Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Summary Post C4K Student #1
I read two asignments that Anahi posted. The first one was to write about themselves. Anahi is in the 8th grade and likes to participate in sports. Anahi seems very interested in Math and Science. The second assignment was to create a learning manifesto where they identified three to four items that would help them to become a better student. Anahi thought that getting more sleep, paying attention to teachers, and talking less in class would be essential to doing better in school. I thought those were very realistic goals to have. I also thought it was a good idea to become involved in extracurricular activities. Studies have shown that students who are involved in many different things use their time more efficiently.
Blog Post 6
The Networked Student
I thought the idea that the video was trying to portray was one where the teacher became more of a facilitator and a role model than the twentieth century lecturer. Students are empowered to interact with other informed individuals, as well as the internet, to accumulate knowledge about a subject which they can then share on their own personal blog. Students become more in control and responsible for their learning. Of course, many might question the need for a teacher. Obviously, someone needs to be there to oversee that students will learn the content, be able to guide them on their journey when they get stuck, and to help them analyze proper sites to use. That someone would be the teacher!
Before taking this class I would not have felt at all confident in my ability to teach a networked student. However, this class has given me access to many different types of technology that I can use in the classroom as a teacher. I hope to be a good role model for students and to be able to facilitate their creativity. I always find myself wondering how I can incorporate these activities and this technology into a high school math class.
I think it is great that Wendy Drexler is trying to foresee any possible problems that might occur with trying to teach a networked class. It seems like she is prepared and I am sure that she will be successful! I wonder how she will get around the age requirements for many of the web applications. I’m sure it will all work out! Hopefully many other teachers in her school district will become excited about teaching a networked class and end up trying it too!
A 7th Grader’s Personal Learning Environment (or PLE)
Mr. H’s 7th grade student is a great example of someone who seems on top of her schoolwork and who takes full responsibility for her learning. She likes to work independently and she feels that technology is a great resource that she takes advantage of. I thought it was great that she was asking for review from experienced scientists on her work. For my personal learning network (PLN), I intend to find some high school math teachers who have blogs or twitter that I can follow. I would also like to follow a technology blog so I can stay on top of the latest trends. I feel as if my iGoogle page is similar to her personal learning environment. They both allow for quick and easy access to the internet, classes, homework, blogs, etc. When I start my personal learning network, it will be similar to when she asked advice from the experts. We both have to find experts in the field and will benefit from the knowledge gained.
The Machine is Changing Us
Michael Wesch discussed how an individual identifies with himself in relation to the greater community. He discussed how the term “whatever” has changed from the 1980’s to the present, and he talked about the MTV generation. He also had a group of students investigate and research YouTube to see who was making the videos, why they were making the videos, and who their audience was. Michael Wesch felt that today’s generation is looking for their authentic self.
I could relate to many parts of the video. I remember seeing the “Charlie bit me” YouTube video back in high school. I also am familiar with the terms “whatever” and “meh”, and have seen a lot of episodes from The Real World. Although I know about YouTube, I have never uploaded a video. As for my experiences in college, edm310 has broadened my interaction with the greater community as Michael Wesch described, mainly YouTube, blogging, facebook, etc. I have no idea what the future is going to bring. My best guess would be that computers are going to be a must in my teaching career. Students will be more independent learners and we will be using more of the networked educational system. There will also be more communication worldwide.
I thought the idea that the video was trying to portray was one where the teacher became more of a facilitator and a role model than the twentieth century lecturer. Students are empowered to interact with other informed individuals, as well as the internet, to accumulate knowledge about a subject which they can then share on their own personal blog. Students become more in control and responsible for their learning. Of course, many might question the need for a teacher. Obviously, someone needs to be there to oversee that students will learn the content, be able to guide them on their journey when they get stuck, and to help them analyze proper sites to use. That someone would be the teacher!
Before taking this class I would not have felt at all confident in my ability to teach a networked student. However, this class has given me access to many different types of technology that I can use in the classroom as a teacher. I hope to be a good role model for students and to be able to facilitate their creativity. I always find myself wondering how I can incorporate these activities and this technology into a high school math class.
I think it is great that Wendy Drexler is trying to foresee any possible problems that might occur with trying to teach a networked class. It seems like she is prepared and I am sure that she will be successful! I wonder how she will get around the age requirements for many of the web applications. I’m sure it will all work out! Hopefully many other teachers in her school district will become excited about teaching a networked class and end up trying it too!
A 7th Grader’s Personal Learning Environment (or PLE)
Mr. H’s 7th grade student is a great example of someone who seems on top of her schoolwork and who takes full responsibility for her learning. She likes to work independently and she feels that technology is a great resource that she takes advantage of. I thought it was great that she was asking for review from experienced scientists on her work. For my personal learning network (PLN), I intend to find some high school math teachers who have blogs or twitter that I can follow. I would also like to follow a technology blog so I can stay on top of the latest trends. I feel as if my iGoogle page is similar to her personal learning environment. They both allow for quick and easy access to the internet, classes, homework, blogs, etc. When I start my personal learning network, it will be similar to when she asked advice from the experts. We both have to find experts in the field and will benefit from the knowledge gained.
The Machine is Changing Us
Michael Wesch discussed how an individual identifies with himself in relation to the greater community. He discussed how the term “whatever” has changed from the 1980’s to the present, and he talked about the MTV generation. He also had a group of students investigate and research YouTube to see who was making the videos, why they were making the videos, and who their audience was. Michael Wesch felt that today’s generation is looking for their authentic self.
I could relate to many parts of the video. I remember seeing the “Charlie bit me” YouTube video back in high school. I also am familiar with the terms “whatever” and “meh”, and have seen a lot of episodes from The Real World. Although I know about YouTube, I have never uploaded a video. As for my experiences in college, edm310 has broadened my interaction with the greater community as Michael Wesch described, mainly YouTube, blogging, facebook, etc. I have no idea what the future is going to bring. My best guess would be that computers are going to be a must in my teaching career. Students will be more independent learners and we will be using more of the networked educational system. There will also be more communication worldwide.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Blog Post 5
In Judy Scharf Podcast Collection, it talked about what a podcast is and a time schedule so you can manage your time. She also included a link to a YouTube demonstration about how to use audacity to make your podcast. I feel that this site would be helpful to teachers who are going to use podcasts in their classroom. She gives detailed information about how to engage students in the process and a detailed time schedule. I can use a lot of this information in my own podcast. It will make me more organized so I can finish my podcast on time.
In Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog, students in third grade did a podcast about Rome. This shows how to make an audio podcast. Each student from the class had their own “news report” about the Roman Empire. They included a picture as well as a cartoon character that looked like they were the ones actually talking. I thought this was very creative and enjoyed watching it. I’m sure all the students had a good time making and viewing their podcasts. It was great to see students so young being successful with technology. I learned that you can have a picture with your audio podcast which was pretty neat. They also had background music playing while they shared information about Ancient Rome.
In The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom, it talked about the many uses of this type of technology. In the video it showed how absent students can still keep up with their schoolwork. It also talked about how parents can get more involved. I thought this video was helpful to understand the many reasons why teachers should be using podcasts in the classrooms on a regular basis. It makes students more responsible for their own learning.
In Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog, students in third grade did a podcast about Rome. This shows how to make an audio podcast. Each student from the class had their own “news report” about the Roman Empire. They included a picture as well as a cartoon character that looked like they were the ones actually talking. I thought this was very creative and enjoyed watching it. I’m sure all the students had a good time making and viewing their podcasts. It was great to see students so young being successful with technology. I learned that you can have a picture with your audio podcast which was pretty neat. They also had background music playing while they shared information about Ancient Rome.
In The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom, it talked about the many uses of this type of technology. In the video it showed how absent students can still keep up with their schoolwork. It also talked about how parents can get more involved. I thought this video was helpful to understand the many reasons why teachers should be using podcasts in the classrooms on a regular basis. It makes students more responsible for their own learning.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Blog Post 4
Don’t Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
Scott McLeod uses satire in order to show how strongly he believes in technology and the benefits it can bring to the field of education. His point is valid because in these days, students will encounter technology everyday in their lives. How can anyone stop them from using it? It just makes sense to have them be creative with it and to help them make use of it in their daily lives.
Scott McLeod is an Associate Professor of Education Administration at the University of Iowa. He is also the Director of a Center called Castle.
The iSchool Initiative
The arguments that Travis makes are many. He talked about how much cheaper it would be to use the iSchool and to get rid of calculators, projectors, maps/globes, school books, etc. It would also help the environment because it would lower the amount of trees we would need to cut down. Your teachers and parents would be able to get more involved and could access grades and due dates. Homework could be shared and/or class lectures could be recorded for students that are absent from class.
All of these arguments were very convincing. I am familiar with many of the tools that Travis talked about in his video and can see how this would be a good idea. I can only imagine what else will be available in the next five years.
Lost Generation
At first I was shocked that what she was saying was likely to happen, but by the end, I was happy and liked what it read as she reversed the statements on the video. It really made you think about the world in my lifetime. I hope to be more in control of what happens in my life.
Her technique, I thought, was very clever. I thought it was really neat how she was talking about reversing what she had first stated and then literally reversed it by reading it backwards. I liked reading the words as she spoke them. It was much more captivating than if she had just spoken herself on the video.
Eric Whitaker’s Virtual Choir
I thought this was a very neat way of using the internet. These people obviously could not have contributed and taken part in this choir except through the internet. It also brings to mind other ways that people in all parts of the world could contribute to a larger project. The uses are limitless.
Scott McLeod uses satire in order to show how strongly he believes in technology and the benefits it can bring to the field of education. His point is valid because in these days, students will encounter technology everyday in their lives. How can anyone stop them from using it? It just makes sense to have them be creative with it and to help them make use of it in their daily lives.
Scott McLeod is an Associate Professor of Education Administration at the University of Iowa. He is also the Director of a Center called Castle.
The iSchool Initiative
The arguments that Travis makes are many. He talked about how much cheaper it would be to use the iSchool and to get rid of calculators, projectors, maps/globes, school books, etc. It would also help the environment because it would lower the amount of trees we would need to cut down. Your teachers and parents would be able to get more involved and could access grades and due dates. Homework could be shared and/or class lectures could be recorded for students that are absent from class.
All of these arguments were very convincing. I am familiar with many of the tools that Travis talked about in his video and can see how this would be a good idea. I can only imagine what else will be available in the next five years.
Lost Generation
At first I was shocked that what she was saying was likely to happen, but by the end, I was happy and liked what it read as she reversed the statements on the video. It really made you think about the world in my lifetime. I hope to be more in control of what happens in my life.
Her technique, I thought, was very clever. I thought it was really neat how she was talking about reversing what she had first stated and then literally reversed it by reading it backwards. I liked reading the words as she spoke them. It was much more captivating than if she had just spoken herself on the video.
Eric Whitaker’s Virtual Choir
I thought this was a very neat way of using the internet. These people obviously could not have contributed and taken part in this choir except through the internet. It also brings to mind other ways that people in all parts of the world could contribute to a larger project. The uses are limitless.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Additional Assignment 1
a. What are the educational implications of searches such as Google Squared provides?
The educational implications of searches, such as Google Squared, provide us with charts, statistics, images, and descriptions. The great thing about this is that you can see them all at once. You can also put other information you wanted to know about in the “add columns” tab.
b. What are the educational implications of searches such as WolframAlpha provides?
The educational implications of searches, such as WolframAlpha, provide us with a lot of detailed statistics about one particular subject. It enables students to get a more in depth look, as opposed to a simple Google search.
c. Did you know about Google Squared before this assignment?
I did not know about Google Squared before this assignment.
d. Did you know about Wolfram Alpha before this assignment?
I did not know about Wolfram Alpha before this assignment
e. Reread your comments about Did You Know. Have my comments altered your thinking about anything you saw, heard, read, or reported for the Did You Know assignment? If not, say so. If so, describe how in as much detail as necessary.
Your comments reinforced how much information is out there and how important it is to use search engines like Google Squared and WolframAlpha to find out and analyze information. One thing that I did get out of your comments was to keep questioning statics in order to understand the context and their real meaning.
f. What did you learn from this exercise about how you react to and deal with "statistics"?
I leaned that statics can be used in different context and I have to be careful when I see them.
Food For Thought:
I think it’s amazing how quick kids can use and understand new technology. My nephew, Wyatt, just turned five and he can beat me at video games.
The educational implications of searches, such as Google Squared, provide us with charts, statistics, images, and descriptions. The great thing about this is that you can see them all at once. You can also put other information you wanted to know about in the “add columns” tab.
b. What are the educational implications of searches such as WolframAlpha provides?
The educational implications of searches, such as WolframAlpha, provide us with a lot of detailed statistics about one particular subject. It enables students to get a more in depth look, as opposed to a simple Google search.
c. Did you know about Google Squared before this assignment?
I did not know about Google Squared before this assignment.
d. Did you know about Wolfram Alpha before this assignment?
I did not know about Wolfram Alpha before this assignment
e. Reread your comments about Did You Know. Have my comments altered your thinking about anything you saw, heard, read, or reported for the Did You Know assignment? If not, say so. If so, describe how in as much detail as necessary.
Your comments reinforced how much information is out there and how important it is to use search engines like Google Squared and WolframAlpha to find out and analyze information. One thing that I did get out of your comments was to keep questioning statics in order to understand the context and their real meaning.
f. What did you learn from this exercise about how you react to and deal with "statistics"?
I leaned that statics can be used in different context and I have to be careful when I see them.
Food For Thought:
I think it’s amazing how quick kids can use and understand new technology. My nephew, Wyatt, just turned five and he can beat me at video games.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Blog Post 3
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
This video did a pretty good job of representing what my experiences have been taking college classes. I would describe myself as being a multi-tasker and students are asked to accomplish many tasks and are forced to multi-task every day. I did notice a few differences in my experience. I’ve been taking mostly math classes so I don’t usually see people on their computers. I usually see a chalkboard/whiteboard and students are using paper and pencil. I came from a small town and a small college in Maine and the typical class size was a lot smaller than what the video stated (a couple classes there were as many as five kids in the class). Even though these classes here at South are larger, they are still smaller than what the video had stated.
Another difference I noticed was there was no mention of texting. If I was the video producer, I would definitely add something about the amount of texting students take part in. I noticed the video was produced in 2007 so perhaps students were not texting as much. With unlimited texting in many cell phone plans, I feel that could explain why. Another reason why this might be true is that students can do other things while they are texting.
It’s Not About Technology
Mrs. Hines made a good point in her post about technology. It is not just that the technology exists but that teachers need to know how to use it and be able to use it correctly with their classes so that students have a better learning environment. I definitely noticed this in my high school. Some teachers introduced us to new ways of using technology while other teachers didn’t even know how to access e-mail.
I agree that teachers must be learners. Teachers have to be willing to learn “current trends, research and tools.” Therefore, teachers must devote some time in order to master these and teach them to their students. It is a collaborative process.
Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
I totally agree with everything Mr. Fisch said about teachers being technologically literate. I especially liked how strongly he stated his opinions. It is not acceptable for teachers to say that they either don't have time to learn or they just don't get it. I also liked how he talked about his experience as a math teacher. I am studying to be a secondary math teacher and his comments really connected with me. At first I thought his comments about losing a license or losing a job was harsh, but after thinking about it, it seems like the only answer. Some teachers will not incorporate this technology on their own. Their principal must demand it from them.
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
Mr. Hayes certainly came up with a great idea showing how fast social media applications can change. I could not help thinking that within a week or a month he could probably add another column or two. For those students just entering kindergarten, many of these items might be a mystery to them. One thing that this means for me as I work towards becoming a teacher is how willing I have to be to learn and keep pace with technology and my students.
This video did a pretty good job of representing what my experiences have been taking college classes. I would describe myself as being a multi-tasker and students are asked to accomplish many tasks and are forced to multi-task every day. I did notice a few differences in my experience. I’ve been taking mostly math classes so I don’t usually see people on their computers. I usually see a chalkboard/whiteboard and students are using paper and pencil. I came from a small town and a small college in Maine and the typical class size was a lot smaller than what the video stated (a couple classes there were as many as five kids in the class). Even though these classes here at South are larger, they are still smaller than what the video had stated.
