremental change, not a fundamental change. Technology is only making things easier for us and not trying to change things all together. Computers are making students' lives easier in enabling them to "write" papers with ease and being able to correct mistakes without starting over. I can remember in high school when I would make a mistake writing a paper and I would have to start over again from the beginning because we could not have white out on our papers! Wow! How times have changed.
Technology is a blessing for today's society. I do not think we could live without technology and the benefits it gives. We have become entirely too reliant on technology to go back now! There are a million opportunities and benefits and if we use our resources wisely and to their maximum potential the possibilities are endless!
The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler
This video actually made connections between networking and learning. Connectivism is learning from networking. Networking is available through Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter! Students are networking and half of them are not even aware of it!
The video had steps for the "networked student" They were:
1. Using Google scholar to search for peer reviewed articles
2. Social bookmarking sites which are sites that are used to share URLs with others that you have bookmarked for future use
3. Search for blogs (they are opinions rather that hard facts usually) which you can comment on and follow
4. Once the student has established a Knowledge base they create their own blog to publish thoughts of what he has learned and have others read and comment on
The video also referenced iTunes U. With this new technology courses can be downloaded to iPod and students can have access to best professors in world! Skype can be used for interviews with other people and also as a communication tool. There are a wide range of connections in 21st century student and we have endless opportunities available if we just use them! RSS feeds make it possible to subscribe to changing content on Internet and stay up to date on information you are subscribed to.
Ms. Drexler asked why need teacher? A teacher is the one who is responsible for teaching how to build networks and how to take advantage of opportunities that may arise. They are also responsible for pushing students to do their best and become the best. Without teachers we would not have our "guide" to success!
Another Video by Michael Wesch
This video was very interesting. It showed not only how "old" I really am but how much things have changed over time. Reality television evolved in 1992 (wow, that was a long time ago) and the question is "why would all these people want to be famous and taped?" All the media is produced is created by millionaires just for consumers. People are looking for identity and recognition. In return, they will do just about anything.
American Idol has become not only a talent searching show, but there are more and more people that get on the show to "show off" when in all actuality they have NO talent. The network and producers will push those through that are just plain bad just for television ratings.
Mr. Wesch states that people are looking for self awareness and recognition. This would explain a lot of why people will do the things they do on television. I have always wondered what people are really thinking when they get on television and make complete fools out of themselves. I really enjoyed watching this video. It was very entertaining and insightful!
This video was very interesting. It showed not only how "old" I really am but how much things have changed over time. Reality television evolved in 1992 (wow, that was a long time ago) and the question is "why would all these people want to be famous and taped?" All the media is produced is created by millionaires just for consumers. People are looking for identity and recognition. In return, they will do just about anything.
American Idol has become not only a talent searching show, but there are more and more people that get on the show to "show off" when in all actuality they have NO talent. The network and producers will push those through that are just plain bad just for television ratings.
Mr. Wesch states that people are looking for self awareness and recognition. This would explain a lot of why people will do the things they do on television. I have always wondered what people are really thinking when they get on television and make complete fools out of themselves. I really enjoyed watching this video. It was very entertaining and insightful!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Comments 4 Kids
Comments for kids #1:
I went to http://meresideblog.wordpress.com/ and commented on Safer Internet Day 2010. My comment was:
Hi! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. After reading your blog, I have to say that I believe Internet use in schools is VERY necessary. The Internet is a powerful tool and can be used to acquire knowledge of new things and kids LOVE computers! If the Internet is monitored as it should be, then children will be able to safely “surf the net” and learn new things in the process!
Comments for kids #2:
I went to http://avoca37.org/grade5/student-blogs/ and commented on Kameron V http://avoca37.org/13kameronv . My comment was: Good job Kameron! I have never read this book, but I feel like if I decide to read the book I have a great background of the book. I have a great understanding of what I would be reading and what the book is about! I think I might read this book. I really enjoy biographies and I LOVE Coca-Cola!!!
Comments for kids #3:
I went to http://owsart.blogspot.com/2010/02/2nd-grade-flowers.html . My comment was: I am amazed! Actually, I am a little jealous because these are so much better than what I would ever be albe to do! Great job!!!
