Assignment 9

Mr. McClung has just completed his first year of teaching and has posted some things he has learned in his blog. He writes about communication, flexibility, and listening. His post is proof that doing is learning. He was only able to learn that lesson plans do not always go as planned, by having a few of them flop. The true beauty of experience is learning a lesson. Mr. McClung learned to be more reasonable, lower expectations, and know his target audience. Then he did the most wonderful thing. He shared his knowledge with the world. This post is a page full of lessons well learned. I am appreciative to Mr. McClung for sharing this information with me. I look forward to making some mistakes of my own and learning valuable lessons along the way. Then I can write a post and pass on the things I learn in my classroom. It is a good thing I am not afraid of technology anymore.

Comments for Kids 2

I was assigned to read and comment on the Little Voices Little Scholars blog. I watched Cyrus' video on transportation safety. Cyrus talks about crossing the road safely by looking both ways. He did a great job illustrating his project and he showed improvements from one video to the next. Overall, he did a fantastic job. You can view the podcasts from room 7 by clicking the link above. It is extremely impressive that young children are doing the same projects we are assigned to do.

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

Teaching methods? This video is not about teaching methods. I could not even focus on methods. I kept seeing the words "not fair" run through my head as I watched Dr. Pausch's video. Not because I pity him, but because he has had such an influential life, I feel sorry for the people who never meet him or watch his videos. Those people will never get the chance to be impacted and inspired by him. This video captured my attention from beginning to end and I must admit that I was crying by the conclusion. There I was sitting in my room with my headphones on tears running down my cheeks. The video, that I truly thought was for my personal gain and education, was really for his children. His family has every right to be proud of him. I think, Dr. Pausch could best be described as the fairy godfather of computer geeks. He really did help make his students' dreams come true.
So if I must comment on some methods here are the ones that I heard:
Work hard, be honest and earnest, think about others, and never let a brick wall keep you from your dreams. Using these ideas and passing them on to my students and colleagues, is another way Dr. Pausch has made a difference in the world, long after his death.
On a more technical response I was captivated by the use of visuals and graphs during his lecture. His comical props and surprise birthday cake are amusing and heartwarming. What do you call his method of delivering information, touching the heart, influencing the mind, encouraging emotions, and shaping tomorrow? Whatever it is, I like it.
I really agree with the project based group work Dr. Pausch uses in his curriculum. He reminds me a little bit of Dr. Strange. I have had some experience with this method of learning. I have noticed I have learned more by doing than by just listening and absorbing. Most recently in Dr. Strange's class I have had to do solo and group projects. I know for sure I learned more about creating and managing a blog by having my own, than by listening to someone else talk about theirs.
Methods? Methods you ask? A method is just a how to project. If you really want to learn something do it, rather than talk about how to go about doing it maybe if you get the time or the opportunity. You never know when it will be your "Last Lecture."

Timeline #2

Podcast project

PLN Status

I am using iGoogle for my PLN. I am currently following the children of Pt. England School and I have posted comments for them. Their teacher recently commented, "Isn't this a great comment from one of Dr Strange's students? I am thinking I will save this as an exemplar - for myself :)." I have, also, set up my iGoogle page to include live feeds of edm 310, Twitter, and Facebook. I picked the smartest students in my edm 310 class to follow their blogs and I am reaching out to my assigned teacher as I comment on his posts.

Assignment 7

Richard Miller: This Is How We Dream Parts 1 and 2

If I may be honest, I did not particularly like either one of these videos. Now I do want to point out, it is evident Dr. Richard E. Miller put a lot of hard work and effort into these videos. They just failed to grasp my full attention and enlighten me. If it were not for the fact Dr. Strange prompted the questions, "Are you prepared to write with multimedia?" and "Will your students be able to do this?" I really would not have much of anything to discuss and post on these videos. It seemed, to me, they were more like commercials than lectures. The only thing that reminded me of a lecture was the tone in his voice.
This says absolutely nothing about Dr. Miller's intelligence or ability, but it further exposes the simpleness of myself. Most of the things he was discussing could have just as easily been spoken in Chinese(because I do not know a thing about Chinese). Which I guess easily answers Dr. Strange's first question. No way! I am not ready to write with multimedia because I lack much needed confidence about my current skills. When the time comes, I know I can and will be ready to write with multimedia; for the reasons that I am open-minded and willing to learn. Precise reasons why I watched those videos, complete all these projects, and constantly raise my hand for poor Anthony to come answer my questions.
Onto the second question: Will my students write with multimedia? They probably already do. The ones that do not, I will teach them everything I know. If I do not know it, then I will find out, even if I have to e-mail Dr. Strange.

