Project 12 (Skype interview)

Blog Post 9

What I've Learned this Year 
by: Mr. McClung


After reading Mr. McClung's What I've Learned This Year it occurred to me that he was truly honest and right. The best way to be a effective teacher is to be able to read the crowd. What Mr. McClung means is to never lose touch with the children. They are the ones that will, or will not, take something away from your class. Not the Administrators that you are trying to impress. Being flexible is another approach McClung takes to being a effective teacher.  He says nothing will ever go exactly as planned. When something goes wrong, don't stress about it. You learn things through trial and error.


 McClung goes on to mention that "Communication is the best medicine". He says that communication is the best way to resolve any conflicts in the workplace. Communicating is the best way to establish relationships with coworkers and your students. Being reasonable and listening are  two key factors in building a relationship with students. What McClung is saying is to not set the bar. Sure you can have basic goals that are to be met but, do not have a limit on where to stop after that. The number one key to building relationships with students is listen. Students will feel more comfortable and trust you more if you just listen to what they say. 


One of the last thing Mr.McClung writes "We do everything short of beg students to learn on a daily basis, but sadly some of us refuse to learn and grow as professional educators. We work in a learning environment, so why not soak up as much as you can? We owe it to our students." I believe that this is so true and we should never stop learning. A good example that comes to my mind is technology. McClung says that "We should not become overwhelmed by technology and simply give up before we start. We cannot expect to master computer skills the first time we attempt them, so jump in head first....the water feels fine :)". This is so true considering that technology is an essential part of everyday living for so many of us. We should use technology to our advantage seeing how it is such a rapidly growing part of our present and future. 


  

Blog post 8

This is How We Dream

In This is How We Dream Part 1 and 2 Rick Miller makes fascinating points. He states that education is moving forward. We have so many resources at the disposal of our finger tips. Resources such as search engines, wikipedia, and newspapers on the web. He goes on to mention that it is just as important for people to produce multimedia as it is to use it. His main goal throughout this video was to help people better understand the incremental change in education compared to the original source of education.


One of the best comments I think Miller said in this video was that he did a whole research without stepping foot in a library.We can access books, newspapers, and more through the internet. I also believe that composing and  producing material for the internet is just as important as using what is already there. Without composers we would have nothing to use.


I believe technology is advancing in ways unthought of five years ago. I believe that eventually teachers will only be present to guide and encourage students as they explore the world of technology. I also think that schools budgets should focus on technology in the classroom. This is going to be a big part of our future and a great way to prepare for the future is to let our future (the children) have access to it.

Carly Pugh's blog

In Carly's blog I came across many things to ponder. I really loved the playlist idea. Inspiration is the reason that everyone goes through with their dreams. This is a good way to actually sit back and think what kind of teacher will I be. I think Carly displayed a very good example of including mixed media into her post. At first it seemed to be a little much but, as I continued to read I became very interested in the videos posted. I began to think that maybe I should start exploring YouTube a little more to gain knowledge and explore the references available to me.

Chipper Series  

The Chipper Series was about procrastination and the ways it will effect you in EDM310 and in your own life. It goes to show through procrastination you will achieve nothing. In the series Chipper has some ups and downs. She ends up dropping out and going from one dead end job to the other. In the end Chipper finally goes back to school to better herself. As, a future educator procrastination could be your arch-nemesis.


The moral to this video was very clear. Procrastination, especially in EDM310 and our future educator careers is totally unacceptable.  I really enjoyed the pilot comment. I mean who would want to fly in a plane with someone who has never flown before. I really enjoyed this video, it made me giggle.


EDM310 for Dummies                                                    


I think that EDM310 for Dummies would be a best- seller! After the first day of EDM310 I definitely would have bought the hard copy for the house, the paper copy for the car, and downloaded it to my Iphone for on the go emergencies! I think they did a wonderful job putting this video together. Now looking back on how terrified I was entering this class I have to giggle! I enjoy now knowing what blogging is and how to use tools for personal and educational use. Two things that have really stuck with me that I will take with me into my career would be: 1) The illustrious " I don't know, Let's find out!"  and 2) Google Docs.