I went to http://meresideblog.wordpress.com/ and commented on Safer Internet Day 2010. My comment was:
Hi! My name is Leigh Ankersen and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. After reading your blog, I have to say that I believe Internet use in schools is VERY necessary. The Internet is a powerful tool and can be used to acquire knowledge of new things and kids LOVE computers! If the Internet is monitored as it should be, then children will be able to safely “surf the net” and learn new things in the process!
Comments for kids #2:
I went to http://avoca37.org/grade5/student-blogs/ and commented on Kameron V http://avoca37.org/13kameronv . My comment was: Good job Kameron! I have never read this book, but I feel like if I decide to read the book I have a great background of the book. I have a great understanding of what I would be reading and what the book is about! I think I might read this book. I really enjoy biographies and I LOVE Coca-Cola!!!
Comments for kids #3:
I went to http://owsart.blogspot.com/2010/02/2nd-grade-flowers.html . My comment was: I am amazed! Actually, I am a little jealous because these are so much better than what I would ever be albe to do! Great job!!!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Blog Assignment #6, February 21, 2010
Dr. Christie's site
Dr. Christie's section on integrating digital media into the classroom could be very useful to a teacher. A teacher could use digital media in the classroom to document class projects and/or activities and to keep a scrapbook of the year. This site would help in instructing the class and teaching them how to use digital cameras, camcorders, and podcasts. Students will be able to create digital portfolios of things they have done throughout the year. (there is a section for this as well).
Classroom projects can be recorded and filed for future years using. A teacher can always have lessons/projects at her fingertips. Digital media can be very useful. Knowing how to use these devices can not only help the students create memories that will last a lifetime, but they will also have the knowledge of these technologies to use in later endeavors.
iTunes University
iTunes University would be very useful to both teachers and students. Today's society is very mobile. Everyone is always on the go and if you could send (teachers) and receive (students) lessons on your cell phone then the possibilities would be endless. Students could have access to all information for classes at their fingertips and they would never have to worry about finding a computer or Internet access to get classwork.
Teachers on the other hand would have the chance to give last minute assignments or messages to students and know that they get the message. Teachers will be able to communicate with students at all times and have access themselves to all lessons and assignments given. I believe that in a couple of years, there will be no need for classrooms because everything can be done with a handheld phone or on the computer. There will be no need for classroom instruction because everything can be done by technology!
iPods in Instruction
http://www.principalspartnership.com/iPods.pdf
This site talks about how schools are going to iPods for delivering instruction. The iPod can be used as said above, for teachers and students to receive messages and lessons. iPods are becoming study aids for students too. They are able to review lessons and fast-forward to sections of lessons that they may not understand or need to hear again. This is a great tool for visual and auditory learners. Students can not only "see" lessons, but they can "listen" to them as many times as they need in order to get the full message.
Duke University has been using iPods in instruction. The site "http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/2005/12/ipodupdate.html" states that the number of students using iPods on campus has quadrupled and the number of classes using iPods has doubled in the second year of the University using iPods for instruction. The iPods are used to enhance classroom assignments and lectures.
In 2004, Duke University gave free iPods to all incoming freshmen but have since modified it to giving free iPods to undergraduates enrolled in a class that requires the use of iPods. Duke has expanded technology use to not only iPods, but to using digital audio and video, online collaboration tools and tablet PCs. The university is utilizing technology to its fullest potential!
Dr. Christie's section on integrating digital media into the classroom could be very useful to a teacher. A teacher could use digital media in the classroom to document class projects and/or activities and to keep a scrapbook of the year. This site would help in instructing the class and teaching them how to use digital cameras, camcorders, and podcasts. Students will be able to create digital portfolios of things they have done throughout the year. (there is a section for this as well).
Classroom projects can be recorded and filed for future years using. A teacher can always have lessons/projects at her fingertips. Digital media can be very useful. Knowing how to use these devices can not only help the students create memories that will last a lifetime, but they will also have the knowledge of these technologies to use in later endeavors.
iTunes University
iTunes University would be very useful to both teachers and students. Today's society is very mobile. Everyone is always on the go and if you could send (teachers) and receive (students) lessons on your cell phone then the possibilities would be endless. Students could have access to all information for classes at their fingertips and they would never have to worry about finding a computer or Internet access to get classwork.
