Sunday, July 25, 2010

Blog Post 13 (My Final Reflection)

I am going to take this time to start from the beginning of my EDM310 class and give you an overview of what happened.

Before class started I received an email from Dr. Strange going into more detail about the class. The main two things I remembered about that email was, to have an additional 15 hours a week to work on projects for this class. The other thing I remember is that there were four mandatory days during the semester that we had to attend class. After reading that email I thought my only problem would be attending the first day of class, because I had court that day due to my divorce. My ex and I agreed to postpone the court date and I was able to make it to class.

I started out pretty good, kept up with my downloads, questionnaire, and a couple
blogs, but then it went down from there. I put too much on myself this semester. When I started the semester I already had two children and was pregnant with my third. I decided to take four classes this semester, continued to work, and was extremely tired. Unfortunately, I would choose sleep over doing my blogs and staying on top of my work.

I did continue to do my group projects and really enjoyed doing them. We all meshed well together and brought different ideas to the table. By doing so, I believe we made some great videos for future EDM310 students to learn from.

When I started this class I did not know much of anything when it came to the computer. Yes, I could access my email, I have a facebook account, and could watch videos on UTube, but that was probably all I could do. Now, I can add links and videos to my own blog.

I really enjoyed this class and everything I learned. Most of the assigned videos were very inspirational and something I could relate to. Even when I got behind I still enjoyed watching them. I was really proud of myself when I would add a link or video to one of my blogs or on a comment I made to one of my fellow students' blogs.

The advice I would give for any student taking this class next semester or any to follow is to stay on top of their work. Although, the summer semester is a lot faster they could still get behind during the fall or spring semester as well. I would encourage them to enjoy the class and not get too over whelmed. Yes, it is a lot of work, but it is worth it.

Some of my favorite blogs to read and teachers to follow are Karl Fisch, Michael Wesch, and Joe McClung. The one teacher I wish I could follow, but cannot because he died back in 2008 is Randy Pausch. I will highly recommend them to see every and all of his videos. Here is a link to his Last Lecture video. Another recommendation I would give is to use Symbaloo as their PLN. I love how it is easy to use and how organized it is.

Although I did not stay on top of my class work and got really far behind I was pretty much able to catch up. No, I do not recommend anyone to do what I did, but I am proud of myself for catching up. I always try to see things on the bright side, and in this case I can honestly say I really enjoyed everything I have learned and plan on implementing this knowledge when I am a teacher.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Alba Middle School



I am so glad to see a local teacher thinking outside the box. Her students did a wonderful job! I love the way she allowed them to express their opinion. Students need to know they can and should speak up when something is bothering them. I can tell how much they enjoyed doing this video. They really put some thought and emotion into it. I hope they keep up the great work!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Teaching Caleb how to start his own blog

Final Project








It was a lot of fun working with my group and of course "Caleb" on our final project. As a group we thought about how to summarize the class, and what we could teach a child from the class. That is where we decided on making a blog for Caleb. He is older than Jace (my son who is six), but not old enough where he already had one.

Dr. Strange said he would add him to his C4K next semester. I think Caleb would love that! It would give him some comments to reflect on, and also have a reason to blog.

Blog Post 12

What I Learned This Year

I have enjoyed reading both of Mr. McChung's blogs about his two years of teaching. Just like him, I am afraid of the "survival mode". I hope to not get there, but it is good to know he did not stay there long. I would rather teach something hands on and not reading a book and answering questions. He and I believe in a lot of the same teaching methods. I plan on continuing to follow him even when this class is over.

If you would like to read some of his blogs. Here is a link to Mr. McClung's blog.

Just when I thought I had learned a lot of technological ideas to include in the classroom, Dr. Strange has us watch another video that proves I will never stop learning something new. I have never heard of "fablab" and I found three different videos that helped me understand it better. This first one is an overview of what the intentions of fablab are to help students with math, science, and technology children's engineering initiative's video. The second one I chose goes in more detail about the machine, how it works, and how students not only get to construct things, but also put them together and take them apart. This one can be seen at Imagine.Design.Create.Construct video. The final video I chose to share with you is actually the first one I saw because it speaks volumes to me. It is a five-year-old using the fablab technology and machine. I am learning more and more each day that it does not matter how old you are...you can still learn things. Here is a link to Digital Fabrication: Through the Eyes of a Five-Year-Old Boy's video.

