Thursday, April 30, 2009
What I Learned in EDM 310 Spring Semester 2009
This semester, I have learned so much in EDM 310. There are so many useful forms of technology that are useful to teachers and there will be even more by the time I am a teacher. I have learned how to use Google resources. I like Google Docs because it allows me to create word docs or spreadsheets that I can access online without always having to have my computer. I like Google Docs because of its collaborative capabilities. Podcasts were another assignment that I learned a lot from. I think this will definitely be something I will use in my classroom. It is neat for children to be able to listen and watch themselves learn. I will post my class podcasts on my class blog once I become a teacher. Yes, I think that I am definitely convinced to be a professional blogger. It is important to have an online resource that connects to your class in order to communicate ideas to students, parents, and other teachers. Alex is of course technology that I will use to help with lesson plans and curriculum. My favorite thing that I will use as a teacher is iTunes. I love having access to educational audio and video. I like iTunes much better than uTube, but then again they have differences that make each of them useful. I will definitely explore Twitter more and try to apply in my classroom as multimedia for group discussions.
I have learned so much in EDM 310 this Spring. Thank You Dr. Strange, not only fo teaching me some valuable things, but for helping me realize their is still so much I don't know and should explore in order to become a more effective educator.
I have learned so much in EDM 310 this Spring. Thank You Dr. Strange, not only fo teaching me some valuable things, but for helping me realize their is still so much I don't know and should explore in order to become a more effective educator.
Project 6 Conversation with Sarah Toa
When I was looking for international blogs to review I came across Sarah Toa's Blog. Sarah Toa is a first grade teacher at the Shanghai American School. She had a very fun blog and I loved her ideas. I commented on her blog, and she emailed to back ask me how I found her and thanked me for commenting. For project 6, I emailed her back and asked her about how she used technology in her classroom. She was more than happy to respond.
She loves using technology in her classroom and is always trying to find more ways to include it. She will read other teacher's blogs and try to figure out new ways to use technology. She may learn about a new website or a new way to record video in the classroom. Almost all of her blog entries have video or audio attached to them. She told me that blogging is her favorite because she gets to share her class with the world and she feels like that is pretty exciting. She follows teacher's blogs from around the world and they follow her blog. She communicates with other teachers often through blogging. I asked her how she recorded her students and got it onto her blog because I think that video being posted along with text describing what they are learning is really neat. She just started using flip cameras in her class to record students talking about they learned each week. They are called flip cameras because they have a USB connector that flips out and plugs directly into the computer. It can take pictures or record video.
Other forms of technology that she uses in her classroom are SmartBoards, fun educational websites, and Wikis.
Here is an awesome website that she just found this week!! Click Here to build your Wild Self!
Visit Sarah Toa's Blog by clicking here.
She loves using technology in her classroom and is always trying to find more ways to include it. She will read other teacher's blogs and try to figure out new ways to use technology. She may learn about a new website or a new way to record video in the classroom. Almost all of her blog entries have video or audio attached to them. She told me that blogging is her favorite because she gets to share her class with the world and she feels like that is pretty exciting. She follows teacher's blogs from around the world and they follow her blog. She communicates with other teachers often through blogging. I asked her how she recorded her students and got it onto her blog because I think that video being posted along with text describing what they are learning is really neat. She just started using flip cameras in her class to record students talking about they learned each week. They are called flip cameras because they have a USB connector that flips out and plugs directly into the computer. It can take pictures or record video.
Other forms of technology that she uses in her classroom are SmartBoards, fun educational websites, and Wikis.
Here is an awesome website that she just found this week!! Click Here to build your Wild Self!
Visit Sarah Toa's Blog by clicking here.
How I came to learn about Twitter
Twitter is new to me, it popped up about mid-semester in my EDM class. Since then I have created an account, found a few followers, and read others tweets. At first I had no clue why we were doing this in class. I already had a Facebook and Myspace account that I didn't use. Twitter is simple and does not require a lot of effort to use, so my efforts to learn about twitter was doing research to find out ways to apply it. Now it seems like every time I turn on the TV or Radio I hear someone else talking about Twitter.
It is great for people who like to blog, but do not feel like designing a website or constructing a blog. It is a good way to keep up what people are doing or thinking without paragraphs of unnecessary information. I have read articles listing people management, time management, business management, and socializing as reasons for using Twitter. The applications that make this possible are RSS feeds, phone notifications, and email. If a group of people are tweeting then they can subscribe to certain follower's updates as well as have notifications sent to them on their cell phones. This is neat because it is a good way to connect phone messaging and the internet.
I have found that the people with the most followers on Twitter already have established popularity and they use the site for self-promotion. It takes a little work if you want to have a lot of followers because you have to search people and begin following them. Twitter is also popular for companies that are looking for followers in order to promote their business. But for my purposes I have also researched how teachers and learning communities can use Twitter and the list goes on and on.
