EDM 310 Class Blog

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Blog Post #16

EDM310 has been great! I will use everything that I have learned in this class towards my future classroom.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

C4T #4

Teacher Post
In this post Ms. Ferguson uploaded the video InfoWhelm and Information Fluency. This was an interesting video about the increase of digital output and she asks the question "are our students ready to tackle these problems".

My Comment
Ms.Ferguson,
My name is Lindsey Donald and I am in EDM310 at the University of South Alabama. In this course we are learning that technology will not stop advancing. We have also learned that a great lesson starts with a great question. I fell that technology will be a huge part of our students' future. I also feel that as a future educator I must learn how to teach my students so that they will be ready to tackle these problems. Interesting post!
Lindsey Donald

Teacher Post
This week, Mr. Pullen posted a blog about a book called "Make it Stick". He says that this book builds on the work of others. He says that it supports practices "such as interspersing the retrieval of information over a period of time, forcing students to try to answer a problem before teaching it to them, using mnemonics.."

My Comment
My name is Lindsey Donald and I am in EDM310 at the University of South Alabama. I am currently studying to become an elementary education teacher. Thanks for sharing this book! As a future educator I am always looking for things to help with my future outside of me being in the classroom. It sounds like a great, interesting read.

Make it Stick

Blog Post #5 Part B

PLN's are personal learning networks that allow you to really connect with everyone and everything! These PLN's are not just for teachers, they are useful to anyone. The site i chose to create my PLN was Symbaloo . With symabloo I can do things such as: check social media, Skype, and get news reports. I have even added a few bloggers to my PLN. It keeps me organized and it is easy to use.

digital networking

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Blog Post #14

Problems
1. Hiring teachers
2. Seniority

Solutions
1.Not hiring teachers just because they have a degree
2.Just because a teacher has been teaching longer does not mean they are better

Picking from the Best

In Teaching Our Children Can be a Profession Mr. Klein suggests in this article that teachers should not just be chosen because they have a degree. He states that the teachers who graduate top of their class should be given first priority. In my opinion, if a student works hard enough to earn a degree, then they deserve an equal chance. Everyone in the college of education has to go through the same process, even student teaching. Therefore, if you have achieved goals and received a degree you deserve a chance.

Seniority

Just like in many other aspects, seniority sometimes has its way in the school system as well. It is stated that when lay-offs come the new teachers are the first to go. Mr. Klein suggests that just because a teacher has been there longer, does not mean they get to stay. I agree with him in this statement. I feel that many new teachers have an advantage and can relate more to the students, especially with technology.

Earning a degree wether you are at the top of the class or not makes no difference. I feel that a earning a degree as teachers we are equal. As far as seniority goes, new teachers could have a great advantage. Bringing new knowledge of technology to the classroom would be crucial for students this day in age. Therefore, I agree and disagree with some of Mr. Joel Klein's problems and solutions.

Joel Klein

C4K for November

C4K #8

This week I was assigned to Najeem in Ms. Horst's class. Najeem posted a working link to his blog! A link to a video of two dancers preforming. He told us that the dancers were dancing at different levels and speeds. Najeem's working link

My Comment
My name is Lindsey Donald and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. Great job with including a working link in your blog post! I myself just started blogging and had to learn how to do that too. Keep up the good work!

C4K #9

This week I was assigned to Landon's Blog . Landon posted about a product that he created on his own. It is a product that will keep your drink cold for as long as you want! he even added a straw holder.

My comment
My name is Lindsey Donald and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. Awesome blog! Your product sounds really cool! I wish I had something like that to keep my drink cold, especially on a hot day down here. I really enjoyed looking through your blog. Keep up the good work! Check out My Blog when you get a chance!

No C4K #10


C4K #11

For my last C4K I was assigned to Cole's Blog . Cole wrote about a couple of vacations that he has taken in the past few years. He gave us great details about going to Orlando and San Francisco.

My Comment
My name is Lindsey Donald and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. These vacations sound awesome! You gave us great details about them. I too have been on many memorable vacations these are memories we will cherish forever! Great Post!
learn and grow together

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Blog Post #13

Watch the video Teach Special Education

Then answer the question that adheres to the standards found in the ACCRS and Writing a Quality Blog Post


My Post

-1 in 9 students require Special Education and related services.
-In 2005 there were 426,500 full time special education teachers.
-By 2009 this number dropped to 370,500 full time Special Education teachers.