My final C4K

This is the post I left for this video. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It is a great teaching tool.

For the students that made the video "Noble Gases" you should be very proud of yourselves. I have never thought about categorizing our gases into a kingdom like you did. I am sure you learned a lot from this project and can help other students remember the information as well. Keep up the great work!

My final PLN post

As I said earlier I have decided to use Symbaloo for my PLN. I love it! Anytime I get on the web I bring it up as a separate page. If I find a site I like I will save it to my PLN so I can go back to again later. It is great for organizing your website use. As I have said before, "I highly recommend it!"

Google Forms Complete



After looking at the responses from my questionnaire I found out: 50% of the students are from Mobile like I am, 38% already have a child, and 50% should be graduating with me in the Spring of 2012.

Blog Post 11

Little Kids...Big Potential

Ms. Cassidy is a first grade teacher in Canada. She already has her first graders using the computer. Her students have blogs, use the internet to look up information, and really enjoy doing it.

I think it is awesome that she is teaching them how to use the internet. She is showing them what they will need to do in the future. I have to admit I was amazed that she was doing this with first graders. I would have thought they are too young to really understand what they are doing. After seeing this Ms. Cassidy's video and Ms. Cassidy's chat with Dr. Strange and his class. I feel like I will not think about my students age and will get them involved with the internet. Students are very smart and need to learn about the internet. It is our future and they are our future leaders.

Blog Post 10

A 7th grader's PLE

I actually use the same learning network as she does. Symbaloo is a easy way to keep all your important documents organized as you will see in her video. I have not done as much work on mine as she has, but anytime I am on the internet and find a site I like, I add it to my PLN so I can access it again later.

Here is a link to A 7th grader's PLE if you are thinking about setting up one yourself. I highly recommend it!

Two Questions That Can Change Your Life

Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.



This was a great video! I hope everyone will take the 3 minutes it takes to watch it. Once you do watch it then think..."What is my sentence?" Mine is...She made sure every child knew they could accomplish anything they set their mind to.

My 3rd C4K

This is the comment I left for Mr. McClung on "Banning vs. Acceptable Use" by Ms. Buell.

Mr. McClung,

I read both yours and Ms. Buell's post. I believe it is an empowerment thing for people to band something. Not because it really is a bad thing, but because they can. I agree with Ms. Buell that silly bands and cigarettes should not be under the same category.

The teacher in my sons' K-5 class last year asked that they not wear them, but I believe it was distracting to them. They were only 5. Although, I do not believe an older student who will leave them alone should be band from it.

Here is a link to both Mr. McClung's post and Ms. Buell's post.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Teaching Jace how to sound out his words when reading

Blog Post 8

"What I Have Learned This Year" by Mr. McClung

This post spoke volumes to me! I have been afraid of the student teaching part that will start next spring. Not the teaching part, but the what others will think of me. I am glad he reminded me it is really what the kids think that is most important. I feel like I can relate to them and understand that they all learn at different speeds. So, hopefully I will not forget this when I do start teaching.

I enjoyed his post so much that I added him to my PLN so I can continue to stay in contact with him.

Here is a link to Mr. McClung's post.

We Should Listen to the Kids!

The first thing that caught my attention about this post was in her first paragraph where she talks about her not being listened to in school as a student. Then in her second paragraph she talks about how when she needs to ask her students for help they do not judge her. I think this is something we should all take into consideration.

She then shares a video of a young girl who is so comical and so truthful in her speech. I highly recommend everyone to watch this video!

Here is a link to Jenny's post.

Interview with Mr. Corley

My 2nd C4K

The student I commented on is in New Zealand. Taeshell wrote a great blog about "Volcanic Eruptions". They had and shared some great knowledge and did a wonderful job of what volcanoes are and what to do if they erupt.

Here is a link to Taeshell's blog.

Blog Post 7

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

This name was a genius! Not only on all of his accomplishments, but on his outlook on life itself. He gave so many wonderful examples of what people/his kids should do all I am going to do is touch a little bit of the ones that stuck out to me the most.