In conclusion, the work I have done in order to understand Twitter has been through various articles that I found online to discover its applications. I have read everything that has been posted to the Class Blog about Twitter and have talked with Dr. Eddy Shaw about the possible uses of Twitter in classrooms. He is the one that opened my eyes to the educational purposes of Twitter.
It is great for people who like to blog, but do not feel like designing a website or constructing a blog. It is a good way to keep up what people are doing or thinking without paragraphs of unnecessary information. I have read articles listing people management, time management, business management, and socializing as reasons for using Twitter. The applications that make this possible are RSS feeds, phone notifications, and email. If a group of people are tweeting then they can subscribe to certain follower's updates as well as have notifications sent to them on their cell phones. This is neat because it is a good way to connect phone messaging and the internet.
I have found that the people with the most followers on Twitter already have established popularity and they use the site for self-promotion. It takes a little work if you want to have a lot of followers because you have to search people and begin following them. Twitter is also popular for companies that are looking for followers in order to promote their business. But for my purposes I have also researched how teachers and learning communities can use Twitter and the list goes on and on.
In conclusion, the work I have done in order to understand Twitter has been through various articles that I found online to discover its applications. I have read everything that has been posted to the Class Blog about Twitter and have talked with Dr. Eddy Shaw about the possible uses of Twitter in classrooms. He is the one that opened my eyes to the educational purposes of Twitter.
Podcast Suggestions
The Podcast we did this semester was a neat way to involve technology in expressing ideas. A way to discuss technology by using technology. After listening to the podcasts, I can see room for improvement. It is understandable that people talked fast during the podcasts because it is a little nerve racking. Many people took turns to discuss the topic and some made it more of a conversation. The conversational podcast were much easier to pay attention to.
A list of improvements that I recommend are as follows:
-In order to make the podcast sound more like a conversation students could use some kind of visual cue to let the current speaker know that they have something to say on what is being said. That way it would be more random and less thought out without disrupting the flow. Students should examine the same topic areas individually and each comment as it goes along instead of each person talking about one thing and then handing the conversation to the next person.
-To make it more interesting, it should be more of a debate. Where students discuss the pros and cons of technology. Two students could discuss pros and two students discuss the cons and turn it in to a debate. This would cause listeners to think about the topic instead of just listen to information.
-Adding humor to the podcasts would make them more interesting. I am not sure if there is anything funny about what we talked about, but I am sure there is a way to make them more fun. Maybe the introductions could lead them into a more humorous tone, kinda like a Technology for Dummies theme.
-And that is all I got, but overall making them a little more "easy going" would be my overall suggestion.
-Having video would be cool too. It might actually be what it needs to make it seem more funny, especially for the people watching themselves on video.
A list of improvements that I recommend are as follows:
-In order to make the podcast sound more like a conversation students could use some kind of visual cue to let the current speaker know that they have something to say on what is being said. That way it would be more random and less thought out without disrupting the flow. Students should examine the same topic areas individually and each comment as it goes along instead of each person talking about one thing and then handing the conversation to the next person.
-To make it more interesting, it should be more of a debate. Where students discuss the pros and cons of technology. Two students could discuss pros and two students discuss the cons and turn it in to a debate. This would cause listeners to think about the topic instead of just listen to information.
-Adding humor to the podcasts would make them more interesting. I am not sure if there is anything funny about what we talked about, but I am sure there is a way to make them more fun. Maybe the introductions could lead them into a more humorous tone, kinda like a Technology for Dummies theme.
-And that is all I got, but overall making them a little more "easy going" would be my overall suggestion.
-Having video would be cool too. It might actually be what it needs to make it seem more funny, especially for the people watching themselves on video.
Blogs in the Classroom
Based on my experiences of using a blog and looking at responses of another student I can understand the value of using blogs in the classroom. In EDM 310, the blog captured a whole different scale of learning. Our blog assignments sent us to places we could not go inside the classroom when learning about technology and educational resources. I enjoyed the assignments because of what I learned while exploring ideas and perspectives on education.
Blogs in the classroom are a way to encourage learning outside of the classroom. The assignments can be on any topic that is related to learning, whether it is based on curriculum, communication, technology, or reflection. Reflection is inevitable when students become bloggers because they are having to put their ideas out there for their teachers and classmates to read. Reflection is very important in today's educational setting because it increases children's objectivity to their own ideas and to that of others.
Blogs are not only important for students to use, they important for teachers to use. A teacher's blog offers examples of how to construct a blog and write ideas. It can be used as a way for students to access information, assignments, and also to link them to their classmates blogs. My professor's blog in EDM 310 is a great example of the positive effect that a well thought out blog has. He did frequent posts that gave information about the class: Suggestions of neat things to check out, reminders of being on task, links to handouts, and much more. It was encouraging because you could tell that he really cares about what he teaches.
