Sunday, March 25, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Blog Assignment #8
This Is How We Dream
"Ideas don't belong to us individually, they belong to us as a culture." I really enjoyed this quote from Dr. Richard E. Miller. His idea on how ideas are thought by all different types of people. Ideas are a melting pot. People from different cultures and different background can constantly evolve the original idea.
Dr. Miller made me feel drawn to what he was saying during the video. Incorporating multimedia into my classroom does not only make the classroom more interesting for the students, but for the teacher as well. Multimedia takes mundane lessons and really spruces up education. The more interesting the lecture is, the more the students will be more inclined to learn.
Carly Pugh's Blog Post #12
Miss Carly Pugh made an excellent suggestion by suggesting future teachers should create a playlist of videos to encourage them. Different videos/opinions can motivate people differently especially with different types of topics or subject material. Think Different was my favorite video that she posted. I like how Carly took the initiative to add this to her playlist to use as a reminder. A reminder to go out of the box and make kids think! Creativity is naturally in a student’s mind, but sometimes it takes an educator to pull that creativity out. Teachers AND students both need to think outside of the box.
After Carly’s blog, I was curious and inspired to search for my own inspirational videos to add to my own playlist. When searching YouTube, I found a video that stresses the keys to success. Attitude is the key to a teacher’s success. Thank you Carly for adding another idea to my teaching portfolio !
EDM for Dummies
Oh EDM 310! I really enjoyed both of the videos. Watching these videos really got my wheels turning about my final project. My plan is to begin brainstorming and create a couple of ideas before I decide on the final decision. I may even rehearse and see which one I like the most. Animation seems to be the direction I am leaning toward right now, but in the next week it could change
Learn to Change, Change to Learn
Change! Change! Classrooms are in need of a change. They need to be transformed into learning hubs that are filled with interest. I am completely and 100% percent on board with this idea. The classroom needs to be more interesting. Technology and kids are constantly changing. In my opinion, it only makes sense to constantly keep changing lessons to keep up with technology and students. Learning shouldn’t be boring! Teachers please listen: students don’t need to just memorization and typing questions into Google.
I loved this video! I completely agree with transforming the classroom into a fun and interesting learning environment. After this video, the excitement of teaching is almost overwhelming. I cannot wait to become and educator and to teach my kids useful information and not useless information.
Scavenger Hunt
"Ideas don't belong to us individually, they belong to us as a culture." I really enjoyed this quote from Dr. Richard E. Miller. His idea on how ideas are thought by all different types of people. Ideas are a melting pot. People from different cultures and different background can constantly evolve the original idea.
Dr. Miller made me feel drawn to what he was saying during the video. Incorporating multimedia into my classroom does not only make the classroom more interesting for the students, but for the teacher as well. Multimedia takes mundane lessons and really spruces up education. The more interesting the lecture is, the more the students will be more inclined to learn.
Carly Pugh's Blog Post #12
Miss Carly Pugh made an excellent suggestion by suggesting future teachers should create a playlist of videos to encourage them. Different videos/opinions can motivate people differently especially with different types of topics or subject material. Think Different was my favorite video that she posted. I like how Carly took the initiative to add this to her playlist to use as a reminder. A reminder to go out of the box and make kids think! Creativity is naturally in a student’s mind, but sometimes it takes an educator to pull that creativity out. Teachers AND students both need to think outside of the box.
After Carly’s blog, I was curious and inspired to search for my own inspirational videos to add to my own playlist. When searching YouTube, I found a video that stresses the keys to success. Attitude is the key to a teacher’s success. Thank you Carly for adding another idea to my teaching portfolio !
EDM for Dummies
Oh EDM 310! I really enjoyed both of the videos. Watching these videos really got my wheels turning about my final project. My plan is to begin brainstorming and create a couple of ideas before I decide on the final decision. I may even rehearse and see which one I like the most. Animation seems to be the direction I am leaning toward right now, but in the next week it could change
Learn to Change, Change to Learn
Change! Change! Classrooms are in need of a change. They need to be transformed into learning hubs that are filled with interest. I am completely and 100% percent on board with this idea. The classroom needs to be more interesting. Technology and kids are constantly changing. In my opinion, it only makes sense to constantly keep changing lessons to keep up with technology and students. Learning shouldn’t be boring! Teachers please listen: students don’t need to just memorization and typing questions into Google.
I loved this video! I completely agree with transforming the classroom into a fun and interesting learning environment. After this video, the excitement of teaching is almost overwhelming. I cannot wait to become and educator and to teach my kids useful information and not useless information.