Towards the beginning of his lecture he said, "anything is possible...have specific dreams...brick walls are there for a reason..." He goes on to explain how his dreams sometimes got reworded to make them come true, but he was still able to accomplish his dreams. He was a very persisted man that did not stop just because something was in his way of accomplishing one of his dreams. He looked for alternative route to accomplishing his dreams.

Towards the end of the lecture he said, "...have fun!...never give up...focus on other people..." Have fun! I try to always have fun...that is another reason why I want to be a teacher, and he was dying and was still having fun. He always thought of another way to make his dreams come true, and would like all of us to do the same. He would look at the big picture, and his big picture for his last lecture is for us to "...focus on other people...and how to lead your life..."

As I said at the beginning, he is a genius and I recommend everyone to take an hour and sixteen minutes and watch Randy Pausch's Last Lecture. You will not be disappointed. The only thing I am disappointed about is that he did pass away, and I am not able to add him to my PLN. I believe he had a wonderful outlook on life and was not only a great man, but also a wonderful professor and mentor.

Timeline of Our First Ten Presidents

My 1st C4K

The child I had is in New Zealand. He is 10 years old and loves everything that deals with the Army. His favorite song is "21 guns", just to give you an idea as to how much he loves the Army. I am a military brat so I could relate with Connor and most of his post except the "Annoying Orange". It is annoying, but I do not find it humorous at all.

Here is a link for Connor's blog if you also like the Army and would like to chat with him.

I have made my PLN!

I have made my PLN through Symbaloo. It is a site that allows you to add other sites and find them so much easier. I know I will enjoy it, because it keeps things organized and easy to get to.

Blog Post 6

This Is How We Dream

This video did not impress me much. I got bored easily and feel like most of the technology he used seemed basic internet search. He actually reminded me of the video Leah, Barry, and I did on Burp Back Education. I would like for you to see our video and just compare the two voices to see exactly what I am talking about.

Although, I do think it is a good idea for students/people to know how to use the internet and the great things technology has to offer, I do not think we should be so dependent on it. The internet is not always accurate. Here is an link to an example of the wrong information being published on the internetStudent's Hoax. I understand this was a hoax on wikipedia and most people know they should not depend on that site, but in this case several reporters did and reported the wrong information.

If you would like to see the This Is How We Dream I would love to get your response on it.

Wendy Drexler:The Networked Student

I found this video more interesting. It showed how technology helps a student find information and receive other peoples feedback. It also shows that a teacher is needed even though it is a mostly computer based class. Once again I believe technology is a great tool, but I do not believe it should be the only learning method.

Here is a link to Wendy Drexler's video.

Toward A New Future of Whatever

I highly enjoyed this video! I was scared to watch it at first because it is a little over 30 minutes long, but it keeps you interested the whole time. since I am only a couple years younger than he is I was really able to relate to the examples he was giving. I thought it was cute how he compared his large classroom to an American Idol audition. Although, the size was about the same the outcome was totally different. He knows not many of his students were involved in his lecture since he does have a really large class, but the people waiting to audition on American Idol were wide awake.

I have never been a huge UTube fan and have only watched a couple of videos, and the main reason is because I feel like he said, "...they are 99.9% irrelevant." I have thought some of the videos are very comical, but I have never thought about the reason why people make the videos...until now. He brought up several different points, but what I liked the best was, "...not you but this." So, what I am thinking is UTube is a lot like American Idol...people think they have a chance and do not care what they look like to get their little time of fame. Just like the audition, The person is pretty much in front of a camera doing "whatever" they want to do to get noticed.

Here is a link to Michael Wesch's video.

Why I want to be a teacher

My Vacaroo

PLN

After watching the different videos...I still had no clue what a PLN was. It took me talking to some fellow students to really understand what a PLN is. I now believe it is a great way to communicate with different people that share the same interest you do. It is not just for teachers it is for anyone who has an hobby or desire that want to get other peoples opinions and share their own.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Smart Board Project

Blog Post 5

Why Smartboards are Dumb Initiative

Mr. Michael Stanton does not believe smartboards are affective in the classroom. He is not a teacher himself, but is highly against them. He feels like teachers will still be in front of the class, and not really interacting with the students. Therefore, smartboards being a use of money and time. If you would like to read his blog. I have attached a link below so you can do so.

