Wednesday, December 3, 2008
My EDM 310 Blog Assignments are Now Complete
Thanks to all my fellow classmates, especially Sandy and Ashley. I have had a great time getting to know you and learning about new technologies we can all use in our classrooms. I hope you all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! See you in 2009!!
EDM 310 Critique
I have enjoyed this EDM 310 class and I have learned so many things about technology and its uses in my future classroom. I must say, and Dr. Strange knows this best, that Picasa was my favorite thing about the semester. He taught us how to manipulate this program in such a way that I have tons of new photos all over my house and in my scrapbooks. However, not only can I use this program in my home, it will be great to be able to create collages and scrapbook pages of each and every classroom full of children that I have.
Picasa is a Google based program and I also learned that Google offers so many FREE things for us to access. It is a wonderful tool that needs to be used by all. I have even spread the news of this with teachers at my daughter's school and with relatives who are using some of the programs now.
I enjoyed blogging as well. I was a big skeptic at first because of having children and hearing only bad things about other programs, however, I feel this can be a useful tool for teachers and enable them to communicate with their students as well as with parents.
All in all this was a great class. I feel the beginning of the semester was very laid back and then felt a bit pushed toward the end, but that was easily overcome.
Thanks Dr. Strange for a great semester!!
Picasa is a Google based program and I also learned that Google offers so many FREE things for us to access. It is a wonderful tool that needs to be used by all. I have even spread the news of this with teachers at my daughter's school and with relatives who are using some of the programs now.
I enjoyed blogging as well. I was a big skeptic at first because of having children and hearing only bad things about other programs, however, I feel this can be a useful tool for teachers and enable them to communicate with their students as well as with parents.
All in all this was a great class. I feel the beginning of the semester was very laid back and then felt a bit pushed toward the end, but that was easily overcome.
Thanks Dr. Strange for a great semester!!
Technology Used By California Teacher
I spoke to a Ms. Leticia Elias from Redwood Middle School in Thousand Oaks, California several times in the month of October. Ms. Elias is a Life Science teacher at Redwood and states that she uses technology in her classroom on a daily basis. Upon further questioning, I did learn that although she uses technology in her classroom daily, it is more of a teacher tool rather than a student tool.
These are some excerpts from an email between Ms. Elias and me, " I also have a LCD projector mounted on my ceiling. The LCD projector is connected to my computer, my DVD/VHS player, and my visualizer. I'm not sure if you are familiar with
visualizers. They are document cameras, which means you can place any
regular textbook, worksheet, picture, etc. below the camera and the
visualizer is constantly taking a picture and projecting it on the
screen like a video camera.
I use the visualizer, LCD projector and my computer to teach each day.
I have Internet access on my computer so I can show any science video
clips and interactive websites I find online on the LCD projector."
She told me that her school is very similar, if not better equipped with technology, than other schools in her area. I asked Ms. Elias about several of the iTunes podcasts that we listened to this semester and the Google tools that we also used, but she seemed very unfamiliar with these and stated she had never used them before.
I was actually very surprised at the use or maybe "lack of" use of what I considered technology in her classroom. I guess I kind of figured that us Gulf Coast, Easterners, were "behind the times" when it came to California. But I am glad to say that with the education our class received this semester about tools and technology, we've got one up on them!!
These are some excerpts from an email between Ms. Elias and me, " I also have a LCD projector mounted on my ceiling. The LCD projector is connected to my computer, my DVD/VHS player, and my visualizer. I'm not sure if you are familiar with
visualizers. They are document cameras, which means you can place any
regular textbook, worksheet, picture, etc. below the camera and the
visualizer is constantly taking a picture and projecting it on the
screen like a video camera.
I use the visualizer, LCD projector and my computer to teach each day.
I have Internet access on my computer so I can show any science video
clips and interactive websites I find online on the LCD projector."
She told me that her school is very similar, if not better equipped with technology, than other schools in her area. I asked Ms. Elias about several of the iTunes podcasts that we listened to this semester and the Google tools that we also used, but she seemed very unfamiliar with these and stated she had never used them before.
I was actually very surprised at the use or maybe "lack of" use of what I considered technology in her classroom. I guess I kind of figured that us Gulf Coast, Easterners, were "behind the times" when it came to California. But I am glad to say that with the education our class received this semester about tools and technology, we've got one up on them!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday/Thursday Class Blogs
It was very interesting to look over the class blogs from my fellow classmates in the Tuesday/Thursday EDM 310 class. I did look at each blog, but I read Sandy Presley's blog from top to bottom. I found that each blog was different just as each of my classmates are different, which made it that much more appealing to peruse.
I did notice that some bloggers were better or more detailed in their blogs by pasting pictures for each post. I enjoyed looking at the pictures and it helped me connect more to what the person was blogging about. One thing I did not like about this blogging program was the graphics. We were all limited on the style that we were able to choose. I am big on graphics and enjoy seeing different colors and shapes on the websites that I often search. Although each person had their own blogging style, the basic format and graphics were the same throughout.
I also noticed that the blogging seemed to be a fun way to communicate with others and each classmate found that it would be a useful tool to use as a teacher. However, I did notice that during the course of the semester the blogging became shorter and shorter. I know for me it became harder and harder to talk about a subject using 3 or 4 paragraphs without repeating something that I said in the previous post. I wanted each post to be original, but I feel my posts became redundant.
