My Final Reflection of EDM310 Fall Semester 2012 By: Windy Powell
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Project 13
Amanda, Meredith, Ashley, and I used Google Docs to create our project 15. We divided up the planets and found facts on each of them. We then met and recorded our video using the information we came up with on Google Docs. It was really neat to have never actually met face to face about a project and have it come together so easily just because we were able to all use the same program at the same time.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Blog Assignment 13
With that being said I was at first left feeling a little contradicted, confused even. After a little more thought I think what these videos show us is that there is a fine line that has to be walked in our classrooms. We must be able to balance the integration of new ways of learning while still using the old ways too. As educators we must remember to keep this balance for the benefit of our students.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
C4T #4 Summary
In my C4T assignment #4 I posted on the blog of Richard Byrne. In the first blog post I read Mr. Byrne talked about a new social networking site that allowed for group conferencing called Meetingl. In my comment back to Mr. Byrne I told him that I could see his point of view on how this would be helpful to help students work together for group projects and such even if they weren’t together. I also asked what would be the biggest difference between this site and sites like Skype.
In the second post I read from Mr. Byrne, he gave a guide for using Google Maps in the classroom. He provided a slideshow with many helpful tips to using Google Maps. In my comment back to Mr. Byrne I told him thank you for sharing and that I would definitely have this page bookmarked for future reference.
In the second post I read from Mr. Byrne, he gave a guide for using Google Maps in the classroom. He provided a slideshow with many helpful tips to using Google Maps. In my comment back to Mr. Byrne I told him thank you for sharing and that I would definitely have this page bookmarked for future reference.
PLN Final Report
My PLN is growing quickly and in just under 14 weeks I am amazed at the contacts I’ve made and the sites I’ve learned to use as great tools. I am still working on expanding my PLN and making new contacts and finding new resources daily. I still you Symbloo as my go to site to have everything bookmarked in one area, as well as my bookmark tool bar. I have continued to follow tons of people on Twitter and have even gain a few followers. I now check my Twitter more often and have learned to use as well as FaceBook as a tool to be successful. It’s amazing to me the information we have at our finger tips and misuse daily. I have become more aware of the way I used these tools and I plan to continue to expand my PLN.
C4K SummaryFor November
In my first C4K for November was a special assignment in which I got to read a blog post from Dr. Vitulli and Dr. Santolli while they were in Ireland. In this post Dr. Vitulli discussed a painting they had not seen in the art museum but that they found all over items in the gift shop. Upon further investigation they discovered this painting was only shown for a few hours a day a couple days a week due to its delicate condition.
The painting was of a man and women and it appeared to be the man leaving for war and the woman struck with heartbreak. It was by far one of the most moving pictures I’ve ever seen in my life. In this post Dr. Vitulli ask if we believed the painting picked up at the being, middle, or end of this couples story. In my comment back to Dr. Vitulli and Dr. Santolli I stated I believed this picture captures the middle of the story.
In my second C4K assignment for November I read a post from an eighth grader from Iowa in which he gave a very brief overview of a book he was reading called “The Outsiders.” In my comment back to Shane I told him that his description of the book made it seem as if it were a very interesting book and I that when I had some free time I would check it out.
In my third C4K post for November I read a post entitled “Make a Scene From History Not Boring,” and this post did just that. In this post the writer tells the story of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia with a lot of added ‘extras’. In my comment back I told him how I loved his imagination in writing this story. I told him my favorite part was when Napoleons men were attacked by UFO’s shooting rainbow lasers.
In my last C4K I watched a video about Ms. Yim and Ms. Nelson’s 4th grade trip to Montgomery. In this video the students told about their visit to Old Alabama Town. They told about they the sights they got to see and gave back ground on each of them. In my comment back to them I told them how neat I thought it was that Mobile was the first place to have a newspaper in Alabama because I’m form Mobile. I also told them how awesome they made Old Alabama Town look and that I was disappointed that on my trip with my niece to Montgomery last year we did not get to visit Old Alabama Town.
The painting was of a man and women and it appeared to be the man leaving for war and the woman struck with heartbreak. It was by far one of the most moving pictures I’ve ever seen in my life. In this post Dr. Vitulli ask if we believed the painting picked up at the being, middle, or end of this couples story. In my comment back to Dr. Vitulli and Dr. Santolli I stated I believed this picture captures the middle of the story.
In my second C4K assignment for November I read a post from an eighth grader from Iowa in which he gave a very brief overview of a book he was reading called “The Outsiders.” In my comment back to Shane I told him that his description of the book made it seem as if it were a very interesting book and I that when I had some free time I would check it out.
In my third C4K post for November I read a post entitled “Make a Scene From History Not Boring,” and this post did just that. In this post the writer tells the story of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia with a lot of added ‘extras’. In my comment back I told him how I loved his imagination in writing this story. I told him my favorite part was when Napoleons men were attacked by UFO’s shooting rainbow lasers.
In my last C4K I watched a video about Ms. Yim and Ms. Nelson’s 4th grade trip to Montgomery. In this video the students told about their visit to Old Alabama Town. They told about they the sights they got to see and gave back ground on each of them. In my comment back to them I told them how neat I thought it was that Mobile was the first place to have a newspaper in Alabama because I’m form Mobile. I also told them how awesome they made Old Alabama Town look and that I was disappointed that on my trip with my niece to Montgomery last year we did not get to visit Old Alabama Town.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Final Project Progress
Our final project is coming along really well. I would say we have nearly finished our video on surviving EDM310. We have met together and completed the outline/script for our video as well as met together to record most of the video/voice overs. We have a few details to finish up (finding a few pictures, editing, etc) but for the most part I would say our final project is nearly complete.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Blog Assignment 12
My Assignment
When thinking about what assignment I thought should be added to the EDM310 blog assignments, I thought about how much my perspective has changed throughout the semester. When I first started taking this EDM310 I had my doubts that this class would be beneficial to me at all, however, now I’m thankful for each thing I’ve learned from this class. Therefore, I think it would be interesting not only for the students of EDM310 but for research purposes to include an assignment called “Before and After.”
This assignment will be a two-fold assignment. In the first part of this assignment students will be asked to write a 1-2 paragraphs stating what they desire out of their future classroom. Students will be asked to give examples of how they would meet their desires for their future classroom. This part of the assignment will be given to the students in the first week or two of EDM310.
The second part of this assignment will take place within the last couple of weeks of class. This part of the assignment will ask students to reflect on what they desired for their future classroom in the first week of class. Students will be asked to write 1-2 paragraphs detailing how their desires have changed after learning all they have from EDM310. Students will be asked what if any tools will they now use in their future classrooms that they wouldn’t have used before.
My Before and After
Before:
Before taking EDM 310 my desire for my classroom was to be an encouraging, helpful, and passionate teacher. It was my goal to never allow my students to feel as if I had forgotten about them. I wanted to be the kind of teacher students remembered for being helpful, honest, and kind. I never wanted to be the type of teacher who put my students down or told them they couldn’t accomplish something.
As far as how I would accomplish these things I would have thought loving my job, loving to work with children, and being patient would have been enough to get the job done. I wanted to show up each day with a smile of my face and ready to teach my students until they really understood whatever concept needed to be taught for the day. Aside from these things I hadn’t really given my teaching strategies much more thought.
After:
After taking EDM310 I have learned teaching is so much more than being helpful, encouraging, passionate, and caring. My desires haven’t completely changed but it has changed my outlook on how to achieve these goals. I had never given much thought to how I would use technology in my classroom and now I can’t imagine a classroom without technology.
I have realized that I want to learn as much as I can to ensure I am able to give my students the best chance at success. Education shouldn’t be stuck in the past and should always be changing because the tools our students need to be equipped with are forever changing. I’ve realized it is my job as a teacher to teach my students to always be learners and I must do that by example. It is also my job to teach them how to teach themselves, to show them how to find the information they need, and to show them how to be self-sufficient. After taking EDM310 I’m even more excited to get started molding the youth of America for the better.
When thinking about what assignment I thought should be added to the EDM310 blog assignments, I thought about how much my perspective has changed throughout the semester. When I first started taking this EDM310 I had my doubts that this class would be beneficial to me at all, however, now I’m thankful for each thing I’ve learned from this class. Therefore, I think it would be interesting not only for the students of EDM310 but for research purposes to include an assignment called “Before and After.”
This assignment will be a two-fold assignment. In the first part of this assignment students will be asked to write a 1-2 paragraphs stating what they desire out of their future classroom. Students will be asked to give examples of how they would meet their desires for their future classroom. This part of the assignment will be given to the students in the first week or two of EDM310.
The second part of this assignment will take place within the last couple of weeks of class. This part of the assignment will ask students to reflect on what they desired for their future classroom in the first week of class. Students will be asked to write 1-2 paragraphs detailing how their desires have changed after learning all they have from EDM310. Students will be asked what if any tools will they now use in their future classrooms that they wouldn’t have used before.
My Before and After
Before:
Before taking EDM 310 my desire for my classroom was to be an encouraging, helpful, and passionate teacher. It was my goal to never allow my students to feel as if I had forgotten about them. I wanted to be the kind of teacher students remembered for being helpful, honest, and kind. I never wanted to be the type of teacher who put my students down or told them they couldn’t accomplish something.
As far as how I would accomplish these things I would have thought loving my job, loving to work with children, and being patient would have been enough to get the job done. I wanted to show up each day with a smile of my face and ready to teach my students until they really understood whatever concept needed to be taught for the day. Aside from these things I hadn’t really given my teaching strategies much more thought.
After:
After taking EDM310 I have learned teaching is so much more than being helpful, encouraging, passionate, and caring. My desires haven’t completely changed but it has changed my outlook on how to achieve these goals. I had never given much thought to how I would use technology in my classroom and now I can’t imagine a classroom without technology.
I have realized that I want to learn as much as I can to ensure I am able to give my students the best chance at success. Education shouldn’t be stuck in the past and should always be changing because the tools our students need to be equipped with are forever changing. I’ve realized it is my job as a teacher to teach my students to always be learners and I must do that by example. It is also my job to teach them how to teach themselves, to show them how to find the information they need, and to show them how to be self-sufficient. After taking EDM310 I’m even more excited to get started molding the youth of America for the better.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Blog Post 11
Mrs. Kathy Cassidy & Technology
As impressed as I was after watching the first video, after watching the interview with Mrs. Cassidy I was even more excited to use technology in my future classroom. I’ll admit at the beginning of this semester I was doubtful about the use of blogs, wiki’s, and other online resources for elementary students, but as the semester has went on I have become more and more excited to use all of these tools in my classroom.
I am especially excited to use a blog in my classroom. I have discovered that a class blog is helpful for communicating with parents and students. After watching this interview with Mrs. Cassidy I can see that individual blogs is a great tool for encouraging students to do their best when writing by allowing them to receive feedback. It is also a great way for parents to keep up with their child’s progress.