Michael Stanton's blog

Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards

Mr. Bill Ferriter also does not believe in smartboards. He is a teacher, and actually got rid of his after a year of it being in his classroom. He believes it does little to promote independent discovery and collaborative work. If you would like to see more of his blog I have attached a link below.

Bill Ferriter's blog

After reading those two blogs I was starting to get discouraged about the smartboards until I found a site that has multiple blogs from teachers that love to use the smartboards. I personally believe smartboards are a good tool if used correctly. I agree with Michael stanton about it being a waste of our money if the teacher is still using it the old fashion way, but if the teacher gets the child involved, it can be a wonderful teaching tool. I have attached a link to the blog with the teachers that love using the smartboards so you can decide what you think about them. Along with their blogs I have also attached a short video of teachers and students interacting with the smartboard. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

teacher's blog



The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies

These two videos were very comical and entertaining to watch. That makes it a lot easier to get involved and appreciate it. I hope that the videos I have made are as interesting to watch as these are. You can really relate to them and if your in EDM310 then it is nice to know you are not the only one feeling the way you do about the class. I have attached a link to both of these videos, and encourage you to watch them. Especially, if you are in or going to be in EDM310.

Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Blog Post 4

Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog

I was not aware of what a podcast was until I went to this class blog. I was expecting a skit or slide show. Although, it was not what I was expecting it was still very interesting and entertaining.

Since I am studying to be a teacher, I really liked the way this teacher got her students involved. I am pretty sure these students not only know their material for this podcast, but also remember and understand it as well. That is what we need to do as teachers. Find different ways of teaching so that the students understand and remember what is being taught. I have attached a link below if you would like to see it for yourself.

Eagle Nest Radio's class blog

Curriki-Podcast Collection

I wish this would have been the first site for me to visit for this blog section in my EDM310 class. It explains what a podcast is in great detail and even gives a couple of sites on how to make your own podcast. The reason I wish I had seen this site first is, because I would have known what to expect when I was listening to the Eagle Nest Radio's podcasts. I would have known there was not going to be a video and appreciated it more.

Instead of placing this blog information at the end of my blog I have chosen to put it under the Eagle Nest blog so that someone who does not know about podcasts will not have the same problems I had. I have placed a link below for anyone who would like to read about or make a podcast of your own.

Curriki's blog

Integrating ICT into the MFL classroom

I found this video very interesting because it gave a bunch of reasons why podcasting is beneficial. One of the first topics he brings up are children born after 1980 have typically lived in a world where there has been some form of technology. I happen to agree with him and it seems the younger they are the more technology they know how to use. I know my six year old son knows how to do somethings better and faster than me on the computer.

Some of the benefits this video mentioned are if a child is sick they can still do their homework and possibly even a test, depending on the teacher they can make it very interesting and fun for the student to want to do the lesson, but not only do the lesson, learn from it. Although, it is a nine minute video, I believe it is a great video to watch if you are thinking about using podcast in your classroom. I have included the link below for you to watch for yourself.

Joe Dale's blog

100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better

This site gives several sites for you to visit that help you get applications on your iPod. Some of the sites it lists are Spanish, Bible 101, Sesame Street. Since I have a two year old who loves Elmo I will be downloading that one very soon. Along with that one I also plan on downloading the Spanish one as well. Although, I am half puertorican I can understand Spanish better than I can speak it.

I thought this site was also a good site to use, because if a site was out dated or not around anymore it referred you to a different site. The reason I believe this is a good thing is, because technology is constantly changing and this site is aware of this and trying to help you out as much as possible. If you would like to visit this site you can click on the link below and it will take you right to it.

bspcn's blog

After watching different videos and listening to podcasts, I believe podcasting is another wonderful tool to help our students understand and enjoy learning. That is the main thing I want for my students is to want and enjoy learning. The reason I chose to be a teacher is, because I believe every child wants to learn. Although, some students learn faster than others, does not mean they do not want to learn.