Teachers on the other hand would have the chance to give last minute assignments or messages to students and know that they get the message. Teachers will be able to communicate with students at all times and have access themselves to all lessons and assignments given. I believe that in a couple of years, there will be no need for classrooms because everything can be done with a handheld phone or on the computer. There will be no need for classroom instruction because everything can be done by technology!
iPods in Instruction
http://www.principalspartnership.com/iPods.pdf
This site talks about how schools are going to iPods for delivering instruction. The iPod can be used as said above, for teachers and students to receive messages and lessons. iPods are becoming study aids for students too. They are able to review lessons and fast-forward to sections of lessons that they may not understand or need to hear again. This is a great tool for visual and auditory learners. Students can not only "see" lessons, but they can "listen" to them as many times as they need in order to get the full message.
Duke University has been using iPods in instruction. The site "http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/2005/12/ipodupdate.html" states that the number of students using iPods on campus has quadrupled and the number of classes using iPods has doubled in the second year of the University using iPods for instruction. The iPods are used to enhance classroom assignments and lectures.
In 2004, Duke University gave free iPods to all incoming freshmen but have since modified it to giving free iPods to undergraduates enrolled in a class that requires the use of iPods. Duke has expanded technology use to not only iPods, but to using digital audio and video, online collaboration tools and tablet PCs. The university is utilizing technology to its fullest potential!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Blog Assignment #5, February 14, 2010
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is always the first thing that comes up when you do an Internet search. I find it really annoying that it is even on the Internet because somehow when I am doing an Internet search I ALWAYS end up on some Wikipedia page. I do not think that it is a reliable source and do NOT recommend the information on it's site be considered valid. If I am searching for information on something I want information that I know to be true. I don't want to have to do research on "research information" to make sure it is valid information.
I believe the scanner will make it a better source because people will be less likely to "embellish" if they can no longer change information anonymously. I do not however believe that is should be used as valid information because as the WIRED article said, "editors can go to a coffee shop or Internet cafe and still make changes and protect their IP addresses." So, even if IP addresses are tracked there is still and always will be a way around it. One suggestion would be to make Wikipedia users register and obtain a registry number they will have to use to edit anything on Wikipedia. So, even if someone was to go to a coffee shop and use WIFI they would still have to put their registry number in.
Wikipedia is a great tool to start your search. I usually click on Wikipedia and I can find other "reliable" sources from within that site. The articles can give key ideas to research about a topic. You can then decipher if the information on Wikipedia is valid. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that Wikipedia should be used as a starting point, not a source.
"What I've learned this year, " by Mr. McClung
I found this article to be not only very interesting but to be very helpful in the upcoming semesters and my future endeavors as a teacher. Mr. McClung gave six important points in
order to successfully teach your class. The six keys are: Be flexible, communicate, be reasonable, don't be afraid of technology, listen to your students, and never stop learning. Each one of these makes perfect sense.
A teacher must be flexible. There will be times that things come up and your schedule must be rearranged. School speakers and assemblies will interrupt your daily schedule and you must be flexible in order to fit this into your day and still accomplish a well rounded day of teaching.
Next, a teacher must know how to communicate. Communication is very important in any relationship, not only as a teacher. You have to be able to communicate with people in order to avoid confusion and to resolve any issues that may arise. It is very important to not only communicate with your students but also with fellow teachers. You need to have good rapport with fellow teachers so that you can have help and support.
A teacher should always be flexible. You need to hold expectations for your students, but not too high. The higher the expectations, the more likely your students are to "fail" in reaching those expectations. Teachers should always keep their students in mind when planning lessons and the desired outcome.
Technology can be a powerful tool when teaching. Teachers should embrace technology, not run from it. Not only can technology make teaching easier, but it can also help students become engaged in learning. Students will be able to be part of the lesson instead of sitting there listening to a lecture.
Next, you should listen to your students. Your students thoughts are important because you can find out what interests them and incorporate that into your lessons. If your lessons involve things that interest them then they are more apt to pay more attention. Also, if you listen to your students, they will think you care about them as a person, not just one of your students.