Scavenger Hunt
Edmodo is a great resource that is available at the click of mouse for teachers and students. The site is a combination of the ever growing popular twitter and Facebook. If you register as a student or teacher, you are allowed access to appropriate communication possibilities. This site not only allows communication between student and teachers, but between parents and teachers. The site also provides the ability to connect and communicate with other educators. In my opinion, this site is similar to Google. Creating groups, updating and organizing calendars, and recording grades are similar to features offered by Google. This site also allows students and their parents to view passed assignment and the ability to “exchange” notes about projects or school related issues. The other feature that I really enjoyed and hope to implement into my classroom is the quiz creator and etc. With the quiz creator aspect, I would be allowed to create a quiz, post the quiz for student, receive the quiz responses, and grade the quizzes all in one program. That is an extremely useful tool when maintaining an organized classroom. I do not know how I could incorporate the quiz creator for my future elementary students, but I have plenty of time to figure it out
Photo Peach is a useful and creative site used to create and share slideshows. This site can really be implemented into the teaching resources used to spruce-up classroom lectures. The slideshows have similar features as the computer program PowerPoint; music, comments, captions, quotes, movies, links, and pictures can be added onto the slides. The site also allows the possibility for teachers to create a “folder” where all of the students have the ability to create their own slideshow. However, unlike Edmodo, this site can require a monthly subscription especially for more advanced features.
The last section of the scavenger hunt was Poll Everywhere. This site/feature is completely free and it could be considered very valuable to educators. Already, I am considering the idea of enlisting the help of my future first class to see what areas they enjoyed and where I could improve.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Project #10
My PLN's are my life savers! I actually have two! I have my iGoogle and my iPhone 4s. Because of this class, I am constantly using different tabs all at once. I honestly had no idea that my computer could do this. My PLN is actually pretty small, but has the sites that I access the most. With today's technology, I am able to take my PLN with me anywhere. Everything these days has an App. These apps and PLN will greatly benefit my entire teaching career. Not only are my resources and PLN accessible, but they are dependable. I can't wait to see how much my PLN grows over my teaching career.
Blog Assignment #7
The Networked Video
learning in the 21st century offered a very clear definition of how topics are learned by students dealing with online classes. The resource the student uses helps the student in the research he or she performs. By doing this, the student combines all of the information obtained about the topic, and makes it accessible for others who could be researching the same topic or information.
learning in the 21st century offered a very clear definition of how topics are learned by students dealing with online classes. The resource the student uses helps the student in the research he or she performs. By doing this, the student combines all of the information obtained about the topic, and makes it accessible for others who could be researching the same topic or information.
My first issue is the factual dependencies of the facts based on the subject matter. On the internet, it is extremely easy to manipulate the opinions about topics and the “research” found. When exploring for facts, finding opinions is particularly easy to locate on the internet, but finding facts; however, is not as easy. After evaluating this method of learning, I became aware of why. It makes perfect sense. If you research information on your own then the information becomes easier to obtain. Having the student conduct the research themselves seems more beneficial for the student in the long run. The new way of learning seems to be deflecting teachers just beating facts into students.
In the video, He wonders will teachers still be in need? Oh my goodness, YES! Because of our past assignments, I really and truly believe that I would not pass without the assistance from my teachers. Teachers are leaders or guiders of the stars, in a cheesy sense. Dependency on teachers will change in the forms needed, but there will always be a need for guidance. we are here to guide them in the right direction, be their model, teach, them how to decipher good information and anything else the internet may throw their way, is like the video stated.
One of the most important aspects of this video, I am still learning about is establishing a personal network. The best part is being able to view others. Being able to assist other educators and learners is highly beneficial to everyone. Sharing and “stealing” others ideas to provide excellent learning for students is a major resource. In the end, it is all about the students! Teachers do not need to forget this!! Share! Share! Share!...What are you doing still sitting here…Go share!
A 7th Grader’s Personal Learning Environment
7th grader's PLN inspires me to create my own and share it with others who could use it or who are not aware of PLN’s. One thing that I wish my teachers’ would have instilled was organization. I think this is an excellent trait for students to have. One of my favorite parts was when the student mentioned that she is NOT given the option to do her work, but she IS given the option to do her work in an exciting way. The teacher is instilling and promoting a creative outlet for their students. Her students are able to do the research, record it, and then share it with others.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
C4K February Summary
The Month of February
(http://blogwithhannah.edublogs.org/ ) Hanging with Hannah was my first C4K student. Obviously, I loved her name to begin with since it rhymes with mine [haha sorry I couldn't resist]. Hannah's blog was very cute and sassy. She was in a classroom competition for blogs and WON! [GO HANNAH!] Hannah also mentioned two of her Christmas gifts she received. Their names are Polie and Chillie; which are like beanie babies. She must have been a pretty good girl if Santa came to visit.