Why are your student's blogs important to you as a teacher? They can be used for so many different things that you can use. They incorporate writing, typing, research, and reflection on subjects. By having access to all of your student's blogs you can collect information about the individual student and evaluate the class as a whole. It can be used to reflect on your teaching and student interests.
A negative thing about blogs, that I realize as a student, is that student's will get behind on their blogs. They will go home get distracted and forget. As a college student all of my blogs were due at the end of the semester even though it was strongly suggested to complete blogs each week, as assigned. However, with grades K-5 you would have to enforce the weekly posts. So, what do you do if your students get behind as far as how you grade? Are should it even be for a grade? Those are some problems that I can anticipate with blog assignments because I am even guilty of it. I guess I will have to make it so darn fun they won't be able to wait to start blogging!
Blogs in the classroom are a way to encourage learning outside of the classroom. The assignments can be on any topic that is related to learning, whether it is based on curriculum, communication, technology, or reflection. Reflection is inevitable when students become bloggers because they are having to put their ideas out there for their teachers and classmates to read. Reflection is very important in today's educational setting because it increases children's objectivity to their own ideas and to that of others.
Blogs are not only important for students to use, they important for teachers to use. A teacher's blog offers examples of how to construct a blog and write ideas. It can be used as a way for students to access information, assignments, and also to link them to their classmates blogs. My professor's blog in EDM 310 is a great example of the positive effect that a well thought out blog has. He did frequent posts that gave information about the class: Suggestions of neat things to check out, reminders of being on task, links to handouts, and much more. It was encouraging because you could tell that he really cares about what he teaches.
Why are your student's blogs important to you as a teacher? They can be used for so many different things that you can use. They incorporate writing, typing, research, and reflection on subjects. By having access to all of your student's blogs you can collect information about the individual student and evaluate the class as a whole. It can be used to reflect on your teaching and student interests.
A negative thing about blogs, that I realize as a student, is that student's will get behind on their blogs. They will go home get distracted and forget. As a college student all of my blogs were due at the end of the semester even though it was strongly suggested to complete blogs each week, as assigned. However, with grades K-5 you would have to enforce the weekly posts. So, what do you do if your students get behind as far as how you grade? Are should it even be for a grade? Those are some problems that I can anticipate with blog assignments because I am even guilty of it. I guess I will have to make it so darn fun they won't be able to wait to start blogging!
"Growth" vs "Fixed" Mindset
Stanford University has a podcast on iTunes that discusses the "Growth" vs "Fixed" mindset of students and teachers. It began as two separate seminars where one taught only study skills and the other taught the growth mindset lessons along with these skills.
The Growth Mindset is keeping in mind that learning is a growing experience that allows the brain to keep making connections. It is having a love for learning attitude when you are improving skills verses only thinking about what you get out of the learned skills. The Fixed mindset is when you approach learning in order to feel smart or to raise status. The difference between the two mindsets is that having a growth mindset allows you accept your mistakes and learn from them verses feeling defeated by those mistakes.
As a teacher, this applies to me because I need to embrace the "Growth" mindset in order to be a good mentor. I offer nothing to students if I have a "fixed" mindset because I would be teaching for myself instead of for the purpose of wanting to learn and wanting my students to learn.
The Growth Mindset is keeping in mind that learning is a growing experience that allows the brain to keep making connections. It is having a love for learning attitude when you are improving skills verses only thinking about what you get out of the learned skills. The Fixed mindset is when you approach learning in order to feel smart or to raise status. The difference between the two mindsets is that having a growth mindset allows you accept your mistakes and learn from them verses feeling defeated by those mistakes.
As a teacher, this applies to me because I need to embrace the "Growth" mindset in order to be a good mentor. I offer nothing to students if I have a "fixed" mindset because I would be teaching for myself instead of for the purpose of wanting to learn and wanting my students to learn.
WGBH
The video podcasts that you can find iTunes from the WGBH provider offer material that is divided by grade levels. The videos are based on forms of Science;from Life Sciences to Earth Sciences. Some of the videos that I watched for grades K-5 included videos on infrared light and videos that allowed you observe clouds and precipitation. I thought that they were very interesting. I learned how infrared works and that it captures light that is given off by temperature; which is is different from visible light. I could use this video in my classroom when discussing wavelengths, temperature, energy, and astronomy. What I learned about Astronomy from the video was that Astronomers can use infrared to see planets outside of our solar system since they do not give off their own light. The observation videos on clouds and precipitation are great for the younger grades and they can view the video while thinking of what they are learning.
