Blog Assignment #14

Blog Assignment #13

     The first video for this blog post that I watched was Back To the Future. Mr. Brian Cosby talks about all the different activities that he does in his 4th grade classroom. His students blog, create videos, use wikis, and a lot of other cool technology tools. My favorite part about this video was that video clip he shares of a student doing a science experiment about air pressure where a soda can crushes itself. This wasn't my favorite part because of the really awesome reaction in the experiment, but because Mr. Cosby had each student film themselves doing the experiment and then embedded the clip into their blogs. The idea of having each kid excited to participate in the activity and then even more excited about sharing what they have learned is amazing.
     My second favorite part of this video is the balloon experiment. Mr. Cosby lets his kids help design and engineer the actual balloon so they are all involved and having fun while learning. After the balloon was lifted off he assigned each student to write a story from the point of view of the balloon. This interested me because he is combing two core subjects, which is something I don't think we do enough. The students expand their creativity immensely with projects like these. It also turns school into an exciting day of learning rather than a boring day of daydreaming.

     A Vision of Students Today was the second video I watched for this blog post assignment. This video was very thought provoking from the point of view of a student. It made me ask myself what I am trying to get out of the college experience. It also made me evaluate what I want for my future as well. As a student, I can relate to feeling like you are wasting your money, that there are not enough hours in the day, and even not being recognized by your professors by name if at all. College isn't meant to be easy, I get that. It's preparing you for the real world. It almost feels like a weeding out process, like every teacher is testing you, not on the course material, but if you are determined enough to finish.

     From the point of view of a president or dean of a college or university this video is probably haunting. To live for money has got to be a miserable life, and sometimes I feel like people in administration are forced into the black hole of dollar signs purely because their jobs call for it. If I were an administrator and I saw this video I would feel sad, simple as that. It would feel awful to see the signs being held up one after the other saying things about how expensive college is, how much debt students will graduate with, or that the material being taught isn't lining up with the students needs. Although the administration is said to hold all the power they don't, the world and society does. We as a society have made money the center of our universe and we're all paying for it. But then again, hopefully a member of an administration team somewhere will see the video, spark some change, and help make the college experience affordable and worth it educationally.

I would want my students to know...the feeling of accomplishment.
I would want my students to be able to...use self discipline for their schoolwork and home life. I would want my students to have experienced...a classroom environment that pushes them to better themselves.

     After watching the video, How will you teach me in the 21st century, I was impressed by the media and content. Melinda Kraft had a very creative take on the future of our students. She poses many questions concerning the values, skills, and material we will be teaching our classes in the future. Technology has become such a huge part of the every day life of the every day person that it wouldn't make sense not to bring it into the classroom. A classroom with technology brings up questions like Melinda's though. I think our teaching will look different but the motives behind the activities will stay very similar. Our jobs as teachers are to teach and mold our students into being the best they can be, and if the classroom is changing then let us take this opportunity to embrace it. We should show our students that change can be good and that it doesn't need to change who we are, just maybe how we do homework.

     The Exemplar of Students' Work With Video post and video was very refreshing. The two students are not being fancy or using special technology to film this video. They are simply just sharing about their responsibility of managing their school's compost pile. One of the students is legally blind and he still fully participates with the project which is probably the most amazing part of the video. I love the fact that he was able to have just as much fun and be 100% involved as any other student would. Technology can potentially cause an issue with participation from students within special education, and I worry that there will be a student out there somewhere who wasn't as lucky as the little boy in this video.

Project #10

     Below I have shared with you one of my favorite webmixes that I created on Symbaloo over the process of making my PLN or my personal learning network. My PLN is going to help me so much when I get into the classroom and begin teaching. It is so convenient to have everything in one place. With a short glance and a quick click, you can be four sites away discovering new lesson plans or fun activities for students. Although I am not in the classroom yet my PLN guides my internet usage almost daily. It has all of the sites I visit on a regular basis ready to go for me so when I open up my home page all I have to do is choose and click. Over the years I hope to grow my PLN far and wide. I also recommend creating your own PLN regardless of what line of work you are in.

C4T #4

     I was assigned to Ms. Andrea Hernandez for Comments 4 Teachers this round. She is a technology teacher and has lots of helpful hints in her blog. The first post I commented  on is focused on creating a good learning environment for students in the classroom. One thing she pointed out that I found interesting was how much the physical representation within a classroom can affect the learning process for students. I had never put much thought into why some teacher's classrooms or offices are more easy going than others. I describe it as easy going because it seems to be the only thing that fits the calm, attentive, content feeling that you get when you are sitting in a classroom taking notes or working on homework and you aren't wanting to tear your hair out.

     The second post I commented on Ms. Hernandez's blog was an image that states the old age saying "if a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it does it make a sound?" and compares it to "if something is created but not shared, does it make a difference?" I found this post to be my favorite purely because of the fact that it causes you to think for yourself and process what you believe. My response was mixed. Half of me said yes it does make a difference even if it isn't shared because the person that created it had the desire to make that particular thing become a reality for them. Therefore, it made a difference to the creator. However, the other half of me argued against it and replied with no, it makes no difference if it is not shared with anyone because
no one can be affected by the creation unless it is shared with them. Therefore, it does not make a difference.

Project #15

Blog Assignment #12

     For this post we are supposed to create our own blog assignment, and I have chosen to make mine about an awesome website called Pinterest. Pinterest is a social media site but don't compare it to Twitter or Facebook because they are very different. Basically there are all types of categories to search in when you login. There is arts and crafts of course, creative food recipes, funny video clips and images, workout plans, wedding ideas, photography pointers, cool classroom decorations or fun lesson plans, tips and hints on cars and motorcycles, I could go on forever! The social part about Pinterest comes in when you like or re-pin something because it shows up on the boards of your followers, kind of like sharing.
     The assignment I have come up with could be used in the high school or middle school level in a computer or English class. I believe that it would be beneficial in a computer class because it's fun and keeps the students learning more about how to maneuver around the internet and more complex websites. A English class could also gain something from this blog assignment because each student must write in good grammar, use proper sentence structure, and use their creative writing skills. It would serve as good writing practice as well as typing practice, which could be great for each class.

My Pinterest Assignment:

1) Create an account.

2) Pick 5 different categories that interest you, and re-pin 3 objects or ideas in each category.
- For clarification: within each of the 5 categories you choose you should re-pin 3 things, therefore you will end up with 15 pins on your board.

3) Out of the 15 pins choose your favorite 5 and write a blog post explaining why you chose these particular pins.
- Questions to think about: How or will this benefit me? Could I see myself actually doing this project? What about this pin attracts me? Is this pin something I could use later on in life? Does this motivate you to start a new hobby or activity? How or could this affect other people?

4) Use proper grammar, sentence structure, and good transition words. Must be 5 paragraphs including an intro, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This is your chance to write about what you choose, so be bold, creative, and use your voice!

Progress Report

     So far this final project has gone very smoothly. I couldn't have been placed in a better group and am really glad I got to know them over the course of this class. Each of us add a little spice to the melting pot which cooks up a fun time! We are almost done with our iBook. All we have left to do is add in a few more individual details for each member, put together our group video, and combine our paragraphs to complete the group summary. What's cool about this project is that it's so different. It's so interactive and is constantly challenging you to step up your game. Although I have had my rough moments with the iBook editing program, I'm enjoying it very much. We should have it all put together and published by tomorrow, fingers crossed!

Blog Assignment #11

     Ms. Cassidy's Classroom was an awesome video to watch as a future teacher. It gets me excited to be able to do these cool activities with my own students one day. All the students in the class participated in the making of this video which is very impressive. Throughout the film, you see clips and pictures of students recording each other, and also using other technology devices such as ninetendo DS's, computers, and portable cameras.
     It's tricky enough as it is to have every student involved and have the project turn out successful, so if you have a student with a speech impediment things could potentially be tougher. However, as tough as it may be it is a great lesson for that particular student and the class as a whole. The teacher could use this situation to teach the class about bullying and how every one is unique in their own way. I would hate to see a child upset from insecurities so the teacher could also help the student by building their confidence regardless of their differences from normal kids.
     The thing that I found most interesting about Ms. Cassidy's teaching methods within her classroom was that she let them blog at such a young age. My reaction at first was that they were simply too young, but then I came to realize that if they are old enough to film, edit, and product a video they can  certainly blog efficiently. I give major points to Ms. Cassidy for taking the "learning with technology" phase to the next level. She has found a good balance between the regular pen and paper and the computer literate educational route.

Blog Assignment #10

     When I went to the blog post written by Mr. Spencer concerning the cartoon above I was hoping to find a more in depth meaning of the cartoon. Although I had no luck finding a better worded reasoning, I did however come up with an idea of what it's about. I think it's comparing the old teaching methods with the new upgraded, technology enhanced methods.


      I read the blog post Remember Pencil Quests? by Mr. Spencer for my choice of readings from his site. He talks about an experience he had when he was a sophomore when his teacher took his class on a pencil quest. I don't know exactly what a pencil quest entails but he compares it to a scavenger hunt like game with a map. Mr. Spencer adds the enthusiasm that his teacher had for this fun filled day in class, which ultimately transferred to the students.


      The point to Mr. Spencer's post isn't just to share about a fun memory from his school days. It's to share a thought he had concerning the students he has now, has had, and will have in the future. He states at the end of his post that he wonders what those students will think when they look back at the good ole days. Instead of pencil and paper scavenger hunts, they'll remember internet searches and iPad games.


      I read the blog post Don't teach your kids this stuff, please? and was taken back by Dr. McLeod's forwardness. But then I thought about it a little more and realized that to be heard you have to be creative and  be able to grab people's attention. You must put yourself out there if you want to make an impact, and that is exactly what he did. He writes a poem-like post about how kids shouldn't be free to roam the internet. Stating all the dangers, cons, and mischief that kids can get into McLeod does make a valid point.


      However, I think the statement he is really trying to make is that it's not the internet itself that is "evil", but the people and sites that abuse it are the actual issue. Kids should use the internet and become familiar with how it works because eventually it will be the number one source for everything and everyone (if it isn't already that is). What does need to be done is guidance from parents and teachers. It is our responsibility to keep children and students safe in the virtual world. That responsibility mainly consists of guidance and protection, without them then the bad realms of the deep dark internet will get them.

Blog Assignment #9

     The first blog post I chose to read was What I've learned this year (2008-2009). Mr. McClung discusses about how much he has learned over his first year of teaching. He states that he did not just grow as a teacher but as a person as well. A few points he talks about that I found interesting were "how to read the crowd" and "listen to your students". These two topics really stood out to me. "How to read the crowd" originally grabbed my attention because it was so honest. He speaks about how at the beginning of the year he was more focused on impressing his co-workers and superiors than his students' learning. People pleasing is a trap that everyone falls in. The awesome thing about McClung though, is that he saw his faults and learned from them. To make the extra effort to change for the better shows character, and he has a lot of it.
     The second topic I liked, "listen to your students", because it touches on something I feel like people tend to forget sometimes. The world can sweep you off your feet, we get busy, we get selfish, we become blind to the people around us that are in need of a boost. In this particular case, McClung shares a response from a student when asked why they knew their teacher cared. The response was, because he "listens to what I say". Think about this for a moment. Imagine yourself as a little kid again, and how it would feel if you felt ignored or looked over time after time. But then there was that one special teacher that took the time to see who you really were and made you believe you were worth listening to. That's what we must do as teachers. We are robbing ourselves and hurting our students if our only goal as teachers are to teach math problems and science experiments.

     The second post I chose was What I've learned this year (2009-2010). I picked out two points that I enjoyed in this blog just as in the first one. "Find your school mom" is the first section that I loved reading. It's not easy to admit you need help sometimes but McClung does a great job of doing so. He says that every time he is at a new school he finds a "school mom", a teacher who has worked at that school for years and knows the ropes. At first I found this funny, I pictured an older woman shaking her finger at a young hot shot teacher trying to straighten him out. But as I read on I realized what a great idea McClung had. All of our lives we have had someone telling us what to do, how to do it, and sometimes even doing it for us. So it's not surprising that we start to sink after jumping into the deep end without our water wings on. Finding a "school mom" to help mentor you and guide you through those first few years is an amazing blessing to have.
     The second topic McClung spoke on that caught my eye was "scope and sequence". This stood out to me right away simply because of its title. I had no clue what scope and sequence was until I read this blog. But it turns out I did know what it was, I just knew it by "assessments and evaluations" instead. McClung talks about how much he realized this past year that his classroom management needed some work. He goes on to say that he caught himself lecturing on what he thought was interesting instead of being focused on what his students needed to know and what was important to them. A big thing he mentions in this section is keeping track of his assessments. Assessments can be monotonous, but if you keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel they will pay off in the end for you and your students.

C4T #3

     I was required to comment on Edna Sackson's Blog. She works in Australia as a teaching and learning coordinator. Edna's first post that I read was about how she believes that teachers should be changing their focus from teaching to learning. Teacher's need to take a step back and realize what is going on around them within today's education system. They need to start embracing the technology that is available to them and their students. Edna believes that if teachers begin to learn how to incorporate new technology into their classrooms then the students will benefit tremendously, not to mention it could make the teachers' life a little easier at times.

     The second post I read of Edna's blog was based on a documentary about a woman who traveled the world interviewing eleven year old children. She asks the kids all kinds of questions and she receives all sorts of different answers. The point of the film however is to peak inside the minds of a pre-teen, when they're at the tender stage on the edge of the world just waiting to dive in, and see what they want to happen in the world and their opinions about the "big" issues that surround us all on the newsstands. Some kids wanted peace and to be rid of inequalities, which is perhaps why Edna purposed the question, "what would you do if you could change the world?" This blog was really inspiring and got me to think about what I would do if I was ever given an opportunity to impact the world. Then I started thinking even more and it's a shame that I automatically think I can't make a difference. The children in the video gleam of hope and belief, we should learn to think like them and start acting on our desires of change.

Blog Assignment #8

     This is how we dream is a 2 part video discussing the different changes throughout this technology era we are in. Richard Miller explains how the world of writing and literature can be drastically changed for the better. He shows the different advantages technology offers in this subject. Instead of having to read a ton of pages of information and then have to burp it all back up into a written paper, he suggests that we adapt to the technology we are given and start listening to lectures or watch lessons by means of computers.
     Miller's presentation isn't made up of regular power point slides or a video of him lecturing, he has created this video as a kind of simulation of his computer screen that follows along with his narration. It is obvious that he is quite technology savvy and has done a very good job using his talent in this film. He shows the audience how he himself researched for a major speech that he gave at Virginia Tech by never having to step foot into a library.
     The point Mr. Miller makes is that it is very possible to replace paper and pencils with keyboards and computers. He sends the message that it is simple, and I agree with him. I think it would be very easy to exchange written documents with creating a video. However, the issue will not be about the technology itself but the student's well being. The worry of this idea is focused on how the student will grow up and contribute to society after having a schooling system that requires so much time on a computer rather than practicing personal relations to fine tune his salesmanship.

     When I read Carly Pugh's Blog Post #12 I was impressed for many different reasons. First off, I loved her graphics and the way she has her blog set up, especially the picture she has of the guy eating breakfast to the side of her post. I wondered how she placed it on the side and marveled for a quick minute. Then after I started reading along I found it enjoyable. Her writing style is so easy to follow along, you forget that you're doing homework because you're laughing at the dry sarcasm hidden within her words.
     On a teaching note, I couldn't agree more with her about having a philosophy to teach by. I believe that every teacher should create their own to keep themselves checked every day they begin to teach. Having a philosophy is such a good idea because not only does it keep you focused on who you are at the core and what you truly desire to accomplish, but it can help you get through those daily struggles that come with teaching and just life in general. If you have a basic standard that you hold yourself to then you can lean on it when you need a motivational crutch or you can squeeze it tight when you are struggling with what the right thing to do is.

     The video EDM for Dummies is absolutely hilarious! The beginning of the video explains how a lot of students feel during this course. If this was a real book I definitely would buy it and make sure every one I knew taking EDM 310 also had it. This video was a really creative way to express the frustration that tends to come along with the workload of this class. Although, this class does require a lot of your time it helps you ten times more than you could have ever imagined. It truly does prepare students to be a technology enhanced teacher.
     I would love to create a video about using smart-boards in the classrooms. In three of my upper level education classes we use smart-boards daily throughout the course, but we also are assigned to teach different lessons either to the class or in front of the class which is a helpful step on the journey to our own classrooms. But the cool thing that I have learned from my classes that use them and EDM 310 is how they are actually used in the classroom across all grade levels. I had never been around smart-boards until my senior year of high school when our math department installed them as a test drive to see if they were worth the money to give each teacher in the school their own. Turns out they were well worth the money! My point is though, that elementary school teachers use smart-boards too and I would love to create a video or presentation showing the awesome tools of smart-boards and how far they stretch across the education system.

     Learn to Change, Change to Learn was an eye opening video. It suggests the notion that school be focused more in a setting that the students are already embracing which would be computers, phones, and social media. The speakers throughout the film each say how they feel concerning the school systems now and what changes they think should be made. My first reaction is to shut it out, because as pro-technology as I have been I'm starting to worry more about our student's being too absorbed in technology and won't be as well-rounded as students who go through the normal education process now. However this video was very thought provoking and made me do some thinking.
     The first thing that caught my ear was the man who said that we have used the "industrial narrative" and that "schools are like factories". This is a valid point. Schools have become giant factory machines where teachers pull down a lever, out pops the graduate, and down the conveyor belt it goes. But it doesn't have to be that way. There can be a balance between the old fashioned classroom and the high tech virtual school. They can coexist, and in my opinion if they both joined together they would create a great learning environment for students and a great outlook for the future of the students.

    For the scavenger hunt I found the site Edmodo for number one. Edmodo is a social networking website for teachers, parents, and students. This could be beneficial for teachers because they can post assignments, notes, connect with other teachers, connect with parents, and also connect with students when they have questions or need extra help. Parents could gain a lot from a site like this as well because they can keep up with their child's progress and also have fast, quick contact with the teacher. Students would not only enjoy something like this but they could learn at their own pace with unlimited resources at the click of a mouse.

     Animoto is a site where you can create your own unique video presentations to use in the classroom or where ever you would like really. I had never heard of this website until this assignment and was impressed with all the different resources that you can use on Animoto. You can make a presentation out of your own personal photos, videos, and you can even add music to help grab the attention of the audience or your students. The coolest thing about Animoto is the high tech graphics that come with your finished product, and that come without the confusing technology mumbo jumbo.

Project #14

Project #11

Project #12

Blog Assignment #7

     The Networked Student is a creative presentation about a student who doesn't attend a regular school. He goes to class 3 days a week, and 2 online. His teacher is practicing a method of education called connectivism. Connectivism is the theory of learning from social connections and ties. This means that a lot of what her students learn is from research over the internet, and gives control of the educational plan to the student. Each student can share what they've found by posting blogs or other social media websites.


     The student in the movie does not learn from a book. He researches online articles, blogs, electronic versions of magazines or books. Also, he listens to podcasts of teachers from everywhere around the world and can listen where ever he wants to and isn't cooped up in a classroom. There are so many advances to his educational learning method compared to other students who go to school day after day for hours on end. One main advance that I was interested in is that it's personal experience. The student isn't trying to follow the lecture and struggling to keep his eyes open, he is free to set his own pace and review as needed. Not only is there power in the students' hand but when you experience something for yourself you learn on a deeper level than when you simply try to absorb information being thrown at you.


     The big question brought up by this type of schooling is if the students even need teachers. But to my surprise they do! Teachers must teach the students how to use the different websites and how to stay connected with their fellow classmates. In addition to proper guidance the teachers are responsible for being there to teach them good online communication, organizational skills, and many more aspects of technology etiquette. A teachers job is to teach, but to teach means to care, help, lead, and I believe that in every type of school or educational learning method will always have a teacher. Whether or not those teachers are labeled educators or even know that they are in fact impacting and helping others is the real question at hand here.

Project #9b

My Favorite Movies on Prezi

Project #10 Progress Report

     My PLN, or personal learning network, is based off Symbaloo so far. This application creates a mix of all the websites that I visit on a regular basis or just some of my favorites and posts them on my home page. It is so convenient and organized which really helps me stay on track. My mix consists of all the social websites I always check, like facebook and twitter. Also, I added Pinterest so I can research cool crafts for inside the classroom or lesson plans about different subjects. Symbaloo is such a helpful app, and I plan on using it for a long time.

C4T #2

     Diane Krause is a technology staff development specialist. Her blog is full of different websites and sources for fellow technology savvy teachers that consist of helpful information about a variety of subjects. She calls them her "digital discoveries". Her blog has awesome graphics, a cool set up, and is very organized. The first blog that I commented on was about a website called Zinio. Zinio is a resourceful site for mobile reading. It has a ton of electronic versions of magazines and is called "the world's largest newsstand". There are all sorts of different magazines on the site that ranges from art to sports to entertainment and much more. The cool thing about Zinio is that unlike a regular paperback magazine, it has videos available throughout the site for that you can watch along with reading different articles.





     The second blog I commented on was about a link called NETS. This site is focused on helping students learn about the national standards on a level that they can understand. It's actually a Prezi which is a type of presentation that we actually cover in EDM 310. The Prezi has tons of attention grabbers for kids and it also has a short YouTube video that states the question, "digital citizen, who will you be?" Kids can learn all about the six national education technology standards from this website and virtual slideshow, which are: creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making, digital citizenship, and technology operations and concepts. Sites like these not only help students learn and grow, but it also gives them a preview of what they will soon be creating themselves.

Blog Assignment #6

     Randy Pausch's Last Lecture is an incredible video. As I've stated in a previous blog post, Randy Pausch is someone to be admired to say the least. His character alone should be envied by all. In his "Last Lecture" he covers three topics that include different strategies of teaching and also learning. The topics are: "achieving childhood dreams", "enabling childhood dreams", and "lessons learned". Throughout the lecture Randy pairs up each strategy with a story from his personal life which not only makes the lecture more entertaining, but it makes everything he covers have even more of an impact on the audience.


     He begins his presentation with the topic of "achieving childhood dreams". At first glance this doesn't sound like much of a teaching strategy and the phrase itself isn't, what he includes under this category is where the true inspiration falls. Randy lists all of his childhood dreams, one in particular was that he dreamed of playing in the NFL. Unfortunately he never got the chance to play professional football, yet he states that he probably got more from this failed dream than any other dream he did accomplish. Through playing football, Randy learned how important fundamentals are, what hard work really is, and also about "head fakes". A "head fake" is when you teach someone something but they end up learning something different along the way. Randy's football coach was really hard on him one day at practice and when the assistant coach approached him about it he told Randy that it's a good thing. He said that when people don't care anymore to help you fix your mistakes is when you know that they have given up on you. I think every teacher needs to be told this story. Teachers carry a lot of weight in their students hearts. Their encouragement and opinions can sometimes mean more to a student than what a peer thinks. We are all human. Every teacher will have a difficult student, or more than one, throughout their careers. But we must keep in mind that every single student deserves to be pushed in their own way, and not one of them should ever be given up on because we can't handle the responsibility of their education when it gets tough.

     The second topic Mr. Pausch speaks about is "enabling childhood dreams". He tells the story about a program at Carnegie Melon University that he and a colleague designed. The program is called the Entertainment Technology Factory (ETC) which he also calls the Dream Fulfillment Factory. It was a master's program that consisted of two years full of small group projects. What Randy points out is that this program is very successful, but it's not the academic success that should take notice. What should take notice is the fact that his students were given the opportunity to chase their dreams and some of them ultimately did just that. ETC was so successful because of three reasons. One reason is a simple requirement of the course's curriculum. A focused evaluation of each member of their groups is something each student must do. Randy does this so each student will see their faults and have the awareness to make the proper changes. The second reason is again centered on head fakes throughout the process of the course. It's here that Mr. Pausch states that "the best way to teach someone is to have them think they're learning something different". He used this strategy in the creating of Alice, an educational software that was created within the ETC. Which brings me to the final reason for the success of the ETC, "helping millions of kids have fun while learning something hard". Randy saw Alice as an opportunity of teaching through head fakes, but also an opportunity to simply help someone's educational journey by adding in some fun.


     The last topic the Randy Pausch covers is "lessons learned" where he shares a variety of advice that was given to him in the past and also tips to receive help from others. Whenever you are chasing after something you desire there are "brick walls" that are put up to hinder your path. Randy believes that every brick wall is there for us to prove how bad we want the dream. Throughout his life Mr. Pausch has faced his fair share of brick walls but even a man with such a strong level of passion as him needs people to guide him around those walls. One specific piece of advice that Randy was given that I liked the most was from Andy Van Dam. Andy once told Randy that "it was a shame that people perceive him as arrogant because it's just going to hold him back". In the same way that Randy encourages his students in ETC to take their evaluations as the first step of change, he was forced to see his faults as well. This quote from Mr. Van Dam affected me the most because he wasn't rude or disrespectful. He used constructive criticism perfectly and it was effective because it was out of care, not resentment. I think we should all use this strategy not just in the classroom but in all areas of life. We need to become better people so we can then become better teachers.

Project #8

Project #9a

Blog Assignment #5

     Travis Allen created The iSchool Initiative and the video ZeitgeistYoungMind's Entry which are both filled with lots of thought provoking information. He suggests that all school systems should switch to the iSchool. The iSchool is exactly what it sounds like, a school on an Apple device. Mr. Allen is extremely knowledgeable and well spoken for his age. In his videos he provides solid information backing the iSchool and how it could save money for school administration as well as their students. Also, he explains how the system would work through a variety of applications on the iPhone or iTouch even. I was very impressed with his reasoning and was forced to double check my thoughts towards a 100% technological school.


     My hesitations are simply for the students social and physical well being. To think of our future children staring at a computer screen day in and day out scares me. I have hopes of my children enjoying playgrounds and having pool parties with their friends. What Mr. Allen has proved to me though is that both worlds can exist. Students can do their homework on the iSchool and then go play outside, just like they do now except their homework is on paper. Which brings up another great argument by Mr. Allen, going green! Think of all the trees we would save if every student wrote essays, worked out math problems, and read books on the iSchool. Instead of cutting down trees to write a book report on paper, kids could type up the report and then go climb those trees! Travis Allen is right, we need to be embracing the era that future generations are being born into and begin teaching them the ways of technology.


     I was amazed when I watched the video Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir. It is astounding at how many resources the internet offers but this is one resource I never would have thought of. To sing each part individually on their own yet at the same time to produce perfect harmonies is a very hard thing to do. Eric Whitacre is a musically inclined technology genius! He fits the description of a true artist so perfectly there isn't even any wiggle room. A crazy thought is that each and every member of his choir are separated in a physical sense, maybe they have never even met in person, yet through the internet they are capable of creating melodies that choirs who meet every day in a classroom strive for.


     When I watched the video Teaching in the 21st Century it put things into perspective for me as a future educator. Kevin Roberts, the creator of the video, makes a valid point about the future importance of teachers. He shows many different ways students can learn and research information which ultimately makes the job of a teacher a has been occupation. However, as Roberts points out teachers can and will still be teaching years from now. The theory he is suggesting is that educators will be teaching students how to use the tools of technology, which in turn makes teachers very much needed.


     I feel as if Roberts really hit home in this 21st century based video. His opinions concerning the changes in education may or may not come true, we won't know until the time comes. Yet, his preparations are much needed in the lives of our students today. Teachers shouldn't worry about becoming "obsolete" as Roberts states, they should worry about the fact that we have wasted so much teaching time with our students already. The Mac is the perfect example. Schools are replacing regular PC's with Mac's as we speak, but most teachers do not have the skills to properly work one let alone teach their students to use one too. It is now that we must swallow our pride and learn alongside our students. The sooner we learn as teachers, the sooner our students will be impacted. Kevin Roberts is setting the standards high and teachers across the land should run, leap, and jump to push that bar higher as we grow and flourish into an education system that is prepared to take on the technology age.

     Why I Flipped My Classroom was definitely my favorite video of this blog post. It didn't have special high tech graphics or fancy moving blurbs of information like the other videos that I've watched and enjoyed, but it had a subject matter that I, as a future teacher, worry about when day-dreaming about my first year of teaching. Katie speaks about "flipping" her classroom's seating and approach to reach her students more effectively. She figures out that because of how her classroom was setup she wasn't meeting the needs of the students who are not centered in the seating chart. To change this, Katie uses the internet as her main resource by uploading the lesson's content online. The students can review lessons as many times as they want, move ahead if they are absorbing the information faster than others, also they can preview all of the things that will be talked about in class that day. She then grouped her students desks together so now if she goes to help a student there are others listening in on questions they might have as well.


     This video needs to be put into action. As Katie states, "90% of the classroom time is spent on delivery from the teacher and only 10% is used for interaction or meeting the individual needs of each student". With that said, are we even really teaching our students? If the majority of the time spent with my students is wasted because of my own neglect for observation then something must be done. To teach someone is to provide them with something new, something they couldn't do or didn't know before, not spit information in one ear and hope it doesn't spring out of the other ear before a test. Katie has a pretty clear idea about what teaching is and she is doing it. She is taking educational risks and thinking outside of the box. The boundaries that she has crossed have opened a whole new world for teachers and their students. Katie's method of teaching is going to impact her student's and hopefully colleagues immensely.

My Sentence Video

Blog Assignment #4

     The first blog I selected to read was 1st Graders Create Own Read Along Book. I was skeptical at first because I have seen things like this before and it seems to be the teacher doing all of the work. Except in this case the students did a lot! I was impressed when I saw how the students, being so young, were really into it and absorbing the skills it takes to complete such a technological project. I especially enjoyed reading about the students eagerness to re-record to make their voices "better". They were toning in on their reading skills by learning how to make the story sound more exciting. Reading is a lost enjoyment in our children's generation and if we can make it fun for them they will soon realize what an amazing world is at their fingertips when cracking open a good book.

     For my second choice, I chose the Flat Stanley Podcast. Right of the bat it was clear that Ms. Tolisano's purpose for having her students do podcasts was not just for the entertainment of her kids, but to really teach them skills in the world of technology. I commend her for doing so, because as I have stated in previous blog postings I really feel that it is important that our children become experts at technology. When they grow up and enter the working world computers, mp3 players, and all of the Apple products will be even more advanced and useful. I worry that if they are not taught by someone with the same mindset as Ms. Tolisano then they will suffer when they are adults standing in the unemployment line because they are not experienced enough with the present technology.

     My final pick out of the list of blogs or podcasts to choose from wasThe Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom. I found this blog to be interesting in a different way than my first two selections. What's different is that the author, Joe Dale, sees it in a variety of point of views. He lists many reasons why having podcasts in the classroom can be beneficial, but I specifically respected three of his comments. Those being: " parents can see and hear what their children are doing at school", "it can offer distance learning opportunities for absent students", and "it promotes creativity and innovation". These particular reasons struck me because they are from the point of views of the parent, student, and an average person. He doesn't just view this opportunity as a form of subject matter as some teachers can do at times, he views it as progress all across the board from the student's home life to the well-being and character growth of the child.

Project #5

Blog Assignment #3

     After watching the videos What Is Peer Editing?, Writing Peer Reviews the Top 10 Mistakes, and watching the slideshow Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial I have learned how to efficiently critique my classmates on their blogs as well as future co-workers in my teaching career. The information given is not only very useful but can be productive in our own personal growths as good teachers. Teachers, especially, need to know how to give someone constructive criticism in a nice fashion. They are role models to their students and need to be setting a  good example for them at all times.


     Criticizing someone else's work can be difficult but as they said in the video about writing peer reviews, "don't be a Mean Margaret or a Picky Patty". It is quite possible to explain to someone their mistakes without hindering your friendship or work relationship with them. In the past I have always strayed away from expressing my judgement about another's work because I did not want to hurt the person or make them feel bad. I have learned through this blog assignment however that it doesn't have to be a bad thing. We need to help one another become the very best student, teacher, and person we can be, and to do so we must be honest with each other about difficult subjects sometimes.

     While watching the video Technology In Special Education I learned many different ways in which we can enrich the lives of students in the special education programs. Technology is taking new leaps across the globe in ways that we can never even imagine, so why should we hold back in the classrooms full of students who will one day be required to use these devices in the work place. Not only does technology make things easier for teachers, but it can make the world of difference for students too. For example, Corbin, the little boy from the video who has struggled in the past with silent reading. He is able to listen to the book being read through headphones on an iPod while he follows along reading his own, physical copy right in front of him.


     Another example of how technology can improve the well-being of special education students in and outside of the classroom is a girl named, Sherae. Sherae uses a computer like device that makes it able for her to speak without actually speaking with her mouth. A big battle in the special education field can be non-verbal students. The only reason this even poses as an issue is because we as teachers cannot communicate properly and effectively with non-verbal students while trying to keep eyes and ears on the rest of  the classroom. But with the help of technology like Sherae's this battle could be won effortlessly! I hope we see the day where students like Corbin and Sherae will no longer have to struggle in the classroom.

     After watching the video How the iPad Works with Academics with Autism, I searched for an app here, Apple.Education.Apps.com and found an app called "Math Bingo" that I would thoroughly enjoy using with special education students in my classroom. The app allows the student to work independently yet still receive help through the Apple device. Math Bingo specifically can keep students engaged simply by their graphics. They use bugs and insects instead of boring red dots to cover numbers that have been drawn. Each equation must be answered for them to determine which square must be covered, therefore they are intrigued while working out math problems that could bore them when written out on a piece of plain notebook paper.

     I watched the video Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts and was impressed with the creativity of Mrs. Vicki Davis. She sees her classroom as a canvas. Teaching her students how to use computers and technology programs while she herself continues to learn more about these areas of expertise. Mrs. Davis doesn't see herself as better than her students which makes a huge impact on her life as well as the progress of her students. When she teaches them about a new program or device she is teaching them skills that they will need in the future as either a requirement for a job or just simply to help them throughout their work day.


     A big thing that I love about Vicki Davis is that she doesn't focus on one aspect of technology, she spreads out as far as she can when taking advantage of her students time on the computers. She turns computer class into language arts class when a student asks how to spell a word or where to stick a comma by making them research it on the internet. However, when students are not watched carefully enough there can be an issue of distractions from games or hazardous internet sites, or  getting a hold of false information and learning things incorrectly. Vicki Davis is on to something, and it's about time we start listening.

C4T #1

    For the assignment Comments For Teachers (C4T) I was assigned Mr. Crosby's blog, Learning Is Messy. Mr. Crosby teaches upper elementary school all the way up in Nevada. He teaches technology courses and from what I have read on his blog, he is quite passionate about his students' education.


    The first post I commented on was about a letter from a Mrs. Broderick to President Obama regarding our education system across the United States. This blog really showed me that there are teachers out there that are willing to go above and beyond for their students academic achievement. The letter was very straight forward and focused on subject of standardized testing. It was cool to see this debate play out from the point of view of an experienced teacher. She states the understanding and need for testing in the school system. It acts as an evaluation for each individual student, teacher, and school as a whole. Yet, throughout the school year while teachers prepare the students for every little aspect of information on this bulky test, the kids become stale. They are not learning, they are memorizing.

    Mr. Crosby's second post was about freedom for creativity in the classroom as well as safety on the internet while doing so. He states the dilemma of wanting to set his students free for research and fun projects but cannot due to the hazards of the internet combined with so little free time throughout the day. This came as a shock to me. Over the years, I have categorized teachers based on what they taught. Some of my classes have been fun and some extremely boring, as many other people can agree. Yet what I never came to realize was that it wasn't the subject matter that made the class dreadful, it was and is the lack of effort coming from teachers who see no reason in having activities or projects in their classrooms. Hands-on experiments, show and tell, acting out stories or equations, these are ways that can keep the class engaged and focused on the material at the same time. However, teachers like Mr. Crosby will have to continue to struggle with managing time to fit in these fun things for there students unless something changes.

Blog Assignment #2

     While watching the video Did You Know? 3.0 - A John Strange 2012 Version I found many things remarkable. One in particular fact that struck me was that, "in one minute 1,097,220 YouTube videos are watched". If that's not crazy enough then wait a few seconds for the next slide and read that, "every minute 48 hours of YouTube videos are added to the YouTube collection" according to Gary Hayes. Social media is taking over the world! Not only is it topping the charts for the average person or celebrities, it is spreading its wings to the business world, education systems, and philanthropic realm.


     Another subject that Dr. Strange expressed in this video that I found kind of intriguing was that, "the top jobs 10 years from now do not exist yet and will use technologies that have not been invented". At first glance, I read this and thought very little of it. It is not too far off that the jobs and technology will be more advanced. But when I thought about these two facts more it makes me excited for the future. As seen on TV, the future holds flying cars, microwaves that turn pellets into 3 course meals, and of course time travel. I think back to when I was young and realize how much technology as a whole has grown since the days of game boys and tamagotchi's. Today we have Siri, a phone that can actually have a conversation with a human. We also have touch screens on everything these days. Life 10 years from now has great potential if you ask me.

     The next video I watched was Mr. Winkle Wakes created by Matthew Needleman. The story begins about a little old man named Mr. Winkle who wakes up after 100 years to find the world so different and advanced. He is freaked out when he sees computers (especially people talking face to face on the screens of those computers). Also, he is shocked by the weird machines in the hospital that we know as life support machines. Mr. Winkle finally wanders into a school and feels at home. Yes, at home in a school! The place that we dread and avoid at all costs is where Mr. Winkles can finally relax. School hasn't changed much over the years. It's the same boring lectures, books, and homework that Mr. Winkles was forced to endure when he was younger.


     This video sheds light on a very good point that tends to get looked over by society. Our homes, offices, and hospitals have more advanced technology  around every corner, yet our school systems continue to operate in an out-dated form. Progress in technology has been unreal in the past decade, so why aren't we able to take advantage of these great strides where it counts most. Computers, cell phones, nooks, iPods, security systems, cameras, cars, games, I could go on forever! These things are a major part of our daily lives that continue to get more and more complex as the years go on, and when today's children grow up they will need to be knowledgeable of these products to make a living. So why not start teaching them these skills while they are in school? Our jobs as teachers is to prepare our students to be the best they can be in every aspect of life. Are we cheating are students by holding them back from the technological world?


     The video The Importance of Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson really expresses the untold battle of children around the world that have hidden talents. His main point is that the common school set up is so focused on the core subjects and good grades that it robs children of their creativity. When we think about the geniuses and great artists of today's society we fail to see their struggle throughout life. No one person is the same as the next, so what makes us think that all students think the same? Every child interprets things of the world differently.


     Strict structures in school systems dim the light inside each child's heart a little bit more every year they progress to the next grade. But it doesn't have to be that way! If schools would adapt to the character and passions of the students generations of people would pour out of school jumping for joy to join the real world. They would be well prepared for the life a head of them because they fed the dim light within them with knowledge about the basic core subjects, as well as what they are interested in. Kids would feel more accepted by their peers because they would be surrounded by people in their specific programs that understand them. I think a good mix between the "must haves" aka math, science, reading, history, etc. and whatever area of expertise that is chosen by the student could influence the happiness of students greatly.



     I watched the Classroom Disruption video by Kevin Outland and came up with a list of these differences:

Blunder High- used whiteboards and easels, books, charts, learned via lecture, drowned their students with bulk information, the attitudes of the students and teacher were not encouraging, the administration resorted to money to fix everything.




Oakland High- every student had a computer, the teacher used internet resources like YouTube and movie clips that the students could relate to, all the lessons are interactive, the teacher uses social media resources to connect with his students outside the classroom for more help or extra information, students have personal online accounts that contain all class information, the attitudes of the students and teacher were great and eager to learn.


     If I were a student and was told to choose between these two classes I would choose Oakland, hands down. The atmosphere in the classroom is easy going and the lessons are designed to specifically keep my attention. My classes in the past have many, many, many things in common with the first classroom, Blunder. I never enjoyed those classes, and tended to struggle in them. Focusing on a single voice in an empty classroom is torture. It doesn't do anything but shut down the students brains and free their minds for daydreaming.


     The differences in the teaching styles alone are major. The boring teacher at Blunder didn't encourage his students to do well. Instead he actually turned down questions and wasted budget money on something he desired. The other teacher at Oakland was eager to teach and gave his students support throughout the class period. The objectives in each classroom are the same, but different. Let me explain, they are the same because the main goal is that the students learn and absorb the information being taught. But they are different because the Blunder teacher just wanted his students to absorb the facts and memorize the information. However the teacher at Oakland was completely focused on his students learning the concepts and grasping the understanding behind the reasons.

Project #2

Blog Assignment #1

    Hello all! My name is Lacie Brothers and I am from Gulf Breeze, Florida. I unfortunately could not handle the course load in this class along with my other classes last semester and ended up dropping it a few weeks in. I have already done a blog for this assignment from my earlier attempt so I will inform you of different information about me.

    Elementary education is my major and I am loving it more the farther I get into the program. My main reason for becoming an education major was because of an incredible experience at an inner-city children's ministry in Washington Park, Montgomery called Common Ground Montgomery. However, since I am sharing new things I will tell you the second reason why I made the switch to elementary education. My second reason stems from my mother being a teacher for about 30 years. Watching her in a classroom inspires me to become an awesome teacher just like her. Teaching is starting to be a tradition in our family. My dad is an assistant principal, mom an academic intervention specialist, and future sister-in-law teaches 3rd grade. It feels like I am joining the family business and I couldn't be more thrilled!

    When watchingRandy Pausch on Time Managament I couldn't help but think of how wasteful I have been with my time. Up until recently I had very little information about the great life of Mr. Pausch. He was dying from pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a wife and kids, yet he continued to encourage not only his close friends and family but the world to chase their dreams.

    Two of his main points in this video stuck to my brain just as Mr. Pausch had hoped. One major point was, "Failing to plan is planning to fail", he then continued to add that people cling to the excuse that "life is fluid". Which links to the next point, "You can always change your plan, but only once you have one". He goes on to explain that it is okay if paths and goals change. Every person controls their own path by the different decisions they make throughout their life. The importance of those decisions weighs heavy because as we are reminded by the inspirational life of Randy Pausch, we must take a hold of our time and not let it be put to waste.

C4K

For Comments for Kids I was assigned to a little boy named Liam from Canada. He is a very bright student and seems to be learning a lot. The first post I commented on was about Mardi Gras. Liam was very excited to share that he and his class skyped people in New Orleans. They learned all about the traditions of Mardi Gras and had a blast getting to have the experience through such a great technology source such as Skype. I told Liam about how Mardi Gras was actually founded right here in Mobile, Alabama. I also shared with him how much I love New Orleans just like him. On the second post, Liam wrote about his Christmas concert. He shared what his likes and dislikes were about certain part of their concert. He said that his least favorite part was when he had to hide behind the curtains, and that his favorite part was the finale. Liam sounds like a very cool kid and I really enjoyed reading his posts and getting a small glimpse of his life.

Project 8

Blog Assignment 5

    When I first began reading the Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please? blog by Mr. McLeod I was in a little bit of shock. But as I read more I felt his sarcasm and really became interested in his final point. Mr. McLeod speaks towards using technology with students and our children as if it were a horrid thing. At the end of the post he suggests that he is already progressing with his students on technology and they are doing just fine.
    Mr. McLeod brings up a very good point. Technology is on the rise and kids are picking it up younger and younger these days, yet not everyone is excited about it. Believe it or not some people, educators, and parents are very against the use of technology in schools or in general. To me that's insane. Yes, I am pro recess and actually living, experiencing life. But I am not against the use of technology to learn and grow intellectually. There is stuff that computers can teach us that a pen and paper can't. There are programs that help kids in ways that teachers or parents can't. Instead of rejecting this growth in our lives, we should be embracing it.

    The two videos by Travis Allen got my brain sparking. At first when I watched the video The iSchool Initiative I was very against it. My natural reaction to a school purely based out of a technology device is negative. Being pro recess, it's hard for me to grasp the positive side of a computer school for our children. Computers help our world and hands down are absolutely needed in our schools, I'm just not so sure it needs to be our school.
    With that said, Mr. Allen's second video, ZeitgeistYoungMind's Entry, changed my views slightly. When I saw the excerpt of a little girl doing flash cards on what looked like an iPad I automatically thought to myself, "she could learn that just as easy with paper flash cards". But then I remembered that one of Travis Allen's main arguments for the iSchool was that it was "green" and that balanced out my negative views with my positive views. After seeing both videos I am still on the fence about a full on computer school, but I'm not so harshly against it anymore.

    The video from Jennifer Chamber's blog post about Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir blew me away. This video was one of the coolest things I've seen in a long time. It shows all the faces of people singing together in beautiful harmony, yet they have never met each other. How crazy is that? Not only is it extremely difficult for a group of people of that size to sound so incredible in person, but imagine how much harder it is to do over the internet.
    I'm not exactly sure how they filmed this but they did a fantastic job. The internet is an amazing tool. This video really makes me think of all the different ways people can relax, have hobbies, or just have fun. For me, I go outside or go to the gym to play basketball, but for others they explore the web and push the limits of technology. Everyone is different, just like each face and voice in that video.

   The video Teaching in the 21st Century was interesting to say the least. My first reaction was that I better change my major quick because I won't be needed in the future. But then while watching all the reasons and solutions fly across the screen I began to realize Mr. Kevin Roberts point. It's not that we will not be needed, it's that our teaching methods need to be up to speed with the needs of our future students. His views on how the education system will change over the course of time could very well be correct, and if that happens where will the teachers of this world stand?
    In some ways this video draws out fear. Obviously the fear of not being needed or extinction is apparent, but also the fear of not being wanted. Part of me is scared that if it comes down to a vote to keep or remove teachers and let technology rule, technology will win. But not because it's necessarily better, but because the people voting will not see the need to be taught. Some people these days go about life as their own savior, and honestly we won't make it through life successful if we rely on our selfishness and comfort. If we ever do get to this point in life my hope is that society's heads will not be sucked into the easier option aka "the autocorrector for life", but they will see the need to be taught and nurtured in more ways than just education.

    The website Reading Rockets has so many useful resources for educators. It contains everything from different teaching strategies to great children's books to resources for school counselors. Reading Rockets can help teachers or faculty members save money on different online deals for books or supplies. They have articles and blogs to help with specific classroom situations. There are certain links to help you as an educator grow in particular aspects, such as reading aloud, to better your students.
    When I eventually become an educator I can definitely see myself using this site and sharing it with other co-workers. It is sort of like the teacher's "pinterest". There are so many great ideas to choose from on so many different levels of teaching and learning. Personally, I plan on taking advantage of the book reviews and reading strategies for my future students. Reading is something that was instilled in me at a young age by my mother who has been a reading teacher for years, and I plan on instilling the importance of reading in my students and children as well.

Project 9a

Project 6

Blog Assignment 4

    While watching the video clip The benefits of podcasting in the classroom I came to agree mostly with three of his points. First, he states that podcasts in the classroom  "promotes creativity and innovation". I couldn't agree more with this statement. When I chose this video to watch as part of the assignment I wasn't really sold on the idea of podcasts being used for educational purposes. But, when he combined education with creativity through podcasts he had me hooked. I am a sucker for progressing the arts and freedom of imagination in students and with podcasts students can master their creative talents right here on the computer.
    Second, he brought up the issue of absences. Which is something I had never thought of but then struck with doubt when the thought did in fact hit me that students would be missing important aspects of learning when they are absent. Yet, once again calmed by the idea of podcasts containing lessons and homework assignments for students who are unable to attend class that day.
    Lastly, the idea of keeping parents clued is amazing. Most parents are so stressed out with there full-time jobs that they become consumed with work and have no clue what is being taught to their children in their schools. With podcasts, parents can review the teachers lessons and stay involved in their child's education.

    I browsed the site 100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better and was blown away by all the different resources that are now available to people through their iPods. My favorite two resources were "The Education Podcast Network" and the "BiblePlayer for iPod 1.1".  I enjoyed learning about these two particular sites because they are both programs I would use in my every day life. I can picture myself working out at the gym or on a run around the neighborhood while listening to different books of the Bible. Also, I could listen to a tutorial on my history or biology class while I walk to class, and feel more prepared to learn and absorb information on that subject during the school day.