We as teachers need to know that there are other ways of teaching and use technology as much as we can for our students to understand what they are being taught. I cannot wait until I am teaching and using the technology we have to see a change in a child's attitude, because of a teacher who is willing to try something new to help them learn.

Blog Post 3

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?

In Dr. McLeod's post he talks about all the excuses parents and teachers make for not teaching a child technology. As I started reading it I wondered where he was going with his post, but towards the end I extremely enjoyed it.

After finding out a little bit more about Dr. McLeod I totally understand why he would post a blog like that. He is an Associate Professor and Coordinator that studies technology leadership in education. His main point is that technology is our future and parents and teachers need to accept it. They also need to not only learn it, but also be willing to teach it. It is our future after all. You can view his blog for yourself at the link below.

Dr. McLeod's blog

The iSchool Initiative

In this video, Travis is promoting the iSchool. It is a devise like the iphone or itouch. I believe he means well in supporting it, but I believe it would actually be used for what he is talking about it would replace our teachers. Teachers are already struggling to keep or find a job. I believe this would only make things harder on us.

Please do not get me wrong, I believe technology is every important, but I think this is a little too extreme. It has some very good applications to help our students, and yes it would help out with the environment (going green), but I am not sold and do not want to loose my job before I even start teaching. If you would like to view his video. Please click on the link below.

Travis's video

Watch The Lost Generation

I really enjoyed watching this video! I was sad at first, because I really believed that he truly felt that way about his generation. I love that when he read everything from the bottom to the top there was a different outcome. I have attached a link below and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Jonathan Reed's video

Eric Whitaker's Virtual Choir

I was really impressed by this video. Eric Whitaker takes people from all over the world and has them all singing together on one accord. They sounded great! I wonder how they knew what to sing and how high to sing it in, but regardless of that they were very impressive. I have attached a link below if you would would like to see it yourself.

Eric Whitaker's video

TimeToast timeline about my kids


Friday, June 11, 2010

A Vision of Students Today

I have to agree with most of this video. It is suppose to capture most students college experiences and it does. It talks about the information we are learning in classes that most of it is not relevant to our lives. It also talks about how busy college students are with classes, studying, working, and still trying to have a personal life.

Towards the end of the video it talks about how much debt students get into by borrowing money to attend college. It then says that even though they will be in about $20,000 debt after graduation that they are the lucky ones. The main message it was trying to reach is that their are people in the world who are barely making $1.00 a day and for us to appreciate what we have. If you would like to see the video for yourself. Please click on the link below.

Michael Wesch's video

It's Not About the Technology

I really enjoyed reading Ms. Kelly Hines post. She was talking about the many ways teachers need to change their way of teaching. What I really enjoyed about her post was that she was not just talking about learning the new technology. Being in college right now most teachers are informing us how important technology is.

Ms. Hines is not saying technology is not important, but she does not believe it is the main change teachers need to make. She said, "Teachers who customize the learning experiences of their students to involve critical thinking and problem solving are doing their students a greater favor than those who misuse technology as a means of facilitating learning." I agree with this statement because technology is only as good as the person teaching it. Technology is a good thing just not the necessity. If you would like to read Ms. Hines post. Please click on the link below.

Kelly Hines' post

Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

In Mr. Karl Fisch blog I happen to agree with with him. Although teachers do not need to depend on technology to teach the students we do need to know how to use it. Those that do not want to learn technology to help our students are not only hurting themselves, but the students as well.

I understand that when they started teaching technology was not really being used, but it is today, and they need to embrace it. Principals need to hold them accountable for learning the new technology and not just allow them to get by without learning it because of their age or how many years they have been teaching. Once again, I want to specify that I am not saying technology is everything, but it is something we as teachers need to embrace, use, and teach. I have also attached a link below to his blog if you would like to read it for yourself.

Karl Fisch's blog

Gary Hayes Social Media Count

I was really amazed by this countdown that I added it to my blog.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

C4T on Karl Fisch

My first post on his blog:

I really enjoyed reading your post on Transparent Algebra: Assessment Revisited. You are an inspiration to me as a future teacher, because you are thinking outside the box. Although, you know it is not going to be an easy transition, you are still going to give it a shot.

