Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Comments For Kids #1 (summary)

My first comments for kids experience was to comment on a an eighth grader at Noel Elementary School in Noel Missouri. Noel Elementary serves grades 3-8. The students in this class were required to write an "about me" post and also a learning manifesto. The learning manifesto was a post in which the student was to express  what they want to accomplish to better themselves as a student. The young lady that I was assigned to, in her ABOUT ME post, she said that she liked playing sports. She likes to do math. She expressed that some challenges for her were when she doesn't understand something or when things at home sometimes interfere with her studies in school. My response to her was that, first of all, I wished that she could help me with math because I have a horrible time understanding it. I also said that when I have a hard time with something, that it is helpful to ask not only your teacher, but your classmates as well, that sometimes they can put in a better perspective for you. And when things aren't going so great at home that it is sometimes really hard not to let it interfere with school but we have to try and focus on school while we are there because it is so important. I suggested to maybe talk about it with her teachers or friends to get it off her mind. In the LEARNING MANIFESTO, she wanted to become a better student. To get her work in on time and not be tardy. She wanted to overcome any challenges and help her friends if she could when they were having trouble with something. In my response, I told her that being able to teach the lesson to someone else was one of the best learning strategies she could do, because when you can teach it to someone else and repeat it over and over, it means that you have mastered the skill. She had very high expectations of herself and her school experience which I thought was so wonderful. And I think that it is great that these students are blogging. It gives them a chance to be creative and express themselves in a way that they might not be able to in the classroom!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Blog Post #5

Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
This video describes just why podcasting is a valuable tool for student's to learn from. Podcasting is also referred to as Project Based Learning. Some of the benefits of podcasting in the classroom are that it makes learning more memorable for children. Rather than hearing a lecture or reading from a textbook, the student gets to engage in the lesson. By student's recording their own podcast, they are able to get into character for their specific project, which makes the lesson more animated and enjoyable and easier to recall from. Podcasting is also useful if a student is out sick or they can't make it to school for whatever reason. Their teacher records a podcast, posts it on the class blog, and the student can access it from wherever they are and they will never miss a lecture. Also another reason why podcasting is beneficial in the classroom is that parents get to see what their child is learning daily. In this video they interviewed a few student's and asked them what they thought about podcasting. Every student expressed that they enjoyed it far greater than the more traditional forms of learning. They get to role play and they also liked learning how to edit the recording and working with the blogs. Children spend a lot of time on the computer as it is or using other forms of technology. In fact, this video opens with the definition of a "millenial". A millenial is someone who was born after 1980, and they have never lived in a world without personal computers and technology. Why not let our students learn in a way that they can actually relate to? It's pertinent, in my opinion, for student's to interact in their daily lessons, rather than just listening to a teacher read from a book. These are learning tools they will benefit from throughout their lives and their careers.
Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom

kids podcasting


Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog
This was great! These third graders put together several Podcasts full of fun facts. They talked about Ancient Romans, Gladiators, Julius Cesar, Cleopatra, Christopher Columbus, Poetry, Shark Facts and Vocabulary, and even an interview with a shark expert. Already in third grade they are learning the art of an interview! Phenomenal!!!  What an exciting way for them to learn this stuff. They were so animated and sounded so enthusiastic! They sounded as if they were actually enjoying learning in school...Imagine that! It was like putting on a play but not having to get in front of an audience. The music and sound effects were great. These kids will always remember this information. Like I said in my previous post about the benefits of podcasting, learning this way and being able to engage in the lesson, makes it so much more of a memorable experience. They did a great job. Their teacher is doing them an incredible justice exposing them to this new way of learning.
Here is a link to Eagle Nest Radio. EAGLE NEST RADIO

The Educational Podcast Network
Here is a really informative site. If you have no idea what a podcast is, here you will find the answer. If you need step-by-step instructions on how to construct a podcast, here you go. The Educational Podcast Network is a network of educators can share their knowledge and ideas on the ever-growing world of technology in education. There are tons of recorded podcasts, for elementary school, middle school, and high school, in just about every subject matter you can imagine. But not only for the school-aged, but for the career oriented as well. There are close to 500 podcasts. I listened to several, just to get an idea of how to accurately devise one for my own purposes. Very descriptive site!!!!!
The Educational Podcast Network