The podcast links that are available for grades 6-8 were very informative. When you click on the download you are brought to a pdf document that gives video information on the topic, discussion questions, and background information. Then you click on the link to watch the video that is very interesting. One of the videos that I watched, after viewing the information in pdf (printable) format, was How the Body Responds to Exercise. It discussed cardiovascular process and how the heart, lungs, and muscles work together, while explaining the importance of exercise. Great for Science integration once again making learning relevant to real life.
Booming Dunes was another cool video, with plenty of background information, that explained the booming sound that sound dunes made. Below the loose sand is a harder more compact layer that creates tension between the layers. The sun decreases this tension and then wind or movements can cause an 'avalanche' of sand in which the potential energy turns into kinetic energy. The point is the video offered really cool information using key concepts in Science.
The podcast links that are available for grades 6-8 were very informative. When you click on the download you are brought to a pdf document that gives video information on the topic, discussion questions, and background information. Then you click on the link to watch the video that is very interesting. One of the videos that I watched, after viewing the information in pdf (printable) format, was How the Body Responds to Exercise. It discussed cardiovascular process and how the heart, lungs, and muscles work together, while explaining the importance of exercise. Great for Science integration once again making learning relevant to real life.
Booming Dunes was another cool video, with plenty of background information, that explained the booming sound that sound dunes made. Below the loose sand is a harder more compact layer that creates tension between the layers. The sun decreases this tension and then wind or movements can cause an 'avalanche' of sand in which the potential energy turns into kinetic energy. The point is the video offered really cool information using key concepts in Science.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Edutopia
Wow! Edutopia offers amazing podcasts that really hit home on global matters. The Edible School Yard, one of the podcast available for free download, talks about how one middle school has used gardening to integrate learning. The students are doing hands on gardening and they are able to see the results of their own work. It integrates concepts of Science, Math, Social Studies, and Life. They learn about photosynthesis, conversions, what foods were important for survival in the past, and how to work with others in a community. I would love to be able to teach children these important values by doing something to this degree of hands-on learning. The other video I watched from Edutopia was A Night in the Global Village. This was about an incredible learning experience that teaches adolescents about global poverty and hunger. It is through The Global Gateway Program where students learn about poverty, hunger, and living conditions of less fortunate people around the world. The students had to spend the night and experience the living conditions similar to that of different places, including refugee camps where they no resources.
These Podcasts and others like them would be a great thing to show in my classroom since I can not easily offer the actual experience that are shown. I think that they would still be effective in raising awareness about global issues and help students learn the importance of community values. They would also be helpful to demonstrate the importance of learning and its relevance.
I could introduce concepts through the use of Edutopia and related podcasts on iTunes U and then expand on them. Students could create projects, we as a class could go on mini-adventures that offer hands on learning, or the could write about issues. Podcasts like these offer ideas and motivation I would not otherwise think of.
These Podcasts and others like them would be a great thing to show in my classroom since I can not easily offer the actual experience that are shown. I think that they would still be effective in raising awareness about global issues and help students learn the importance of community values. They would also be helpful to demonstrate the importance of learning and its relevance.
I could introduce concepts through the use of Edutopia and related podcasts on iTunes U and then expand on them. Students could create projects, we as a class could go on mini-adventures that offer hands on learning, or the could write about issues. Podcasts like these offer ideas and motivation I would not otherwise think of.
iTunes University
iTunes U provides free educational media that can be used by teachers to obtain information, produce information, and provide it to students. It is a mobile learning network that uses video and audio for educational purposes.
As a teacher I can download lectures, learn about new innovations to teaching, and learn how to use important concepts in my classroom. I can also produce multimedia that goes along with what I am teaching to be used as study aids and additional resources. I do plan to be able purchase Mac software and hardware in the future in order to explore all the possibilities of iTunes U. Examples of software that are useful when producing your own podcast are iLife, and iWork. There are online tools, such as Podcast Producer and Wiki Server, that I can use to contribute to the multimedia resources for students.
The possibilities are endless. As I teacher I will use iTunes U and other information technology to introduce concepts and teach lessons to my students. iTunes U is also excellent to use when continuing my teacher education and being a lifelong learner.
As a teacher I can download lectures, learn about new innovations to teaching, and learn how to use important concepts in my classroom. I can also produce multimedia that goes along with what I am teaching to be used as study aids and additional resources. I do plan to be able purchase Mac software and hardware in the future in order to explore all the possibilities of iTunes U. Examples of software that are useful when producing your own podcast are iLife, and iWork. There are online tools, such as Podcast Producer and Wiki Server, that I can use to contribute to the multimedia resources for students.
The possibilities are endless. As I teacher I will use iTunes U and other information technology to introduce concepts and teach lessons to my students. iTunes U is also excellent to use when continuing my teacher education and being a lifelong learner.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Use of iPods in Instruction
Most people that have invested in iPods are using them as storage for many songs, videos, and even pictures. iPods are now being increasingly used as tools for instruction and Apple is looking for more ways to connect these devices to education. At Duke University, students are using iPods as study aids. The university professors are downloading lecture materials that are available through iTunes. Students are able to fast forward to different parts of lecture using iPods and are able to replay anything they did not grasp in class. iPods also have the capacity to store and organize these lectures effectively. USA Today discusses the use of iPods at Duke University.