Another difference I noticed was there was no mention of texting. If I was the video producer, I would definitely add something about the amount of texting students take part in. I noticed the video was produced in 2007 so perhaps students were not texting as much. With unlimited texting in many cell phone plans, I feel that could explain why. Another reason why this might be true is that students can do other things while they are texting.
It’s Not About Technology
Mrs. Hines made a good point in her post about technology. It is not just that the technology exists but that teachers need to know how to use it and be able to use it correctly with their classes so that students have a better learning environment. I definitely noticed this in my high school. Some teachers introduced us to new ways of using technology while other teachers didn’t even know how to access e-mail.
I agree that teachers must be learners. Teachers have to be willing to learn “current trends, research and tools.” Therefore, teachers must devote some time in order to master these and teach them to their students. It is a collaborative process.
Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
I totally agree with everything Mr. Fisch said about teachers being technologically literate. I especially liked how strongly he stated his opinions. It is not acceptable for teachers to say that they either don't have time to learn or they just don't get it. I also liked how he talked about his experience as a math teacher. I am studying to be a secondary math teacher and his comments really connected with me. At first I thought his comments about losing a license or losing a job was harsh, but after thinking about it, it seems like the only answer. Some teachers will not incorporate this technology on their own. Their principal must demand it from them.
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
Mr. Hayes certainly came up with a great idea showing how fast social media applications can change. I could not help thinking that within a week or a month he could probably add another column or two. For those students just entering kindergarten, many of these items might be a mystery to them. One thing that this means for me as I work towards becoming a teacher is how willing I have to be to learn and keep pace with technology and my students.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Summary Post C4T Teacher #1
In the last couple weeks I have been reading Tom Johnson’s Adventures in Pencil Integration blogs. The first one I read was the article, “Meat the Teacher Fiasco”. This article talks about a Meat the Teacher night where the teachers are putting on a barbecue because of a homonym error (meet vs meat). The parents, students and teachers all gather together and start playing a baseball game. The kids end up playing their own game on the street and their teacher joins in. It then talks about how this was a great way to start a year, by having the students see the teacher as a human instead of just a teacher. It gives the sense of an “all-out carnival” instead of, “an awkward meet and greet.”
My response basically stated that I thought it was a great idea for the students to see their teacher as human rather than a teacher at first. I think that when students get to see their teacher this way they will feel more comfortable in class since they already know their teacher, and then more learning will take place this way. The students will see that their teacher is there to have fun with them and they can learn together instead of looking at it like this teacher is just going to be giving them a grade.
The second article I read was called, “Visitors” which talks about a visitor coming in and asking questions about pencils. These visitors usually miss the beauty of a pencil. However, before the end of the evening, many ask about what the students are learning and not necessarily about what technology they used to get there. Students can be creative with many different forms of technology, even pencils!
My response to this article was that students should learn different ways to communicate their knowledge. I think students should have a good sense of pencil, slates, computers, etc. Then they will have more knowledge in many different types of uses for this varied technology. I agree that technology is changing very fast and most of their knowledge will soon be mostly on computers and other technology, but I do not think that pencils will be gone completely.
My response basically stated that I thought it was a great idea for the students to see their teacher as human rather than a teacher at first. I think that when students get to see their teacher this way they will feel more comfortable in class since they already know their teacher, and then more learning will take place this way. The students will see that their teacher is there to have fun with them and they can learn together instead of looking at it like this teacher is just going to be giving them a grade.
The second article I read was called, “Visitors” which talks about a visitor coming in and asking questions about pencils. These visitors usually miss the beauty of a pencil. However, before the end of the evening, many ask about what the students are learning and not necessarily about what technology they used to get there. Students can be creative with many different forms of technology, even pencils!
My response to this article was that students should learn different ways to communicate their knowledge. I think students should have a good sense of pencil, slates, computers, etc. Then they will have more knowledge in many different types of uses for this varied technology. I agree that technology is changing very fast and most of their knowledge will soon be mostly on computers and other technology, but I do not think that pencils will be gone completely.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Blog Post 2
Did You Know?
