Wednesday, December 3, 2008
My EDM 310 Assignments are Now Complete!!!
I really enjoyed being in this class with all of you. I especially enjoyed everyone's powerpoint presentation. To everyone that I will see next semester, See ya later! To everyone else, I wish you well in achieving all of your career goals and have a happy life!
What I Have Learned
I didn't learn anything in this class!!! Just kidding, I really learned a lot. I have been calling my mom and sharing some of my new experiences with her. I really did not know that Google had so much to offer. Spreadsheets are a big help to me right not. I have two credit cards, and my experience with spreadsheets have helped understand my credit card bill much more. I have become obsessed with iTunes. I'm planning on getting an iPod for Christmas. I really want an iPhone, but there too expensive for me right now-maybe in a couple of years. Anyway, I have never visited iTunes before, and I really didn't know anything about it. I thought you could only download songs there. iTunes has so much to offer, and I plan on using it as a resource when I become a teacher. Also, I really enjoyed reading about what Duke University is doing with the iPods. I wish USA was engaging in that experiment. I have a friend (Johnny Williams) who plays football for Duke. I will probably call him and see what his experience is with the iPod. I liked working with Picasa too. I have had a digital camera for about a year now, and I'm really enjoying all the cool things you can do with it. I think that Picasa or some other editing software will be helpful in the future (or as soon as I find my camera charger). There is so much more that I learned in this class, but these are the things that I really enjoyed.
Electronic Contact
My electronic contact was Lucy Gray of Illinois. She is all about technology in education. She uses Google for any and everything she can. She also informed me that Google turned 10 years old in September. Anyway, she makes her own powerpoint presentations (with Google) and shares them with other teachers. She says that these presentations are usually about some fascinating experience she has had with technology and the way she has (or plans on) using them in the classroom. She encourages them to try and do the same. She is also a big fan of youTube. She says that once you filter out the garbage, there are some really interesting videos on there. She said that she found a video on there to teach her niece how to tie her shoe!! She's big on podasting too. She told me about a podcasting conference that she did with another educator. She uses podcasts for lectures, and she even does them as reminders for herself. She also likes photography. Her motto is "If you can't get it on video, take a picture." :) I really enjoyed chatting with Mrs.Gray.
ACCESS Lab
I visited the ACCESS Lab at Clarke County High School in Grove Hill, AL. This is where I attended high school so I was very familiar with my surroundings. Like many of the ACCESS Labs in Mobile County, it was not fully operational. The lab had a SMART Board, many computers, and video cameras. I was informed that CCHS was funded with $50,000 for their ACCESS Lab. I was also told that another school in that same county got $85,000. I wondered why the two schools got different amounts but I didn't ask why. I was told that the lab would be used for advanced placement courses. The school has advanced placement courses, but they are not as advanced as other schools have. They would also use the lab for remediation courses. Many of the students use remediation for the Alabama High School Graduation Exam, and this would be anouther resource for them to use. I think this is going to be a great asset to the school when it is fully operational.
Another Class Blogger
I chose to read Noelle Shipman's EDM 310 Blog. The first thing I looked at when I opened Noelle's blog was her archive. I wanted to see if she had been up-to-date on her blogs, and she was. She had been doing her blogs on time throughout the semester. I am one of that she talked about who crammed at the last minute. I chose to continue looking at Noelle's blog because it was attractive and organized.
Noelle brought something to my attention. She said that she think everyone is going to have just about the same thing on all of their blogs. This is true. I agree that some of us should have had different assignments. It is very boring to read the same blogs over and over again. I see that Noelle had the same problem that I did concerning the ACCESS Lab. I also went to a school where the lab wasn't fully operational. Overall, I think Noelle did an excellent job on he class blog.