All in all, it turned out that our class blogs enabled each student to view different aspects of the web that our professor wanted us to be able to utilize as teachers and gave us a way of expressing how we would use these tools and sometimes NOT use a tool. A classroom blog would definitely be a tool that any teacher could use in his or her classroom, whether they are communicating with the students themselves or their parents.
I did notice that some bloggers were better or more detailed in their blogs by pasting pictures for each post. I enjoyed looking at the pictures and it helped me connect more to what the person was blogging about. One thing I did not like about this blogging program was the graphics. We were all limited on the style that we were able to choose. I am big on graphics and enjoy seeing different colors and shapes on the websites that I often search. Although each person had their own blogging style, the basic format and graphics were the same throughout.
I also noticed that the blogging seemed to be a fun way to communicate with others and each classmate found that it would be a useful tool to use as a teacher. However, I did notice that during the course of the semester the blogging became shorter and shorter. I know for me it became harder and harder to talk about a subject using 3 or 4 paragraphs without repeating something that I said in the previous post. I wanted each post to be original, but I feel my posts became redundant.
All in all, it turned out that our class blogs enabled each student to view different aspects of the web that our professor wanted us to be able to utilize as teachers and gave us a way of expressing how we would use these tools and sometimes NOT use a tool. A classroom blog would definitely be a tool that any teacher could use in his or her classroom, whether they are communicating with the students themselves or their parents.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
EDM 310 Podcasts
WOW what an exciting event was our classroom podcasts. Not only was it adrenalin filled and nerve racking to participate in, it was really fun to actually sit back and listen to the results of these podcasts.
A few thoughts for future podcasters from me would be to keep the talk more like a conversation. Try your best not read off of a note card or paragraphs on a paper. Get to know your team and sit and talk about your topic together so that your conversation will flow naturally. Another idea that I think would help would be for each team to have maybe two practice podcasts first before your actually taping onto the web. I think being able to listen to yourself on a tape recording or video recording several times before the actual taping will enable the student to know how he or she sounds and how the group sounds together. I believe this practice time will allow the podcasts to sound less rehearsed and more like a conversation between future teachers.
I guess just a personal preference would be to change the podcast to a videocast. I am one who likes to see who I am listening to. It's always fun to try to picture what the person looks like that you are listening to, i.e., how many times have you pictured what that radio disc jockey looks like. Well with a videocast you would not have to wonder, because you could see the groups as they spoke, see their body language and it would be much more interactive with the person(s) watching.
With an education major, one required course is a public speaking class. Even if you are not one who likes to speak publicly, there are lessons in this course that help you eliminate some mistakes made often during speaking to an audience. For instance, one thing I have noticed on these podcasts is the use of the word "um", if you can even call it a word. I don't believe it is in the dictionary. The use of this non word and others is very distracting when listening to someone on a podcast. Again, I go back to practicing of these podcasts and/or videocasts to help, if not prevent, but to limit the number of these non words.
All in all, I enjoyed being involved in this first podcast and I believe it will be quite helpful for me to use as a future teacher and to try to stay up-to-date with technology.
A few thoughts for future podcasters from me would be to keep the talk more like a conversation. Try your best not read off of a note card or paragraphs on a paper. Get to know your team and sit and talk about your topic together so that your conversation will flow naturally. Another idea that I think would help would be for each team to have maybe two practice podcasts first before your actually taping onto the web. I think being able to listen to yourself on a tape recording or video recording several times before the actual taping will enable the student to know how he or she sounds and how the group sounds together. I believe this practice time will allow the podcasts to sound less rehearsed and more like a conversation between future teachers.
I guess just a personal preference would be to change the podcast to a videocast. I am one who likes to see who I am listening to. It's always fun to try to picture what the person looks like that you are listening to, i.e., how many times have you pictured what that radio disc jockey looks like. Well with a videocast you would not have to wonder, because you could see the groups as they spoke, see their body language and it would be much more interactive with the person(s) watching.
With an education major, one required course is a public speaking class. Even if you are not one who likes to speak publicly, there are lessons in this course that help you eliminate some mistakes made often during speaking to an audience. For instance, one thing I have noticed on these podcasts is the use of the word "um", if you can even call it a word. I don't believe it is in the dictionary. The use of this non word and others is very distracting when listening to someone on a podcast. Again, I go back to practicing of these podcasts and/or videocasts to help, if not prevent, but to limit the number of these non words.
All in all, I enjoyed being involved in this first podcast and I believe it will be quite helpful for me to use as a future teacher and to try to stay up-to-date with technology.
The South in Black and White
I was able to listen to Tim Tyson and Tom Rankin on the topic of The South in Black and White under the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. I chose this topic not knowing what it would be about, but interested because of the topic and the fact that we live in the South and in fact it was definately worth listening to.
These two gentleman are starting a class where you can look into the history of blacks and whites in the South without having any connection to racism. They are interested in looking into the history of blacks and whites and be able to see differences without someone taking anything as if it was a racist statement or act. Unfortunately, they stated that with a couple of men and a few dollars, you could burn a cross and immediately it brings up a negative connatation towards racism. They also mentioned the Duke Lacrosse team and their issues with racism on the news in the past several years.
