Blog Post 10

An Open Letter to Educators


I am beginning to think that this is the most thought-provoking post I have read in this class. The video by Dan Brown is in essence a summary of what we have been learning this far in EDM310. Both the video and the post begs the question, Why are we in a University? Are we here to sit in
a classroom to learn facts alone and never really engage in what we are learning, only to regurgitate those facts on a test to receive our A? Will our diploma be based on how well we memorized facts (that will probably be forgotten by graduation) rather than skills that are applicable to everyday life and will equip us for the future. One thing that really stuck out to me in the video was when Dan Brown says that his schooling was getting in the way of his education. That is probably the first time that I have ever heard that from anyone. I can definitely see his point, very clearly. Institutionalized learning can limit and hinder a students chance to learn  because it's become almost of a ritualistic idea rather than one that serves a greater purpose. I believe that the most beneficial way of learning to get the best education is to become a networked student like we learned about earlier. This theory, when applied, leaves a student completely uninhibited to learn.

Adaptation. What a fantastic thing to point out! It's imperative that education adapts to the world around it or else it will eliminate it's old ways of working. This process of elimination is not a new one, but as in fact been around since the dawn of time. I do agree that education should adapt to the changes in the world around them. It's abnormal for everything to function one way in the world when the very place that should expand your intellect functions on a lower level than it's surroundings. There's something wrong with that picture and for some people like Dan Brown settling will not work.

Problem. The only problem that I run in to with all of this is what about motivated learners. Incorporating technology to a greater degree (especially in elementary and high schools) will require more responsibility on the students part as we learned about in the PLN video. We see that Dan Brown is very self motivated and has a great desire to learn; therefore, he has enough responsibility to explore freedom of learning outside of the boundaries set up by an institutionalized university. Then on the other hand you have students who aren't responsible and motivated enough to learn outside the bounds. They are not motivated enough to explore outside of the regulations set up by a professor, which could also hurt their education. So in this case would institutionalized learning be accepted? Some people work better within regimented schedules and strict guidelines. It could possibly give them a sense of safety and stability and in college you gain a sense of freedom.  So I think that it really depends on the person, some work well with total freedom and learn anyway, some work best within strict boundaries.

Don't Let them Take the Pencil Home

It is so easy to sit at your desk and find all the problems in the world then talk about them, but it is much harder to find one problem and work at solving that. In this post we see a teacher who takes initiative to solve the problem. He began taking steps, talking to parents and creating projects to engage students to better test scores and use pencils effectively. This may not be the all time crisis in education, but this man made a difference because he took action which effected change.

Two Questions that Can Change Your Life

1. What is your sentence?
2. Was I better today than I was yesterday?

Clara Booth Luce coined the phrase "A great man is a sentence." In the video we watched we so several men who changed history. Their life and their accomplishments were summarized into one sentence. In the video we were encouraged to live life in such a way that when summed up we have such an astounding sentence. How can we do that? Drive and motivation is what the video said, and making sure that we aim to be better today than yesterday which comes from being motivated. 

So a sentence for myself would have to be:

I want to strive daily to devote myself to a cause bigger than myself, in which I will blaze a trail of faith into the unknown and deposit belief into those who will follow behind me in generations to come. 

Short Movie Project # 11

Blog Post 9

What I've Learned This Year

In Mr. McClung's post What I've learned this year, he recaps from his first year being a teacher. In my opinion experience is one of the best teachers that we can learn from. Mr. McClung shares many significant lessons that he took away from his initial experience in the classroom. The point I favored and found most beneficial was the one in which all other points can be based on. He mentioned that sometimes it's easy to be so concerned about your superiors that you can lose focus of what your students need. As teachers we should let our student's needs determine our instruction. If this is our focus as a teacher, all other important principles will follow. For example Mr. McClung also mentioned the importance of communication. Communication is not the easiest and most fun to do among co-workers; however, it is very beneficial in producing the most effective school system. He also mentioned that many adults fear computers or have cyberphobia (sahy-ber-foh-bee-uh), which greatly inhibits what we as teachers can introduce and incorporate into our student's lives. 

Mr. McClung agrees that change is a good thing. As teachers we should never stop learning. We expect students to learn everyday so we should be willing to grow everyday as well. Our role is to learn to give out and if we stop learning, then we are limited in what we can give. It is a fact! 

In closing remarks, another thing that Mr. McClung stated that holds great significance in becoming a successful teacher, is that the key to becoming great can't be found in a certain formula, guide, or from a well put together lesson, but it's from simply listening to the students. When given a chance, the students will show what they are interested in, how they can learn more efficiently, what works for them, what areas they struggle in, and what areas they are strong in, we just have to be there to listen, guide, and grow them. That's success!  Dr. McClung discovered a lot in  his first year of teaching and I am confident that he has learned much more as he has progressed, but one thing is certain. He is successful, because he is student centered. I found what he said to be very true and challenging for all teachers. He makes teaching a daily evaluation and I agree it's absolutely necessary. 

