Blog Post # 10

An Open Letter To Educators I agree with both Morgan and Dan. I can personally say that most of my University courses are just they way they described. While sitting in class during lectures , I'm almost always just taking notes only to put them down until the day before the test, which is when I cram. But on the other hand in EDM 310, I actually learn things that I know will benefit me and my career. I will use the things that I have learned in this class for years to come and I am so proud of myself for not giving up and continuing to strive to finish this semester, even though I have a couple of late assignments.
I think that education is also essential and without it a lot of us would be lost. One must have some type of education if you want to be successful in society today. I also agree that education is empowering students to change the world, but as teachers, we must make sure our students understand and comprehend what they learn in order to make a difference. And yes it is a must that institutional education keep up with time and adapt to new ways of learning. Technology play a big part in education today and we should always try to introduce our students to new ways of learning. Society has to move forward, instead of living in the past.

Don't Let Them Take the Pencil Home. I think that this made a good point about students who take what they learn home to their parents and the parents actually learning something from them. This gets the parents involved in their children education and it also gives them a chance to spend quality time with each other.

Two Questions That Can Change Your Life I think that these are questions that everyone should ask themselves. It give you the opportunity to be what you describe yourself as in the sentence and it lets you reflect on what you did yesterday and strive to change it for the better for today.
Whats my Sentence?
I strive to learn something new everyday, either from school, work, or home.
Was I better today than yesterday?
Yes, I do believe I was better today than yesterday, because everyday, I try to have a better day than before. I try not to dwell on what happened the day before. I learn from my mistakes and I stay positive about the days to come.

AA # 2 How Kids Teach Themselves

1. Motivated learners can teach themselves, because they have set goals and they know what they have to do to meet those goals.
2. Motivated kids can teach themselves, but they also need that extra push from adults to help them stay focused.
3. Kids need a comfortable environment that is positive and also have resources that they can use to help them. This also goes for others, you have to have the tools and the proper environment to succeed.
4. Computers and internet play a big role in learning. If a student has these tools, they can almost always complete all of their work with just the two. It also limits the time spent at the library.
5. One must be motivated to learn in order to succeed.
6. Problems may come along, but you must stay focused and try to solve the problem, while still continuing to complete your goals.
7. I will motivate my students by teaching them that they can achieve anything if they stay in school and pay attention and always do try hard.
8. There are a lot of different factors that motivate me to learn. The most important factor is that I want to be able to teach my children so they will never be behind in society.
9. Yes, you can learn if you are not motivated. You just do the work because you are required and you may not remember it all but you will grasp some that will stick with you.
10. Yes, i have taught myself a lot. Sometimes there is no one around to help me and I just have to keep trying until I figure it out. I do this a lot in my math class.
11. I will use my experience with MTH 110. This is my second time taking this course and my professor this semester is such a big help. He does every problem step by step and makes sure we get it before moving on.
12. I feel that no matter how much technology we have, there will always be a need for teachers in the classroom.
13. I really think that the statement, "If children have interest, then education happens" is so true. You have to keep the students interested for them to stay focus and understand what is being taught.

Project # 11 Short Movie

Blog Post # 9

What I've Learned This Year I have learned a lot this semester as a result of EDM310. I can do things with a computer I never knew existed. After reading Mr. McClung's post, I've also learned that my first year as a teacher will be what I make it. I know I will be nervous and trying to make a good impression that I will make some mistakes, but knowing that I will have the next year to come back and learn from those mistakes and do better is great. I have been doing some observing at an elementary school and I have notice that what Mr. McClung said about lesson plans is true. Even though she has her lesson plan ready for each day, there are things that seem to distract not only the students but also the teacher. So sometimes no matter how prefect you think your day will go things happen that you can't control and you just have to pick up where you can and continue.
Communication in the school and classroom is very important. Teachers must have good communication skills to work so many different people. Listening to your students makes a big difference and it also lets them know that you respect them and their feelings.I think that what Mr. McClung said about being reasonable with your students is food for thought. You should not lower your expectations, but you should put in more time with students who you see are having trouble and give them a little more time to grasp new material before moving on to the next lesson.
We never stop learning is something that I find to be so true. You are never to old to learn something new. I am so grateful for the new ideas and tools that I have learned in the 9wks of this class and even though it started out a little foggy, I can see my way now.

The Battle's Of The Civil War Timeline

Blog Post # 8

This Is How We Dream Parts 1 and 2 The videos were quite interesting and informative. Mr. Miller discussed a lot of issues that school systems are facing today. The way students are taught now is a lot different from when I was in school. The books are different and most of them come with more then one book or some kind of work book.

Technology also has a big impact on how students learn. You can find all types of sources on the internet. We use to have to go to the library for everything, now all you need is a computer with internet. The use of computers has really cut back on the time that people send in the library. It has also cut back on writing. Most students now type their papers and most of their work that is required.

As a future teacher, I think that technology will be a vital part of my classroom activities. I agree with Mr. Miller when he said that we will have to develop curriculum around technology. Students will need to know how to use computers to help them with most of their classroom activities.


