Sunday, March 31, 2013
Blog Post #10
I'm a Papermate. I'm a Ticonderoga.
After viewing Mr. Spencer's comic I had to read the comments to fully understand its humor. At first I thought the comic just referred to many of life's situations where we take the cheaper, faster route which eventually fails. After reading the comments I realized I was not too far from the actual meaning. In this comic Mr. Spencer is mocking the Mac vs. PC commercials. Macs cost more, but tend to have less problems, headache, and last longer (Ticonderoga). The PC (Papermate) seems to be the more economical purchase but may not be in the long run.
Why Were Your Kids Playing Games?
In Mr. Steven's post he shares the details of one of his trips to the principals office. He describes how the principal accused him of playing games in the classroom. Mr. Stevens tried to explain that the game they were playing was educational, and helpful to the students. He then explained that the "game" was actually an advanced simulation where the students made a mock factory. The principal still said no. Then Mr. Stevens also pointed out that soldiers and surgeons uses games and simulations as part of their education. The principal told Mr. Stevens this is not a hospital or war. Mr. Stevens then renamed his game to reflect a writing project, but it would actually be the factory game. Sometimes "game" may not be the best word choice for certain principals and administrators! We tend to associate game with tic-tac-toe or a board game, as Mr. Stevens pointed out. That is not what he was using in the classroom. Is practicing real life scenario considered playing a game? Is that wrong? I feel like these "games" are where students obtain the most knowledge for life and their future career. Simulation is used in drivers ed. classrooms to practice driving scenarios all of the time. I don't see how our future career would be any different.
Remember Pencil Quests?
In this post Mr. Stevens describes his "pencil quests" adventures that were so exciting to him as a student. They had a map of websites and a list of questions for each site. As he looks back he realizes how far we have come with technology. Something that seemed so exciting and new to him may not even be used in future classrooms. I can definitely relate to this post. I remember as a young student going to the computer lab on the old apple computers to play Oregon Trail, or in high school having internet worksheets. My students will probably never play Oregon Trail, or get excited about internet worksheets once a month. As a teacher I will be a part of all of these phases, and I can not wait.
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
I was a little confused at first while reading Mr. McLeod's post but it all made sense in the last few lines! Mr. Scott McLeod is "widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading academic experts on K-12 school technology leadership issues." He currently serves as the Director of Innovation for Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency 8. He also co-created the country’s first graduate program designed to prepare technology-savvy school leaders. In his post he asks teachers, parents, and everyone involved in the school systems to not use technology in the classroom. He asks why we would ever need these things. He pleads us to not use blogs, PLNs, twitter. Most definitely do not allow cell phones. Don't use technology in the classroom, because he IS. He wants to prove his point that technology in the classroom helps tremendously. We will see in the long run who is more prepared, and it will be the teachers who took advantage of these resources. I completely agree with Mr. McLeod. I would love to be the one who proves to some of these stubborn people how valuable technology can be in the classroom. They would soon realize that he is the better educator, and his students are far more prepared. So my advice for teachers is DO. Do utilize these resources, and don't be the teacher who rejects change. For more information on Mr. McLeod visit his About Me page.
After viewing Mr. Spencer's comic I had to read the comments to fully understand its humor. At first I thought the comic just referred to many of life's situations where we take the cheaper, faster route which eventually fails. After reading the comments I realized I was not too far from the actual meaning. In this comic Mr. Spencer is mocking the Mac vs. PC commercials. Macs cost more, but tend to have less problems, headache, and last longer (Ticonderoga). The PC (Papermate) seems to be the more economical purchase but may not be in the long run.
Why Were Your Kids Playing Games?