At the Teacher's Desk

Blog Post #8

This is How We Dream Part 1 and 2

I found This is How We Dream Part 1 and 2  by Richard E. Miller very intriguing. Considering I am a secondary education language arts major and will be working specifically with reading and writing in various forms, what Richard Miller said is very vital in applying to my career. He discussed how this was a very important time in the area of literacy and writing. He noted the significance that we no longer  have to go to the library but have an unlimited and endless search engine and resources at our fingertips through technology. Because of this, we are at a very important time in the era of writing. Miller spoke of a time when he was asked to lecture at Vtech in memory of those who were murdered and in preparing for his speech never had to step foot into a library.

Every era in literature has been important, but with technology it is truly redefining writing and literacy as we know it. Every magazine, article, and book is available on the web. Not to mention the time that is saved because we don't have to scan a thousand pages but can type in a search engine precisely what we are looking for and then compose our thoughts on to paper and discuss that. Technology is an important asset in education and in many facets of life. I want to aim to keep up with it as an English teacher to better equip my students to do proper research and write astounding papers.


The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies 
I really enjoyed both the Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies. At times it is easy to feel like the girl did in the EDM for dummies video until you get a better understanding and handle on things, but this video added some humor along with some practical steps in order to do your best. The chipper series touched on several different things that we should do as a student in EDM 310 to help us be successful, but it was absolutely hilarious how Chipper always tried to find a loophole in the system. These videos were creative and definitely teach valuable lessons as well.

To Use the Smartboard or Not to Use the Smartboard
We were assigned to read two different articles written by teachers who were opposed to smartboards in the classroom. One was entitled Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards and the other was Why Smartboards are a Dumb Initiative. These two articles beg the question what technology actually enhances education and equips students? In these articles the authors argued that smartboards are basically a pricey addition to the classroom that doesn't allow for student interaction and doesn't do any better function than any other equipment they already have. Stanton mentions that a smartboard can by no means fix what is already broken. It is not the end all be all. He also says that it doesn't provide a better learning environment, doesn't enable feedback, and doesn't help with the work load.
I found two articles/websites providing a counter arguments discussing the usefulness and benefits of smartboards in the classrooms. They can be found at www.smartboards.typepad.com and also at Smart Boards are hands on- minds on.

I can't honestly make a fair assessment on which side I agree with because I have never used a smart board personally. I have seen one in a class and it was used during the lecture. It didn't seem to enhance the lecture much. From the articles that I read the arguments against it was very strong and I would have to lean more towards that. Not because a smartboard isn't a great invention, but because it just isn't what is needed in education. It's a lot of money that doesn't necessarily go towards the solution of what we have been learning.
I did learn that not all technology has to play a role in the lives of a student, some are beneficial in making them a networked student and some are not.

Timetoast Project 9b

Who is Mary Todd Lincoln? The events that led to her madness!

Additional Assignment #2

How Kids Teach Themselves 

1. What do you think? If learners are motivated, can they teach themselves? Yes I do believe that learners who are motivated can teach themselves. Motivation is something will cause an individual to desire to learn beyond what an institution requires of them. For example Abraham Lincoln did not receive, in his opinion, an adequate education so he taught himself. In the same way the he taught himself those who are motivated likewise can become just as knowledgeable or more! 
2. If those motivated learners are kids, can they teach themselves?  I believe that kids can teach themselves many things, learn many different valuable life-skills, and adapt to their surroundings. As people we have this built in ability to learn. I think that teaching ourselves is possible but will be limited whereas someone teaching us or giving us information would broaden our understanding and knowledge of a certain topic or subject. 
3. What conditions are necessary for kids to teach themselves? For anyone to teach him or herself?  I think the conditions that are necessary would be for teachers to lay a firm foundations of basics and skills that can be formed and can grow as the students teach themselves. Kids need to be guided into the right direction so that they can be built upon throughout their formative years. 
4. What role do computers and internet access play in the process?  Computers and access to the internet play a huge role in allowing kids/adults to be able to teach themselves. I am a product of someone that taught myself how to use a computer in almost every way with the exception of a class or two.  Computers and internet provide a network that you can teach yourself from. It has unlimited access and information, so with determination what you can learn is indispensable. 
5. What role does motivation, a desire to learn? Motivation is everything. I sometimes ask myself the question where would I have ended up if I had more motivation in elementary/high school rather than just doing what I needed to do to receive a good grade. Well, I would have gained more skills and knowledge to go alone with it. 
6. What roles do a problem, a question or multiple problems or questions play in the process? Simple, with a problem comes thinking, analyzing, and problem solving. It causes part of our brains to function more efficiently.  
7. How do you motivate someone to learn? First, have them set short term goals and also long term goals. Help them take steps to achieve their short term learning goals that will eventually get them to their long terms. Focus will always motivate! 
8. How are you motivated to learn?  I am motivated in the same way that I would motivate someone else to learn, through setting both long and short term goals in my learning process. Then making the appropriate steps to achieve those 'learning' goals. 
9. Can anyone who is not motivated to learn learn? I think they can learn within the rules and regulations of an institution such as school. For example many students who attend schools are not necessarily motivated to learn or even attend, but they still learn just for the simple fact that they are absorbing the information. I do think that motivation cripples intellect and will hinder the capacity in which one can learn. 
10. Do you teach yourself? When? Why? Sure, I love to learn new ways to use technology because it is useful in many different facets: educational, research, social, etc. I also enjoy learning historical facts and reading literary works. I enjoy learning all of this because I am interested in furthering my understanding. 
11. What role does a teacher (either answer generally or use a specific example) play in your learning? So many teachers have been a positive influence in my life and have played a vital role in my learning.  They taught me character, skills, information, and how to be a learner. Teaching someone how to be a learner is the best thing you can teach them. 
12. What is the most important idea, question or emotional response you take away with you as a result of watching this video?  Technology is very important and is extremely essential to education. It does not replace teachers, but adds to them in a very beneficial way.  It is also amazing to see in this video that children from all over the world have the inward desire to learn and for their knowledge to grow and develop. It's not inherent to the U.S, but is actually all over the world, and resources such as internet help with that process. 
13. What other questions or issues are raised by this video that should be considered and discussed by aspiring teachers? I guess you really have to consider what parts of the video would be considered universal and what part of the video would be specifically for more of India. For instance in America it is very common for middle-upper class families to have computers/internet, whereas many schools and homes in India may not have as much access as the children here. So it begs the question, what would those kid's determination and results be like if they had the access to resources as we do??