This presentation was very interesting. When I was watching it, I hadn’t really thought about how fast things were changing. I know that people Google all the time for information, but hadn’t really thought about the exact number being that large. It seems incredible that technology can change that fast.
What I got out of this video was that people should try to stay informed as best they can with technology. This means trying new things, and keeping an open mind to what can be used not only in your daily life, but in your classroom with your students as well.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
When Mr. Winkle wakes up he realizes there are so many changes in the world around him, even at the hospital, that he had to visit because he was so “lost” he thought he was sick. He didn’t make out any better there because he was surrounded by all the new machines and technology. When he finally found the school he realized this was the same as he remembered it.
The point that Mathew Needleman was trying to make was that the world is changing daily and schools are not, but they should be. Teaching should be more about getting students to learn more on their own rather than being lectured. I think this is trying to tell us that we should come up with different ways of teaching instead of always doing the same thing. We should make learning fun and interesting, while engaging students in their own learning.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
Sir Ken Robinson’s presentation dealt with trying to get children to be more creative and be prepared for unknown future which lies ahead. Robinson said that as students get older, they become more afraid of making mistakes. We, as educators, need to let kids know that making mistakes is okay and is part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
I thought Sir Ken Robinson did a great job of using examples from real life. He made his presentation funny and interesting to watch. I think this presentation was trying to say that in the future we don’t know what there is going to be. Teachers are trying to teach kids for what things we know now. Robinson’s point was that teachers need to educate kids so that they can adapt on their own.
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students’ Digital Smarts
Vicki Davis’s presentation talks about getting the students more involved in their own learning, and learning with people not just in their classroom but also all over the world. I thought it was a good idea that she added a video of her students and saw her in action. There was a lot of learning and creative thinking going on in her class. When she got the students involved they seemed to want to learn more. She said in the video that her students even taught her how to do things.
This video emphasizes the importance of keeping up with technology and using it in your classroom. Vicki Davis also had students working together with their classmates to get more involved in the activities. I thought this was a good way of learning and teaching.
This presentation was very interesting. When I was watching it, I hadn’t really thought about how fast things were changing. I know that people Google all the time for information, but hadn’t really thought about the exact number being that large. It seems incredible that technology can change that fast.
What I got out of this video was that people should try to stay informed as best they can with technology. This means trying new things, and keeping an open mind to what can be used not only in your daily life, but in your classroom with your students as well.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
When Mr. Winkle wakes up he realizes there are so many changes in the world around him, even at the hospital, that he had to visit because he was so “lost” he thought he was sick. He didn’t make out any better there because he was surrounded by all the new machines and technology. When he finally found the school he realized this was the same as he remembered it.
The point that Mathew Needleman was trying to make was that the world is changing daily and schools are not, but they should be. Teaching should be more about getting students to learn more on their own rather than being lectured. I think this is trying to tell us that we should come up with different ways of teaching instead of always doing the same thing. We should make learning fun and interesting, while engaging students in their own learning.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
Sir Ken Robinson’s presentation dealt with trying to get children to be more creative and be prepared for unknown future which lies ahead. Robinson said that as students get older, they become more afraid of making mistakes. We, as educators, need to let kids know that making mistakes is okay and is part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
I thought Sir Ken Robinson did a great job of using examples from real life. He made his presentation funny and interesting to watch. I think this presentation was trying to say that in the future we don’t know what there is going to be. Teachers are trying to teach kids for what things we know now. Robinson’s point was that teachers need to educate kids so that they can adapt on their own.
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students’ Digital Smarts
Vicki Davis’s presentation talks about getting the students more involved in their own learning, and learning with people not just in their classroom but also all over the world. I thought it was a good idea that she added a video of her students and saw her in action. There was a lot of learning and creative thinking going on in her class. When she got the students involved they seemed to want to learn more. She said in the video that her students even taught her how to do things.
This video emphasizes the importance of keeping up with technology and using it in your classroom. Vicki Davis also had students working together with their classmates to get more involved in the activities. I thought this was a good way of learning and teaching.
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