Final Reflection # 15

Blog Post # 14

1. I missed the metaphor in Tom Johnson's post because I took the assignment to serious. I didn't know that phrases like food for thought was actually called metaphors. I have to say as I read the article I was puzzled why a teacher didn't want students to take pencils home.

2. Food for thought, apple of my eye, you light up my life are metaphors I often use when talking with my daughter. When my mom was in ICU for two weeks and had a ventilator once she was out of ICU and off the ventilator, I remember telling my sister "hearing mom's voice was music to my ears".

3. As educators we can help students to understand metaphors by teaching students a lesson about metaphors, and ask students if they can give examples of metaphors to see if the students really understand what a metaphor is. I don't recall learning metaphors when I was in school. I happy to say now that I understand what a metaphor is and why it is used.

4. I think that metaphors are used as a way to understand what is acutually being said. Using metaphors helps readers visualize or see what happens in a story or poem.

Final Report on PLN

I choose symbaloo as my PLN .  It's a great resource to use to organize sites that I use frequently.  I have added Picasa and Photobucket.  I used these two sites to find pictures for my Blog Post.  I have added Skype and Wordle both are amazing sites.   I wish I would have used Skype sooner.  I also added Mr. McClung and Mrs. Yollis as teacher sites these two teachers are amazing and it shows on their creative Blogs.  I added Alex to my PLN this site is a must for all teachers.  I have added the states where I have  lived during my husband military years.  I have also added some famous landmarks my family  and I have visit.   My PLN is something I plan to continue to use.  You're welcome to view my PLN using this link: http://www.symbaloo.com/

C4T # 4 Comment For Teachers

This article is titled "Calling All Political Junkies Who Care About Kids".
Aaron Eyler is expressing his feelings about how he's been reading political articles and arguing with commentators on their blog over the interpertation of different issues that articulate the effect on the youth of America.
I respond by say that I think that this would be an awesome project and that it will surely help children better understand the issues that may effect their future.




This article is titled "You Got One Shot At This" Aaron Eyler talks about how we live in a world of instant gratification and how educators need to start discussing failure and the need for kids to learn persistence when facing adversity. Aaron also says that we can’t ignore failure as something that needs to be discussed with kids, and that if they the students “fail” at an assignment, why do we prevent them from being able to redo it to improve their work?
I responsed by says that I agree we live in a time of instant gratification, which hurt students later in school and sometimes later in life. Failure is a learning process. It took me several years to realize that failure is truly a learning process. I'm happy that as a future teacher I have a better perspective about "failure". I think that students should be able to redo an assignment because it gives students a chance to reflect on what they didn't understand the first time

Final Project #16

Blog Post # 13

Alex is a project of the Alabama Department of Education. ALEX stands for Alabama Learnig Exchange and  is design to share many types of educational materials and information as a resource to educators, parents, and students. Alex has several different types of  resources such as Lesson Plans, Web Links, and Interactive Activities. You may view this website at  http://alex.state.al.us/index.php.        

ACCESS which stands for Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students was launched on November 1, 2004.  I like this website because it provides teachers with additional multimedia and technology tools to enhance instruction, ACCESS also assess initial technology skills of students who are enrolled or who plan to enroll in distance education courses in order to provide the appropriate level of support to the student. You may view this website at http://accessdl.state.al.us/aboutaccess/

When I log onto the ALEX websites my mind was racing faster than a race car.  I was thinking of the ways in which I could use these resources in my class in the near future.This website has so many great resources for teachers to use.  I like the lesson plan section as I viewed some of the lesson plans I came across a lesson plan about Hurricanes, I thought this would be a great lesson using the smartborad presentation. I was amazed at the lesson plans that included technology where K-2 grade does a lesson on learning the basic parts of the computers. I am almost certain I wasn't introduced to computer at that grade level. I also like the web resource where teachers and students have access to websites links about different study areas. For the students weblink I liked the Cool Math.Com website. Most of all I like the Alabama's Podcast Treasury Gallery 360. 

Dr. Strange thank you for introducing me to this website.  I have attached ALEX under favorites on my personal computer and I will definitely add it to my (PLN) Personal Learning Network.

Progress report on Final Project

For our Final Project my partners Taylor Williams, Monsenya Chatman, Jordan Sellers and I are doing our final project Titled: Creating A Wordle With Students. We will describe the steps and talk about the different components in creating a worlde.

Project # 15

Blog Post # 12

Watch this video A Vision of K-12 Students Today. This video was created to inspire teachers to use technology that engage ways that help students develop higher level thinking skills. After watching this video write two or more paragraphs about you thoughts or comments.


MY THOUGHTS:
I like this video. Students nowadays are tewnty-first century learners. They are exposed to technology at an early age. In the video students use technology to listen to music using ipods, spending time on the computer, and have parents who uses email, technology is around students all the time. Students are expected to be able to create and share information with others, but how can they do this when 76% of teachers has not used Wikis, Blog, or Podcast.
Teachers play a huge role in how students react to technology. When teachers include and engage students in the learning of technology , we will have students who will know how to think, create, apply, evaluate, and analyze.