What Role Do Women Play in the World of Technology?

Throughout the history of the United States we see the struggle of a woman attempting to transgress the social conventions of her time period. We have the symbolic Rosie the Riveter depicting the increase of working women in the 1940s.  Not only that, but we also see female writers such as Jane Austen, Rebecca Harding Davis, and Emily Dickinson who changed the literature from women was perceived. There are also other keynote women such as Susan B. Anthony who led the women's suffrage movement and fought for equal pay of female teachers. Then we can't forget the brave and determined Amelia Earhart who was the first to fly solo across the Atlantic. So in our history,  it's apparent that many women have not accepted the bar placed on them. They understood that a brick wall was not an obstacle, but a challenge to thrust them forward into their dreams. These women battled for equality in their society that was mainly man and status dominated. They didn't see limitations, only aspirations. Some lost the battle but they fought, many women fought in the battle and paved a way for the equality and advancement of women in our society. As women, the positions we have available, the respect we have, and all the benefits we receive did not come at an easy price, but it took many women being willing to be persecuted, mocked, belittled, and looked down on in order to pave the way for the future.

So as women in our world today, where does that put us? It gives us unlimited vision for the future. How can we use our vision most effectively for the future, through technology! We can pave a way for the generations to come.  I was scanning YouTube and found a video by Anita Borg who founded the Institute for Women and Technology. The mission is to increase the impact of women on all aspects of technology and increase the positive aspect of technology in the world. It also raises awareness of the value of women in the technological world, ie. advancing careers etc. This was very fascinating in that many women become educators and can also become very important assets in the technological advancements of our time through using technology in the classroom. So women may struggle in some areas of advancing technology or finding careers in the technological realm, but as women in education this can be a resource that we learn, use, and take to a new level. This is an opportunity to create, imagine, produce, and do things greater and bigger beyond ourselves. As future women teachers, we have the possibility of blazing trails in technology and in the lives of students that can never be erased but can only be added to! Women no longer have to fight for their place in society but have the equal opportunity to make a difference in our world. This is where it can begin! So in the words of Rosie the Riveter, "we can do it!"