In the video Teach Special Education we see many teachers and families talking about the impact this job has on their lives. To these parents, teaching special education not only impacts their children's lives, but their lives as well. It is clear that it is not easy for these parents but, it is also clear that these teachers make everyday easier. The love and support that this job comes with is truly inspiring.

We can see from this video that these teachers love what they do. Like they say, it takes a special person to take on this job. As special education teachers we must think outside of the box, and find a way to teach our students in a way that they can understand. Like one of the parents mention, special education teachers have a genuine curiosity to figure out and help these students. Being a special education teacher we not only give these students hope, but the parents hope as well.

Working with these children for so long I have always known that this is what I want to do. Watching this video only inspired me more to become a special education teacher. Seeing the impact that these teachers have on everyone's lives is truly amazing. I look forward to making a difference in the lives of others. This job will be so rewarding.

learning knows no bounds



Smartboard Project#12 Part B

Introduction to Fractions



Sunday, November 9, 2014

Project #10

Teacher Interview With Vicky Donald





C4T #3

Teacher Post
Mr. Richardson posts an article by David Edwards. In this article Mr. Edwards talks about an increasing urgency to explore a new way of thinking about education. Then, Mr. Richardson says "despite some movement toward more discovery learning outside of school, inside of school is getting worse. More testing. Pre-K Common Core curriculum. Fewer and fewer opportunities to stretch outside the classroom and the traditional pedagogies that everyone seems to expect in the new evaluation regimes." We Need Discoverers

My Comment
I am a student in EDM310, where we are learning a lot about project based learning and the importance of asking questions. I feel that having PBL in my classroom in the future will really help students have a better understanding of the real world. Giving my students a chance to search the web for their own information will help them to see what is really out there. I enjoyed looking through your blog!


Teacher Post
Mr. Richardson posts a statement made by Gary Stager. Mr. Stager believes that as time goes on children's time in schools will decrease. Basically he is saying that there will come a time when children will only go to school for a few hours if they even go at all. He says that in the future the schools will still be there, there just will not be any kids in them. Mr. Stager believes that he is 110% accurate with this statement. Schools Dying Monopoly on Children's Time



My Comment

I feel differently about this topic. According to cnsnews.com 49.5% of today's society depends on the government, therefore they can not necessarily live on their own. School is a place for parents to send their children where there is free food and technology that they most likely do not have at home. I think that the government/politicians realize that school is also a place where children can go and stay out of trouble. Reading these statistics I feel that students time in school will not change anytime soon as long as 49.5% of Americans are living off of the government.



Teacher Teaching Students

Blot Post #12

Lindsey- Assistive Technologies for vision and hearing impaired children

Assistive Technology

In the video Assistive Technologies for Vision and Hearing Impaired Children , we learn facts about children in Australia who have hearing and vision impairment. This video shows many images of children using different forms of assistive technology in the classroom. From this video we learn that on average, one Australian child is identified with impaired hearing every day! One in every 2500 children have vision impairment. We see these students participating in class and activities just as everyone without disabilities would do. This is a very inspirational video that proves to us that all children can interact with one another in and out of the classroom.

The video chose was Assistive Technology Rocks My Classroom! This video is about a girl named Elina, who has a physical disability called athetoid cerebral palsy. This disability makes it hard for Elina to use her muscles for everyday activities such as: eating, walking and even talking. She started using assistive technology when she was just nine years old. Using assistive tech Elina is able to do things like: draw, paint, write in cursive and speak! She has accomplished so many things by using this technology. Elina and her classmates even taught others how to use this technology at an international conference! Elina is a perfect example of how assistive technology can help students with disabilities accomplish long term goals and overcome so many obstacles.




Amanda-The Mountbatten

The The Mountbatten, is an amazing tool that is used to type braille. This tool provides feedback to the individual as they are typing. It says each letter out loud as each button is pushed. This makes it very easy for someone who is blind to avoid making mistakes while typing. The mountbatten is a handy tool that allows files to be sent and received from a computer. It can also save files for next time when a student needs a break and wants to return to their work later. It is great for someone who is just starting to learn braille. By using this tool, students who are blind will not feel as left out during group projects in class.

The next video, Russel Hinderman using the Mountbatten, is a video I found on my own. In this video Russel is shown learning how to use the Mountbatten. He seems very eager to use the tool. This video shows that the Mountbatten can indeed be used by young students. I think this tool could be handy for anyone! The Mountbatten allows teachers to guide their students in the right direction as the tool does the talking. I think this brailler is something that is very easy to use, and can be very helpful even if students don't have a teacher sitting next to them as they type. Blind children could also use the Mountbatten for independent learning exercises.

The Mountbatten


Kayla-iPad for the Blind

In the article How The Blind Use A IPad it explains how a blind person uses the iPad. Apple has many programs an apps for the blind. Apple has a built in screen reader and this helps the blind because a screen reader reads the screen for you. For example: when you click over an app, the screen reader will read the app to you. Apple also has a Braille Display. According to this article, "a refreshable Braille display is an electronic device that displays visual information (text) as Braille (text) on a Braille display." For a blind person the Braille display can help them type and use ke
ys. The iPad and other apple products are great tools for not only the blind but for anyone.

This video iPad usage for the blind shows a blind man explaining how he uses the iPad. This video is amazing to me because not only did I just explain that a blind person can use the iPad but the video actually shows a blind person using the iPad. He seems to not have any trouble with it. I believe apple products are great for everyone. They make them easy to use for anyone.

iPad for the blind






Raven-Teaching Math to the Bind



Teaching Math to the blind


Teaching math to the blind is very difficult. Braille is the language that a blind person uses to read or write. The problem with braille is that it is very linear. Blind students are not able to how even the most simple math problems are two dimensional. When given an addition problem, a hearing student would normally line up the numbers to solve the problem. A student that is blind would see the problem on the same line.






Deaf Student     Hearing Student


1234+4567   VS.   123
                           +4567






Art Karshmer is a professor at the University of San Francisco School of Management and Chairman of the Department of Technology. He developed a system that translates the 2-dimensional concepts of mathematical problems into a single dimensionality of braille to allow a blind student to understand those concepts into their visual cortex through touch and electronic feedback. He believes that students that are blind are barred from the study of all of the core or "stem " sciences that rely on math as their root language. His system uses small blacks with braille numbers that can be placed on a grid and can be read to the student. The block itself can also be scanned and read aloud by a computer. With this system, a braille student is able to lay out a math problem that same way a sighted student would see it on paper. Using this device with blind students can help build a foundation that will help them in their future studies.



math for the blind

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Blog Post #11

In the video Back to the Future Mr. Brian Crosby had his class do several fun activities. He says he has his class participate in activities like these because, kids do not know what could be, if they do not know what is. Mr. Crosby explains that students today must have imagination and creativity. He really tries to step outside of the "narrow curriculum" that he believes students are receiving these days. His fourth graders participated in many hands on activities. He then instead of testing them on these projects, had them embed their videos and blog about what they had done. The students posted it to their blog, made their own wiki page, and added pictures to their class flickr. It seems that he has brought these students so far! He says that we've always taught students how to be taught: be quiet, raise your hand. Now we must make students want to learn, he really seems to have done this. Awesome video!

The next video was Blended Learning Cycle . In this video Paul Anderson explains how he uses blended learning in his science classroom. He says many times that as teachers we must understand the power and importance of a question. Mr. Anderson also says that it is important for students to have control in doing things such as peer grading. He then explains his steps to blended learning which are: Question,Investigation,Video,Elaboration,Review and Summary/Quiz. These are great and very useful steps to the learning process. These steps will be beneficial for me in the future.

The third video I watched was Making Thinking Visible . In this video Mark Church has his students watch a video about the upcoming lesson. Then, they create a headline within their groups. Later on after the lesson is completed, he has his students create a new headline to see what has changed from beginning to end. I feel like this would really help students understand the lesson more and have them more interested in it.

The forth video was Super Digital Citizen . I absolutely loved the lesson in this video! In Sam Pane's classroom, he has his students create a digital super hero. These super hero's help teach children how to safely use the internet. Mr. Pane explains that the more the lesson is about the students the more meaningful the lesson is. He also allowed his students to walk around and look at and read their fellow students comic. Again, we see peer editing in the classroom this is crucial among students these days. "With great power come great responsibility".

The fifth video was Project Based Learning . In this classroom the teachers have combined english, history and information processing (technology). The students in this classroom have three different teachers, so they have triple the feed back. Not only do they have feedback from teachers but their classmates as well. These students really seem to love the idea of three teachers and PBL in this classroom, they are always asking the question "how can I make this better?".

The final video I watched was Roosevelt Elementary PBL . In this video teachers and parents explain how much they love project based learning in this elementary school. The teachers explain that this concept takes a real world problem and allows students to research and solve the problem themselves. One parent says that it has helped her son have great independent skills as well as group working skills. All social skills build upon each other. This really helps students get prepared for their future.

Group work

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Blog Post #10

In these videos Kathy Cassidy makes great points about students and technology. Ms. Cassidy uses technology in her first grade classroom. She sends out forms at the beginning of each year letting parents know that the students will be using the internet safely. She uses her students blogs as a portfolio for the parents, so that they can see what their child has been learning throughout the year. I really love this idea. She later states that blogs can have an audience, where as pen and paper really do not. Her point about technology never going away could not be more true, technology grows everyday! There is always something new on the internet.

Kathy explains that as a teacher you have to know about technology, especially with the generation that we will be teaching. Books, pencil and paper (the old way), will no longer keep students interested in their activity. My views on using technology in the young classroom have definitely changed since the beginning of EDM310. With Dr. Strange and these videos I am going to use blogging and other technology based activities in my classroom! Enjoyed these videos.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

computer student

Saturday, October 25, 2014

C4K For October

Danny's Blog Post Summary
Danny wrote about if football is too dangerous for kids. Danny does not think so. He gives us examples of how it is safe such as: coaches teach a safe way to tackle, they wear pads and protective helmets. Danny does think that there could be more safety rules to prevent concussions. He tells his readers to make sure they let a coach know when themselves or their friends get hurt.

My Comment
My name is Lindsey Donald and I am in college at the University of South Alabama! Great post! I also love football, it is such a fun sport to watch. I love how you give examples of the safety precautions that are being implemented in this sport. It is very important that you let coach know when you or your friends get hurt.
Great job!

Danny's Blog Post

Madison's Blog Post Summary
For this week I commented on Madison's blog. Madison had a very detailed post on how and what to do when you are babysitting.

My Comment
Hi Madison,
My name is Lindsey Donald and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. This is a great post! It is very detailed and informative. I really enjoyed reading it. From my babysitting experiences these things that you have listed are very true! Keep up the great posts! Can not wait to read more.

Madison's Blog Post

Thad's Blog Post Summary
In his post Thad believes that kids at a younger age should be able to take classes that contribute to a career. Thad gives examples such as: astronomy, engineering, services, agriculture, and economics.

My Comment
Hi Thad,
My name is Lindsey Donald and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed this post! And I agree that kids at a younger age should be able to take classes to help with their future. What would you like to take? Great post!

Thad's Blog

Danielle's Blog Post Summary

This week Danielle wrote about the importance of being a "good Englander". She writes about being respectful to your peers and your teachers. She also talks about how welcoming new students is important so they feel welcome.

My Comment

My name is Lindsey Donald and I go to the University of South Alabama in the United States. I would not like to go to a school where people were rude to me either! I agree that we should be respectful to our teachers and our peers. Welcoming new students is important you want to make them as comfortable as possible. Great post!

Danielle's Post

blogging

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Blog Post #9

In Seven Essentials for Project Based Learning we learn that it is important to keep our students attention while introducing a project. Students do not care about "busy work", but having an "entry event" such as; a field trip or guest speaker will keep their attention.
Every good project needs: Students to see the project personally so that it is meaningful and they will want to do it well. Secondly, a meaningful project fulfills an educational purpose, project based learning is meaningful in both ways.


Project Based Learning for Teachers starts out asking a question about what teachers want in a classroom. Project Based Learning poses a question about an event or issue that allows the student to do their own research. This helps the students gain a better understanding of the project. Students have a voice and a choice in their learning.