This would be a great class to be involved in if you are someone who teaches or even just lives in the South. Statements and actions can be taken out of context very easily nowadays and we all need to be aware of this. We are not here to be harmful to those around us and if we are uneducated in this area, we may well step into this trap. We have all be created by one maker, God, and he loves us all the same, equally, whether black or white, red or yellow. We, as a community, need to realize that and accept each other as different people created in the image of the one true God and leave any differences and troubles in the past.
These two gentleman are starting a class where you can look into the history of blacks and whites in the South without having any connection to racism. They are interested in looking into the history of blacks and whites and be able to see differences without someone taking anything as if it was a racist statement or act. Unfortunately, they stated that with a couple of men and a few dollars, you could burn a cross and immediately it brings up a negative connatation towards racism. They also mentioned the Duke Lacrosse team and their issues with racism on the news in the past several years.
This would be a great class to be involved in if you are someone who teaches or even just lives in the South. Statements and actions can be taken out of context very easily nowadays and we all need to be aware of this. We are not here to be harmful to those around us and if we are uneducated in this area, we may well step into this trap. We have all be created by one maker, God, and he loves us all the same, equally, whether black or white, red or yellow. We, as a community, need to realize that and accept each other as different people created in the image of the one true God and leave any differences and troubles in the past.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mathmatics and Technology
I am one who does not do well in mathematics classes. I was eager to hear what Judy Chandler had to say about integrating mathematics and technology. The one common factor in most math classes is the fact that most students are guided through chapter by chapter lessons in a book. With this type of teaching, many students get lost (like me). Being one of those "lost" students can quickly discourage one from wanting to learn mathematics.
Ms. Chandler went on to tell how we, as teachers, need to integrate technology in our teaching skills. She went on to tell how most students have a higher level of technology education before they walk into the classroom and that the math technology integration would widely benefit their learning. Not only does this help in learning one concept, but it can further their critical thinking skills. Many times this technology gives visual aids and explains uses for the skills they are learning.
I know in my math classes it was hard for me to comprehend the uses for the skills I was learning. If we can show our students how these skills will be used, through technology, it will allow them to open up to learn a skill that they might otherwise feel is useless.
Ms. Chandler went on to tell how we, as teachers, need to integrate technology in our teaching skills. She went on to tell how most students have a higher level of technology education before they walk into the classroom and that the math technology integration would widely benefit their learning. Not only does this help in learning one concept, but it can further their critical thinking skills. Many times this technology gives visual aids and explains uses for the skills they are learning.
I know in my math classes it was hard for me to comprehend the uses for the skills I was learning. If we can show our students how these skills will be used, through technology, it will allow them to open up to learn a skill that they might otherwise feel is useless.
"Growth" vs "Fixed" Minds
What an interesting listen with The Stanford Challenge: “Growth” vs. “Fixed” Minds podcast. This podcast told about a study that was done where two sets of students were given a set of study skills, however, one set of the students were told that their brain is a muscle that grows with its use. The more you use it the better grades and results you will receive.
This study resulted grades continually dropping in the students who received only the study skills. However, those students who received the study skill and told that their brain needs to be used to grow continually received grades higher and higher. The professor who spoke, tried to explain that some students feel nervous or apprehensive about a task and wonder if they will look smart or feel smart when they are doing it, but there are another set of students who think, how can I use this task to make me smarter.
This pod casts shows us future teachers how each and every child in our class will be different. Their mind set will be different as they come in our doors. We must, as teachers, give them this knowledge that their brain is a muscle that needs to be used to “keep those neurons connected” as stated from the professor in the video. We must be there for our students as they feel they may have reached their “peak” of smartness and inform them that there is much, much more for them and to keep on striving for growth.
This study resulted grades continually dropping in the students who received only the study skills. However, those students who received the study skill and told that their brain needs to be used to grow continually received grades higher and higher. The professor who spoke, tried to explain that some students feel nervous or apprehensive about a task and wonder if they will look smart or feel smart when they are doing it, but there are another set of students who think, how can I use this task to make me smarter.
This pod casts shows us future teachers how each and every child in our class will be different. Their mind set will be different as they come in our doors. We must, as teachers, give them this knowledge that their brain is a muscle that needs to be used to “keep those neurons connected” as stated from the professor in the video. We must be there for our students as they feel they may have reached their “peak” of smartness and inform them that there is much, much more for them and to keep on striving for growth.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Science on UTunes
If only I had a week or two just to explore all the possible tools there are on ITunes. I am amazed each and every time I open another video cast or podcast. These are simply wonderful "free" tools that can be used in any classroom. I had the pleasure of looking at two video casts, "A Night in the Coral Reef" and "Solar Eclipses". There are pictures and videos on these casts that can be used in a Science lesson rather than reading a textbook. I believe children nowadays spend much more time in front of television sets than ever before and if this theory is true, then why wouldn't the students be more acceptable to this type of learning style.
Here is another thought, how much time does a teacher spend on preparation of a lesson? Many times it takes hours locating exactly what they want and need to get a lesson taught and learned. These ITune video casts are right at our educator's fingertips and there is no running around from library, teacher store or video store.
What an amazing tool -- I know this is one tool of mine that will not be stuck in the back of my tool shed.
Here is another thought, how much time does a teacher spend on preparation of a lesson? Many times it takes hours locating exactly what they want and need to get a lesson taught and learned. These ITune video casts are right at our educator's fingertips and there is no running around from library, teacher store or video store.
What an amazing tool -- I know this is one tool of mine that will not be stuck in the back of my tool shed.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
ACCESS Lab Visit
I had the opportunity to visit the ACCESS Lab at Alma Bryant High School on Friday, October 17th under the direction of Ms. Samantha Smith. I was amazed at how well this lab was put together and functioned and how well the students behaved.
During my visit, Ms. Smith was in the process of teaching a creative writing class with both students from Bryant High as well as students from Chilton County. I was able to watch as the entire class took place. The assignments were given to the students several days in advance in which they had to "kill" a cartoon character and write a eulogy for this character. During this class session, several students (alternating from Bryant to Chilton) stood up, the teacher/facilitator zoomed in on that child and they proceeded to read their eulogy. We at Bryant were able to watch every move made at Chilton County through one of the three television screens po
sted in the room and Chilton County was also able to so. Although Ms. Smith was able to understand each and every word of the students from Chilton County, it was a little more difficult for me to understand them. I am assuming that the longer you work with this, the better it will be for you to hear and understand. I was amazed at the small, telephone looking object Ms. Smith had on her desk and allowed her to maneuver her cameras to any direction she wanted, but the touch of a stylus.
I asked Ms. Smith about the current budget problems and if she thought this might affect the ACCESS program in Alabama. She told me that most of these labs are being paid for with grant monies and that the budget cuts should not stop them. She was forthright in telling me that she was surprised that this program has lasted this long as many times programs in our school system get cut after only a few years. She was very
supportive of this program and hopes to see it continue. She also wants to encourage any new teachers to get involved as she says it is a nice additional paycheck!I have posted a few pictures that I took in the lab for you to view as well. Enjoy!
Edutopia Ideas
Unfortunately I am late in doing this blog post and I must say that is definitely a loss for me. I loved the two video casts, The Edible Schoolyard and A Night in the Global Village. These are two very amazing ideas for a hands-on experience for students.
I must say that The Edible Schoolyard struck me the most because I am a gardener myself. I could see the eyes of those children as they experienced the whole atmosphere of their working in the garden and know first hand how they were feeling. Do I think this is a teaching tool which is useful? Most definitely. How better to be able to incorporate math, science, social studies and life experiments into a classroom outside of four walls and desks. These children will not only love this time of the day, but these will be skills they will remember versus something they may or may not learn from sitting in a desk and listening to a lecture.
As for the video cast, A Night in the Global Village, this would be an eye opening experience, one I would like to take advantage of as well. We live in a country where so many "things" are readily available to us, sometimes just by the push of a button. An experience such as this would be a wonderful way to show students that these things really do exist and it is not just something they see on television. It would also, hopefully, give the students a greater appreciation for what they have and a spirit to give more to others.
I must say that The Edible Schoolyard struck me the most because I am a gardener myself. I could see the eyes of those children as they experienced the whole atmosphere of their working in the garden and know first hand how they were feeling. Do I think this is a teaching tool which is useful? Most definitely. How better to be able to incorporate math, science, social studies and life experiments into a classroom outside of four walls and desks. These children will not only love this time of the day, but these will be skills they will remember versus something they may or may not learn from sitting in a desk and listening to a lecture.
As for the video cast, A Night in the Global Village, this would be an eye opening experience, one I would like to take advantage of as well. We live in a country where so many "things" are readily available to us, sometimes just by the push of a button. An experience such as this would be a wonderful way to show students that these things really do exist and it is not just something they see on television. It would also, hopefully, give the students a greater appreciation for what they have and a spirit to give more to others.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Podcasts
I had the pleasure of listening to several different podcasts given to us by Dr. Strange as an assignment. Each and every one of these podcasts were similar, but also unique in their own way.
One aspect which rang true for each podcast that I listened to was that they all started off with music and a few short one-liners to get the listeners attention. It was very similar to a commercial on the television, as if they were selling something. Those tunes we hear and those short one-liners are the things we remember the most about commercials and helps to sell that product. This approach in these podcast was a draw for listeners to want to come back and hear more. The more lively and energetic the podcast can be when opening up, the more attention and popularity it will have.
Some differing aspects of these podcasts were the styles of the speakers. One podcast I listened to had four gentleman discussing subjects of the stock market and its woes and troubles. It was an interesting take because you did not have just one person's view on the subject, but you had four. There were times when two might agree, but then the remaining two had totally differing opinions. They were a lively bunch and laughed at each other and laughed at situations. This type of humor kept my attention for the entire podcast. This was definately one of my favorites.
One of my least favorite podcasts was one in which a professor had two of his past students on the podcast, asking them questions about a recent class they had taken. Unfortunately the sound quality was probably what ruined my attention. The student seemed to have been recorded previously and then his words were inserted after the fact. I did not feel as this podcast had as much vitality as the one previously and therefore my option to choose this podcast again will be sketchy.
The best podcast is one that is coming to a close where both a lady and a man are talking as if they are radio talk show hosts discussing different ideas and ways to teach in a classroom on a variety of subjects. Although I had not been aware of this podcast before, they have been on the air for 3 years and they are in their last 3 episodes, unfortunately. They were able to keep my attention with their humor, intonation and down right loveable style. They seemed to love what they did and therefore made it worth listening to.