Grades K-12 iPods have been used as study aids as well. They can be used to enhance curriculum in all subject areas. Some good suggestions that I found was through the use of presentations using the iPod. They can use iPod and a voice recorder to put together a presentation about their culture, community, or anything else. Another good project based use of the iPod paired with the internet, is creating a radio drama centered around a historic event. Other ways they can be used is listening to information and blocking out distractions (good for students with ADHD), and Special Edcation students could use them as visual aids during test taking. iPods make it possible to listen to content outside of normal study periods. Click to view 100 ways that your iPod can help you learn and study better.
Grades K-12 iPods have been used as study aids as well. They can be used to enhance curriculum in all subject areas. Some good suggestions that I found was through the use of presentations using the iPod. They can use iPod and a voice recorder to put together a presentation about their culture, community, or anything else. Another good project based use of the iPod paired with the internet, is creating a radio drama centered around a historic event. Other ways they can be used is listening to information and blocking out distractions (good for students with ADHD), and Special Edcation students could use them as visual aids during test taking. iPods make it possible to listen to content outside of normal study periods. Click to view 100 ways that your iPod can help you learn and study better.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Alice Christie
Alice Christie's website provides an Educational Technology Guide that can be used in every classroom. The website provides links to resources that will help any teacher figure out how to use a specific technology in her classroom. It included digital photography, blogs, podcasts, art technologies, and research.
I explored all the links to the different technologies and read how each could be used in my classroom. I even read about twitter, which is what my EDM class is learning the relevance of. Basically, the whole website could help me put technology in my classroom. I found myself more interested in the research portion of the website, where it listed readings for teachers. I read several articles about the importance of technology and how traditional methods are becoming less relevant. Since I am trying to become a teacher this is what I spent most of my time on, learning why it is important so that it comes natural for me to incorporate many forms of technology learning.
I liked her powerpoint on the changing face of technology. She said that the future involves a shift from teacher centered learning to student centered learning. I liked what she said about obtaining information. The internet and learning websites or programs offer a broad spectrum of information. Not only will students be obtaining information, they will have to judge that reliability of it. It is important to question sources, even authority. The research process allows for more critical thinking verses one view from a text book. She used a model to guide students through finding sources called CARS;
Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support. Given the opportunity, I will use this model.
I explored all the links to the different technologies and read how each could be used in my classroom. I even read about twitter, which is what my EDM class is learning the relevance of. Basically, the whole website could help me put technology in my classroom. I found myself more interested in the research portion of the website, where it listed readings for teachers. I read several articles about the importance of technology and how traditional methods are becoming less relevant. Since I am trying to become a teacher this is what I spent most of my time on, learning why it is important so that it comes natural for me to incorporate many forms of technology learning.
I liked her powerpoint on the changing face of technology. She said that the future involves a shift from teacher centered learning to student centered learning. I liked what she said about obtaining information. The internet and learning websites or programs offer a broad spectrum of information. Not only will students be obtaining information, they will have to judge that reliability of it. It is important to question sources, even authority. The research process allows for more critical thinking verses one view from a text book. She used a model to guide students through finding sources called CARS;
Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support. Given the opportunity, I will use this model.
Can Wikipedia be trusted?
Wikipedia is a non-profit information source that has questionable reliability. Virgil Griffith found out that many corporations and different departments of government have been "editing" Wikipedia's information on their own posts, sometimes deleting crucial information. Can Wikipedia be a trusted source of information? My response is no, alone it can not be a reliable source because you don't know where the information is coming from or whose ego it's petting. Although, it can be used as an additional source on general topics that are of no interest to current events.
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
According to the blog assignment I am supposed to identify and comment on the teaching methods that Randy Pausch used as a professor. But, what I learned from Randy Pausch's Last Lecture goes way beyond teaching methods. I would like to identify and comment on things that he suggested to live by as well. To me, it was not so much what he taught it was how. All of the inspirational messages given by Randy Pausch should be remembered, taught, and then retaught as a way to live your life and achieve dreams.
The first thing that I learned from the lecture is that correcting a student is a good thing, even if it comes off as criticism, as long as your students are reminded that you are only being hard on them because you care and if you didn't constantly correct them then you have given up on them. I think this is very true and by letting a student know the reasons behind "tough love" you can let them know that you care and that your expectations for them are high. Second lesson he spoke on, and yes I will probably touch on each of them even though it was over an hour long, was that experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. I will have this posted some where in my classroom. Although, if I teach kindergarten they might not be able to grasp the concept. I will experiment with different grade levels and try to get them to practice higher thinking skills with some of these inspirational meanings.
