Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
ACCESS LAB
The ACCESS lab at Daphne High School is used for conference meetings, teacher inservices, and virtual field trips. The technology in this lab is very up-to-date and intimidating for most teachers. Mr. Roh mentioned some draw backs to using the lab. Teachers must teach outside of their classroom. If they want to use the lab they must haul all of their supplies across campus. The teacher and their students must walk quite a long distance to get to this lab. Some of the teachers are not comfortable with this technology just because of lack of experience using it.
I think that this is wonderful technology that educators must embrace to prepare their students for the future. The ACCESS lab consists of a Promethean Board, document viewer, large UFO looking microphone, two video cameras, and two large wall mounted monitors. One teacher can teach up to 3 other schools at once. When a student raises his/her had the teacher can zoom in on that student via a computer monitor. On the wall mounted monitor you see a close up of the student with the question. This was an interesting visit.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
My EDM 310 Blog Assignments are Now Complete!
I have enjoyed this course, but am looking forward to my break between semesters.
Notes to future studets:
Enter this class with an open mind and do not over think things. It is not that difficult to complete any of these assignments. If you have Dr. Strange, you are lucky. In my opinion he is the best instructor for this kind of course. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your fellow classmates. It will make you feel better. Good luck and have fun!
Notes to future studets:
Enter this class with an open mind and do not over think things. It is not that difficult to complete any of these assignments. If you have Dr. Strange, you are lucky. In my opinion he is the best instructor for this kind of course. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your fellow classmates. It will make you feel better. Good luck and have fun!
What I Would Have Liked to Learn
I think that I learned all that I could have possibly learned in this course. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the excitement on Dr. Strange's face as he taught us. He is a true Technological Guru.
What I Learned in EDM 310
I learned:
how to create, edit, and maintain a blog.
how to create a Google account.
how to download and use Firefox and tabs.
how to create Google docs, images, and use Google scholar.
I learned about ACCESS and ALEX.
I learned the importance of integrating technology into the classroom. I also learned the importance of staying up to date with technology.
I have learned so many things in this course. I encourage all future students to be excited about this course. I thought that I was up to date on technology. I could not have been more wrong.
how to create, edit, and maintain a blog.
how to create a Google account.
how to download and use Firefox and tabs.
how to create Google docs, images, and use Google scholar.
I learned about ACCESS and ALEX.
I learned the importance of integrating technology into the classroom. I also learned the importance of staying up to date with technology.
I have learned so many things in this course. I encourage all future students to be excited about this course. I thought that I was up to date on technology. I could not have been more wrong.
Plusses and Minuses of Blogs in the Classroom
I have learned so much about blogging and technology in this class. I think that all of us are much more comfortable and confident in our abilities to accurately make post to our blogs. When I began this course I had heard of a blog and looked at a few but did not realize the purpose or importance in them.
I am confident that I will use a blogs in my classroom. I will post school and class news, lunch menus, homework assignments, links to educational sites, and many more things on my class blog. I think that this will be beneficial for parents to keep up with what is going on the classroom.
One minus that I can think of is that it is quite time consuming during the learning process to complete assignments. Once one grasps the concept it is much easier to maneuver around and make changes to the layout, post pictures, and post links on a blog. I do not think that teachers can make the blog a manditory requirement for homework purposes because all students do not have access to the internet at home.
I read another blog from a student in our class (Brian), I enjoyed his posts because his views are much the same as mine.
I am confident that I will use a blogs in my classroom. I will post school and class news, lunch menus, homework assignments, links to educational sites, and many more things on my class blog. I think that this will be beneficial for parents to keep up with what is going on the classroom.
One minus that I can think of is that it is quite time consuming during the learning process to complete assignments. Once one grasps the concept it is much easier to maneuver around and make changes to the layout, post pictures, and post links on a blog. I do not think that teachers can make the blog a manditory requirement for homework purposes because all students do not have access to the internet at home.
I read another blog from a student in our class (Brian), I enjoyed his posts because his views are much the same as mine.
Center for Documentary Studies-Duke University
The South in Black in White
Discussion between two males about:
The Lacrosse incident and the burning of crosses in Durham, NC.
The title of the course is a reference to history and racism.
How we get where we are.
Play of Emmit Teal. What do we remember and why does it matter.
Gospel music every week.
Southern story teller to enjoy richness of culture.
Room for about 400 in Heritage Center to learn about the South in the here and now.
Grand Experiment.
This was an interesting discussion. They were discussing what would be covered in the class, The South in Black and White.