One aspect which rang true for each podcast that I listened to was that they all started off with music and a few short one-liners to get the listeners attention. It was very similar to a commercial on the television, as if they were selling something. Those tunes we hear and those short one-liners are the things we remember the most about commercials and helps to sell that product. This approach in these podcast was a draw for listeners to want to come back and hear more. The more lively and energetic the podcast can be when opening up, the more attention and popularity it will have.
Some differing aspects of these podcasts were the styles of the speakers. One podcast I listened to had four gentleman discussing subjects of the stock market and its woes and troubles. It was an interesting take because you did not have just one person's view on the subject, but you had four. There were times when two might agree, but then the remaining two had totally differing opinions. They were a lively bunch and laughed at each other and laughed at situations. This type of humor kept my attention for the entire podcast. This was definately one of my favorites.
One of my least favorite podcasts was one in which a professor had two of his past students on the podcast, asking them questions about a recent class they had taken. Unfortunately the sound quality was probably what ruined my attention. The student seemed to have been recorded previously and then his words were inserted after the fact. I did not feel as this podcast had as much vitality as the one previously and therefore my option to choose this podcast again will be sketchy.
The best podcast is one that is coming to a close where both a lady and a man are talking as if they are radio talk show hosts discussing different ideas and ways to teach in a classroom on a variety of subjects. Although I had not been aware of this podcast before, they have been on the air for 3 years and they are in their last 3 episodes, unfortunately. They were able to keep my attention with their humor, intonation and down right loveable style. They seemed to love what they did and therefore made it worth listening to.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
What an amazing lecture to be able to listen to as a future teacher. Randy Pausch certainly gives us all a look at how we should all be living our lives, as if these are our last ones. We all have had dreams from our childhood that we have certainly left many behind. Dr. Pausch shares some of his childhood dreams with us in his last lecture. Not only did he share those, but he chose to show us how he made sure those dreams were never left behind. He fulfilled each dream to the best of his ability. Have we fulfilled ours? How many children will step foot into our classrooms that need their dreams fulfilled? Will we be the teacher that helps that child meet those dreams. I know I certainly want to be one of those teachers.
Randy Pausch also reminds us that we never need to let go. If there is something that needs to be done or that we want to attain, then go get it. Let those people you meet along the way, pave that way for you. The use of friends, family and mentors is such an important factor in becoming the best that you can become.
Another important fact Dr. Pausch brings up is being a salesman in education. I am in college to be just that type of salesman, and yet I never thought I could sell anything. However, he changes my view completely. I so desperately want to help open the minds of the children that I teach. I need to allow them to experience things on so many different levels, not just from books. Children need expanded education, hands-on experience, active learning not passive learning.
I am thrilled to have had the pleasure of seeing such an outstanding professor speak to so many people in such a profound way. He was in his last days of life, yet went on as if he was just living to help someone else. Thank you Dr. Pausch.
Randy Pausch also reminds us that we never need to let go. If there is something that needs to be done or that we want to attain, then go get it. Let those people you meet along the way, pave that way for you. The use of friends, family and mentors is such an important factor in becoming the best that you can become.
Another important fact Dr. Pausch brings up is being a salesman in education. I am in college to be just that type of salesman, and yet I never thought I could sell anything. However, he changes my view completely. I so desperately want to help open the minds of the children that I teach. I need to allow them to experience things on so many different levels, not just from books. Children need expanded education, hands-on experience, active learning not passive learning.
I am thrilled to have had the pleasure of seeing such an outstanding professor speak to so many people in such a profound way. He was in his last days of life, yet went on as if he was just living to help someone else. Thank you Dr. Pausch.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
IPODs for classrooms?
Is the classroom a place for an IPOD? That certainly seems to be the topic in several websites that I reviewed. Successful Teaching blogspot has a great article to read about the use of IPODs in classrooms. Teacher, Pat Hensley, lays out in this article the problems that may arise by using IPODs in classrooms. However, she also gives teachers solutions and ways to remedy these problems before they ever get started.
But the question still remains, is the classroom a place for an IPOD? Well here is my professional (yet not professional) opinion:
We, as teachers, are here to meet our students where they are and to insure they are learning. If one strategy is not working, then we are to try another one, RIGHT? We are living in such a technologically advanced society, we must use any tools we can in order to get our students to learn and an IPOD is a perfect example. As a teacher, we spend so much time in a day on full classroom teaching. It would be so beneficial to use an IPOD for that teaching and spend your day on more individualized learning skills. Why not download podcasts for those lessons geared toward your entire class? The students can take these home to review. This even gives parents the ability to review what the students are learning. This in turns enables the teacher a few extra hours of teaching we normally would not have.
I am so impressed by all of the new ways people are coming up with using new technology. The use of these IPODs, the use of GPS devices and so many others gives us future teachers unlimited possibilities. I can't wait to get started!
