Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Final Post on PLN
I have added more to my PLN. I now have too pages to my PLN. I have one for all the websites I use for my school assignments and I also have one for my personal life which includes web links for my banking and places where I shop online. I do find my PLN to be a useful tool. I feel that when I become a teacher it will be extremely useful to have a PLN to keep track of all the websites I may need for my classroom. 
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Project 16
Our EDM 310 Collaborative Story
Told Through our Memolane Timeline
Clemente Brooks, Paige Ellis, and Krissy Mennicucci
All because of the vast information attainable by visiting Twitter on a regular basis, we were led to, “One of the most widely read how-to blogs in the world,” Digital Inspiration. Scanning the blog, we stumbled upon the headline, Create a Timeline from your Online Social Life. Our first thought was that this could potentially replace the sometimes unpredictable Timetoast Timeline currently used in EDM 310. We knew that Dr. Strange had been seeking other options, but after exploring the Memolane website, we realized that it was not what we first thought the site could offer, it was not a replacement...it was BETTER! Memolane won us over instantly with its ease of use, collaborative possibilities, and organization. It is not bad looking either!
In mutual agreement, we decided to focus our final project on sharing Memolane with you. Keep in mind that Memolane is an “infant” in the world of social media and similar programs. Setting up our accounts was sinfully easy, but becoming friends took A LOT of patience! Kudos to the support team at Memolane. Within two hours of submitting a request for help, we were contacted and then assured by a friendly and competent staffer that she would do whatever she could to fix the issue at hand. Later, after we had finished our timeline and were anxious to embed it into our blogs, we asked for help again. Just like the first time, a fast response was received with everything we needed to know about embedding our finished project into our blogs. It worked!
So what is the big deal about this cool tool? View the short Memolane video embedded below, and then explore our collaborative story of our time in EDM 310. Here’s what others are saying too...
"Memolane, though, takes the cake. You’ll see photos, checkins, tweets, status messages. Even TripIt airport checkins. All in a unique timeline and you can look back pretty far." - Robert Scoble
"If someone plotted out your life over the past five or so years, what would it look like? What if you could revisit every comment you've posted, every tweet, every photo you've uploaded or was tagged in, and recall every expression of the ups and downs you've made on the Net...all on a single timeline? Memolane is a Web app that makes walking down memory lane visually interactive and borderline effortless. It extracts each moment you've shared with your online accounts from popular services such as Facebook, Last.fm, Twitter, Foursquare, and more and combines them into one visual timeline." - Eddie Cho
"Beyond just recalling good times (or the name of that restaurant that you ate at last month) Memolane also enables users to collaborate on shareable “stories” by selecting posts from their timelines to create a scrapbook-like timeline for an event or topic." - Sarah Kessler
How can it be used in EDM 310, at home, or in your classroom? We have a few ideas that we will share with you during our presentation on Thursday, but would love to hear your ideas or suggestions. Leave us a comment, and if yours is one that we have not thought about, we will share it as well.
Finally, Thanks for the Memories Dr. Strange, staff, and students of EDM 310! - Clemente, Paige, and Krissy
Thursday, July 14, 2011
C4T #4
The blog I read for this assignment was Lucacept - intercepting the Web by Jenny Luca. Ms. Luca is the Head of Information Services at a college in Australia.
The first post I read was her School's out Friday post. In this post she talks about how Google Chrome uses Lady Gaga to advertise for them. They use one of her videos as an advertisement. Ms. Luca says that record companies spend millions of dollars on advertisement and still can't reach the amount of people that media networks do. She suggests that people such as Lady Gaga are smart to use social media networks to connect and relate to their fans.
This post also mentions Google's new social network Google+. Ms. Luca likes Google+ and feels that it could be a good tool in education. You can form groups on Google+ and therefore you could have a group of educators. Everyone in this group could have a video conference using only the computer and internet. She says Google+ could be used to create circles for specific groups of students.
I have not yet used Google+, but I do plan to look into it and see if I find it a helpful tool to use in the classroom. I do agree with her opinion about using social media networks as a form of advertisement for fans. I feel you can reach more people using media networks then you can through the television or the radio, or even through magazines.
The second post I read was her post about Creative Commons. Ms. Luca talks about how hard it is to find information on creative commons for a particular piece of information you gather. She has included two videos in this blog post. One which explains Creative Commons and one is an interview with Lawrence Lessig conducted by Derek Wenmoth, the Core Education's Director of eLearning. In his interview Lessig talks about how students and educators should be thinking about usage rights and how Google and Bing do not make it easy to search for Creative Commons.
Both of these videos were very informative. I did not know much about Creative Commons or the importance of understanding them until I watched this video. I do plan to research more on Creative Commons and become more aware of the rights to use material found on the internet.
The first post I read was her School's out Friday post. In this post she talks about how Google Chrome uses Lady Gaga to advertise for them. They use one of her videos as an advertisement. Ms. Luca says that record companies spend millions of dollars on advertisement and still can't reach the amount of people that media networks do. She suggests that people such as Lady Gaga are smart to use social media networks to connect and relate to their fans.
This post also mentions Google's new social network Google+. Ms. Luca likes Google+ and feels that it could be a good tool in education. You can form groups on Google+ and therefore you could have a group of educators. Everyone in this group could have a video conference using only the computer and internet. She says Google+ could be used to create circles for specific groups of students.
I have not yet used Google+, but I do plan to look into it and see if I find it a helpful tool to use in the classroom. I do agree with her opinion about using social media networks as a form of advertisement for fans. I feel you can reach more people using media networks then you can through the television or the radio, or even through magazines.
The second post I read was her post about Creative Commons. Ms. Luca talks about how hard it is to find information on creative commons for a particular piece of information you gather. She has included two videos in this blog post. One which explains Creative Commons and one is an interview with Lawrence Lessig conducted by Derek Wenmoth, the Core Education's Director of eLearning. In his interview Lessig talks about how students and educators should be thinking about usage rights and how Google and Bing do not make it easy to search for Creative Commons.