He spoke about several things that as a teacher and a professional I should know. He told a story about how amazing his students did with an assignment that he had given them two weeks to complete. Their work was equivalent to what could have been possible if they had the whole semester. He did not know what to do. His mentor told him to say that their work was good but that they could do better! He did and they did. The thing to remember here is "Don't set the bar". An incredible, but fundamental concept! He talked about what it takes to achieve goals. The first of which was great parents, teachers, and mentors being a big part of that success. He also said that arrogance, or acting like you know all, will limit your affect on others. It is important to teach fundamentals first. The following are equally important:
-Respect authority while questioning it
-Learn from your students
-Loyalty is a two way street
-Have FUN! Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore? (another fun poster to display)
-Never lose your child-like wonder
-Always HELP OTHERS!
-Show Gratitude to your students. Show that you appreciate their hard work, after all you benefit from it too.
-Don't Complain, Just Work Harder! (A good one for me to remember)
-Be good at something because it makes you valuable!
-Find the best in everyone. If you wait long enough they will show their good side.
-Be Prepared. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
-Focus on others, not yourself!
The repetition or the theme of the lecture was that brick walls are there for you to 1) Realize what you want, and 2) Prove it.
It is also important to work and play well with others! What to do: 1. Be honest, have dignity. 2. Apologize when wrong. Say your sorry and that you were wrong, and ask what you can do to make it right. 3. Focus on others, not yourself. Focusing on people and learning to work in groups is a significant task. What he did with his students who were working on their Masters degree in Entertainment technology was have them do project based group work all semester and at the end he had members of the groups rate each other on how well they worked with others. He displayed the results and it caused his students to evaluate themselves based on how their group rated them.
In conclusion, the lecture was well worth the hour and forty-four minutes. It was very emotional as well. I admit that I cried the whole last half of the video. What an inspirational, motivating, and awakening message from a dying man who just wanted to leave what he has learned behind for his children when they are older.
The first thing that I learned from the lecture is that correcting a student is a good thing, even if it comes off as criticism, as long as your students are reminded that you are only being hard on them because you care and if you didn't constantly correct them then you have given up on them. I think this is very true and by letting a student know the reasons behind "tough love" you can let them know that you care and that your expectations for them are high. Second lesson he spoke on, and yes I will probably touch on each of them even though it was over an hour long, was that experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. I will have this posted some where in my classroom. Although, if I teach kindergarten they might not be able to grasp the concept. I will experiment with different grade levels and try to get them to practice higher thinking skills with some of these inspirational meanings.
He spoke about several things that as a teacher and a professional I should know. He told a story about how amazing his students did with an assignment that he had given them two weeks to complete. Their work was equivalent to what could have been possible if they had the whole semester. He did not know what to do. His mentor told him to say that their work was good but that they could do better! He did and they did. The thing to remember here is "Don't set the bar". An incredible, but fundamental concept! He talked about what it takes to achieve goals. The first of which was great parents, teachers, and mentors being a big part of that success. He also said that arrogance, or acting like you know all, will limit your affect on others. It is important to teach fundamentals first. The following are equally important:
-Respect authority while questioning it
-Learn from your students
-Loyalty is a two way street
-Have FUN! Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore? (another fun poster to display)
-Never lose your child-like wonder
-Always HELP OTHERS!
-Show Gratitude to your students. Show that you appreciate their hard work, after all you benefit from it too.
-Don't Complain, Just Work Harder! (A good one for me to remember)
-Be good at something because it makes you valuable!
-Find the best in everyone. If you wait long enough they will show their good side.
-Be Prepared. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
-Focus on others, not yourself!
The repetition or the theme of the lecture was that brick walls are there for you to 1) Realize what you want, and 2) Prove it.
It is also important to work and play well with others! What to do: 1. Be honest, have dignity. 2. Apologize when wrong. Say your sorry and that you were wrong, and ask what you can do to make it right. 3. Focus on others, not yourself. Focusing on people and learning to work in groups is a significant task. What he did with his students who were working on their Masters degree in Entertainment technology was have them do project based group work all semester and at the end he had members of the groups rate each other on how well they worked with others. He displayed the results and it caused his students to evaluate themselves based on how their group rated them.
In conclusion, the lecture was well worth the hour and forty-four minutes. It was very emotional as well. I admit that I cried the whole last half of the video. What an inspirational, motivating, and awakening message from a dying man who just wanted to leave what he has learned behind for his children when they are older.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Previous Podcasts on Technology
After listening to several podcasts from last semester I can think of several ways they could have been better. First of all a video podcast would be much more interesting than listening to them in only audio. Improvements can always be made through preparation, in this case it would have served the participates well. Some were more prepared than others, but all the podcasts could have been improved by listening to their podcast and then making changes. I am not sure they had that opportunity as a group, but it would have made it possible for them to be more interactive. In the podcasts from last semester, everyone had their own part in the audio presentation which is the only way to do it if you do not have a practice run as a group.