Blog Post 7

Randy Pausch- Last Lecture:Achieving  Childhood Dreams

This lecture was nothing short of inspiring. Listening to Randy Pausch was eye opening and thought provoking. It awakens the desire to dream and through his speech he gives you the permission to have dreams and go after them. It was astounding how he not only spoke of the dreams he had, but how he followed through with achieving his dreams, in failures and in successes. One of his greatest traits that was highlighted was that he saw a brick wall as a gateway and not as a dead end. That's absolutely imperative in life. Many times we will encounter brick walls, but they are a measuring stick to determine how much we really want our dreams in life. Pausch was an inspiration, by the full life that he lived. At the beginning of his lecture when he announced his diagnosis, Pausch stated a quote that said. "We cannot change the cards we are dealt just how we play the hand!" He had the astounding ability to know how to dream and take reasonable steps to accomplish those dreams and no matter what life gave him, he continued dreaming. It's very easy after we experience 'brick walls' to stop dreaming or to allow that to become a paralyzed part of our life, but he expressed in many words that those brick walls should be a catalyst to push us further into our goals. Another thing that he mentioned in the lecture that really stood out to me was his love for football, one of his earlier childhood dreams. He wanted to play in the NFL and even though he never made it professionally, it was a big part of his life because of what he learned from the sport, coaches, and experiences and then applied to all facets of life. It was very amazing that football was the dream in which he received the most fulfillment from. He learned fundamentals in football and what hard coaching was all about. He realized at that point that when someone points out your flaws, it's because they care. These principles were ones that not only applied on a football field, but in his entire life.
The lecture also pointed out how important mentors are. It's important to have people in your life who believe in you and in the dreams you have. It's so important and necessary because that teaches you how to believe in others. As future professors it must also be our heart and motive to enable others to dream big and aspire to achieve those dreams.
Because Pausch had such a phenomenal understanding of dreams and going after those dreams, he chose to become a professor so that he could enable the dreams in others. One great thing that he mentioned that would be great to apply to my very own classroom is that we shouldn't set the bar anywhere for students to aim to achieve because that will limit them and do a great injustice. Rather continue to raise the bar so that students will continue to aim higher.
Throughout the lecture I thought what drives us and this was also answered throughout as the following: Childhood wonders, helping others, choosing to be a 'tigger'  (or optimistic individual). He also spoke on how loyalty and leadership were so important. These were just a few of the things that should drive us.

What a truly outstanding last lecture on achieving childhood dreams. After watching this several words come to mind, and that is legacy, pioneer, life, dreamer, giver, and teacher. Randy Pausch definitely left a legacy and blazed a trail for dreamers to dream and also enable that gift in others. With a life lived in that manner, his works and productions still remain. There are so many things that I want to take away from this video, for example, the value and support of people close to me, the importance of dreams, never giving up but always being determined, taking constructional criticism from those who care, and letting passions determine my course as well as enabling that desire to dream in others.

First summary on my PLN

Personal Learning Network (PLN)

After watching the YouTube video last week of the 7th grader's personal learning network I gained a greater understanding of how to create one, it's importance, and what a PLN even was. While reading the instructions for the project, I came across a website called symbaloo to create my very own PLN. What I have below is called a webmix. I have it organized in four different sections as of now. The first in the top left corner are tiles that I use for educational purposes. Like for example, in EDM 310 I use blogger, gmail, google docs, wordle, and google earth. In my English/Lit classes I use the dictionary tile, Wikipedia, encyclopedia, and the Purdue tile. Having all of these grouped together allows for quick and easy access to the sites that help me the most in my classes. I can go to this site, and use it as a base for all of the other sources that I use. I also have a social corner, in the top right hand side. This includes facebook, twitter, skype, picasa, apple, and amazon. So whether I want to talk with friends, look at pictures, or find some great book deals, I can access it all from one point... even while studying. In the bottom right hand corner are more business type tiles, such as my bank account information, my sky miles information with Delta, and the national news with CNN. This corner also has some generic tiles that symbaloo webmix offers. In the bottom left hand corner are more personal and informative tiles, such as weather, search, espn, and fitness. This is more of a random section. 

 So far I have really enjoyed it because it acts as a personal homepage in a way, with all of "your stuff!" You can make it as educational , sociable, random, or business oriented as you want. How you set it up all depends on preference. It's a great asset to have, because it helps me to stay organized and work efficiently. Plus it's very cool. I have only had an opportunity to work with it for a short time now, but can't wait to add more tiles to it and use it more for both education and personal purposes. 

I love my Personal Learning Network so far! 

Check out my Time Toast!

"

C4T #2

           I was assigned to read and comment on Joe Dale's blog, Integrating ICT into the MFL classroom. The latest post was about: Catherine Elliott on stop-motion animation, web 2.0, the iPad and primary languages. 

This post discussed the innovative ways that Catherine incorporates technology to teach foreign languages. She has been a very successful teacher and uses the following resources in her classroom to teach beginner's Spanish and French: animations, videos, clips, cartoons, slideshows, and multi-media posters. I thought that this was a great way to teach foreign languages because many students are visual learners and hands on learners. I would imagine that through watching the videos, cartoons, and posters that the students are able to perceive the information at a faster and more efficient rate than if they were simply reviewing in a book. Not that books should be taken out, but technology such as what Catherine used should be incorporated. There have been many times I have been able to recall information from something I saw on television or the internet over something I read in a book. I think that allowing students access to these resources are beneficial, especially when learning another language, which is a hard task in and of itself. 

          In the post, you can view firsthand, the very creative videos, cartoons, and posters Catherine has made for her students/classroom. If this is something that you are interested in you can also view her tips on animation. Her videos are informative and inspiring! She makes language learning seem so fascinating through exploring creative routes! 

Podcast!!!