Project # 14 Teach Someone

Special Assignment

1. Mr. McClung is an eighth grade teacher at Woodland jr. High in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mr. McClung teaches social studies and computer application and uses blogging as a tool to share what's happening in the classroom. Mr. McClung also uses blogging for his cross country team.
2. Mr. McClung likes to use technology in his classroom. Mr. McClung is a dedicated teacher who encourages his students to do their best. He also tries his best to bring high energy to the classroom everyday, engage students with team and partner work, and tries his best to keep things fun for his students.
3. I really like the gestures/rules that Mr. McClung uses, rules are important especially for first year teachers. Rules are establish to lets students know what is expected of them.
4. Using a planner is a great resource for students to write down when and what assignments are due which helps keep students on track.
5. Late work for Mr. McClung is usually a decrease in a letter grade for the number of days late, in comparsion to Dr. Strange's late work, failure to complete assignments and projects not posted on time will earn an individuals an F in the course.
6. Mr. McClung hopes that his blog will be the main resources of communication between parents, students, and teachers about what is happening in his classroom.
7. I reviewed the articles Arkansas History which is a curriculm of what students will learn such as the geography of Arkansas, and Fayetteville Public Schools. Fayetteville Public Schools is a site that shows what is going on in the schools such as curriculum updates, activities students participate in like recycling.
8. To ensure the safety of the students' identity Mr. McClung tells his students never use their last name when posting comments or creating a profile.
9. In the C4K blog my post was Susan G. Komen For the Cure. In this blog Mr. McClung and his class is a part of a fundraiser to help with the research for cancer. This is Mr. McClung's second year participating.
10. Mr. McClung has many blogs that I would like to use. I like the way he post blogs about his students work. I would like to start a blog for Lupus. My mom has Lupus and it would be nice to get feedback from others who has friends and family with this disease.
11. Mr. McClung has a blog with a daily newsletter that will keep parents, students, and teachers informed about the current happenings in class including: experiments, projects, deadlines, assignments, and of course school news. Mr.McClung also has a variety of resources that are available to parents, teachers, and students that will be further explained as the school your progresses.
12. The students work on Mr. McClung blog demostrates great work and work that is well put together. The pictures are dynamical!

Blog Post # 11

Ms. Cassidy has several great technology tools she use for her class. Ms. Cassidy students use blog and seem excited when they receive comments on their blogs. One student commented that her writing gets better every time she writes on her blog. Ms. Cassidy said that students can see who is reading their blog and who comments about what they write on their blog.

Ms. Cassidy students uses the webpage this helps to enhance their learning skills like sight words and math pages. Ms. Cassidy students use Wikis as a resource to learn about traditionals like christmas and Thanksgiving. Ms. Cassidy students uses skype to talk with other friends, and Ms.Cassidy students uses nintendo DS to enhance their cognitive skills.

I would like to use skype and blogging with my students, because the students seem fully engage in the activities and I want to use technology in my class to keep the interest of learning fun and because using skype and blog helps to develope good communication skills. Having this type of technology in my class gives the students hands on learning skills. Ms. Cassidy believes that technology and students go hand in hand and goes on to say technology is part of their world.

Ms. Cassidy believes that technology is not going away and that teachers can not teach children in this generation using the tools that worked ten years ago. Ms. Cassidy believes that teachers handicap themselves and their students when they don't take advantage of new technology. Using these approaches is what makes Ms. Cassidy successful in her classroom.

C4K # 7, 8, 9, & 10

Comment For Kids # 7
This article is about Susan G. Komen For the Cure.  McClung talks about his friend Mr. Lamshed whose students participated in an annual event called Clipper for Cancer.  His students raised money for the McGuinness McDermott Foundation for childhood cancer.  Inspired by Mr. Lamshed, McClung has decided to get involved for a second year in a row.  McClung's and his class will be joining the supporters of breast cancer.   I responded by telling Mr. McClung that it's great that he is part of a fundraiser that has helped so many women, men, and the research for cancer. It's also great how he has encouraged his students to get involve with the fundraiser. I told Mr. McClung that i'm quite sure that his students will always remember this event.


Comment For Kids # 8
This article was written by Trevy who wrote a persuasive writing. Trevy had several topic to choose from. Trevy chose the topic " Animals shouldn't be kept in Zoos". Trevy gave some good reason why. For example Trevy says that "it's cruel to keep defenceless, scared and fascinating animals in zoos". He says that the animals could become domesticated and wouldn't behave how they should in the wild". I didn't know that when animals die in the zoos it's by law that they must be cremated, and that in captivity elephants live only for sixteen or seventeen years, whereas in the wild they live for over seventy years.
In my response I told Trevy that he had an outstanding persuasive blog and that his views were very persuasive and contained arguments that were very concrete. I also told Trevy that the information he wrote was very knowledgeable.





Comment For Kids # 9
Ms. Yollis has been teaching for twenty-four years. She currently teaches third grade, and has taught fifth grade and combination classes too. Ms. Yollis has a Master's degree in Integrating Technology in the classroom. Ms. Yollis loves to travel. I viewed Mrs. Yollis blogs which are all beyond awesome. I was speechless as to how involved she is with her students, parents, and her blogs. On her post How to Comment I thought this blog was a great review especially for students and even parents if students can use blogging at home. Mrs. Yollis explains what to do in a blog for example students can complement to the writers response or ask questions. She keeps her students identity safe by encouraging the students to use first names only. Meet the bloggers, Mrs. Yollis students seems eager to learn and it's great how the students hobbies include a variety of sports. I also like the concept she use for math it was the Hershey Candy Bar where students could perform fractions by dividing the hershey bar into parts or as a whole. Learn about California is also a great web site. I like how she gives some history about California. This would be a great geograpghy project for students, especially the students who are from another state or country. I wish I had a teacher like Mrs. Yollis when I was in school.






















Comment For Kids # 10
Adia talks about what her and the other girls in her girl scouts meeting experience with a visit from her friend's grandmother who is from Japan. Adia shared what she had learned about the dolls hair piece. Adia said that the hair piece clip, is gorgeous, but powerful and that women wear it in their hair in case they ever get attacked. This way they can defend themselves. Adia also talked about how they got a chance to try on a Kimono which is a cultural Japanese costume that women wear at fancy celebrations. Adia also talked about how they learned to make sushi. Adia asked if I knew any facts about Japan. I talked about the use of the bicycle.

My response to Adia I told her that It's great that she is a girl scout. It awesome that you and the girls in your troop had the opportunity to learn about interesting facts about Japan. I had the opportunity to visit Japan five years ago it's a wonderful place. I met a friend who is a native of Japan our children were in the same Judo class. We would make sushi using the BAMBOO SUSHI-MAT I thought it was so cool to eat the seaweed while making the sushi. While visiting friends who were also military I had the opportunity to buy and bring home several of the beautiful dolls. I did not know the purpose of the hair clip. It is a clever weapon! The Kimono is attractive and elegant. My daughter has two kimonos, she wore her kimono to an school event which was called "Celebrations of Cultures around the World" she enjoyed wearing her kimono too. A fact about Japan is that bicycles are the most common form of transportation in Japan. Most people in Japan own at least one bike and uses their bike to go to the local market. I think that's Awesome! Adia I have enjoyed reading your blog. Keep up the excellent work!

Blog Post # 10

An-Open-Letter-To-Educators This article by Morgan Bayda and the video by Dan Brown does has a lot of truth about universities and the way professors lecture. Morgan talks about how she felt cheated while attending college. I also have felt cheated while attending college. I know that some classes will be lecture based type classes, however professors should encourage students to express their opinions. I had this one professor who did not allow students to talk, especially among eachother. If we, the students didn't understand a particular math problem the professor would say you guys should already know this stuff, which made students afraid to ask questions because they didn't want to be embrassed in front of the class. I felt embrassed a couple of times because I would ask questions.

I enjoy my EDM 310 Class it allows me to engage in the learning process. In the beginning when I made mistakes about how to add the ATL Modifier and TITLE Modifier the process of doing the alt and title in every blog I learn quickly because of the hands on skills. The video by Dan Brown has some great points one in particular is professors losing sight of Education. Dan says that education is not about conforming to the world, but about the creativity, new ideas, and empowering students. I think that many professors don't realize that they must help to empower the learning of their students.

                                                                  

Don't Let Them Take Pencils Home

I enjoyed reading this post. It was funny and I notice the sarcasm. I believe that educators like Gertrude uses quotes like "It is what it is" as an excuse not to find a solution to solve the issues that occur. Educators often times already have a prejudgement attitude toward their students. For example how Gertrude talks about low income area students. If there is a problem educators should help to eliminate the problem, trying to justfiy the problems does not help anyone especially the students. If a child is writing, drawing, or sketching with a pencil I view this as an example of learning.

Summary Post C4T # 3

Post One posted on March 12, 2011. This article was titled It's all about People! The author J. Hardley talks about lesson plans and states that lesson plans can only go so far. Hardley states that teachers must be willing to change their lesson plans when it's not working for students. Hardley also stated that teachers wear many hats, such as therapists, musicians, and active learners.

I respond saying that "I thought this was an outstanding article" and all teachers should and need to adjust their lesson plans when students are not achieving what is being taught. I also said that teachers must find new ways to keep the interest of their students when lesson plans do not work, because there are many other ways to teach a class besides using lesson plans especially when teachers involve students in the activities.


Post Two was also by J. Hardley posted on March 20, 2011. This article was titled An Hour Of Silence. In this article Hardley explains how she used a techinque called "Quite Time" with her students, she got the idea when she homeschooled her own children. The concept of "Quite Time" is that Mrs. Hardley told her students to take a piece of paper and something to write or draw with and find a place anywhere in the school where they could be quite for an hour. The reason for this is to let the students minds relax and think whatever thoughts they had. The students really enjoyed the new activity. One student commented "I thought more thoughts than I knew I had. Another students commented "I kept changing my mind about what I thought the more time I spent thinking, I was able to see things from different sides. It was really interesting".

I respond saying "I like her idea of Quite Time". I told her that I can tell she teaches from her heart. I also said that her idea gives students the opportunity to express themselves and their minds freely. I said that students are busy changing classes, spending time with friends at recess it's like their little minds are racing like cars and this idea gives students a chance to unwind and relax without any distractions. I said that it's also great that she allow her students to choose what they want to write about or create.

Project # 12 Skype Interview

Blog Post # 9

Mr. McClung gave some great insight as to what he learned during his first year as a teacher. The first title is How to Read the Crowd. McClung talks about how he had observed that most teachers do not make their lessons student centered, and that teachers are more concern about the deliever of the content rather than the main aspect which is the students comprehension. I don't believe teachers can be successful in the classroom if they do not put the interest of the students first. Teachers should have the mindset that the main goal is what's best for the students not what's best for themselves.

Be Flexible: In this article McClung says that instructors like to plan the perfect lesson plan. I say there is no perfect lesson plan. McClung talked about how he tried to control things to much. I'm sure there will be days when the lesson taught will be a disater. McClung said he would beat himself up over lessons and activities that did not work, he goes on to say that he doesn't let it get to him anymore. As a future teacher I may have lessons and activites that don't go as well as I expected and when this happens I will view the sitituation as an opportunity to reevaluate myself and the material I taught.

Communicate: McClung talks about communication he describes communication as the best medicine. I agree without communication their is no relationship. Teachers can make communications helpful by giving advice about former students or situations. I want to be a teacher whose students know they can come and discuss issues they don't understand or need better clarity about.

Be Reasonable: I agree that some teachers do hold high expectations for students. McClung talks about how some teachers become upset with students when they fail. Teachers should never make a student feel like a failure. McClung says that teacher set students up for disappointment when a goal is not met. I can relate to this as a parent, but I do exactly what McClung suggested I tell my daughter that it's okay and that she will make it next time. This is what I would do with my students, if I don't I think students would not try as hard. Students need to hear that it okay if they did meet a particular goal or get the grade of an A or a B.

Don't Be Afraid Of Technology: McClung explains that adults view technology as a horrible computer that is taking over the world. I am an older adult and yes there is alot of new technology in our world today, but I am willing and eager to learn. I don't want to give up on something simply because I don't understand it. Technology has made life much easier.

Listen To Your Students: McClung is right, sometimes teachers are the only person who listens to students. Teachers truly don't know what's going on in students lives once they leave their classroom, that's why it's important that teachers open their ears and become active listeners to all of their students.

Never Stop Learning: McClung talks about how it's never to late to change the way we think, learn or even the style. I think that when we stop learning we stop living. Everyday of our lives is a learning experience. Teachers, students and parents should always know that learning is a never ending process. I too am looking forward to having a magical first year of teaching.

Summary Post C4K 4, 5, and 6

My post Comment For Kids Number Four is about a school picnic in Mrs. Lagitupu's class room 21 at Pt. England Reserve. The students had their annual picnic which consist of games like volleyball, football, and hola hoops. The students had an opportunity to play in the water and the sand on the beach. I replied to the students by saying what a great way to have a picnic and that they have an awesome blog and that their blog is well constructed.

My post Comment For Kids Number Five is about "Christchurch Earthquake" in New Zealand. Destiney is the student who wrote on her blog about the devasted earthquake. Destiney said that the magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 6.3, and is the worst earthquake since 1931. Destiney said that many had been rescued but many people remain trapped waiting to be rescued. I replied by telling Destiney that I am sorry that her country has experienced such a devasting lost, and that her country is in my prayers. I also told Destiney that people all over the world is praying for the country of New Zealand, and that I know that "Christchurch" will be restored back as the lovely place she describe it to be.

My post Comment For Kids Number Six is about a vidoe that I watched. Brandon is an instructor who teaches Drum lesson and had two students Dallas, and Lee in the video. Dallas plays the drums and has had about two lessons. I responded by telling Dallas that his beat sounds great and that he seems comfortable playing the drums. I also told Dallas that I would have thought that he had been playing the drums for at least three years.

Blog Post # 8

This is How we Dream Part 1
Richard Miller talks about how writing has change over the years and how writing has change as a culture.Miller recalls growing up as a small child surrounded by books in his home. He felt that everything was about books, he knew that he wanted a career that involves the use of books. Miller talks about how things has changed from pencil, paper and the library, he says now we have our laptops, and word processing capabilities. Miller talks about how easy it is to search information on the web, as well as the skills one can do for example he talks about collaborating technology using images to compose films. He using an example of how the election was  visually represented by each state and how  the voting records and patterns had changed in the past elections.
In Part 2 This is How we Dream Miller talks about how fast material and information changes. he talks about the visual reprentation of itunes and explains that as educators we must show ideas.  Produce alternate versions and push the ideas of creativity in our culture.
As a future teacher I will embrace this new technology with my students and find creative and fun ways to making learning an adventure so that my students can succeed.  When teachers have this type of attitude the students will cooperate and respect the teacher because they will know that their teacher is there to help improve their learning abilities.