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Blog Post #4

Do Not Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
Dr. Scott McLeod is the Associate Professor of Educational Administration at Iowa State University and the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE). I definitely am with Dr. McLeod on this. I will teach my students and my own children how to properly use all of these technological tools. If we educate them about it, they are less likely to abuse it. The more you tell someone not to do something, the more curious they will be about it and the more inclined they are to do it. Why not teach them to respect the proper way on how to network. I think that it will broaden their sense of the world. I know it has done so to me. Kids are going to learn about all of this eventually on their own. We should educate them in the right direction!Do Not Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
The iSchool Initiative
I am a little up in the air about this one. While I think that it is a good idea in some ways, I do not see a lot of school systems jumping on the bandwagon of getting rid of traditional ways of teaching. It would take a lot of additional training for the teachers. Some teachers are already reluctant on learning how to incorporate the web into their classrooms. I think that it would definitely save money in the long run. As for getting rid of books and traditional testing methods, I think we are a long way from that. Although with a new generation of educators, anything is possible. I certainly would not be opposed to this style of teaching. I would like to do a little more research on the subject matter. The iSchool Initiative
Lost Generation
Short and to the point! I liked this clip. Basically what it is saying is that the way the world is moving and statistically all these things are supposed to happen. Work will be more important than family, divorce rates are higher, environmental destruction will be the norm...etc..If we reverse the cycle one by one, this doesn't have to be our future. We are responsible for our own lives but by working together to make a change, the change doesn't have to be a negative one. I liked the way the entire speech was in a negative perspective but when read backwards, it turned into a positive perspective. Very interesting the way that was done. Lost Generation 
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
UNBELIEVABLE! I mean it was a beautifully arranged piece. It sounded as if they had all been practicing together for years. And they have never met, not one of them. This was all done over the web. These videos that we are required to watch are so interesting. I mean how in the world did Mr. Whitacre put this all together? I would really love to read up on his thinking process for this. People from all over the world, different ages, races, religions, countries.. connecting their voices together into a virtual choir. It makes me think what in the world will they think up next. I think that this is brilliant!   Virtual Choir
virtual choir

Monday, September 13, 2010

Additional Assignment #1

I have never heard of Google Squared nor Wolfram Alpha before doing this assignment. The educational implications of google squared are that in google squared you can categorize what you are looking for very quickly. It gives you a rating of how accurate and up to date the information is. It charts all of the information that you are looking for side by side so you can easily compare it. In Wolfram Alpha, the educational implications are also that of which it allows you to categorize information quickly. It gives you accurate information for what you are looking for and also gives you pictures and maps.
Dr. Stranges comments on this additional assignment didn't really alter anything that I thought of during the "Did You Know" video. I think that no matter what, the world as we know it will constantly change and no one can be sure of what tomorrow will bring. Information, technology, and statistics will change every day.
Pitcarin Islands Map

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The Stable Boy and the iPad
I think it is amazing that this little boy picked up on the iPad so fast. It only goes to show how broad a child's mind is and that we should never underestimate their abilities!!!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Blog Post #3

A Vision Of Students Today
This video probably captures the broad view of the average college student today. It is a little different from my experience but the same in some ways. I've never had a class size of over probably 40-50 students, always in a classroom not in a lecture hall. Most of my instructors have known my name in the past, although this is the first semester that I have taken hybrid courses. I spend most of my day online doing work for school this semester, so probably none of my instructors know who I am. What I am learning might prepare me for my profession but is it preparing me for the world around me? NO. But it basically captures the college experience for most people. Fortunately for me I will never have to pay back any college loans because I did time in the military, so the VA is paying for my education, thank you VA! The only thing that I would add to make this my own is that a lot of students have children and it is extremely difficult to find a balance between trying to be a parent and a student at the same time.VIDEO: A Vision Of Students Today
It's Not About the Technology
The future is technology. I think that we have established that. Ms. Hines brings up an extremely valid point. Although the future is advancing in so many ways, there is still a solid foundation for education, it is the teacher's willingness and dedication to their students.  Teachers are learning as well as students, as they should be. There should never be a time when a teacher stops learning. As many resources that are available today to educate with, a lot of teachers are reluctant to teach with them because they are reluctant to learn them. Teachers have to be open to new changes and new ways of teaching. Why wouldn't an educator want to expand their horizons and prepare their students for the life that is ahead of them?! 
Is it Ok to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
No it is not! I like Mr. Fisch. He is very honest in his words and I appreciate that. I enjoyed this post. He makes such a great comparison as to not being technologically literate today as a teacher is the same as not being able to read or write 30 years ago as a teacher. How true. He also makes a point as to computers being around for 30 years now. How long will it take? I don't think someone should be embarrassed by saying they are technologically illiterate. What I think should be the embarrassing part, is the unwillingness to learn it. I thought I was computer-savvy until I took this course. But I am learning and I think that there is something to be said in that. I want to prepare my future students and I think that any educator who doesn't feel that way and isn't open to change, yes..they should rethink their career. It should be a requirement.
ghandi quote

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

COMMENTS FOR TEACHERS (PART 1)