Lastly, teachers should never stop learning. Teachers should be life-long learners. The more you as a teacher learns, the more you have to pass on to your students. There are always new ideas and ways of teaching discovered and a teacher should not be afraid of change. A teacher should strive to learn all they can and pass it on to their students. How can a teacher expect their students to pay attention and learn if they are not willing to do it themselves?
I believe everything in this post is very important to remember. A teacher needs to be willing to learn and change with the new times. Technology is evolving and it can only enhance education, so why not jump on? I believe that these points are key factors in being a successful teacher.
Wikipedia is always the first thing that comes up when you do an Internet search. I find it really annoying that it is even on the Internet because somehow when I am doing an Internet search I ALWAYS end up on some Wikipedia page. I do not think that it is a reliable source and do NOT recommend the information on it's site be considered valid. If I am searching for information on something I want information that I know to be true. I don't want to have to do research on "research information" to make sure it is valid information.
I believe the scanner will make it a better source because people will be less likely to "embellish" if they can no longer change information anonymously. I do not however believe that is should be used as valid information because as the WIRED article said, "editors can go to a coffee shop or Internet cafe and still make changes and protect their IP addresses." So, even if IP addresses are tracked there is still and always will be a way around it. One suggestion would be to make Wikipedia users register and obtain a registry number they will have to use to edit anything on Wikipedia. So, even if someone was to go to a coffee shop and use WIFI they would still have to put their registry number in.
Wikipedia is a great tool to start your search. I usually click on Wikipedia and I can find other "reliable" sources from within that site. The articles can give key ideas to research about a topic. You can then decipher if the information on Wikipedia is valid. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that Wikipedia should be used as a starting point, not a source.
"What I've learned this year, " by Mr. McClung
I found this article to be not only very interesting but to be very helpful in the upcoming semesters and my future endeavors as a teacher. Mr. McClung gave six important points in
order to successfully teach your class. The six keys are: Be flexible, communicate, be reasonable, don't be afraid of technology, listen to your students, and never stop learning. Each one of these makes perfect sense.
A teacher must be flexible. There will be times that things come up and your schedule must be rearranged. School speakers and assemblies will interrupt your daily schedule and you must be flexible in order to fit this into your day and still accomplish a well rounded day of teaching.
Next, a teacher must know how to communicate. Communication is very important in any relationship, not only as a teacher. You have to be able to communicate with people in order to avoid confusion and to resolve any issues that may arise. It is very important to not only communicate with your students but also with fellow teachers. You need to have good rapport with fellow teachers so that you can have help and support.
A teacher should always be flexible. You need to hold expectations for your students, but not too high. The higher the expectations, the more likely your students are to "fail" in reaching those expectations. Teachers should always keep their students in mind when planning lessons and the desired outcome.
Technology can be a powerful tool when teaching. Teachers should embrace technology, not run from it. Not only can technology make teaching easier, but it can also help students become engaged in learning. Students will be able to be part of the lesson instead of sitting there listening to a lecture.
Next, you should listen to your students. Your students thoughts are important because you can find out what interests them and incorporate that into your lessons. If your lessons involve things that interest them then they are more apt to pay more attention. Also, if you listen to your students, they will think you care about them as a person, not just one of your students.
Lastly, teachers should never stop learning. Teachers should be life-long learners. The more you as a teacher learns, the more you have to pass on to your students. There are always new ideas and ways of teaching discovered and a teacher should not be afraid of change. A teacher should strive to learn all they can and pass it on to their students. How can a teacher expect their students to pay attention and learn if they are not willing to do it themselves?
I believe everything in this post is very important to remember. A teacher needs to be willing to learn and change with the new times. Technology is evolving and it can only enhance education, so why not jump on? I believe that these points are key factors in being a successful teacher.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Blog Assignment #4, February 7, 2010
http://www.curriki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Coll_jpsrolls/PodcastCollection
by Judy Scharf
This article was very interesting to me. I never realized that the term podcast came from "broadcast" and "iPod." Podcasts in the classroom can be very useful. The article states that using podcasts can give students a chance to share what they have learned with others. Students will be more interested in what they have learned if they have the chance to use technology to "show it off!"