I believe teachers/principals are more concerned with grades and students passing a test then them really remembering what they have learned. I loved it when you said, "... shifting the focus from points and toward understanding." We as teachers need to get our students ready for the real world and not just knowledge they will forget after their test is taken.

My second post on his blog:

Although I am not that familiar with the solar panel. I do know it is suppose to help out with the ozone, and I believe that is a great thing. I am glad it is working out for you so far and hope it continues.

I think you can definitely make a math lesson out of it. Somewhere around the first week or two of school explain to your students what is going on with the solar panels, show them the graphs, and ask them to make a prediction about how much you will save in three months.

This is only a suggestion, but I believe they will be interested in finding out how close they were in their predictions. It is also something they can relate to with you. Good luck in what you decide to do with your lesson and with the solar panels.

My last post on his blog:

I feel like there is so much to learn, and I am constantly learning something new everyday. I do not feel like it is a bad thing to have someone believe or not believe like you do. We were not made to agree with everything another person said or did. That is why we are all different. I love reading and seeing other peoples opinion on things, because it makes me think why do they believe this and then I form my own opinion.

Although, I only blogged on three of his posts, I read several and feel like this is a teacher I would like to continue to follow. I believe he gives some good advise and that would help me with my teaching experience.

The link to his blog is

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Did You Know? 3.0

After watching the video by Karl Fisch I realized just how important the internet really is to everyone all over the world. India and China have taken a closer look at it and are learning all that they can about the internet. They know it is the way of the future. What is bad is the United States does not seem to be worried that they are not as technologically ready as China and India. To see what I am talking about please see the following link below to watch it yourself.

Karl Fisch's video

Mr. Winkle Wakes

I found this video a little upsetting. Mr. Winkle is asleep for one hundred years and when he wakes up so much has changed. The main change is all the technology that is being used. The only place he felt at home was in a school, because of the lack of technology that was being used there. The reason this is upsetting to me is because we are teaching our children information that by the time they graduate and try to get a job they will not know the basic necessities to make it in the real work world.

Technology is very important and is our future. We as teachers need to make sure our students are ready for the future. The only way to achieve this is to teach our students about technology. I am not saying they do not need to know the basics as well, but we have to have our students ready for the real world. They are our future. If you would like to see the video for yourself please use the following link below.

Mathew Needleman's video

The Importance of Creativity

After watching Sir Ken Robinson's video I agree with him about the fact that children need to use their creativity. Their are so many academic classes that you do need to teach them the correct way of doing things, but you do not need to do it in art or drama. Creativity in a child is what makes that child stand out. Who are we to take that away from them? We need to encourage our students to be who they want to be. No matter what that is, it is what makes us unique. Students get told "no" or "that's wrong" so much that they get discouraged. They believe they are not good enough.

Although, this video was almost twenty minutes and I felt like he could have made his point in half that amount of time, he was pretty comical. Which made it easier to watch, but I understood were he was going with it around the ten minute area. I thought it was pretty funny about that famous dancer back in the thirties that would probably be mis-diagnosed for AD/HD today. The reason why this amuses me is, because I believe a lot of people do this just to have a reason for their behavior and to make the parents/teachers have a reason why they are acting the way that they do. If you would like to see Sir Robinson yourself. Please follow the link below.

Sir Ken Robinson's video

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

I have always felt like I learned things differently than other students. One of the main reason's I want to teach is to help children exceed their potential. I believe Vicki Davis is doing that by introducing her students to the internet and getting them involved with DigiTeen. I love how the internet can connect you with people from around the world. There is so much our children do not know about other children in other countries this is a great way for them to learn. It not only connects them to each other they can learn from each other.

I am still learning about the internet and all the many things the computer has to offer. One thing i really like about Vicki's video is that she admits she is still learning too. She teaches the students, but they also teach her. Teachers need to be willing to learn something from a student. I always feel like I am learning something new everyday, and that is a great thing no matter who the teacher is. If you would like to see this video yourself. Please use the following link below.

Vicki Davis's video

Wordle

Wordle: Alissa

This is a brief description of me.