Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Project #10- PLN Progress Report
For my PLN I am using the website symbaloo. This is one of the most convenient and useful websites I have ever seen before. With symbaloo I am able to create a page with the links to every site that I use frequently. Everything I need is all on one page and easily accessed. I have always done better in school when I am organized and symbaloo makes it very easy to stay organized. Not only do you have and icon for every site that you would like but you can group them in categories. You can select what color you would like for each one also. I have really enjoyed symbaloo so far and I am excited to continue doing so!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Blog Post #7
Randy Pausch’s introduction was very shocking but inspiring. He is being faced with something very tragic and yet he has such a positive outlook. I really liked his saying “We can not change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” He seems like a very outgoing and nice guy. I think he has a great sense of humor and does a great job of giving a presentation. He chose such a great topic to talk about. Some of these things we have heard before, but I think they sink in more when you hear them from someone in his condition.
It is so amazing that e was able to accomplish his first childhood dream by being in zero gravity. His idea of learning more from the dreams that he didn’t accomplish really caught my attention. He said that a football coach would always drill him really hard because he was messing up. An observer pointed out to him that this was a good thing. When someone is taking the time to correct you on your mistakes that mean they haven’t given up on you. This stood out to me and I think it is important for anyone who feels like they are constantly being corrected to keep this in mind. Another wonderful quote came from this section, “Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.”
Pausch was a motivated person from a very young age. Not many kids go to Disney Land and think about creating the rides and other things rather than just enjoying it. Even though Disney denied him of a job at first he still continued to pursue Disney for a career. This paid off for him.
Not only has he accomplished his childhood dreams he has become a professor where he can help others to reach their dreams. The advice he was given by a friend was well given. If you don’t know where to set the bar for your class don’t do the students a disservice by putting it anywhere. You should continue to pus the students forward by asking for more.
Randy Pausch has accomplished a lot during his life. Unfortunately his life was cut short. I think he has so much to be proud of and people will still continue to learn from him. He was able to meet so many successful people and lead others to success. I am pleased that I was able to view this video and will spread the word to others. He has taught me so much as to what are the important duties of being a teacher.
It is so amazing that e was able to accomplish his first childhood dream by being in zero gravity. His idea of learning more from the dreams that he didn’t accomplish really caught my attention. He said that a football coach would always drill him really hard because he was messing up. An observer pointed out to him that this was a good thing. When someone is taking the time to correct you on your mistakes that mean they haven’t given up on you. This stood out to me and I think it is important for anyone who feels like they are constantly being corrected to keep this in mind. Another wonderful quote came from this section, “Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.”
Pausch was a motivated person from a very young age. Not many kids go to Disney Land and think about creating the rides and other things rather than just enjoying it. Even though Disney denied him of a job at first he still continued to pursue Disney for a career. This paid off for him.
Not only has he accomplished his childhood dreams he has become a professor where he can help others to reach their dreams. The advice he was given by a friend was well given. If you don’t know where to set the bar for your class don’t do the students a disservice by putting it anywhere. You should continue to pus the students forward by asking for more.
Randy Pausch has accomplished a lot during his life. Unfortunately his life was cut short. I think he has so much to be proud of and people will still continue to learn from him. He was able to meet so many successful people and lead others to success. I am pleased that I was able to view this video and will spread the word to others. He has taught me so much as to what are the important duties of being a teacher.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
C4T #2
Learning with ‘e’s
1.) Business Games
This post discussed the topic of sharing information freely. Since teachers share their information with one another, is it smart for a business to do so? If a business were to give out there information this could be risky because the business world is very competitive. A business could lose income. I don’t think this is the same in the teaching world. So much improvement needs to be made in education and it would be beneficial to access the ideas of other teachers. By sharing your ideas as a teacher you are helping out so many others. If we all keep are ideas to our self, how will we ever see changes in education? For a business it is wise to give out a cheap version of their product for potential users to sample and sell the updated version for a steeper price. These way potential buyers can use a sample of the product before making a large purchase and companies aren’t losing income. Also each company has an idea of what the other one is doing.
2.) In the Same Boat
As teachers we are all “in the same boat.” While this can be comforting, it is an issue. There are changes that need to be made in our education system. People can me be hesitant to change and it is hard to get the message across to such a large crowd. In this post the topic of making a change globally in education was discussed. Technology offers so much to people who are willing to learn. Information on the web can be overwhelming at times. Even if we can not attain all the information provided from the internet, we can learn more than we would from one text book. Having students use technology, such as the Japanese schools did stated in the post, can allow a student to use many skills. This is also intriguing to the student and keeps them focused. If we want to see change than it is up to each individual to do so, as said in the final remark. We can start making changes little by little till eventually we all “row in the same direction.”