The first teacher that I have been following is Jenny She from Auckland, New Zealand. She is very honest in her self discovery that her students have been teaching her! She posts a very interesting video in her blog about a young girl named Adora, who had her first book published when she was only 6 years old. Now Adora travels around the United States speaking to Education professionals about how adults can learn a lot from children. I am posting this video because I think it is something everyone should watch! What an intelligent young lady!
July 7, 2010-We Should Listen to the Kids!
On my first Teacher Blog, Jenny wrote how when she started teaching at a new school, the school was using MAC computers. She had never used a MAC before and she did not even know how to use the mouse! She was embarrassed to ask any of her fellow colleagues for help, so she asked her students. She was amazed to find how much the students knew about using a MAC. She said, without judgment or questions on why she did not know, her students filled her in quickly, and they continue to do so whenever a question arises. I think this is wonderful. Growing up in a different generation as kids today, there are so many lessons and new technology that we never learned about in our day. I think that if you can overlook the fact that a child may know more than you, you can learn so much from them. Just be open and give a child a little respect and you will be surprised as to what they know. I know that my own daughter who is only three years old, teaches me everyday. Imagine what a school-aged child, growing up in today's society with today's growing technology, can show you!

June 6, 2010-Are we Looking After Our Planet?
Jenny posted this video to her blog. It is a video about a man who just keeps hiding his waste and trash, in hopes that no one will be able to see it. It is supposed to assimilate how people on our planet just waste and waste. Out of site, out of mind. It is truly a shame that this really is the way of the world. Not many can say that they do their part to keep our planet clean. They just continue to waste. Pretty soon there will be no where else to hide it all. Here is a link to the video. It is very creative but the message is clear. 
 Thom Yorke-The Clock

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Blog Post #2

DID YOU KNOW?
WOW! This clip was amazing yet alarming. Technology is progressing so fast! Faster than we even know or are prepared for. It is scary to know that life as we know it now will not be the same in 5..even 2 years. What got me the most was that "for a student starting a technical degree, half of what they learn in their first year of study, will be outdated by their third year of study." WHAT?! You mean that there is more of this stuff to learn :) Seriously though, now I fully understand the meaning of this class. Honestly, I had no idea that classrooms today were full of smart boards and podcasts. I graduated HS in 1998, never even heard of a smart board. I guess it's either get with the program or get left out, because the world is moving forward whether you like it or not!VIDEO:DID YOU KNOW?

MR. WINKLE WAKES
Eye-opening.  A little comical..but the point of the clip..sad but true. The education system needs to get with the program. They are so far behind the rest of the world. As fast as the world is turning, schools are using the same methods being used for years past, and students are being left behind. The Education System once again is left out, whether it be from low funds (which is more than likely) or maybe just too hesitant for change. Whatever the reason and whomever is running it, times they are a changing! How will we expect future generations to exceed us if we ourselves do not update our methods of teaching. Every professional that uses these technological advances are in school for some part of their lives. How will they learn these things if they are not learning them in school. I for one am for the change and I hope that I can be apart of it. We need to properly educate our future leaders of the world.VIDEO:Mr. Winkle Wakes

SCHOOL KILLS CREATIVITY
Sir Ken Robinson gives a speech about how in schools today, children are taught on a strict academic scale. He says that children are not afraid of making mistakes or being wrong and that as children grow, they are educated out of their special talents and creativity. I really enjoyed watching this video and it is so true. Children are so funny and so wonderfully artistic in their own way. They LOVE to dance, sing, draw, and paint pictures. Once they begin school, they are taught the important subjects, math, science, english, and history. There is very little emphasis on the arts. If they are not learning at the same rate as others, they are told they have a problem. Some children are more academically-inclined than others. That should  not mean that children who are not, should be shamed for not doing as well as their more academically-inclined peers. I think that it is a shame that children are being taught on such a one track scale. Yes, it is incredibly important to learn those important subjects such as math and science. Saying that, it is equally important to encourage their creativity. Children spend the majority of their day in school and they are not being given the opportunity and more-so, being encouraged to be their own individual. That to me is wrong. Who is to say that a child's talent isn't a talent at all but a learning disability?! As a mother and a future educator, I will always recognize my children's and my student's creative capabilities!VIDEO:Sir Ken Robinson Says School Kills Creativity
are you living your dream?


HARNESS YOUR STUDENT'S DIGITAL SMARTS
This is amazing stuff! Vicki Davis has gone beyond just teaching her student's about the world. Her student's are actually interacting with others from all over the world. The future is computers and it goes back to the clip Did You Know? The world is progressing so fast technologically. Student's and schools need to jump on this bandwagon. A small rural town in Georgia such as Vicki's..these students would be learning facts about other countries out of a book, going in one ear and right out the other. Now they get a chance to see how other countries of the world live and seeing is believing. Vicki brings up an extremely valid point. She says that the thought process in schools is that a teacher is supposed to know it all before they can teach it. Not in her class. Her student's are teaching her. These students are having to educate themselves, by doing their own research. How much more do you think this information is sinking in than just reading it from a book?  This is the way that it should be. Student's should be encouraged and "empowered" as Vicki says, to learn on their own. Every teacher should watch this video and empower their own students. They might just be amazed at what they could learn along the way!VIDEO:Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts