Blog Post 10

Morgan Bayda

Morgan Bayda, a new teacher in Canada, talked about how education has changed over the past decades. Unfortunately, education has not changed as much as it should. Students still attend a school, receive textbooks, and sit in a class with other students while the teachers impart their knowledge. In order to further emphasize what she was trying to say, she posted a link to a Dan Brown video where he explained how the value of education has dropped. Education on the internet is free to all and he eventually dropped out of school because “school was getting in the way of his education”.

I agree that the educational system has not kept pace with the information age. There seems to be many ways of accessing information and delivering that information to students that could be researched. As a student pursing a teaching career, I hope to incorporate more technology into my classroom. EDM310 has shown students many ways to improve student creativity and help them become more involved in their own learning. I enjoy classes where the teacher interacts with the students and I’m sure that my students will in fact feel the same way.

Two Questions That Can Change Your Life

Daniel Pink’s video asked people to live their lives considering two questions. One being, “What’s my sentence”, and the other being, “Was I better today than yesterday?” I think my sentence would have to be “Help somebody every chance you get”. Every time I help someone, it seems to make them feel better about themselves and that makes me feel better about myself. I always appreciate when people help me. These questions affect me because by thinking of these questions daily, it will keep me on track of who I want to be and what I want to become as a teacher.

Project 12

Skype Interview

Capture your screen in seconds

Blog Post 9

“What I’ve Learned This Year” by Mr. McClung

 

The main thing Mr. McClung was trying to portray in his post was to stay positive. He told us about how to read your students. Reading your students reactions to the material you’re teaching is more important than just following a planned lesson. Communication is always important in any relationship, even teacher-student relationships. Getting to know one another other than just in the classroom lets the students know that you can be there for them as a friend as well as a teacher. If you take the time to talk to students and they learn that they can trust you, it might make a student’s year. He also talked about being reasonable. Students all learn differently. Sometimes students will understand what you’re talking about and sometimes they won’t. He also talked about using technology and to never stop learning. You are in a learning workspace so “soak up as much as you can.”

I really enjoyed reading Mr. McClung’s post. I think it is really great that he’s making his teaching be more about the students instead of his planned lesson. Things aren’t always planned out, and plans always change. I think being positive will make it easier not only on yourself but for your students as well. I really liked when Mr. McClang said, “In order to build the respect that we all seek in a student teacher relationship, it is important to take interest in the lives of our students.” I learned a lot about what type of teacher I want to become by reading his post.

Blog Post 8

Richard Miller: This Is How We Dream Parts 1 and 2

Dr. Richard Miller’s video talked about change that the writing process has gone through. One good example was when he explained how he had a book published that only those who bought it, or borrowed it from a library, could read. Then he said that his book went the way of all books, it went out of print. In contrast, another paper that he wrote and posted on the web was readily available, read by many, and will remain out there for anyone who would like to read it. He also said that he never left his office. He was able to research, compose, and publish right from that same room.

I was fortunate enough to attend a school where I had my own individual laptop computer since junior high. Having one has made me very familiar with multimedia. I know I can type faster than I can write, and I would rather do so. In high school, I was asked to make presentations using the computer and web materials. I realize that there is so much more out there, but I am prepared for it.

I would assume that the students I will be teaching will be very able to write with multimedia. Just watching some of the videos from this class and seeing these children produce such varied projects is amazing. They are only going to be introduced to more exciting things.

The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies

The primary message in The Chipper Series is that you need to be an independent learner who does their work on time, especially since we are the ones that want to become teachers. Another message might be taking responsibility for your actions. You should get everything you can out your education.

The primary message in EDM310 for Dummies was that with the help of others, anything is possible. Perhaps at the beginning, the class may seem overwhelming. Once you get used to it and understand all of the networking sites, it becomes a lot easier.

After watching these two videos, one possible video topic might be about younger students using lots of different technologies and getting a chance to be creative.

Smartboards

After reading the two critiques of smartboards, I searched for a blog was in favor of them. I came up with http://www.teacherslovesmartboards.com/. One argument against using smartboards is the cost of them. Another argument is that they thought the regular board could do the exact same thing. A third argument was that there was not enough research showing that student learning and achievement would improve with the use of the smartboards. Arguments in favor of smartboards range from more student involvement to peer interaction. This site had categories with lesson plans for every course of study.

Project 11

My Favorite Teacher

Project 9b- Instructional Timetoast

Disney Movie Princesses- release dates

Additional Assignment 2

1. What do you think? If learners are motivated, can they teach themselves?/ 2. If those motivated learners are kids, can they teach themselves?

I definitely think that if learners are motivated, they can teach themselves. We saw in the video that children from all around the world were able to learn any number of topics when they didn’t even know how to use technology, and sometimes English.

3. What conditions are necessary for kids to teach themselves? For anyone to teach him or herself?

I think that everyone, in order to learn, have to have the motivation for it. Although working with others might not be necessary, it certainly helps increase the probability for learning to take place. The students seemed excited to be participating with peers.

4. What role do computers and internet access play in the process?

The computers and internet access play a significant role in learning. Students have to have access to information in order to learn about it. Computers also are interesting to many students, and probably the opportunity to them increases student motivation.

5. What role does motivation, a desire to learn?

I think if someone has the desire to learn, they are obviously motivated to learn more about something.

6. What roles do a problem, a question or multiple problems or questions play in the process?

I think that most people, when faced with a problem or question, will try to answer it using problem solving skills.

7. How do you motivate someone to learn?

I think that if you get someone excited about something, it will motivate them to want to learn more about it.

8. How are you motivated to learn?

I am motivated to learn because I have a goal of being a teacher. I want to be a good teacher so it motivates me to learn as much as I can in order to do that. I am also more motivated to learn when teachers make learning fun and when they are excited about what they do.

9. Can anyone who is not motivated to learn learn?

I think that anyone who is not motivated can still learn. Maybe they won’t learn as much, or as fast as those who are motivated.

10. Do you teach yourself? When? Why?

I do teach myself on a lot of things. I have a math class right now where the teacher doesn’t really “teach”. She just wants to get through the information and move on. This makes me have to read and learn it myself. I read and learn it myself because I want to be a math teacher and if someone isn’t going to help me, then I would still like to be knowledgeable about it. I sometimes like to teach myself other things because I’d like to figure something out on my own instead of asking other people how to do it.

11. What role does a teacher (either answer generally or use a specific example) play in your learning?

A teacher plays a huge role in my learning. I like to know that I’m doing things correctly. I like teachers who are very organized because that makes me become clear about what it is I need to do. I like when teachers are on time passing back homework and tests so I can look over my work and understand why I got the grade I did. I also think teachers that take the time to talk to me one-on-one and that allow me to get to know them as a person instead of just a teacher, make it easier and more comfortable to learn.

12. What is the most important idea, question or emotional response you take away with you as a result of watching this video?

I think one important idea I took away from this video was that children work better in groups where they can talk about the answers they have come up with and why. He stated in the video that after he told groups to figure out questions together, and then when he came back two months later and asked them individually if they remembered the information, the score was the same. I also thought that when he left the computer in certain areas, it was neat to see all the children trying to learn stuff on their own.

13. What other questions or issues are raised by this video that should be considered and discussed by aspiring teachers?

I think one main question that was asked in the video was why are there certain areas where teachers don’t want to teach? Perhaps these areas should be identified and then qualified teachers, armed with computers, should be sent to teach there.

Project 10

Personal Learning Network

Before EDM310 I had never heard of a personal learning network. After investigating some websites for this course, I think I have a better understanding of what a PLN is about. I set up an iGoogle page where I created a tab for the blogs I am following. I also have a tab for my own personal sites that I enjoy looking at. I signed up for a twitter account and I am following an educational technology/art teacher from my former high school. I am also following Steven Anderson. I would like to eventually add more math teachers. In addition to the EDM310 blog, I am following several other teachers, one teaching math. I am sure as the course continues, I will have added others and have even a better understanding of how to use and work with my PLN.

Project 9a- Timetoast

The Wonderful World of Sarah Pierce

Blog Post 7

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture dealt with three subjects. The first being his dreams, the second being about enabling others’ dreams, and the third being the lessons he has learned. Randy Pausch had six childhood dreams while growing up. They were experiencing zero gravity, playing football in the NFL, writing an article for the World Book Encyclopedia, be like Captain Kirk, win large stuffed animals, and work for Disney Imagineer. While he might not have achieved them all, he connected in some way with each of them. The bottom line is not to lose sight of your dreams because “anything is possible”. Even though you might meet up with a brick wall, it’s only for those who are not strong enough to get through it.

As a professor at Carnegie Mellon, he was able to help others achieve their lifelong dreams. He created courses like Building Virtual Walls and Dream Fulfillment Factory which encouraged students to work in a team and create projects in virtual reality. They were highly successful and many people tried to get into the classes. These courses emphasized the ability to become self reflective in their skills and in their ability to work with others. They also “tricked” students into having fun while at the same time learning computer programming.

The last part of Randy’s lecture dealt with the lessons he learned throughout his life. The first one he mentioned was about how much you can learn from your parents, mentors, teachers, friends, students, and colleagues. Some of these lessons might be about helping others, having fun, always having a childlike wonder, never giving up, that loyalty is a two way street. He showed a picture of Tigger and Eeyore and stated that obviously he was the Tigger. He also stated that on his father’s 80th birthday, he rode on a rollercoaster. He wanted to try something new. He emphasized to focus more on others so he brought out a huge birthday cake for his wife and had everyone sing happy birthday to her (I had tears in my eyes at this part).

Other lessons he mentioned was to always do the right thing because good things will happen, show gratitude, listen when you get feedback, don’t complain- just work harder, find something you’re good at, find the best in everybody, and be prepared. He was such an upbeat charismatic speaker and it made me think about how to plug them into my personal and professional life. This video kept my attention and I learned a great deal from it.

Summary Post C4T Teacher #2

In the last couple of weeks I have been reading Becky Goerend’s blog posts. The first one I read was “The Red Group”. This post talks about dividing students into classes where her math students are grouped together according to ability. This is so they can be taught at the pace they deserve. She was struggling about how to address those students, who on the first day, guessed that they indeed were in the lowest group. How do we as teachers make students still feel confident even while being in a lower group?

I stated in my response that I am studying to become a secondary math teacher so this post was very interesting to me! I could relate to this topic. When I was in middle school, we had the same divided classes, and we too figured out who was in the “smarter” classes. They need to be taught at a different pace than the rest of the students in order to be successful in the class.

The second article I read was called, “Why Blog?” which was what her students asked her and how she responded. She provided a very thorough list of reasons students should blog.

My response to this article was that I thought her answer to your students’ question was very informative. I agree that writing and commenting on others’ blogs improves writing. I don’t think people want their writing to look bad on posts so they usually try to do their best. I also think getting feedback from peers is very helpful in the writing process. I also agree that blogging cuts down on the use of paper and is better for the environment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Project 5

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.

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.

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.