Both of these videos were very informative. I did not know much about Creative Commons or the importance of understanding them until I watched this video. I do plan to research more on Creative Commons and become more aware of the rights to use material found on the internet.
Blog Post 13
Jose Picardo
Jose Picardo's blog Box of Tricks, as well as his video Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom, are both very interesting. Mr. Picardo offers several tips on how to use technology in the classroom and instructions on how to use the tools he discusses.
In his video, Jose Picardo, says to use streaming video. Make your lectures or assignments interesting by adding video to them. Take advantage of the free internet sites such as You Tube and use them for educational purposes. He also says to use music. Music catches the attention of many students, especially teenagers. Find out what type of music your students are listening to and find a way to use the same music in your lectures. Mr. Picardo also says blogs are a good use of technology in the classroom. Thanks to Dr. Strange and EDM 310 I have already seen how effective blogs can be and agree completely that blogs are one of the top uses of technology in the 21st century classroom.
One tip Mr. Picardo mentions that I was not aware of is creating your own interactive exercises. I did not know there were sites such as hot potato and game makers that allowed teachers to create interactive assignments. I think this could be a very good tool to use in teachers. If the assignments are more interesting the students will more then likely choose to do better work.
Jose Picardo had some very useful tips and a very interesting blog. As a future educator I find it would be useful to frequently check his blog and take advantage of his free information and tips he provides.
Jose Picardo's blog Box of Tricks, as well as his video Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom, are both very interesting. Mr. Picardo offers several tips on how to use technology in the classroom and instructions on how to use the tools he discusses.
In his video, Jose Picardo, says to use streaming video. Make your lectures or assignments interesting by adding video to them. Take advantage of the free internet sites such as You Tube and use them for educational purposes. He also says to use music. Music catches the attention of many students, especially teenagers. Find out what type of music your students are listening to and find a way to use the same music in your lectures. Mr. Picardo also says blogs are a good use of technology in the classroom. Thanks to Dr. Strange and EDM 310 I have already seen how effective blogs can be and agree completely that blogs are one of the top uses of technology in the 21st century classroom.
One tip Mr. Picardo mentions that I was not aware of is creating your own interactive exercises. I did not know there were sites such as hot potato and game makers that allowed teachers to create interactive assignments. I think this could be a very good tool to use in teachers. If the assignments are more interesting the students will more then likely choose to do better work.
Jose Picardo had some very useful tips and a very interesting blog. As a future educator I find it would be useful to frequently check his blog and take advantage of his free information and tips he provides.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Project 10 - First Post on PLN
I choose to use symbaloo for my PLN. I deleted most of the tiles that were already on the one provided and searched for my own tiles. So far I only have tiles that are related to google and tiles that are EDM related. I plan to add several more that include more of the sites I use for my personal life not just for school purposes. 
Final Project Post
I am in a group for the final project. We have not decided what we will be doing yet, but we plan to get together soon and put our ideas together and pick a final project.
Blog Post 12
Watch the video A Vision of K-12 Students Today. What are your thoughts on what these students are saying? Do you agree with their reasoning for the use of technology in the classroom? Why or why not?
In the video A Vision of K-12 Students Today the students are telling us how much time they spend each week using technology. They are letting us know that they use more technology then they read or write. These students feel they should be able to use what they are already accustomed to in their everyday life, technology, in the classroom. The students point out that their are more honor students in China. The students also question if they will graduate or succeed in life.
Are we as teachers truly teaching our students anything if we aren't teaching them to think on their own and allowing them to create. Our students should be allowed to use technology in the classroom. Today's world requires technology in the workplace. That is what we as teachers should be preparing our students for.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Special Assignment #2
Part 1
Kahn Academy: The Kahn Academy is free for anyone, anywhere. You sign in using your Facebook or Google Account. For students, the Kahn Academy offers an extensive video library, practice exercises,and assessments for each subject. You create a custom profile in which you earn points and badges to measure your progress. You begin earning points and badges as soon as you log in. For the coaches, teachers and parents who have students using Kahn Academy it offers 2400 videos in the following subjects: K-12 math, science: biology, chemistry and physics, and a little finance and history. It allows coaches to have access to what their students are learning and doing.
You can start and go at your own pace in any subject in Kahn Academy. You may choose to start at the beginning level or jump right to the harder more challenging material. And when you are doing practice problems, all the problems are randomly generated so you never run out of practice material. A record is kept of what you watch and what problems you do and all the data is kept private except to the student and the coach. You can easily view your profile and see if you reached your goal. Teachers have a class profile and they can access all their students data and get a summary of class performance as well as view each individual student's profile.
iTunes U: iTunes U is a free place to distribute information to students and faculty as well as others all over the world. Any type of digital content can be downloaded and viewed form any Mac, PC, iPod, or iPhone. Teachers can use any audio and video content to add to their lectures. The content becomes available through iTunes, which most students are already using. Students can download audio or video one at a time or subscribe to an entire course and the content will automatically be downloaded when it becomes available. The content is accessible to all students even students with disabilities.
Your institution creates a custom profile and can start posting right away. Apple provides free iTunes U sites with templates you customize. You can use RSS to easily add and remove content. Your institution can choose to make your content available to just your faculty or choose to make it available in the iTunes store to the entire world. Having public content allows your school to gain recognition as well as share their knowledge with others. Having a profile is also a way for parents to stay connected to what their child is doing in class. All profiles are password protected so only members associated with your campus can access the information.
TED: TED is a collection of the best talks for the TED conferences held throughout the year. TED brings people together from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, and Design. There are over 900 talks and more are added each week. All talks are available in English and many are offered in other languages as well. All talks are released to be freely shared and re-posted. There are all different types of talks separated into different themes, such as: technology, entertainment, design, business, and science. It is very simple, you choose what you want to listen to and you click the link to listen.
Part 2
Kahn Academy: Each video is about ten minutes long and is designed for viewing on a computer. When you choose a lesson to view the material is explained to you and examples of problems are demonstrated. It is like a blackboard in the classroom with the teacher writing her notes on it. And in the practice problems, each problem can be broken down for you step by step.