EDM310 is Different
I enjoyed both of these videos. "The Chipper Series" sets a great example as to what can happen when one procrastinates and drops out of school. In EDM 310 for Dummies the video was hilarious. I have to say I felt overwhelm when I first started EDM 310, mainly because of the projects, but I now realize that the projects are not so overwhelming after all.

Learn to Change, Change to Learn
This video represent teachers who feel there is a desperate need for change in how students of today learn. It's sad that education is ranked so low, yet we live in a society that knows if one wants the "American Dream" then education is definitely a big component. How can this happen if our students are not given the proper tools. Students nowadays are adapt to the world of technology so why not incorporate this technology in the schools. I agree with the educator who said that students need to do more than just memorize the material, they need to know how to find the information, validate, communicate, leverage, and collaborate. In order to improve the education of future students we must learn to change.

The video The Secret Power of Time is mainly about how Americans spend their time and how they value their time. For example, waiting for some people is viewed as a waste of time. Families are so busy that they don't value the time spent with familes and friends, familes don't have family meals at the table like they use too. This video describes what most people would do if they had an extra day of the week, it shows that most would do nothing differently from the other seven days.This video also talks about how students are digital rewired and how this can limit their involvement in learning in schools. It talked about future oriented kids which are those who are told about negative consenquences and don't do drugs, have sex and smoke and present oriented kids are those who know the consenquences but that knowledge does not change their behavior.
The video The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us talks about rewards and how this  motivates people when given a challenge. The video talks about three levels of rewards and found that people put more time and interesting in something when there is a deadline. The video talks about autonomy (self direct), mastery (becoming better at what they do) and  purpose ( person enjoys what they do).
In schools students are rewarded for good grades, and behavior. I think this incentives encourages students to want to do better. This motivate students and gives them a challange which is something most students need.

EDM 310 Smartboard Group Project

I think our group did a great job on the Smartboard Presentation. The results from the other group was as following: Everyone agreed that the group conveyed the lesson clearly, and that the lesson was esay to follow. The sound of the presentation was described as clear, good, and really good. The professional and knowledge of the material that our group presented were yes. As far as how to improve the presentation the suggestions were that the presentation could have been longer, added activity that involved the students more, and more information about the subject presented. The group said that the lesson was age appropriate and they said grades second to third which our group had originally said third grade. The group thought that the visuals aspects were helpful and that the smartboard was effective in the presentation of the lesson.

Blog Post # 7

This vidoe is such an inspirational speech. Randy's video brought tears to my eyes. Randy Pausch is a professor at Carnegie Mellow University who has found out that he has pancreatic cancer. Randy does a final lecture which he calls "Last Lecture". In his lecture he talks about achieving childhood dreams, and enabling the dreams of others.

Randy says that "brick walls are there for a reason". This quote gives me the courage and motaviation to work even harder. I have always struggle with school and has given up at times, but I see that Randy has not let the brick wall of cancer keep him down. Randy also gives some great advice about how to handle feedback, why leadership is important, the benefits of karma, gratitude, and finding the best in everyone. These are all componets of what a great teacher is and does.

Randy talks about enabling the dreams of others. I believe that as a future teacher it is our responsible to make sure that our students have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. I often find myself complaining about things that causes a distraction in my life. I have learned through Randy that experience is what one get when one don't get what they want.

The end of the video definently explain what Randy has done focusing on others instead of himself. His speech Last Lecture is not for himself, but for his wife, children, students and colleagues.

C4T # 2 Comment for Teachers

This post is by David Wees. The topic is with Clay Christenson about the shortcoming of math. This article talks about how the cirricular activities are designed to make students feel like failure. Clay states in his article about how a teacher on the first day of his statistics math class tells his students to look around the room, then the professor says half of you will not make it through my class.

I agree with the concept of merging the skills together. If this is done more often students would be more interesting in learning math and can succeed in math. Some teachers have the attitude you either know math or you don't which can frighten students.

My second post is by David Wees also. There is a picture of two glasses and two soda cans one sprite the other one coke. The sodas are poured into each glass,then a man takes a syringe and takes about one ounce of soda from each glass and mixes with the opposite glass. The question is Does these glasses end up with the same amount of each type of soda?
I responded with the answer yes. The glasses were the same, the ounces taken from the glasses were the same also. This is why I answer yes.

Project # 10 First Progress Report on PLN

I chose symballo.com I had never heard of this site prior to EDM 310. I think it's a great way to organize my personal sites as well as my educational sites. My educational sites includes Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, and for my personal site I have included items about health, exercise and leisure things I have done. I will continue to update my PLN.