It has became completely clear to me that teaching students today must include technology. I agree with Mrs. Cassidy when she said we must take the time now to learn to use different types of technology so that we will be able to teach our student how to use these tools in the future. We simply can’t continue teaching students the same way we did ten years ago.
I am especially excited to use a blog in my classroom. I have discovered that a class blog is helpful for communicating with parents and students. After watching this interview with Mrs. Cassidy I can see that individual blogs is a great tool for encouraging students to do their best when writing by allowing them to receive feedback. It is also a great way for parents to keep up with their child’s progress.
It has became completely clear to me that teaching students today must include technology. I agree with Mrs. Cassidy when she said we must take the time now to learn to use different types of technology so that we will be able to teach our student how to use these tools in the future. We simply can’t continue teaching students the same way we did ten years ago.
C4T #3 Summary
In my C4T’s #3 I was assigned to Richard Bryne, author of the blog “Free Technology For Teachers.” The first post I read from this blog was entitled “MIT + K12 = Educational Videos for K-12 Students.” This post was about educational videos that are recorded by MIT students and places on YouTube to help students in grades K – 12 understand basic math and science concepts. In my comment to Mr. Bryne I expressed my interest in this idea and how neat I thought it was. I also told him it reminded me of the show Bill Nye the Science Guy.
The second post I read was titled “School Boards and Technology.” In this post Mr. Bryne discuss his dislike for the policies the school boards have in place when it comes to technology in the classroom. He says he is convinced that these policies do nothing but hinder the use of technology for learning. In my comment back to him I told him I agreed with is stance on the situation. I admitted to not having first-hand experience with this issue but as a former student had observed the policies become a hindrance in teaching.
The second post I read was titled “School Boards and Technology.” In this post Mr. Bryne discuss his dislike for the policies the school boards have in place when it comes to technology in the classroom. He says he is convinced that these policies do nothing but hinder the use of technology for learning. In my comment back to him I told him I agreed with is stance on the situation. I admitted to not having first-hand experience with this issue but as a former student had observed the policies become a hindrance in teaching.
C4K Summary October
In the month of October I posted four C4k’s, all of which were really interesting. In my first posted on the blog of a fourth grader from NY, who had wrote a great story of a heroic Chihuahua. The Chihuahua, Happy, saved a five year old little girl from a fire to become the hero of the story. In my comment back to this student I told them how much I enjoyed reading this story and thanked them for sharing it with me. I also pointed out my favorite part of the story was when Happy saved the girl from the burning community center.
In my second C4K for October I posted on the blog of Mike Gwaltney, who is in the tenth grade. In his blog post he talked about fighting procrastination. He gave several great examples of fighting the urge to procrastinate. In my comment back to him I told him how great I thought his tips were and that I had never even thought of a few of them (such as turning of my wifi until my work is done so I’m not tempted to use the internet). I told him I would for sure be putting his tips to good use in helping to fight my urge to procrastinate.
In my third C4K for October I posted on the blog of Laila, a fifth grader from Iowa. In Laila’s blog I read a great poem called “Forever Flowers.” In this poem Laila does a great job of describing flowers and the way in which flowers behave. In my comment back to her I told her how impressed I was with her ability to be so descriptive when talking about flowers. I also told her how much I enjoyed reading her poem.
In my final post for October I watched a slide show posted by Tieren. In this slide show I got to see many beautiful landscape pictures from the foothills region. In my comment back I expressed how beautiful I thought the pictures were and that my favorite picture was the picture of the waterfall. I also said thank you for sharing the amazing photos of the foothills region.
In my second C4K for October I posted on the blog of Mike Gwaltney, who is in the tenth grade. In his blog post he talked about fighting procrastination. He gave several great examples of fighting the urge to procrastinate. In my comment back to him I told him how great I thought his tips were and that I had never even thought of a few of them (such as turning of my wifi until my work is done so I’m not tempted to use the internet). I told him I would for sure be putting his tips to good use in helping to fight my urge to procrastinate.
In my third C4K for October I posted on the blog of Laila, a fifth grader from Iowa. In Laila’s blog I read a great poem called “Forever Flowers.” In this poem Laila does a great job of describing flowers and the way in which flowers behave. In my comment back to her I told her how impressed I was with her ability to be so descriptive when talking about flowers. I also told her how much I enjoyed reading her poem.
In my final post for October I watched a slide show posted by Tieren. In this slide show I got to see many beautiful landscape pictures from the foothills region. In my comment back I expressed how beautiful I thought the pictures were and that my favorite picture was the picture of the waterfall. I also said thank you for sharing the amazing photos of the foothills region.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Blog Post 10
The Cartoon
In the cartoon, I’m Papermate I’m Ticonderoga by John T. Spencer, there appears to be a hidden message. At first glance you see two men, one drawn with a dark thick manner, and the other in light wispy manner. The first man has the caption “I’m a papermate. I cost less, but I break all the time.” While the second man has the caption “I’m a Ticonderoga I’m the most expensive purchase a hipster will ever make.” After taking a closer look at this cartoon the only thing I could really come up with is that sometimes even though the cheap pencil will get the job done the more expensive pencil is sometime a better choice because the outcome is twice as good.
From Mr. Spencer
In the blog post, “Rebel without a Clue” by John T. Spencer, Mr. Spencer discusses the red tape he is confronted with while trying to allow his students to use a certain website. He tells the story of one of his students pointing out the school district doesn’t stick by their motto and how that inspired him to take a little trip to the central office.
Mr. Spencer says he stopped by the superintendent’s office to find out that the site he wants to use, which is free and easy to use, isn’t available to be used because the school district has already paid for the use of another site. Even though Mr. Spencer tries to reason with the superintendent his efforts are a lost cause.
In reading this blog post I really felt discouraged for Mr. Spencer. It seemed like he was doing his very best to better his students and provide them with the knowledge they need for their futures and he was blocked and every turn. I think there is a good chance this will happen to me in my career as well and just like Mr. Spencer I will have to find a way to work around it.
In the blog post, “Why Were Your Kids Playing Games” by John T. Spencer, Mr. Spencer gives an interesting description of a conversation between a teacher and their principal. Mr. Spencer says the teacher was called into the principal’s office and told he was caught playing games with his students today. The teacher does everything he can to explain that even though the students appeared to be playing a game they were actually learning, but with no success.
The principal seems to have his mind made up. The principal reminds the teacher of the last professional development day and the lessons taught. He reminds the teacher that strictly memorization type activities should be taught and that there is no time for games. After a while the teacher rewords his activity to the principals liking and the discussion is over.
After reading this story I think Mr. Spencer made a great point sometimes we may have to reword our lessons to make them fit the state standards, the school board’s standards, and please the principal but we shouldn’t take the fun out of learning. I’m not 100% sure that’s what Mr. Spencer was going for when he wrote this blog post but that’s what I got from it. I think it is easy to do the bare minimum but it is not in our student best interest to do so, therefore, it is my personal goal to never take the easy way out and to always put my students first.
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please!
In the blog post, “Don’t Teach you Kids This Suff. Please!” by Scott McLeod, McLeod takes an interesting approach to fighting for the use of technology in schools. He spends most of his time in the post saying how we shouldn’t teach our students to use all of these types of technology and then in a surprising twist at the end says “I’m teaching my kids these things, lets so who is better off in a decade.”
I think McLeod does a great job of confronting the common hazards society sees when discussing technology in schools. He sheds light on cyber bulling, sexting, and inappropriate websites; yet he still says he is teaching his students to use technology. Why, society may ask. The answer is simple it is our job as educators to provide our students with the knowledge and abilities needed to be successful and technology is a part of that.
To cast my vote I think the students who have been proper taught how to use the resources they have available to them will be far better off in a decade than the students who spend their childhood shelter from the hazards.
In the cartoon, I’m Papermate I’m Ticonderoga by John T. Spencer, there appears to be a hidden message. At first glance you see two men, one drawn with a dark thick manner, and the other in light wispy manner. The first man has the caption “I’m a papermate. I cost less, but I break all the time.” While the second man has the caption “I’m a Ticonderoga I’m the most expensive purchase a hipster will ever make.” After taking a closer look at this cartoon the only thing I could really come up with is that sometimes even though the cheap pencil will get the job done the more expensive pencil is sometime a better choice because the outcome is twice as good.
From Mr. Spencer
In the blog post, “Rebel without a Clue” by John T. Spencer, Mr. Spencer discusses the red tape he is confronted with while trying to allow his students to use a certain website. He tells the story of one of his students pointing out the school district doesn’t stick by their motto and how that inspired him to take a little trip to the central office.
Mr. Spencer says he stopped by the superintendent’s office to find out that the site he wants to use, which is free and easy to use, isn’t available to be used because the school district has already paid for the use of another site. Even though Mr. Spencer tries to reason with the superintendent his efforts are a lost cause.
In reading this blog post I really felt discouraged for Mr. Spencer. It seemed like he was doing his very best to better his students and provide them with the knowledge they need for their futures and he was blocked and every turn. I think there is a good chance this will happen to me in my career as well and just like Mr. Spencer I will have to find a way to work around it.
In the blog post, “Why Were Your Kids Playing Games” by John T. Spencer, Mr. Spencer gives an interesting description of a conversation between a teacher and their principal. Mr. Spencer says the teacher was called into the principal’s office and told he was caught playing games with his students today. The teacher does everything he can to explain that even though the students appeared to be playing a game they were actually learning, but with no success.
The principal seems to have his mind made up. The principal reminds the teacher of the last professional development day and the lessons taught. He reminds the teacher that strictly memorization type activities should be taught and that there is no time for games. After a while the teacher rewords his activity to the principals liking and the discussion is over.
After reading this story I think Mr. Spencer made a great point sometimes we may have to reword our lessons to make them fit the state standards, the school board’s standards, and please the principal but we shouldn’t take the fun out of learning. I’m not 100% sure that’s what Mr. Spencer was going for when he wrote this blog post but that’s what I got from it. I think it is easy to do the bare minimum but it is not in our student best interest to do so, therefore, it is my personal goal to never take the easy way out and to always put my students first.
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please!
In the blog post, “Don’t Teach you Kids This Suff. Please!” by Scott McLeod, McLeod takes an interesting approach to fighting for the use of technology in schools. He spends most of his time in the post saying how we shouldn’t teach our students to use all of these types of technology and then in a surprising twist at the end says “I’m teaching my kids these things, lets so who is better off in a decade.”
I think McLeod does a great job of confronting the common hazards society sees when discussing technology in schools. He sheds light on cyber bulling, sexting, and inappropriate websites; yet he still says he is teaching his students to use technology. Why, society may ask. The answer is simple it is our job as educators to provide our students with the knowledge and abilities needed to be successful and technology is a part of that.
To cast my vote I think the students who have been proper taught how to use the resources they have available to them will be far better off in a decade than the students who spend their childhood shelter from the hazards.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Special Blog Assignment
A World Where Grades Will Be Left Behind
In the article, “A world where grades will be left behind” by Mary Beth Marklein, Marklein sits down with Sebastian Thrun, the vice president of Google, professor, and founder of Udacity. In her interview with Thurn, Marklein discuss his new approach to education and how this concept of teaching will change education as we know it. Thrun says “you want learning to be as much fun as playing a video game,” and he believes this new way of teaching is a great start at accomplishing that goal.
There will be no classrooms, no one will be late, success is the only option, and all with little to no cost to the student. The idea sounds insane to me. How in the world can you make teaching as fun as video games with little to no cost to the student, allow the students to show up whenever and never have anyone fail? That doesn’t seem possible, but Thrun says it’s more than possible it is the future of higher education.
Thrun uses a small soundproof room to teach his lessons as his producer’s record him then add in fun special effects to make the lesson more fun. Tens of thousands of people sign up online to enjoy these lessons taught by Thrun and other state professors for free. Thrun says this form of education will allow “education to respond to you.” Education will no longer be the one size fits all system it once was. Those who truly want to obtain an education will have the chance to do so.
Personally I’m skeptical, I’m not sure this way of learning will catch on in a wide spread manner. Is it an amazing idea with great potential? Absolutely! Unfortunately, it is my fear that since education has changed so little over time that it will not take well to such a drastic change all at once. I completely agree that education shouldn’t cost as much as it does and that there should be some way to allow anyone who has the desire to further his/her education to do so.
I think that it is my responsibility as a future educator to use the resources I have available to me and my classroom. I think I would be doing my students a great injustice by not providing them with the best education I possibly can. I think that in doing these things I will most defiantly have to incorporate some of the ideas Thrun is suggesting into my teaching. I think learning should be fun and when it is it motivates our students to do their very best. It is my goal to always strive for the best, to allow my students to have fun, to be motivated, and to have no choice but success.
There will be no classrooms, no one will be late, success is the only option, and all with little to no cost to the student. The idea sounds insane to me. How in the world can you make teaching as fun as video games with little to no cost to the student, allow the students to show up whenever and never have anyone fail? That doesn’t seem possible, but Thrun says it’s more than possible it is the future of higher education.
Thrun uses a small soundproof room to teach his lessons as his producer’s record him then add in fun special effects to make the lesson more fun. Tens of thousands of people sign up online to enjoy these lessons taught by Thrun and other state professors for free. Thrun says this form of education will allow “education to respond to you.” Education will no longer be the one size fits all system it once was. Those who truly want to obtain an education will have the chance to do so.
Personally I’m skeptical, I’m not sure this way of learning will catch on in a wide spread manner. Is it an amazing idea with great potential? Absolutely! Unfortunately, it is my fear that since education has changed so little over time that it will not take well to such a drastic change all at once. I completely agree that education shouldn’t cost as much as it does and that there should be some way to allow anyone who has the desire to further his/her education to do so.
I think that it is my responsibility as a future educator to use the resources I have available to me and my classroom. I think I would be doing my students a great injustice by not providing them with the best education I possibly can. I think that in doing these things I will most defiantly have to incorporate some of the ideas Thrun is suggesting into my teaching. I think learning should be fun and when it is it motivates our students to do their very best. It is my goal to always strive for the best, to allow my students to have fun, to be motivated, and to have no choice but success.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Blog Post 9
What I Learned This Year Volume 1
In the blog post, “What I Learned This Year Volume 1” by Joe McClung, Mr. McClung takes a look back at his first year as an elementary teacher. Mr. McClung takes what he has learned in his first year teaching and gives out some great advice to all educators new and old.
Mr. McClung talks about the importance of remembering who you are talking to when planning your lessons and that no lesson is going to be perfect. He says as educators we tend to forget we aren’t talking to our superiors we are talking to our students (both in the actual conversations we have and in planning our lessons). His advice is to “let your audience drive your instruction.” I think this is great advice, we should always remember our students are our main concern.
Mr. McClung also discusses the importance of being flexible and communication. He says in his first year of teaching he has learned you have to be able to go with the flow. He says you must be able to adapt to changes, because changes will have to be made. Mr. McClung also says that he has learned communication is key in success. He says communication can solve disputes as well as open doors for new ideas and ways of learning/teaching.
According to Mr. McClung we must not forget technology is our friend and even as educators we must continue to learn. He says that technology is all around us and we must be willing to learn new things to continue to reach our students. He reminds us that as an educator we all but beg our students to learn yet as educators we tend to forget we must learn as well.
I learned a lot from reading this post. I think the thing that stood out the most to me was that I am going to have to remember everything isn’t going to go just like I’ve planned it. I have a hard time with that and it is something I need to be working on now. I was also reminded that just because I’ve graduated college doesn’t mean the learning is over and that I will always need to be open to learning new things and using the most recent tools available to me. After all, it isn’t about me it is about my students and their education and they deserve nothing but the best from me.
What I Learned This Year Volume 4
In the blog post, “What I Learned This Year Volume 4” by Joe McClung, Mr. McClung takes a look back at his fourth year of teaching. Mr. McClung says being that this would be his third year teaching the same subjects and at the same school he didn’t learn as much as he had in the past, yet the two things that he did learn was career changing.
First Mr. McClung says he learned that as an educator is imperative that you never forget why you are an educator in the first place. He says that throughout his fourth year of teaching he began to become obsessed with what his colleagues thought of him. He said that he had lost sight of the real reason he went to work each day. That as an educator we should remember we have not chosen this career path to impress our fellow employees but to educate out students.
Secondly Mr. McClung says he learned that it is important to stay creative, to constantly be improving your lessons, and to avoid falling into complacency. Mr. McClung says that complacency is exactly what happened to him in his fourth year of teaching. He says he began to become lazy, reusing lesson plans and losing his creativity. He says that because of his laziness his teaching began to suffer and in turn so did his students. He reminds us as educators we can’t fall into a routine of the same ole same ole or our teaching and students will pay the price.
I learned a lot from reading Mr. McClung’s blog post. He has made several great points and as a future educator I will now be on the lookout for. I think that it is important for us to remember we can always learn from those who have gone ahead of us and I think by Mr. McClung giving us a glimpse of his year we can learn from his mistakes.
Mr. McClung talks about the importance of remembering who you are talking to when planning your lessons and that no lesson is going to be perfect. He says as educators we tend to forget we aren’t talking to our superiors we are talking to our students (both in the actual conversations we have and in planning our lessons). His advice is to “let your audience drive your instruction.” I think this is great advice, we should always remember our students are our main concern.
Mr. McClung also discusses the importance of being flexible and communication. He says in his first year of teaching he has learned you have to be able to go with the flow. He says you must be able to adapt to changes, because changes will have to be made. Mr. McClung also says that he has learned communication is key in success. He says communication can solve disputes as well as open doors for new ideas and ways of learning/teaching.
According to Mr. McClung we must not forget technology is our friend and even as educators we must continue to learn. He says that technology is all around us and we must be willing to learn new things to continue to reach our students. He reminds us that as an educator we all but beg our students to learn yet as educators we tend to forget we must learn as well.
I learned a lot from reading this post. I think the thing that stood out the most to me was that I am going to have to remember everything isn’t going to go just like I’ve planned it. I have a hard time with that and it is something I need to be working on now. I was also reminded that just because I’ve graduated college doesn’t mean the learning is over and that I will always need to be open to learning new things and using the most recent tools available to me. After all, it isn’t about me it is about my students and their education and they deserve nothing but the best from me.
What I Learned This Year Volume 4
In the blog post, “What I Learned This Year Volume 4” by Joe McClung, Mr. McClung takes a look back at his fourth year of teaching. Mr. McClung says being that this would be his third year teaching the same subjects and at the same school he didn’t learn as much as he had in the past, yet the two things that he did learn was career changing.
First Mr. McClung says he learned that as an educator is imperative that you never forget why you are an educator in the first place. He says that throughout his fourth year of teaching he began to become obsessed with what his colleagues thought of him. He said that he had lost sight of the real reason he went to work each day. That as an educator we should remember we have not chosen this career path to impress our fellow employees but to educate out students.
Secondly Mr. McClung says he learned that it is important to stay creative, to constantly be improving your lessons, and to avoid falling into complacency. Mr. McClung says that complacency is exactly what happened to him in his fourth year of teaching. He says he began to become lazy, reusing lesson plans and losing his creativity. He says that because of his laziness his teaching began to suffer and in turn so did his students. He reminds us as educators we can’t fall into a routine of the same ole same ole or our teaching and students will pay the price.
I learned a lot from reading Mr. McClung’s blog post. He has made several great points and as a future educator I will now be on the lookout for. I think that it is important for us to remember we can always learn from those who have gone ahead of us and I think by Mr. McClung giving us a glimpse of his year we can learn from his mistakes.
Project 10 - PLN Progress Report
PLN Progress Report
I’ve been working on my PLN more avidly since we watched the video a 7th Graders Personal Learning Environment a couple of weeks ago. I have worked on creating my own PLN using symbaloo, and I have really enjoyed learning how to use the site. Being an organized person to begin with I have really enjoyed that fact that I can set symbaloo as my home screen and have instant access to all of the sites I use all in one place.
I have also really enjoyed all following the list of people provided on twitter. I have had a twitter account for about 3 years and I never really used it much, but I am constantly checking it now. I have found so much information and great ideas for my future classroom. I have really come to understand that social media doesn’t have to just be about wasting time but that it can be really useful.
I will definitely continue to work on my PLN and develop it into something that can be used way after this class ends. I have learned so much and I plan to continue to learn how to continuously better myself and my future classroom.
I have also really enjoyed all following the list of people provided on twitter. I have had a twitter account for about 3 years and I never really used it much, but I am constantly checking it now. I have found so much information and great ideas for my future classroom. I have really come to understand that social media doesn’t have to just be about wasting time but that it can be really useful.
I will definitely continue to work on my PLN and develop it into something that can be used way after this class ends. I have learned so much and I plan to continue to learn how to continuously better myself and my future classroom.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
C4T #2
In my C4T post 2 I was assigned to Mr. Anthony Capps, from Gulf Shores, Alabama. Mr. Capps teaches 3rd grade at Gulf Shores Elementary. Using his class blog, Third Grade with Mr. Capps, he is able to communicate with his students and their parents. In the first post I read, Mr. Capps informs the parents of the activities that took place that day. He is able to use his blog to inform them of the lesson’s that were taught, and how as a parent they can help their students continue to learn this information at home. Mr. Capps also uses his first post to inform parents of supplies that are needed within the classroom.