I think that there are some big advantages for using blogs in the classroom. It is a good way to communicate with the students in your classroom. When I was in high school, we had to write in a journal everyday. Instead of using journals, blogs would be a great idea. This way, students can enjoy working with technology. There are many times when students want to have discussions with their teachers, and there is not enough time to continue the discussion. The discussion could be continued on the class blog. I think it's a good idea for the classroom.
I don't think there are many disadvantages to using blogs in the classroom. If your students don't have internet access in the classroom or at home, this might not be a good idea. I know that most people do have access to the internet at home now, but there are people who just can't afford. So, you don't want to make those students feel like they have been left out because they don't have internet access. Another disadvantage would be confidentiality. If blogs are used as a substitute for journals, then some students may want to put some personal information on it. This would not be a good idea, especially with children.
Noelle brought something to my attention. She said that she think everyone is going to have just about the same thing on all of their blogs. This is true. I agree that some of us should have had different assignments. It is very boring to read the same blogs over and over again. I see that Noelle had the same problem that I did concerning the ACCESS Lab. I also went to a school where the lab wasn't fully operational. Overall, I think Noelle did an excellent job on he class blog.
I think that there are some big advantages for using blogs in the classroom. It is a good way to communicate with the students in your classroom. When I was in high school, we had to write in a journal everyday. Instead of using journals, blogs would be a great idea. This way, students can enjoy working with technology. There are many times when students want to have discussions with their teachers, and there is not enough time to continue the discussion. The discussion could be continued on the class blog. I think it's a good idea for the classroom.
I don't think there are many disadvantages to using blogs in the classroom. If your students don't have internet access in the classroom or at home, this might not be a good idea. I know that most people do have access to the internet at home now, but there are people who just can't afford. So, you don't want to make those students feel like they have been left out because they don't have internet access. Another disadvantage would be confidentiality. If blogs are used as a substitute for journals, then some students may want to put some personal information on it. This would not be a good idea, especially with children.
Duke University
I read The South in Black & White. It basically talks about how important the history of the South is. They say that the hsitory of the South is so rich in history and culture. They also talk about a heritage festival that they are going to attend that will consists of many story tellers. They will also have performers there that will sing gospel and blues songs. It sounds like a good time to me, and something that will be a learning experience to all who attend.
I think it is so important for our young children to know the truth about history. There is so much in the history books that isn't true. In addition to that, there is so much that isn't in the history books. History was my least favorite subject in school, and it wasn't until I got in college that i realized how important it is.
It is a good idea to have our children enagaged in history activities. Things like the heritage festival that these guys talked about would be different than just reading in the books. This way they get tho hear history from people who actually lived it. It will mean so much more to them.
I think it is so important for our young children to know the truth about history. There is so much in the history books that isn't true. In addition to that, there is so much that isn't in the history books. History was my least favorite subject in school, and it wasn't until I got in college that i realized how important it is.
It is a good idea to have our children enagaged in history activities. Things like the heritage festival that these guys talked about would be different than just reading in the books. This way they get tho hear history from people who actually lived it. It will mean so much more to them.
EDM 310 Podcasts
I think that most of the podcasts were fairly well, especially by it being the first time. There are a few things that I think could have been better. First, I think that some of the people were talking too fast. It sounds like they are ready to get it over. When you talk that fast, you aren't being understood. The listeners can't get grasp of what you're talking about and it sounds like you're rambling.
It's also really important to use correct grammar. This is and educational resource, and it doesn't sound really good when you don't use correct grammar. I think that if we slow down and talk, then it would come out much better.
I know that it is hard to speak when you know that you're really being listened to. We can't be nervous though. It's easy to spot when someone's nervous. You can always hear it in their voice. We should all take a deep breath and relax before starting. It makes it a lot easier.
It's also really important to use correct grammar. This is and educational resource, and it doesn't sound really good when you don't use correct grammar. I think that if we slow down and talk, then it would come out much better.
I know that it is hard to speak when you know that you're really being listened to. We can't be nervous though. It's easy to spot when someone's nervous. You can always hear it in their voice. We should all take a deep breath and relax before starting. It makes it a lot easier.