1.) Business Games
This post discussed the topic of sharing information freely. Since teachers share their information with one another, is it smart for a business to do so? If a business were to give out there information this could be risky because the business world is very competitive. A business could lose income. I don’t think this is the same in the teaching world. So much improvement needs to be made in education and it would be beneficial to access the ideas of other teachers. By sharing your ideas as a teacher you are helping out so many others. If we all keep are ideas to our self, how will we ever see changes in education? For a business it is wise to give out a cheap version of their product for potential users to sample and sell the updated version for a steeper price. These way potential buyers can use a sample of the product before making a large purchase and companies aren’t losing income. Also each company has an idea of what the other one is doing.
2.) In the Same Boat
As teachers we are all “in the same boat.” While this can be comforting, it is an issue. There are changes that need to be made in our education system. People can me be hesitant to change and it is hard to get the message across to such a large crowd. In this post the topic of making a change globally in education was discussed. Technology offers so much to people who are willing to learn. Information on the web can be overwhelming at times. Even if we can not attain all the information provided from the internet, we can learn more than we would from one text book. Having students use technology, such as the Japanese schools did stated in the post, can allow a student to use many skills. This is also intriguing to the student and keeps them focused. If we want to see change than it is up to each individual to do so, as said in the final remark. We can start making changes little by little till eventually we all “row in the same direction.”
Sunday, October 2, 2011
C4K Summary Post (September)
C4K #1
My comment was to Kaylee who wrote a biopoem about herself. We had some things in common. We both consider ourselves to be fun, loving, and athletic. Kaylee had goals that she set for herself that I hope she will reach. She knew exactly where she wanted to attend college and that she wants to own her own vet clinic in Colorado. She loves the summer and to read. She seems like a very motivated child and I hope she continues forward on the right track. I think Kaylee has a bright future ahead of her.
C4K #2
This video was called “First Day Success.” This classroom of students were given iPads and learned how to do some neat things on them. In my comment I told the students they should feel very privileged to have this opportunity. I also said that hey first day would not be the only successful day.
C4K #3
I had to leave a comment on a video from the students of St. Elmo. In the video each kid held a picture up of themselves and stated something that they had in common with the rest of the students from their class. They also each named a fact about themselves that made them different from every other student. I enjoyed the video and thought this was unique. Students learn that they all have something in common with each other, but they are also unique individuals. Each characteristic, the common and different one, made each student special.
C4K #4
In this post Kali posted the top 5 places she would recommend to visit. She chose some very neat places including: Empire State Building, Figge Art Museum, Capitol Reef National Park, 2010 Olympic Stadium, and West Edmonton Mall. I have never been able to visit any of these places. She also asked for recommendations in a response to her post, therefore I suggested three places. I suggested Dubai, San Alfonso Del Mar and the Eiffel Tower. Dubai is the holder of the tallest building in the world. San Alfonso Del Mar has the world’s biggest pool. The Eiffel Tower just has a one of a kind view. I hope one day both Kali and I get to visit these places.
My comment was to Kaylee who wrote a biopoem about herself. We had some things in common. We both consider ourselves to be fun, loving, and athletic. Kaylee had goals that she set for herself that I hope she will reach. She knew exactly where she wanted to attend college and that she wants to own her own vet clinic in Colorado. She loves the summer and to read. She seems like a very motivated child and I hope she continues forward on the right track. I think Kaylee has a bright future ahead of her.
C4K #2
This video was called “First Day Success.” This classroom of students were given iPads and learned how to do some neat things on them. In my comment I told the students they should feel very privileged to have this opportunity. I also said that hey first day would not be the only successful day.
C4K #3
I had to leave a comment on a video from the students of St. Elmo. In the video each kid held a picture up of themselves and stated something that they had in common with the rest of the students from their class. They also each named a fact about themselves that made them different from every other student. I enjoyed the video and thought this was unique. Students learn that they all have something in common with each other, but they are also unique individuals. Each characteristic, the common and different one, made each student special.
C4K #4
In this post Kali posted the top 5 places she would recommend to visit. She chose some very neat places including: Empire State Building, Figge Art Museum, Capitol Reef National Park, 2010 Olympic Stadium, and West Edmonton Mall. I have never been able to visit any of these places. She also asked for recommendations in a response to her post, therefore I suggested three places. I suggested Dubai, San Alfonso Del Mar and the Eiffel Tower. Dubai is the holder of the tallest building in the world. San Alfonso Del Mar has the world’s biggest pool. The Eiffel Tower just has a one of a kind view. I hope one day both Kali and I get to visit these places.
Blog Assignment #6
The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler
This video shows a networked student who is getting a lot from using the internet. He is able to find out information on different topics, see other people’s ideas, and post his own ideas for others to see. All of these things he is able to do on a computer at any time. "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" A student can find a large amount of information on the internet. A teacher has to guide a student so that they can determine what information is credible and realize that blogs are mainly people’s opinions and not cold hard facts. Students learn from a teacher how to use all the information they are given to form their own opinion. A teacher guides a student and shows them how to properly find information and respectfully gain help from experts. A mountain of information is not useful to the student if they do not know how to organize and interpret it properly. I think I am ready for a “networked student.” I know that I can still increase my knowledge of using the internet, so that I can be more beneficial to students in the future.
