Hey everyone!
It has been quite the interesting and fun journey. I enjoyed learning a little bit of all of your lives from our google presentations. I am excited to be a part of teaching along side you in the future. I hope you all have a great summer!
See ya around!
MariKate
Saturday, April 25, 2009
EDM 310 Class Review
This class has been very informative and helpful. It has taught me just enough to be dangerous with technology, and shown me the importance of furthering my education on how to incorporate technology in the classroom.
Blogs
In the past, I had read a few of my friend's blogs, but I had never considered the informational tool they could be to me as a teacher. The main things my friends wrote about were feelings, ideas, and other things they just wanted to write down. They were not necessarily used for informational purposes. When we began to use blogging in the classroom, my whole perspective changed, and now I will most definitely be using blogging in my classroom!
Presentations
As far as presentations go, I already knew how to use them in a powerpoint set-up; however, I never made them through google. I enjoyed learning how to use them as another part of the endless things google has to offer.
Google Documents
Before I took this class, I had only a little bit of experience with google documents, spreadsheets, and things of that nature. It has been neat to explore them and really figure out the ends and outs of this tool. I will definitely continue to use.
Picasa
I had heard of Picasa and looked at friends albums from there, but I had never played with this website before this class. I am not a huge picture taker, so I did not know that much about the website, but I am sure that I will use it in the future as my need for a camera grows.
Podcast
The podcast were interesting and fun to make. Once again, I had heard of podcast, but never used them before. I plan on continuing to use them for information, collaborating, and ideas. I am excited to see their potential in the future of my career.
Twitter
I had only heard of Twitter one other time before actually getting an account in this class. Even though I am not completely sold on it at this point, I am going to continue to use it and learn about it so that it can be an aid in the future.
iTunes
I had no idea that iTunes offered as much information as it has. I have had iTunes for a long time, but was completely clueless to the many tools it had inside. This is another tool that I plan on using in the future and as a teacher.
I cannot think of anything that I would have liked to learn. I did not know what to expect coming into this classroom, but I left with more than I ever thought possible.
Even though I may not use everything I have learned on a regular basis from this class, I do not think there is anything that I wish I had not learned. Every item we covered in class helped to show me the importance of technology being a vital part of my classroom.
My perspective on my future classroom and teaching technique has truly been changed. I have learned many helpful things from this class and can honestly say that I am excited to see the changes that will come from it. Being able to learn from each other and connect to people all across the world in no small deal. I love the fact that teachers understand the challenge of raising an educated generation to learn and think for themselves and are taking ever measure possible to better themselves and the way they teacher. I am excited to join this community in the near future and gain advice from these knowledgeable people. Thank you for opening my eyes Dr. Strange!
Blogs
In the past, I had read a few of my friend's blogs, but I had never considered the informational tool they could be to me as a teacher. The main things my friends wrote about were feelings, ideas, and other things they just wanted to write down. They were not necessarily used for informational purposes. When we began to use blogging in the classroom, my whole perspective changed, and now I will most definitely be using blogging in my classroom!
Presentations
As far as presentations go, I already knew how to use them in a powerpoint set-up; however, I never made them through google. I enjoyed learning how to use them as another part of the endless things google has to offer.
Google Documents
Before I took this class, I had only a little bit of experience with google documents, spreadsheets, and things of that nature. It has been neat to explore them and really figure out the ends and outs of this tool. I will definitely continue to use.
Picasa
I had heard of Picasa and looked at friends albums from there, but I had never played with this website before this class. I am not a huge picture taker, so I did not know that much about the website, but I am sure that I will use it in the future as my need for a camera grows.
Podcast
The podcast were interesting and fun to make. Once again, I had heard of podcast, but never used them before. I plan on continuing to use them for information, collaborating, and ideas. I am excited to see their potential in the future of my career.
I had only heard of Twitter one other time before actually getting an account in this class. Even though I am not completely sold on it at this point, I am going to continue to use it and learn about it so that it can be an aid in the future.
iTunes
I had no idea that iTunes offered as much information as it has. I have had iTunes for a long time, but was completely clueless to the many tools it had inside. This is another tool that I plan on using in the future and as a teacher.
I cannot think of anything that I would have liked to learn. I did not know what to expect coming into this classroom, but I left with more than I ever thought possible.