EDM 310 is Different I enjoyed both The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies. I'm enjoying this class, but it is quite challenging and sometimes I feel like I just can't do it. I can truly say if it wasn't for the support of the lab staff, I would have given up a long time ago. I have learned how to really be an independent learner and figure out a lot by myself. I have come very close to the point of just screaming, but I'm glad that I have come this far to the finish line and I'm going to continue and try not to get behind on my assignments. For future students, I would encourage them to always stay ahead, because if you fall behind, it is hard to catch up.

Critiques of Smartboards. I would have to disagree with the two argurments, I have had the experience of seeing the smartboard first hand. It is a very useful tool. Teachers can use them as a whiteboard, projector, and play videos on it. They can also teach their whole lesson plan on the smartboard and the students like it because they get to hear sounds and it is also colorful. These are some sites that I found www.smartboards.typepad.com and smart boards are hands on minds on

Blog Post # 7

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture... I must say that this was very inspiring. I for one have put my childhood dreams aside for a long time and just recently decided to achieve them. I have always wanted to be a teacher, but seem to somehow let the brick wall that he talks about stop me instead of show me how bad I want it. When I decided to go back to school, I told myself that no matter how many obstacles I faced, I was going to get my degree.
I have learned a lot through my experiences throughout life, and have never heard "experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." After hearing him say that it made me reflect on all the things I have experienced and learned. It also made me realize how much time I have spent doing other things, instead of achieving my childhood dream. It is so true that you can't change the cards you're dealt, but if you play the cards right and have a strong support system, the hand you are dealt becomes a little easier to play. That's why in the game of spades you have a partner, someone who is there to help you when the opponent throws a stumbling block in your way. We all need that extra push and for me I think that hearing this lecture was that push.
Anything is possible if you believe. You have to believe in yourself and set goals. I learned a lot from this lecture, but the main thing I want to teach my students is, not to complain, but work harder. Complaining doesn't change the situation, it only holds you back from finishing it. The more you complain the more aggravated you become and you are no longer focused on what you are trying to accomplish.
As a future teacher, I will definitely use what I learned from this lecture to inspire my students. Enabling the dreams of others is what teachers do daily. We should continue to encourage our students to aim higher, don't settle, continue to strive for the best. We have to teach our students to always be prepared, because as he said, luck is where preparation meets opportunity. And opportunity always leads to growth, which leads to success.

1st Progress Report for PLN

I started my PLN on  Symbaloo. It is so amazing how technology has influenced my learning since August. I'm so excited about all the new technology tools I am learning about and using. I think that a PLN is a great tool that I plan to continue to use. My PLN includes sites I visit regularly including my blog page, the class blog, and the USA home page. I hope to add more sites to my PLN throughout the semester.

C4T #2 Summary

My C4T#2 was Karl Fisch. I really liked a lot of his ideas and agree with his comments. My first comment was on Dear Denver Post: You're the Disappointment. The headline read "Summer is almost over and the disappointment about returning to class..." and I think that was such a negative thing to say, considering that we are dealing with adults who should know the importance of education. The media should always show excitement when it come to educating our students, they should realize that comments like that can discourage some students who already need that extra boost when it come to going to school and actually graduating.

My second comment was on parent/teacher conferences, in which he said should also include the students. I think it is great that schools still hold conferences with the parents, but I would have to agree with Mr. Fisch, the students should be involved. Mr. Fisch created a document in which his students were to answer the questions and share it with their parents before the conference which I thought was a very good idea. Having the students reflect on what they have done in the class and how the class can improve is an excellent idea that I will use with my students in the future.

CCL Google Earth Oceans Showcase Podcast

Lawanna's Timeline : ST. THOMAS VIRGIN ISLAND VACATION

Blog Post # 6

The Networked Student was a very interesting podcast. This new technology is an interesting and fascinating way to become an independent learner. Connectivism is a theory for the digital age, that helps students connect with a number of resources to help them become better students. It also enables students to connect with many different professors, to get insight on different subjects and ideas.
Some students will have a harder time then others when it comes to being an independent learner, because you have to be motivated and determined. Some students will always need that classroom environment to learn, they just can't seem to grasp the idea of not having someone to help them keep up with their work. As a student, I have learned that different approaches and personal skills are needed to learn effectively. I have learned that you have to use your time wisely and stay organized.
The idea of the networked student can be useful to some students, but I feel that we will always need a classroom setting. Students will need help from their teacher. They will need instructions on how to build their network and how to organize their learning. Teachers will need to tell students what to do when they are stuck, or be there just to give them that extra push to stay focused and keep up with the assignments. Teachers will also need to set example for their students and let them know that knowing where to find information is more important than knowing the information. So even though the networked students can do a lot on their own, I feel that we will always need some instructions from a teacher.

A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment  I find that a PLE is a very important tool for organization in the online learning environment. This seventh grader was very organized and seemed to be eager to learn new and interesting things. She showed ways to keep track of  her work and save it where it could be easily assessed. I think that she would be one of those students who would be responsible to work alone with little supervision.

The Machine is Changing Us This was a very interesting lecture. He talked about a lot of facts that made me think of how much technology and media play an important role in our lives. Media does change our conversations and the way we relate to others. Media also helps us cope with things that go on in our everyday lives.

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.