Kahn Academy would be a good tool for any math teacher from elementary school basic math all the way to calculus. It could also be used by science teachers and some history teachers. Their is a test preparation section which could benefit any teacher who has to give the SAT. Teachers could use Kahn Academy for extra practice work or for extra test preparation for their students.
iTunesU: There is more then 350,000 free lectures, videos and films from all over the world offered on iTunes U. Teachers can use iTunes U to distribute schedules, syllabi, lectures, outlines, study guides, notes, maps, and even entire books. This would be a good tool for any teacher to use. They can download their own content to their profile and make it available to their students anywhere, anytime. This is an advantage when a student is absent. They will always have access to what they missed at school, if the teacher downloads it to the class profile.
TED: The talks on TED cover many topics. Some of the videos are long and others are extremely short. Teachers could use TED as a tool to add a little more to their lectures. If a teacher wants to show their students information from a source other then a textbook this would be a good tool to use.
Part 3
Kahn Academy: I viewed the lesson Subtracting Fractions. This lesson explained how to solve a subtraction fraction problem and showed how to simplify your answer. The lesson solved the problem in number format and also demonstrated using a drawing.
iTunes U: I viewed the lecture Element or Subset from the Math 111: Principles of Mathematics page by Harrisburg Area Community College. This lesson explained what an element is and what a subset is. It demonstrated how the answers with six examples.
TED: I viewed the talk by Richard St. John 8 Secrets of Success. This talk is rated inspiring, funny and informative. He was once asked the question "What leads to success?" and he could not answer the question. So over the years he came up with eight guidelines for success: passion, work, good, practice, focus, serve, ideas, and persist. Richard St. John says follow these guidelines and you will succeed.
Part 4
Kahn Academy: I am planning on being an elementary teacher so when I become a teacher I could use Kahn Academy to provide extra assignments for my students in math. I could use the collections: Arithmetic and Developmental Math, and Developmental Math 2. I also may be able to use a little of the science collections such as the chemistry lesson about the atom. I would also be able to use the SAT preparation section to help prepare my students for their SAT exam.
iTunes U: As a teacher I could use iTunes U to create a profile for my class. This would allow me to post study guides and lectures, as well as a weekly class schedule. My students would be able to view my lectures form anywhere. If a student is absent they would not have to miss the day's lectures.
TED: As an elementary school teacher I do not think I would be able to use TED very often, but I might could find a few talks that I could add to my lectures to make them more interesting.
Part 5
I am very surprised with the information this assignment has provided me with. I had never heard of any of the three of these websites before Dr. Strange assigned us this assignment. I had no clue I could go online and find actual, view-able lessons in subjects such as math and science. I also thought iTunes was just for downloading music and videos to your iPod or iPhone. I did not know they offered a free site for educators to download their own content for their students to view. I find this information valuable and plan to use it as a future teacher.
Kahn Academy: The Kahn Academy is free for anyone, anywhere. You sign in using your Facebook or Google Account. For students, the Kahn Academy offers an extensive video library, practice exercises,and assessments for each subject. You create a custom profile in which you earn points and badges to measure your progress. You begin earning points and badges as soon as you log in. For the coaches, teachers and parents who have students using Kahn Academy it offers 2400 videos in the following subjects: K-12 math, science: biology, chemistry and physics, and a little finance and history. It allows coaches to have access to what their students are learning and doing.
You can start and go at your own pace in any subject in Kahn Academy. You may choose to start at the beginning level or jump right to the harder more challenging material. And when you are doing practice problems, all the problems are randomly generated so you never run out of practice material. A record is kept of what you watch and what problems you do and all the data is kept private except to the student and the coach. You can easily view your profile and see if you reached your goal. Teachers have a class profile and they can access all their students data and get a summary of class performance as well as view each individual student's profile.
iTunes U: iTunes U is a free place to distribute information to students and faculty as well as others all over the world. Any type of digital content can be downloaded and viewed form any Mac, PC, iPod, or iPhone. Teachers can use any audio and video content to add to their lectures. The content becomes available through iTunes, which most students are already using. Students can download audio or video one at a time or subscribe to an entire course and the content will automatically be downloaded when it becomes available. The content is accessible to all students even students with disabilities.
Your institution creates a custom profile and can start posting right away. Apple provides free iTunes U sites with templates you customize. You can use RSS to easily add and remove content. Your institution can choose to make your content available to just your faculty or choose to make it available in the iTunes store to the entire world. Having public content allows your school to gain recognition as well as share their knowledge with others. Having a profile is also a way for parents to stay connected to what their child is doing in class. All profiles are password protected so only members associated with your campus can access the information.
TED: TED is a collection of the best talks for the TED conferences held throughout the year. TED brings people together from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, and Design. There are over 900 talks and more are added each week. All talks are available in English and many are offered in other languages as well. All talks are released to be freely shared and re-posted. There are all different types of talks separated into different themes, such as: technology, entertainment, design, business, and science. It is very simple, you choose what you want to listen to and you click the link to listen.
Part 2
Kahn Academy: Each video is about ten minutes long and is designed for viewing on a computer. When you choose a lesson to view the material is explained to you and examples of problems are demonstrated. It is like a blackboard in the classroom with the teacher writing her notes on it. And in the practice problems, each problem can be broken down for you step by step.
Kahn Academy would be a good tool for any math teacher from elementary school basic math all the way to calculus. It could also be used by science teachers and some history teachers. Their is a test preparation section which could benefit any teacher who has to give the SAT. Teachers could use Kahn Academy for extra practice work or for extra test preparation for their students.
iTunesU: There is more then 350,000 free lectures, videos and films from all over the world offered on iTunes U. Teachers can use iTunes U to distribute schedules, syllabi, lectures, outlines, study guides, notes, maps, and even entire books. This would be a good tool for any teacher to use. They can download their own content to their profile and make it available to their students anywhere, anytime. This is an advantage when a student is absent. They will always have access to what they missed at school, if the teacher downloads it to the class profile.