Even though I may not use everything I have learned on a regular basis from this class, I do not think there is anything that I wish I had not learned. Every item we covered in class helped to show me the importance of technology being a vital part of my classroom.
My perspective on my future classroom and teaching technique has truly been changed. I have learned many helpful things from this class and can honestly say that I am excited to see the changes that will come from it. Being able to learn from each other and connect to people all across the world in no small deal. I love the fact that teachers understand the challenge of raising an educated generation to learn and think for themselves and are taking ever measure possible to better themselves and the way they teacher. I am excited to join this community in the near future and gain advice from these knowledgeable people. Thank you for opening my eyes Dr. Strange!
To be completely honest, my twitter experience thus far is lacking. Ever since we have started exploring twitter in the classroom, I have seen people advertising their twitter accounts EVERYWHERE! However, I have a lot more exploring to do before I am officially a regular user.
My first effort in exploring twitter was simply using the tools it gives you up front. I made a few status updates, sent messages, searched different people to follow, and searched other people's pages. I can see where more in-depth research would be beneficial, it is just hard to stay interested and spend time there when I do not see the full point.
As with blogging and podcast, I can see the connection and informational value of twitter. I can see where you would use it to connect with other teachers across the globe. It is a quick resource for getting a variety of answers on a subject. It just seems like another technology tool in the bag. However, at this moment in my life, it just seems like one more thing to check and keep up with.
Twitpic serves as an interesting part of twitter by allowing you to post pictures and leave comments. This would be a neat idea to use as far as posting your students work, or getting ideas for classroom decorations and projects. I do like that twitter allows you to connect in a helpful way to other people who are interested in your life and things you have going on. When I begin to understand twitter better, I will find ways to fit it into my teaching schedule, and use it as yet another aid in my classroom.
My first effort in exploring twitter was simply using the tools it gives you up front. I made a few status updates, sent messages, searched different people to follow, and searched other people's pages. I can see where more in-depth research would be beneficial, it is just hard to stay interested and spend time there when I do not see the full point.
As with blogging and podcast, I can see the connection and informational value of twitter. I can see where you would use it to connect with other teachers across the globe. It is a quick resource for getting a variety of answers on a subject. It just seems like another technology tool in the bag. However, at this moment in my life, it just seems like one more thing to check and keep up with.
Twitpic serves as an interesting part of twitter by allowing you to post pictures and leave comments. This would be a neat idea to use as far as posting your students work, or getting ideas for classroom decorations and projects. I do like that twitter allows you to connect in a helpful way to other people who are interested in your life and things you have going on. When I begin to understand twitter better, I will find ways to fit it into my teaching schedule, and use it as yet another aid in my classroom.
EDM 310 Podcast Review
After reviewing my group's podcast, I was pleasantly surprised. I felt like we knew our subject well and were able to produce an informative podcast. However, I did feel like there was a handful of things that we ran out of time to say that may have tied the podcast up a little better, but I do think it got our point across. From listening to my specific part, I wish I would have conveyed my thoughts a little clearer. I knew what I was trying to say, but I do not think that your average Joe Blow could have picked up on the message I was trying to send.
One of the podcast I listened to was somewhat informative. The one thing I noticed about it the most was the way they seemed to put each other on the spot. Rather than working together to get a message across, the seemed to make it harder on one another. It seemed like they would ask questions to one another to fill the silence, but the other group members were not prepared to answer. Maybe if they spent a little more time practicing, they would have been able to better convey their thought.
The other podcast I listened to was thoroughly enjoyable and informative. From start to finish they did well. Their podcast flowed well and clearly conveyed their points. The only thing I would critique about this one was their actual voice and talking into the microphone. It was hard to understand them sometimes throughout the podcast. Speaking a little more clearly would have helped their cause tremendously.
One of the podcast I listened to was somewhat informative. The one thing I noticed about it the most was the way they seemed to put each other on the spot. Rather than working together to get a message across, the seemed to make it harder on one another. It seemed like they would ask questions to one another to fill the silence, but the other group members were not prepared to answer. Maybe if they spent a little more time practicing, they would have been able to better convey their thought.
The other podcast I listened to was thoroughly enjoyable and informative. From start to finish they did well. Their podcast flowed well and clearly conveyed their points. The only thing I would critique about this one was their actual voice and talking into the microphone. It was hard to understand them sometimes throughout the podcast. Speaking a little more clearly would have helped their cause tremendously.
