Summary Post C4K 1 & 2

Kyle the Beast was the kid that I commented on, and he has an interesting blog. I commented on his manifesto which he made the first step to identifying the problem. I expressed to Kyle that he can do and be anything he wants to be. I told him that he will accomplish everything he stated in his manifesto, if he continue to stay focused and study hard and never give up on his dreams and always know that he can achieve anything.I also commented on his post "You can't judge people by their appearance". Some of the most well dressed people are the ones you have to really look out for. We should always be very careful and aware of our surroundings. You should not accept anything from strangers especially not rides, because once you are in the car with them you are under their control. So stay away from strangers.

C4T #1 Summary

For my first C4T I commented on Jenny's post We Should Listen To Our Kids. I agree with her comment that we should listen to our students. I'm a strong believer, that we are never to old to learn even if it's from a child. The video of the little girl is a good example, children are very intelligent. Just like adults, children can express themselves and just because they are children, doesn't mean that we shouldn't listen to what they have to say. We should encourage them to express themselves and never be afraid to speak their mind. My second comment was on Jenny's post, Are Task Boards useful in the classroom. I think that task boards are an excellent idea when it comes to organization in the classroom. I feel that when the teacher talks to a smaller group of kids, there are fewer interruptions and more one on one time with each student. The other students don't feel left out, because they feel that they are working independently and will want to have something to show to the teacher when their time comes to be with her. I think that it is also a great idea to let the students instead of the teacher change out the task. They will look forward to completing their task and starting a new one.

Blog Post #5

I enjoyed this blog assignment, because it gave me the opportunity to learn about and listen to different types of podcasts. I never heard of podcast until this assignment. The Education Podcast Network stated that podcasting is essentially radio programming that can be produced with a standard computer, microphone, free software, and a website for posting. The EPN was a very informative site and I enjoyed viewing the elementary school kids podcasts. Judy Scharf Podcast Collection had a little more information then the EPN, on time management, examples, and topics. Time and topics are very important when doing podcast, because you should always keep the attention of your audience, so making them too long and boring can cause your audience to lose interest. The last site I explored was Langwitches, which I thought was the best out of the three. I love to see and read about children who are eager to learn. The first graders, were very excited to learn about and produce a podcast, because as we all know, young children love attention and praise. It talked about how the shy kids were not so shy anymore, they were just as excited and couldn't wait to see themselves in action. I think that podcasting is a great way to motivate children to express themselves and not be afraid of talking in front of an audience.
 

Blog Post # 4

Don't Teach Your Kids this Stuff I feel that at a certain age, children should be introduced to certain things. It is up to the parents to show them how to use it. They should be given the instructions, on what they can and can not do. Parents and teachers should monitor how children are using the internet. Children shouldn't not be given so much freedom, when it comes to all the new devices that are becoming more and more challenging and advanced. Dr. Mcleod is an Associate professor in the education administration program at Iowa State University.

The iSchool Initiative I was very impressed by the students effort to help improve the school system. I think that he made some valid points. But, who will be responsible for supplying the iphones. What will happen to the students, whose parents can't afford it. Even though it was a good presentation, I really don't think that will work out because students are irresponsible and most of them won't know where it is after the first week.

Lost Generation This video should be shared with students everywhere. It should be good for students who are having trouble figuring out what they want or want to be when they finish school. It should used to helping students with low self esteem, realize that just because someone said it, it doesn't have to happen.

Virtual Choir was so amazing. I think that the fact that they never met in person makes this video just awesome. This also made me realize that possibilities on the internet are endless. The internet is a very useful tool and people should take advantage of of and not abuse it. At first I couldn't believe that the choir never performed together until I watched again and payed attention to the different backgrounds.

Additional Assignment #1

Today as I explored the web sites google squared and wolfram alpha I found it very interesting that you can type in one word and get answers to a lot of questions. I thought that wolfram alpha was better because it gives you the facts from the first search. I also liked google squared because I can add things to see where they fit in what I'm looking for or researching. This was the first time that I used both google squared and wolfram alpha and I think that are important tools for educators. I'm so glad that I'm being introduced to so many new things in this class. After rereading the comments about "Did You Know", I would have to say that I still feel the same about how technology and how it advances over the years. I know that statistics are very important and I actually don't pay attention to them as much as I should, so I'm glad for this experience.

 Food for Thought: When I read this post I really wasn't that surprised, because a lot of children today can most of the time figure things out on their own if they are given the opportunity.