Maine Department of Education
In these podcasts, I learned that technology plays a major role in learning mathematics. Many students are already experienced in technology. Using technology in mathematics will easily allow them to reflect. Many students just memorize formulas that they will forget soon. Students should be able to think mathematically. There are many tools for hands-on experiences and visual models. The traditional sequential lesson to lesson teaching has become boring to our students. We should ask questions that will make the students think. This helps them learn and remember. This will also help them in the future.
Podcasts like this can help me keep my students engaged in the lesson. It will give me alternative ways to to teach my class while catering to all of the students' learning styles. It gives me ways to connect with what the students are interested in, such as technology. Judy Chandler also names some resources that would be helpful.
Podcasts like this can help me keep my students engaged in the lesson. It will give me alternative ways to to teach my class while catering to all of the students' learning styles. It gives me ways to connect with what the students are interested in, such as technology. Judy Chandler also names some resources that would be helpful.
Stanford
Carol Dweck talked about "growth" mindset vs. "fixed" mindset. She basically talked about really using your mind and exploring everything. She said that you never think that you can't learn more. You should use your mistakes to make yourself better.
She said that you must admit your mistakes and overcome them. She also said that since the world so ever-changing, you can't possibly make it without having a "growth" mindset. Everyone must unlock their minds, and be open to endless possibilities.
I think that this is a concept all teachers need to think about. Many students are like this. They feel like they cannot learn more than what they already know. If we get them to understand how important learning is, they will go so far in life. I feel like we must make education fun for our children. If we don't, there is so much more than can distract them. Helping the students have a "growth" mindset will make their lives so much better, and one day they will come back and thank us for that.
She said that you must admit your mistakes and overcome them. She also said that since the world so ever-changing, you can't possibly make it without having a "growth" mindset. Everyone must unlock their minds, and be open to endless possibilities.
I think that this is a concept all teachers need to think about. Many students are like this. They feel like they cannot learn more than what they already know. If we get them to understand how important learning is, they will go so far in life. I feel like we must make education fun for our children. If we don't, there is so much more than can distract them. Helping the students have a "growth" mindset will make their lives so much better, and one day they will come back and thank us for that.
WGBH
I actually watched two podcasts: one on precipitation & one on solar eclipses. The precipitation podcast basically showed examples of the different kinds of precipitation. The solar eclipse podcast explained what a solar eclipse is. It also showed a diagram of the way they occur. This podcast even told you the different ways eclipses can occur, and where you have to be on earth to see it.
I think that video podcast like these would be helpful in the classroom. They provide a different way of learning for the students. This gives the students a different face to look at and a different voice to hear. They would also be useful when there are no resources to conduct scientific experiments. The students could watch the experiment being conducted on a podcast. If resources are available, the podcast could be a "heads-up" for the students so that they know what to expect. Or, the students could just follow along with the podcast.
I also think that video podcast can be used to help the students with public speaking. Students can create their own video podcast where they teach something to their classmates. Then, the student will be able to view their podcast and critique themselves. They will be learning something and working on their speaking abilities at the same time.
I think that video podcast like these would be helpful in the classroom. They provide a different way of learning for the students. This gives the students a different face to look at and a different voice to hear. They would also be useful when there are no resources to conduct scientific experiments. The students could watch the experiment being conducted on a podcast. If resources are available, the podcast could be a "heads-up" for the students so that they know what to expect. Or, the students could just follow along with the podcast.
I also think that video podcast can be used to help the students with public speaking. Students can create their own video podcast where they teach something to their classmates. Then, the student will be able to view their podcast and critique themselves. They will be learning something and working on their speaking abilities at the same time.
Edutopia
The Edible Schoolyard is great because there are so many subjects integrated into that whole idea. There's math, science, and history. I could tell that the students were enjoying and learning at the same time. I had no idea there were schools that did that. A night in a global village seemed to be very educational. I wish I could have done something like that when I was in school. It makes you much more appreciative of what you have because there's always someone who has it worse than you do.