Classroom Blogging
Through out the semester, I have tried to look at other students blogs and see their viewpoint on the topic we were given to write about. It was interesting to see the variety of things people had to say about one topic. Something that I would think could only be interpreted one way, would be interpreted a totally different way to them. This simple fact changes my views even more on blogging in the classroom.
The topic of my podcast group was about this specifically, blogging in the classroom. In the podcast, we discussed the various ways we saw teachers use blogs in the classroom. Whether it was the teachers specific blog that she used to keep the parents informed, or the students using the blogs for homework and things of that nature, it was a helpful tool. It helps you to get a better perspective as a teacher on how you can specifically incorporate it into your daily activities.
From researching blogging in the classroom, I found that the earlier students begin blogging, the further along they are then the rest of students in their grade. Blogging teaches the students how to better use technology, as well as giving students who are not as talkative in the classroom, a chance to truly express themselves.
As a future teacher, I plan on using blogging in my classroom. I am excited to be able to use it as a collaborating tool, as well as an aid in the classroom. Being able to use blogging will make learning more enjoyable and productive for the students and I am excited to see their response!
The topic of my podcast group was about this specifically, blogging in the classroom. In the podcast, we discussed the various ways we saw teachers use blogs in the classroom. Whether it was the teachers specific blog that she used to keep the parents informed, or the students using the blogs for homework and things of that nature, it was a helpful tool. It helps you to get a better perspective as a teacher on how you can specifically incorporate it into your daily activities.
From researching blogging in the classroom, I found that the earlier students begin blogging, the further along they are then the rest of students in their grade. Blogging teaches the students how to better use technology, as well as giving students who are not as talkative in the classroom, a chance to truly express themselves.
As a future teacher, I plan on using blogging in my classroom. I am excited to be able to use it as a collaborating tool, as well as an aid in the classroom. Being able to use blogging will make learning more enjoyable and productive for the students and I am excited to see their response!
"Growth" vs. "Fixed" Mindset in Learning
In the iTunes U portion of iTunes, Stanford has quite a selection of informational videos and podcasts. In the "Growth" vs. "Fixed" Mindset in learning video, they conduct an experiment using students to explain this title. Through out this video, they run about 8 sessions with the students split into two groups. Half of the groups are learning about a growth mindset and study skills, while the other half is only receiving study skills. The group that received both a growth mindset and study skills preformed much better than the group only receiving study skills.
In a world that is constantly changing and growing in so many areas, it is imperative that understand what it means to have a growth mindset. If we simply teach students information to past the test, they have gained nothing. To be able to function in the world we are living in, we must instill in our minds a desire to learn and push pass the basic level of our education.
I believe this mindset starts with teachers. Getting to a place of desiring to continue to learn is where all teachers should be. Once we have set the standard in that manner, we can begin to teach our students the mindset of digging in a maintaining a growing mindset. There are many ways to make education enjoyable and exciting, and if we can funnel that into our students, their lives will be changed. We will not be producing students who should not even being moving to the next grade, but we will produce students of excellence!
In a world that is constantly changing and growing in so many areas, it is imperative that understand what it means to have a growth mindset. If we simply teach students information to past the test, they have gained nothing. To be able to function in the world we are living in, we must instill in our minds a desire to learn and push pass the basic level of our education.
I believe this mindset starts with teachers. Getting to a place of desiring to continue to learn is where all teachers should be. Once we have set the standard in that manner, we can begin to teach our students the mindset of digging in a maintaining a growing mindset. There are many ways to make education enjoyable and exciting, and if we can funnel that into our students, their lives will be changed. We will not be producing students who should not even being moving to the next grade, but we will produce students of excellence!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
iTunes U: WGBH Videos
WGBH, part of iTunes U videos, contains a wide variety of educational videos. These videos are a not only great resource for teachers, but they are FREE! The videos range in grade level, as well as topic being discussed. The 'Solar Eclipse' video was chocked full of information in a concise, but effective way.
One of the main things that is being drilled into us as future teachers, is to find different and creative ways to teach to stimulated the student's brain and keep them interested. These short educational videos "beef" up your lesson plans, but are short enough as to not take away from the actual lesson.