TED: The talks on TED cover many topics. Some of the videos are long and others are extremely short. Teachers could use TED as a tool to add a little more to their lectures. If a teacher wants to show their students information from a source other then a textbook this would be a good tool to use.
Part 3
Kahn Academy: I viewed the lesson Subtracting Fractions. This lesson explained how to solve a subtraction fraction problem and showed how to simplify your answer. The lesson solved the problem in number format and also demonstrated using a drawing.
iTunes U: I viewed the lecture Element or Subset from the Math 111: Principles of Mathematics page by Harrisburg Area Community College. This lesson explained what an element is and what a subset is. It demonstrated how the answers with six examples.
TED: I viewed the talk by Richard St. John 8 Secrets of Success. This talk is rated inspiring, funny and informative. He was once asked the question "What leads to success?" and he could not answer the question. So over the years he came up with eight guidelines for success: passion, work, good, practice, focus, serve, ideas, and persist. Richard St. John says follow these guidelines and you will succeed.
Part 4
Kahn Academy: I am planning on being an elementary teacher so when I become a teacher I could use Kahn Academy to provide extra assignments for my students in math. I could use the collections: Arithmetic and Developmental Math, and Developmental Math 2. I also may be able to use a little of the science collections such as the chemistry lesson about the atom. I would also be able to use the SAT preparation section to help prepare my students for their SAT exam.
iTunes U: As a teacher I could use iTunes U to create a profile for my class. This would allow me to post study guides and lectures, as well as a weekly class schedule. My students would be able to view my lectures form anywhere. If a student is absent they would not have to miss the day's lectures.
TED: As an elementary school teacher I do not think I would be able to use TED very often, but I might could find a few talks that I could add to my lectures to make them more interesting.
Part 5
I am very surprised with the information this assignment has provided me with. I had never heard of any of the three of these websites before Dr. Strange assigned us this assignment. I had no clue I could go online and find actual, view-able lessons in subjects such as math and science. I also thought iTunes was just for downloading music and videos to your iPod or iPhone. I did not know they offered a free site for educators to download their own content for their students to view. I find this information valuable and plan to use it as a future teacher.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Blog Post 11
Ms. Cassidy's Class
First I have to say how amazed I was by all the things that these first graders were doing. They were using technology in ways that I didn't even know about until this EDM310 course. And they were enjoying themselves. They weren't complaining about their work, they were having fun. I feel that is very important for our students. If they enjoy their assignments they are going to try harder and do their best.
The interview with Ms. Cassidy was very interesting. I was shocked to find out that she started using technology on her own and was not forced to. She was given five computers and was determined to find a way to use them for learning purposes in her classroom. She set out on a mission and she completed that mission. This is something that I have learned to do in EDM310. Dr. Strange gives us assignments and he expects us to use the internet to find the answers to our questions. Seeing that Ms. Cassidy did this and how far she has came in her classroom gives me hope that it is possible to learn how to use technology on my own.
I also liked what she said about her students work on their blogs. Having a blog gives the student an audience for their work. They know they aren't just writing for the teacher. They know other people from around the world will read what they have written. I feel that this encourages the students to do their best and try harder. She also talked about how reading each others blogs or web pages isn't cheating. It's collaborating. The internet has made it possible for us to view each other's work and get ideas and she says this is okay. I agree. Reading other people's work can be an inspiration and a helpful tool when trying to find ideas for your own work.
I am very impressed with how much Ms. Cassidy is doing with her first graders. She had an idea and she wasn't afraid to use it. Her video has showed me that using technology in the classroom is possible at any age. And that if we try hard enough and want to learn that we all can be technology literate.
First I have to say how amazed I was by all the things that these first graders were doing. They were using technology in ways that I didn't even know about until this EDM310 course. And they were enjoying themselves. They weren't complaining about their work, they were having fun. I feel that is very important for our students. If they enjoy their assignments they are going to try harder and do their best.
The interview with Ms. Cassidy was very interesting. I was shocked to find out that she started using technology on her own and was not forced to. She was given five computers and was determined to find a way to use them for learning purposes in her classroom. She set out on a mission and she completed that mission. This is something that I have learned to do in EDM310. Dr. Strange gives us assignments and he expects us to use the internet to find the answers to our questions. Seeing that Ms. Cassidy did this and how far she has came in her classroom gives me hope that it is possible to learn how to use technology on my own.
I also liked what she said about her students work on their blogs. Having a blog gives the student an audience for their work. They know they aren't just writing for the teacher. They know other people from around the world will read what they have written. I feel that this encourages the students to do their best and try harder. She also talked about how reading each others blogs or web pages isn't cheating. It's collaborating. The internet has made it possible for us to view each other's work and get ideas and she says this is okay. I agree. Reading other people's work can be an inspiration and a helpful tool when trying to find ideas for your own work.
I am very impressed with how much Ms. Cassidy is doing with her first graders. She had an idea and she wasn't afraid to use it. Her video has showed me that using technology in the classroom is possible at any age. And that if we try hard enough and want to learn that we all can be technology literate.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
C4T #3
I read What Ed Said. The first blog post I read was a conference for kids. This teacher attended the IB Conference in March and thinks that schools should have a conference day for students. Ed wrote a previous blog after last year's conference and another teacher read it and it inspired her to have a conference at her own school. The conference was a success. Ed could not sell the idea at her own school to have a conference until recently. She has now been given the opportunity to hold a conference for the students at his school. She is in the planning process.
I think it is awesome that one blog post can lead to change in another school. I feel inspired to continue to blog when I become a teacher and read ideas that other teachers and educators have.
The second blog post I read was 10 Things I have learned about leading.... In this post she lists ten things she has learned in her new role as Teaching and Learning Coordinator. The ten items she lists are: Vision, Courage, Creativity, Resilience, Empathy, Reflection, Collaboration, Communication, Initiative, Persistence, and Humility.