These podcasts would be great for my future class to watch, but it would be even better if they could experience it themselves. There's so much to learn from this. A lot of teamwork and group cooperation has to happen for it to even be a success. This activity exposes students to different culture, and it also teaches them about survival.
In my future class, we could watch these podcasts and have a class discussion. This would allow us to discuss cooperation, and it would also bring up a conversation about poverty. I may be able to get a trip together where we actually experience some of this. As a replica of the edible schoolyard, we could visit a garden. There are still many of those in Clarke County where I'm from. These are great educational experiences, and I think it would be very valuable in an educational environment.
These podcasts would be great for my future class to watch, but it would be even better if they could experience it themselves. There's so much to learn from this. A lot of teamwork and group cooperation has to happen for it to even be a success. This activity exposes students to different culture, and it also teaches them about survival.
In my future class, we could watch these podcasts and have a class discussion. This would allow us to discuss cooperation, and it would also bring up a conversation about poverty. I may be able to get a trip together where we actually experience some of this. As a replica of the edible schoolyard, we could visit a garden. There are still many of those in Clarke County where I'm from. These are great educational experiences, and I think it would be very valuable in an educational environment.
Listening to Podcasts
After listening to these podcasts, I've realized that everyone is not meant to do podcasts. Some of the podcasts were not well prepared, and it is obvious. There was a lot of joking and laughing going on. The jokes were really corny and not funny. You have to keep your audience's attention if you want them to keep tuning in.
Another thing that I noticed was the use of "um" and "uh". This is not entertaining. I think that some of these people are unorganized, and they ramble a lot. In some of the podcasts, the subject wasn't very clear.
I think that you should prepare for a podcast presentation in the same way you would prepare for a public speaking event. Even though your face is not seen, you can tell if someone is nervous or trying not to make any mistakes. You have to be relaxed.
I think that the subjects of the podcast were good, and some of the information was useful. Some of the presenters sounded too comfortable, and they turned the podcast into a silly talk show. Listening to these podcasts helped me realized what I did not want to sound like.
Another thing that I noticed was the use of "um" and "uh". This is not entertaining. I think that some of these people are unorganized, and they ramble a lot. In some of the podcasts, the subject wasn't very clear.
I think that you should prepare for a podcast presentation in the same way you would prepare for a public speaking event. Even though your face is not seen, you can tell if someone is nervous or trying not to make any mistakes. You have to be relaxed.
I think that the subjects of the podcast were good, and some of the information was useful. Some of the presenters sounded too comfortable, and they turned the podcast into a silly talk show. Listening to these podcasts helped me realized what I did not want to sound like.
Randy Pausch
Great video! I think that Randy Pausch is an incredibly intelligent person. He has taken every experience that he's had and turned it into a positive learning experience. I think it's good that he can use his experiences to try and make others better.
I liked the fact that he felt he was able to go to someone else when he did not know what to do with his class. Many people have to much pride to ask for advice. I think he received the best advice ever. He was able to push his class to do better, even when they had already done more than he expected.
The topic of the video was fulfilling your childhhood dreams. Randy Pausch shows us that everyone can fulfill their dreams, and the most important part of it is what you learn from it. There will be so many "brick walls" that try and deter you, but there is always some way to get around it.
"I'm dying, and I'm having fun." This statement really touched me. I'm at a time in my life where I feel like I'm too stressed. I've come to realize that I make myself stressed. This video was very inspirational, and I really enjoyed it.
I liked the fact that he felt he was able to go to someone else when he did not know what to do with his class. Many people have to much pride to ask for advice. I think he received the best advice ever. He was able to push his class to do better, even when they had already done more than he expected.
The topic of the video was fulfilling your childhhood dreams. Randy Pausch shows us that everyone can fulfill their dreams, and the most important part of it is what you learn from it. There will be so many "brick walls" that try and deter you, but there is always some way to get around it.