One of the main things that is being drilled into us as future teachers, is to find different and creative ways to teach to stimulated the student's brain and keep them interested. These short educational videos "beef" up your lesson plans, but are short enough as to not take away from the actual lesson.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Edutopia
Wow! Edutopia is one of the most interesting ways of actual teaching I have seen. I have heard plenty of proposals on how one could or should teacher, but never actually seen it. The Edible School Yard was a very practical way for students to incorporate the things they were learning in the classroom into actual hands on projects. Actually getting to see your knowledge in action and the fruit it produces increase an interest in children to learn and think outside of the box.
A Night in the Global Village was interesting as well. The students seem to take away tangible, life changing information from this field trip. They get first hand experience at living life from a totally different perspective. They learn what it means to work together to survive, how to appreciate the things they have, and how they can help in their community, as well as their world.
A Night in the Global Village was interesting as well. The students seem to take away tangible, life changing information from this field trip. They get first hand experience at living life from a totally different perspective. They learn what it means to work together to survive, how to appreciate the things they have, and how they can help in their community, as well as their world.
iTunes University
What is to be said of iTunes University, other than it seems to be one of the leaders in changing the face of education. Many universities are using iTunes U to make lectures and other important information available to it's students. There have been studies on how effective listening to the lectures off ipods can be. They found that students who listened to the lectures on their ipod scored, on average, higher than those who attended the lectures. For this reason, along with many others, Professors have made their lessons available to the students in many forms other than attending class. However, there are many professors that do not make as much information available to encourage students to attend class on a more regular basis. One professor made his classroom information available in all forms, but he would give a little quiz before each class to encourage attendance. This is a perfect example of a professor that understands the increase of technology in our learning and how he can use it as a tool to aid him in the classroom.
One of the major things the qualifies iTunes U for me, is the fact that well-known universities, such as Duke and Yale, use iTunes U as a valuable tool. For successful universities that maintain a high level of academic achievements to use iTunes U in the classroom, shows the credibility and effectiveness of such an investment. I am interested to see the growth in use of iTunes U in my academic career.
Apple Eduction
Oxford on iTunes U
One of the major things the qualifies iTunes U for me, is the fact that well-known universities, such as Duke and Yale, use iTunes U as a valuable tool. For successful universities that maintain a high level of academic achievements to use iTunes U in the classroom, shows the credibility and effectiveness of such an investment. I am interested to see the growth in use of iTunes U in my academic career.
Apple Eduction
Oxford on iTunes U
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Duke University and iPods
I have one word, WOW! I wonder when The University of South Alabama will begin to hand out iPods to incoming freshmen. To give a brief overview of the article I read, Duke has begun an experiment on using iPods for education. They have invested around $500,000 in this experiment. A move like this from a University, such as Duke, sends a loud message to education in general. If their attempts prove to be successful, I can see many more Universities requiring access to iPods.
Duke programmed the iPods before the freshmen every received them. They had things such as the freshmen orientation information, the academic calender, and some of Dukes fight songs. The iPods were also used to download course content, recorded lectures, foreign language lectures, and audio books. Duke is also open to using the iPod in different ways that the faculty and students think it will be helpful. I am interested to see what their studies show. Duke Gives iPods to Freshmen Link
Duke programmed the iPods before the freshmen every received them. They had things such as the freshmen orientation information, the academic calender, and some of Dukes fight songs. The iPods were also used to download course content, recorded lectures, foreign language lectures, and audio books. Duke is also open to using the iPod in different ways that the faculty and students think it will be helpful. I am interested to see what their studies show. Duke Gives iPods to Freshmen Link
Dr. Chrisite's Site
Dr. Christie's site is a wonderful resource available to every educator. It is so helpful to be able to draw from people with credible teaching experience. One of the many things that stood out to me about her site, were the informational podcast she had available. I thought it was interesting to see the podcast in such a tangible and helpful way right after we had just finished studying about their importance in our future. I could see myself as a teacher using her podcast as ways to further my own knowledge of how to incorporate technology in the classroom. I could even find creative ways to use her podcast in my classroom if their were fitting to the lesson or concept we would be learning.
I also found Dr. Christie's Searching the Web tab helpful. She talks about how much research students do on the internet these days and the importance of them knowing how to navigate the internet appropriately. She gives lists of helpful search engines. I could see this being a major aid in my classroom.
