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.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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