Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Historical Timeline of the United States' Presidents
There are a lot of dates...
You can expand the timeline by dragging one of the thin white bars from side to side which are located on the outsides of the darker blue section under the dates.
Enjoy!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Blog Post 6
The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler-
The theme of this video was neat. However, I don't totally agree with the message it is sending. I do like that the 'connectivist teacher' empowers her students to take control of their learning. I feel like that would really set apart the motivated students from the unmotivated students.
I like how the student shares the information which they've found through bookmarks and blogs. However, a lot of uninformed students can easily be mislead because of the blogs. Blogs are more opinion than fact. But, every teacher has their own opinion so, in a way, teachers teach in biased ways just like a blog can.
Once again, an MP3 player proves to be MVP of technological learning networks. The benefits from having credible recorded courses on your iTunes are endless!
Most importantly, I learned about the networking tools which are necessary to creating a successful learning environment on the web. As a teacher I'll remember to use MP3 programs, bookmarking, and blogging to connect with other scholars around the world. I'll guide my students to use the right tools for learning and I'll teach them how to find and communicate information properly.
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)-
This students PLN is similar to mine with links for school work and social networking. But, I have my banks and doctors in addition to my work and play. Personal Learning Networks have proven to be very valuable. I'll definitely use one from here on out as a student and as a teacher. I'll also have my students set up a PLN with sites they'll need for my class and in general. I think a PLN is going to be a great way to empower disabled students with confidence and responsibility and organization skills.
Critiques of Smart Boards
Why Smart boards are a Dumb Initiative by Michael Staton- Staton believes Smart boards aren't enough of an advance in the classroom to be so much more expensive and Smart boards are an administrative cop out. Bill Ferriter wrote the article Why I Hate Interactive White boards. He believes that interactive white boards are too expensive when they don't make much of a difference in lesson plans.
I found this blog http://www.teacherslovesmartboards.com/ to counteract the blog above. It's called Teachers Love Smart boards. The author of this blog just LOVES using animation. He informs us of when animation is appropriate. He also says animation helps engage the students in learning. I disagree. I think animation merely entertains students. In a previous blog post I learned that engaging my students is more important than entertaining my students. The blog I found is not a very good counteracting advocate for Smart boards. But still... pictures are not engaging so I had to share this ridiculous post.
The theme of this video was neat. However, I don't totally agree with the message it is sending. I do like that the 'connectivist teacher' empowers her students to take control of their learning. I feel like that would really set apart the motivated students from the unmotivated students.
I like how the student shares the information which they've found through bookmarks and blogs. However, a lot of uninformed students can easily be mislead because of the blogs. Blogs are more opinion than fact. But, every teacher has their own opinion so, in a way, teachers teach in biased ways just like a blog can.
Once again, an MP3 player proves to be MVP of technological learning networks. The benefits from having credible recorded courses on your iTunes are endless!
Most importantly, I learned about the networking tools which are necessary to creating a successful learning environment on the web. As a teacher I'll remember to use MP3 programs, bookmarking, and blogging to connect with other scholars around the world. I'll guide my students to use the right tools for learning and I'll teach them how to find and communicate information properly.
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)-
This students PLN is similar to mine with links for school work and social networking. But, I have my banks and doctors in addition to my work and play. Personal Learning Networks have proven to be very valuable. I'll definitely use one from here on out as a student and as a teacher. I'll also have my students set up a PLN with sites they'll need for my class and in general. I think a PLN is going to be a great way to empower disabled students with confidence and responsibility and organization skills.
Critiques of Smart Boards
Why Smart boards are a Dumb Initiative by Michael Staton- Staton believes Smart boards aren't enough of an advance in the classroom to be so much more expensive and Smart boards are an administrative cop out. Bill Ferriter wrote the article Why I Hate Interactive White boards. He believes that interactive white boards are too expensive when they don't make much of a difference in lesson plans.