The Networked Student

This movie was entertaining and informative. I really enjoyed the use of pre-drawn illustrations. It allowed me to gain an additional perspective for my repertoire of educational tools. The author speaks about all the positive impacts acquired from being connected and the knowledge from using those connections. A student is able to learn more, research quicker, and share instantly with a network of peers, professors, and future employers.
Why does the networked student need a teacher? Before listening to this video I wondered the same question, but was too frightened to ask. Drexler did a fantastic job identifying numerous reasons for the networked student to need a teacher. The ones I can most clearly see are encouragement and coaching. The networked student, no matter how independent he or she is, will at times need words of encouragement and actions of persuasion. A teacher can, also, plant seeds of new ideas and freshen perspectives on stalemate topics. These amazing connections found in the big “cloud” are like windows to the world. I believe teachers are the people who open the windows.
Am I a networked student? Well, after completing my PLN status, I was amazed at all the connections I have made in just three weeks. I am subscribing to and following blogs and posts, I am commenting around the globe and receiving comments, and I even have links and RSS feeds. Now I do not necessarily know what all that means, but I am learning. The important part is, I am meeting different people and gaining valuable resources for my future. In addition, I am mastering skills that I will be able to teach my students and use in an everyday setting to enhance the curriculum. Well, oh my goodness isn’t that what education is all about? Teachers who learn from teachers, who learn from teachers, become better teachers and better learners. I think the networked student has figured that out.


The Machine is Changing Us

When the video first began, it sounded much like blah, blah, blah, blah. I was having much difficulty understanding the message. About half way through it things started clicking, probably because the statements he was making do relate to me and my personal life. I am on the edge of the MTV generation and I often times find myself saying, "whatever." I have watched on the sidelines as the world around me changed and then at times of my own self-awareness, I have jumped on the train of change with a big woo-hoo!
When Wesch began discussing the connections YouTube has facilitated, it gave me goosebumps. Starting a family, going to college, and being a teacher have enabled me to feel a part of something bigger than myself. I never really thought being a part of the YouTube community could grant the same feelings. Those people do not just think they are making a difference. They ARE making a difference. I saw those statistics about how many videos are uploaded every minute and how many more are watched everyday.
I just recently did some research of my own on YouTube and its benefits in the classroom for my podcasting project(plan to post by June 30, for all those interested). Although not nearly as extensive or eloquent as Wesch's research, I do know that using it will be an advantage for me and my students. I will use YouTube in my classroom and I am most excited about making videos with my students to assist them in their own self-awareness as they realize the large role they play in the big picture of life.

Comments for Kids

The "kids" assigned to me are from Leopold Primary School. You can check out their blogs here. The children did an amazing job blogging and their teacher used a fantastic competitive idea to get the parents involved. The class video is the most interesting. If you have a minute you should definitely check it out. Their class and daily activities are well rounded and fun-filled. Miss McGready sets a great example for the rest of us to follow. Her students are happy, learning, and experiencing; and her classroom is extremely cool. It makes me want to be a kid in her class.