But the question still remains, is the classroom a place for an IPOD? Well here is my professional (yet not professional) opinion:
We, as teachers, are here to meet our students where they are and to insure they are learning. If one strategy is not working, then we are to try another one, RIGHT? We are living in such a technologically advanced society, we must use any tools we can in order to get our students to learn and an IPOD is a perfect example. As a teacher, we spend so much time in a day on full classroom teaching. It would be so beneficial to use an IPOD for that teaching and spend your day on more individualized learning skills. Why not download podcasts for those lessons geared toward your entire class? The students can take these home to review. This even gives parents the ability to review what the students are learning. This in turns enables the teacher a few extra hours of teaching we normally would not have.
I am so impressed by all of the new ways people are coming up with using new technology. The use of these IPODs, the use of GPS devices and so many others gives us future teachers unlimited possibilities. I can't wait to get started!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Geocaching
I became intruiged as I read through the website of Dr. Alice Christie
and her Geocaching activities. WOW - what a wonderful tool for classrooms all across the board. Geocaching uses GPS navigation devices in a "hide and seek" type manner. This is an excellent way for any teacher to incorporate social studies, mathematics, science and many other subjects into her classroom. I love the fact that this is a hands-on approach to learning for students. They are not sitting in a desk being taught through a lecture or writing on the white board, they are actually out of the classroom altogether.
Geocaching could also contribute to team building activities within a classroom setting and even the use of critical thinking skills. This is an amazing tool that I have never heard of. This would be a useful tool for a group of teachers, within a certain grade, to work together as a team to participate in. Why not purchase a set of GPS devices to have on hand at a school to use. I think it would be a great activity for a field trip where students have been on a bus for a couple of hours and then they are able to go and learn, but have fun at the same time.
Thanks Dr. Christie! Technology is expanding every day -- I just hope I can keep up!
and her Geocaching activities. WOW - what a wonderful tool for classrooms all across the board. Geocaching uses GPS navigation devices in a "hide and seek" type manner. This is an excellent way for any teacher to incorporate social studies, mathematics, science and many other subjects into her classroom. I love the fact that this is a hands-on approach to learning for students. They are not sitting in a desk being taught through a lecture or writing on the white board, they are actually out of the classroom altogether.
Geocaching could also contribute to team building activities within a classroom setting and even the use of critical thinking skills. This is an amazing tool that I have never heard of. This would be a useful tool for a group of teachers, within a certain grade, to work together as a team to participate in. Why not purchase a set of GPS devices to have on hand at a school to use. I think it would be a great activity for a field trip where students have been on a bus for a couple of hours and then they are able to go and learn, but have fun at the same time.
Thanks Dr. Christie! Technology is expanding every day -- I just hope I can keep up!
Hats Off!
Although I was unable to pull up the WIRED story or the NPR article, I was able to listen to the Podcast on the NPR article page and I say HATS OFF to Virgil Griffith and his Wikipedia Scanner. Wikipedia is now and will always be a great source of encylopedia type information for the internet user. However, the users will just have to realize that the accuracy rate may be between 85 and 90% because of the ability of others to change what is being read and said.
Now, though, those wanting to read Wikipedia have the ability to track those things which are being changed. So does this make Wikipedia less reliable? I'm not sure. I almost want to think that this would make it more reliable, because you can actually see what is being done.
You know it has always been said to have more than one source, so whether you are a Wikipedia fan or not, check your sources. There are many other sites you can use to check things out, so if Wikipedia doesn't give you what you want - TRY, TRY AGAIN!
Now, though, those wanting to read Wikipedia have the ability to track those things which are being changed. So does this make Wikipedia less reliable? I'm not sure. I almost want to think that this would make it more reliable, because you can actually see what is being done.
You know it has always been said to have more than one source, so whether you are a Wikipedia fan or not, check your sources. There are many other sites you can use to check things out, so if Wikipedia doesn't give you what you want - TRY, TRY AGAIN!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wasted time OR not?
I chose the Best Blog of April, 2007 as my topic, titled 180 days?
There is a PowerPoint presentation in this blog that can bring to light some thoughts about whether there is wasted instructional time during a given school year. There are some very valid ideas and thoughts. For instance, how many days do we, as teachers, spend in preparation for end-of-quarter or end-of-semester exams and then we spend more time with end-of-year finals. In addition, how many days of instruction do we miss for those days before major holidays, days used for fire drills, assemblies, classroom celebrations. Are we giving up precious instructional time for unnecessary things?
On the opposite side of the coin, we can ask ourselves, can we have 180 days of total instructional time and not lose our students along the way? In my opinion there definitely needs to be a happy medium. Children (adults too) need some down time, some time for our brains and bodies to rest. I do not think students could function in an instructional setting of 180 days straight, at least not in the United States. Call it spoiled or whatever you will, but I feel in order to get a full understanding of things being taught, we need to have a few breaks in between.
Check out this blog and let me know what you think, wasted time OR not?
There is a PowerPoint presentation in this blog that can bring to light some thoughts about whether there is wasted instructional time during a given school year. There are some very valid ideas and thoughts. For instance, how many days do we, as teachers, spend in preparation for end-of-quarter or end-of-semester exams and then we spend more time with end-of-year finals. In addition, how many days of instruction do we miss for those days before major holidays, days used for fire drills, assemblies, classroom celebrations. Are we giving up precious instructional time for unnecessary things?