In Mr. Steven's post he shares the details of one of his trips to the principals office. He describes how the principal accused him of playing games in the classroom. Mr. Stevens tried to explain that the game they were playing was educational, and helpful to the students. He then explained that the "game" was actually an advanced simulation where the students made a mock factory. The principal still said no. Then Mr. Stevens also pointed out that soldiers and surgeons uses games and simulations as part of their education. The principal told Mr. Stevens this is not a hospital or war. Mr. Stevens then renamed his game to reflect a writing project, but it would actually be the factory game. Sometimes "game" may not be the best word choice for certain principals and administrators! We tend to associate game with tic-tac-toe or a board game, as Mr. Stevens pointed out. That is not what he was using in the classroom. Is practicing real life scenario considered playing a game? Is that wrong? I feel like these "games" are where students obtain the most knowledge for life and their future career. Simulation is used in drivers ed. classrooms to practice driving scenarios all of the time. I don't see how our future career would be any different.
Remember Pencil Quests?
In this post Mr. Stevens describes his "pencil quests" adventures that were so exciting to him as a student. They had a map of websites and a list of questions for each site. As he looks back he realizes how far we have come with technology. Something that seemed so exciting and new to him may not even be used in future classrooms. I can definitely relate to this post. I remember as a young student going to the computer lab on the old apple computers to play Oregon Trail, or in high school having internet worksheets. My students will probably never play Oregon Trail, or get excited about internet worksheets once a month. As a teacher I will be a part of all of these phases, and I can not wait.
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
I was a little confused at first while reading Mr. McLeod's post but it all made sense in the last few lines! Mr. Scott McLeod is "widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading academic experts on K-12 school technology leadership issues." He currently serves as the Director of Innovation for Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency 8. He also co-created the country’s first graduate program designed to prepare technology-savvy school leaders. In his post he asks teachers, parents, and everyone involved in the school systems to not use technology in the classroom. He asks why we would ever need these things. He pleads us to not use blogs, PLNs, twitter. Most definitely do not allow cell phones. Don't use technology in the classroom, because he IS. He wants to prove his point that technology in the classroom helps tremendously. We will see in the long run who is more prepared, and it will be the teachers who took advantage of these resources. I completely agree with Mr. McLeod. I would love to be the one who proves to some of these stubborn people how valuable technology can be in the classroom. They would soon realize that he is the better educator, and his students are far more prepared. So my advice for teachers is DO. Do utilize these resources, and don't be the teacher who rejects change. For more information on Mr. McLeod visit his About Me page.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Blog Post #9
Mr. McClung's What I Learned This Year- Volume 4
For four years now Mr. McClung has written an end of the year reflective blog post. In What I Learned This Year-Volume 4 he describes his fourth year of teaching and the challenges he had to overcome. Mr. McClung felt that he was becoming too concerned with his peers opinion of himself. He soon realized that he should only worry about his students. They are the ones he needs to take care of. I feel that every new teacher will struggle with this at some point. I can't believe Mr. McClung is just now struggling with this in his fourth year. I feel it is very difficult especially as a student teacher to get in front of the class to present a lesson and focus solely on the students and not the adults who are judging you. We are here for the kids, and we're doing them an injustice if they do not have our full attention. I read blog post sometimes and think to myself "this advice is going to be crucial for my future teaching career." Well this is one of those post! My purpose in life is to be the best educator I can be. I need to stay true to myself and my beliefs. Sure it will be difficult teaching in front of other educators, but I will be focused on the students, and that is where my attention should be.
In the second part of his post he writes about challenging yourself. Mr. McClung was teaching the same subject with same lesson plans and it was starting to become a routine. He was becoming comfortable with just continuing to re-use the same lesson plans. He was offered to teach a more challenging subject and gladly accepted! As an educator I know I will sometimes have to take the road less traveled. How will I continue to learn if I don't?
What I've Learned This Year 2009
This was Mr. McClung's first "What I've Learned" blog post that he wrote following his first year of teaching. After reading this post the first thing that stood out was the section about being flexible. He explains that lessons are never perfect, and that they will rarely, if ever, turn out the way we originally planned. He also talks about communicating, and being reasonable. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we are teaching children. Lastly but not least he tells us to not be afraid of technology and to continue learning. I agree with Mr. McClung's views and plan to embrace the changes I may be presented with in life and my career.
For four years now Mr. McClung has written an end of the year reflective blog post. In What I Learned This Year-Volume 4 he describes his fourth year of teaching and the challenges he had to overcome. Mr. McClung felt that he was becoming too concerned with his peers opinion of himself. He soon realized that he should only worry about his students. They are the ones he needs to take care of. I feel that every new teacher will struggle with this at some point. I can't believe Mr. McClung is just now struggling with this in his fourth year. I feel it is very difficult especially as a student teacher to get in front of the class to present a lesson and focus solely on the students and not the adults who are judging you. We are here for the kids, and we're doing them an injustice if they do not have our full attention. I read blog post sometimes and think to myself "this advice is going to be crucial for my future teaching career." Well this is one of those post! My purpose in life is to be the best educator I can be. I need to stay true to myself and my beliefs. Sure it will be difficult teaching in front of other educators, but I will be focused on the students, and that is where my attention should be.In the second part of his post he writes about challenging yourself. Mr. McClung was teaching the same subject with same lesson plans and it was starting to become a routine. He was becoming comfortable with just continuing to re-use the same lesson plans. He was offered to teach a more challenging subject and gladly accepted! As an educator I know I will sometimes have to take the road less traveled. How will I continue to learn if I don't?
What I've Learned This Year 2009
This was Mr. McClung's first "What I've Learned" blog post that he wrote following his first year of teaching. After reading this post the first thing that stood out was the section about being flexible. He explains that lessons are never perfect, and that they will rarely, if ever, turn out the way we originally planned. He also talks about communicating, and being reasonable. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we are teaching children. Lastly but not least he tells us to not be afraid of technology and to continue learning. I agree with Mr. McClung's views and plan to embrace the changes I may be presented with in life and my career.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Blog Post #8
Richard Miller: This is How We Dream
In Dr. Miller's videos he talks about the change in writing and communication that has happened through the use of technology. This blog post is an example of how different writing is now versus 20 years ago when an assignment would have been submitted on pen and paper. In his video he explains how his dream for his career revolved around books. He eventually wrote his own academic book, and it is now out of print. Since writing that book his way of doing research has changed drastically.
Dr. Miller's work tools changed from books, pen, and paper to just his laptop. This change has happened for almost everyone. Researching and writing can be done from almost anywhere. I can use my tablet, laptop and even phone. Virtual books are becoming more common also, and can be taken everywhere with you. They do not have to stay in a classroom or library. I think these changes are absolutely amazing. In the past I would have to drive to different libraries for different books, or information. Now I am able to access libraries online that provide research, journals, and online books. There are also so many different websites and tools to use straight from my desktop as Dr. Miller says.
In the second part of his video he talks about how this digital environment provides a whole audio and visual experience versus just obtaining the information. Dr. Miller believes that as educators "we are in the business of sharing ideas freely." As a future educator I have found many online lectures and resources all over the web to help my career. He feels that there will be a time when students do not even use word processor as a writing tool. I am excited for these changes. I remember hand writing papers and submitting them in class. That will almost be non-existent soon.
Carly Pugh: Blog Post #12
Wow. What an inspiring blog post. It was obvious that Carly really wants to be the best educator she can be. This post did not seem like it was a chore, but much more of an amazing experience for her. I learned so much from reading this post. It provides videos and writing prompts that I could utilize in my future classroom. Making a "playlist" is and amazing idea! My educational videos would organized all in one spot. This assignment combines personality, creativity, and technology. I think this is a definite example of Dr. Miller's ideas of writing with multi-media.
EDM 310 is Different
The Chipper Series
This video shows the importance of school and EDM 310. Success in school in school is imperative for success in your career. Chipper does not take school seriously, and as a result she does not take life seriously. Missing deadlines may seem like no big deal now, but it may cause you to be terminated from your job in the future. Work hard, follow directions, make deadlines, and give it your all and you will succeed in college. Through working hard in school you learn life lessons to help you in you r future career. I think this is a great idea for a video. I think it would be helpful for all students, even those in high school considering college.