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)
This video was very impressive. I was shocked that this was done by a student in the seventh grade. This student knows how to navigate through the internet very well. I looked up the page symbaloo thanks to her and I am creating my own. All her information that she found was very well organized. She used websites that I hadn’t heard of. The note taking program she used seemed like it would be helpful to many students. It keeps track of information and where you got it from. I learned things from this video that I will probably start using.
This video shows a networked student who is getting a lot from using the internet. He is able to find out information on different topics, see other people’s ideas, and post his own ideas for others to see. All of these things he is able to do on a computer at any time. "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" A student can find a large amount of information on the internet. A teacher has to guide a student so that they can determine what information is credible and realize that blogs are mainly people’s opinions and not cold hard facts. Students learn from a teacher how to use all the information they are given to form their own opinion. A teacher guides a student and shows them how to properly find information and respectfully gain help from experts. A mountain of information is not useful to the student if they do not know how to organize and interpret it properly. I think I am ready for a “networked student.” I know that I can still increase my knowledge of using the internet, so that I can be more beneficial to students in the future.
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)
This video was very impressive. I was shocked that this was done by a student in the seventh grade. This student knows how to navigate through the internet very well. I looked up the page symbaloo thanks to her and I am creating my own. All her information that she found was very well organized. She used websites that I hadn’t heard of. The note taking program she used seemed like it would be helpful to many students. It keeps track of information and where you got it from. I learned things from this video that I will probably start using.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Blog Assignment #5
Don’t teach your kids this stuff. Please? By: Scott McLeod
In this Dr. McLeod uses a sarcastic approach to discuss the use of technology by children. He points the negative things that are on the computer. He states for this reason kids should nit use the computer. After this he says that he will let his kids use the computer and in the future will see who has the upper hand. Unfortunately there are things on the computer that kids should not be viewing. If parents or teachers monitor students properly than they can sill use the computer and receive the benefits the computer has to offer. Technology is growing and students need to be able to use it. If we want our kids and students to excel in the future, than we need to do something about it now. We need to start now and teach them how to use technology. Another comment that was made by Dr. McLeod made was that why shall we teach students how to write online because pen and paper aren’t going anywhere. Writing with pen and paper is boring and we need to increase the interest of students today. The use of the computer does increase a child’s interest. Scott McLeod is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He also is the Founding Director of the UCEA which is a Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education. This is the nation’s only academic center and it is dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators. He is a co-creator of a series of videos “Did You Know? (Shift Happens).”
The iSchool Initiative by: Travis Allen
This video was done exceptionally well. I was very impressed by Travis. This is a wonderful idea. If this idea was actually used in schools today I think we would see many benefits. It is so convenient, entertaining, and environmentally friendly. Not only would students be able to access everything they need in the classroom but also anywhere else that they go. As long as there is an internet connection a student could work on school assignments. Students can interact with the teacher outside of the classroom more conveniently. I think that having all of the apps on your iPod could help a student stay organized. If a kid is ever sick or has to miss school they can still do there work. All around the iSchool initiative is an excellent idea.
Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir
My first reaction to this video was “Wow, someone had to of spent a lot of time putting this together.” It is crazy to think that you can form a choir without the singers ever having to meet. Each person can make their own video at home or wherever they are. Then these videos can be played together so that the people are singing in unison. All together this forms a choir of strangers. It is insane how far technology has come today and all the things that are possible to do with it. It was a very creative idea.
Teaching in the 21st Century by: Kevin Robert
Robert feels that it necessary for teachers to use technology to teach students. He knows that a child can fin information using different sites on the web. He thinks that teachers should help them to interpret, analyze, and validate information. He is also strongly focused on using information to problem solve. There are many questions we have to ask ourselves in everyday situations, for this reason Robert thinks students need to know how to answer them. For example how should you invest your savings, who should you vote for, or should you rent or buy? Students should be taught by teachers not how to find the data but how to interpret it so that they can answer questions like these. Another thing of importance is creativity. Creation today can be encouraged by blogging, podcast, and designing. Roberts makes it known that this isn’t for entertainment but to engage the student. Students who are engaged are learning, have long-term results, and can solve problems. Robert’s ideas are encouraging to a teacher. As teachers we have to think about what we are teaching to the student and how they can use it. Our biggest question should be “What does it mean to teach?”