I also found Dr. Christie's Searching the Web tab helpful. She talks about how much research students do on the internet these days and the importance of them knowing how to navigate the internet appropriately. She gives lists of helpful search engines. I could see this being a major aid in my classroom.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture was definitely worth watching. While I was taking notes for myself and my life, I found myself getting frustrated because I thought I was missing out on the next thing he was saying. I have never seen someone face death the same way he seemed too. Even though he knew that he had at the most, four months to live, he planned to make them productive and worth living. He did not sit and pity himself, nor did he handle it with anger. He realized that there was nothing that could be done and if he did pass away from the tumors in his liver, then it was his time to go.
The main focus of Mr. Pausch's speech is challenging people to go after their childhood dreams. Mr. Pausch walks through his life explaining his different childhood dreams, and his experience with trying to achieve all of them. I was encouraged to see the way that he handled success and defeat in each of the areas. You cannot even really say that he considered any of them defeats, but rather lessons to be learned. He says, "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want." To express this thought, he uses his experience with football. Even though he dreamed of playing in the NFL and never made it, he learned the most through that process.
One thing that stood out to me the most was his attitude towards his football experience. He talked about one practice in particular where the coach had been extremely hard on him and corrected everything he did. After practice was over, another person came over and questioned him about the practiced and how hard the coach was on him. This particular outsider encouraged Randy in this way, he told him that the way the coach was handling him was a good sign. He went on to say that when the coach is not staying on your back and correcting you, it is because he has given up on you. I knew the statement was true immediately, but I had never thought about it that way.
Not only does Randy Pausch encourage people to pursue the deepest desire of their hearts, but he encourages people to enable others to pursue their dreams. There is much to be said about people that are able to inspire and encourage people to be all that they can be. Randy quoted one of his co-workers saying, "wait long enough and people will surprise and impress you." This is a good mindset to have when you are investing in people and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. People do not normally respond the exact way we expect them too. Therefore, it takes time and patience on the investors part to walk through the challenges with them. I was encouraged and challenged by Randy's last lecture and enjoyed listening to it.
The main focus of Mr. Pausch's speech is challenging people to go after their childhood dreams. Mr. Pausch walks through his life explaining his different childhood dreams, and his experience with trying to achieve all of them. I was encouraged to see the way that he handled success and defeat in each of the areas. You cannot even really say that he considered any of them defeats, but rather lessons to be learned. He says, "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want." To express this thought, he uses his experience with football. Even though he dreamed of playing in the NFL and never made it, he learned the most through that process.
One thing that stood out to me the most was his attitude towards his football experience. He talked about one practice in particular where the coach had been extremely hard on him and corrected everything he did. After practice was over, another person came over and questioned him about the practiced and how hard the coach was on him. This particular outsider encouraged Randy in this way, he told him that the way the coach was handling him was a good sign. He went on to say that when the coach is not staying on your back and correcting you, it is because he has given up on you. I knew the statement was true immediately, but I had never thought about it that way.
Not only does Randy Pausch encourage people to pursue the deepest desire of their hearts, but he encourages people to enable others to pursue their dreams. There is much to be said about people that are able to inspire and encourage people to be all that they can be. Randy quoted one of his co-workers saying, "wait long enough and people will surprise and impress you." This is a good mindset to have when you are investing in people and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. People do not normally respond the exact way we expect them too. Therefore, it takes time and patience on the investors part to walk through the challenges with them. I was encouraged and challenged by Randy's last lecture and enjoyed listening to it.
Wikipedia Discovered
Wikipedia is a common database that many people use for research. The main problem with this is the simple fact that anyone and everyone can change the information documented on Wikipedia. For instance, I could create an account and write an informational article on the topic of my choice. If someone found problems with it, or simply did not agree, they could go in and change the information. Virgil Griffith was the first person to search the process of changing Wikipedia articles from their original content. He found ways to trace the IP address and see who exactly was changing which articles and when. I personally do not think that Wikipedia can ever be fully trusted; however, if you research the information you find on Wikipedia and can back it up with other reliable sources, then you can probably trust it. It is a great research tool to have, but unless it is read with caution and seriously looked into, I do not think it is worth fully trusting and I would not use it a source in research papers.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Fischbowl April 2007: 180 Days
In this blog, the main thing he covers is the 180 school days compared to actual educational days. Throughout his power point presentation, he gives the legitimate reason for the days students miss in school. There are many different activities that can interrupt the flow of an educational school day. Most of these activities are unavoidable. School would be a little bit of a drag without the school assemblies, pep-rallies, and holiday parties. Then, of course, you have the days taken for reviewing and test taking.