I found this blog http://www.teacherslovesmartboards.com/ to counteract the blog above. It's called Teachers Love Smart boards. The author of this blog just LOVES using animation. He informs us of when animation is appropriate. He also says animation helps engage the students in learning. I disagree. I think animation merely entertains students. In a previous blog post I learned that engaging my students is more important than entertaining my students. The blog I found is not a very good counteracting advocate for Smart boards. But still... pictures are not engaging so I had to share this ridiculous post.
C4K #1-4
C4K#1
Evan- Crozet 4th Grade Class- The Secret of the Printer
Evan had a great idea about the printer. He says the printer works because there is a little man inside it painting the pictures or letters. The little man gets help from a lot of other little people by pushing the paper out of the printer.
I told Evan how awesome of an idea the little printer man is. I also asked what he looks like because I'm curious about that. Then I gave Evan my twitter, gmail address, and blog link.
______________________
C4K#2
Subika's Blog- Mr. St.Pierre's Class- I Loved the News Broadcast
Subika's group made a news broadcast. There were a few technical errors but she said "Who cares?!?!" Subika's family loved it and she said everyone did a great job. She can't wait to do another one.
I congratulated Subika on her broadcast and told her that I hope my group does as well on our podcast that we are currently working on. Then I left Subika the link to my blog.
______________________
C4K#3
Pt. England School is in Auckland, New Zealand. Room 14 at Pt. England School is a Year 5 class taught by Ms Helen Squires. Room 14 is a creative writing class. This is their first time having their own blogs and the students get to use netbooks.
Fauea's @ Pt England School- Fauea posted a picture that he created on the computer. The picture had him, a big TV that said MTV on it and a PS3 connected to the TV. He titled his post Holiday. Fauea said he played PS3 at his uncle's house over the break. I thought the picture was very detailed. Not every Year 5 can match their shirt and shoes perfectly. :]
This is Room 14 at Pt. England School.
______________________
C4K#4
I was assigned to a student under the name of pk2011. Pk2011 blogged about throwing a ball with his dad all day. Pk2011 said he got hit in the ribcage and shoulder. I asked if he wanted to play baseball or football then reminded him that practice makes perfect.
Evan- Crozet 4th Grade Class- The Secret of the Printer
Evan had a great idea about the printer. He says the printer works because there is a little man inside it painting the pictures or letters. The little man gets help from a lot of other little people by pushing the paper out of the printer.
I told Evan how awesome of an idea the little printer man is. I also asked what he looks like because I'm curious about that. Then I gave Evan my twitter, gmail address, and blog link.
______________________
C4K#2
Subika's Blog- Mr. St.Pierre's Class- I Loved the News Broadcast
Subika's group made a news broadcast. There were a few technical errors but she said "Who cares?!?!" Subika's family loved it and she said everyone did a great job. She can't wait to do another one.
I congratulated Subika on her broadcast and told her that I hope my group does as well on our podcast that we are currently working on. Then I left Subika the link to my blog.
______________________
C4K#3
Pt. England School is in Auckland, New Zealand. Room 14 at Pt. England School is a Year 5 class taught by Ms Helen Squires. Room 14 is a creative writing class. This is their first time having their own blogs and the students get to use netbooks.
Fauea's @ Pt England School- Fauea posted a picture that he created on the computer. The picture had him, a big TV that said MTV on it and a PS3 connected to the TV. He titled his post Holiday. Fauea said he played PS3 at his uncle's house over the break. I thought the picture was very detailed. Not every Year 5 can match their shirt and shoes perfectly. :]
This is Room 14 at Pt. England School.