The three items form her list that really hit home with me were:
Reflection - Admit when you are wrong and apologize. Too often we are too prideful to admit we are wrong and especially to apologize to the person or people we hurt or offended by our wrong doing. I feel as a future teacher reflection will become a very important part of my life.
Initiative - If you have an idea run with it. Don't wait for a better time. This was a very good point. If you have what you think is a good idea don't be scared to try it. Don't wait for permission or for another time.
Humility - Ask for help, get advice, you don't have to take credit for an idea. I have to admit there have been times when I was too stubborn to ask for help. I was too embarrassed of what someone might say because I didn't know how to do something. We are never too old to learn we shouldn't be ashamed to admit we need help sometimes. And like Ed said "If something is worthwhile you don't need your name on it. It's not about who gets the credit." This is so true. If you have an idea that helps students or anyone else you shouldn't be concerned about getting the credit for it. Just be excited that your idea was used and was used to better someone.
I really enjoyed reading this blog and plan to visit it more in the future. I also hope to use this blog as a guiding tool in how I act as a teacher.
I think it is awesome that one blog post can lead to change in another school. I feel inspired to continue to blog when I become a teacher and read ideas that other teachers and educators have.
The second blog post I read was 10 Things I have learned about leading.... In this post she lists ten things she has learned in her new role as Teaching and Learning Coordinator. The ten items she lists are: Vision, Courage, Creativity, Resilience, Empathy, Reflection, Collaboration, Communication, Initiative, Persistence, and Humility.
The three items form her list that really hit home with me were:
Reflection - Admit when you are wrong and apologize. Too often we are too prideful to admit we are wrong and especially to apologize to the person or people we hurt or offended by our wrong doing. I feel as a future teacher reflection will become a very important part of my life.
Initiative - If you have an idea run with it. Don't wait for a better time. This was a very good point. If you have what you think is a good idea don't be scared to try it. Don't wait for permission or for another time.
Humility - Ask for help, get advice, you don't have to take credit for an idea. I have to admit there have been times when I was too stubborn to ask for help. I was too embarrassed of what someone might say because I didn't know how to do something. We are never too old to learn we shouldn't be ashamed to admit we need help sometimes. And like Ed said "If something is worthwhile you don't need your name on it. It's not about who gets the credit." This is so true. If you have an idea that helps students or anyone else you shouldn't be concerned about getting the credit for it. Just be excited that your idea was used and was used to better someone.
I really enjoyed reading this blog and plan to visit it more in the future. I also hope to use this blog as a guiding tool in how I act as a teacher.
Blog Post 10
Do You Teach or Do You Educate
What is the difference between teaching and educating? In the video Do You Teach or Do You Educate the words are defined as follows:
- to teach: show or explain how to do something, encourage someone to accept as a fact or principle, give information about or instruction in, cause someone to learn or understand something
- to educate: illuminate, enlighten, inspire
To be an educator is to also be a mentor and a guide. You can teach someone something without actually caring if they understand it and follow through with what you taught. But as an educator you encourage them to make the right decisions and guide them to the right choices. You don't turn your back just because you already taught the lesson. There is more to teaching then just lecturing and providing students with information.
As a teacher I plan to be a mentor and a guide for my students. I believe that students need to see the passion a teacher has to teach. Our students need to know they can depend on us and that we are there because we want to be not just because we need a paycheck. I hope my students learn to trust me and know no matter what I will be there to help them.
Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home
To understand this blog post I had to reread it several times as well as read other posts and other comments. I had a feeling Mr. Spencer was referring to computers instead of pencils, but I wasn't completely sure. Once my suspicion was confirmed I read the post once more and it made complete sense. The academic specialist of the school told the teacher that he could not send the students home with pencil and paper (referring to computers) because a study showed that students who took pencil and paper home would score lower on their tests. The teacher disagreed and said that the test isn't accurate. The academic specialist argued that there was no accountability of the use of the pencil and paper in the home and that most students would use them for entertainment. Mr. Tom said he does not hold the students accountable for the work at home instead he tries to find work that will keep therm interested. Mr. Tom states that he is trying to change the idea that computers can only be used for entertainment. He is teaching his students how to use them for education purposes.
It is sad to think about how many educators will look at the results of one study and change the way they teach. Mr. Tom did not. He had a plan that he believed in and he was willing to try it and willing to go the extra mile to help his students learn. I agree with the actions of Mr. Tom. Just because the results of one study say something should be changed, doesn't mean that our classroom can't be the exception. Teachers need to have a passion to teach their students and do what they feel is right not just say okay and listen to everyone else.
What is the difference between teaching and educating? In the video Do You Teach or Do You Educate the words are defined as follows:
- to teach: show or explain how to do something, encourage someone to accept as a fact or principle, give information about or instruction in, cause someone to learn or understand something
- to educate: illuminate, enlighten, inspire
To be an educator is to also be a mentor and a guide. You can teach someone something without actually caring if they understand it and follow through with what you taught. But as an educator you encourage them to make the right decisions and guide them to the right choices. You don't turn your back just because you already taught the lesson. There is more to teaching then just lecturing and providing students with information.
As a teacher I plan to be a mentor and a guide for my students. I believe that students need to see the passion a teacher has to teach. Our students need to know they can depend on us and that we are there because we want to be not just because we need a paycheck. I hope my students learn to trust me and know no matter what I will be there to help them.
Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home
To understand this blog post I had to reread it several times as well as read other posts and other comments. I had a feeling Mr. Spencer was referring to computers instead of pencils, but I wasn't completely sure. Once my suspicion was confirmed I read the post once more and it made complete sense. The academic specialist of the school told the teacher that he could not send the students home with pencil and paper (referring to computers) because a study showed that students who took pencil and paper home would score lower on their tests. The teacher disagreed and said that the test isn't accurate. The academic specialist argued that there was no accountability of the use of the pencil and paper in the home and that most students would use them for entertainment. Mr. Tom said he does not hold the students accountable for the work at home instead he tries to find work that will keep therm interested. Mr. Tom states that he is trying to change the idea that computers can only be used for entertainment. He is teaching his students how to use them for education purposes.