EDM 310 for Dummies
This video should be required at the begining of the semester! At first EDM 310 was completely overwhelming. In this video we see two students make the same struggle that all of us have at some point this semester. This class has definitely made me stressed at one point, but it was well worth it in the end. I have already learned so much that will help me now as a student, and in the future as a teacher. These students show that they were struggling, and they freaked out. The two students received help through EDM 310 for dummies. It made the class much more enjoyable and they were actually able to utilize the tools they were learning for other classes. The message in this video is to get help if you need it. In life we should never be afraid to ask for help. I would rather ask and know that I am doing something the correct way versus always doing something the wrong way.
Learn to Change, Change to Learn
This video shows the lack of technology that is being utilized in today's classrooms. The video states: "The US Department of Commerce ranked fifty-five industry sectors by their level of IT intensiveness. Education was ranked number 55, the lowest, below coal mining." Students use social networking and other tools to communicate and learn, but yet that is taken away from them in the classroom. One woman in the video says that, "we have a classroom system when we could have a community system." I agree with this statement. Students of all ages are learning on their own everyday. If only they were given a little guidance and structure with these media tools, then at school we could learn so much more than just the information. It would allow so much more time for students to learn tools to help them in life as a whole, and not just the "standard" at hand.
Scavenger Hunt 2.0
1) I chose Classroom 2.0 as my social media site for educators. I chose this site because I already have an account for Edmodo and I wanted to explore a new site. This site is for those who are interested in Web 2.0 and social media. It allows you to search any topic, interact with other teachers around the world, and find even more resources. This free website is a great way for teachers to be introduced to the digital world.
3) I created my own comic using MAKE BELIEFS COMIX.
5) I created a poll using SurveyMonkey. My poll is titled EDM 310. Click here for my poll.
In Dr. Miller's videos he talks about the change in writing and communication that has happened through the use of technology. This blog post is an example of how different writing is now versus 20 years ago when an assignment would have been submitted on pen and paper. In his video he explains how his dream for his career revolved around books. He eventually wrote his own academic book, and it is now out of print. Since writing that book his way of doing research has changed drastically.
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In the second part of his video he talks about how this digital environment provides a whole audio and visual experience versus just obtaining the information. Dr. Miller believes that as educators "we are in the business of sharing ideas freely." As a future educator I have found many online lectures and resources all over the web to help my career. He feels that there will be a time when students do not even use word processor as a writing tool. I am excited for these changes. I remember hand writing papers and submitting them in class. That will almost be non-existent soon.
Carly Pugh: Blog Post #12
Wow. What an inspiring blog post. It was obvious that Carly really wants to be the best educator she can be. This post did not seem like it was a chore, but much more of an amazing experience for her. I learned so much from reading this post. It provides videos and writing prompts that I could utilize in my future classroom. Making a "playlist" is and amazing idea! My educational videos would organized all in one spot. This assignment combines personality, creativity, and technology. I think this is a definite example of Dr. Miller's ideas of writing with multi-media.
EDM 310 is Different
The Chipper Series
This video shows the importance of school and EDM 310. Success in school in school is imperative for success in your career. Chipper does not take school seriously, and as a result she does not take life seriously. Missing deadlines may seem like no big deal now, but it may cause you to be terminated from your job in the future. Work hard, follow directions, make deadlines, and give it your all and you will succeed in college. Through working hard in school you learn life lessons to help you in you r future career. I think this is a great idea for a video. I think it would be helpful for all students, even those in high school considering college.
EDM 310 for Dummies
This video should be required at the begining of the semester! At first EDM 310 was completely overwhelming. In this video we see two students make the same struggle that all of us have at some point this semester. This class has definitely made me stressed at one point, but it was well worth it in the end. I have already learned so much that will help me now as a student, and in the future as a teacher. These students show that they were struggling, and they freaked out. The two students received help through EDM 310 for dummies. It made the class much more enjoyable and they were actually able to utilize the tools they were learning for other classes. The message in this video is to get help if you need it. In life we should never be afraid to ask for help. I would rather ask and know that I am doing something the correct way versus always doing something the wrong way.Learn to Change, Change to Learn
This video shows the lack of technology that is being utilized in today's classrooms. The video states: "The US Department of Commerce ranked fifty-five industry sectors by their level of IT intensiveness. Education was ranked number 55, the lowest, below coal mining." Students use social networking and other tools to communicate and learn, but yet that is taken away from them in the classroom. One woman in the video says that, "we have a classroom system when we could have a community system." I agree with this statement. Students of all ages are learning on their own everyday. If only they were given a little guidance and structure with these media tools, then at school we could learn so much more than just the information. It would allow so much more time for students to learn tools to help them in life as a whole, and not just the "standard" at hand.
Scavenger Hunt 2.0
1) I chose Classroom 2.0 as my social media site for educators. I chose this site because I already have an account for Edmodo and I wanted to explore a new site. This site is for those who are interested in Web 2.0 and social media. It allows you to search any topic, interact with other teachers around the world, and find even more resources. This free website is a great way for teachers to be introduced to the digital world.
3) I created my own comic using MAKE BELIEFS COMIX.
5) I created a poll using SurveyMonkey. My poll is titled EDM 310. Click here for my poll.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
C4T #2
Langwitches Blog
Embed Visuals into Teaching and Learning- Part 2
By: Sylvia Tolisano
In Sylvia Tolisano's post she talks about ways for students to "read and write" in this media world we have created. She talks about a website called Wonderopolis. Wonderopolis is an amazing tool for teachers to use in the classroom. Students will have an image on Wonderopolis and will either have to research further on the topic or answer a question on the topic. Teachers can even submit their own "wonder" to the website for their students. She also shares another site called Visual Writing Prompts.These resources are amazing for future educators. They are wonderful to introduce writing online as well as to add a new twist to a writing prompt.
I commented on Ms. Tolisano's post by first thanking her for the amazing resources. I told her that I have shared these resources with a few of my classmates, and that I am book marking them for my future classroom. I will also be utilizing them in an ongoing project I am participating in. I am very excited to continue following her blog.
Anatomy, Grammar, Syntax & Taxonomy of a Hyperlink
By: Sylvia Tolisano
In this post Ms. Talisano talks about how difficult the transition can be for a teacher going from pen and paper to this new online world. She explains how difficult learning hyperlinks can be. In this post she breaks this process down. It was extremely helpful for me!
In my response I again thanked Ms. Talisano for sharing such amazing resources and information. I downloaded the chart that she provided to explain the hyperlinks, and plan to keep it for future reference. I am so excited for these new changes in technology as a future educator. Although even as a student they can seem to be difficult at times. It is wonderful to have someone take the time to explain these things that seem so foreign to us right now.
Embed Visuals into Teaching and Learning- Part 2
By: Sylvia Tolisano
In Sylvia Tolisano's post she talks about ways for students to "read and write" in this media world we have created. She talks about a website called Wonderopolis. Wonderopolis is an amazing tool for teachers to use in the classroom. Students will have an image on Wonderopolis and will either have to research further on the topic or answer a question on the topic. Teachers can even submit their own "wonder" to the website for their students. She also shares another site called Visual Writing Prompts.These resources are amazing for future educators. They are wonderful to introduce writing online as well as to add a new twist to a writing prompt.
I commented on Ms. Tolisano's post by first thanking her for the amazing resources. I told her that I have shared these resources with a few of my classmates, and that I am book marking them for my future classroom. I will also be utilizing them in an ongoing project I am participating in. I am very excited to continue following her blog.
Anatomy, Grammar, Syntax & Taxonomy of a Hyperlink
By: Sylvia Tolisano
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In my response I again thanked Ms. Talisano for sharing such amazing resources and information. I downloaded the chart that she provided to explain the hyperlinks, and plan to keep it for future reference. I am so excited for these new changes in technology as a future educator. Although even as a student they can seem to be difficult at times. It is wonderful to have someone take the time to explain these things that seem so foreign to us right now.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Blog Post #7
Randy Pausch Last Lecture
Randy Pausch is a computer science professor with a gift of being an amazing inspirational speaker. He learns that he only has a a few short months left of his life, but this does not define or change him. After watching his lecture it is obvious that he did not allow the cancer to consume his life. Towards the end of his lecture he says "I don't know how to not have fun." This should be the case for everyone, especially educators. He is such an inspiration to me, and made me realize how precious and short life can be.
He addresses many topics to help you fulfill your dreams as well as help others. The first one is his theory about the infamous brick wall that we all seem to encounter at one point or another. When Pausch says "brick wall" he means something or someone that prohibits you from fulfilling your dream. He says they are there for us to prove how badly we want something, and that is very true. The brick wall may be frustrating at first but in the end it proves how passionate you are about your dream, and that nothing will stop you. He proves this when he finally experiences zero gravity.
Another point from his lecture that was very important to me was his statement about making mistakes and receiving criticism. He says that when you screw up, and no one says anything it means they have quit caring. This reminded me of peer editing. Most of the time when someone gives you constructive criticism it is to help you succeed because they do care. This statement will be extremely beneficial to me as a new teacher. I am going to have difficult times, and I won't always be perfect. There will be things I will try and I will fail. I hope that in my future teaching those with more experience do care enough to help me realize when I have screwed up. I believe it is important for me to realize and correct my mistakes to make me a better person, student, and educator.
I have watched this video at least three times now, and every time I learn something new or hear something I missed. I recommend everyone to watch this video, and as I said especially educators. I have recently started writing down some of my life goals. I have both short term and long term, and a lot of educational goals. I realize now that I may not be able to realistically complete every goal, but I will never GIVE UP!
Randy Pausch is a computer science professor with a gift of being an amazing inspirational speaker. He learns that he only has a a few short months left of his life, but this does not define or change him. After watching his lecture it is obvious that he did not allow the cancer to consume his life. Towards the end of his lecture he says "I don't know how to not have fun." This should be the case for everyone, especially educators. He is such an inspiration to me, and made me realize how precious and short life can be.
He addresses many topics to help you fulfill your dreams as well as help others. The first one is his theory about the infamous brick wall that we all seem to encounter at one point or another. When Pausch says "brick wall" he means something or someone that prohibits you from fulfilling your dream. He says they are there for us to prove how badly we want something, and that is very true. The brick wall may be frustrating at first but in the end it proves how passionate you are about your dream, and that nothing will stop you. He proves this when he finally experiences zero gravity.Another point from his lecture that was very important to me was his statement about making mistakes and receiving criticism. He says that when you screw up, and no one says anything it means they have quit caring. This reminded me of peer editing. Most of the time when someone gives you constructive criticism it is to help you succeed because they do care. This statement will be extremely beneficial to me as a new teacher. I am going to have difficult times, and I won't always be perfect. There will be things I will try and I will fail. I hope that in my future teaching those with more experience do care enough to help me realize when I have screwed up. I believe it is important for me to realize and correct my mistakes to make me a better person, student, and educator.
I have watched this video at least three times now, and every time I learn something new or hear something I missed. I recommend everyone to watch this video, and as I said especially educators. I have recently started writing down some of my life goals. I have both short term and long term, and a lot of educational goals. I realize now that I may not be able to realistically complete every goal, but I will never GIVE UP!
Project #9
I chose Symbaloo for my PLN. I have organized it in several groups. I have a social network group, an educational group, and also a group for exercising. I chose to make my educational tiles a different color because it will make them easier to find. I can not wait to add more resources to my tiles. This is going to be extremely helpful throughout this semester and also as a future teacher!
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