http://pestepuawaia.blogspot.com/ My next student was Te Puawai from PT England School. Te Puawai's blog is very colorful and fun! Te Puawai and Ms. King's class recently received new furniture and technology for their class. Ms. Bark's class seems to incorporate technology in their classroom a great deal. Each student has made a podcast about personal experiences. I think that it is great that she is introducing her students to technology at such a young age.
http://kidblog.org/MsEppelesClass/author/Jackson515/ My third student that I viewed was Jackson from Ms. Eppele's class. Jackson's blog seems to be more of a class notebook or a journal. Ms. Eppele assigns her students a topic or an assignment and then the students, using their blogs, comment/complete it. In some of Jackson's earlier posts, he uses his blog as a journal discussing what he will be for Halloween. In his most recent blog, he discusses bullying and its effects. I think Ms. Eppele does a good job of incorporating the blog into her classroom, but also by allowing her students to become individuals.
http://y6.ferrylane.net/2012/02/27/joy-by-atifa/ My last blog was by Atz, Ferry Lane Year 6 Blog. Atz posted a beautiful poem about JOY! It was an extremely lovely poem. I was doing the rest of my assignments for EDM 310 and then my C4K for Atz. It was such a nice break to read such a lovely poem and escape in my thoughts about what makes me happy. I escaped to my "happy" place. At the end of the blog Atz asks what makes you joyous and if the reader can use emotions. I think it was a very unique and thoughtful way to end a blog.
All in all I have been extremely lucky to have been assigned great, interesting, gifted kids! They are all scattered around the world, but they all have one thing in common. They all have teachers that seem to care and want to incorporate technology into their classrooms. My students that I have been observing seem to really enjoy their assignments, and I hope once I become a teacher...I can instill the joy these students seem to have from their technology and teachers.
Blog Assignment #6
Achieving Your Childhood Dreams Randy Pausch is a powerful and passionate speaker. His excitement and joy are extremely noticeable when he speaks. In his speech, Mr. Pausch is truthfully blunt about things people should strive to obtain in life. He is exceptionally forthright when it comes to speaking about anything in life and even the success and failures it possess.
Mr. Randy illuminates peoples thoughts about specific goals we all have and personal reflection of thought. For example, I have a goal of being a teacher; however, I never thought about my specific goals of becoming a teacher. After his lecture I determined I want to be a teacher my students enjoy, that they truly learn from, and a successful one at that. After Mr. Pausch’s lecture, I have found the importance of educating my students in having goals and helping them obtain their specific goals they have. I think one of the most important aspects of this video was that goals are not concrete that they can be changed. We can tweak our childish dreams into adult realities, and still reach our goals of the past.
Another portion of the video I enjoyed was the topic of the brick walls. Brick walls are obstacles to our goals. When we are trying to reach our goals, we run into “brick walls.” We are turned away by the dead end. The purpose of these walls, according to Randy, is to exterminate the people who do not truly want their dreams achieved. When we reach these “brick walls” we are forced to exam our life and what we really want from it. If we want to sincerely reach our goals, then nothing will stand in our way. We figure out ways to break down those walls or overcome to their resistance. I want my students to understand and instill motivation into my students’ souls. I want to explain to my students that walls can be broken and rebuilt daily, but learning how to keep breaking those walls down is the key. I wish my teachers would have instilled this idea more strongly when I was in school.
From this video, I learned several lessons that I want to embed into my classroom. The first lesson is creating a bar for my students to strive for. When I create my bar, I hope my students succeed as Randy’s did in the first two week. The height of the bar is extremely important. If the bar is to low, it could possibly have negative effects on my students. I really want my students to set the bar on their own, but with the guidance of myself. By teaching students to properly set goal and have determination to reach them, then they can properly set their own bar at an appropriate height. Another thing that I think all teachers should remember and keep close to their thoughts is having fun. Mr. Pausch wants teachers to question whether “you are a Tigger or Eeyore?” I refuse to be an Eeyore. As Randy mentioned in the video, maintaining childish wonders is a key to success. If we can remember the feelings we had as children, then we might be able to teach in a more effective manner for our students.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Blog Assignment #5
1.Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
This post made me really evaluate what type of teacher I want to become. This post really explains the problems that can be associated with students using technology as a learning source. The main concern was the dangers that the internet can have; however, the post also mentions the pros of using the internet/computers. Computers make students think, share, learn, and be creative more. Isn’t this the main goal of teaching students? Don’t we want our students to learn in as many dimensions as possible? Pencil and paper has become an outdated source of teaching. Our world is quickly evolving into a technology savvy world and we must keep our kids up to date. Dr. Scott McLeod, associate professor at the University of Kentucky, is the founding director of CASTLE; which is the only center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators. [CASTLE stands for Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education.]