It is sad to think about how many educators will look at the results of one study and change the way they teach. Mr. Tom did not. He had a plan that he believed in and he was willing to try it and willing to go the extra mile to help his students learn. I agree with the actions of Mr. Tom. Just because the results of one study say something should be changed, doesn't mean that our classroom can't be the exception. Teachers need to have a passion to teach their students and do what they feel is right not just say okay and listen to everyone else.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Blog Post 9
In this blog a first year elementary school teacher shares what he feels are the top seven things he has learned in his first year as a teacher.
I enjoyed reading Mr. McClung's blog. You can tell form his blog post that he really has a passion for teaching and his students. These are the kind of teachers we need in today's world, especially in an elementary school. Mr. McClung made very good points and I hope I am able to follow his seven guidelines when I become a teacher.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Blog Post 8
This Is How We Dream![asignsaysdoyouhaveadream? title=]()
Richard E Miller's videos This is How We Dream Part I and Part II, show a reality of just how much can be produced using just the internet, no pen or paper. DR. Miller discusses several pieces of his work that he has created using the internet. He demonstrates how you can create an article with more then words. In his articles he includes video as well as audio. His articles are very informative and he makes them interesting for his students or any other viewers to watch.
I feel Dr. Miller made a good point when he said many lectures are being posted on the internet without being post-edited. This statement is true. You can put a lecture on the internet for a student to listen to or even watch, but if it is as boring and plain as reading it from a book it hasn't served it's purpose. The technology is available today to add audio and video to our lectures or any other article we post online. We should be using our resources and making the best of our work.
I cannot say I am prepared to write with multimedia, but I hope that by the time I am in my own classroom and have my own students I am able to write successfully without using pen and paper. I have learned several new skills in EDM310 and hope to learn many more. I hope I learn enough so I can be a good teacher to my students.
Carly Pugh's Blog Post #12
Carly did an excellent job in her #12 blog post. She used the ideas Dr. Miller shared in his videos and created a very interesting and informative article. You were able to use her links to view the videos she was describing. This allows you to form your own opinion on the video, not just take her word on something. I think she created a great assignment. I feel encouraged to explore You Tube more and find videos that can be helpful to me and my future career as a teacher.
The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies
Both of these videos give you a true prospective of how EDM310 can make you feel. EDM310 is different then any other course I have ever taken. I entered the class thinking it wouldn't be so hard and I really didn't have to spend 16 hours a week on my assignments. I was wrong. I procrastinated just as Chipper did. Procrastinating is not the way to do your work. I also felt crazy and overwhelmed with the assignments we were assigned. But fortunately, just like in EDM 310 for Dummies I am learning to use the resources I have available to help me and am beginning to understand more and more about the internet. And I am actually enjoying completing my assignments.
I think an interesting video to make would be on the importance of coming to the lab for help. In the video a student could be at home trying to do their work and not be able to complete the assignment because they are unsure of what they are required to do. Then the student goes to the lab and a lab assistant helps them and explains the steps in the assignment to them. Going to the lab has helped me and I feel if other people saw how helpful the lab assistants can be they would probably go more often.
Learn to Change, Change to Learn
Wow, these are actual teachers who feel the way we teach in the classroom should change. These teachers see that it's not just about what is learned in the classroom, but what is learned outside the classroom as well. The 21st century student is already accustomed to technology. Why can't we as teachers allow them to use what they are comfortable with and already know to teach them more? The point one teach made was we only have a classroom connection when we could have a community connection. This is so true. Allowing our students to use technology will provide them with outside sources and connect them to the rest of the world. Another point made was how the jobs our students are going to be preforming when they are grown are going to require them to be able to find and communicate information, not just repeat the information they have spent their whole school career memorizing. I agree completely. If our students cannot find information on their own and don't know how to communicate it to others, how are they going to make it in the workplace? It is our job as future teachers to make sure our students are prepared to work outside of the classroom. This requires us as teachers to know how and accept that we need more then just a pen and a piece of paper. We need technology and we need to learn to use it correctly and effectively.
Richard E Miller's videos This is How We Dream Part I and Part II, show a reality of just how much can be produced using just the internet, no pen or paper. DR. Miller discusses several pieces of his work that he has created using the internet. He demonstrates how you can create an article with more then words. In his articles he includes video as well as audio. His articles are very informative and he makes them interesting for his students or any other viewers to watch.
I feel Dr. Miller made a good point when he said many lectures are being posted on the internet without being post-edited. This statement is true. You can put a lecture on the internet for a student to listen to or even watch, but if it is as boring and plain as reading it from a book it hasn't served it's purpose. The technology is available today to add audio and video to our lectures or any other article we post online. We should be using our resources and making the best of our work.
I cannot say I am prepared to write with multimedia, but I hope that by the time I am in my own classroom and have my own students I am able to write successfully without using pen and paper. I have learned several new skills in EDM310 and hope to learn many more. I hope I learn enough so I can be a good teacher to my students.
Carly Pugh's Blog Post #12
Carly did an excellent job in her #12 blog post. She used the ideas Dr. Miller shared in his videos and created a very interesting and informative article. You were able to use her links to view the videos she was describing. This allows you to form your own opinion on the video, not just take her word on something. I think she created a great assignment. I feel encouraged to explore You Tube more and find videos that can be helpful to me and my future career as a teacher.
The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies
Both of these videos give you a true prospective of how EDM310 can make you feel. EDM310 is different then any other course I have ever taken. I entered the class thinking it wouldn't be so hard and I really didn't have to spend 16 hours a week on my assignments. I was wrong. I procrastinated just as Chipper did. Procrastinating is not the way to do your work. I also felt crazy and overwhelmed with the assignments we were assigned. But fortunately, just like in EDM 310 for Dummies I am learning to use the resources I have available to help me and am beginning to understand more and more about the internet. And I am actually enjoying completing my assignments.