The tips to succeed section will be very helpful for teachers in the classroom. They listed the following:
Eagle's Nest Radio Episode #3: Roamin' with the Ancient Romans
The 3rd grade class podcast on Ancient Rome gave me a lot of ideas for my own podcast. I like the intro with the music and the fact that the music continued throughout them talking. The music faded out just enough to hear the children's voices but you could still hear the music. I have several ideas now that could help me when creating my own podcast. :)
by Judy Scharf
This article was very interesting to me. I never realized that the term podcast came from "broadcast" and "iPod." Podcasts in the classroom can be very useful. The article states that using podcasts can give students a chance to share what they have learned with others. Students will be more interested in what they have learned if they have the chance to use technology to "show it off!"
The tips to succeed section will be very helpful for teachers in the classroom. They listed the following:
- Make sure you spend enough time learning Audacity (or the software you use) to feel comfortable with it.
- Give students a choice of topics
- Let students pick the people they want to work with
- Have some exemplary podcasts for them to listen to
- Include a list of criteria for research
- Allow plenty of time to complete the project. Everything takes longer than you think it will!
- Invite the principal, department chairperson, or some other person to come in and see the presentations. Students will be very proud of their work.
Eagle's Nest Radio Episode #3: Roamin' with the Ancient Romans
The 3rd grade class podcast on Ancient Rome gave me a lot of ideas for my own podcast. I like the intro with the music and the fact that the music continued throughout them talking. The music faded out just enough to hear the children's voices but you could still hear the music. I have several ideas now that could help me when creating my own podcast. :)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Blog Assignment #3 January 31, 2010
Podcasts
In listening to the pod casts I learned what you definitely should not do, such as record your podcast going through the drive-thru at a coffee shop. The podcast on Smart board lessons was interesting and very informative, but the drive-thru orders were a bit distracting. When I heard him ordering his coffee and pasta I could not concentrate on anything else after that. All I could think was I know he is not ordering food while doing an informative podcast. I did learn before that some interesting facts about DimDim.com. I have never heard of a meeting website where you can hold conferences with other classes. Also, the website offers a call-in phone number if you do not have access to a computer. The podcast overall was not as effective as it could have been if he were in a quite place that did not have any interference.
The other pod casts such as David Warlick's Episode 90 and Kidcast 62-some thoughts on video pod casting were a little more effective. They were held in quite atmospheres with no interferences. This was easier to concentrate on because I did not have anything else taking my attention away from the podcast. In my podcast I will make sure that I have no noise in the background and nothing that can take away from what I am trying to get across to my audience.
There is one point made in the podcast, Kidcast 62-Some thoughts on video pod casting, and that was that value added is important. "Technology such as pod casts and video pod casts are no different than doing a worksheet, it just involves video and audio technology." This is very true because these days children are more apt to want to learn if it is "hands on" and involves learning or doing something new. In the meantime the students are learning the same thing they would have (or more) before with no technology. Teachers have to be innovative and willing to change in order to keep up with their students and maintain their attention!
The pod casts EdTech Talk, This week in Photography, and MacBreak Weekly were the most effective. They had several people discussing pod casts and video casts. This not only gave one person's point of view, but several others at the same time. I believe that this technique is effective because it gives your audience several points to ponder and maybe some different strategies. A well rounded informative podcast will benefit your audience better.
After listening to the pod casts I believe that if possible, I will have more than one person delivering the information. This will give my point of view and offer rebuttals and/or more information from someone else's view. I am still thinking of ways to make sure that my podcast is not only informative but beneficial to my audience.
Media Literacy
Media literacy is evaluating, navigating, creating, responding. These words put everything into perspective. Evaluation is always important. In order to show that you truly understand something and can perform a certain task. In this video I was truly amazed that first graders could blog so effectively!
The first graders could navigate around the programs on the computer better than some adults. They knew exactly where to go to find things and what was supposed to be done to blog. They "created" their own blogs which again was very impressive. I am 30 years old and have just recently started blogging. It is wonderful that children are starting at such a young age and are very good at it too!
Responding is important too. As the little boy said, you never put anything mean on a response. Responding is solely for feedback. You can put what you thought of a blog, but try to keep your comments positive. I responded to Mrs. Cassidy's class blog and I thought is was magnificent that her class is so savvy with technology!
Little Kids: Big Possibilities
These children are blogging at such a young age. They are blogging instead of writing in their books. The students on the video said, "I like writing on my blog because other people can see it. My writing gets better every time I write on my blog." This statement sums up the whole idea of using technology in education. Students are going to try harder if they know that the world can see it, not just the teacher.
Technology is becoming a necessity in daily living. Teaching children at such a young age how to interact with the world using technology is only helping them prepare for what comes in their futures. I am still amazed that young children are using technology just as good, if not better than me.
The class not only blogs but has a wiki site too. They are using the wiki with videos to enhance lessons and make it easier for them to learn their ABC's. Years ago this would be unheard of and only a dream. I believe that technology is a true blessing and should be used in EVERY classroom!
iPhone used by 1 year old baby
This video really shocked me. I have a 10 month old little boy and i can not imagine watching him navigate through my iPhone. It amazes me that my 3 year old daughter can work a cell phone or a camera, but a one year old working an iPhone is absolutely amazing!!! Children are getting younger and younger working with technology. They are very interested in learning how things work and what they are all about. If more teachers would take the time to incorporate technology into lesson plans then I believe that children will be more willing to participate.
I feel as if I keep repeating myself....technology is important because that is what children/ students are interested in. If teachers target instruction around what their students are interested in there will be higher attention spans and willingness to learn. You have to engage your students in more ways than just the traditional worksheet or textbook activities. USE WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE! DON'T BE AFRAID OF CHANGE!!!
The other pod casts such as David Warlick's Episode 90 and Kidcast 62-some thoughts on video pod casting were a little more effective. They were held in quite atmospheres with no interferences. This was easier to concentrate on because I did not have anything else taking my attention away from the podcast. In my podcast I will make sure that I have no noise in the background and nothing that can take away from what I am trying to get across to my audience.
There is one point made in the podcast, Kidcast 62-Some thoughts on video pod casting, and that was that value added is important. "Technology such as pod casts and video pod casts are no different than doing a worksheet, it just involves video and audio technology." This is very true because these days children are more apt to want to learn if it is "hands on" and involves learning or doing something new. In the meantime the students are learning the same thing they would have (or more) before with no technology. Teachers have to be innovative and willing to change in order to keep up with their students and maintain their attention!
The pod casts EdTech Talk, This week in Photography, and MacBreak Weekly were the most effective. They had several people discussing pod casts and video casts. This not only gave one person's point of view, but several others at the same time. I believe that this technique is effective because it gives your audience several points to ponder and maybe some different strategies. A well rounded informative podcast will benefit your audience better.
After listening to the pod casts I believe that if possible, I will have more than one person delivering the information. This will give my point of view and offer rebuttals and/or more information from someone else's view. I am still thinking of ways to make sure that my podcast is not only informative but beneficial to my audience.
Media Literacy
Media literacy is evaluating, navigating, creating, responding. These words put everything into perspective. Evaluation is always important. In order to show that you truly understand something and can perform a certain task. In this video I was truly amazed that first graders could blog so effectively!
The first graders could navigate around the programs on the computer better than some adults. They knew exactly where to go to find things and what was supposed to be done to blog. They "created" their own blogs which again was very impressive. I am 30 years old and have just recently started blogging. It is wonderful that children are starting at such a young age and are very good at it too!
Responding is important too. As the little boy said, you never put anything mean on a response. Responding is solely for feedback. You can put what you thought of a blog, but try to keep your comments positive. I responded to Mrs. Cassidy's class blog and I thought is was magnificent that her class is so savvy with technology!
Little Kids: Big Possibilities
These children are blogging at such a young age. They are blogging instead of writing in their books. The students on the video said, "I like writing on my blog because other people can see it. My writing gets better every time I write on my blog." This statement sums up the whole idea of using technology in education. Students are going to try harder if they know that the world can see it, not just the teacher.
Technology is becoming a necessity in daily living. Teaching children at such a young age how to interact with the world using technology is only helping them prepare for what comes in their futures. I am still amazed that young children are using technology just as good, if not better than me.