This post made me really evaluate what type of teacher I want to become. This post really explains the problems that can be associated with students using technology as a learning source. The main concern was the dangers that the internet can have; however, the post also mentions the pros of using the internet/computers. Computers make students think, share, learn, and be creative more. Isn’t this the main goal of teaching students? Don’t we want our students to learn in as many dimensions as possible? Pencil and paper has become an outdated source of teaching. Our world is quickly evolving into a technology savvy world and we must keep our kids up to date. Dr. Scott McLeod, associate professor at the University of Kentucky, is the founding director of CASTLE; which is the only center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators. [CASTLE stands for Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education.]
2.The iSchool Initiative
Travis, a student from Georgia, portrays how effective teaching can be created without having loads of books, papers, pencils, and funds. With technology, apps and other programs can be purchased at little or no cost. iPads and tablets have many interactive apps; which can increase students to become more motivated in learning. In Travis’ second video, he discusses the revolution of iSchool Initiative. I really enjoyed this video because it shows the opinion of an actual high school student. Travis, who is a student, is helping educate teachers on how teachers should approach the future classrooms. As Travis stated, the revolution of technology in education has already begun and we need to be nothing but positive and helpful.
Travis, a student from Georgia, portrays how effective teaching can be created without having loads of books, papers, pencils, and funds. With technology, apps and other programs can be purchased at little or no cost. iPads and tablets have many interactive apps; which can increase students to become more motivated in learning. In Travis’ second video, he discusses the revolution of iSchool Initiative. I really enjoyed this video because it shows the opinion of an actual high school student. Travis, who is a student, is helping educate teachers on how teachers should approach the future classrooms. As Travis stated, the revolution of technology in education has already begun and we need to be nothing but positive and helpful.
3. Virtual Choir
This video was amazing! It was a video compiled of 185 strangers virtually interactively singing. This video is clearly a work of passion because it had to have taken a great deal of time. A video like this just show how helpful and how many options are available using the internet. Being the fact that the internet is worldwide there are so many users. This video and my EDM 310 class make me want to incorporate worldwide interaction with other students in my classroom. The most interesting part of this video is that 185 strangers “came together” to create a beautiful video that can be viewed globally.
This video was amazing! It was a video compiled of 185 strangers virtually interactively singing. This video is clearly a work of passion because it had to have taken a great deal of time. A video like this just show how helpful and how many options are available using the internet. Being the fact that the internet is worldwide there are so many users. This video and my EDM 310 class make me want to incorporate worldwide interaction with other students in my classroom. The most interesting part of this video is that 185 strangers “came together” to create a beautiful video that can be viewed globally.
4.Teaching in the 21st Century
Have you watched teaching in the 21st century? If not please click on the link immediately and watch this video. It is truly amazing! This video is a perfect display to fight people who are against integrating technology into classroom. Teaching should involve information that is relevant, engaging, and challenging to students. When I begin planning my future lessons, I will be sure to keep those three words in mind. Making lessons and learning relevant motivates students to want to learn the information. Students want to know how and why lessons learned apply to the real world, and making lessons relevant answers that question. Entertaining should be used when using technology or videos, never for learning material. I really want my students to be challenged rather than entertained with the lesson. By making the material challenging, the students must critically think and apply the material appropriately. Kevin Roberts and I seem to view teaching as more of a guide for students to move closer to the right direction. Teaching is evolving from just programming students with information to actually instructing teachers how to retain the information in students. By guiding the student, instead of just telling the students directly, the students are learning what to do with knowledge and information that is learned. The age of teachers is changing and even though there will always be a need for educators, the methods of teaching are changing with the times.
Have you watched teaching in the 21st century? If not please click on the link immediately and watch this video. It is truly amazing! This video is a perfect display to fight people who are against integrating technology into classroom. Teaching should involve information that is relevant, engaging, and challenging to students. When I begin planning my future lessons, I will be sure to keep those three words in mind. Making lessons and learning relevant motivates students to want to learn the information. Students want to know how and why lessons learned apply to the real world, and making lessons relevant answers that question. Entertaining should be used when using technology or videos, never for learning material. I really want my students to be challenged rather than entertained with the lesson. By making the material challenging, the students must critically think and apply the material appropriately. Kevin Roberts and I seem to view teaching as more of a guide for students to move closer to the right direction. Teaching is evolving from just programming students with information to actually instructing teachers how to retain the information in students. By guiding the student, instead of just telling the students directly, the students are learning what to do with knowledge and information that is learned. The age of teachers is changing and even though there will always be a need for educators, the methods of teaching are changing with the times.