Google Earth Ocean's Showcase with Carlis, Carrie, and Lawanna

Blog Post # 6

The Networked Student: Wendy Drexler

After learning about a networked student, I began to ask a fascinating question, why does a networked student even need a teacher? The student can listen to professors from ivy leagues schools through podcasts, communicate through blogs, research information, and post what they have learned, all through the internet. As we watch the video, it begs the question if the student never has to go to class or even needs the text book then what is the actual purpose of the teacher. Wendy Drexler answers this at the end of the video. Both the importance and purpose of a teacher is made very clear. 
According to the video a teacher is one who:

1. Teaches the student how to build the network
2. Offers guidance when the student gets "stuck"
3. Shows the student how to communicate properly on the network and ask advice from experts
4. Explains the difference between good information and propaganda 
5. Demonstrates how to turn a web search into a scavenger hunt
6. Get's excited for the student's discoveries
7. Help the student organize information
8. Overall the teacher hopes the student will maintain his learning network to navigate the future and become a change agent! 

This was a great video, a teacher is important for the above reasons and a connective teacher raising up many connective students ensures that after the end of the semester a student will maintain what they have learned and continue to pursue  greater knowledge and share it with the world around them. Teacher's are very beneficial, and this video proves that they serve a greater purpose than simply grading papers or passing out tests, but truly shaping tomorrow's leaders. 

PLE: Personal Learning Environment

In all honesty, this video made me want to be in her seventh grade class. I completely envied her, because I surely didn't have that when I was in middle school. The class sounded innovative, fun, organized, liberating, and educational all in one, while even teaching the students responsibility!!! Does it get any better than that? I don't think so! Because of the personal learning environment, everything she needed was so neat and organized, unlike a normal science class, where papers are everywhere, microscopes flying here and there, books weighing you down, and students throwing out excuses such as: the dog ate my homework. I think that the PLE gives the students more access to information through the internet but also teaches them responsibility because if they want to get their work complete it's up to them to complete it.
I also thought it was very advantageous that the students were able to interact with actual scientists rather than just read about passed down information recorded in a text book, but through the internet could almost experience it firsthand!!! These are definitely valuable skills that will pay off in the future! 


The Machine is Changing Us
This presentation by Dr. Wesch was so great, he covered many valuable and relevant points. For starters he brought up a very thought provoking subject, of how technology dictates our conversations, so our conversations are always changing. That is very true! Our conversations often times do change and do conform to the ever changing rate of technology. Not only that but he talked about how this generation is on a search for identity and recognition and that our core value is narcissism thus producing this "all about me mindset." He also mentioned something very shocking and that was that this is the most "about me" generation but also the most miserable. 
he also mentioned a book called Ethic of Authenticity by  Charles Taylor. In the book it discusses that we are sliding towards self centered modes of self fulfillment and that we are sharing less and less of systems of meaning. This leads to disengagement, focusing only on self and fragmentation, or multiple beliefs. 
Throughout his presentation, Dr. Wesch determines that you come to know yourself through your conversation with others. New media creates more conversational routes, which would in turn allow one to become more familiar with their authentic self! 

Through a student experiment he discovered that in a face to face person, you bring forth a different version of yourself, however when you are using a lap top or web cam for instance you are talking to the camera, or lap top, so there is a lapse in conversation. 
He also brings up a hero who calls himself  'one man' who went out and searched for people who were willing to connect with him, so he walked around with a free hugs sign. Through you tube connecting with people became global because so many videos were posted. 
So although you tube does contain things that may seem irrelevant to our life, it can promote and tear down the narcissistic ideals that have broken down our society. 
  

Comments 4 Kids #1 and 2

For my first comment for kids assignment I was assigned a student at Noel Elementary School . The students name was Kristen and she is an 8th grader! It was great to see her blog and how well she was working using technology for educational purposes. Kristen's about me was very informative! She discussed her likes and dislikes and what was important in her life, such as family and friends. She mentioned that her favorite subject was Communication Arts, but her least favorite was math. Mr. Chamberlain commented on her post, telling her that he would help her and that she could ask him for help also. I thought that it was great for the students to have blogs because that way the (teacher like Mr. Chamberlain did in this case) may know more about the students and know what specific subject they need more help in. I did notice that the blog opened up more communication between students and teachers! It's definitely a great asset and it's good to get to know the student, like Kristen on a personal level!

I was also able to read Kristen's learning manifesto, and I could definitely learn some things for her, like going to bed early!! She had very good goals: going to bed early, being a good student by staying caught up on work, and also paying full attention. Kristen's goals were realistic and challenging. I think that they are each important steps in learning as much as you can in a school year, so I know she is on the right track. Through the learning manifesto, I learned that blogging goals is so vital because throughout the year, the student or teacher can look back over that blog and measure their progress and use it as a reminder of "where they are headed!"

I really enjoyed viewing and commenting on Kristen's blogs! By taking the time to look over her blogs and page, I realized just how important is is for students to have a blog!! I will definitely require my students to do this!!