I think an interesting video to make would be on the importance of coming to the lab for help. In the video a student could be at home trying to do their work and not be able to complete the assignment because they are unsure of what they are required to do. Then the student goes to the lab and a lab assistant helps them and explains the steps in the assignment to them. Going to the lab has helped me and I feel if other people saw how helpful the lab assistants can be they would probably go more often.
Learn to Change, Change to Learn
Wow, these are actual teachers who feel the way we teach in the classroom should change. These teachers see that it's not just about what is learned in the classroom, but what is learned outside the classroom as well. The 21st century student is already accustomed to technology. Why can't we as teachers allow them to use what they are comfortable with and already know to teach them more? The point one teach made was we only have a classroom connection when we could have a community connection. This is so true. Allowing our students to use technology will provide them with outside sources and connect them to the rest of the world. Another point made was how the jobs our students are going to be preforming when they are grown are going to require them to be able to find and communicate information, not just repeat the information they have spent their whole school career memorizing. I agree completely. If our students cannot find information on their own and don't know how to communicate it to others, how are they going to make it in the workplace? It is our job as future teachers to make sure our students are prepared to work outside of the classroom. This requires us as teachers to know how and accept that we need more then just a pen and a piece of paper. We need technology and we need to learn to use it correctly and effectively.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
C4T #2
I read the live blog with Daniel Pink. The students asked each other as well ad Mr. Pink questions. Most of the questions were requarding Pink's book. The students had some very interesting questions as well as comments. The students seem to be very concerned with what they can do now to better their future. I have not read Daniel Pink's book, but after reading this class's blog I plan to read it.
The second blog post I read form this blog wasTransparent Algebra: Take Two. Karl Fisch is an Algebra teacher and uses blogging to post and plan his assignments for his class. He created a second blog TransparentAlgebra. In his blog he posts his assignments by day. He is hoping to get feedback as well as figure out what lessons he needs to edit. In the his day 5 lesson, Mr. Fisch gives his students a homework assignment which they most post to their own blogs. He is using blogging in an Algebra class. This shows me the reality that technology can be used all types of classes and in every classroom.
I enjoyed viewing "The Fischbowl". The first blog post I read which was a live blog was interesting. I did not know there was such a thing as a live blog. Now I do and I hope one day to be able to participate in one myself. And the second blog post I read I really enjoyed. I love math and to know that technology can be used during math class is awesome. This teacher requiring his Algebra students to blog helps me better understand the point that Dr. Strange is trying to make: technology is much needed in a classroom and a new way of teaching is necessary for the 21st century student.
Blog Post 7
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
First let me start by saying I truly enjoyed watching this lecture. I never once caught myself not paying attention or wishing it would end soon. Pausch is a great speaker and his lecture was by far the best video I have ever been assigned to watch for any type of assignment. Pausch was very enthusiastic during his lecture. He was very passionate about the material he was discussing and you could really tell he enjoyed speaking on his topic. I find Pausch's attitude during this lecture to be surprising, considering he had been given the news one month earlier that he would only be alive for six more months. This amazes me and at the same time inspires me.
Randy Pausch's lecture was all about how to achieve your childhood dreams, or rather how he achieved his. Pausch explains to us his six childhood dreams and how he was able to achieve his actual dream or something close enough to it that it meant more to him then the dream itself. Achieving his dreams was not an easy, I'm going to do it all in one day task. In the process of achieving all six of his childhood dreams, Pausch hit what he called brick walls. He says" Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things." I love this statement! Pausch never gave up, not even on one of his dreams. He was determined to accomplish what he set out to do and he did just that. No matter what the obstacle was, Pausch found a way to overcome it. I think of my everyday life and how many brick walls I have hit and have just given up. Pausch's lecture has encouraged me, especially as a future teacher to look at the brick walls as opportunities rather then just a spot to give up.
One of Randy Pausch's dreams was to be Captain Kirk. He says looking back at this dream he questioned why he would want to be Captain Kirk. Compared to the other people on the ship Captain Kirk didn't have very many skills and wasn't the smartest. He had cool gadgets, but not many skills. But then Pausch says that Captain Kirk had a very important, very valuable skill. Captain Kirk was a leader, he had the skill of leadership. Throughout his lecture Pausch talks about several of his leaders and how they pushed him and helped him become who he was in life. Leadership is very important, especially if we plan to be teachers, we must learn to lead in a way that is encouraging and not destructive.
Another good point Pausch makes is to teach someone to be self reflective. He says this is one of the most important things you can do for a student. When someone gives you feedback take it and value it. Rather it be constructive criticism or just plan criticism take it and use it. Evaluate yourself and use the feedback of others to help you better yourself and your work.
I took several important points from Pausch's video that I hope I am able to use when I teach my future students, but one of the most important bits of information is the way Pausch taught. He taught indirectly or as he called it using "head fakes". He says the best way to teach someone something is when they think they are learning something else. Make it fun, let them believe it is all about what they are enjoying doing, not all the important factors they are truly being taught. I feel this is so important. Make learning fun in your teaching. Let the students know it is okay to have fun while at the same time they are learning. I hope when I become a teacher I do just this. I hope I encourage my students to enjoy their assignments while at the same time teaching them the information they truly need to know.
First let me start by saying I truly enjoyed watching this lecture. I never once caught myself not paying attention or wishing it would end soon. Pausch is a great speaker and his lecture was by far the best video I have ever been assigned to watch for any type of assignment. Pausch was very enthusiastic during his lecture. He was very passionate about the material he was discussing and you could really tell he enjoyed speaking on his topic. I find Pausch's attitude during this lecture to be surprising, considering he had been given the news one month earlier that he would only be alive for six more months. This amazes me and at the same time inspires me.