Discussion between two males about:
The Lacrosse incident and the burning of crosses in Durham, NC.
The title of the course is a reference to history and racism.
How we get where we are.
Play of Emmit Teal. What do we remember and why does it matter.
Gospel music every week.
Southern story teller to enjoy richness of culture.
Room for about 400 in Heritage Center to learn about the South in the here and now.
Grand Experiment.
This was an interesting discussion. They were discussing what would be covered in the class, The South in Black and White.
Critique of EDM 310 Podcasts
I did not realize how important this assignment was until we actually completed it. It was an enjoyable experience. I am from South Louisiana--Cajun Country. As a Cajun it is normal to interrupt others when talking. A group of Cajuns is generally very loud, because everyone talks at the same time. It was not until I moved away from Louisiana that I realized that this was not normal. I constantly try to be aware of this difference and try to listen when others are talking and not interrupt. I was overly cautious in this this assignment. I wish that I would have spoken up more because I had a lot to say, and did not want to be rude. I do think that our podcast flowed well and was interesting to listen to.
Listening to other podcast it seems as though the speakers were unprepared. The podcast were therefore boring. Some speakers sounded as though they were reading from a script. Some were using unprofessional language, phrases such as "Do you know what I mean?", "Um", "Uh", these are not professional.
I am not trying to sound rude. I am taking into consideration that this was most of our first experience making a podcast. This was a very educational task. I think that something like this would be a fun project to do in my classroom one day.
Listening to other podcast it seems as though the speakers were unprepared. The podcast were therefore boring. Some speakers sounded as though they were reading from a script. Some were using unprofessional language, phrases such as "Do you know what I mean?", "Um", "Uh", these are not professional.
I am not trying to sound rude. I am taking into consideration that this was most of our first experience making a podcast. This was a very educational task. I think that something like this would be a fun project to do in my classroom one day.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Mathematics with Technology
Judy Chandler, technology integration specialist, mathematics teacher, and math mentor/trainer for the Main Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI)
Mathematics with Technology #1
Some teachers are reluctant to embrace technology in their classroom. Teachers have varying excuses as to why. Technology is essential in today's learning environment. Technology brings many tools to the world of math. For example, technology provides manipulative learning, differentiated learning, immediate feedback, and alternative ways to demonstrate learning. Teachers provide their students with a multi-sensory math learning environment and gain valuable instructional time when they embrace all of the possibilities that technology has to offer.
Thinking Mathematically #2
Some students get bored learning math when going through the book chapter by chapter and fall behind the rest of their class. Others memorize the work. As Dr. Strange calls it Burp Back Education, you memorize it, use it, and then forget it. Neither of these students think mathematically. With today's technology resources students have hands on experience like never before, differentiated instruction, real-world experience, and tools that offer alternative ways to demonstrate learning. To think mathematically, students must explore, connect ideas, investigate, observve patterns, argue, prove, model, play "what if", apply and reflect. Teachers must challenge all students to think, really think this way they will remember.
As a teacher I will embrace technology and podcasting into my classroom. I will challenge my students with challenging, critical thinking questions. I will engage and challenge my students through the use of technology. I do not believe in memorizing information because it is forgotten soon after it is used. I believe in a multi-sensory approach to teaching and therefore learning. This ensures deeper concept development and lifelong skills for our students to use later in life.
I also find these podcasts useful to me as a teacher because if I need help with a specific subject or content, I can look at reliable sources on iTunes for information. I also think that it is important to constantly change the way we teach in the classroom. I plan to continue my education even after I graduate to offer my students the best possible education available to them.
Mathematics with Technology #1
Some teachers are reluctant to embrace technology in their classroom. Teachers have varying excuses as to why. Technology is essential in today's learning environment. Technology brings many tools to the world of math. For example, technology provides manipulative learning, differentiated learning, immediate feedback, and alternative ways to demonstrate learning. Teachers provide their students with a multi-sensory math learning environment and gain valuable instructional time when they embrace all of the possibilities that technology has to offer.
Thinking Mathematically #2
Some students get bored learning math when going through the book chapter by chapter and fall behind the rest of their class. Others memorize the work. As Dr. Strange calls it Burp Back Education, you memorize it, use it, and then forget it. Neither of these students think mathematically. With today's technology resources students have hands on experience like never before, differentiated instruction, real-world experience, and tools that offer alternative ways to demonstrate learning. To think mathematically, students must explore, connect ideas, investigate, observve patterns, argue, prove, model, play "what if", apply and reflect. Teachers must challenge all students to think, really think this way they will remember.