So, I will play my part in my group's podcast by preparing my statements, maybe by recording my voice I can edit my own role by including important information that I left out or excluding irrelevant information. By coordinating my efforts with my group members we can deliver a podcast that informs others of the facts and get the point across.
So, I will play my part in my group's podcast by preparing my statements, maybe by recording my voice I can edit my own role by including important information that I left out or excluding irrelevant information. By coordinating my efforts with my group members we can deliver a podcast that informs others of the facts and get the point across.
Is it okay to be technologically illiterate?
The answer to that question is, No. Not only is it not okay, but teachers today and especially teachers of tomorrow can not afford to be illiterate in technology! There is no excuse for a teacher to be unwilling to become more educated in technology, if there is room for it. I agree with Karl Fisch when he expresses his disgust for teachers that flaunt their illiteracy as if they were proud that technology is not in their vocabulary. It was very enlightening when he put into perspective that our kindergartners right now will be graduates of 2020!! What future do these kids have if they are educated by teachers that are technologically illiterate?
In conclusion, it is not okay to be illiterate in technology, especially as teachers. Teachers should take advantage of technology as a great tool for learning and growing. Technology should be present in creating a learning environment and should be introduced as such.
In conclusion, it is not okay to be illiterate in technology, especially as teachers. Teachers should take advantage of technology as a great tool for learning and growing. Technology should be present in creating a learning environment and should be introduced as such.
Best of the Fischbowl
I reviewed the "best" blog on Fischbowl for the month of August. It is about personal learning networks that can be created and maintained by students. It is developed using technology in which students will subscribe to feeds. The staff or teachers introduce the concept by having all the students subscribe to the same feeds at first, "seed feeds". This allows the students to have the class feed as an example before they are sent out to find their own school-appropriate feeds to stay current with. They will read the feeds that they selected every week and are given at least two presentation assignments throughout each semester, in which they present an interesting article to class. The class then can go the student's personal blog and comment on the article presented.
There are several great aspects to this idea! First, the students are thinking critically and reflecting on interesting articles and current events. Secondly, they are interacting and exchanging ideas. Hence, the students are creating and maintaining a Personal learning network!
There are several great aspects to this idea! First, the students are thinking critically and reflecting on interesting articles and current events. Secondly, they are interacting and exchanging ideas. Hence, the students are creating and maintaining a Personal learning network!
Podcasts from itunes
Podcasting proves to be a valuable way to express information, especially in an educational setting. In order to prepare yourself to do your own podcast you must first evaluate possible formats and how to keep your viewers interested in the information you are presenting. I reviewed several weekly podcast on itunes and took notes on the effectiveness of each.
SmartBoard Lessons is a weekly podcast that is presented by two people having a conversation and they pretty much know what the other one is going to say. In other words it is somewhat rehearsed. They give a lot of information between the two of them about how to SmartBoards are relevant in classrooms.
KidCast is a podcast that information is given through one person who speaks to the audience as a type of lecture and this I found was less effective in keeping it interesting for the viewer, so I would suggest a lot of visual stimulus if you have to podcast yourself solo.
MacBreak Weekly, on the other hand was definitely more successful in keeping my attention because there was more to listen to because you had more than two people discussing the topics. Therefore it encouraged my own thought on the matter discussed a little more than the previous ones viewed.
EdTechTalk is done weekly by interviewing different people on various subjects. This one would be a good podcast to subscribe to in order to receive information that you are interested from many sources. Listening to it once doesn't really let you get the feel for it because next week may be something you are even more interested in. So, this would be a good format for a weekly podcast where there are many viewpoints on the subjects you choose or if there are many experts.
SmartBoard Lessons is a weekly podcast that is presented by two people having a conversation and they pretty much know what the other one is going to say. In other words it is somewhat rehearsed. They give a lot of information between the two of them about how to SmartBoards are relevant in classrooms.
KidCast is a podcast that information is given through one person who speaks to the audience as a type of lecture and this I found was less effective in keeping it interesting for the viewer, so I would suggest a lot of visual stimulus if you have to podcast yourself solo.
MacBreak Weekly, on the other hand was definitely more successful in keeping my attention because there was more to listen to because you had more than two people discussing the topics. Therefore it encouraged my own thought on the matter discussed a little more than the previous ones viewed.