The situation at hand is what to do with the actual education days we have. Do we have time to incorporate blogging into the limited classroom time we have? Is it important enough to take time for? I personally think it is a matter of having good classroom management skills and knowing exactly what your goals are during a school day. I think with the growing rate of technology in our world, teaching the students computer skills should be a top priority. There is also a way to probably make blogs work for you and become time savers rather than time "fillers" or "wasters". I think once we begin to see the importance and effectiveness of blogs, we will be able to use it properly in the classroom.
The situation at hand is what to do with the actual education days we have. Do we have time to incorporate blogging into the limited classroom time we have? Is it important enough to take time for? I personally think it is a matter of having good classroom management skills and knowing exactly what your goals are during a school day. I think with the growing rate of technology in our world, teaching the students computer skills should be a top priority. There is also a way to probably make blogs work for you and become time savers rather than time "fillers" or "wasters". I think once we begin to see the importance and effectiveness of blogs, we will be able to use it properly in the classroom.
Podcast Review from Previous Semester
The first podcast I listened to from the previous semester was Sarah Large and Tina Dillen's. They discussed how technology was used in their College of Education classes. I thought they did a great job of covering the topic. It was very formative in thorough. I think the main reason I enjoyed their podcast so much was because of the content they were covering. It was interesting to hear their perspective on Folitek. I honestly could not find anything that I would change about this blog. Everything was presented in a clear manner and seemed to flow nicely.
On the other hand, I listened to the podcast on Carmen O'Conner, Nikita Reed, and Angela Heyer's experience with blogs and how they can be used effectively in the classroom. This particular blog did not seem to flow as well, now did I feel like it covered the content sufficiently. The conversation did not seem organized and they seemed to repeat themselves throughout the whole podcast. This podcast encouraged me to make sure my group had a clear understanding of the information we were going to cover and how we were going to do it. It also seemed like they accidentally put each other on the spot by asking them questions they were not prepared to answer. I do not mean to bash their podcast, these are just a few of the things I would have changed.
On the other hand, I listened to the podcast on Carmen O'Conner, Nikita Reed, and Angela Heyer's experience with blogs and how they can be used effectively in the classroom. This particular blog did not seem to flow as well, now did I feel like it covered the content sufficiently. The conversation did not seem organized and they seemed to repeat themselves throughout the whole podcast. This podcast encouraged me to make sure my group had a clear understanding of the information we were going to cover and how we were going to do it. It also seemed like they accidentally put each other on the spot by asking them questions they were not prepared to answer. I do not mean to bash their podcast, these are just a few of the things I would have changed.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Fischbowl: Is it Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
What a great question... The author of this blog went into great detail in explaining the importance of technology in the classroom. He compared the importance of teacher's technology knowledge to being able to read and write. This is a very bold statement; however, it is a very true statement. It is obvious that our times are changing. The things that have worked in the past will not work in the future. From the previous Fischbowl video we blogged about, they mentioned that we are teaching and preparing children for jobs that do not yet exist. There is a rapid change in the information, knowledge, and technology daily. My generation is already saying, "Do you remember when no one had cell phones?" The possibilities of where we are heading in the 21st century are endless.
It is imperative that we, as teachers, be knowledgeable about the latest technology and findings. It is important that we also stay ahead of our students. Children are becoming more educated at earlier and earlier ages. Even now, many teachers turn to their students to fix computers or solve computer problems. This blog did a great job of informing teachers the importance of staying on top of the technology world. I always knew it was important, but never this important. I am challenged in a new way to be technology savvy, if you will.
It is imperative that we, as teachers, be knowledgeable about the latest technology and findings. It is important that we also stay ahead of our students. Children are becoming more educated at earlier and earlier ages. Even now, many teachers turn to their students to fix computers or solve computer problems. This blog did a great job of informing teachers the importance of staying on top of the technology world. I always knew it was important, but never this important. I am challenged in a new way to be technology savvy, if you will.
Podcast Review
This research on exploring podcast was very informative. I had no clue there were so many different podcast available. Podcast are somewhat harder for me to pay attention too because I am a very visual learner. However, I was able to make myself focus and learn some interesting things from the podcast.