As a teacher I will embrace technology and podcasting into my classroom. I will challenge my students with challenging, critical thinking questions. I will engage and challenge my students through the use of technology. I do not believe in memorizing information because it is forgotten soon after it is used. I believe in a multi-sensory approach to teaching and therefore learning. This ensures deeper concept development and lifelong skills for our students to use later in life.
I also find these podcasts useful to me as a teacher because if I need help with a specific subject or content, I can look at reliable sources on iTunes for information. I also think that it is important to constantly change the way we teach in the classroom. I plan to continue my education even after I graduate to offer my students the best possible education available to them.
"Growth" v. "Fixed" Minds
Persons with a "fixed" mindset believe that intelligence is a fixed trait. They base their activities around whether they will look smart.
Persons with a "growth" mindset are curious to learn. They realize that their brain is like a muscle and strengthens with use. They recognize that they can strengthen their intellectual skill and how they can apply it to schoolwork. With a growth mindset they realize that they can grow their skills and admit and learn from mistakes.
As a future educator I realize that it is imperitive that I teach all of my students to have a "growth" mindset. I too agree that we do not have a "fixed" intelligence. Everyone can become smarter through hard work and practice. Just like the muscles in our body deteroate when we do not use them, our brain muscles weaken when we do not challenge them. I do not think that there is an end to how much knowledge one can learn. We do all learn in different ways and at different paces, but we are all capable of learning and acquiring more knowlege and skills.
Persons with a "growth" mindset are curious to learn. They realize that their brain is like a muscle and strengthens with use. They recognize that they can strengthen their intellectual skill and how they can apply it to schoolwork. With a growth mindset they realize that they can grow their skills and admit and learn from mistakes.
As a future educator I realize that it is imperitive that I teach all of my students to have a "growth" mindset. I too agree that we do not have a "fixed" intelligence. Everyone can become smarter through hard work and practice. Just like the muscles in our body deteroate when we do not use them, our brain muscles weaken when we do not challenge them. I do not think that there is an end to how much knowledge one can learn. We do all learn in different ways and at different paces, but we are all capable of learning and acquiring more knowlege and skills.
iPods in the Classroom
I found a very informative website including lesson plans on the Apple website. I think that iPods can be very useful teaching aids in the classroom. For example, on an elementary level recording letter sounds would be reinforce the lessons taught in class. This would be great extra practice for ELL, special education students, or students who just need extra help.
http://www.apple.com/au/education/ipod/lessons/
In 2004 Duke University distributed free iPods to all first-year students. Since then, Duke University has changed this to only give iPods to undergrad students enrolled in specific courses that require iPods. The implementation of iPods in the classroom has been beneficial to students and faculty alike.
http://www.apple.com/au/education/ipod/lessons/
In 2004 Duke University distributed free iPods to all first-year students. Since then, Duke University has changed this to only give iPods to undergrad students enrolled in specific courses that require iPods. The implementation of iPods in the classroom has been beneficial to students and faculty alike.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Grades K-5 How podcasts can be of use to me as a teacher
Observe Clouds
This short podcast was to teach the importance of observing clouds. The clouds travel at varying speed and change shape. Some also disappear. This would be a fun podcast to watch to incorporate into a science lesson for kindergartners.
Energy Flow in the Coral Reef Ecosystem
"City of Coral"
An excellent educational video on coral reef ecosystems. This would make great a great lesson to work in conjunction with the textbook material for a science lesson for 5th graders.
These, and other podcasts like them, make great supplimental educational tools for teachers. They will compliment or expand upon the knowledge in the text and give another viewpoint to help students understand what is being taught to them. I had no idea that there was so much information on iTunes. I thought that only movies and music existed on iTunes. I will certainly use educational podcasts in my classoom.
This short podcast was to teach the importance of observing clouds. The clouds travel at varying speed and change shape. Some also disappear. This would be a fun podcast to watch to incorporate into a science lesson for kindergartners.
Energy Flow in the Coral Reef Ecosystem
"City of Coral"
An excellent educational video on coral reef ecosystems. This would make great a great lesson to work in conjunction with the textbook material for a science lesson for 5th graders.
These, and other podcasts like them, make great supplimental educational tools for teachers. They will compliment or expand upon the knowledge in the text and give another viewpoint to help students understand what is being taught to them. I had no idea that there was so much information on iTunes. I thought that only movies and music existed on iTunes. I will certainly use educational podcasts in my classoom.
The Edible Schoolyard and A Night in the Global Village
The Edible Schoolyard
This was a very interesting podcast. It is about an outdoor classroom at Martin Luther King Middle School in California. The outdoor classroom is a garden and an adjacent classroom. The teacher reinforces concepts taught in the classroom. She reinforces social studies, math, science, and life skills. The students learn how to cooperate and build communities. Students that have certain strengths and weaknesses in the classroom may have different strengths and weaknesses outside in the garden. Thus allowing students that perform lower in the classroom achieve a different status outside. The students are learning things that we do not teach in schools any longer. For example, they are learning the importance of farming, harvesting, cooking, how to set a table, and take pride in your work. They are also learning patience and concentration skills.
I think that this is a great idea. I am firm believer in every moment being a teachable moment and learning experience. I also think that it is important to venture outside of the classroom for teachable moments. Students learn in different ways, by seeing, feeling, smelling, and tasting. By teaching outside of the textbook, students have many more opportunities to learn and be interested in learning. Students get bored of the same old boring cookie cutter educational experience.
A Night in the Global Village
Rocky Mountain School of Exp Learning-Denver
Part National Geographic, part Survivor
The movie will only play the first 29 seconds, when I try to skip the part where it stops, it restarts.
This was a very interesting podcast. It is about an outdoor classroom at Martin Luther King Middle School in California. The outdoor classroom is a garden and an adjacent classroom. The teacher reinforces concepts taught in the classroom. She reinforces social studies, math, science, and life skills. The students learn how to cooperate and build communities. Students that have certain strengths and weaknesses in the classroom may have different strengths and weaknesses outside in the garden. Thus allowing students that perform lower in the classroom achieve a different status outside. The students are learning things that we do not teach in schools any longer. For example, they are learning the importance of farming, harvesting, cooking, how to set a table, and take pride in your work. They are also learning patience and concentration skills.
I think that this is a great idea. I am firm believer in every moment being a teachable moment and learning experience. I also think that it is important to venture outside of the classroom for teachable moments. Students learn in different ways, by seeing, feeling, smelling, and tasting. By teaching outside of the textbook, students have many more opportunities to learn and be interested in learning. Students get bored of the same old boring cookie cutter educational experience.
A Night in the Global Village
Rocky Mountain School of Exp Learning-Denver
Part National Geographic, part Survivor
The movie will only play the first 29 seconds, when I try to skip the part where it stops, it restarts.
Different Approaches to Podcasting
Podcast #1
SmartBoard Lessons Podcast
Host--Ben
Co-Host--Joan
Start podcast with dialogue between themselves. Finishing up SmartBoard Lesson Podcast. Will change format for future podcasts. Will chat about future, predictions for users of SmartBoard. Gave telephone number to call. Have done podcast for 3 years, total of 150 lessons. Have thanked all contributors. Want to start new growth, do not want to dismiss previous lessons. Mention link to K-12 online conference, encourage listeners to listen to previous lessons. Huge push for differentiated instruction. Not a strategy that all teachers use. This podcast was interesting but I think too laid back. I found it hard to concentrate on what they were talking about because I heard alot of laughing. It was hard for me to take them seriously when they were not serious.
Podcast #2
The Art of Storytelling with Children-on iTunes Store
Episode 66
Guest storyteller on podcast, Michael D. McCarty. Storytellers hold responsibility to others. "Hi John and the Christmas turkey" read on podcast. John was a slave. This was a story of John, his master, and a Christmas turkey. A cute story with many different levels. Represents the little man standing up for himself. Stories can be used to talk about things that may not otherwise be comfortable to talk about. For example moral issues, political issues. Storytelling comes from a place of sharing. It is up to the listener to take from the story what they will. Storytelling allows you to find a common ground. It is easy to relate to other cultures and find commonalities through storytelling. This was a very interesting discussion between the host and Mr. McCarty. They were both serious discussing the topic and not swaying from the main point. Very easy to follow along with this podcast.
Podcast #3
KidCast Learning and Teaching with Podcasting
by: Dan Schmit
#57--Active Listening to Improve Your Own Podcast
He has moved to another state, with a new job. Apologized for not podcasting for a few months. Moved from Nebraska, now lives in Texas. Working on professional development with local school district. Very excited about next year with new job. Discussing 2008 kidcasting awards. Extending deadline for entries to Nov 15. Looking for a true podcast. To be a good podcast, must have multiple episodes, listeners have to be able to subscribe to it. Discusses different possible topics.