Vocaroo

Assignment 6

Smart Board Comparison
Teachers Love Smart Boards
Why Smartboards Are A Dumb Initiative
Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards

While searching through many articles, posts, and advertisements about smartboards I found a lot of contradicting information. There were many pros and cons. Each positive piece of evidence I discovered was quickly followed up with “if, and, or but.” Smartboards are extremely popular pieces of technology used in the classroom, but I am not quite convinced they are the best choice of technology to be utilizing for adequate and efficient education. In an attempt to keep up with the ever changing time, I understand why so many schools have found it necessary to fill their classrooms with smartboards and publicize the fact. After reading and comparing I have come to the conclusion that, although interesting, there are better ways to incorporate technology into the classroom instead of smartboards.
Smartboards are shiny, busy, and eye-catching. They have the ability to motivate and engage children. Well of course they do, because for the most part smartboards are just a learning game. They have assisted teachers in moving away from blackboards, flip charts, and over head projectors. Some of the repeated benefits are the infusion of technology, increased support for visual learners, recordable for use over and over, and parental and student access on the web. Instead of being behind a computer the teacher can be at the front of the room and he/she has the option to add an on-screen keyboard and other educational applications. As an alternative to taking notes, students can maneuver, manipulate, and write with the touch of a finger. Smartboards are based on stimulating visuals and are notably more preferable than out-dated books. This technology introduced at an early age can help children become more comfortable and have the ability to understand more complicated technology to come.
On the opposite side of the fence, smartboards are extremely expensive. As a matter of fact, according to what they can actually accomplish I would say that they are over-priced. In addition, smartboards still use the old teacher-in-front-of-the-class technique. Although children are engaged by the bright lights, bells, and whistles; smartboards are lecture based. The curriculum is not any more easily presented and the teachers seem to have a harder time adding the applications, therefore, taking away valuable teaching time. The biggest complaint seems to be the cost. Most officials do not disagree with paying out for them because they look good on reports, but the cold truth is there are lots of other devices capable of the same skills at a much more affordable rate. I think it is great if you already have one and are using it, but I would not suggest anyone go spend their dollars, or my tax dollars for that matter, on buying one in the future.


Video Ideas

I have been thinking of all kinds of videos, probably since the first day of class. I am interested in being a part of any or all of them. The first idea I thought of was a comedy news skit. It could have all the parts of a real news broadcast, but have superficial facts. It would contain interviews, weather, local news, and global news. All performed in a comic setting.
Another fun idea is a mock reality show of a southern family. It could have all the daily activities that we know and love, like: eating grits, hanging out on the front porch, and saying “y’all.” Both of these ideas are light and funny, but I thought about recording some science projects that I do with my class, too. I would include a hypothesis, test, data, and conclusions of commonly asked scientific questions. We do a few science projects throughout the year that would make real interesting videos.
Jamie Lynn and Dr. Strange’s videos made me think about making fake product commercial videos. I could go on and on with ideas, but those are just the ones off the top of my head. I would love to be in any videos. I am not afraid of the camera. I actually enjoy it and look forward to making some fun ones on my own that are not required for homework.

Assignment 5

Eagle’s Nest Radio: All Roads Lead to Rome

These kids are so cute! The host speaks very proficiently. I learned about architecture like the coliseum, gladiators, and history of Rome. Did you know Romans were responsible for creating aqueducts? What about their thirst for violence? Do you know which Cleopatra was famous? It was the 7th. I thought Cleopatra was from Egypt. She was actually Greek.
The information was enlightening and interesting. This is the best history lesson I have ever heard. What a wonderful way to teach children so many skills. They were able to learn basic historical knowledge of the Romans and their culture, while they explored with technology and interacted socially. This is true education. The additional picture affirms they enjoyed this learning experience.

Langwitches

This podcast is inspirational, to me. I plan to make one of these in my classroom. They explained difficult words and expressed their understanding of new vocabulary. The teacher is able to assess their reading comprehension skills without administering a standardized test.
It is fulfilling to hear such enthusiasm about reading coming from such young children. Children who enjoy reading have a direct correlation to being successful students. In addition to doing a fantastic job teaching these youngsters numerous life long skills, this teacher has shared their success and her innovative ideas with the world. Now other teachers can grab the torch and follow in her footsteps.

More on podcasts

This video was extremely informative. It includes the benefits of podcasting, student and faculty approval, and links to help you learn to podcast with step-by-step instructions. I have already personally experienced the enthusiasm of my own students while working with technology. I was not shocked to hear the students in this video point out some obvious positive aspects of podcasting. The teachers are very eager to engage their students in learning and the end result is happy principals and happy parents.
I really appreciated how well rounded this video is, but it was a slightly lengthy. It is well worth the time to watch. I plan to take advantage of the tutorial links at the end. I already have a few ideas to use in my classroom for some podcasts. I am eager to have my students get as excited as the ones in the video are.

Practical Principals


After watching each of these I was able to gain some insight on the value of technology in the classroom. The students are overwhelmingly excited about what they are doing. The podcasts really give them an opportunity to be a part of the learning process, as opposed to sitting in a desk and listening to the teacher bore them to death. The teacher is able to cover materials called for in the curriculum and teach technological capabilities, all the while opening up new doors for her students. These are the lessons they will go home and tell their families about. I firmly believe learning is a hands-on project. Once I went to this workshop and the lady passed out worksheets with a picture of a balloon. Then she passed out red crayons. She told all of the teachers to color the balloon red. Then she asked, “What can you tell me about red balloons?” The room went quiet. What else could we say; it was a red balloon. Then she got out a bag full of balloons and passed them out. She let us blow them up, let them go, tie them, wave around, and anything else we could think of doing. Then she said, “Now, what can you tell me about red balloons?”
Of course, red balloons are just an example, but it applies for all areas of learning. In order to learn, one must do; and in order to teach, one must be able to learn. I cannot wait to apply some things that I have, recently, learned to my class curriculum. I know my students will be just as excited. You should have heard them beg to watch the video “Reading to My Class,” I previously posted. They thought they were awesome before. Now they know they are.

READING TO MY CLASS

Spring Break Timeline

Presentation

Assignment 4

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff

Scott McLeod is a professor of Education at Iowa State. He was named one of the National School Boards Association's 20 to watch in 2007 and he just so happens to be the co-creator of the "Did You Know" video I have previously posted about. I really liked the way he addressed this post as a letter to people who are responsible for the growth and education of students. The way you have to scroll down to get the full message implies this is his opinion of technology. Then in the conclusion he fools you with his mockery. He argues technology is useless and dangerous. He claims you have to keep your children safe and you cannot trust them. I guess they should not drive either. He concludes with irony by stating he is going to teach his kids all that stuff and basically if you do not, your kids are going to be at a huge disadvantage. He plays on the fact that parents always want the best for their kids and points out how we can stifle their possibilities by wrapping them in a bubble.



iSchool Initiative

Travis argues for a solution to broken school systems. He suggests classrooms ran by technology, the iSchool. He documents technology already available which could improve education. Applications such as: e-mail, Chemical Touch, World Wiki, USA Presidents, Star Walk, Formulae, and Classics are just a few that he mentions. He claims they would save natural resources, cut costs, and improve interaction. It would grant access and accountability, but have lock and personalized settings.
He makes a good point about the impact the iSchool would have on the environment, but I cannot help to think about the huge gaps between the children participating in iSchool and the children who do not. There would be transition time and some children, more than likely poor children, would have a huge disadvantage upon entering the real world. It sounds great on paper, or should I say on video, but I sense we are not ready for the iSchool. Our technological capabilities have surely surpassed our ethical principles. Our ethics will need to catch up and I obviously have a lot of learning to do.



The Lost Generation

At first I was thinking; this girl is troubled, yet somewhat realistic. I think the first half of the video is possible, possibly inevitable if something does not change. The second half is extremely up-beat and optimistic. It literally gave me goose bumps. The technique was perfect for this message. From the color of the background to the angle of the text, all the details set the stage for this intriguing technique. I enjoyed this palindrome. I actually looked it up to find out what the technique was. My first reaction: This is so neat.


Virtual Choir

This is a really amazing video. I am in complete awe. I think this demonstrates very positive and creative use of the internet. I believe people should be allowed to explore and use the internet in any way they wish, as long as it is does not include any form of child pornography or exploitation.

Assignment 3

A Vision of Students Today

This video speaks volume, without saying a word. The music, signs, and emotionless faces say it all. It is slightly depressing, but in many cases it is reality. It does describe parts of my previous college experience. I took out many loans, attended little class, and rarely found anything my professors said interesting. Probably the reason why I did not graduate in 2002, like I should have. Now I am thirty and I have a family and a job to go along with the responsibilities of being a student. This time a little older and a little wiser, I am paying for each semester as it comes, attending class regularly, and paying close attention to my professors. This seems to be working for me. I can empathize with being a teen with "bigger fish to fry" than going to class. I really am not quite sure why society thinks it is a good idea to start a new chapter in your life[college], leave the proverbial nest, and offer you credit cards all in the same year.
There is not anything I would have added to this video. Many times less is more. It is important to get your point across and not ramble on. I feel this video accomplishes that and leaves the viewer interested for what comes next. Kudos to Kansas State University.

It's Not About the Technology


Sometimes when I am sitting in Dr. Strange's class I feel old and outdated, like a cassette tape. I wonder how will I be a great teacher, if I do not even know how Twitter works. This post by Kelly Hines reaffirms that any teacher willing to be open-minded and use the tools can truly teach. She points out that tools are just that, tools. Computers are not teachers. There are lessons in life that all students must learn and some of them have nothing to do with technology. Does technology help? Why yes it does! Do our students need to know how to use technology? Why yes they do! They, also, need to learn about painting, the smell of chemistry class, and friendships. Things that do not necessarily rely on technology.
I am impressed that Hines speaks out so loudly amongst her "tech savvy" colleagues. She is brave and slightly daring posting it on the world wide web for all sorts of technical geniuses to read and critique. Just from actively attending Dr. Strange's class and completing assignments, I know she already possesses plenty of technical literacy. I have a huge appreciation for any teacher who still places value on continuing to learn.


Fischbowl: Is it OK to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

Mr. Fisch just says all the stuff he thinks teachers should know how to do, but he fails to offer any valid solutions. Of course, we can all agree as the time passes it becomes more and more important to be technically literate. That is why as education students, we are learning and training for these necessary skills. I think he is a little extreme comparing technological literacy to reading, but he makes his point. What suggestions does he offer for his annoyed colleagues? I do not remember reading any. For those teachers in-service and close to retirement, where is their place? I suggest maybe they are not proud of their illiteracy, but just refuse to be ashamed.
I do not mind saying I do not have it figured out. I continue to learn on a daily basis. I am just not willing to stand up and say here is a list and not offer any valid directions on how to achieve the ideas on the list.
I can, however, see how Mr. Fisch won an award for this post. It is easier to gain respect from most people when you are open and honest about your thoughts and ideas. I congratulate Mr. Fisch for doing so, and for winning an award for it. Many people find it is easier just to agree, nod, and move on, but Mr. Fisch wrote his article that made people reflect and possibly change their actions. Even though I do not always like to admit it, this is another win for technology if Mr. Fisch helps just one student have a better chance at success he has achieved something. Yes I, too, mean success in terms of both economic/employment and citizenship/personal fulfillment.

Gary's Social Media Count

I watched the social media count, then I had to shut down my computer for the day. I came back to it the next day and realized the seconds were still running(well of course, the world had not come to an end over night). The numbers are so large. For me as a teacher, it means I have a lot of keeping up to do. It is just so big and vast it is hard to feel like you fit in. And it never stops, like the energizer bunny. It just keeps going and going and going. For me, it means I will have to keep learning and learning and learning.

Assignment 2

Did You Know
Did you know? No, I did not. It is difficult for me to clearly respond to this extremely busy video. It has so much information. I had to watch it three times. Each time I viewed it I felt smaller, less significant, and even more out-dated. I am not entirely happy about the rate of change the world and its inhabitants are experiencing. I am a simple woman; and I like it that way. I am absolutely positive there are computers that transcend my capabilities and that information frightens me. Please tell me someone who reads this has watched the movie Terminator.
I am not intentionally passing negative judgment on those who find this type of video to be exciting and interesting. I appreciate all the technological advancements which have come to benefit me i.e. air conditioning, cell phones, and washing machines. In addition, I am delighted to have learned what "B.G." means and on a side note I thoroughly enjoyed the background music. Although, for me, this video was slightly dismal I cannot help but smile at myself. See I am the one in every two people who have been at their current job for more than five years. This point of interest leads me to believe I am one in a million. Who cares if there are 1,300 Alanas in China and the world is flying past me at light speed. What can I do about it? When my days are complete I am content. The music did make me want to dance though, so I think I will watch it one more time.

Mr. Winkle Wakes
Aw, poor Mr. Winkle. He reminds me of my grandfather, who worked on a merchant marine ship during World War II. I can relate to Mr. Winkle's feelings of overwhelming discomfort. Fear of the unknown oftentimes prevents us from moving forward with change. Upon personal reflection, this video is an eye opener. I feel the need to make some additions to an earlier statement. I am, also, grateful for the technology which provided me with an epidural during the birth of my daughter and the technical machines which assisted the doctors during my grandmother's open-heart surgery. I possibly overlooked some important advancements during my bash at the "Did You Know" video.
I do not know what town Mr. Winkle is from, but around here the schools do not look like the one he finds. I think I might have taken that for granted. I know there are learning facilities that are exactly like the one Mr. Winkle stumbles upon, and many more that are in worse condition. The problem for me, and probably many others, is out-of-sight, out-of-mind. My daughter's school is filled with computers, smart boards, and internet accessibility; and honestly she knows more about them than I do. I realize I have neglected to consider the many schools which lack necessary learning equipment. Although I may be simple and not tremendously interested, I believe it is imperative today's children have access to updated and working technology. Also, I think all teachers should be required to take a class comparable to EDM 310, even if the information will be outdated before graduation. This question remains: What to do with Mr. Winkle?


Schools Kill Creativity
Ken Robinson does an exceptional job expressing some key points about how the school systems suppress and discourage creativity in students. I have to admit, I was slightly intimidated about the video lasting almost twenty minutes. After watching it, I found myself looking for more of his lectures to watch. It was an excellent point of discussion. It held my attention the entire time. He is very enlightening, experienced, and extremely hilarious. Although he is funny, his point is serious.
I agree creativity is exceedingly important. I place a lot of blame on numerous advancements in technology, for the lack of creativity. The more outside stimulation people receive, the less they need to create their own. Many children today are raised in front of the television, therefore they do not need to play, explore, or imagine. They have video games that do that for them. In a world of instant this and rapid that most people do not have time to think, much less be creative. As Robinson points out social acceptance is based largely upon success in academics. Academic achievement is rooted in industrialism and technology. As both commodities progress and increase, it becomes more and more difficult to obtain the same academic status. More and more academic education is required and there is even less time for creative arts. Robinson is precise; creativity is being stifled and original ideas of value are becoming obsolete because educators are failing to promote them. Not only was Robinson on target with his topic he, also, did a great job of producing visual images. Watch the video and you will envision Shakespeare as a young school boy and a wiggly girl in the principal's office finally find her niche in life. I cannot conclude this response without giving him an enormous pat on the back for his references to ADHD. In summary, just watch it. You will enjoy it and learn something, I did.



Harness Your Students Digital Smarts
I have to start by saying I appreciate that Davis is open to learning [Tetraform] from her students. Also, I am very impressed that she is so wonderful; yet she is human enough to admit she does not know everything. It is evident her children are learning more efficiently with her project based assignments, rather than multiple choice tests and redundant lectures. Her methods give the students a boost academically, socially, and technologically. Combined it seems to boost the students' self-esteem, too. I agree pencil and paper are becoming tools of the past. I am slightly worried about those of us who are not completely trained for this transition.
Davis is inspiring. I want to be able to encourage independent learning as well as she does. OpenSim, DigiTeen, and the flat classroom project are resources that I would like to learn more about. They appear to be great venues for teaching, learning, and experiencing the growing world of technology. It is evident she wants success for all of her students and she is so proud of them. Although customizing the set curriculum is sometimes frowned upon, Davis manages to set the bar for a great learning experience. I know a few teachers that could benefit by trying just one of her methods. Way to go Davis, you hit a home run for education.

Just Getting Started

I welcome all readers, commentators, critics, and positive thinkers to follow me along my journey, as I learn to become an effective blogger. This will definitely be a new adventure for all persons involved.