In this Dr. McLeod uses a sarcastic approach to discuss the use of technology by children. He points the negative things that are on the computer. He states for this reason kids should nit use the computer. After this he says that he will let his kids use the computer and in the future will see who has the upper hand. Unfortunately there are things on the computer that kids should not be viewing. If parents or teachers monitor students properly than they can sill use the computer and receive the benefits the computer has to offer. Technology is growing and students need to be able to use it. If we want our kids and students to excel in the future, than we need to do something about it now. We need to start now and teach them how to use technology. Another comment that was made by Dr. McLeod made was that why shall we teach students how to write online because pen and paper aren’t going anywhere. Writing with pen and paper is boring and we need to increase the interest of students today. The use of the computer does increase a child’s interest. Scott McLeod is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He also is the Founding Director of the UCEA which is a Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education. This is the nation’s only academic center and it is dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators. He is a co-creator of a series of videos “Did You Know? (Shift Happens).”
The iSchool Initiative by: Travis Allen
This video was done exceptionally well. I was very impressed by Travis. This is a wonderful idea. If this idea was actually used in schools today I think we would see many benefits. It is so convenient, entertaining, and environmentally friendly. Not only would students be able to access everything they need in the classroom but also anywhere else that they go. As long as there is an internet connection a student could work on school assignments. Students can interact with the teacher outside of the classroom more conveniently. I think that having all of the apps on your iPod could help a student stay organized. If a kid is ever sick or has to miss school they can still do there work. All around the iSchool initiative is an excellent idea.
Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir
My first reaction to this video was “Wow, someone had to of spent a lot of time putting this together.” It is crazy to think that you can form a choir without the singers ever having to meet. Each person can make their own video at home or wherever they are. Then these videos can be played together so that the people are singing in unison. All together this forms a choir of strangers. It is insane how far technology has come today and all the things that are possible to do with it. It was a very creative idea.
Teaching in the 21st Century by: Kevin Robert
Robert feels that it necessary for teachers to use technology to teach students. He knows that a child can fin information using different sites on the web. He thinks that teachers should help them to interpret, analyze, and validate information. He is also strongly focused on using information to problem solve. There are many questions we have to ask ourselves in everyday situations, for this reason Robert thinks students need to know how to answer them. For example how should you invest your savings, who should you vote for, or should you rent or buy? Students should be taught by teachers not how to find the data but how to interpret it so that they can answer questions like these. Another thing of importance is creativity. Creation today can be encouraged by blogging, podcast, and designing. Roberts makes it known that this isn’t for entertainment but to engage the student. Students who are engaged are learning, have long-term results, and can solve problems. Robert’s ideas are encouraging to a teacher. As teachers we have to think about what we are teaching to the student and how they can use it. Our biggest question should be “What does it mean to teach?”
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Blog Assignment # 4
Langwitches
I thought “1st Graders Create Their Own Read-Along Audiobook” was very interesting. This was a great idea. This makes learning more interesting. I think that by doing this the students would be more engaged by learning and they can also go back and use there booklet the teacher put together while listening to the podcast. I could see students in classrooms enjoying this way of learning.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom by: Joe Dale
Podcasting can be a very useful tool in a student’s education. One of the main benefits is that you can access it anywhere where there is a computer and internet. Not only can you access it anywhere, but also at anytime. The other useful part of podcasting is that it is easy to upload. It is a very simple thing that teachers and students can do. Teachers are also able to interact with students outside of the classroom. A good point that was made is that if a student is sick or has to stay home from school for some reason, than they can still stay caught up with the class. Podcast make a student use higher levels of thinking and encourage creativity. For many parents who are concerned with what their children are doing in class can also stay informed. Podcasting can help a parent be able to help their child. If a child is confused and the parent can learn from the video, they can help them to better understand. Often parents have a hard time helping their children because they haven’t had that subject in a long time and can not remember the material. I feel that podcasting is something that needs to be used more often.
100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better
I absolutely love my iPod and iPhone. It is so nice to have access to many useful resources. For anyone who thinks they are only for music purposes, you are absolutely wrong. You can do almost anything on the iPod that you can do on a computer. So many programs have made iPod friendly version to study with. Spark notes has been one of the most used study guides for high school and college students and can now be accessed from the iPod. Now you can get information on almost any subject so conveniently and literally in the palm of your hand. I think the best way to sum it up is using the words from the article “learning on the go has never been easier.”
I thought “1st Graders Create Their Own Read-Along Audiobook” was very interesting. This was a great idea. This makes learning more interesting. I think that by doing this the students would be more engaged by learning and they can also go back and use there booklet the teacher put together while listening to the podcast. I could see students in classrooms enjoying this way of learning.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom by: Joe Dale
Podcasting can be a very useful tool in a student’s education. One of the main benefits is that you can access it anywhere where there is a computer and internet. Not only can you access it anywhere, but also at anytime. The other useful part of podcasting is that it is easy to upload. It is a very simple thing that teachers and students can do. Teachers are also able to interact with students outside of the classroom. A good point that was made is that if a student is sick or has to stay home from school for some reason, than they can still stay caught up with the class. Podcast make a student use higher levels of thinking and encourage creativity. For many parents who are concerned with what their children are doing in class can also stay informed. Podcasting can help a parent be able to help their child. If a child is confused and the parent can learn from the video, they can help them to better understand. Often parents have a hard time helping their children because they haven’t had that subject in a long time and can not remember the material. I feel that podcasting is something that needs to be used more often.