Project # 11 Mom's Secret

Bolg Post # 6

This video shows how important and valuable technology plays in teaching students in the twenty-first century. Each week in my EDM 310 class I learn something new about the different types of tools teachers use to teach their students. I have learned that students do not need a textbook in order to learn.
The question asked "Why does the networked student ever need a teacher? I believe that teachers are important part of a student learning. I view teachers as a road map, they are there to guide students along the road of learning. Of course there will be road blocks and detours, however when there is a road block this is when teachers guide and encourage students back onto the road. As far as the detours this is when teachers show students that their are other ways and outlets as how to accomplish an assignment or goal.
yes,I believe that I will be prepared to be a teacher of a networked student. I am a indivudal who believes that change is a good thing, so when new technology arrive in the classroom I will be eager to teach the new skill to my students.I believe that teachers learn from students also, so it will be a learning process for my students and myself as well.

7th grader's personal Learning Enivornment(or PLN)
A seventh grader with this much knowledge about technology is impressive. I enjoyed hearing about the different types of websites that are available to enhance students learning capabilities. It's great to hear that this seventh grader is so responsible and organized, and also how actively involved she is in the learning process of her education. I think that its great also that she is even the freedom to manage her work herself. I am a newbie to PLN so I am still in the learning phase of PLN. I like the note taking method that she used.

Critiques of Smartboards
The post by Michael Staton, Why Smartborads Are a Dumb Initiative basically explains why smartboards are not need in the classroom. For one Michael says that smartborads are too expensive, he feels that smartboards is no difference as the teacher who stands in front of a traditional blackborad. he argues that the teacher still have to mangage lots of kids through a lesson plan,and that the smartboard does not give students an adaptive learning enivornment. He also says that having a smartboard does not reduce teachers workloads.

The post by Bill Ferriter, Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards. Bill feels that whiteboards are useless, so useless that he gave his smartboard away. He feels that smartboards do not make the curriculm any easier. Ferriter thinks of the whiteboard as a design to replicate traditional instructional practices. So basically the two agree that the smartboards and whiteboards are not as beneficial to students.

The blog post that I viewed was by Ashlea Campbell. She feels that the smartboards are a phenomenal tool. Ashlea said that the advantages of having a smartboard is that it is also used to help with presentations created by students and teachers. Digital storytelling is another way as to how smartboards can be used, smartboards are also used to reinforce skills by using on-line interactive web sites. The website to this Link is medt3401.blogspot.com/2009/07/​smartboards-in-classroom.html

Instructional Timeline Profect 9b

Summary Post C4K Comments 1, 2, 3

My first C4K comment is about Ms. Naugle's 5th period math class.  Darion talks about and describes the different shapes of Geometry.  Darion explains what flat figures are, which are circles, retangles, and shapes.  Darion also talked about triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, and hexagons.
I replied to Darion by saying how impressed I was with his knowledge about Geometry.

My second C4K comment is about two students, Aneisha and Selina who is reading a book called "Hooligan Wreckit" which talks about two boys Andy and Julian who are playing in the park after dark.  A policeman comes to the park , Andy runs away leaving Julian standing by the fence.
I replied by saying how interesting the story seem, because the girls did not tell the entire story.  I told the girls the book gave good advice as to what can happen when someone is "monkeying" around.  I told Aneisha that she is a great reader and Selina that she is a great speaker.

My third C4K comment Is about a student name Lorenzo who has a blog post with several pieces of his work illustrated.  In his post Lorenzo has a post about animation and the four stages of a butterfly, a volcano Dioramas, a post with him and his classmates doing water activity and a self portrait of himself, half his real face and the other half as a drawing.
I replied by telling Lorenzo that I like all his blog posts. The animation designs are awesome and how creative his volcano dioramas looks.  I complemented Lorenzo on his smile I told him that he looks so proud of his work.  I told Lorenzo I thought that it was so cool that his class has a time during school to practice their water skills, and that his self portrait was amazing.

Blog Post # 5

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom

Podcast is an excellent resource that benefits students as well as teachers. Last week when I watched the video on Eric Whitacre's Virtual Chior I was amazed and thought to myself this would be great if teachers could use this for their students who miss school, little did I know it is already being used. As a parent I can relate to Emily's situation.  My daughter had hives all over her body, we thought it was chicken pox she did not want to go to the doctor, because she knew she would miss school. As a future teacher using podcast would benefit my students who has asthma, which is the number one reason why students miss school.  Podcast also benefits students who miss school because of snow days.  Teachers can use podcast which will save time trying to review miss work.

Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog

 It's great to hear and see students so engage with History. These students are third graders and already are knowledgeable about the history of the Romans.  The information told by each student was enlighting. I can see a bright future for students when this type of technology is used in schools.

Judy Scharf Podcast Collection

Before taking EDM 310 I had never heard of podcast, after reviewing podcast features I'm speechless.  This is a great way to communicate with families who lives in another state.  I have seen the benefits that podcast has contribute in the educational system.  Third graders are using podcast this new technology is something I can get use too.

Timetoast Project # 9

Project # 8 Podcast

Project # 5

Blog Post # 4

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff.Please?