The class not only blogs but has a wiki site too. They are using the wiki with videos to enhance lessons and make it easier for them to learn their ABC's. Years ago this would be unheard of and only a dream. I believe that technology is a true blessing and should be used in EVERY classroom!
iPhone used by 1 year old baby
This video really shocked me. I have a 10 month old little boy and i can not imagine watching him navigate through my iPhone. It amazes me that my 3 year old daughter can work a cell phone or a camera, but a one year old working an iPhone is absolutely amazing!!! Children are getting younger and younger working with technology. They are very interested in learning how things work and what they are all about. If more teachers would take the time to incorporate technology into lesson plans then I believe that children will be more willing to participate.
I feel as if I keep repeating myself....technology is important because that is what children/ students are interested in. If teachers target instruction around what their students are interested in there will be higher attention spans and willingness to learn. You have to engage your students in more ways than just the traditional worksheet or textbook activities. USE WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE! DON'T BE AFRAID OF CHANGE!!!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Blog Assignment #2 January 24, 2010
A Vision of Students Today
After watching this video it made me realize a lot. Technology is very important in today's education. Most students in the video said that they bring their laptops to school with them but they are mostly on Facebook or doing other things other than their school work. If professors and teachers would include technology in the classroom then more students would be more apt to participate and pay attention in class. To keep your student's attention, you must keep your class interesting.
One way to keep things interesting is to stay on top of what is important to them. One student held up a sign that said only 18% of her teachers knew her name. If you know your student's names and are personable with them, they are more likely to pay attention to what you have to say. In being a student myself, it is important to me and makes me feel important to my teacher is they know my name.
There was another fact that caught my attention. It shocked me that one student said that they will write 42 pages for school and 500 emails. This alone shows that technology is more important to a student than the traditional writing. In saying that, I am thinking right now that I would not write half as much as I am typing because not only does it take longer, but it is not as interesting. Also, technology gives you the chance to correct mistakes made when writing a paper instead of having to start over from scratch. The use of computers in the classroom will not only motivate students to do more, but also make it easier to do so!
The video really struck home. All of the signs that were held up somehow related to me. The ones that are like my college education were:
After watching this video it made me realize a lot. Technology is very important in today's education. Most students in the video said that they bring their laptops to school with them but they are mostly on Facebook or doing other things other than their school work. If professors and teachers would include technology in the classroom then more students would be more apt to participate and pay attention in class. To keep your student's attention, you must keep your class interesting.
One way to keep things interesting is to stay on top of what is important to them. One student held up a sign that said only 18% of her teachers knew her name. If you know your student's names and are personable with them, they are more likely to pay attention to what you have to say. In being a student myself, it is important to me and makes me feel important to my teacher is they know my name.
There was another fact that caught my attention. It shocked me that one student said that they will write 42 pages for school and 500 emails. This alone shows that technology is more important to a student than the traditional writing. In saying that, I am thinking right now that I would not write half as much as I am typing because not only does it take longer, but it is not as interesting. Also, technology gives you the chance to correct mistakes made when writing a paper instead of having to start over from scratch. The use of computers in the classroom will not only motivate students to do more, but also make it easier to do so!
The video really struck home. All of the signs that were held up somehow related to me. The ones that are like my college education were:
- Paying $100 or more for a book that is NEVER opened
- 49% reading with only about 26% that pertains to me
- Fewer teachers care to learn your name
I as a teacher will always make sure that I know my students and assign things or structure my lessons to suit them. Students are going to be more willing to learn if you make your lessons interesting to THEM!
Karl Fisch: Is It Ok To Be An Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
Mr. Fisch made one major point in his blog that has really stuck in my mind..."If a teacher today is not technologically literate and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more- it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read or write." This is extreme,but very true. A teacher should be up-to-date on things that his/her class in enthralled in. Technology doesn't necessarily have to be the center point of teaching, but it should be included.
The world is centered around technology. The children in elementary school today are the ones that will have a world completely engulfed with technology. So, what sense does it make to teach them without involving some sort of technology? The video that we watched, "A Vision of Student's Today" actually said that the job they will hold when they graduate will most likely be one that doesn't exist yet. If that is true, then the same would be true for younger students today. College graduates are in school for 4 years learning a trade/profession. If they are going to have a job that doesn't exist yet, then I can only imagine what kind of jobs the elementary school children of today will have.