100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better
I absolutely love my iPod and iPhone. It is so nice to have access to many useful resources. For anyone who thinks they are only for music purposes, you are absolutely wrong. You can do almost anything on the iPod that you can do on a computer. So many programs have made iPod friendly version to study with. Spark notes has been one of the most used study guides for high school and college students and can now be accessed from the iPod. Now you can get information on almost any subject so conveniently and literally in the palm of your hand. I think the best way to sum it up is using the words from the article “learning on the go has never been easier.”
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Blog Assignment 3
"It's Not about the Technology" by: Kelly Hines
In this post Mrs. Hines talks about technology and teachers in our school system. For progress to be made in the classroom changes need to be made. Is technology going to be the fix for the problems in a classroom? Is it really about technology? Mrs. Hines gives us some information to show that the focus should be on the teacher and not technology. A teacher has to be technology literate for technology to benefit students. Teachers have to be willing to learn. This a very good point. If a teacher is not up to date with the 21st century, than the chances that a student of their's is slim. For those of us who want to become successful teachers must stay current.
My favorite part of Mrs. Hines post was teaching and learning are not the same. Her point is made by saying that you can apply force to an object numerous times and that if it does not move than no work has been done. When teaching a student you can make the same effort to teach them over and over again, however, if the student does not learn than no teaching has been done. In this case something has to change. If a teacher is willing to learn than maybe they could find a new way to teaching the material so that the student could comprehend and learn it. Technology offers many ways of doing things but the teacher has to be able to understand it in order to teach it to where it will be beneficial to the student.
"Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?" by: Karl Fisch
Karl Fisch's argument is valid and i understand what he is saying completely. The 21st century is centered around technology. A teacher who is not technologically literate is going to be way behind those teachers who are technologically literate. I know know if is accurate to say that it is equivalent to a teacher from 30 years ago who know how to read and write. I do believe that teachers should encourage continual learning.
Fisch was very to the point with whom he thought should be technologically literate. He also said that headteachers and principals should be held accountable for a technologically illiterate staff.He makes it clear that he thinks we are too kind when it comes to qualificatios for being technologically literate.I think this is true, employers should be sure to make sure new staff members are current with technology and employed staff are caught up.
"Garys Social Media Count" by: Garry Hayes
We have currently been required to read many post on technology growth and teachers staying current, because of this the social media counts is not as surprising to me as it would have been the first day. Even though this information may not be surprising it is reassuring of the importance for teachers to be technologically literate. As I am on the link the numbers are drastically changing for different media types.So many people are using these networks and often. We as teachers should be aware of the use of technology and should be a part of it. The students that we will teach will be part of the growth of technology and to understand them better we should do the same. Part of our duty as teachers is to do our best to understand and try to help a student in the best way possible to succeed. Part of this is going to have to be done by understanding and using technology.
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
Wow! This video was shocking. I really enjoyed watching it and once again I'm not sure what to think about technology. This video is relateable to college students such as myself. People spend so much money and put themselves into debt and yet still do not go to class. It is sad that students have that much lack of interest in the class. We also spend so much money on textbooks and do not use them enough to get our moneys worth. When students bring their laptop into class you can always look around and see that they are not doing school work. It is sad and unfortunate that today you can get a degree and yet there is still no certainty that you will have a job.
The fact that there are people in the world making less than a dollar a day is mind blowing. A students laptop cost more than a persons yearly income is sad. Another thin that was crazy to see was the hours spent by college students doing different activities. The sum of the activities was about 26 hours a day which means that our generation is good at multitasking. A good bit of the hours were spent online and on cellphones. We are generation that has a high interest in technology.
In this post Mrs. Hines talks about technology and teachers in our school system. For progress to be made in the classroom changes need to be made. Is technology going to be the fix for the problems in a classroom? Is it really about technology? Mrs. Hines gives us some information to show that the focus should be on the teacher and not technology. A teacher has to be technology literate for technology to benefit students. Teachers have to be willing to learn. This a very good point. If a teacher is not up to date with the 21st century, than the chances that a student of their's is slim. For those of us who want to become successful teachers must stay current.
My favorite part of Mrs. Hines post was teaching and learning are not the same. Her point is made by saying that you can apply force to an object numerous times and that if it does not move than no work has been done. When teaching a student you can make the same effort to teach them over and over again, however, if the student does not learn than no teaching has been done. In this case something has to change. If a teacher is willing to learn than maybe they could find a new way to teaching the material so that the student could comprehend and learn it. Technology offers many ways of doing things but the teacher has to be able to understand it in order to teach it to where it will be beneficial to the student.
"Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?" by: Karl Fisch
Karl Fisch's argument is valid and i understand what he is saying completely. The 21st century is centered around technology. A teacher who is not technologically literate is going to be way behind those teachers who are technologically literate. I know know if is accurate to say that it is equivalent to a teacher from 30 years ago who know how to read and write. I do believe that teachers should encourage continual learning.
Fisch was very to the point with whom he thought should be technologically literate. He also said that headteachers and principals should be held accountable for a technologically illiterate staff.He makes it clear that he thinks we are too kind when it comes to qualificatios for being technologically literate.I think this is true, employers should be sure to make sure new staff members are current with technology and employed staff are caught up.
"Garys Social Media Count" by: Garry Hayes
We have currently been required to read many post on technology growth and teachers staying current, because of this the social media counts is not as surprising to me as it would have been the first day. Even though this information may not be surprising it is reassuring of the importance for teachers to be technologically literate. As I am on the link the numbers are drastically changing for different media types.So many people are using these networks and often. We as teachers should be aware of the use of technology and should be a part of it. The students that we will teach will be part of the growth of technology and to understand them better we should do the same. Part of our duty as teachers is to do our best to understand and try to help a student in the best way possible to succeed. Part of this is going to have to be done by understanding and using technology.
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
Wow! This video was shocking. I really enjoyed watching it and once again I'm not sure what to think about technology. This video is relateable to college students such as myself. People spend so much money and put themselves into debt and yet still do not go to class. It is sad that students have that much lack of interest in the class. We also spend so much money on textbooks and do not use them enough to get our moneys worth. When students bring their laptop into class you can always look around and see that they are not doing school work. It is sad and unfortunate that today you can get a degree and yet there is still no certainty that you will have a job.
The fact that there are people in the world making less than a dollar a day is mind blowing. A students laptop cost more than a persons yearly income is sad. Another thin that was crazy to see was the hours spent by college students doing different activities. The sum of the activities was about 26 hours a day which means that our generation is good at multitasking. A good bit of the hours were spent online and on cellphones. We are generation that has a high interest in technology.
Friday, September 9, 2011
C4T #1
C4T Comment 1 on David Wee's Blog, 21st Century Educator
David Wees posted “Fix Math Education” which stated possible solutions to help improve education. It starts by saying that there are problems with math education and that grades have stayed the same for a long time so why should we bother fixing anything now. There is no use for math, that people aren't using algebra everyday so why not eliminate math completely. Well this is not an option. Math needs to be adjusted so that students can stay interested in the subject. There are everyday examples where math is being used. There may be a need for a reverse teaching approach where students access instructional materials for homework. Another good tool is the way Khan Acadamey works where students can work at there own pace, the master on section before being pushed to the next, and software can track the students progress.
In agreement I said that students to lose interest in math and that we need to start working with students at early age to spark their interest and continue to do so from then on. It is common for people to say they are not good at math and for a young person to hear this it makes it seem ok. It raises the question that if an adult does not do well at math then why would they need to. Giving real life examples of the use of math is essential. We need to let students know how they can benefit from being knowledgeable about mathematics. Having a math class and then homework or another part where a student can go online to work at their on pace would be beneficial so that everyone could be caught up by the next class.
C4T Comment 2 on David Wee's Blog, 21st Century Educator
In another post from David Wees there is an article written by Matt Richtel from the New York Times. Richtel is concerned about the amount of money spent on technology to be put in schools. He claims that money is being spent on technology that has not been proven to make a difference in test scores. Wees argues that although technology may not be proven helpful yet, you can not base such a decision off a single school district. Richtel used a school district in Maine to base his decision off of. Along with Wees I agree that in order to know how helpful technology can be we will have to get it into our school systems before we can find out. Another point is that even though test scores are important, they are not the only important factor when measuring a student’s knowledge.
David Wees posted “Fix Math Education” which stated possible solutions to help improve education. It starts by saying that there are problems with math education and that grades have stayed the same for a long time so why should we bother fixing anything now. There is no use for math, that people aren't using algebra everyday so why not eliminate math completely. Well this is not an option. Math needs to be adjusted so that students can stay interested in the subject. There are everyday examples where math is being used. There may be a need for a reverse teaching approach where students access instructional materials for homework. Another good tool is the way Khan Acadamey works where students can work at there own pace, the master on section before being pushed to the next, and software can track the students progress.
In agreement I said that students to lose interest in math and that we need to start working with students at early age to spark their interest and continue to do so from then on. It is common for people to say they are not good at math and for a young person to hear this it makes it seem ok. It raises the question that if an adult does not do well at math then why would they need to. Giving real life examples of the use of math is essential. We need to let students know how they can benefit from being knowledgeable about mathematics. Having a math class and then homework or another part where a student can go online to work at their on pace would be beneficial so that everyone could be caught up by the next class.