In my comment back to Mr. Capps I couldn’t help but express my amazement by the use of his blog. I guess it had never occurred to me that a blog would be a great way to communicate to and with parents. I noticed when leaving my comment several of his student’s parents had commented as well. What a concept!
In the second post I read of Mr. Capps he discusses the upcoming class spelling bee. In this post he gave several great ways to study for the spelling bee. First he said to write the words on note cards. Second he says you should separate the words into the words you know and the ones you don’t. These words can be separated by words you know the mean of and the ones you don’t, the words you can spell and the ones you can’t, etc. Third Mr. Capps says you need to practice, his advice was to start in front of a mirror and then move on to getting a friend or family member to quiz you. Lastly he says to try using the meaning of a word to help you remember how to spell it or by using other “like” words to help you remember how to spell it. He gives the example of telephone and teleport; both spelled using tele at the beginning.
In my comment back to Mr. Capps I once again couldn’t help but express my total amazement of the use of his blog. I was sure to tell him he had completely sold me on this concept and I will be using this as a form of communication with my future students and parents. I also told him thank you for sharing such great advice for learning to spell. I myself am a terrible speller and I was never given many ways of learning to spell aside from memorizing the word to pass the test.
In my comment back to Mr. Capps I couldn’t help but express my amazement by the use of his blog. I guess it had never occurred to me that a blog would be a great way to communicate to and with parents. I noticed when leaving my comment several of his student’s parents had commented as well. What a concept!
In the second post I read of Mr. Capps he discusses the upcoming class spelling bee. In this post he gave several great ways to study for the spelling bee. First he said to write the words on note cards. Second he says you should separate the words into the words you know and the ones you don’t. These words can be separated by words you know the mean of and the ones you don’t, the words you can spell and the ones you can’t, etc. Third Mr. Capps says you need to practice, his advice was to start in front of a mirror and then move on to getting a friend or family member to quiz you. Lastly he says to try using the meaning of a word to help you remember how to spell it or by using other “like” words to help you remember how to spell it. He gives the example of telephone and teleport; both spelled using tele at the beginning.
In my comment back to Mr. Capps I once again couldn’t help but express my total amazement of the use of his blog. I was sure to tell him he had completely sold me on this concept and I will be using this as a form of communication with my future students and parents. I also told him thank you for sharing such great advice for learning to spell. I myself am a terrible speller and I was never given many ways of learning to spell aside from memorizing the word to pass the test.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Blog Assignment 7
The Networked Student
In the video, The Networked Studentby Wendy Drexler, Wendy addresses the concept of connectivism. She defines connectivism as the theory that learning occurs as a social network of many diverse connections and ties. Throughout this video she discusses how a student with no textbook and a teacher who doesn’t lecture can learn about psychology. Wendy says that by teaching the student to build a personal learning network the student will be able to take charge of his/her own learning.
I must admit at the beginning of this semester I would have thought this was an absurd concept, but after taking part in EDM310 I can see the benefits of this type of learning. By teaching students to find valid websites to gather information, to use their iPods to listen in on top professors around the world, and teaching students how to sift through and organize the massive amounts of information available students will be able to build their own textbook. The difference is this textbook the student has built will contain the most up to date information, and will be built on the students’ knowledge.
I think this is a great way for students to learn. I know I personally am more likely to retain the information I learned if I have to go out and find it. I can especially see this to be a very useful way of teaching for higher level students. I think the concept of connectivism learning is a great way to eliminate the burp back way of learning.
A 7th Grader’s Personal Learning Environment
In this video, A 7th Grader’s Personal Learning Environment, a 7th grader shares how her science class is taught using no paper. She tells how her PLE is all placed together neatly on her computer so she can easily access whatever information she needs. I personally think I can take a few notes from her. I do have my information bookmarked to my favorites bar, but after watching this video I will be checking into a way to have everything more neatly put together in one place. I will also be looking for the note taking program she is using. I currently use the old fashion way of writing it down on a sheet of paper, which from time to time get lost. In comparing my PLN to her PLE I would say this 7th grader probably has it together more than I do. I am generally a very organized person, but after watching this video I have realized I am not using the technology I have available to me to best benefit me.
I must admit at the beginning of this semester I would have thought this was an absurd concept, but after taking part in EDM310 I can see the benefits of this type of learning. By teaching students to find valid websites to gather information, to use their iPods to listen in on top professors around the world, and teaching students how to sift through and organize the massive amounts of information available students will be able to build their own textbook. The difference is this textbook the student has built will contain the most up to date information, and will be built on the students’ knowledge.
I think this is a great way for students to learn. I know I personally am more likely to retain the information I learned if I have to go out and find it. I can especially see this to be a very useful way of teaching for higher level students. I think the concept of connectivism learning is a great way to eliminate the burp back way of learning.
A 7th Grader’s Personal Learning Environment
In this video, A 7th Grader’s Personal Learning Environment, a 7th grader shares how her science class is taught using no paper. She tells how her PLE is all placed together neatly on her computer so she can easily access whatever information she needs. I personally think I can take a few notes from her. I do have my information bookmarked to my favorites bar, but after watching this video I will be checking into a way to have everything more neatly put together in one place. I will also be looking for the note taking program she is using. I currently use the old fashion way of writing it down on a sheet of paper, which from time to time get lost. In comparing my PLN to her PLE I would say this 7th grader probably has it together more than I do. I am generally a very organized person, but after watching this video I have realized I am not using the technology I have available to me to best benefit me.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Blog Assignment 6
Randy Pausch - Last Lecture
In the video,Randy Pausch – Last Lecture, I was completely amazed by the enthusiasm Randy exhibited throughout the entire lecture. When I picture a man who is standing at deaths door I picture the opposite of Randy. I picture someone who is feeling sorry for themselves, sitting at home thinking of what could have been; yet, Randy takes this time to be an encourager, a helper, a friend, and most of all leave us with some outstanding advice. In my opinion this in itself is a huge testament to his character.
Throughout the lecture Randy provides educators, both present and future, with sound advice for enabling our students to go after their dreams. Randy reminds us that the fundamentals are important for anything you do in life. You can’t play football without first learning the rules and you can tell your students to chase their dreams without first teaching them how to do so. Therefore, as educators it is important for us to correct our students when their actions are less than satisfactory. Randy says it best when he says “if you’re screwing up and no one is telling you, then they have stopped caring.” I never want to be an educator who has stopped caring.
Randy also reminds us that even when we are ‘caring’ for our students the words we choose are so important. He tells the story of his professor telling him that he was arrogant and how that professor didn’t just say “you’re being a jerk,” but that the professor said “Randy it is such a shame people perceive you as being so arrogant, because it is going to limit what you can get accomplished in life.” The professor basically said “you’re being a jerk” but by choosing his words more wisely the comment wasn’t as harsh, and Randy was able to take those words to heart. I think it is extremely important as educators to remember that our words mold our students into what they grow up to be. It is our job to build them up and not break them down. I think that’s the point Randy is trying to make here and it’s a good lesson to learn.
Randy also says as educators we should never set the bar too low for our students. We should never underestimate their ability. Randy says we can do this by being positive, being willing to take risks and try new things, and by head fakes (indirect learning). It is our job as educators to enable our students and by saying you’ll never do better than this we are telling our students there is a limit to your ability. Truth is you are never too old to learn new things, or to get better at the things you already know how to do.
Randy says “experience is what you get when you don’t get what you wanted,” I think this is a vital concept for our students to understand. It is a proven fact that in life you will not always get what you want, but what you take away from not getting what you want is what changes a person’s life. The experience and knowledge gained can mold a student/teacher into something much greater than they ever thought possible. I think this is maybe one of the most important things we can teach our students, because at some point in life they will be faced with a situation that didn’t go the way they wanted. It’s at that point when they can give in and feel failure or they can take the things they’ve learned from that experience and grow.
The last piece of advice Randy gives educators is a list of things to do to get help from others: tell the truth, be earnest, apologize when you mess up, and focus on others not just yourself. I think this list is important because as an educator I think we tend to forget we are still learners as well and we still need feedback from others. I think as an educator you are at a great disadvantage if you forget you can learn from your students. It is your students you are reaching out too and your students who are learning from you and your students who will in turn mirror your actions.
Randy’s last lecture has most definitely changed my perspective on what being an educator includes. I will certainly strive to take the characteristics Randy mentions into my classroom. It is now part of my dream to enable others dreams.
Throughout the lecture Randy provides educators, both present and future, with sound advice for enabling our students to go after their dreams. Randy reminds us that the fundamentals are important for anything you do in life. You can’t play football without first learning the rules and you can tell your students to chase their dreams without first teaching them how to do so. Therefore, as educators it is important for us to correct our students when their actions are less than satisfactory. Randy says it best when he says “if you’re screwing up and no one is telling you, then they have stopped caring.” I never want to be an educator who has stopped caring.
Randy also reminds us that even when we are ‘caring’ for our students the words we choose are so important. He tells the story of his professor telling him that he was arrogant and how that professor didn’t just say “you’re being a jerk,” but that the professor said “Randy it is such a shame people perceive you as being so arrogant, because it is going to limit what you can get accomplished in life.” The professor basically said “you’re being a jerk” but by choosing his words more wisely the comment wasn’t as harsh, and Randy was able to take those words to heart. I think it is extremely important as educators to remember that our words mold our students into what they grow up to be. It is our job to build them up and not break them down. I think that’s the point Randy is trying to make here and it’s a good lesson to learn.
Randy also says as educators we should never set the bar too low for our students. We should never underestimate their ability. Randy says we can do this by being positive, being willing to take risks and try new things, and by head fakes (indirect learning). It is our job as educators to enable our students and by saying you’ll never do better than this we are telling our students there is a limit to your ability. Truth is you are never too old to learn new things, or to get better at the things you already know how to do.
Randy says “experience is what you get when you don’t get what you wanted,” I think this is a vital concept for our students to understand. It is a proven fact that in life you will not always get what you want, but what you take away from not getting what you want is what changes a person’s life. The experience and knowledge gained can mold a student/teacher into something much greater than they ever thought possible. I think this is maybe one of the most important things we can teach our students, because at some point in life they will be faced with a situation that didn’t go the way they wanted. It’s at that point when they can give in and feel failure or they can take the things they’ve learned from that experience and grow.
The last piece of advice Randy gives educators is a list of things to do to get help from others: tell the truth, be earnest, apologize when you mess up, and focus on others not just yourself. I think this list is important because as an educator I think we tend to forget we are still learners as well and we still need feedback from others. I think as an educator you are at a great disadvantage if you forget you can learn from your students. It is your students you are reaching out too and your students who are learning from you and your students who will in turn mirror your actions.
Randy’s last lecture has most definitely changed my perspective on what being an educator includes. I will certainly strive to take the characteristics Randy mentions into my classroom. It is now part of my dream to enable others dreams.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
C4K September Summary
In my first C4K post I comment on a post entitled “The buzz about Jobs.” This post was done by a 3rd grade class in Gulf Shores, Alabama. In this post the students discussed what they thought it took to have a productive community and listed several characteristics that productive community members should possess. The students did a wordle project that listed the jobs they thought were most important in the community.
In my comment back to the students in Mr. Capps 3rd grade class I told them what a great job they had done at summarizing the characteristics needed to be productive community members. I encouraged them to always remember these characteristics so that they too could be productive community members. I also told them thank you for valuing my future career as a teacher, since it was one of the careers listed within their wordle project.
In my second C4K post I commented on a post entitled “Homecoming Week.” This post was done by an eighth grader from Iowa. In this post the student discussed the events that would take place each day for homecoming. On Monday they would attend church, on Tuesday each class would dress in a different color, on Wednesday the high school students would play flag football and the Middle school students would wear fifty of the same thing on their clothes, on Thursday each grade level would dress up as a different animal, and on Friday the homecoming queen and king would be announced.
In my comment back to this student I told him how neat it I thought it was that his school in Iowa did the same thing my schools here in Alabama did for homecoming week. I told him how we would dress up as super heroes, in Hawaiian gear, or in school colors to get pumped for the homecoming game just like they were dressing up defiantly each day to get pumped up. I told him that I didn’t realize that dressing up for homecoming week was such a widespread event and wished him and his school a fantastic homecoming week.
In my comment back to the students in Mr. Capps 3rd grade class I told them what a great job they had done at summarizing the characteristics needed to be productive community members. I encouraged them to always remember these characteristics so that they too could be productive community members. I also told them thank you for valuing my future career as a teacher, since it was one of the careers listed within their wordle project.
In my second C4K post I commented on a post entitled “Homecoming Week.” This post was done by an eighth grader from Iowa. In this post the student discussed the events that would take place each day for homecoming. On Monday they would attend church, on Tuesday each class would dress in a different color, on Wednesday the high school students would play flag football and the Middle school students would wear fifty of the same thing on their clothes, on Thursday each grade level would dress up as a different animal, and on Friday the homecoming queen and king would be announced.
In my comment back to this student I told him how neat it I thought it was that his school in Iowa did the same thing my schools here in Alabama did for homecoming week. I told him how we would dress up as super heroes, in Hawaiian gear, or in school colors to get pumped for the homecoming game just like they were dressing up defiantly each day to get pumped up. I told him that I didn’t realize that dressing up for homecoming week was such a widespread event and wished him and his school a fantastic homecoming week.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Blog Assignment 5
ischool
In the video, ischool initiative, Travis Allen a seventeen year old high school student from Georgia describes his vision for the school of the future. Travis begins by remind us of the problem education is currently facing, Travis says in his school “teachers are being let go and classroom sizes are becoming increasingly larger.” Unfortunately this is not only a problem in Travis’s school, but in schools across the United States. So, what is the solution to this problem?
Travis suggests by using the technology we already have we can reduce spending within the schools. He says this technology can be found in the smart phones we already carry around like an extra appendage. Travis gives a list of apps that are already available for download that would eliminate costly items used daily within classrooms across the globe. Apps such as: email, chemical touch, U.S. constitution, star walk, formulae, recorder, calendar, and ihomework are just a few of the apps that are ready to be used in classrooms today. By using these apps and apps like these to eliminate costly items such as books, copiers, and paper Travis estimates schools can save about $450 per day per student. That’s an impressive amount of savings if you ask me.
After watching this video I was faced with a few questions: why aren’t we using these apps to save money in our schools, why aren’t we incorporating the technology our students are familiar with into our classrooms, and why did it take a seventeen year to point out these ideas that should be painfully obvious to us. There is only one answer I can come up with to these questions, we are afraid of change. I think as humans we are fearful of things being different and because of our fear we do all we can to avoid change. This has been a great problem in our nation’s schools for far too long, and I for one am grateful to Travis for opening my eyes to this fear and the idiotic idea that is a bad thing.
Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir
In the video, Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir, 185 people from all over the world come together to perform a song. Without ever meeting or even being in the same room each member sings in perfect harmony with the group. To say the least I was amazed, in awe, in shock, and just blown away by the sound of this choir. I honestly watched this video three times and had chills all three times. It is amazing to me that through the internet this can be accomplished. I tend to think of the internet as a place for email, google, facebook, and a homework tool, so to realize that it can be used for so much more makes me a little bummed I’ve wasted so much time misusing it.
Teaching in the 21st Century
In the video, Teaching in the 21st Century, I was reminded of the story of Mr. Winkles. Like Mr. Winkles I’ve always felt uncomfortable with too much change, and I too also found that our schools seem to change the least. After watching this video I came to this conclusion I have a choice to make. As a future educator I can stay in my comfort zone, hide from change, and continue to teach the old fashion way handing out facts; or I can step out of my comfort zone, embrace change, and enable my students to have the skills they will need to be successful. When I thought about my options the choice was easy, I am going to have to embrace change, step out of my comfort zone, learn new things, and go after the skills my students will need for the future.
It was stated in the video that our student can find the facts anywhere (google, facebook, blogs) but the skills they will need to find the facts, that’s what we must teach them. I had never thought of it in this way before, and yet it is so true and obvious. I can remember being given assignments in high school that involved research and if the answer didn’t pop right up when I typed my question into google I was lost. I was never taught how to find information, how to research, how to look for reliable sources on the internet, or even how to word my questions. All of these things were skills I needed to complete the assignments given, yet I was never given those skills. After watching this video it has become painfully clear to me how important it is to provide our student with the skills they need to be successful, to find the facts, and to be prepared for an ever changing world.
Classroom Flipped
In the videos, Why I Flipped My Classroom by Katie Gimbar and Flipping the Classroom by Ms. Munafo, a new way of teaching was proposed. By prerecording lectures that the students would watch at home they are freeing up valuable class time to be spent on applying the applications learned. Gimbar says “in my old classroom I would spend 90% of the time going over content and only 10% of the time on application,” by flipping her classroom she is able to spend 90% of the time on application and 10% of the time going over content. So why is this important? Ms. Munafo says this is important because “it allows those students who need to spend a little more time on a certain concept the time to do so, while those students who have mastered that concept can move ahead and not become bored.”
Although this approach to teaching is completely new to me, I think it would be worth a shot. I do have a few concerns with this approach, such as students without computers falling behind, or a parent not making sure their student is watching the videos as assigned. Overall I think this concept is very interesting and after a little more research on the success of this approach I’d definitely try it out in my future classroom.
Travis suggests by using the technology we already have we can reduce spending within the schools. He says this technology can be found in the smart phones we already carry around like an extra appendage. Travis gives a list of apps that are already available for download that would eliminate costly items used daily within classrooms across the globe. Apps such as: email, chemical touch, U.S. constitution, star walk, formulae, recorder, calendar, and ihomework are just a few of the apps that are ready to be used in classrooms today. By using these apps and apps like these to eliminate costly items such as books, copiers, and paper Travis estimates schools can save about $450 per day per student. That’s an impressive amount of savings if you ask me.
After watching this video I was faced with a few questions: why aren’t we using these apps to save money in our schools, why aren’t we incorporating the technology our students are familiar with into our classrooms, and why did it take a seventeen year to point out these ideas that should be painfully obvious to us. There is only one answer I can come up with to these questions, we are afraid of change. I think as humans we are fearful of things being different and because of our fear we do all we can to avoid change. This has been a great problem in our nation’s schools for far too long, and I for one am grateful to Travis for opening my eyes to this fear and the idiotic idea that is a bad thing.
Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir
In the video, Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir, 185 people from all over the world come together to perform a song. Without ever meeting or even being in the same room each member sings in perfect harmony with the group. To say the least I was amazed, in awe, in shock, and just blown away by the sound of this choir. I honestly watched this video three times and had chills all three times. It is amazing to me that through the internet this can be accomplished. I tend to think of the internet as a place for email, google, facebook, and a homework tool, so to realize that it can be used for so much more makes me a little bummed I’ve wasted so much time misusing it.
Teaching in the 21st Century
In the video, Teaching in the 21st Century, I was reminded of the story of Mr. Winkles. Like Mr. Winkles I’ve always felt uncomfortable with too much change, and I too also found that our schools seem to change the least. After watching this video I came to this conclusion I have a choice to make. As a future educator I can stay in my comfort zone, hide from change, and continue to teach the old fashion way handing out facts; or I can step out of my comfort zone, embrace change, and enable my students to have the skills they will need to be successful. When I thought about my options the choice was easy, I am going to have to embrace change, step out of my comfort zone, learn new things, and go after the skills my students will need for the future.
It was stated in the video that our student can find the facts anywhere (google, facebook, blogs) but the skills they will need to find the facts, that’s what we must teach them. I had never thought of it in this way before, and yet it is so true and obvious. I can remember being given assignments in high school that involved research and if the answer didn’t pop right up when I typed my question into google I was lost. I was never taught how to find information, how to research, how to look for reliable sources on the internet, or even how to word my questions. All of these things were skills I needed to complete the assignments given, yet I was never given those skills. After watching this video it has become painfully clear to me how important it is to provide our student with the skills they need to be successful, to find the facts, and to be prepared for an ever changing world.
Classroom Flipped
Although this approach to teaching is completely new to me, I think it would be worth a shot. I do have a few concerns with this approach, such as students without computers falling behind, or a parent not making sure their student is watching the videos as assigned. Overall I think this concept is very interesting and after a little more research on the success of this approach I’d definitely try it out in my future classroom.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Blog Assignment 4
Langwitches – First Graders Create Own Read along Book
In the blog post “First Graders Create Their Own Audiobook” by Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano a first grade class reads a story aloud then composes a script and then records it to create their very own audiobook. These first graders come up with a story line to summarize the book they’ve just read, proving they have comprehended the book they’ve read. They brainstorm to compose a script, bouncing ideas off of each other. Finally they use creativity when recording. It’s easy to hear the creative juices flowing through their little bodies as their voices get bigger and louder, or softer and smaller, as they sequel with excitement, or shiver with fear. The teacher then bound each script together and formed a book that they students could read along with as the recording played; because the students were able to read along they were able to pay closer attention, and work on reading skills.
I love, love, loved this idea. I had not heard anything about podcasting until this class but now I don’t think I’d ever try to teach without incorporating this into my classroom in some way. This idea brought together so many key skills in learning and made it a fun way of learning them. I enjoyed listening to the sound clip of the children and listening to the enthusiasm and accomplishment in their voices.
Flat Stanley
In the blog post “Flat Stanley” by Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano her class has just finished reading the book Flat Stanley, and they have mailed their paper Stanley’s to friends and family to take Stanley on adventures and write back to them about where/what Stanley did. Many of us did this same project as a child, I did. It was thrilling to see what your Stanley did and find out what all the other Stanley’s did as well. In this post Tolisano takes it a step farther by allowing her students to become Stanley.
Each student is given the chance to research a place they would like to visit. They are told to name the place and where it is located, tell what they would do there, and figure out how they would get there and back. The students are encouraged to do research by using books from the library, or looking for information on the internet. Students then brainstorm and write the story of their adventure as Stanley. Once all the stories are written the children then recorded their individual stories making one big story. Each child had the chance to tell about their adventure as flat Stanley. They told where they were going, how they would get there, how they felt while traveling (in an envelope, on a plane, across the ocean by ship), what they did when they reached their destination, and how they got back home. They were able to use their creativity to come up with the adventures they went on, as well as the information they gathered while doing research.
I really enjoyed this new twist on flat Stanley. I have already shared it with two of my teacher friends. I can’t wait to get a chance to do this with my own class. I love that with this one activity so many valuable concepts were covered: brainstorming, creativity, writing, research, reading, and public speaking. I absolutely loved the story the students came up with and all the adventures they went on. I even made my husband come listen to it after I listen to it the first time. I am a huge fan of creativity and using it to make learning fun and more interactive and that is exactly what this project did.
Benefits of Podcasting
In the video Benefits of Podcasting by Joel Dale podcasting is said to be an “effective way of communicating with students outside the normal everyday classroom.” Dale states that we are now teaching students who fall into the category of millennial’s, or students who were born after 1980. In the video these students are described as “students who have grown up with personal computers and technology.” Simply stating that technology and the use of computers is what these students know. As educators we must utilize this. We can’t keep teaching the way we once did, because our students are not what they once were. Podcasting is an amazing tool for teaching those students who are millennial’s. By podcasting we are bring the technology are students consider the norm into our classrooms, we are making learning more relative and interesting.
There are many benefits to podcasting, many of which draw our student’s attention to learning. By podcasting we are using project based learning, we are using the higher Bloom’s levels, and we are encouraging our students to be creative, as well as forcing them to go more in-depth in their learning. Podcasting is also a great tool for when students are sick, which is going to happen from time to time, by post lectures/study guides to a podcast students will always be able to keep up with assignments. Parents will also be able to see/hear what their children are doing in school by watching/listening to podcast that have been recorded in class.
Like I mentioned before I had not really heard of podcasting until this class, and now I can’t imagine teaching without it. I honestly wish my teachers would have used more of the technology like this when I was in school. I think by using podcasting we are allowing out students to be creative, and learn in a way that they are most comfortable with. I believe that by using podcasting to teach a lesson we are allowing our students the chance to really become the things we are teaching them (such as flat Stanley) and by doing so they will remember what they’ve learned much longer than if they memorized the answers for the test.
I love, love, loved this idea. I had not heard anything about podcasting until this class but now I don’t think I’d ever try to teach without incorporating this into my classroom in some way. This idea brought together so many key skills in learning and made it a fun way of learning them. I enjoyed listening to the sound clip of the children and listening to the enthusiasm and accomplishment in their voices.
Flat Stanley
Each student is given the chance to research a place they would like to visit. They are told to name the place and where it is located, tell what they would do there, and figure out how they would get there and back. The students are encouraged to do research by using books from the library, or looking for information on the internet. Students then brainstorm and write the story of their adventure as Stanley. Once all the stories are written the children then recorded their individual stories making one big story. Each child had the chance to tell about their adventure as flat Stanley. They told where they were going, how they would get there, how they felt while traveling (in an envelope, on a plane, across the ocean by ship), what they did when they reached their destination, and how they got back home. They were able to use their creativity to come up with the adventures they went on, as well as the information they gathered while doing research.
I really enjoyed this new twist on flat Stanley. I have already shared it with two of my teacher friends. I can’t wait to get a chance to do this with my own class. I love that with this one activity so many valuable concepts were covered: brainstorming, creativity, writing, research, reading, and public speaking. I absolutely loved the story the students came up with and all the adventures they went on. I even made my husband come listen to it after I listen to it the first time. I am a huge fan of creativity and using it to make learning fun and more interactive and that is exactly what this project did.
Benefits of Podcasting
There are many benefits to podcasting, many of which draw our student’s attention to learning. By podcasting we are using project based learning, we are using the higher Bloom’s levels, and we are encouraging our students to be creative, as well as forcing them to go more in-depth in their learning. Podcasting is also a great tool for when students are sick, which is going to happen from time to time, by post lectures/study guides to a podcast students will always be able to keep up with assignments. Parents will also be able to see/hear what their children are doing in school by watching/listening to podcast that have been recorded in class.
Like I mentioned before I had not really heard of podcasting until this class, and now I can’t imagine teaching without it. I honestly wish my teachers would have used more of the technology like this when I was in school. I think by using podcasting we are allowing out students to be creative, and learn in a way that they are most comfortable with. I believe that by using podcasting to teach a lesson we are allowing our students the chance to really become the things we are teaching them (such as flat Stanley) and by doing so they will remember what they’ve learned much longer than if they memorized the answers for the test.
C4T Summary #1
Comment One
In my first C4T assignment I was assigned to Michael Keachele, a teacher from Michigan. Kaechele teaches Social Studies in problem based learning high school. In his blog “Concrete Classroom” he says he gives his ramblings about whatever is on his mind about education.
In the first post I read from Michael Keachele “I hate standardized testing so why am I choosing to start the year with a test on standards” he discussed the problem with Michigan’s state standards. Keachele was lucky enough to have been with the same students for three years in a row and because of that he realized there was a great deal of information that was being taught and retaught each year, an overlap if you will. Keachele decided that since there was such an overlap of information being taught he could speed through the things the students already knew about and spend more time on the things they were interested in and were less familiar with.
In my comment to Keachele I expressed my amazement with this approach to teaching. It is unlike anything I have ever heard of, yet I was interested to see how things would go. I mentioned that I have several friends who teach here in Alabama who complain about an overlap of state standards as well, I told him I would be interested in seeing if they too could benefit from this type of teaching. Keachele replied to my comment letting me know he will be posting his progress/struggles throughout the year and I will most certainly be checking in on how this goes.
Comment 2
In the second post I read from Michael Keachele “All kids are born geniuses” Keachele reflects on an interview he watched with Michio Kaku. In the interview Kaku says “all children are born scientist” he says we are born with the curiosity of where the stars come from, why the sky is blue, and what makes the sun rise and then we enter the danger years (middle and high school) and our curiosity is crushed killing our interest in science.
Keachele reflects on this interview saying we must stop this awful trend. We must stop making science a memory subject and making it more fun. He says we need to stop planning rigged labs that we as teachers know the outcome to, but plan activities that will allow students to apply the scientific method to problems/issues they actually care about.
In my comment back to Keachele I thanked him for opening my eyes to this problem. I told him about myself and how I can see that I personally lost interest in science because of these same reasons. I lost my curiosity. I told Keachele that it was my goal as a future educator to apply these ideas when teaching and do all I can to never squish my student curiosity but to do all I can to light a fire underneath it and watch it burn out of control
In my first C4T assignment I was assigned to Michael Keachele, a teacher from Michigan. Kaechele teaches Social Studies in problem based learning high school. In his blog “Concrete Classroom” he says he gives his ramblings about whatever is on his mind about education.
In the first post I read from Michael Keachele “I hate standardized testing so why am I choosing to start the year with a test on standards” he discussed the problem with Michigan’s state standards. Keachele was lucky enough to have been with the same students for three years in a row and because of that he realized there was a great deal of information that was being taught and retaught each year, an overlap if you will. Keachele decided that since there was such an overlap of information being taught he could speed through the things the students already knew about and spend more time on the things they were interested in and were less familiar with.
In my comment to Keachele I expressed my amazement with this approach to teaching. It is unlike anything I have ever heard of, yet I was interested to see how things would go. I mentioned that I have several friends who teach here in Alabama who complain about an overlap of state standards as well, I told him I would be interested in seeing if they too could benefit from this type of teaching. Keachele replied to my comment letting me know he will be posting his progress/struggles throughout the year and I will most certainly be checking in on how this goes.
Comment 2
In the second post I read from Michael Keachele “All kids are born geniuses” Keachele reflects on an interview he watched with Michio Kaku. In the interview Kaku says “all children are born scientist” he says we are born with the curiosity of where the stars come from, why the sky is blue, and what makes the sun rise and then we enter the danger years (middle and high school) and our curiosity is crushed killing our interest in science.
Keachele reflects on this interview saying we must stop this awful trend. We must stop making science a memory subject and making it more fun. He says we need to stop planning rigged labs that we as teachers know the outcome to, but plan activities that will allow students to apply the scientific method to problems/issues they actually care about.
In my comment back to Keachele I thanked him for opening my eyes to this problem. I told him about myself and how I can see that I personally lost interest in science because of these same reasons. I lost my curiosity. I told Keachele that it was my goal as a future educator to apply these ideas when teaching and do all I can to never squish my student curiosity but to do all I can to light a fire underneath it and watch it burn out of control
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Blog Assignment 3
Peer Editing
After watching the videos and going through the power point presentation I have come to a better understanding of what peer editing is and how to be successful when editing. In the video What is Peer Editing, there are three steps listed to find success when peer editing. The first step is to compliment your peer on what they’ve done correctly. I think this is just as important as any of the other steps because allows the person who is being reviewed to see what they have done correctly and feel like they have made some accomplishments before being told what they need to work on. The second step is to make suggestions. There were five areas in which the video listed as areas of focus when making suggestions: word choice, details, organization, sentences, and topic. Suggestions may be needed in these areas to ensure the paper/blog/assignment is easily read and understood. The third and last step is correction. In this step there were four areas of focus given: punctuation, grammar, sentence, and spelling. After following these three steps, as well as staying positive and being specific peer editing is a breeze. These three steps however simple they may seem were really helpful in finding the balance between being mean and being helpful.
In the video Writing Peer Reviews Top 10 Mistakes, I was amused by the entertaining way each type of editor was depicted. Although the video was meant to be amusing it helped me realize the common mistakes we make as peer editors. It made me think back to elementary school even high school and how I would behave when he came time to do peer reviews. In this video they give a list of ten categories in which we tend to fall into when providing peer reviews: picky Patty, social Sammy, whatever William, Jen the generalizer, mean Margaret, loud Larry, pushy Paula, off-task Olivia, speedy Sandy, and defensive Dave. I know personally I could find myself in each of these categories at one point and time or another, but after watching this video it really made me evaluate myself when I am editing for my peers.
Finally after reading through the power point presentation,Peer Editing with Perfection, I feel more confident than ever I can be a helpful and successful peer editor. Through the power points step by step help in working through examples and applying the skills I obtained from the videos I now feel as if I can and should provide my peers with more than a good job or it needs some work feedback when peer editing. I now have a clear understand of what my job is as not only the editor but as the edited.
Technology in Special Education
In the video Technology in Special Education,Cook tells of how she uses technology in her classroom for the benefit of her special needs students. Cook says she uses technology to “to help facilitate student participation.” Cook’s students are nonverbal or suffer from a physical or cognitive disorder, but because of the use of technology are able to take part in and do things they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do. Throughout this video Cook gives examples of how she is able to use technology to grab the student’s attention and to prepare them for the world.
I was personally unaware of some of the ways technology is used in the classroom. I loved the idea using the ipod for audio reading during silent reading time for those children who have a hard time reading on their own. This seems so simple to those of us who can read with ease but to a child who has to be sent in the hallway with an aid to have help during silent reading time this can be such a great tool. Not only will they be able to stay in the classroom and not feel singled out, they will be able to follow along in the physical book while having the help of the audio reader. This is such an amazing use of technology to me personally because my little brother has a learning disability and I know what a difference this would have made in his academic career.
Apps for Academics
When looking for an app that could be used in the classroom I found apps in varying price ranges doing various task all claiming to be the best. I tried the free version of a few different apps but I ended up falling for an app called Alphabet Machine. In using this app students will be able to learn their ABC’s. For each letter of the alphabet there is a screen with that letter, a picture of an everyday item that starts with that letter, and a voice recording saying the letter. Seems simple enough right?
I currently teach at a preschool and in doing so I am responsible for making sure my students can recite the alphabet. This app uses the same method I use to teach countless preschoolers every year their alphabet. I believe this app would be beneficial in the classroom of a kindergarten class as a fun way to review and/or teach the children their alphabet as well recognizing the letters. This app can also be used as a way for the students to test their knowledge since the sound can be turned off so that a student could say what they believe the letter to be then check to see if he/she is correct by turning the sound back on.
Harness Your Student’s Digital Smarts
In the video Harness Your Student’s Digital Smarts Vicki Davis, a teacher and IT director at a rural school in Georgia, uses all kinds of technology to teacher her students. She is getting her students involved in all different forms of technology such as: blogs, wiki’s, and other software. Davis says “by teaching with only paper and only pencil only certain types of students will succeed.”
By teaching in this manner Davis says she is still accomplishing the set curriculum but she is “teaching her students to learn to learn.” When I first heard that statement I thought what an oxymoron teaching them to “learn to learn” but the more I thought about it I found the meaning in that statement. By teaching her students to “learn to learn” she is preparing them for the real world and providing them with life skills that many of us weren’t taught in school, I certainly wasn’t. She is giving them the chance to find the answers on their own, to explore their options and make decisions.
Davis is also providing her students with the opportunity to explore things many students in a rural Georgia town wouldn’t have the chance to explore by having them engaged in digiteen and flat classroom. By using these two programs the students are able to work with students from all over the world and collaborate together to finish a single project. I think this amazing. I know as a kid growing up in a small town in Alabama I never thought of the world being anything more than the United States and for these students to be able to work with other students their age in the Middle East to complete a project is amazing to me. How empowering that must be for all the students involved. I think this also provided students with many much needed life skills. We will all be required to work with other people in our jobs and they won’t always be just like us and we will have to find a way to make it work out and this is an amazing and fun way to teach students that lesson while infusing it with another lesson.
I give Ms. Davis two thumbs up for allowing her students to have the chance to explore so many different things and still accomplishing the set curriculum. I will most certainly be applying some of these things to my future elementary classroom.
In the video Writing Peer Reviews Top 10 Mistakes, I was amused by the entertaining way each type of editor was depicted. Although the video was meant to be amusing it helped me realize the common mistakes we make as peer editors. It made me think back to elementary school even high school and how I would behave when he came time to do peer reviews. In this video they give a list of ten categories in which we tend to fall into when providing peer reviews: picky Patty, social Sammy, whatever William, Jen the generalizer, mean Margaret, loud Larry, pushy Paula, off-task Olivia, speedy Sandy, and defensive Dave. I know personally I could find myself in each of these categories at one point and time or another, but after watching this video it really made me evaluate myself when I am editing for my peers.
Finally after reading through the power point presentation,Peer Editing with Perfection, I feel more confident than ever I can be a helpful and successful peer editor. Through the power points step by step help in working through examples and applying the skills I obtained from the videos I now feel as if I can and should provide my peers with more than a good job or it needs some work feedback when peer editing. I now have a clear understand of what my job is as not only the editor but as the edited.
Technology in Special Education
In the video Technology in Special Education,Cook tells of how she uses technology in her classroom for the benefit of her special needs students. Cook says she uses technology to “to help facilitate student participation.” Cook’s students are nonverbal or suffer from a physical or cognitive disorder, but because of the use of technology are able to take part in and do things they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do. Throughout this video Cook gives examples of how she is able to use technology to grab the student’s attention and to prepare them for the world.
I was personally unaware of some of the ways technology is used in the classroom. I loved the idea using the ipod for audio reading during silent reading time for those children who have a hard time reading on their own. This seems so simple to those of us who can read with ease but to a child who has to be sent in the hallway with an aid to have help during silent reading time this can be such a great tool. Not only will they be able to stay in the classroom and not feel singled out, they will be able to follow along in the physical book while having the help of the audio reader. This is such an amazing use of technology to me personally because my little brother has a learning disability and I know what a difference this would have made in his academic career.
Apps for Academics
I currently teach at a preschool and in doing so I am responsible for making sure my students can recite the alphabet. This app uses the same method I use to teach countless preschoolers every year their alphabet. I believe this app would be beneficial in the classroom of a kindergarten class as a fun way to review and/or teach the children their alphabet as well recognizing the letters. This app can also be used as a way for the students to test their knowledge since the sound can be turned off so that a student could say what they believe the letter to be then check to see if he/she is correct by turning the sound back on.
Harness Your Student’s Digital Smarts
In the video Harness Your Student’s Digital Smarts Vicki Davis, a teacher and IT director at a rural school in Georgia, uses all kinds of technology to teacher her students. She is getting her students involved in all different forms of technology such as: blogs, wiki’s, and other software. Davis says “by teaching with only paper and only pencil only certain types of students will succeed.”
By teaching in this manner Davis says she is still accomplishing the set curriculum but she is “teaching her students to learn to learn.” When I first heard that statement I thought what an oxymoron teaching them to “learn to learn” but the more I thought about it I found the meaning in that statement. By teaching her students to “learn to learn” she is preparing them for the real world and providing them with life skills that many of us weren’t taught in school, I certainly wasn’t. She is giving them the chance to find the answers on their own, to explore their options and make decisions.
Davis is also providing her students with the opportunity to explore things many students in a rural Georgia town wouldn’t have the chance to explore by having them engaged in digiteen and flat classroom. By using these two programs the students are able to work with students from all over the world and collaborate together to finish a single project. I think this amazing. I know as a kid growing up in a small town in Alabama I never thought of the world being anything more than the United States and for these students to be able to work with other students their age in the Middle East to complete a project is amazing to me. How empowering that must be for all the students involved. I think this also provided students with many much needed life skills. We will all be required to work with other people in our jobs and they won’t always be just like us and we will have to find a way to make it work out and this is an amazing and fun way to teach students that lesson while infusing it with another lesson.
I give Ms. Davis two thumbs up for allowing her students to have the chance to explore so many different things and still accomplishing the set curriculum. I will most certainly be applying some of these things to my future elementary classroom.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Blog Assignment 2
Did you know?
Did You Know by John Strange was a very insightful video full of fun facts. Throughout the video I was astonished by the statistics given. More people in China will be speaking in English than the rest of the native English speaking world combined by 2025, that’s amazing to me. There are more people in only the top 25% of India’s population with higher IQ’s than the whole population of the United States, that’s mind blowing. Every minute 48 hours of videos are uploaded to youtube, I would have never thought that. Did I know? NO!
Although the facts given throughout the video seemed to be unreal, it was a real eye opener for me. I learned that as an educator we must be up to date with the latest information and using the most recent tools available to us, otherwise we are setting our students up to fail. How, will our students be able to adapt to the newest technology if they are unable to work the old technology? How, will they be ready to face an ever changing world if we don’t learn to change with it? How, will they be prepared for jobs that aren’t even invented yet if we don’t give them the basics needed to go after those jobs now?
Technology is all around us, and it’s steadily changing. That is the one and only thing that won’t change, there is always going to be change. I can see the change that happened throughout my short lifetime and I can only dream of all the changes that will take place in my children’s lifetime. When I was little no one had computers, cell phones came in a bag that stayed in the car, and video cameras were the size of small child, now we have cell phones that are like mini computers that contain video cameras. As the video said 85% of high school students today have cellphones and with that kind of technology in your back pocket today the options for what you can fit in your pocket in the future are endless.
Mr. Winkle
In the youtube video Mr. Winkle Wakes by Mathew Needleman Mr. Winkle wakes up after being asleep for one hundred years to find many things have changed. He goes to an office building where he finds people working on strange machines (computers) and talking to business associates across the country through video chat on these machines. He wonders into the hospital and finds that people are being kept alive by machines that are breathing for them. Mr. Winkle is overwhelmed by all the changes that have been made everywhere he goes until he finally wonders into a school where he finds that not much has changed in the hundred years he has been asleep. Students are still listening to their teachers lecture and taking notes with pen and paper, sure there is a computer in the back of the room but it’s old and dusty and no one uses it. Mr. Winkle finds comfort in the school because it is where there is the least amount of this new technology that he is so overwhelmed by.
Although this story may seem farfetched at first when I gave it a little more thought it really has a lot of truth to it. All around today’s society is technology: in doctors’ offices there are no longer paper charts but electronic charts, you can renew your car tag online so you don’t have to wait in line, you can video chat with someone in china using a cellphone, yet our schools still depend on the old fashion way of teaching. We spend all this time educating our children yet we don’t provide them with the tools needed to educate them with the things they will face in the real world. It’s sad really; we are setting them up to fail, by not providing them with the newest technology in our classrooms. Mr. Winkle should have felt just as uncomfortable and overwhelmed in the school as he did in the office building and the hospital, yet he didn’t because nothing had changed.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
In the video, The Importance of Creativity, Sir Ken Robinson explains the need for creativity within our school systems today while giving many examples of why it simply doesn’t exist there. Throughout this witty and entertaining speech Sir Robinson reminds us that creativity is just as important as literacy. The purpose of education is to prepare one for the future, a future we know nothing about. So how do we prepare our students for a future we know nothing about? It’s simple, creativity.
Sir Robinson makes a remarkable point in this argument for creativity by telling the story of a girl who was drawing in the back of the room. The teacher said this girl never pays attention and so when this assignment (which involved drawing) was given and the girl jumped right to it she question the reason. The teacher walked to the back of the room to ask the girl what she was drawing and the girl replied God and the teacher said but no one knows what God looks like and the little girl looked up from her work and answered well they will soon. You see this little girl still had her creativity she had the ability to take a chance and draw God, sure she might be wrong since we don’t know for sure what he looks like but she took that chance. That’s what Sir Robinson describes creativity as the ability to express yourself without the fear of being wrong.