Using active listening to improve your podcast. Strategies to create supportive learning experience for students. Technical and delivery style of podcast. Supply students with excellent podcasts and weaker podcast. As a class, analyze them by content and production. Organize information as a rubric to find strengths and weaknesses. This is to help students realize the appropriate way to define a kind of podcast that you would want them to produce.
Podcast #4
Dragon Page With Class
#29 The Discipline of Education
Hosts: Lauren, Megan, Joyce, Naomi, Carla, Brad (several co-workers and friends)
A listener asked a question, "If you could change 1 thing in public education in the United States, what would it be?"
Naomi answers, "change classroom size". You cannot give students the attention they need. Students are at 3-4 different levels. 14-18 best class size.
"Teachers should get paid more money". No one considers all of the time actually involved in teaching. Teachers do not get paid equal to their white collar counterparts. Babysitting wages equal more than teachers salary.
Alot of kids with alot of behavior disorders in the classroom. Lack of ability to do anything about behaviors. Biggest pet peve--lack of parental support. You can tell if parents will support you by the students actions. Love and logic--works in some areas and not in others. Most students do not appreciate their education and do not want to be at school. Our students do not understand the importance of an education.
Think that we should lower the maximum grade that students must complete to 8th grade. Disagreement because students will sell drugs for money. Some student know that school is a safe place. Some students enjoy school but do not have the skills to accurately complete class work.
Very interesting dialogue between co-workers. Easy to follow.
SmartBoard Lessons Podcast
Host--Ben
Co-Host--Joan
Start podcast with dialogue between themselves. Finishing up SmartBoard Lesson Podcast. Will change format for future podcasts. Will chat about future, predictions for users of SmartBoard. Gave telephone number to call. Have done podcast for 3 years, total of 150 lessons. Have thanked all contributors. Want to start new growth, do not want to dismiss previous lessons. Mention link to K-12 online conference, encourage listeners to listen to previous lessons. Huge push for differentiated instruction. Not a strategy that all teachers use. This podcast was interesting but I think too laid back. I found it hard to concentrate on what they were talking about because I heard alot of laughing. It was hard for me to take them seriously when they were not serious.
Podcast #2
The Art of Storytelling with Children-on iTunes Store
Episode 66
Guest storyteller on podcast, Michael D. McCarty. Storytellers hold responsibility to others. "Hi John and the Christmas turkey" read on podcast. John was a slave. This was a story of John, his master, and a Christmas turkey. A cute story with many different levels. Represents the little man standing up for himself. Stories can be used to talk about things that may not otherwise be comfortable to talk about. For example moral issues, political issues. Storytelling comes from a place of sharing. It is up to the listener to take from the story what they will. Storytelling allows you to find a common ground. It is easy to relate to other cultures and find commonalities through storytelling. This was a very interesting discussion between the host and Mr. McCarty. They were both serious discussing the topic and not swaying from the main point. Very easy to follow along with this podcast.
Podcast #3
KidCast Learning and Teaching with Podcasting
by: Dan Schmit
#57--Active Listening to Improve Your Own Podcast
He has moved to another state, with a new job. Apologized for not podcasting for a few months. Moved from Nebraska, now lives in Texas. Working on professional development with local school district. Very excited about next year with new job. Discussing 2008 kidcasting awards. Extending deadline for entries to Nov 15. Looking for a true podcast. To be a good podcast, must have multiple episodes, listeners have to be able to subscribe to it. Discusses different possible topics.
Using active listening to improve your podcast. Strategies to create supportive learning experience for students. Technical and delivery style of podcast. Supply students with excellent podcasts and weaker podcast. As a class, analyze them by content and production. Organize information as a rubric to find strengths and weaknesses. This is to help students realize the appropriate way to define a kind of podcast that you would want them to produce.
Podcast #4
Dragon Page With Class
#29 The Discipline of Education
Hosts: Lauren, Megan, Joyce, Naomi, Carla, Brad (several co-workers and friends)
A listener asked a question, "If you could change 1 thing in public education in the United States, what would it be?"
Naomi answers, "change classroom size". You cannot give students the attention they need. Students are at 3-4 different levels. 14-18 best class size.
"Teachers should get paid more money". No one considers all of the time actually involved in teaching. Teachers do not get paid equal to their white collar counterparts. Babysitting wages equal more than teachers salary.
Alot of kids with alot of behavior disorders in the classroom. Lack of ability to do anything about behaviors. Biggest pet peve--lack of parental support. You can tell if parents will support you by the students actions. Love and logic--works in some areas and not in others. Most students do not appreciate their education and do not want to be at school. Our students do not understand the importance of an education.