    I very much enjoyed reading the blog Podcasting with First Graders by: Langwitches for a few different reasons. First off, I automatically could relate to the Magic Treehouse books the first graders read as a class. I used to read that series all the time when I was little. Also, I enjoyed the thought of young students excited about reading! Although I must say I was originally concerned that the technology would be over their heads, but then again I thought this class would be over my head as well. My final encouragement from this blog was that when the students heard their finished products, the story going along with music and sound effects, it has potential to set ideas in the students heads about being creative writers or future authors. The idea of podcasts in the classroom of students so young really can improve our education system in the future.

Project 5

Blog Assignment 3

For this blog assignment our first video to watch was "Technology in Special Education". It really opened my eyes to a world that I had been so naive of. All this time I focused on how computers would effect a child, not help a child. If I viewed technology more as a resource than a gadget or toy I think I would get more out of it.
To see all those students in special needs thrive academically because of technology really is such an amazing sight. I had no idea how much help computers could do. It really seemed to create a better, simpler environment for the students and improved their daily lives. This video has shed some light on a subject that I wish I had already known about. I will definitely think of this particular video down the line when I have a class of my own someday, and will highly encourage any technology usage for any special needs kids I have the privilege of teaching in the future.

I chose the app "Math Bingo" to use as an example for using the Ipad apps in the classroom. Math Bingo has a range for all ages. It creates a fun learning environment for the students by challenging them with equations and then finding the answer on their bingo board. So they not only have to solve the problem but they have to find the correct answer on the board. This app would especially be beneficial to special needs students because, like we saw in the first video above, some special needs students are non-verbal. With the app "Math Bingo" they don't have to feel inadequate or deal with the frustration of communicating. They can simply learn at their own pace on their own Ipad tablet.





When viewing this chart, it's incredible to imagine all of those laptops, computer screens, keyboards, and even little keys. It's even crazier to realize that the number literally skyrockets every second of every day. In ten years I hope to be teaching somewhere, but looking at these numbers it makes me wonder what teaching in ten years would look like. Would it look the same as the past one hundred years as illustrated in the "Mr. Winkle Wakes" video? Or will it be full of 50" Ipad smart boards and flying cars?
Okay, so flying cars may be a bit much but you get the point. Technology really is taking the world by storm. Although the education system isn't quite consumed in it yet, we definitely are getting our feet wet. It's kind of a scary thought to think, will our jobs still be there? Will computers and online courses take over our career paths? This chart brings up so many questions about the future of our school systems.

The last video for this assignment was "A Vision of Students Today" by Michael Wesch. Once again, my eyes have been opened. The most intriguing part of this short film was that they were real college students, sitting in a real classroom, and dealing with real problems that we all face around the world. A lot of truth was told in this video. The stresses of getting into college, surviving college, and having mounds of debt after college keep increasing day by day. Not only do we have to work our butts off to pay for school and maintain good grades, now we have to worry about even being able to get an interview for a job that your degree is in.
As a future teacher I see these students and the expressions (or lack there of) on their faces and it really makes me feel for them. Regardless of how intelligent you are or how much of a social butterfly you can be college is still hard for every student on some level. I think it's our jobs as teachers to be understanding of this and view our students as people and not numbers or another grade in the grade book. The last thing anyone needs, college student or not, is to feel invisible or misunderstood. So as educators we should challenge our students to be the best that we know they can be, yet with a kind heart and understanding attitude.

Project #3

This project was to read and comment on the teacher's blog that we were assigned. I got very lucky and was assigned a very sweet man who writes a very honest blog. The first post of his that I read and commented on was about his mother's teaching days. Just like Jo, my mom is also a teacher so it was really cool relating on the subject and comparing his views towards his mother's accomplishments with my views towards my mom's accomplishments. The second post I read and commented on was a Christmas post. Jo painted a picture of how he and his family spend the holidays every year. He reminisced about lessons his mother had taught him throughout the years. It was so cool to get to read about the nice things he had to say after his mother's passing.

Blog Assignment 2

Hello again!

I have watched the video "Did You Know? 3.0 - A John Strange 2012 Version" by Mr. Strange and was pretty shocked at some of the facts he shared. Some of the ones that stood out the most were about India and the English speaking Chinese population. Personally, I am very intrigued by other countries. Some day I hope to live in another country for a while.
The facts about India's intelligence blew me away. Mr. Strange stated that "India has more K-12 honor students than all of the K-12 students in the United States." How crazy is that? Sometimes I feel like as an American I get lazy and get everything handed to me. For example, the people of India are so incredibly smart, and their academic structure and determination shows greatly on any scale.
Mr. Strange also stated that "It is estimated that 18 million Chinese speak English now and 300 million are 'learners'." He then stated that when the "learners" do in fact learn how to speak English then China will have more people who speak English than the United States. This to me is very eye opening. It amazes me how many people in other countries either take time on their own or are taught through their education systems how to speak our language, yet we hardly dedicate ourselves to learning one of the languages of the many countries that help keep America where we are today.

I also watched the "Mr. Winkle Wakes" video. It's a short fictional story about a man named Mr. Winkle who awakes after 100 years and is dumbfounded by all the technology used in the modern world. Yet, he is comforted when he visits a school and sees that nothing has changed.
This video really made me evaluate my daily school life and what kind of classroom I would like to have when teaching in the future. Classes these days really don't involve technology except for research or typing up papers, unless it's a class designated for computer learning like EDM 310. I would like to see that change during my generation.

The video of Ken Robinson speaking about education and creativity is by far my favorite in this assignment. Not only is he hilarious and quirky, he's right. The way the education world is structured is hazardous to our character. It stuffs our minds full of "knowledge" but it leaves our souls dry.
I understand that there are certain things we do need to know to make it in the real world on our own. What I don't understand is why those things have to continue to control what we do or how we do them. For example, the story of the famous ballerina, if she would've never been given the opportunity to attend a dance school she would've of greatly suffered. She would have suffered in school as well as her happiness and quality of life. Can you imagine never feeling like you fit anywhere or are not good at anything? These thoughts haunts some of the most talented people this world will never know.

Watching the video "A Vision for 21st Century Learning" made me question how I wanted to change my small piece of the education system. I think technology could be really useful in the learning process for children, but I am not sold on the idea of all of their education coming from a computer game.
The biggest reason I am hesitant towards this modern idea is because some of my greatest lessons in life didn't involve technology. They were taught by experiencing things and daily situations that happen in the classroom. I think the use of technology in schools is a huge must, but I think recess and crafts are just as important.

I really enjoyed watching "Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts" because the teacher didn't just teach her students about computers and software programs, just gave them freedom to be creative through their technology resources. At most schools these days every other website is blocked or forbidden, granted some inappropriate sites do indeed need to be blocked from students. But other sites that have education potential get blocked in the process.
It's hard for students to show their creative sides via technology in schools when they can't use the internet or certain programs to it's full potential. It limits their learning process to what's written in the syllabus, and if we all only learned the material given on our syllabi then we would all be fact driven robots.


This blog assignment really expanded my view on education theories and ways we can improve in the future.