EdTechTalk is done weekly by interviewing different people on various subjects. This one would be a good podcast to subscribe to in order to receive information that you are interested from many sources. Listening to it once doesn't really let you get the feel for it because next week may be something you are even more interested in. So, this would be a good format for a weekly podcast where there are many viewpoints on the subjects you choose or if there are many experts.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Green School is a school in Bali, Indonesia that has curriculum based on a "balance of three harmonies that are meant to create peace and happiness"! It teaches students through a experimental, hands on approach. There are conventions held in order to prepare students for the next level of education, but it is not included in their daily stuff! Their blog tells you all this a lot more about their school. It is more of an informative blog that explains philosophy and curriculum, but it's concepts are very neat!In the top picture, a first grade classroom at the American School in Shanghai, China (Mrs. Toa's class). The blog is very devoted to her students and has pictures of them doing all kinds of activities! Including, Pictures of their birthdays for the current month and of them dressed up for holidays! I was surprised that her class was so diverse. I liked it so much that I subscribed.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Cool Class Blogs
English Corner-This blog was created by Julia Osteen, a sixth grade Language Arts teacher from Norcross, GA. I love this blog, it has interactive learning that students can answer bloom taxonomy questions about their reading material. The blog lists several interesting sixth grade level books. The books suggested are great for reading material ideas. I know that because I could tell what the books were about by the teacher's summarizations and questions.
Above is the Classroom of Ambrose, a fifth grade blog that has something dedicated to almost everything. It is a really fun blog that has technique building games like speed typing to improve typing skills and all kinds of other cool games that are very relevant to learning. It provides resources and information for parents and students. Including Science links, Math links, Standardized test practices and study resources; you can pretty much name it!
Shift Happens
The movie "Shift Happens" acquires information that when put together paints a picture of the future. It offers facts and statistics that tomorrow will advance much faster that previous generations are accustomed. It is an awakening compilation of information that shows me, a future educator, that not keeping up with advances in technology will result in a somewhat irrelevant pursuit.
The movie provided statistics on technology, such as the Internet, myspace, and text messaging. The Internet has become the fastest growing use of technology, surpassing television significantly. The number of Myspace members are equivalent to populations in countries. In fact, if a country consisted of the amount of the members it would be the eighth largest country in the world! The world is expected to change dramatically within the next ten years. In ten years China is predicted to be the most English speaking country in the world! Wow!
The movie provided statistics on technology, such as the Internet, myspace, and text messaging. The Internet has become the fastest growing use of technology, surpassing television significantly. The number of Myspace members are equivalent to populations in countries. In fact, if a country consisted of the amount of the members it would be the eighth largest country in the world! The world is expected to change dramatically within the next ten years. In ten years China is predicted to be the most English speaking country in the world! Wow!
ACCESS Distance Learning
The Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators, and Students Statewide is a learning initiative that serves Alabama High Schools in order to provide equal access to many areas of high quality instruction to improve student achievement, regardless of location. ACCESS opens opportunity to earn advanced diplomas by distance learning; For example, a student that is interested in a different language has the opportunity to learn the language as an elective even if the school they attend does not give the option within their curriculum. An objective of the program is to provide every Alabama High School with ACCESS by the year 2010. It is an exciting program that assesses technology needs and is leading today's high school students into the 21st century.
It also provides educators with the technology and resources for necessary professional development to aid in the success of their students.
It also provides educators with the technology and resources for necessary professional development to aid in the success of their students.
Friday, January 16, 2009
ALEX
Alex or the Alabama Learning Exchange, I learned is a very valuable website for teachers to use as a resource. The website is easy to navigate and gives you the following options to find information: You can find Courses of Study (ALCOS), and Lesson Plans that are conveniently categorized by subject, grade level, and keywords; There are also links to other website resources that you as a teacher can explore for more ideas and information on lesson plans, technology, and subjects that you are teaching. There are websites listed that you can provide for students as well! This website includes professional learning and offers a personal workspace that teachers can log on to and organize favorite lessons, and submit their own lesson plans to. And finally there is a link to ACCESS Distance Learning, which we will talk more about next week. Thank god for websites like this for teachers-in-training and for first year teachers!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
About Me
I am 22, and a lot is going on in my life right now. I'm at a place where taking care of a house, getting married, and getting into the job world is becoming very real. It is very exciting and I am sure that a lot women at my age experience the same transition, cause I have grown up with a great group of girls that are in the same boat.
It took me a while to decide to become a teacher, cause at first I figured if I'm going to pay for college for four years then I'm going to make some money. But I realized that money only makes things easier, not necessarily happier. So, when I get a good job at the end of college then hopefully I will lead a happy life doing something that I really want to do because I love kids and have strong beliefs about education.
It took me a while to decide to become a teacher, cause at first I figured if I'm going to pay for college for four years then I'm going to make some money. But I realized that money only makes things easier, not necessarily happier. So, when I get a good job at the end of college then hopefully I will lead a happy life doing something that I really want to do because I love kids and have strong beliefs about education.
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