Think that we should lower the maximum grade that students must complete to 8th grade. Disagreement because students will sell drugs for money. Some student know that school is a safe place. Some students enjoy school but do not have the skills to accurately complete class work.
Very interesting dialogue between co-workers. Easy to follow.
Randy Paush's Last Lecture
When I first found out that I had to listen to Randy Paush's Last Lecture I thought, "Who is Randy Paush?" and "Why do I care?". I am happy to say that even I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Unfortunately for me the morning that I chose to watch it was the same day that my dad passed away 10 years ago. My tears and his message put things back into perspective.
Randy stressed the importance of teaching the fundamentals. Students must learn the basics before they can move on because without a solid foundation learning is not possible. He also mentioned that it is important to teach our students that we are not criticizing them to be mean, we are doing so because we care. If we do not show them where they can improve then they may never recognize the need to do so. And others may not care enough about them to push them to reach their full potential.
Randy also pointed out that experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. In other words every experience is life should be a learning experience. And most of what we learn we learn indirectly. This is a very important concept for a teacher to bring into the classroom. Students must always know that they will not always get what they want and they shouldn't think that the world is over because they don't get picked for a particular team or assignment. If they do not get chosen to be on a certain sport team it is okay. They can join other clubs and learn in the process. We learn indirectly by this because we learn important coping skills that will be useful later in life.
Randy discussed that brick walls are put in our way to show us how much we want something. I think that we can all relate to this. A very important concept for us to teach our students. Not everything we want is easy and we do not get everything that we want. Again this is an important thing for young children to learn.
Randy Paush also said to wait long enough and people will impress and surprise you. I can relate to this. I am a Para-educator in a class with K-2 Autistic children. We teach and review concepts and lessons many times daily. I too believe that every moment is a teaching moment and capture every learning opportunity that I can for the students that I work with. Something as simple as "ing" for "swing" in a child with speech deficits is extremely rewarding. This seemingly little response to some, made my day! It makes everything that we go through on a daily basis worth it. This took much hard work on everyone's part who is involved in this student's education. Wait and they will surprise you! It is true!
If you give a student an assignment and they seem to complete it with little effort and in a much shorter amount of time than you expected. Raise the bar, the assignment that you gave was not hard enough. The more you push students the more they will impress you. Your students will not want to let you down. I certainly agree with this idea.
Randy stressed the importance of teaching the fundamentals. Students must learn the basics before they can move on because without a solid foundation learning is not possible. He also mentioned that it is important to teach our students that we are not criticizing them to be mean, we are doing so because we care. If we do not show them where they can improve then they may never recognize the need to do so. And others may not care enough about them to push them to reach their full potential.
Randy also pointed out that experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. In other words every experience is life should be a learning experience. And most of what we learn we learn indirectly. This is a very important concept for a teacher to bring into the classroom. Students must always know that they will not always get what they want and they shouldn't think that the world is over because they don't get picked for a particular team or assignment. If they do not get chosen to be on a certain sport team it is okay. They can join other clubs and learn in the process. We learn indirectly by this because we learn important coping skills that will be useful later in life.
Randy discussed that brick walls are put in our way to show us how much we want something. I think that we can all relate to this. A very important concept for us to teach our students. Not everything we want is easy and we do not get everything that we want. Again this is an important thing for young children to learn.
Randy Paush also said to wait long enough and people will impress and surprise you. I can relate to this. I am a Para-educator in a class with K-2 Autistic children. We teach and review concepts and lessons many times daily. I too believe that every moment is a teaching moment and capture every learning opportunity that I can for the students that I work with. Something as simple as "ing" for "swing" in a child with speech deficits is extremely rewarding. This seemingly little response to some, made my day! It makes everything that we go through on a daily basis worth it. This took much hard work on everyone's part who is involved in this student's education. Wait and they will surprise you! It is true!
If you give a student an assignment and they seem to complete it with little effort and in a much shorter amount of time than you expected. Raise the bar, the assignment that you gave was not hard enough. The more you push students the more they will impress you. Your students will not want to let you down. I certainly agree with this idea.
Dr. Christie's Site
Google Earth could be useful to in the classroom. Dr. Christie created a movie on Google Earth and posted it to her website. There is a link on her website that explains how Google Earth works. There are even links on teaching ideas and and examples of how the tasks can be implemented in the classroom.
I cannot believe how through the research is on this site. Dr. Christie's site has a wealth of information that I will refer to as I continue my path toward teaching, and once I have my own classroom. I think that this is a really fun interactive tool to teach students about their local geography.
I cannot believe how through the research is on this site. Dr. Christie's site has a wealth of information that I will refer to as I continue my path toward teaching, and once I have my own classroom. I think that this is a really fun interactive tool to teach students about their local geography.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Wikipedia
I have always thought that Wikipedia was a reliable source of information on the internet. I did not realize that anyone can make edits. If someone posts something negative, say something about a politician or a business, one can change the text to make it favor them.
I now do not think that anyone should ever trust the information that they find on Wikipedia to be fact in and of itself. One should always do further research before quoting or relying on information gathered from this site. I do not think that I will even read articles on this site now that I do not trust the "facts".
I now do not think that anyone should ever trust the information that they find on Wikipedia to be fact in and of itself. One should always do further research before quoting or relying on information gathered from this site. I do not think that I will even read articles on this site now that I do not trust the "facts".
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
INTERNATIONAL School/Teacher Blogs
http://mellonsbay.blogspot.com/
file:///Users/christinaardoin/Desktop/wU1oYYTNE9YPtk_wl0czIA.htm# (link to photos)
Mellons Bay School is located in Auckland, New Zealand. Room 12 is a class of 8-9 year olds to participate in this class blog. On this blog the class has access to classroom assignments, homework, podcast, web links, and the school's website. Students can also e-mail their teacher from this blog. Additionally, students can create, edit, and comment on posts on their classroom blog.
http://goodnightmistertom.blogspot.com/
This blog is the compilation of perspectives from a group of students age 11-12 from Bucklands Beach Intermediate School, in Auckland, New Zealand. This book about life in World War 2. Each student posts responses from various aspects of the novel. For example, from the point of view of the Actor, Poet, Predictor, and Word Wizard.
file:///Users/christinaardoin/Desktop/wU1oYYTNE9YPtk_wl0czIA.htm# (link to photos)
Mellons Bay School is located in Auckland, New Zealand. Room 12 is a class of 8-9 year olds to participate in this class blog. On this blog the class has access to classroom assignments, homework, podcast, web links, and the school's website. Students can also e-mail their teacher from this blog. Additionally, students can create, edit, and comment on posts on their classroom blog.
http://goodnightmistertom.blogspot.com/
This blog is the compilation of perspectives from a group of students age 11-12 from Bucklands Beach Intermediate School, in Auckland, New Zealand. This book about life in World War 2. Each student posts responses from various aspects of the novel. For example, from the point of view of the Actor, Poet, Predictor, and Word Wizard.
Blogs in US Schools
http://trantwoodelem.learnerblogs.org/
My first blog is for Trantwood Elementary School, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Trantwood uses their blog to keep parents informed on school news. Parents can visit the blog to view Clay Animation Films. Parents can view and comment on different topics dealing with their children and their school. Students can follow links to assist in homework and additional study aids. A third grade class has a podcast posted on the blog for friends, family, and others to listen to. This blog is a very useful tool for the students and parents of students that attend Trantwood Elementary.
http://lewiselementary.org/
Meriwether Lewis Elementary School is located in Portland, Oregon. Meriwether Lewis uses their blog to keep parents informed on upcoming events going on at school. Parents can view and comment in various ways on this site. Parents can view their childrens' school menu and view and/or print the weekly newsletter. Parents and students can view photos of teachers and students.
My first blog is for Trantwood Elementary School, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Trantwood uses their blog to keep parents informed on school news. Parents can visit the blog to view Clay Animation Films. Parents can view and comment on different topics dealing with their children and their school. Students can follow links to assist in homework and additional study aids. A third grade class has a podcast posted on the blog for friends, family, and others to listen to. This blog is a very useful tool for the students and parents of students that attend Trantwood Elementary.
http://lewiselementary.org/
Meriwether Lewis Elementary School is located in Portland, Oregon. Meriwether Lewis uses their blog to keep parents informed on upcoming events going on at school. Parents can view and comment in various ways on this site. Parents can view their childrens' school menu and view and/or print the weekly newsletter. Parents and students can view photos of teachers and students.
Shift Happens
After watching this movie, I feel in awe, I am so surprised! I have never really thought so much about technology. I just try to keep up with it. That has been incredibly hard to do without being in college. Now that I am back in college, I am forced to embrace technology, which is wonderful. This course is incredible. I had no idea that I would learn so much from it. I begged my advisor to not make me take this course because I have completed two similar college courses. I have learned more so far from this course than from the two others combined.