On the opposite side of the coin, we can ask ourselves, can we have 180 days of total instructional time and not lose our students along the way? In my opinion there definitely needs to be a happy medium. Children (adults too) need some down time, some time for our brains and bodies to rest. I do not think students could function in an instructional setting of 180 days straight, at least not in the United States. Call it spoiled or whatever you will, but I feel in order to get a full understanding of things being taught, we need to have a few breaks in between.
Check out this blog and let me know what you think, wasted time OR not?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The 4 Basics - Reading, Writing, Arthrimitic and Technology
After reading "Best (?) of the Fischbowl 2007" I begin to evaluate my technology illiteracy. However, upon my evaluation I begin seeing this illiteracy not through the eyes of a teacher (yet), but through the eyes of a mother of two girls ages 10 and 12. My initial thought and answer when my girls ask me if they can do something on our home computer is "no". Now I question myself as to why I always tell them "no" and the answer is UNFORTUNATELY because of my technology illiteracy.
As a preteen I began experimenting with computers and taking college courses in computers. This was at least 25 years ago or more. Once I became a mom and working in a steady job that did not require much in new technology advances, my learning became stagnant. Because of this stagnant behavior I have been left behind with technology.
After reading this post, I know now that I am doing my daughters an injustice by not keeping up with technology. In addition to doing an injustice to my daughters I know positively I will be doing an injustice to those students that I teach in the future. It is not fair to my daughters or those future students for me not to have the knowledge that will enable them to succeed in their future careers.
My goal from this point forward is to learn as much as I can in order to give those who I influence the steps they need for success.
As a preteen I began experimenting with computers and taking college courses in computers. This was at least 25 years ago or more. Once I became a mom and working in a steady job that did not require much in new technology advances, my learning became stagnant. Because of this stagnant behavior I have been left behind with technology.
After reading this post, I know now that I am doing my daughters an injustice by not keeping up with technology. In addition to doing an injustice to my daughters I know positively I will be doing an injustice to those students that I teach in the future. It is not fair to my daughters or those future students for me not to have the knowledge that will enable them to succeed in their future careers.
My goal from this point forward is to learn as much as I can in order to give those who I influence the steps they need for success.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Blogging Internationally
I found a fantastic website titled Class Blogmeister at http://classblogmeister.com. It is a wonderful resource for teachers by state, name and even country. Check out what I found.
Ms. Kathy Cassidy based out of Canada has a website located at http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337 . She has included work the children in her classroom have done each day with pictures of the letters they are learning. The picture you see here is for the letter "F for Favorites". Ms. Cassidy also has a YouTube video with some of her children showing things that begin with the letter "B". The most interesting feature about this blog is the yackpack talk featured in the very beginning. If you click on the icon, and the class is nearby and available, you will have the opportunity to chat with the class live. This is amazing!!
The next wonderful blog I found was from teacher Kendall Mead from Australia. She h
as several different podcasts on her blog which you can view. She makes the statement that this will be her first time blogging, and so far she has done pretty well with it. At the top of her blog is a scrolling video to show her classroom as well as the school and playgrounds as well. It seems to be a very well built and well kept school. I have posted one of the images of her classroom for you to see. The children have responded well to Ms. Mead's blog as there are several posts on the left hand side from her students. For more information on Kendall Mead's classroom, visit her blog at http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?user_id=161988&blogger_id=161997.
Ms. Kathy Cassidy based out of Canada has a website located at http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337 . She has included work the children in her classroom have done each day with pictures of the letters they are learning. The picture you see here is for the letter "F for Favorites". Ms. Cassidy also has a YouTube video with some of her children showing things that begin with the letter "B". The most interesting feature about this blog is the yackpack talk featured in the very beginning. If you click on the icon, and the class is nearby and available, you will have the opportunity to chat with the class live. This is amazing!!
The next wonderful blog I found was from teacher Kendall Mead from Australia. She h
as several different podcasts on her blog which you can view. She makes the statement that this will be her first time blogging, and so far she has done pretty well with it. At the top of her blog is a scrolling video to show her classroom as well as the school and playgrounds as well. It seems to be a very well built and well kept school. I have posted one of the images of her classroom for you to see. The children have responded well to Ms. Mead's blog as there are several posts on the left hand side from her students. For more information on Kendall Mead's classroom, visit her blog at http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?user_id=161988&blogger_id=161997.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Blogging Teachers
Blogging has become a favorite and useful tool for many teachers. I found two teachers using their blogs to support their classrooms below:
Ms. Osborne's class in Miami has a blog, http://www.butlerville.net/4a/, where she lists activities for her class on a weekly basis. She must have an ocean or dolphin theme going on in her classroom because she has this adorable picture of a dolphin on her website. Each Friday she makes a post to her class blog and updates the students and teachers on the upcoming week. She lists all the spelling words, vocabulary words and even gives the dates for the upcoming tests. At the beginning of school she posted a blog welcoming her class and telling them how she was looking forward to the new school year.
I found a larger blog created by teacher Bill Gaskins from South Carolina titled "Blogging On The Bay, http://bloggingonthebay.org/. His blog is much more extensive and detailed than that of Mrs. Osborne's classroom. A very interesting feature on Mr.Gaskins' blog is the live feeder column which shows the location of his most current hits to his blog. This teacher is on the technology band wagon and is out there to get his students to learn what is new and innovative. As his blog states, he is "creating a path to techno-constructivist learning in the classroom." His blog also includes comments and posts from other teachers who are discussing technology issues and is a great resource for us newbies.