5.Reading Rockets
Reading is becoming a lost art form with the use of television and things being visually available. Reading needs to be rocketed back into our world! The Reading Rockets website was very overwhelming. The website provided many links and information on the entire page. At first glance, the website is sort of confusing, but once you begin exploring the website it becomes more understandable. On the teaching tab, there is a classroom strategies link. This link explains some beginning strategies for teaching reading to students. The topics are explained how to be broken down and how/when to approach the certain sections. Top 10 Things You Should Know About Reading is a great resource that is available to help those students who are still struggling with reading. The best part of this website is the section that is a list of recommended books. By selecting the type of subject or topic, it recommends different books that students may enjoy. My softball girls are always asking me if I know of any good books and now I can now recommend a great website for them to continue their excitement of reading.
Blog Post Assignment #4
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom Until this video, I never really understood or knew what a podcast could be used for. This video explained to me that podcast has two main purposes. One way, allows the teacher to record the podcast and make it available for students to review on material or to visually see the material once again. I really love this point because it allows students to review even if they are sick or absent. The other aspect I enjoyed with podcast is, students can use a hands on experience. The students could create scripts and add on to the podcast. I think what I'll take from this video, for my own podcast, is making my podcast entertaining and creative. I really do not want my students to have to listen to a monotone zombie. I want them to be entertained as equally enough as a television show to an extent.
Podcast Selection Somewhere out in the world, is probably a book called “Podcasting for dummies,” but if you cannot find a book like that then this video is for you! Judy Scharf did a phenomenal job on explaining what a podcast is. She also gave ample amount of examples on how to do a podcast and methods to assign. On Ms. Scharf’s video, was a link to TeacherTube; which is a great podcast about podcasts. The best tip I received from this video was make the viewers actually want to finish the podcast. Make it exciting and enjoyable, not just facts and lectures.
1st Graders Create Their Own Read Along Audio Book In this podcast, a classroom of first graders were divided up to create a script for a chapter book that they were reading. The thing about this podcast that was most visible was the excitement that the students had on creating the video. Until now, I never really thought about how much the students would enjoy creating one, only about how they would like watching one. The students really were interested in tweaking their voices and scripts on the Smart Board. I love when there are hands on activities for students! Anytime a child is excited about learning is something that should be repeated! When I create my own podcast, I want to play around with some of the effects that these students got to do and be better acquainted with the skills required. From the information received from the other podcasts, since I am excited about my future with podcasts, the podcast itself was a great podcast (because it made me excited and was creative).
Podcast Selection Somewhere out in the world, is probably a book called “Podcasting for dummies,” but if you cannot find a book like that then this video is for you! Judy Scharf did a phenomenal job on explaining what a podcast is. She also gave ample amount of examples on how to do a podcast and methods to assign. On Ms. Scharf’s video, was a link to TeacherTube; which is a great podcast about podcasts. The best tip I received from this video was make the viewers actually want to finish the podcast. Make it exciting and enjoyable, not just facts and lectures.
1st Graders Create Their Own Read Along Audio Book In this podcast, a classroom of first graders were divided up to create a script for a chapter book that they were reading. The thing about this podcast that was most visible was the excitement that the students had on creating the video. Until now, I never really thought about how much the students would enjoy creating one, only about how they would like watching one. The students really were interested in tweaking their voices and scripts on the Smart Board. I love when there are hands on activities for students! Anytime a child is excited about learning is something that should be repeated! When I create my own podcast, I want to play around with some of the effects that these students got to do and be better acquainted with the skills required. From the information received from the other podcasts, since I am excited about my future with podcasts, the podcast itself was a great podcast (because it made me excited and was creative).
Friday, February 24, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
C4T #1 Post
I was assigned to comment on the Blend My Learning Blog. One of the post's that I commented on was about "Lessons Learned from a Blended Learning Pilot." This blog was on a study on how blended learning really works in the real world. In this blog, he discusses the change in the teacher's role in the classroom, perspectives from students, classroom space, results, and several feedbacks from different sources. In the study, the students who learned in a Blended Classroom scored higher than those who were in the traditional classroom setting. However; the results are hard to depict success on just the implication of technology because of how skilled the teacher was and the motivation that the students seemed to have. Also, in the studied students are changing their forms of questions from "What is the answer?" to "How do I do this;" which is making students learn something new besides trying to just finish the work assigned. Some takeaways for me on this post were embedding learning, students seem to pay more attention to technology, and student's who seem to be disengaged with learning suddenly become intrigued with the technological educational games.