C4T Comment 2 on David Wee's Blog, 21st Century Educator
In another post from David Wees there is an article written by Matt Richtel from the New York Times. Richtel is concerned about the amount of money spent on technology to be put in schools. He claims that money is being spent on technology that has not been proven to make a difference in test scores. Wees argues that although technology may not be proven helpful yet, you can not base such a decision off a single school district. Richtel used a school district in Maine to base his decision off of. Along with Wees I agree that in order to know how helpful technology can be we will have to get it into our school systems before we can find out. Another point is that even though test scores are important, they are not the only important factor when measuring a student’s knowledge.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Blog Assignment 2
Did You Know? 3.0
By: Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod
Today we use a large variety of technology on a everyday basis and several times throughout the day. Even though we are consistently using computers we don't pay attention to how rapidly technology is growing. In the video "Did You Know? 3.0" it is brought to our attention how fast technology is becoming more and more used. It is crazy to think that 1 in 8 married couples last year met online. This proves that people are spending a lot of time on the internet.
When you hear that 200 million people are on mysapce many people don't look at it as if myspace were a country it would be the fifth largest in the world. Whatching videos like this one can give you a new perspectives to help you realize the rapid growth in technology. Today you can find an answer to almost any question on google, which is why there are 31 billion searches on google every month. This is a drastic change from 2006 when it was 2.7 billion. Everyday there are so many messages sent and recieved that it exceeds the population of the planet. I had no idea that text messages were this used before watching the video. This video has really helped me put the growth of technology into perspective.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
By: Mathew Needleman
In this video Mr. Winkle is an old man who wakes up after being asleep for 100 years. He visits an office and is surprised by all the new technology where people can do all sorts of neat things such as talk to people across the country while being able to see each other. He is so overwhelmed that he has to go to the hospital. Once again there are all sorts of new technology, such as machines that can help people breathe. There were also x-rays and lasers. Then after the hospital he visits a school where he feels comfortable because nothing has changed and there is only one dusty computer that was not used.
In this video it is shown that technology is being used in many ways around the world even to help save lives, however, our school systems aren't changing. Where we teach students is not up to date with everything else around it. Technology has become a major part in society and maybe we should bring more technology into our schools and let students become familiar with it.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
The Importance of Creativity
Sir Ken Robinson emphasizes how essential creativity is in education. He talks about how in school students are all trained as if they are going to be a professor. That teachers teach students from the waist up and then focus on the head and then even to one side of the head. Why is it that students are taught mathematics but not dance? Should we only focus on certain subject matters?
Students who are creative are often steered away from the things they like because the are told that those interest want lead them anywhere in life. That there is no point in pursuing music because they will never make it as a musician. Today you can have a four year degree and still not have a job and this is because of education inflation. Sir Ken Robinson believes that things need to change and I can agree with him on this. A students creativity needs to be encouraged and not look down on.
Cecelia Gault (Young Student in Finland) interviews Sir Ken Robinson
By: Cecelia Gault
The big question here is "Can U.S. Students Compete?" There are other countries around the world who are not as wealthy as we are whose students are excelling more than the students in the United States. These students aren't even spending as many hours in a school room as the students of the U.S. Reading, science, and math scores from students in Finland are the highest in the world.
What needs to be done in order to help students of the U.S. To do better. According to Sir Ken Robinson creativity plays a major role in this as we saw in the last video. The drop rate in Finland is less than 1 percent and 25 percent in the U.S. What can we do to keep students interest? I agree with Robinson that everyone is creative. I think you can help bring about a persons creativity by introducing them to new things. You should never keep someone from being creative but help direct them in the right direction. Unlike Robinson I don't think computers need to be the center of education but they can be very beneficial and should be used more often than they are.
Vicky Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smart
By: Vicky Davis
In this video Vicky shares with us her way of teaching her students. She tells the audience that she teaches them learning how to learn, how to collaborate, how to blog, and about wiki. I think what she is doing in her classroom is beneficial, however, I don't think this would be effective for every classroom or teacher. I think the computer has so much to offer but at the same time it is not good for students to always be in front of computer screen.
I think computers should be used in our public school system but not over used. Learning software is important, but so are the other subject matters in school. I feel that only a certain amount of computer classes is necessary and that the computer can be helpful in other subjects when needed. We should take advantage of all that the computer has to offer but the computer or technology isn't the answer to all the flaws in our school system.
By: Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod
Today we use a large variety of technology on a everyday basis and several times throughout the day. Even though we are consistently using computers we don't pay attention to how rapidly technology is growing. In the video "Did You Know? 3.0" it is brought to our attention how fast technology is becoming more and more used. It is crazy to think that 1 in 8 married couples last year met online. This proves that people are spending a lot of time on the internet.