The SmartBoard Lessons podcast was interesting. There was a wealth of information to be explored. Two main speakers run this podcast in a conversation like style. It is interesting to hear them speak on different subjects and really draw a connection between SmartBoards and the classroom.
On the other hand, we have the KidCast. This was informative as well, I just had a much harder time paying attention to everything he was covering. It seemed more like a lecture format. I listened the the "60 Second Lecture". He was teaching on how to be direct and concise with the things you are teaching your children. He then goes on the discuss the different problems teachers have with this approach. It was interesting to hear his perspective on this topic.
The MacBreak Weekly was the most enjoyable podcast for me. I appreciated their approach to discussion. They did a great job of keeping their topic interesting. This would probably by the style of podcast I would use when given the opportunity.
Overall, the podcast were neat to explore. It is a great way to research different topics of your choice and find more in-depth research. I can see where they will become more frequently used for research and teaching in the near future if they are not already.
The SmartBoard Lessons podcast was interesting. There was a wealth of information to be explored. Two main speakers run this podcast in a conversation like style. It is interesting to hear them speak on different subjects and really draw a connection between SmartBoards and the classroom.
On the other hand, we have the KidCast. This was informative as well, I just had a much harder time paying attention to everything he was covering. It seemed more like a lecture format. I listened the the "60 Second Lecture". He was teaching on how to be direct and concise with the things you are teaching your children. He then goes on the discuss the different problems teachers have with this approach. It was interesting to hear his perspective on this topic.
The MacBreak Weekly was the most enjoyable podcast for me. I appreciated their approach to discussion. They did a great job of keeping their topic interesting. This would probably by the style of podcast I would use when given the opportunity.
Overall, the podcast were neat to explore. It is a great way to research different topics of your choice and find more in-depth research. I can see where they will become more frequently used for research and teaching in the near future if they are not already.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Blogs Used in the Classroom: International Edition
This teacher uses her blog to discuss Guiyang Primary School in China. She gives you a detailed description of the daily activities. She also covers details like what exactly the room looked like and how the students responded to their teachers with respect. It was interesting to see the difference from your average American classroom. The Chinese teacher asked Dr. Kari if the American students studied Chinese as much as the Chinese students studied English. Another important thing she discussed is how the teachers planned for their lessons and how they approached actually teaching them during the school day. It is neat to see Dr. Kari's perspective of the Chinese classroom. Dr. Kari's Blog
This is a picture of students in Hangleton Junior School in Britain. the students in British schools are become "bloggers" at the age of seven. The teachers say that it the use of the blog has set them ahead of other students their age. These children are allowed to blog about things that interest them in their spare time, as a result, their performance as a class has improved. One teacher found that his students loved blogging so much, that they enjoyed blogging for extra credit after school hours. Blogging in British Schools
Blogs Used in the Classroom- U.S. Edition
The author of this website writes about an English teacher from Ontario. In her seventh grade classroom, she uses the blog as an extension of school. She use questions as prompts to get the students discussing book content or a certain subject. The English teachers also discusses the benefits the blogger creates for students that are shy or weaker readers. It creates a lever playing ground for every student. Among many of the benefits, another one that she listed was the fact that she could log in whenever and read the listings. Whereas, in the past, she would not have heard everything the students discussed, nor would she have remembered it as well. Discussion Approach Link
This picture is of two teachers from John Eliot School that began blogging last school year. In reading this article, you find how more interactive the blog makes the teacher-parent relationship. From these teachers experience, they say that the more you can inform the parents of what is going on in the classroom, the more they understand where you are coming from. In addition, the parents are less upset with the decisions the teachers make. They originally began blogging to try and connect with parents who maintain a busy schedule. The teachers also used the blogger to notify parents when their children struggled with certain problems in math that day. Overall, the blog has been effective for these teachers in many ways and they are continuing to use it. John Eliot Teachers Link
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Fisch Bowl Video
Informative would be an understatement of an adjective used to describe this video. It is hard to allow the realities of the statistics sink into my brain. It is crazy to think that far outside of my immediate surroundings. I hate to admit it, but it is the truth. Just allowing myself to watch the video and think about the information it contains is not necessarily enough for me. It has created a challenge for me to find my place in the midst of all that is changing in our society. Even more so, it has challenged me to find a helpful, beneficial place in my community, nation, and world.
When one first watches the video, one can become slightly overwhelmed or discouraged. It is hard to know exactly how to respond to such information. Who knows where we will be in the next ten years? I think the most important thing for us to take from this video is the importance of being well informed educators and being willing to find our place in fully educating the students we have the opportunity to teach. It is not enough to simply watch a video such as this one, and not see the importance of training a prepared and intelligent generation to face the twenty-first century. I plan on keeping this video and the information it contains at the forefront of my brain so that I can handle the information accordingly.
When one first watches the video, one can become slightly overwhelmed or discouraged. It is hard to know exactly how to respond to such information. Who knows where we will be in the next ten years? I think the most important thing for us to take from this video is the importance of being well informed educators and being willing to find our place in fully educating the students we have the opportunity to teach. It is not enough to simply watch a video such as this one, and not see the importance of training a prepared and intelligent generation to face the twenty-first century. I plan on keeping this video and the information it contains at the forefront of my brain so that I can handle the information accordingly.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
ACCESS
Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators, and Students Statewide (ACCESS) seems to be quite the new up and coming renovation to education in Alabama. To be completely honest, the system seems to good to be true. I am interested to see how educating students on such a high level over the internet is going to play out in the future. We, as a nation and world, are moving to a more technology based society. Therefore, it does no seem so far-fetched for something like ACCESS to be effective and productive. Coffeeville, AL is one of the areas that has taken this ACCESS opportunity seriously. It seems to have been a beneficial investment for them.
The overall website was easy to navigate. This website made it extremely easy for a parent to register their student, or even for the student to register themselves into the ACCESS program. It was interesting to see the set-up as far as teacher-student interaction. Even more so, it was interesting to see how the handle things are far as videoconferencing and everything being web-based. I have high hopes for this system. It will be a great tool to have in furthering the education opportunities for students.
The overall website was easy to navigate. This website made it extremely easy for a parent to register their student, or even for the student to register themselves into the ACCESS program. It was interesting to see the set-up as far as teacher-student interaction. Even more so, it was interesting to see how the handle things are far as videoconferencing and everything being web-based. I have high hopes for this system. It will be a great tool to have in furthering the education opportunities for students.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Alabama Learning Exhange: Quality for every facet of learning.
The Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX) functions as a major resource for administrators, teachers, as well as students. ALEX creates a safe environment where these people groups can gather information on many different levels. Whether it researching information that is appropriate for the different grade levels, or applying the Alabama State Standards to a lesson plan, ALEX has it all. If it was not helpful enough, this website allows you to create your own "personal workspace". This allows you to keep the information you find useful from the website, in one convenient location.
The Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators, and Students Statewide (ACCESS) provides a wider variety of learning for students. ACCESS Distance Learning allows students to take AP, elective courses, and other things of that nature that they would not normally have access too. ACCESS Distant learning is a provided link on the ALEX homepage.
It was encouraging to see a site such as ALEX. From looking over the available information, interaction between teachers and administrators, and the allowance of your own personal workspace, ALEX is more than helpful.
The Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators, and Students Statewide (ACCESS) provides a wider variety of learning for students. ACCESS Distance Learning allows students to take AP, elective courses, and other things of that nature that they would not normally have access too. ACCESS Distant learning is a provided link on the ALEX homepage.
It was encouraging to see a site such as ALEX. From looking over the available information, interaction between teachers and administrators, and the allowance of your own personal workspace, ALEX is more than helpful.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
About Me
My name is MariKate. I was born and raised in Mobile, AL. I have a very large and in charge family who all live in Mobile. There are a few relatives who live elsewhere, but not many. Needless to say, we are pretty close.
I honestly wanted to go to any college except South, but I got the most scholarship money here. Moreover, South was the best choice if I wanted to graduate debt free. My major is elementary education and I am a full time student. I work as a nanny throughout the week. In addition, I coach and assistant coach volleyball and basketball teams. Given that this is my sixth semester at South, I am starting to enjoy and appreciate the university. That pretty much sums it up.
I honestly wanted to go to any college except South, but I got the most scholarship money here. Moreover, South was the best choice if I wanted to graduate debt free. My major is elementary education and I am a full time student. I work as a nanny throughout the week. In addition, I coach and assistant coach volleyball and basketball teams. Given that this is my sixth semester at South, I am starting to enjoy and appreciate the university. That pretty much sums it up.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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