Project 5 Google Presentation

Blog Post #3

A Vision of Students Today I really enjoyed this video and it made me realize that most students sit in lectures and are not really paying attention to what  the lecture is about. Most students minds are on something totally different then school. They are thinking about what they are going to do when class is over or they are thinking why am I even here. I think that class discussions instead of lectures are much more informative and students are more attentive because they are interested in what their peers are thinking.
Students also tend to fall asleep during lectures because they are bored with the topic and the fact that some teachers voices are just the type that puts you to sleep. I think that all teachers should include more discussions in their lecture time so students can comment and listen to the comments of their peers.

It's Not About the Technology I agree with Ms. Hines. We as teachers must continue to be learners to help our students advance and cope with technology today. Technology is important, but the proper training and use is the key to providing our students with these skills. We should make sure we are using these new  tools and ideas correctly before they are introduced to our students.
With the advancing of technology, we should also encourage our students to be independent learners. Teachers should also challenge students to always use critical thinking and problem solving skills. They should always be able to function without the use of technology.

Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher I think that all teachers should be technologically literate. Technology is advancing in many ways and we as teachers should learn all about it. It should start with us as students, because we are the future of teaching. I think this class is an excellent way to teaching technology, because I have learned alot in just a few weeks and look forward to learning more.
I also agree with Mr. Fisch when he said that the responsibility of illiterate teachers is that of the schools who let them graduate and the principles who hire them. The problem will never be fixed if the cycle isn't broken.

Social Media Count I thought this video was very amazing to know how many people are using some form of technology throughout the day. I do some social networking myself, but it very interesting to see the use of all different types of networking, phone calls, texting, emailing etc. This means that alot of people are posted in front of a computer or has some type of device in hand instead of  reading a book. Even though social networking is fun, it shouldn't occupy all of your free time, leave some time for thinking and learning.

Blog Post #2 Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

I enjoyed this presentation and feel that more students should have this experience of creating their own blog and other activities through the power of technology. They will have more to do and become creative and motivated. It's gives them a chance to be independent and responsible. The kids in this class seem to be very excited about their experience. The classroom was filled with students who all seem to like they were ready for this challenge.
I think that incorporating computers in the classroom will help students when they are ready to further their education. They will already have experience and knowledge of the expanding world of technology. They will be ready for more challenges and will be prepared to advance their skills. This will also motivate more students to further their education, because they feel as if they are better prepared and have a better chance at success. 

Blog Post #2 The Importance of Creativity

According to Sir Ken Robinson, creativity is as important as literacy. Creativity to me needs to be nourished in young children. I also agree that children are educated through creativity. In schools there is so much emphasis on academic, that the creativity part is sometimes forgotten. This is where academic inflation comes into play.
Some children are born creative and are artists from the start. They express themselves better through different types of art, such drawing, dancing, or writing. They are very active children and some people think that placing them on medications will help, but it only hinders them from being creative and expressing themselves. I enjoyed this presentation and feel that some interesting points were made and we should always encourage our students to be creative.

Blog Post #2 Mr Winkle Wakes

My understanding of Mr. Winkle is that after waking up after 100yrs he finds that many things had changed. He really don't understand all the new technology and travels through the city to different places to find that everything is much more advanced. Mr. Winkles is somewhat confused and the thought of it all makes him sick. Mr. Winkle goes to the hospital and finds out that its even worst there.
When he decides to go to the school, he finds that it has not changed. The classroom setting is the same and the children are bored. There is a computer in the back of the classroom but they are not using it. This is an example of not using the tools that are given to you to help in the classroom. I feel that teachers should use all tool and new ideas that are provided. Prior beliefs of some teachers will hinder them from advancing the classroom experience for their students. I think this is unfair to the students and they fall behind other students who are given the opportunity to use new devices and ideas provided by their teachers.

Blog Post #2 Did You Know

Did you know was a very interesting and informative video. Technology has really grown over the years. It is not only for learning, but also entertainment. There are many things you can do and explore on the internet. I feel that the computer technology is expanding every hour but I don't think that it will take the place of people. Computers have to many problems and will always need repairs and someone to take their place doing those repairs.
Cell phones, ipods, and mp3 players are all examples of how technology has advanced throughout the years. I can remember when we only had pager. I can also remember when cell phones first came out, it was just that a phone. The social network is really on the raise also, and responsible for creating friendships and long lasting relationships. I really enjoy technology and all that it has to offer. I am a die hard fan of facebook and really enjoy keeping in touch with my family and friends. I have connected with alot of friends whom I have not seen or talked to in a long time. I am looking forward to learning new technology and teaching my children and students what I learn.

Project #2