______________________
C4K#4
I was assigned to a student under the name of pk2011. Pk2011 blogged about throwing a ball with his dad all day. Pk2011 said he got hit in the ribcage and shoulder. I asked if he wanted to play baseball or football then reminded him that practice makes perfect.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Blog Post 5
Eagles' Nest Radio & Class Blog-
This is very cool! Third graders are creating their own radio show! It's very neat how they researched all the information then set up a podcast to share it all! Even the sound effects are awesome. I definitely plan on doing projects like this with my students. The kids were not only entertained, but they were ENGAGED. This is a great way to really learn the material, express personality, and involve all the students.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom-
My favorite thing about podcasting: it promotes creativity and innovation. It also makes learning more memorable because students and record their projects. The video on this blog covered the basic benefits of technology. It was a well-made video but I did not enjoy watching it. Honestly, I feel like it was dragged out and beat around the bush. However, the video did make great points. The blog gave a quick overview of the video which I found more helpful. It also supplied readers with podcasting tutorials which proved to be very helpful.
100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better-
Wow. I had no idea there are so many iPod applications to help learn! This relates a lot to the iSchool which I've previously blogged about. I also know that Nursing majors at South Alabama have to have an iPod for its apps and such. All of these apps make learning a lot more convenient than a stack of huge textbooks. I'll most likely incorporate some of these apps in my future students' projects and even daily classwork. Actually, a lot of these apps would be very helpful for a lot of disabilities anyway like Audio book apps.
This is very cool! Third graders are creating their own radio show! It's very neat how they researched all the information then set up a podcast to share it all! Even the sound effects are awesome. I definitely plan on doing projects like this with my students. The kids were not only entertained, but they were ENGAGED. This is a great way to really learn the material, express personality, and involve all the students.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom-
My favorite thing about podcasting: it promotes creativity and innovation. It also makes learning more memorable because students and record their projects. The video on this blog covered the basic benefits of technology. It was a well-made video but I did not enjoy watching it. Honestly, I feel like it was dragged out and beat around the bush. However, the video did make great points. The blog gave a quick overview of the video which I found more helpful. It also supplied readers with podcasting tutorials which proved to be very helpful.
100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better-
Wow. I had no idea there are so many iPod applications to help learn! This relates a lot to the iSchool which I've previously blogged about. I also know that Nursing majors at South Alabama have to have an iPod for its apps and such. All of these apps make learning a lot more convenient than a stack of huge textbooks. I'll most likely incorporate some of these apps in my future students' projects and even daily classwork. Actually, a lot of these apps would be very helpful for a lot of disabilities anyway like Audio book apps.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Blog Post 4
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?-
At first I was very confused then I started sensing the sarcasm. The style of writing is very unique. There is hardly any punctuation, no capitalization, or any full sentences for that matter. Yet, with all of these mistakes, Dr. McLeod is making a great statement!
When I began reading I was thinking, "Uhh aren't we supposed to be supporting technology in schools?" And, "Gosh, these ideas sound like the unreasonable rules of my high school."
The punchline to Dr. McLeod's sarcasm came when he said
"I don't want them
creating
sharing
thinking
learning."
His cynical comments will make someone rethink their reasoning on the 'blocked-technology rules.' He is right! TECHNOLOGY MATTERS, especially in education.
Dr. McLeod is very credible. He's an Associate Professor of Educational Administration at Iowa State, a co-creator of the Did You Know videos, and the director of the UCEA center for the advanced study of Technology Leadership in Education.
.jpg "blogspot.com iSchool logo")
The iSchool Initiative-
An iPod with all of the resources for school is a really neat idea! This just shows how technology is advancing and will become a part of everyone's lives soon enough. Someone who commented on this video said her school is changing to iSchool next year, also. It's awesome to think that my children could be using iSchool instead of huge textbooks and a lot of paper. I'll probably even be teaching students with iSchool!
However, iSchool can have its cons. What about people prone to light-induced migraines? And will the schools be supplying these iSchools? That raises a lot of questions. As in what will be allowed on them and can they be used for personal use? And what about the kids who can't afford iSchool if the schools don't supply them. I'm also curious if there will be different versions of iSchool fit for different disabilities. There should be! And if not, I have an interesting project ahead of me.
Lost Generation-
THAT
WAS
AWESOME!!!