"I'm dying, and I'm having fun." This statement really touched me. I'm at a time in my life where I feel like I'm too stressed. I've come to realize that I make myself stressed. This video was very inspirational, and I really enjoyed it.
iPods in Instruction
I think Duke University came up with a great idea in adding iPods to their curriculum. One of the drama classes used iPods to create their own version of radio shows. They recorded their audios on the iPods and used audio editing software to add sound effects. I actually listened to one of the productions. It was really good. Some of the students used their iPods to record their pulse rates. Some downloaded class lectures so that they could listen to them on the go. Very Good ideas!
Another website that visited was Using iPods in Instruction. This is a research brief on this subject. Their findings showed that this is a great educational device. English Language Learners and foreign language learners have used this to record voice notes for themselves. Many students say they use iPods because it helps with the distractions. ADD and ADHD students say iPods help give them control. So yes, there ARE many uses for the iPod in the education environment.
Another website that visited was Using iPods in Instruction. This is a research brief on this subject. Their findings showed that this is a great educational device. English Language Learners and foreign language learners have used this to record voice notes for themselves. Many students say they use iPods because it helps with the distractions. ADD and ADHD students say iPods help give them control. So yes, there ARE many uses for the iPod in the education environment.
AliceChristie.org
I really enjoyed browsing this website. The digital photography page really stood out to me. I have a digital camera, and I enjoy taking pictures. I hadn't really experimented with a digital camera until recently. I think it's a great idea to use digital cameras in the classroom setting, especially in the elementary classroom. It's great to be able to go back and look at what you did years ago. Memories last forever.
Taking pictures of field trips and class activities is a really good idea. After returning to the classroom, I could have a class discussion to reflect on what we learned on the trip or during the activity. This would be a great way to review, and the students wouldn't even know they were reviewing. Creating videos and powerpoint presentations from digital pictures is a great idea. Taking pictures of students engaging in new experiences or experiments will help the students realize where they were before and where they are now. It lets them know that they are learning. Letting the students experiment with the digital camera themselves is also a great idea. It would be a learning experience for them.
Taking pictures of field trips and class activities is a really good idea. After returning to the classroom, I could have a class discussion to reflect on what we learned on the trip or during the activity. This would be a great way to review, and the students wouldn't even know they were reviewing. Creating videos and powerpoint presentations from digital pictures is a great idea. Taking pictures of students engaging in new experiences or experiments will help the students realize where they were before and where they are now. It lets them know that they are learning. Letting the students experiment with the digital camera themselves is also a great idea. It would be a learning experience for them.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Wikipedia
The Wikipedia Scanner was created by Virgil Griffith. By tracing IP adresses, it informs people on changes made to Wikipedia. This device can let you know who edited the article and when they edited it. This is a neat device. It is obvious that Wikipedia shouldn't be used as a reliable source because anyone can edit the information. With the Wikipedia Scanner, you know who has been editing.
I think this would be a good activity to use in the classroom. To show the students how important it is to make sure they're using reliable sources, a teacher could use the Wikipedia scanner and trace any article from Wikipedia to show the students how anybody can edit those articles.
I think this would be a good activity to use in the classroom. To show the students how important it is to make sure they're using reliable sources, a teacher could use the Wikipedia scanner and trace any article from Wikipedia to show the students how anybody can edit those articles.
Best of FischBowl May 2007: Customer Service
I really enjoyed this blog. I really like how he compared that audio to education. It really makes you think. I believe that he made a good point when he said that we've just become accustomed to "the way things are". If you really think about it, it is not the way things should be. So, we should expect more from our students, and they will give us more. Many times, educators think that their students have a limit. When they think the students have met that limit, they don't push them any farther. How are we preparing students for the real world when we're relaying the message that "it's okay to stop when you think you've had enough"? These are the people who will be leading the world in 20 or 30 years. We have to prepare them now. Give them all we've got, each and every time. Treat them all the same, each and every time.