Scott McLeod is a phenomenon man who has contribute extraordinary work in Education and Technology. McLeod is an associate Professor in the Educational Adminstration Program at Iowa State University. Dr. McLeod is also the director of the UCEA Center for the Advance Study of Technology Leadership in Education,(CASTLE). I agree with Dr. McLeod children should not have this much access to websites, it corupts our children mind and sometimes their future. I know that children will find ways to get access to materials they shouldn't be exposed too, so if we limit the access to websites children won't have the curiosity.


The iSchool Initiative

I believe this type of technology does belong in the classrooms. Using ischool Initiative will help minimize teacher layoffs and large classroom size, because the itouch is inexpensive. I am a fan of books, pencils, and paper, however Travis talks about some great ideas and he is very conveniencing. Students are computer literate and this might encourage the students to perform better in school, because students sometimes lose interest when turning page after page in a book. The only concern is what happens if a student lose their itouch device.


The Lost Generation

We must have hope, and along with hope one must set values that makes a difference in their families lives and the world around them. The key to happiness does comes from within. Happiness however is not the same for everyone, some people believe that happiness is having lots of money while another person defines happiness as just being healthy. The technique used are real life issues such as divorce, happiness, careers, and family.


Eric Whitacre's Virutal Choir

AMAZING!!! being a newbie to this type of technology is an eye opener as to how resourceful technology truly is. The music is so relaxing. It's amazing that with the touch of a button something this powerful can be created. I listen to this video repeatly for twenty minutes.

Teaching in the 21st Century

Teachers in the 21st century must incorporate engagement in the classrooms. The video has strong points with comparing entertainment and engagement. When students are engaged in their classes the outcomes are astonishing, students will learn and have long-term results in their learning experience. The importance of teaching students is not about the tools we use, it's about the strategies we present to our students.

This is My Sentence Project #6

Blog Post # 3

A Vision of Students Today
In my experience community college classes are much smaller than Universitiy classes. Tuition is double the rate at universities and the classes require more work in the prerequsite classes. At an community college books are rented out to students usally for thirty dollars per book. At the University a student will pay around one hundred eighty-three dollars for a math book and two hundred for a science which helps contribute to the debt of most college students.
Students attend college obtain a degree,and can not find a job in their field of work, or get a job in their field of knowledge but does not excel on the job. I am a hands on learner. I really enjoy my EDM 310 class because as a student one learns by experiencing.
I would have like to have seen the students actually talking about their situation among other students instead of using the flash card method.


"It's Not About the Technology
I agree with Ms. Hines completely. I feel that as future teachers it's not about how we learn that is so important, it's what we are learning. Teachers have mandatory workshops to learn new ideas and strategies that will hopefully improve the interest and academic standards for students. Teachers attend these workshops but few go back into the classroom and use these ideas and strategies effectively.

Hines is absoultely right. Learning and teaching are not the same. I did some observation at a local school here in Mobile for a class last semester. The teacher was teaching the students about homophone words and which word to use correctly in a sentence. A few of the students seemed to understand but most of the students did not understand the concept. The teacher says to the class"okay wait let's try this from the beginning again". I saw that as a teaching moment.

Hines is also right, why spend thousands of dollars on technology equipment when some teachers do not put the effort to learn the technology. what happen to the plain old chalk and chalkboard method. Teachers can not go wrong using this method.


Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

All educators should have some basic knowledge of technology capability. Reading this list given by Fisch makes me think about the issues of technology differently. The statement I was never good at math is one I have used several times. I now see this as being a double standard towards math and as well as technology. The technology is here why not learn the techniques.

We as teachers must have a positive attitude about the new technology change. If we don't know how to use this technology what better way to learn by experiencing this new challenges with the students. Everyone wins the students achieve the lesson given and the teachers meet the goal that is expected of the students.


Gary Hayes Social Media Count
These numbers are changing at an astouding rate. It's almost scarey to think that technology moves this fast. As a future teacher I will probably dream about my job im my sleep. I now realize that technology never stops, it's an ongoing process.

C4T #1 Comments for Teachers

This article is title "First Day of School in SriLanka" the website to this link is whatedsaid.wordpress.com
This is my summary about the post.
This article was about a group of students starting their first day of school. The article talks about how the school felt like a community because the family of most of the students knew the parents also. The article talks about how involved the students were for example the older students organized the younger students in line formation. The older boys also help wire the sound system and microphone so that the National Anthem could be played. The student all had an opportunity to use the microphone to share songs and movements they had learned in their pre-school classes.
My response to the comment is that I was incrediblely amazed as how happy and enthusiastic the children were about attending school. The school felt like a community because the parents and students knew each other. I think this is great because it helps minimize strees for the students, parents and the teachers. I like how involved the students are I think this builds confidence.

This is my comment about the post First Day of School in SirLanka, the website link is whatedsaid.wordpress.com
This story is incredible. It is amazing how happy and enthusiastic the children are about attending school.It is great when the students know each other I think that it helps minimize the stress on the first day of school for the students, parents and teachers. It is always great to see students happy and excited about attending schools, it shows that teachers are truly involved with the students and their process of learning in school. It is also great to see the students being so involved with the celebrations. This really builds confidence when children are encourage to express and participate in activities such as this.