Blog Post 5

Welcome to the World of Podcasting! 


Before this assignment, I can honestly say that I have only listened to podcasts but never created a podcast, much less went public with one; however, my group and I will accomplish that this week. For the blog assignment this week we were given some videos, tutorials, and articles to read about podcasts on how to create podcasts, why podcasts are used in schools, how efficient they actually are, what software one needs to complete the project, and step by step tips on how to make a great podcast.
The podcasts, videos, and articles that I read were very helpful and I think that it will allow the process for a newbie such as myself to be easier.

In one of the options for our assignments I read the article by Carolyn Wood, "Learning Podcasting", which basically covered the definition of a podcast, the instruments you need to make a podcast (microphone, headset etc.), hardware you need to install such as audacity to edit your podcast, and other resources you may need to present it at it's best. She also explained audioblogging and and advertising through podcasts.

I also found some very helpful tools in the Judy Scharf podcast collection.
To get a greater understanding of how to create a podcast in a step by step format, I watched a youtube video entitled "How to Create a Podcast." This gave you visual  and actually showed you what to click on your computer to get started, how to edit the podcast, cut out background noise, how to upload the podcast, and subscribe to an RSS feed.



I also watched a video by Joe Dell called Podcasting in the Classroom. In this video many great benefits from podcasting in the classroom are discussed. Podcasting in a classroom setting as a resource for teaching is a very effective tool. Students can access the podcast anytime and anyplace. They can record the lecture and play it back for review. It also makes a lecture more vibrant if the teacher has students read with exuberance and enthusiasm the different roles of characters. It definitely enhances their learning experience. It is a relevant and new way to learn and incorporates a visual tool, in which students greatly respond to. This also helps for students who may have to be absent from school, because they can get what they missed off of the web. Parents can also stay up to date through podcasting. This allows interaction among students and engages them in a way that other resources cannot.

C4T #1

Hadley Ferguson has written two very informative posts. It was great to read and gain insight from an experienced educator. The first post that I read was entitled 12 Goals . In this post, Mr. Ferguson listed specific goals that he would strive to fulfill in order to be a better teacher. I think that blogging these 12 goals was a fantastic idea, because throughout the school year he could look back over them to see how well he was doing in keeping those goals and also share them with other teachers. As a teacher, I think incorporating new goals at the beginning of the year would be the key to learning and growing as a teacher and also ensuring that students receive the best from you. Not only as a student but as a learner, I think having these types of goals are important. It's important in order to reach your fullest potential to consider: What am I trying to achieve? What areas do I need to work on? How can I incorporate my strengths into what I am attempting? The list could really go on according to how you view things, but I think in essence Mr. Ferguson was using these 12 goals as a measurement to see how he progresses throughout the year to ensure that he gives his students his very best! This is very essential for an educator!

In the second post I read, Mr. Ferguson wrote a blog entitled A Return to Imagination.  He wrote this blog after being inspired from hearing an interview on the book, The Power of Pull. The main idea of this article was to unlock the imagination. Mr. Ferguson explained that unlocking the imagination was important in learning, and without doing that, one is limited. However, when they do this, a new dimension is awakened and opened up, broadening a student's way of thinking. Of course he pointed out that students need to really use their imagination, but that teachers do as well. I completely agree! For students to use their imagination, just like math, English, writing, technological skills etc. a teacher must also be able to show them. So as "cliche" as it may sound, teacher's hold the key to unlock many imaginations that are so vital to the future. I am glad I get to be part of that. I aim to grow in unlocking my own imagination so that I can take students to another dimension of learning.

Both of the posts that I read by Mr. Ferguson definitely challenged me and taught me a lot in becoming a better student and better teacher!!!

Blog Post 4

Don't Teach Your Kids This, Please!!
Dr. McLeod has a very profound use of  reverse psychology. My favorite part is the end, when he says, "can't wait to see who has a leg up in a decade or two!" That is very true. I think that if you were to take
students and separate them into two categories: group a. going through elementary/high school with only a chalkboard, pens, paper, and zero technology while group b. who had all of those resources plus, computers, power point, smart board, internet access, blogging etc. It is very likely that as Dr. McLeod was stating in his sarcasm, that those students (like the ones in group a) would be crippled. By the time they graduated, they would have limited skills and would not be developed and prepared enough to get a job or pursue a college degree, whereas group b. would be at the same pace with the world around them, and ready for the next step. Technology equips students with the skills that they need and without certain technology exposure students will become crippled as adults trying to make it in our society.