The audio was a customer calling technical support to have some problems solved. There's absolutely nothing wrong with getting help. But, if we prepare students for this modern technology, they won't have to get technical support. They will be able to solve the problem on their own. There is just so much that I didn't learn in high school that students need to know. WE HAVE TO PREPARE OUR CHILDREN!!!
The audio was a customer calling technical support to have some problems solved. There's absolutely nothing wrong with getting help. But, if we prepare students for this modern technology, they won't have to get technical support. They will be able to solve the problem on their own. There is just so much that I didn't learn in high school that students need to know. WE HAVE TO PREPARE OUR CHILDREN!!!
Best of FischBowl 2007
I totally agree that all education personnel should have a basic knowledge of technology. Children are very smart, and many of them have a significant amount of experience when it comes to technology. It should be embarrassing for a student to have to tell the teacher how to work a computer. I'm not saying that teachers can't learn from students because I think it's a great thing for students and teachers to learn from each other. The student should not have to hold the teacher's hand every time the teacher gets ready to use a technological device. That's ridiculous. Besides, technology has so much to offer when it comes to education. Every educator should want to be technologically literate.
Mrs. Marrinan Year Two Class
Mrs. Marrinan is a year 2 (6 & 7 year old) teacher in QLD, Australia. She uses her class blog to show the many projects that they participate in. The picture is part of the PeaceQuilt project that the students participated in. The blog has many audios that the students have done. It's just a great blog. Here is the link to Mrs. Marrinan's Class Blog.
Mrs. Toa- Shanghai American School
Mrs. Sarah Toa is a grade one teacher at Shanghai American School in Shanghai, China. She uses her blog to post activities that the students are doing, and she also puts reminders to the parents on the blog. She has some pictures of the students and parents engaging in activities in the classroom. She also has a grade 5 class blog, and each of the students have their own individual blog. Here is the link to Mrs. Toa's Grade One Class.
Mrs. Austin's Kindergarten Class
Mrs. Austin is a teacher at Goochland Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia. She uses her class blog to inform parents about what the students are doing in class. She also uses it to remind parents of things that are going on in the classroom.This way, she won't have to worry about important information (letters/reminders to parents)getting lost. It is always on the web, and it's easily accessed. The picture that is posted here is from the class blog. I think that it was a good idea for her to post this picture on the blog because parents have the option to print the picture. Here is the link to Mrs.Austin's Kindergarten Kids Class Blog.
Senor Rooke's Blog
This is a Spanish class blog from Goochland High School in Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Rooke puts his daily agenda on this blog. He lists the new words/phrases they learn on daily basis, and most of the writing is in Spanish. It is very interesting! He also lists some sample stories that they have written. I think this is a good idea because students can easily access the blog to review. The parents can also see what the students are doing in class. Here is a link to Senor Rooke's Blog.
The FischBowl
I never really though about any of the material presented in this video. It is extremely amazing how far the world has come in the past years. The people who created this video put a lot of thought into it, and it really makes you think. This proof that anything can be done if you put your mind to it. It also makes me think about how important education really is. There are so many people today who don't have the opportunity to get a higher education. It is getting to the point where it is necessary for people to have a higher education to even exceed in life. So, it is very important for us, as future teachers, to make sure we do all we can to make life easier for our students and ourselves.
I also think that advanced technology is making us lazy. It is so easy to get things accomplished that we can sit down and do anything. Without all the advanced exercise equipment, everyone should take 15 minutes out of the day and have a quick workout. Every little bit helps. If we start the trend now, it will have a great effect on our future students/children.
I also think that advanced technology is making us lazy. It is so easy to get things accomplished that we can sit down and do anything. Without all the advanced exercise equipment, everyone should take 15 minutes out of the day and have a quick workout. Every little bit helps. If we start the trend now, it will have a great effect on our future students/children.
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