Randy Pausch's lecture was all about how to achieve your childhood dreams, or rather how he achieved his. Pausch explains to us his six childhood dreams and how he was able to achieve his actual dream or something close enough to it that it meant more to him then the dream itself. Achieving his dreams was not an easy, I'm going to do it all in one day task. In the process of achieving all six of his childhood dreams, Pausch hit what he called brick walls. He says" Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things." I love this statement! Pausch never gave up, not even on one of his dreams. He was determined to accomplish what he set out to do and he did just that. No matter what the obstacle was, Pausch found a way to overcome it. I think of my everyday life and how many brick walls I have hit and have just given up. Pausch's lecture has encouraged me, especially as a future teacher to look at the brick walls as opportunities rather then just a spot to give up.
One of Randy Pausch's dreams was to be Captain Kirk. He says looking back at this dream he questioned why he would want to be Captain Kirk. Compared to the other people on the ship Captain Kirk didn't have very many skills and wasn't the smartest. He had cool gadgets, but not many skills. But then Pausch says that Captain Kirk had a very important, very valuable skill. Captain Kirk was a leader, he had the skill of leadership. Throughout his lecture Pausch talks about several of his leaders and how they pushed him and helped him become who he was in life. Leadership is very important, especially if we plan to be teachers, we must learn to lead in a way that is encouraging and not destructive.
Another good point Pausch makes is to teach someone to be self reflective. He says this is one of the most important things you can do for a student. When someone gives you feedback take it and value it. Rather it be constructive criticism or just plan criticism take it and use it. Evaluate yourself and use the feedback of others to help you better yourself and your work.
I took several important points from Pausch's video that I hope I am able to use when I teach my future students, but one of the most important bits of information is the way Pausch taught. He taught indirectly or as he called it using "head fakes". He says the best way to teach someone something is when they think they are learning something else. Make it fun, let them believe it is all about what they are enjoying doing, not all the important factors they are truly being taught. I feel this is so important. Make learning fun in your teaching. Let the students know it is okay to have fun while at the same time they are learning. I hope when I become a teacher I do just this. I hope I encourage my students to enjoy their assignments while at the same time teaching them the information they truly need to know.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Blog Post 6
Networked Student
This video really gives me a better understanding of how much you can use the internet for learning. It shows how a student doesn't need a textbook to do his/her work, all they need is the internet. They can search and find important information on almost any subject. One link usually leads to another and another and it just keeps going. The internet is full of helpful information and is becoming more and more useful everyday.
Even though Wendy Drexler's video shows how a student learns on their own using the internet and no book , it does ask the question "Why does a networked student need a teacher?" Then the video goes on to explain that the teacher is needed to help the student along when they get lost. When he or she isn't sure which resource to use. The teacher is the one who get the student started in the right direction.
I have to say that being a teacher in the 21st century is not going to be everything I pictured, just using pen and paper. I have a lot to learn to be able to teach a networked student. This class has taught me quite a few things so far and I hope it teaches me so much more. I really hope that I can learn and prepare myself for all I need to know to be a networked teacher.
A 7th Grader's PLE
Wow this 7th grade student sure does know a lot about how to use the internet for school. Her PLE is very organized and to me very impressive. She does use some of the same websites we have used in EDM 310, but she has so many more she uses. I hope to become familiar with many more and create a PLN that is as organized and useful as hers is.
![studentsusinginteractivewhiteboard' title=]()
Critiques of Smartboards
I myself still have not learned enough about interactive whiteboards to use them, but after reading several comments about them I do know that the opinions that teachers have vary greatly. Some teachers think they are amazing and are very useful, while others think they cost way too much money and are not any more effective in teaching then a regular whiteboard.
In the first 4 blog post I read all 3 teachers were against IWBs. They said they cost too much money and for the amount you spend on one IWB you could buy several more or or any other interactive, portable device. They say that IWBs take too much time to learn how to use them effectively. They also argue the point that anything that can be done on a IWB can be done using other computer programs that they already have in their classrooms.
In the last blog I read, InteractiveWhiteboards, the teachers love their interactive whiteboards. Several teachers comments and each one of them said that their IWB was very useful. That it doesn't require them to write as much and that the student find the lessons to be more interesting. They also stated that IWBs give you more flexibility and more opportunities then a regular whiteboard.
This video really gives me a better understanding of how much you can use the internet for learning. It shows how a student doesn't need a textbook to do his/her work, all they need is the internet. They can search and find important information on almost any subject. One link usually leads to another and another and it just keeps going. The internet is full of helpful information and is becoming more and more useful everyday.
Even though Wendy Drexler's video shows how a student learns on their own using the internet and no book , it does ask the question "Why does a networked student need a teacher?" Then the video goes on to explain that the teacher is needed to help the student along when they get lost. When he or she isn't sure which resource to use. The teacher is the one who get the student started in the right direction.
I have to say that being a teacher in the 21st century is not going to be everything I pictured, just using pen and paper. I have a lot to learn to be able to teach a networked student. This class has taught me quite a few things so far and I hope it teaches me so much more. I really hope that I can learn and prepare myself for all I need to know to be a networked teacher.
A 7th Grader's PLE
Wow this 7th grade student sure does know a lot about how to use the internet for school. Her PLE is very organized and to me very impressive. She does use some of the same websites we have used in EDM 310, but she has so many more she uses. I hope to become familiar with many more and create a PLN that is as organized and useful as hers is.
Critiques of Smartboards
I myself still have not learned enough about interactive whiteboards to use them, but after reading several comments about them I do know that the opinions that teachers have vary greatly. Some teachers think they are amazing and are very useful, while others think they cost way too much money and are not any more effective in teaching then a regular whiteboard.
In the first 4 blog post I read all 3 teachers were against IWBs. They said they cost too much money and for the amount you spend on one IWB you could buy several more or or any other interactive, portable device. They say that IWBs take too much time to learn how to use them effectively. They also argue the point that anything that can be done on a IWB can be done using other computer programs that they already have in their classrooms.
In the last blog I read, InteractiveWhiteboards, the teachers love their interactive whiteboards. Several teachers comments and each one of them said that their IWB was very useful. That it doesn't require them to write as much and that the student find the lessons to be more interesting. They also stated that IWBs give you more flexibility and more opportunities then a regular whiteboard.
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