Dr. McLeod definitely does a great job at pointing out how relevant it is to learn with technology and become familiar with it through an indirect sarcastic way! It was a great and different read. I'm sure that educational systems are in a transitioning era between figuring out what from the past to continue to use, while incorporating more and more technology. As a teacher who firmly believes in the use of technology in the classroom, I would imagine at times it gets annoying when parents say things like "my child doesn't need that" when in reality it's for the child's best interest.

iSchool Initiative
In this video a student made a very interesting presentation about an iSchool. The iSchool would function off of  iTouch applications ranging from all sorts, world wiki, USA Presidents, Starwalk, table of elements, along with many different tools. It would completely eliminate the need for paper, pens, and copy machines. He argues that the iSchool would help save the school system money, it would be cheaper for students, and it would also help the enviornment.

The iSchool seemed like a very interesting idea; however I do not think that this is the answer to our countries education problems. Technology can equip and assist many teachers and students. It gives them the ability to go farther than a book, pen, and chalkboard can take them, however, this specific idea almost gives you the impression that human communication will be eliminated. Communication between individuals, in my opinion does in fact teach something that technology cannot. Without actually communication, relationship building, imagination, incorporated with the use of this iSchool, students will still be limited. Will this iSchool decrease the demand for teachers? That is something to really consider. Technology is great, but it doesn't need to take the place of the actual teacher, or else we are out of the job, before we ever have a job. Maybe this can be an addition to our educational system, just not the end all be all. Even though, it's not my favorite idea, it was still a great presentation from a younger student!

The Lost Generation
This quick video really sums up what seems to be the future of today's misplaced priorities in our society. As the reader goes down the list it seems to doom the future, but in reality our future is determined by what we do today. We shape tomorrow by the decisions we make now and if our priorities are wrong now then they will be even more misplaced thirty years from now. If we are a wandering generation, then we are blazing the trail for a lost generation. This was very alarming, but with all things just like we have the choice to damage we have the choice to impact for the good. Today we can put our priorities in the right place, families first, happiness over money, etc. and because of this the future will be a better and brighter place. We see this as the words/reading is reversed.  When we reverse our actions today, put our priorities right, take responsibilities for our actions we can decree exactly what was spoken in the second half of that video and that is that there is hope, divorce isn't the way, we don't have to settle for "quick fix", family is important, kids will prosper, and we can be happy knowing we can change the world. 


This video is powerful in and of itself, but with the effects of scrolling down and then reversing, it gives it a greater effect! I think that without that aspect of it, then the effectiveness would be lost. 


Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir- 'Lux Aurumque'
Wow, I know that we are supposed to write a summary of what we have seen but this was so amazing that I am almost speechless. As I was watching the virtual choir, I asked myself how is that even possible??? It's amazing that with technology even things like this are possible. Voices brought together from many different countries to perform one piece, from people who have never met. Who would have thought of such 20 years ago? So what could be possible in 20 more years? This was a masterpiece in itself and even showing and proving the endless possibilities that technology offers. I am still wondering, how it's possible because I know it took hard work for all the people involved. I think this was a phenomenal and creative endeavor. Technology awakens imagination, evokes creativity, and makes the impossible possible!




Conducting the virtual choir!!

Additional Assignment #1

   Before watching the instructional video, I had never heard of Google Squared or Wolfram Alpha. Some educational implications would be that these sources offer people the opportunity to see the expansion or our world, different cultures, or even the sheer fact that we don't just take statistics that we hear but actually get the accurate figure between the two sources. We were instructed to add in China and the US but I continued to list several more countries because it was interesting to compare and contrast the size. I think that the availability of these sources in the classroom will be great in teaching. It allows students to do a broad variety of things from comparing and contrasting the different results, to comparing different countries and even giving them a chart that is quick and easily accessed. It helps them visualize and gives them something tangible to work with! The "Did you Know" video still has a certain shock factor, but after seeing these statistics and the growth rate of countries it's not as shocking now. It is still very overwhelming that if only 25% of China's country spoke English it would exceed the 100% of our English speaking country. Something to think about really!
    After reading the "Food for Thought" article I realized that the I-pad is something that we shouldn't shy away from but embrace. It has a lot of great features and is indeed easier to use than many people that I have talked to make it out to be.

Google Presentation: Take a Look!

Blog Post 3

A Vision of Students Today


The most startling realization of this video was not the outstanding price for books or the massing amount of debt a student may have once graduating, but what the students "voice out" in the very beginning. The students held up a message that said "My average class size is 115" and " 18% of students know my name." When these types of messages are shown, it proves that many educational systems have eliminated quality and settled for just getting the job done. Many statements that follow those two, are ones such as "I will only complete 49% of my reading assignments" and "I buy text books I never open". In my opinion if quality in education was ensured through a more personal level between students and teachers, then it would guarantee a greater success in students' outcome. For example they would be more apt to read or actually put to use books they have purchased. In the end rather than just showing up students will end the semester more enriched because of teachers who took the time to know their name and provided a more personal atmosphere for all students to be engaged in learning.

