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.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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.
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