Technology's Growth, Can We Keep Up?
I was astounded by the facts and figures that were presented on the "Did You Know" video. Technology has been rapidly increasing over only a few years and it is anticipated that the growth in this technology will only increase more and faster. My initial thought is, how do we keep up or can we keep up?
In order to even attempt to keep up with this rapid growth, we must begin implementing computer technology in our classrooms, even at the earliest of ages. According to this video, in a few years, a $1000 computer will be able to contain more information than the human brain. If this is true, can we afford to exclude this from our classroom studies? Many children starting school at the age of 5 have already been exposed to computers and/or video games, as reported from this video.
We, the United States of America, need to realize that although our country may be the wealthiest, we are falling behind on teaching our children what is needed to compete in a world of technology advancements. These advancements are going to leave us behind if we do not start NOW. It is sad to look at the figures of India and China versus the United States when it comes to college graduates. Have we become so stagnant that we are willing to let others succeed in the technology movement and just "go with the flow?" We have an obligation to those who follow behind us, our children and grandchildren and even great grandchildren, to give them the education and the desire to want to pursue advancement in their careers. This advancement in all careers will always include computers and technology and the changes that are made every single day.
Are we ready to step up our game? Are YOU willing to be a teacher that will push your students into the next decade?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
ACCESS
Are you a technologically savvy teacher? Do you want to expand your horizons and teach more than those children sitting in your classroom? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, you would be a good candidate for the ACCESS Program, also known as the Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide Program.
Alabama has stepped up and initiated a program where classroom opportunities are opened up to students at schools where certain classes are not offered. For instance, a school that is more rural than another may not have the resources to offer AP (advanced placement) courses to their students, but through the ACCESS Program students can be taught through either web-based or video conferencing learning. This enables students in these rural schools the ability to obtain an Advanced Diploma in the State of Alabama. One draw back, however, is that the students selected for these classes must be organized and self sufficient in keeping up with their own workloads.
ACCESS has also opened the doors for the teachers of Alabama. This program gives teachers the opportunity to use top notch, advanced technology to teach a class, a classroom filled with students in various locations. This also gives teachers a much larger community base than they would while teaching at one single school. In addition, it provides smaller schools with more staff. As with the students, the same is true with the teachers, they must be well organized and well prepared. Furthermore, the teacher must keep this type of learning interesting so as to not lose their student's attention.
As a teacher we should be constantly learning new things and what better way to share your new knowledge than with the ACCESS Program.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX)
The State of Alabama has a wonderful new information library on the internet available for teachers named the Alabama Learning Exchange. This website has various links to help teachers in any subject or grade. As a teacher accesses these links, he/she will have the opportunity to view lesson plans, ideas from other teachers, as well as additional links to help support their teaching methods. This site allows a teacher the ability to communicate with other teachers through a support roundtable. Additionally there are links with grant opportunities and a link specifically for tips and tricks of the trade.
Another fascinating tool on the ALEX website is a link for teachers and students to participate in distance learning with the new ACCESS program. The ACCESS program is new and will soon be available in all of the Mobile County High Schools. ACCESS enables high school students to take classes online or through other interactive avenues that might not be available through their school. This ACCESS lab will give teachers the opportunity to become an interactive educator by participating in the ACCESS program.
Alabama is striving to be on the cutting edge of technology with both the ALEX and ACCESS programs. Both of these websites give Alabama educators as well as Alabama students access to things that would normally not be available by the touch of a keyboard. Take a moment to view the website for yourself, http://alex.state.al.us/, you may be pleasantly suprised.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Real Me
I am a married, mother of three who works one full time job, one part-time job and attends school on a part-time basis. I have a son, one who may be the same age as many students I go to school with, and two daughters ages 10 and 12. Some of my hobbies include boating, fishing, gardening or just hanging out with my family.
As I stated earlier, I do work a full-time job as a medical transcriptionist. I worked for a local hospital for 12 years until October of last year when they decided to outsource our department. Although this was very upsetting at the time, in retrospect it was probably a blessing in disguise. This life changing event made me step back and look at my job, my life, and the things I really love to do. I have also worked part-time for years as the children's director at our church. It hit me, like a brick, that I love working with children. These events helped guide my decision to return to college to become an elementary school teacher.
My life is filled with schedules that pull me day-to-day and hour-to-hour. I have people needing part of me here and part of me there, but all in all, my life is filled with things that I do because they are necessary, I do many things because I want to do them, and finally all the other things I do just because I love doing them.
This is the REAL ME !
As I stated earlier, I do work a full-time job as a medical transcriptionist. I worked for a local hospital for 12 years until October of last year when they decided to outsource our department. Although this was very upsetting at the time, in retrospect it was probably a blessing in disguise. This life changing event made me step back and look at my job, my life, and the things I really love to do. I have also worked part-time for years as the children's director at our church. It hit me, like a brick, that I love working with children. These events helped guide my decision to return to college to become an elementary school teacher.
My life is filled with schedules that pull me day-to-day and hour-to-hour. I have people needing part of me here and part of me there, but all in all, my life is filled with things that I do because they are necessary, I do many things because I want to do them, and finally all the other things I do just because I love doing them.
This is the REAL ME !
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