I even posted it to my Facebook wall! That video was just so cool! It caught me by complete surprise. The first half I was thinking "Oh no, this is bad. I don't like the message here." Then I thought "Wait, Dr. Strange would not have us watch a video with this kind of message. And if he did- how mean!" Finally, I saw the punchline! The technique used in this video was very creative. I had never seen anything like it before which may be why I like it so much. One word to describe it- ingenious.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir-
Wow! As I was watching this so many questions popped into my head. Like, how did he get all of their screens to be lined up and organized to look like an actual choir? My answer to that- he must have a mac (haha). What made him decide to even conduct a virtual choir? What an idea! The amount of organization that must have required is mind- boggling. He had 185 clips, plus his, to manipulate onto the main screen. Amazing! Very neat. The interactions between the individual singers and conductor can symbolize the interaction between a student and a teacher in a virtual class. So many possibilities!
Teaching in the 21st Century-
In this video "to teach" does not mean to fill heads with facts and data. It means to teach students the skills they need to acquire and share facts and data themselves. Every fact a teacher knows is now on the internet in some form or fashion. So why do we still have teachers? We still have teachers so students can be taught how to get this information, what it means, and what to do with it! If you were to give a caveman a computer and say, "Learn." What would he do? He wouldn't know what to learn. He wouldn't even know what to do with the computer. That's when technologically literate teachers become valuable. They know what needs to be learned and how to teach it: by providing their students with the skills they need to find the information on their own then share it. I really liked when the video said "students do not need to be entertained, they need to be engaged." Engagement brings entertainment but entertainment does bring engagement.
At first I was very confused then I started sensing the sarcasm. The style of writing is very unique. There is hardly any punctuation, no capitalization, or any full sentences for that matter. Yet, with all of these mistakes, Dr. McLeod is making a great statement!
When I began reading I was thinking, "Uhh aren't we supposed to be supporting technology in schools?" And, "Gosh, these ideas sound like the unreasonable rules of my high school."
The punchline to Dr. McLeod's sarcasm came when he said
"I don't want them
creating
sharing
thinking
learning."
His cynical comments will make someone rethink their reasoning on the 'blocked-technology rules.' He is right! TECHNOLOGY MATTERS, especially in education.
Dr. McLeod is very credible. He's an Associate Professor of Educational Administration at Iowa State, a co-creator of the Did You Know videos, and the director of the UCEA center for the advanced study of Technology Leadership in Education.
The iSchool Initiative-
An iPod with all of the resources for school is a really neat idea! This just shows how technology is advancing and will become a part of everyone's lives soon enough. Someone who commented on this video said her school is changing to iSchool next year, also. It's awesome to think that my children could be using iSchool instead of huge textbooks and a lot of paper. I'll probably even be teaching students with iSchool!
However, iSchool can have its cons. What about people prone to light-induced migraines? And will the schools be supplying these iSchools? That raises a lot of questions. As in what will be allowed on them and can they be used for personal use? And what about the kids who can't afford iSchool if the schools don't supply them. I'm also curious if there will be different versions of iSchool fit for different disabilities. There should be! And if not, I have an interesting project ahead of me.
Lost Generation-
THAT
WAS
AWESOME!!!
I even posted it to my Facebook wall! That video was just so cool! It caught me by complete surprise. The first half I was thinking "Oh no, this is bad. I don't like the message here." Then I thought "Wait, Dr. Strange would not have us watch a video with this kind of message. And if he did- how mean!" Finally, I saw the punchline! The technique used in this video was very creative. I had never seen anything like it before which may be why I like it so much. One word to describe it- ingenious.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir-
Wow! As I was watching this so many questions popped into my head. Like, how did he get all of their screens to be lined up and organized to look like an actual choir? My answer to that- he must have a mac (haha). What made him decide to even conduct a virtual choir? What an idea! The amount of organization that must have required is mind- boggling. He had 185 clips, plus his, to manipulate onto the main screen. Amazing! Very neat. The interactions between the individual singers and conductor can symbolize the interaction between a student and a teacher in a virtual class. So many possibilities!
Teaching in the 21st Century-
In this video "to teach" does not mean to fill heads with facts and data. It means to teach students the skills they need to acquire and share facts and data themselves. Every fact a teacher knows is now on the internet in some form or fashion. So why do we still have teachers? We still have teachers so students can be taught how to get this information, what it means, and what to do with it! If you were to give a caveman a computer and say, "Learn." What would he do? He wouldn't know what to learn. He wouldn't even know what to do with the computer. That's when technologically literate teachers become valuable. They know what needs to be learned and how to teach it: by providing their students with the skills they need to find the information on their own then share it. I really liked when the video said "students do not need to be entertained, they need to be engaged." Engagement brings entertainment but entertainment does bring engagement.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
C4T#1
Newspaper Map is Really Neat-
Larry Ferlazzo's post informed us about an easily accessible online newspaper that is displayed on a Google Map. Ferlazzo noted how Newspaper Map is substantially better than another version of an online newspaper, Newseum. Newspaper Map also allows you to choose a language to read articles in.
- Initially, I gave a little description of myself. I let him know a little about EDM 310. Then I confessed to Mr. Ferlazzo that I had never heard of Newspaper Map or Newseum. However, I was interested to find out about it. It seems very helpful and I'll be sure to put it to use. I thought up some cool projects for my future students using Newspaper Map.
Mr. Ferlazzo had a few posts for today, February 2, so I chose the one about school lunches. It's titled “U.S. Late To The Party On School Lunch Makeovers.” I chose this post of all others because I'm a firm believer in good nutrition and wanted to check this out. Ferlazzo posted an NPR article about lunches around the world. When I read the article I also found some pictures of school lunches around the world. It was interesting to see the different meals! Jamie Oliver of Scotland started a program called Hungry For Success a few years ago. The program was successful in providing students with healthful, nutritious lunches. Soon after other countries adopted similar programs. Meanwhile, America has just recently passed a child nutrition bill. Either way I believe nutritious cafeterias can have the most success in academics and in extra-curricular activities.
Larry Ferlazzo's post informed us about an easily accessible online newspaper that is displayed on a Google Map. Ferlazzo noted how Newspaper Map is substantially better than another version of an online newspaper, Newseum. Newspaper Map also allows you to choose a language to read articles in.
- Initially, I gave a little description of myself. I let him know a little about EDM 310. Then I confessed to Mr. Ferlazzo that I had never heard of Newspaper Map or Newseum. However, I was interested to find out about it. It seems very helpful and I'll be sure to put it to use. I thought up some cool projects for my future students using Newspaper Map.
Mr. Ferlazzo had a few posts for today, February 2, so I chose the one about school lunches. It's titled “U.S. Late To The Party On School Lunch Makeovers.” I chose this post of all others because I'm a firm believer in good nutrition and wanted to check this out. Ferlazzo posted an NPR article about lunches around the world. When I read the article I also found some pictures of school lunches around the world. It was interesting to see the different meals! Jamie Oliver of Scotland started a program called Hungry For Success a few years ago. The program was successful in providing students with healthful, nutritious lunches. Soon after other countries adopted similar programs. Meanwhile, America has just recently passed a child nutrition bill. Either way I believe nutritious cafeterias can have the most success in academics and in extra-curricular activities.
Blog Post 3
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
This video was very enlightening. It was also very accurate. I like the way it was filmed also, i.e. in a classroom with real people raising little signs. That was very neat and kept me interested. I thought of two things that were left out: 1. how college effects eating and sleeping habits and 2. how athletes have constant physical strain along with the stress of school work and time management.
However, this video makes a great point about the direction of life that college teaches people to be prepared for. From personal experience, we DO learn outdated information that we won't ever use again. We DO learn in archaic fashions sometimes also, which I believe only hinders how much we can learn in that classroom.
"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
Kelly Hines makes a good point! One that I have failed to notice until now. I thought EDM 310's purpose was to make me more technologically literate so I can use technology to have more effective lesson plans. When really, I need to be technologically literate in order to keep up with the 21st century! Hines mentions that teachers need to be learners. If I can't learn about the most recent form of technology that all of my students are using, how can I be teach them effectively?
Hines also says that if a student has not learned no teaching has been done. That's so true! I'll be able to use my 21st century tech-savvy skills to change up HOW the information is taught. This will also help me learn which teaching methods are more effective in different situations because, truthfully, technology IS useless without good teaching. Therefore, being a "21st century teacher" will enable me to be a good, effective teacher.
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
This post also made some very good points. We've been exploring this topic in EDM 310 so far. And ultimately, I think everyone's answer will be no 'No.' I like how Fisch tells people to stop being proud of their "ignorance." If you're technologically illterate, you should try to learn to become LITERATE.
"If a teacher today is not technologically literate - and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more - it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read and write." We all know how important it is to be able to read in this day. Fisch makes a great point. Reading didn't seem important back then, just like technology seems unimportant to most people now, but we WILL need to be technologically literate in order to be successful.
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
Most importantly, this social media count shows how imperative it is for teachers to be technologically literate! The speed of change today is impressively fast. As educators, we need to be able to keep up with the changing world at the pace of which it's constantly changing.
I uploaded Gary Hayes' Social Media Count to my facebook because I think it's a pretty cool application. It's amazing to think deeper into the statistics than just that minute we see on his app. The growth is exponential! All teachers should be technologically literate to make the greatest impact they can. Here is Gary Hayes' Social Media Count.
This video was very enlightening. It was also very accurate. I like the way it was filmed also, i.e. in a classroom with real people raising little signs. That was very neat and kept me interested. I thought of two things that were left out: 1. how college effects eating and sleeping habits and 2. how athletes have constant physical strain along with the stress of school work and time management.
However, this video makes a great point about the direction of life that college teaches people to be prepared for. From personal experience, we DO learn outdated information that we won't ever use again. We DO learn in archaic fashions sometimes also, which I believe only hinders how much we can learn in that classroom.
"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
Kelly Hines makes a good point! One that I have failed to notice until now. I thought EDM 310's purpose was to make me more technologically literate so I can use technology to have more effective lesson plans. When really, I need to be technologically literate in order to keep up with the 21st century! Hines mentions that teachers need to be learners. If I can't learn about the most recent form of technology that all of my students are using, how can I be teach them effectively?
Hines also says that if a student has not learned no teaching has been done. That's so true! I'll be able to use my 21st century tech-savvy skills to change up HOW the information is taught. This will also help me learn which teaching methods are more effective in different situations because, truthfully, technology IS useless without good teaching. Therefore, being a "21st century teacher" will enable me to be a good, effective teacher.
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
This post also made some very good points. We've been exploring this topic in EDM 310 so far. And ultimately, I think everyone's answer will be no 'No.' I like how Fisch tells people to stop being proud of their "ignorance." If you're technologically illterate, you should try to learn to become LITERATE.
"If a teacher today is not technologically literate - and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more - it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read and write." We all know how important it is to be able to read in this day. Fisch makes a great point. Reading didn't seem important back then, just like technology seems unimportant to most people now, but we WILL need to be technologically literate in order to be successful.
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
Most importantly, this social media count shows how imperative it is for teachers to be technologically literate! The speed of change today is impressively fast. As educators, we need to be able to keep up with the changing world at the pace of which it's constantly changing.
I uploaded Gary Hayes' Social Media Count to my facebook because I think it's a pretty cool application. It's amazing to think deeper into the statistics than just that minute we see on his app. The growth is exponential! All teachers should be technologically literate to make the greatest impact they can. Here is Gary Hayes' Social Media Count.
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