Sir Robinson goes on to address the problem, not only in the United States but all over the world, we educate children out of creativity. We tell them to forget that side of themselves and become more intellectual. We remind them daily that there is no room for arts. We tell them other subjects like math and science are more important. We tell them there are no jobs for people who are solely interested in arts. We, as educators, forget that everyone expresses themselves differently and given half a chance with a little encouragement a child who likes to dance can be just as successful as a child who loves to read.
While I watched this video I thought about how judgmental we can be as adults, and how much influence we have not only as adults but as educators, and I realized that I don’t want to end up like Jillian Lyn’s teacher. I don’t want to place a child who expresses themselves differently in the category of ADHD because they need to move to think. I realized through watching this video that I as a future educator want to encourage creativity, encourage my students to go after the things they are passionate about, even if it is the arts they are passionate about. I want to remind my students that the future is full of unknown things and what today’s society says isn’t worth going after maybe exactly what the future is all about.
The Future
After watching A Day Made of Glass and Project Glass I feel a little like Mr. Winkle. It has really made me think about what life was like when I was little, not only was gas less than a dollar a gallon there were no cell phones, no social networks, no flat screen tvs, only rich people had computers, there was no e-mail we had snail mail, and there was no tagging someone in a picture you had to get doubles printed and send a copy to them. In my short 26 years all of these things have changed. We can send e-mails, check the price of gas, take pictures and tag someone in them, join a social media network, watch a movie, and make a call all from our smartphones.
In 1986, when I was born or even in 1991, when I started elementary school no one would have dreamed any of these things were possible. The truth is the future is unknown and it is full of unknown technology. I for one am excited to see what the future holds, not only in my personal life but in my teaching career. The options are endless. Today our teachers are using smart boards to do things that just weren’t possible with overhead projectors in the future I hope to be doing this with new technology that just aren’t possible with smart boards.
As technology changes and what society considers being the norm changes it is our job as educators to change too. Mr. Winkles should never feel welcome in my classroom after a hundred year nap. It is my hope and prayer to be teaching with the most up to date resources available to me so that I will be able to prepare my students for the ever changing future, otherwise I am setting them up to fail.
Did You Know by John Strange was a very insightful video full of fun facts. Throughout the video I was astonished by the statistics given. More people in China will be speaking in English than the rest of the native English speaking world combined by 2025, that’s amazing to me. There are more people in only the top 25% of India’s population with higher IQ’s than the whole population of the United States, that’s mind blowing. Every minute 48 hours of videos are uploaded to youtube, I would have never thought that. Did I know? NO!
Although the facts given throughout the video seemed to be unreal, it was a real eye opener for me. I learned that as an educator we must be up to date with the latest information and using the most recent tools available to us, otherwise we are setting our students up to fail. How, will our students be able to adapt to the newest technology if they are unable to work the old technology? How, will they be ready to face an ever changing world if we don’t learn to change with it? How, will they be prepared for jobs that aren’t even invented yet if we don’t give them the basics needed to go after those jobs now?
Technology is all around us, and it’s steadily changing. That is the one and only thing that won’t change, there is always going to be change. I can see the change that happened throughout my short lifetime and I can only dream of all the changes that will take place in my children’s lifetime. When I was little no one had computers, cell phones came in a bag that stayed in the car, and video cameras were the size of small child, now we have cell phones that are like mini computers that contain video cameras. As the video said 85% of high school students today have cellphones and with that kind of technology in your back pocket today the options for what you can fit in your pocket in the future are endless.
Mr. Winkle
Although this story may seem farfetched at first when I gave it a little more thought it really has a lot of truth to it. All around today’s society is technology: in doctors’ offices there are no longer paper charts but electronic charts, you can renew your car tag online so you don’t have to wait in line, you can video chat with someone in china using a cellphone, yet our schools still depend on the old fashion way of teaching. We spend all this time educating our children yet we don’t provide them with the tools needed to educate them with the things they will face in the real world. It’s sad really; we are setting them up to fail, by not providing them with the newest technology in our classrooms. Mr. Winkle should have felt just as uncomfortable and overwhelmed in the school as he did in the office building and the hospital, yet he didn’t because nothing had changed.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
In the video, The Importance of Creativity, Sir Ken Robinson explains the need for creativity within our school systems today while giving many examples of why it simply doesn’t exist there. Throughout this witty and entertaining speech Sir Robinson reminds us that creativity is just as important as literacy. The purpose of education is to prepare one for the future, a future we know nothing about. So how do we prepare our students for a future we know nothing about? It’s simple, creativity.
Sir Robinson makes a remarkable point in this argument for creativity by telling the story of a girl who was drawing in the back of the room. The teacher said this girl never pays attention and so when this assignment (which involved drawing) was given and the girl jumped right to it she question the reason. The teacher walked to the back of the room to ask the girl what she was drawing and the girl replied God and the teacher said but no one knows what God looks like and the little girl looked up from her work and answered well they will soon. You see this little girl still had her creativity she had the ability to take a chance and draw God, sure she might be wrong since we don’t know for sure what he looks like but she took that chance. That’s what Sir Robinson describes creativity as the ability to express yourself without the fear of being wrong.
Sir Robinson goes on to address the problem, not only in the United States but all over the world, we educate children out of creativity. We tell them to forget that side of themselves and become more intellectual. We remind them daily that there is no room for arts. We tell them other subjects like math and science are more important. We tell them there are no jobs for people who are solely interested in arts. We, as educators, forget that everyone expresses themselves differently and given half a chance with a little encouragement a child who likes to dance can be just as successful as a child who loves to read.
While I watched this video I thought about how judgmental we can be as adults, and how much influence we have not only as adults but as educators, and I realized that I don’t want to end up like Jillian Lyn’s teacher. I don’t want to place a child who expresses themselves differently in the category of ADHD because they need to move to think. I realized through watching this video that I as a future educator want to encourage creativity, encourage my students to go after the things they are passionate about, even if it is the arts they are passionate about. I want to remind my students that the future is full of unknown things and what today’s society says isn’t worth going after maybe exactly what the future is all about.
The Future
After watching A Day Made of Glass and Project Glass I feel a little like Mr. Winkle. It has really made me think about what life was like when I was little, not only was gas less than a dollar a gallon there were no cell phones, no social networks, no flat screen tvs, only rich people had computers, there was no e-mail we had snail mail, and there was no tagging someone in a picture you had to get doubles printed and send a copy to them. In my short 26 years all of these things have changed. We can send e-mails, check the price of gas, take pictures and tag someone in them, join a social media network, watch a movie, and make a call all from our smartphones.
In 1986, when I was born or even in 1991, when I started elementary school no one would have dreamed any of these things were possible. The truth is the future is unknown and it is full of unknown technology. I for one am excited to see what the future holds, not only in my personal life but in my teaching career. The options are endless. Today our teachers are using smart boards to do things that just weren’t possible with overhead projectors in the future I hope to be doing this with new technology that just aren’t possible with smart boards.
As technology changes and what society considers being the norm changes it is our job as educators to change too. Mr. Winkles should never feel welcome in my classroom after a hundred year nap. It is my hope and prayer to be teaching with the most up to date resources available to me so that I will be able to prepare my students for the ever changing future, otherwise I am setting them up to fail.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Blog Assignment 1
About Me
Hello, my name is Windy Powell. I was born and raised right here in Mobile, Alabama. I attended high school at Mary G. Montgomery High School where I graduated with all honors in 2004. It took me 6 years and getting engaged to realize that getting a degree was something I wanted to achieve. I am currently a junior at the University of South Alabama working towards a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education. Working with children has always been my life calling, which is why I currently work at Azalea City Christian School where I work as a preschool teacher. I love my job!
I am married to the most amazing man Jared Powell. We have been together for just over 6 years now and have been married since November 20, 2010. I feel extremely blessed to have him in my life and I am grateful every day for his encouragement and his pushiness that keeps me working on my degree.
I also attend church at First Baptist Church Satsuma, where I am a member of the celebration choir. I am firm believer in Jesus and his all teachings. I believe all of the work I put in to earn my degree is for a reason and that God has placed this calling upon my life so that I can help change the life of at least one child, and that makes all of this worth it.
Randy Pausch and Time Mangement
Randy Pausch was a man faced with a terminal cancer, and even though he had a personal battle with time he gives great insight on how to manage time more wisely. Pausch was obviously wise beyond his years when he said “plan each day, week, and semester.” Pausch says even if the plan changes you have set your goals and that alone puts you one step closer to achieving them. He provides a list of things to take into account for planning out ones days, weeks, semesters: why am I doing this, why will I succeed, what will happen if I don’t do this. He reminds us to do the right things and not just do things right, because ultimately what is the point of doing anything right if doing it at all doesn’t matter. For man who is on the verge of being out of time he leaves us with the tools necessary to utilize the time we are given and turn it into many great things.
Hello, my name is Windy Powell. I was born and raised right here in Mobile, Alabama. I attended high school at Mary G. Montgomery High School where I graduated with all honors in 2004. It took me 6 years and getting engaged to realize that getting a degree was something I wanted to achieve. I am currently a junior at the University of South Alabama working towards a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education. Working with children has always been my life calling, which is why I currently work at Azalea City Christian School where I work as a preschool teacher. I love my job!
I am married to the most amazing man Jared Powell. We have been together for just over 6 years now and have been married since November 20, 2010. I feel extremely blessed to have him in my life and I am grateful every day for his encouragement and his pushiness that keeps me working on my degree.
I also attend church at First Baptist Church Satsuma, where I am a member of the celebration choir. I am firm believer in Jesus and his all teachings. I believe all of the work I put in to earn my degree is for a reason and that God has placed this calling upon my life so that I can help change the life of at least one child, and that makes all of this worth it.
Randy Pausch and Time Mangement
Randy Pausch was a man faced with a terminal cancer, and even though he had a personal battle with time he gives great insight on how to manage time more wisely. Pausch was obviously wise beyond his years when he said “plan each day, week, and semester.” Pausch says even if the plan changes you have set your goals and that alone puts you one step closer to achieving them. He provides a list of things to take into account for planning out ones days, weeks, semesters: why am I doing this, why will I succeed, what will happen if I don’t do this. He reminds us to do the right things and not just do things right, because ultimately what is the point of doing anything right if doing it at all doesn’t matter. For man who is on the verge of being out of time he leaves us with the tools necessary to utilize the time we are given and turn it into many great things.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
My Test Post Title
This is my first post. I clicked the HTML button which I should alwasy do in EDM 310. I am now a blogger!
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