Comment on the video 10 Ways To Build Resilience: weblink whatedsaid.wordpress.com
I can relate to Jay McTighe four years ago I wanted to learn how to rollerskate. I took skating lesson and was embrassed of falling so much and feeling incompetent to learn this new skill while the younger children pass me by time after time. I like Jay’sconcept about how children probably feel about learning new things when they don’t understand or do not have interest in a particular subject.
As a future teacher this video has enlighten me of what I need to be aware of when teaching my students. The factors are all great examples. I especially like number four statement which states Build a community in the classroom. I believe that without this factor it can create a barrier between the students and the teacher. Thank You for this video.


Summary on the video 10 Ways to build Resilience weblink whatedsaid.wordpress.com
Jay McTighe is a fifty year old male who decided that he wanted to learn something new which is surfing. Jay talks about how afraid he was while learning this new skill, beacause of Jay's persistence he learned how to surf. Jay talks about how students must feel when they are given new tasks to achieve and that as teachers we must be resilience and create a learning enivornment where students feel safe to take risks.

Blog Post # 2

Did you Know? The numbers are alarming with all the data given especially from the techology perspective. It's like the world around us is moving faster than we can adapt. I view techology as the new way of communication. Texting is a great tool, however it takes away from the "normal" way in which we as a society communicate.

I also like the internet because I can search any type of material and find what I am looking for. There are so many different tasks one can use by using the internet I regularly use the internet to pay accounts, check my daughters grades online, and talk with friends using email. With the world's techology expanding so rapidly I am curious as to what I will learn in the years to come. Overall I think techology is awesome!


Mr Winkle Wakes It shows how techology has change over the years. Basically almost everything we use is a machine. This can be a scarey thing when someone is not aware of the new changes. When the world change we must learn to adapt to the new changes also. The changing of techology is great. Change is a good thing.

Mr. Winkle felt relieved when he visited the school which is a sense of comfort to him. When Mr. Winkle entered the classroom everything was what he had expected the students were sitting in their desk while the teacher lectures to the class. The students seemed bored and unmotivated. As educators we should never get to the point where our students are bored when this happens the students do not learn which sometimes ends in school-dropouts. As educators we must incorporate ways to keep students interesting by thinking outside the box and incorporate lessons that attracts the students interest.


Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity I think this video is super funny. Robinson is great to listen too. I like the way he uses humor to entertain the attention of the audience, and gain their interest as to what he is saying. I agree with Robinson when he says children are willing to take a chance and are not afraid of being wrong.

As an older adult returning to school I was afraid of failure, but I learned through my journey that when someone fails wheather it's school, work, or family we learn from that situation which shows us that in order to learn we will sometime fail. It is sad that students are sometimes label with conditions that can place a stigma on their lives forever. As educators we must observe and assess students before we "label" students as unmotivated or as "the problem child".


Cecelia Gault As stated in the article United States students are far behind compared to most students in other countries. Statistics show that the United States has a drop-out rate of 25 percent. We as educators must strive to provide ways to keep our students in school. I agree with Sir Robinson that everyone has creativity, creativity is displayed through other aspects, for example a school counselor has creativity by helping students deal with issues concerning academics and personal issues. I also agree with David Livermore educators should have a connection with parents and students, however this connection should also come from the parent's and not place the responsible mainly on the educators.


Vicki Davis Harness your students' Digital Smarts: Wow! I like Mrs. Davis approach. Technology gadgets are so universal in our world today. I really like Mrs. Davis concept that every child can learn and that it's not always about learning with pencil and paper. I believe that by using these methods such as Wiki, and Blogging. The students are more interesting in the class and are actually learning by performing the tasks given.

The group project that the students work on together is great because each student brings something different to the group project. If teachers want students to learn then they the educators must do what Mrs. Davis has done by teaching the subject based on what interest the students.

Wordle

Blog Post #1

My name is Shirley Landrum.  I was born in Butler Alabama which is about two hours north of Mobile.  I have lived in Hawaii ,Virginia, Italy, Maryland, Washington state, Connecticut and I currently live in Ocean Springs Mississippi.  My major is Elementary Education.  I am attending the University of South Alabama because it has a great education program and because I receive a Veterans scholarship. I have been married for nineteen years and I have a  thirteen years old daughter.

     I wanted to entered the field of education because I have worked with children in the Child Development Programs for ten years.  I also did a lot of volunteer work at my daughter's school when she was in elementary school.  About six years ago I decided that I wanted to become a teacher because I saw the difference I made in the lives of preschoolers and realized that I could do the same for children in the elementary school setting.  There is a shortage of good ,dedicated teachers who are willing to make a difference.  I want to become a part of the team that makes a difference.  I love working with children this is my passion because the rewards of making a difference in children's lives is priceless.

practice post

My first post.