It was also very eye opening that as a student we attempt to squeeze in all that is required of us into 24 hours, when in reality our schedule demands more time than a day can give. This calls for sacrifice in other ares, so what do you give up, work? focusing on school? sleep? social life? The demand to learn and achieve is great and with that comes the high price of multi tasking; however, I fully believe that in my generation and even more so for the next generation that sticking them in a class room will negate the very purpose for education. Because our society is so technologically advanced  it has become the core of how we communicate, work our jobs, socialize, etc. If technology is at the core of our society and without it as American's our country would seem to be tremendously crippled, then why isn't technology the core of education?  The minds of kids, teenagers, and many young adults are fueled daily by technology. As you can tell on this video, kids spend many hours on facebook, sending emails, talking on their cell phone, and things of that nature. So to stick someone with this way of thinking into a classroom, much like the one on the video with many desks and a blackboard limits their mind, bores their inquisitive minds and for the most part disengages them immediately. Technology has added color to our world and has allowed many students to become three dimensional in their ways of thinking so to stick them in a class room is like trying to make them re-enter a one dimensional way of thinking. Because of this, I believe many bright students will not make it as far as their potential could take them, and that's simply because when they walk in the classroom they get a similar message as many of these students.

Although it is easy to see problems with the educational system, it is also great to see instructors who aim to make a difference and improve it. Those are footsteps that future teachers should strive to follow in. Rather than settling, aim to be different.  In one of my classes, a professor here at south had all of the students play a name/fact game and within a few days she knew all of our names. Another instructor also remembered my name and as I passed her in the hall she addressed me. Not that knowing someone's name makes all the difference, but it definitely makes you (as a student) feel like you can approach that teacher for help and makes you feel like they want the best for your educational endeavors.

This was also  a link to a very encouraging video in response to "A vision for students today" called "A Faculty Response to A Vision of Students Today."  Great tips by instructors who are making education relevant and personal!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJxN8SIme18


It's Not About the Technology


This article by Kelly Hines was very enlightening. First of all the title of the article was very eye-catching! Great title to sum up the points of the article! The first point was phenomenal and I think it is the foundational key to being a great teacher. Kelly Hines said made the point that teachers must be learners. In order to teach what is most relevant to a student's life then a teacher must be willing to learn new methods of teaching and must we willing to stretch and grow. An evolving teacher will be the teacher that has the most success because students will learn from a teacher like that. In relation to the Medical Field say for instance a Doctor. A Doctor must stay up to date with new research on diseases, illnesses, cures, tools, and medications or else a patient may not receive proper treatment. I wouldn't want to go to a Doctor who did not know there was a certain vaccination if I was suffering with a certain illness because of his lack of "learning" in medicine. College is the platform for an educator, a classroom and daily life will be a place for the educator to continue to learn in order to be of use and most effectiveness. I completely agree with Ms. Hines. I hope to strive to be this type of teacher.
I also strongly agree with point two. How do teacher's measure success? SAT scores? ACT scores? Honor Roll? Completing the lesson plan? All of these are good scales, but what means the most is how much the student takes away and how much the student actually learns from the class. When success of a teacher is reliant upon how much the student learns it ensures that each student receives equal attention and a quality education. After having these two skills applied, technology in the hands of this kind of teacher will definitely become limitless in the classroom and allow a great learning experience for the students. In the hands of this kind of teacher technology can make all the difference. This was a great article and can be very applicable!

Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

It is very clever that he gave a warning saying "grumpy blogger alert!" Although some may have been offended by his post, I think that Dr. Fisch was right on target. Immediately as I read this I was reminded of one of my high school teachers who was so technologically illiterate. This would be a great read for him! I think it should be absolutely mandatory for teachers to have a working knowledge of the different facets of technology in the classroom to allow education to become more innovative. Considering many students lives are made up of technology from their social life, to the news, to how they complete school work etc. then a teacher should most definitely be able to properly use technology in order to teach to his/her fullest potential, if not they would be limiting the students.
The quote in the blog was very true! If a teacher today is not technologically literate - and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more - it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read and write.
It is very interesting that people find it socially acceptable to admit they aren't very good at math but you really don't hear many say they cannot read.  In the same manner you hear many people say they do not know how to use computers or certain cell phones etc.  I don't think it's okay for teachers to be technologically illiterate. I think that it should be as important as the other recourses educators use! 


Gary's Social Media Count


 As I sat and watched the numbers quickly increase on the media count, I was amazed! Technology is literally moving at a rate faster than the human mind can comprehend! As I think back over my childhood I remember how internet became popular (dial up of course), we had VHS then transitioned to DVD and Blue Ray. We went from the cord phones, to cordless phones, to car phones, then to cell phones, and now smart phones, plus so many other inventions.In just 22 years life as we have known it has changed, and is changing. In just a few short years computers have changed. With this rapid pace, who knows what the future looks like. Who knows what I will by using to complete homework my senior year of college or during my career. 


Viewing this is hard to wrap your brain around, but definitely broadens your horizons and makes you really wonder "what could be?"