In the second post that I commented on, was the results on Blended Learning. The results stated that the "treated" classroom, that I mentioned above were successful on more correct answers. The Blended Learning used the Khan Academy out of California to study the students. The study was covered over a 5 week time span and the "treatment" teacher was extremely skilled. Also, the Khan Academy did not include the pre-algebra scores in the testing; which could effect the results of the study of improvement. Some questions that are still present in this research are would the pre-algebra scoring change the results dramatically, would the results continue with a less skilled teacher, and would the improvements in learning continue throughout through the entire school year.
Since that was the first time I have heard of the Khan Academy. I would like to research it further so I can form a better opinion. However, what I have read so far, the Khan Academy’s way of teaching/learning gives students the ability to learn at their own speed. The benefits are extremely helpful for students who are still unsure of material that was covered in class. Sometimes students who listen closely and take adequate notes still need further assistance in grasping the information. As a student, I have experienced that problem first hand. Most of the time, that one lecture I seem to struggle on always seems to be the lecture that is covered mostly on the exam. A system like this will give students the opportunity to review until they get it. I am curious to see what the results of the year round test will show. I really wish that there was a program like this for some of my college courses, but as a future educator knowing that this is an issue, maybe I can conquer it before it becomes a problem.
In the second post that I commented on, was the results on Blended Learning. The results stated that the "treated" classroom, that I mentioned above were successful on more correct answers. The Blended Learning used the Khan Academy out of California to study the students. The study was covered over a 5 week time span and the "treatment" teacher was extremely skilled. Also, the Khan Academy did not include the pre-algebra scores in the testing; which could effect the results of the study of improvement. Some questions that are still present in this research are would the pre-algebra scoring change the results dramatically, would the results continue with a less skilled teacher, and would the improvements in learning continue throughout through the entire school year.
Since that was the first time I have heard of the Khan Academy. I would like to research it further so I can form a better opinion. However, what I have read so far, the Khan Academy’s way of teaching/learning gives students the ability to learn at their own speed. The benefits are extremely helpful for students who are still unsure of material that was covered in class. Sometimes students who listen closely and take adequate notes still need further assistance in grasping the information. As a student, I have experienced that problem first hand. Most of the time, that one lecture I seem to struggle on always seems to be the lecture that is covered mostly on the exam. A system like this will give students the opportunity to review until they get it. I am curious to see what the results of the year round test will show. I really wish that there was a program like this for some of my college courses, but as a future educator knowing that this is an issue, maybe I can conquer it before it becomes a problem.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Blog Assignment #3
Tutorial Peer Editing
View more PowerPoint from Adriana Zardini
Technology in Special Education
Technology in Special Education
After the YouTube video Technology in Special Education, I came to realize how vital technology is in the classroom. In Ms. Cook's class, she expressed in realistic detail how technology improved and saved her student's education. Ms. Cook mentioned that a major hurdle she faced with her students were communication barriers. With technology, relationships and barriers are being smashed down.
In the video, Ms. Cook uses some of her students to show how technology in the classroom improves their learning experience. Corbin uses an audio book to read during quite hour. Before this, he had to have a staff member read to him. Kris, who seemed to communicate with blinking, and Sherea used their computers to fully communicate in a more advanced fashion. Hopefully, with more technology, will come more efficient learning for students with special needs, and will allow educators to better understand what their students need.
Educational Apps
With technology becoming the main way to educate students; it is only natural that technology is becoming more dominant in schools. Special need students are using technology more in more in schools and at home to better improve their lives and education. Computers are the more popular forms of technology that special needs teachers/students are using to communicate and complete work faster. Thanks to the iPad, iTouch, and iPhone learning is becoming more accessible without having to tote a full size computer around.
The application that I found for special needs children is called Dexteria. Dexteria is used to improve motor skills and handwriting. This app is easy to use and is for basically all ages. Dexteria is not only for the student, but therapists and parents are being able to monitor/view improvements and areas that need more assistance. The app is also reasonably cheap ($9.99) which is a huge positive note for parents. This game is bright and easy to use. I plan on teaching Kindergarten and I think this would be great to use even if the student is not special needs.
Gary's Social Media Count
On Gary's Social Media Count, in the time 1 second occurs media technologies can increase by 1,000s. The world is filled with 6.8 BILLION people and a majority of those people are connected to some sort of technology. We are seeing technology improve life in the real world, but what does technology really mean for educators? How will this change the teaching norms?
Well in my opinion, this increasing use of technology means educators need to keep up with times. If students are spending more time on the computer or phones then they are in the classroom then maybe we should use that as a resource for learning. With that being said, educators need to become more familiar with how technology is used and at least the main programs in them.
Like I said, the times are changing and every second their are more people using technology and everyday there is an increase in technologies. We must keep the old teaching techniques, but implement and blend the new technology techniques. The sooner the better too because with every second we sit twittering our thumbs the more people are logging into some sort of technology.