It is really scary to think that children are growing up in a world that is becoming very dependent on technology and schools are still reluctant to integrate technology in education. I believe that as a teacher you should not only do your best in educating yourself (being a lifelong learner), but also structuring lessons to benefit students in their future endeavors.
It's Not About Technology by Kelly Hines and Gary Hayes Social Media Count
The media counter really put things into perspective. This goes hand in hand with Kelly Hines' blog "It's not about technology." I do believe what she had to say about teachers and the need to be lifelong learners. Also, her comment about "technology is useless without good teachers." This is very true. A teacher has to be a lifelong learner in order to be able to teach her students to her fullest potential. The media counter on the other hand shows that technology is rapidly increasing by the second. There are more students involving themselves with technological advances and learning more and more by the minute.
Kelly Hines gave 4 important things for a proficient teacher:
1. Teachers must be learners
2. Learning and teaching are not the same thing
3. Technology is useless without good teaching
4. Be a 21st Century teacher without the technology
Mrs. Hines makes excellent points. A teacher must be a learner in order to keep up on new trends and ways of improving her teaching. Also, learning and teaching are not the same thing! Learning involves a student being able to comprehend and use the information learned. She says, "We must look at learning as the product of a successful day. Learning will not look the same to all students and teachers, but it must be the goal." With that being said, we as teachers must make sure that EVERY student is learning and comprehending the subject at hand because if "nothing is learned then no teaching has been done!"
Mrs. Hines is very right in everything she said but in looking at the media counter, technology can help in the whole process. Children are more interested in learning things on computers and experimenting with blogs, pod casts, and playing on Facebook. If these things are implemented in the classroom along with what Mrs. Hines said then you are setting yourself and your class up for nothing but success!
Karl Fisch: Is It Ok To Be An Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
Mr. Fisch made one major point in his blog that has really stuck in my mind..."If a teacher today is not technologically literate and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more- it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read or write." This is extreme,but very true. A teacher should be up-to-date on things that his/her class in enthralled in. Technology doesn't necessarily have to be the center point of teaching, but it should be included.
The world is centered around technology. The children in elementary school today are the ones that will have a world completely engulfed with technology. So, what sense does it make to teach them without involving some sort of technology? The video that we watched, "A Vision of Student's Today" actually said that the job they will hold when they graduate will most likely be one that doesn't exist yet. If that is true, then the same would be true for younger students today. College graduates are in school for 4 years learning a trade/profession. If they are going to have a job that doesn't exist yet, then I can only imagine what kind of jobs the elementary school children of today will have.
It is really scary to think that children are growing up in a world that is becoming very dependent on technology and schools are still reluctant to integrate technology in education. I believe that as a teacher you should not only do your best in educating yourself (being a lifelong learner), but also structuring lessons to benefit students in their future endeavors.
It's Not About Technology by Kelly Hines and Gary Hayes Social Media Count
The media counter really put things into perspective. This goes hand in hand with Kelly Hines' blog "It's not about technology." I do believe what she had to say about teachers and the need to be lifelong learners. Also, her comment about "technology is useless without good teachers." This is very true. A teacher has to be a lifelong learner in order to be able to teach her students to her fullest potential. The media counter on the other hand shows that technology is rapidly increasing by the second. There are more students involving themselves with technological advances and learning more and more by the minute.
Kelly Hines gave 4 important things for a proficient teacher:
1. Teachers must be learners
2. Learning and teaching are not the same thing
3. Technology is useless without good teaching
4. Be a 21st Century teacher without the technology
Mrs. Hines makes excellent points. A teacher must be a learner in order to keep up on new trends and ways of improving her teaching. Also, learning and teaching are not the same thing! Learning involves a student being able to comprehend and use the information learned. She says, "We must look at learning as the product of a successful day. Learning will not look the same to all students and teachers, but it must be the goal." With that being said, we as teachers must make sure that EVERY student is learning and comprehending the subject at hand because if "nothing is learned then no teaching has been done!"
Mrs. Hines is very right in everything she said but in looking at the media counter, technology can help in the whole process. Children are more interested in learning things on computers and experimenting with blogs, pod casts, and playing on Facebook. If these things are implemented in the classroom along with what Mrs. Hines said then you are setting yourself and your class up for nothing but success!
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