When you hear that 200 million people are on mysapce many people don't look at it as if myspace were a country it would be the fifth largest in the world. Whatching videos like this one can give you a new perspectives to help you realize the rapid growth in technology. Today you can find an answer to almost any question on google, which is why there are 31 billion searches on google every month. This is a drastic change from 2006 when it was 2.7 billion. Everyday there are so many messages sent and recieved that it exceeds the population of the planet. I had no idea that text messages were this used before watching the video. This video has really helped me put the growth of technology into perspective.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
By: Mathew Needleman
In this video Mr. Winkle is an old man who wakes up after being asleep for 100 years. He visits an office and is surprised by all the new technology where people can do all sorts of neat things such as talk to people across the country while being able to see each other. He is so overwhelmed that he has to go to the hospital. Once again there are all sorts of new technology, such as machines that can help people breathe. There were also x-rays and lasers. Then after the hospital he visits a school where he feels comfortable because nothing has changed and there is only one dusty computer that was not used.
In this video it is shown that technology is being used in many ways around the world even to help save lives, however, our school systems aren't changing. Where we teach students is not up to date with everything else around it. Technology has become a major part in society and maybe we should bring more technology into our schools and let students become familiar with it.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
The Importance of Creativity
Sir Ken Robinson emphasizes how essential creativity is in education. He talks about how in school students are all trained as if they are going to be a professor. That teachers teach students from the waist up and then focus on the head and then even to one side of the head. Why is it that students are taught mathematics but not dance? Should we only focus on certain subject matters?
Students who are creative are often steered away from the things they like because the are told that those interest want lead them anywhere in life. That there is no point in pursuing music because they will never make it as a musician. Today you can have a four year degree and still not have a job and this is because of education inflation. Sir Ken Robinson believes that things need to change and I can agree with him on this. A students creativity needs to be encouraged and not look down on.
Cecelia Gault (Young Student in Finland) interviews Sir Ken Robinson
By: Cecelia Gault
The big question here is "Can U.S. Students Compete?" There are other countries around the world who are not as wealthy as we are whose students are excelling more than the students in the United States. These students aren't even spending as many hours in a school room as the students of the U.S. Reading, science, and math scores from students in Finland are the highest in the world.
What needs to be done in order to help students of the U.S. To do better. According to Sir Ken Robinson creativity plays a major role in this as we saw in the last video. The drop rate in Finland is less than 1 percent and 25 percent in the U.S. What can we do to keep students interest? I agree with Robinson that everyone is creative. I think you can help bring about a persons creativity by introducing them to new things. You should never keep someone from being creative but help direct them in the right direction. Unlike Robinson I don't think computers need to be the center of education but they can be very beneficial and should be used more often than they are.
Vicky Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smart
By: Vicky Davis
In this video Vicky shares with us her way of teaching her students. She tells the audience that she teaches them learning how to learn, how to collaborate, how to blog, and about wiki. I think what she is doing in her classroom is beneficial, however, I don't think this would be effective for every classroom or teacher. I think the computer has so much to offer but at the same time it is not good for students to always be in front of computer screen.
I think computers should be used in our public school system but not over used. Learning software is important, but so are the other subject matters in school. I feel that only a certain amount of computer classes is necessary and that the computer can be helpful in other subjects when needed. We should take advantage of all that the computer has to offer but the computer or technology isn't the answer to all the flaws in our school system.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Blog Assignment #1
I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, however, I enjoy traveling and am very fortunate that I have been able to see many places. Some of the places I have visited include The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Bahamas. I love music and dance. I started dancing when I was three years old and continue to dance to this day. When deciding on a college to attend I was interested in being part of the dance team. Once I found out that I made the dance team at the University of South Alabama I knew that was where I was going to attend. Not only would I be able to pursue dance but South offers an excellent education program. I am now a secondary education major. I would like to teach math for 7th or 8th grade students. Both my mother and my father graduated from the University of South Alabama so they were fond of my decision to attend the university. My mother worked for the Core of Engineers for 20 years and my dad currently works for Hilti Incorporation in Atlanta, Georgia. I have a step sister who is 5 years old and we are 15 years apart. She is my shadow and likes to follow me everywhere I go. Other than my father moving to Atlanta most of my family was born in and still lives in Mobile.
My passion in life is to be a successful teacher that can make an impact in students lives the way that some of my teachers have done for me. Students spend a large amount of time in school which means that teachers are a major influence in a child's life. For this reason I want to make a positive impact on my students and lead them in the right direction. I would not only like to teach students mathematical skills but show them how to be a well rounded and successful person. I also would love to make enough money to have a comfortable living and also be able to help out with charities. I enjoy helping others and would like to give back to the community as much as I can. I am a very outgoing and easy to get along with kind of person. I love the outdoors and my favorite place to be is the beach! I hope to live on the beach one day!
Randy Pausch on Time Management
Dr. Pausch had some very useful tips on how to manage your time wisely. For example when planning know not only what needs to be that day but for the week and even the semester. Setting goals and asking yourself why you are doing these things is also important. When I started college I had some difficulty managing my time my time. I feel like now i have made changes that have helped me manage my time more efficiently. There is still room for improvement and hopefully I can use the tools Dr. Pausch has talked about to help me improve.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
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