A Vision of Students Today
Wow! After watching, A Vision of Students Today, I am completely shocked. I live the student life that the students expressed in the video. The college student day lasting 26.6 hours instead of 24. Above this section, I watched and commented on many other videos about technology, and I supported it. However, after watching this video I am starting to understand technology from the view point of an educator.
Technology can be helpful and beneficial, but it can also be very distracting! As a student, I am constantly pulled away from schoolwork to be distracted by a silly iPhone app, but as an educator I can see how technology can improve and assist in learning. That is the million dollar question I suppose...how can technology be balanced in the classroom?
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Project #2 Wordle URL Source
<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/4792024/Project_2"
title="Wordle: Project 2"><img
src=
alt="Wordle: Project 2"
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Blog Assignment #2
Educational Video Summaries
Video 1:
Video 1:
In video 1, Did You Know? 3.0, the main focus was on the lack of gumption the United States is having toward education. India and China are kicking our butts in education. India, for instance, has 25% high IQ then the entire United States population. In India, the country also trumps the U.S. in K-12 Honor Students. There are more K-12 Honor Students in India then there are the entire K-12 student population. China ,on the other hand, is "programming" their children to be ahead of the game. The Chinese have more citizens that are capable of speaking English then the ENTIRE United States population. What is going on with the United States?
In the last half of the video, the main focus was on the use of technology and the frequency it is used. From phones, to computers, to multimedia devices, technology is dominating the world. At the rate the world is going, the top 10 jobs do not exist as of now, and the technology to create/maintain those jobs do not exist. The world is constantly changing and technology is playing a leading role in success. From video 1, the statistics show that the United States need to pick it up a notch or other countries will lead in the foot race.
Video 2:
In video 2, Mr. Winkle Wakes, Mr. Winkles tells a similar tale as Rumpelstiltskin. Mr. Winkle awakes from his slumber after 100 years! Mr. Winkles travels all of the town trying to find something familiar to his time era. He views TALL buildings that reach to the sky that are filled with computers and devices that can print images out on paper. He realizes that long distant business relationship change from miles and hours away to instantly connected. In shear shock, Mr. Winkle travels to the hospital. He quickly realizes that the hospitals are filled with magnificent technology that are capable of saving lives. Mr. Winkle leaves the hospital and wonders down the road and comes across a school. School ends up being the location that Mr. Winkle feels the most comfortable.
Mr. Winkle feels more comfortable in the schools because of the lack of technology. Even though the video is a cartoon and fictional, it conveys a giant message of how schools desperately need more technology integration. As video 1 stated, technology is running side-by-side with the employment areas. The world is a lot smaller now with technology.
Video 3:
Ken Robinson is an inspiration to creative revolution in education. In video 3, Sir Robinson uses a humorous approach to improve creativity in schools and acknowledging its importance. Robinson states that no one has a clue on what the future holds and that teachers have no clue how to teach/prepare students for the future. To help students prepare for the future, creativity will be just as important as subjects in school. Teachers need to drastically change their approach on creativity, it should be praised not stigmatized as a negative trait. The most intelligent statement I have ever heard came from Sir Robinson. He stated that if kids do not know something, they are not afraid of having a go. If people are not prepared to ever be wrong then they end up being frightened by being wrong. Basically, we are educating students out of creativity.
Everywhere, in the country, has the same hierarchy in subjects and in the arts. By doing this, we are creating students to think with just one side of their brains (intelligence). The body becomes a shuttle for your brain. Teachers need to stop stigmatizing their students creativity and the desires of their talents. Teachers need to understand that talents can be turned into professions. Since education inflation has occurred, students need to focus on their talents and further themselves in other educational aspects. Sometimes you need to move your feet towards things in life that you enjoy.
Video 4:
A Vision for 21st Century Learning is a realistic portrayal of the present and future. After the Industrial Revolution, the world as we know it drastically changed. No longer are people having to send letters, travel 1,000 of miles to visit someone, and globalization is becoming easier and easier daily. In the 21st century, we are living in a globally connected world. Education with lecture and notes is a dull way of learning. Interactive video games, 3-D worlds of the past, and overseas interaction with other students is now accessible at a click of a button.
In my personal opinion, I am extremely excited about the new world of teaching. The 3D world exploration of past worlds is an exciting program that I can not wait to explore with my students. Also, having complete openness to the world creates so many more doors for education and for students. Teaching is no longer based in a single classroom, but a melting pot of a global classroom.
Video 5:
In a rural Georgia town, a teacher is recreating the outdated version of teaching. Ms. Viki Davis is allowing and educating her students to learning in an unorthodox manner compared to the traditional views. Ms. Davis allows her students to network, create blogs, create virtual worlds, and explore other worlds from the safety of Georgia. She is not violating the standards that she must teach, but allowing her students to explore other resources to accomplish the standards.