Learn to Change, Change to Learn


In Learn to Change, Change to Learn I found it very interesting education was ranked last. I also am glad to see that people are beginning to realize education is soon going to be through technology. Internet was a big step for businesses, then consumers, now education. Let's embark on a journey that will leave a paperless trail. Let's begin tomorrows class with a lesson taught from across the world. Let us begin to understand different cultures, not through reading, but interacting with others. Let's better understand things halfway across the world by simply asking a native, face to face via Skype. Let's ask questions, let's venture, and let's begin a journey with a giant step that is weightless. I really enjoyed this video!It gave me new perspectives and appreciation for technology and education.

Project 11

Blog post #7

Randy Pausch: Last Lecture

Dr. Randy Pausch didn't hold back when it came to his teaching methods. "Last Lecture" is not only inspiring for someone who is planning on being a teacher but anyone who is around people! The energy he used during his lecture made me want to watch more. The passion he showed toward wanting his students to achieve every goal that they set is truly remarkable.

In his lecture he makes a comment about how you should never set the bar, this statement stuck with me more than some others. The idea of having a person stop when they get to a certain place in their life when they think that is all that needed to be done made me realize how often I stop once my goal is reached. He talks about how you shouldn't stop when one project is done, you should make a good idea, great! It makes you wonder what else could have been accomplished if every time you finished something, if someone would have asked for a little more.

"Have them think they are learning something else", how true is that? Personally my best learning is done when I don't even realize I'm doing it! He mentions the term "head fake" a couple times, a great way to do this is to integrate subjects into one another. One that comes to mind is to have kids think they are doing a art lesson when really their learning something like history. I think a kids mind is best used when they aren't bored into a text book. More teachers should use the idea of making sure they aren't preaching instead of teaching.

Enable, to make able; provide with means or power. In this video he said you should be an enabler. I think that if anyone has children, works with children or if they are around them should be an enabler. How often do you settle for something other than your best? The way he made someone feel like they aren't just another student in a desk makes me want to be as active as I can be once I become a teacher. Seeing the impact he made not only in his personal life but his students life is very inspiring. To have watched one video and feel like I've walked away with a stronger work ethic make me wonder if I could be a teacher like that. Would my future students think so highly of me? I think that his leadership is one of the greatest qualities that shines through in this video. I can honestly say I enjoyed watching this!

Project 10

I created my personal learning network through Symbaloo. It was simple and easy to make. The program already had everything I needed for this class and more. It had "tiles" such as YouTube, Skype, and Twitter that I find very utilizing. The program also has Facebook and fun "tiles" to use. I think I will use this tool a lot during this semester and in the future. This is a cute and fun way to stay organized.

Project 8

Project 9b instructional timeline

Blog Post 6

The Networked Student
By:Wendy Drexler and Alec Couros


This video is about connectivism. According to Wikipedia "Connectivism, is a learning theory for the digital age, has been developed by George Siemens and Stephen Downes based on their analysis of the limitations of behaviorism  cognitivism and constructivism to explain the effect technology has had on how we live, how we communicate, and how we learn." The main purpose of connectivism is to allow the student to be in control of their learning process and access it through the internet. The student builds a personal learning network. He/She  does this by finding valid websites on the the topic. The student then publishes it to his or her bookmarking site. This allows other students that have bookmarked the same topic to share what they have found. The student also uses Itunes U to listen to the lectures of professors around the world. Thus, giving the student access to the greatest professors around. 


The teachers role in connectivism may at first seem obsolete. But, the teacher plays a rather important role in connectivism. The teacher helps students by teaching the students how to build their network. He/She also teaches the student how to communicate properly, gives guidance when the student is stuck, helps validate sites, and teaches students how to respectfully ask for help from experts. The teachers role is like the framework of a house. It is the first place you start but, it is nothing without a roof, walls, and all the details. 


I think the idea of connectivism is really good. However, not all students have the access to technology as others do. In the near future I am sure all schools will be technologically advanced. Until then we must be sure all students can access the internet before assigning at home internet projects. I think connectivism is increasing and one day it will be the main source of learning. Textbooks will eventually be obsolete and accessed through the internet. Teachers will not be at school to lecture or stand in front of the class. They will be there to navigate children through the internet and help build the foundation of their networking skills.

A 7th Graders Personal Learning Environment
By:Mr.H's 7th grade student and Wendy 
Drexler


In this video the 7th grade student walks you step by step through her personal learning environment. I think she did a wonderful job at organizing her PLN. I loved the way she separated work and play from each other. I have just started my very own PLN. My PLN consists of tiles such as the EDM 310 blog, Facebook  YouTube, Skype, and CNN. I am going to use her idea of separating work and entertainment in my very own PLN. 


I think many people could learn a lot from this 7th grader. Organization is one main thing that everyone needs in their life. Having a PLN is a great way to do so. I plan to  introduce this to friends and co-workers so that they too can become proficient and organized. I also plan on in the future using this in my classroom. This would be a great tool for the rapid technologically growing students.

SMART boards 
For or against?


In Why Smartboards Are a Dumb Initiative, by Michael Staton, Staton writes how smartboards may be a "cool" tool but, " They are just the least cost-effective way to improve learning I’ve ever seen." Michael goes on to state that smartboards are just a cop out for administrators and are way too costly. 


In Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards, by Bill Ferriter, Bill mentions how he believes interactive white boards (IWB) do not make any changes in the lesson plan. He mentions after  a year of having his own he gave it away because, besides a few neat lesson plans, he determined it was "basically useless." He also goes on to mention how expensive the IWB  are. In another blog, Why are we STILL Wasting Money on Whiteboards?, Ferriter mentions other ways he could spend  18k on technology that would be more useful in the classrooms than a IWB. 


In my quest to find positive feedback to the IWB I found The Whiteboard Blog. This is a whole blog dedicated to the use of IWB. The blog has tools and tutorials on new and fun ways to interact with the children through the IWB. 


I believe an IWB is a good tool for the classroom. I have recently just been introduced to IWB's. After being able to work with it myself I fell in love with it. It allows students to actually get up and interact with the board. Thus, allowing hands on learning for every subject. And yes, just like every other tool out there that is not a book, the IWB does require some "training". What ever happened to the saying "practice makes perfect"? Teachers should use their IWB's all the time and not be scared that they will mess something up. I think the students enjoy the IWB's as well. 








  

Special Assignment 1

1. Did you know about WolframAlpha? I had heard of it but I never looked into it.
 2. Did you know about Google Squared? No, I did not.
 3. What percentage of China's population is the population of the United States? 24%
4. What percentage of India's population is the population of the United States? 25%
5. Now what do you think of the facts reported in Do You Know? I think it  just goes to show countries are growing as rapid as technology.
6. Do you think WolframAlpha and Google Squared will be useful for you? for your students? Why or why not?
Yes, I very much enjoyed the tools. I think the students will love having these tools to their disposal. I think they will like being able to type any kind of question in and have it answered in detail. I enjoyed the tools because it seemed to be quicker than just a Google search and the two engines provided more to the point results.

Blog Post 5

Benefits of Pod-casting in the Classroom

The facts on how much time someone spends on-line or texting shows how much technology is used every minute of everyday. This shows that even when a student is not able to make it to class they can still keep up with there fellow students. This video also shows the reactions from the parents when they are able to keep track of what there child is learning. It shows the difference in how a normal classroom setting differs from using a pod-cast to be about to show more interaction with the students. It also shows the excitement that the students show when they are able to interact with the lesson rather than being lectured.

                                                  The Educational Pod-cast Network

While watching a few of the different videos with the students the excitement that is played off from the students is incredible! The idea of not making a student feel as if they are just there to listen they are able to become part of the lesson. The idea of making a student feel as if they are able to learn a lesson at there own pace is a great tool! To be able to have a student use such a wonderful teaching technique is a great way to make the students feel more than just a kid in a classroom.

                                                     Eagles' Nest Radio and Class Blog

While watching this I wish I would of had these tools when I was learning some of this stuff! These videos show me how to make sure if keeps the person listening interested and not cause the person with is listening to lose interested. It also made me think about how changing people who are talking a few times could be a little distracting but also have the element of surprise!

                          What I have Learned That Will Help Me Be Successful in Pod-casting

After watching the provided material to prepare me for my pod-cast I have gain so much more understanding in what a pod-cast really is. The videos showed me a somewhat break down on why this is something that would be a good learning tool for me. It helped me decide on if there should be pictures, video, or music. It also made me think of the idea of if I do use music what kind would be entertaining but won't take away from the message! I look forward to taking all the information that I watched and read to better prepare myself for my pod-cast!

Project 9a

My Sentence Movie

Blog Post 4

Don't teach your kid's this stuff. Please?
By: Scott McLeod

Scott McLeod makes it perfectly clear in this blog post. He states the importance in teaching children technology through a very sarcastic satire. He asks teachers to go ahead and limit there children from available technology. He on the other hand will not and in a few years come back and compare the students. His will be able to excel more in life because they have been introduced to technology. The others will know nothing about technology which will leave them with their heads in the sand when it comes to the future.

Scott McLeod is an associate professor at Iowa State University. He is also a director for the nations only center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators, CASTLE , which stands for Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education. McLeod also contributed to the YouTube video "Did You Know? 4.0" .


iSchool initiative
by: Travis Allen

In this YouTube video Travis briefly discusses the pro's to schools providing every student with an "iSchool" device, which is basically like and iPod. The purpose of this"proposal" is to completely get rid of books, paper, pencils, and expensive tools needed for the classroom in such a way that fits in with the rapidly growing technology of the world. Students would still attend school but participate through their personal iSchool via apps such as email, world wiki, and formulae.This proposal would allow parents, teachers, and students to monitor the pupils work at any time. It also would lower our carbon foot print and schools can finally be "green".

I agree with Travis I believe in the long run this would be best for the pupil and the world. We can allow the student education through technology. So it is like we are integrating every subject with up to date technology which would leave the students with education on the what will soon be the future. We as teachers are suppose to prepare our students for the future. Would this not be the best way?

Eric Whitacre's virtual choir
By: Eric Whitacre


Eric Whitaker has taken YouTube and technology today and created a unique video. An ensemble of 185 people singing Lux Aurumque! None of the performers have ever met but there voices were all brought together through technology and Eric Whitacre!  This goes to show we are advancing in ways 10 years ago we would have never thought of .  A choir that had never performed together made a wonderful a beautiful performance.


This performance was amazing! Who would have ever thought a choir directed through YouTube. Soon this could be a class. Even more reason for pupils and adults to familiarize there selves with technology. SO once again I will say integrate technology into the schools. Academics and technology could go hand in hand.


Teaching in the 21st Century  
by:

I feel like the views expressed in this video should be taken very seriously and pondered on. The question what does it mean to teach comes up in this video. Many view this differently and that is why I believe it is so hard to accept technology into the classroom. Many think teaching consists of only Bloom's Taxonomy and nothing more. But, think about it how many things do we learn from technology that exceeds Bloom's? I know I Google everything.

Teachers should welcome technology into their classrooms because it offers a different level of learning to students. Technology allows students to ask any question they want without the fear of being stared at and ridiculed. It allows students to work at home on projects instead of just a classroom. Children can explore, be creative, ponder, and get answers all at their fingertips. So I guess the big question now is why are you holding your kids back?

Project 5

Blog Post 3

 A Vision of Students Today
By: Michael Wesch

This was produced by students for educators. The students have wrote down tons of facts about their college studies. The worst part is most of the facts are true. I have watched students on laptops do other things than class work and I have done it too. This video shows students are more likely to interact through some kind of technology rather than a teacher/classroom setting.

I believe students should have the option for all classes to be online or in a classroom. This movie did a very good job of capturing life as a college student. I share a lot of the same experiences in my days as a college student. I think I would add that I spend over $100 dollars a week on gas to get me back and forth to school.  I had to take out two loans to cover a semester of college because "someone" thinks my parents make to much money for me to go to school for free. I would also add a student that has been an A/B honor roll student their whole life and didn't get any grants or awards for school but yet a girl they know get's pregnant at a young age goes for free, when she feels like it. Are they awarding the wrong things?Just something to ponder on.

 It's Not About the Technology
By: Kelly Hines


Kelly states in her blog that all "teachers have to be learners". I agree 100 percent on this statement. In order to have technology in our classrooms and actually use it efficiently we have to learn how to do so. We have to take the time out to play with the technology and familarize our selves with it.

I also think a great way to learn how to use technology efficently is not just through coulleuges but through the students too. Students seem to know more about the tech world better than anyone else. Having students come up and demonstrate things on a SMART board would be a great way to observe and learn new techniques.


 Is it okay to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
K arl Fisch

In this blog Karl made a point to say that in todays world teachers that are technologically illiterate are equivilant to teacher who were not able to read thirty years ago. I like this analogy. I believe every teacher should learn about technology how to incorporate in class presentations, lessons, etc.

 Gary Hayes' Social Media Count 
By: Gary Hayes


I knew the count was going to be high but wow! And to see this all happening right before your eyes is amazing. It makes me think when I get my degree does this mean facebook and twitter will be out dated with something more advanced.This also shows me new sites I may want to try out. For some reason when viewing this I also think we are saving a lot of trees by doing this technologically.


This also makes me think if I don't get technological literate I may be lost in the world. I need to keep up with what is going on because of my students. I need to know the most popular trend and ways to access/communicate with students. I could actually see in the  future kids not even coming to school. I see them being able to sit at home or where ever and being able to interact with others through technology. 

Blog Post 2

Did you know? By: Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod



Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod have come together to publish this video on how fast technology has swept the world. This video gives light to the capabilities of technology such as giving estimated dates to when a super computer will be built and the abilities of it. According to Did You Know? There is a prediction that in 2049 a computer will exceed computational capabilities of the human race. There are many debated topics of this video.
I believe that technology is constantly changing and being used more and more. I think the possibility of having a computer exceeding computational capabilities of the human race may be possible. I mean look at any store. They have cash registers that compute for us so we do not have to pick up a calculator. Oh, but wait a calculator may be considered technology. So shall I say a piece of paper and a pencil? Technology is a market that continues to grow. People will always buy the coolest, hottest gadget that helps make their lives simpler and technology will eventually out compute the human brain.

Mr. Winkle Wakes
By: Mathew Needleman

Mr. Winkle Wakes is a very interesting film stating how much technology and things change throughout the years. It is short and simple and to the point. It basically is stating that technology and everything around is on a booming up rise. Everywhere you go there will be technology. I think it also shows how behind schools are in tech world not exposing children enough to what their futures will consist of.

I believe this film is a great way to explain how come it is important to have access to technology and knowledge of technology in the classroom. After Mr. Winkle has seen so much technology in the world and then goes to a school where nothing has changed in his 100 years of sleep should throw a warning flag. Out in the working fields technology is used constantly for simple things such as a cash register to very important things such as keeping people alive. With children never exposed to technology how will they ever have a chance in the working field?

The Importance of Creativity
By: Sir Ken Robinson

Whoa! Ken Robinson has hit a home run with this lecture. In viewing Ken makes points on how the public schools put creativity on the back burner and focused only on the academic part of teaching. He makes a statement of how when children start off in school educator’s focus on a little bit of movement and the child’s body. As they grow older we focus on their heads and eventually focus shifts to one side of the brain. He mentions how creativity is cute out from the curriculum and what little classes available to explore and use creativity are pushed to the bottom.
I love the way Ken Robinson describes how a school kills creativity. Not only schools but others also. I believe schools and future educators should focus on integrating the arts into academics. I think if it was integrated into the curriculum that dropout rates would decrease and test scores that everyone focuses on, would increase. Students would want to come learn through something that is fun, exciting, and they enjoy.

Cecelia Gault
By: Cecilia Gault

I believe that a creativity and technologically would be the best way for students to excel. You have to give the creativity for students to be able to learn the best way possible for them. You have to provide the technology so they have the best thing for students to have, the world at their fingertips. With the combination of technology access, free expression of creativity, integration of the arts, and academics students would be able to advance academically.

Harness Your Students’ Digital Smarts
By: Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis has taken a classroom in Georgia and turned it into a global learning center. She allows students to learn through technology. The students participate in blogging and other forms of communicating. Through technology Davis has given her students once in a lifetime opportunities by showing them the world of technology.
I think Davis is doing something great! I love the way that she mentions she doesn’t even know how to do things but they still attempt them. I think with Davis as a teacher and showing the students that it is okay to try something sets a prime example for students not to hold back on trying new things.

Wordle!

A little about me ")

I am a Junior here at USA. I am majoring in elementary education. I love working with children and to know that I will be the one teaching our future thrills me! My graduation from USA will be May 2012 if everything goes as planned! I was born and raised on the outskirts of Bay Minette in a town called Pine Grove. We have a caution light and an elementary school, that's about it. I am twenty one years young and I love being outdoors. I enjoy fishing, four wheeler riding, swimming, and the list goes on. I enjoy hunting but I can't seem to be quiet that long. I am engaged to my boyfriend of four years, I know it's well over due, and we will be getting married in October of this year. I have a spoiled rotten Rat Terrier named Sugar Baby that  loves the creek.I also have a turtle named George that likes to lounge on his rock in the sun. Well that's about all for right now.... If you have any questions feel free to ask!