Our children/students need informed teachers to teach them the cutting edge of technology. As we all know, as soon as technology comes about it is almost obsolete. Technology is a part of our everyday lives. I think that children as young as 3 and as old as senior citizens use technology in one form or another everyday. As educators, we need to stay up to date on all technological advances to prepare our students for the future. We need not think of technology on the basis of today, but on the basis of in the future. We need to ask ourselves, "Is what I am teaching today going to be useful next week, or next month, or even next year?" If the answer is no, then we need to be more educated to teach our children useful information. Also, American children need to be as educated as foreign children.
Our children/students need informed teachers to teach them the cutting edge of technology. As we all know, as soon as technology comes about it is almost obsolete. Technology is a part of our everyday lives. I think that children as young as 3 and as old as senior citizens use technology in one form or another everyday. As educators, we need to stay up to date on all technological advances to prepare our students for the future. We need not think of technology on the basis of today, but on the basis of in the future. We need to ask ourselves, "Is what I am teaching today going to be useful next week, or next month, or even next year?" If the answer is no, then we need to be more educated to teach our children useful information. Also, American children need to be as educated as foreign children.
About ACCESS
ACCESS stands for Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators, and Students Statewide. By August 2009 all Alabama high schools will have ACCESS Distance Learning. ACCESS uses online and interactive video conferencing technology to provide advanced diploma courses, additional course offerings, advanced placement or dual enrollment courses, remediation and supplemental resources. With the addition of ACCESS in our school system, a schools location (rural or metropolitan) has nothing to do with what courses are available to our students. If the subject is taught on the ACCESS system, our students can take the course no matter what Alabama high school they attend or what courses their high school offers.
I think that this system will greatly enhance the education that each of our high school students receive. For example, students can learn Mandarin Chinese I, French, Latin, Psychology, various Advanced Placement courses, and Marine Science. These are just a few of the many options available. I have never heard of ACCESS before now, and look forward to seeing one of these labs firsthand. I think that this is a wonderful technological step forward for the State of Alabama and the future of our high school students.
I think that this system will greatly enhance the education that each of our high school students receive. For example, students can learn Mandarin Chinese I, French, Latin, Psychology, various Advanced Placement courses, and Marine Science. These are just a few of the many options available. I have never heard of ACCESS before now, and look forward to seeing one of these labs firsthand. I think that this is a wonderful technological step forward for the State of Alabama and the future of our high school students.
Monday, August 25, 2008
ALEX
ALEX stands for Alabama Learning Exchange. ALEX is a comprehensive website that includes Educational Web links divided into three categories, 1. Teacher, 2. Administrative, and 3. Student web links. There is also a link to all Alabama content standards. One can create an ALEX account which allows the user to create class or teacher web pages. Under the section of lesson plans, one can create his/her own lesson plans or access ALEX lesson plans. There are links to important Alabama Department of Education information, organized in a very easy to follow manner.
I will be a Special Education teacher. I think that this website will be very useful to me as a first time teacher to create lesson plans. I also think that the search feature on the Alabama content standards will make it easier to ensure that all content standards are being addressed. There is another section called tips and tricks with technology tips and tutorials. There is also a web link to ACCESS Distance Learning which I will describe in detail in the next post.
I will be a Special Education teacher. I think that this website will be very useful to me as a first time teacher to create lesson plans. I also think that the search feature on the Alabama content standards will make it easier to ensure that all content standards are being addressed. There is another section called tips and tricks with technology tips and tutorials. There is also a web link to ACCESS Distance Learning which I will describe in detail in the next post.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
About me
I am 28 with 2 beautiful children. My oldest is Chayce. He is 10. Next, I have Kadin who is almost 4. I have a wonderful husband who does not mind being Mr. Mom at night and on the weekends so I can pursue my dream. I am so motivated and ready to graduate. I have been in college for way to long now and I finally have focus and know for sure that I want to be a Special Ed teacher.
I currently work at Robertsdale Elementary School as a Paraprofessional. I work in a classroom for Autistic children with behavior problems. It is a very rewarding job. I cannot wait to be the teacher in such a classroom.
I currently work at Robertsdale Elementary School as a Paraprofessional. I work in a classroom for Autistic children with behavior problems. It is a very rewarding job. I cannot wait to be the teacher in such a classroom.
This is so cool!
I am so excited! I have never done this before. I have always wondered how to start a blog. I honestly thought that it would be much more complicated and time consuming. Please feel free to read whatever I find interesting enough to post.
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