Ms. Davis allows her students to focus on new software while learning the material with new technology. She does not only let her students learn the new software, but she encourages them to educate her on the new technology. Not knowing exactly how to teach the technology, or the materials used, is okay in Ms. Davis' eyes. She believes it creates them to use their own mind and creativity. Think globally act locally.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Blog Post #1 [Time Management]
Time Management:
Dr. Pausch stated that people do not connect time and money. He also stated that people never wonder why things or activities are on their to do list. What is the goal? What could happen if I do not do things? After hearing that, I realized I never really wondered why I am doing certain things on my to do list and never really asked myself if the things on my to do list were really necessary to reach my ultimate goal. Without having some type of plan, I am basically already setting myself up for failure [which I completely agree with, I just never realized it].There is more ways to plan, short or long. The most important thing that Dr. Pausch said was PLANS CAN BE CHANGED, but to change a plan you must have a plan. Also, do the things that you will not enjoy the most [which is good advice!]I think Dr. Pausch made some great points! I think I am pretty organized, but these pointers are definitely easy to impliment.
Source: YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r0uOaBhHvs&feature=youtu.be
Dr. Pausch stated that people do not connect time and money. He also stated that people never wonder why things or activities are on their to do list. What is the goal? What could happen if I do not do things? After hearing that, I realized I never really wondered why I am doing certain things on my to do list and never really asked myself if the things on my to do list were really necessary to reach my ultimate goal. Without having some type of plan, I am basically already setting myself up for failure [which I completely agree with, I just never realized it].There is more ways to plan, short or long. The most important thing that Dr. Pausch said was PLANS CAN BE CHANGED, but to change a plan you must have a plan. Also, do the things that you will not enjoy the most [which is good advice!]I think Dr. Pausch made some great points! I think I am pretty organized, but these pointers are definitely easy to impliment.
Source: YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r0uOaBhHvs&feature=youtu.be
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Blog Assignment #1
About me:)
My name is Anna Shartzer. I am an elementary education major. I should graduate in December 2013. After graduation, I plan on getting my Master's degree in Spanish. My dream job would be becoming a teacher in the Department of Defense and traveling the world. My second dream job would be opening a bakery. I wanted to become a teacher because both of my parents are teachers and I had a great kindergarten teacher. She inspired me to be an individual. If it was not for her influencing me and being around my two great teachers/parents, I don't think I would have wanted to be a teacher. I think the things I am great at are being patient, understanding, supportive, creative, funny, and thoughtful. My weaknesses are probably being to nice, gulible at times, and sometimes stubborn.I coach Volleyball at Robertsdale High School and I coach softball at Fairhope High School. Sports are a huge part of my life. I am a transfer from University of West Alabama where I played 2 years of Softball there. I transferred "home" becuase I was offered coaching position and my family is here.
I love the beach and spontaneous moments. I have two dogs,Sir Gus Gus the Great [a chow] and Benny the Jet Rodriguez [St. Bernard]. They are GIANT teddy bears. I have a boyfriend named Keith and he and I just bought our first house! Needless to say, neither of us are handy. Other than school, working, being a daughter, girlfriend, and doggy-mom....I really don't do a whole lot. I love the beach and being spontaneous. My main goal in life is not taking life to seriously and trying to experience new things as much as I can :]
My name is Anna Shartzer. I am an elementary education major. I should graduate in December 2013. After graduation, I plan on getting my Master's degree in Spanish. My dream job would be becoming a teacher in the Department of Defense and traveling the world. My second dream job would be opening a bakery. I wanted to become a teacher because both of my parents are teachers and I had a great kindergarten teacher. She inspired me to be an individual. If it was not for her influencing me and being around my two great teachers/parents, I don't think I would have wanted to be a teacher. I think the things I am great at are being patient, understanding, supportive, creative, funny, and thoughtful. My weaknesses are probably being to nice, gulible at times, and sometimes stubborn.I coach Volleyball at Robertsdale High School and I coach softball at Fairhope High School. Sports are a huge part of my life. I am a transfer from University of West Alabama where I played 2 years of Softball there. I transferred "home" becuase I was offered coaching position and my family is here.
I love the beach and spontaneous moments. I have two dogs,Sir Gus Gus the Great [a chow] and Benny the Jet Rodriguez [St. Bernard]. They are GIANT teddy bears. I have a boyfriend named Keith and he and I just bought our first house! Needless to say, neither of us are handy. Other than school, working, being a daughter, girlfriend, and doggy-mom....I really don't do a whole lot. I love the beach and being spontaneous. My main goal in life is not taking life to seriously and trying to experience new things as much as I can :]
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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