Next, I watched What Motivates Students . I was a little bit surprised by some of the students' answers about what motivates them. I was surprised because, they seem to be very interested in being successful when they grow up, with a good job and a family. These students were rewarded for their good grades and good behavior. Some were rewarded food, school supplies, or fun class activities. Rewarding students for good grades and behavior in school is a great way to keep them motivated.

In the article Project Based Learning in PE high school students had to create a beneficial physical fitness program for middle school students. This project also meets the physical education standards. This project effects students everywhere in everyday life. Physical fitness should be a part of everyday life. In this project the students learn many things such as; teamwork, how to stay fit and live a healthy life.

Lastly, I watched High School Teachers Meet the Challenges of PBL . In this video teachers talk about how they thought that PBL would affect their math and english classrooms. One teacher says that it PBL is helping engage all of their students. Another teacher states that is it great for teachers to create their own courses and for the teacher to have the voice. These teachers seemed unsure about change in the beginning but really seemed to like the process of PBL in the classroom. It really gets the students more involved.

pbl

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Implications and Teaching Oportunities for Camera use in Teaching and Learning

1. 87% say their smartphone never leaves their side.
2. 80% say the very first thing they do in the morning is reach for their smartphone.
3. 78% say they spend 2 or more hours per day using their smartphone.
4. 68% say they would prefer to use their smartphone instead of their laptop or personal computer for personal use.
5. 91% say that having a camera on their smartphone is important (61% very important)
6. 87% say they use their smartphone camera at least weekly. 59% use their smartphone camera at least every other day. 44% use their smartphone camera for still or motion picture taking every day.


Technology is something that has an effect of everyone these days. Even young children use technology whether it be at home or at school. I feel that it is important for teachers to learn and keep up with the latest technology. The generation that I will be teaching will definitely know more about technology that I. Children most likely prefer tablets and smart phones over books any day!

I know that I will learn many things from my students about technology. Even though I am not the best it, it is becoming a bigger part of our lives everyday. Children seem to pay more attention to technology than anything else. Luckily technology can be fun and it is a great source for learning.

Part B
-Downloading apps to help with many different skills.
-Recording students reading or presenting and letting them watch and correct their own mistakes.
-Have small groups create an iMovie

kids and technology

C4T #2

C4T#1

My blog post this week was Peer Revision Groups by Dana Murphy. In this Post Dana talks about students reviewing other students' writings. She posted three youtube videos as an example of this method. She tells us that she went to a seventh grade classroom and introduced this method she says they did a great job and she thinks they will only get better!

My Comment

In my comment I introduced myself and told Ms. Murphy I was a student at South Alabama.I told her that, I love the idea of peer editing in the classroom! As long as parameters are set. I like the fact that their doing it in groups and the teacher modeling it is a great idea. When I get my own students I plan to use this strategy.

C4T#2

In the next blog post Written Conversations Ms. Murphy tells us that they worked with an author and consultant Ellin Keene on expanding students' vocabulary. Then, she explains to us how the process works. First, students are sat with a partner, and the teacher gives them an open-ended question. Next, they write their ideas down and share them with each other. Lastly, they discuss it as a class so that everyone has fresh ideas. Ms. Murphy gives us some pictures of the seventh grade students writings.

My Comment

I started my comment by introducing myself again. I told Ms. Murphy that even now, in college I have trouble expanding my vocabulary. I told her that I thought this was a great exercise for all students to use. The samples of the students writings were great I will definitely take this assignment with me to the next level.

Girl Writing

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Blog Post #8

In his Last Lecture Randy Pausch makes so many great points about learning and teaching. Right away his passion and great attitude shows us that you have to want to learn to be able to teach. One of the first things that he exclaims is that anything is possible! Whether you are learning or teaching you have to know that eventually you will achieve your dreams. Randy's point about the brick walls stood out most to me. "Brick walls are there for a reason: they prove how badly we want things". This point tells us that no matter what the obstacle we can overcome it. He also says that brick walls stop the people who don't want it badly enough. When you have a passion for learning and teaching you will never stop fulfilling these passions.

Randy then talks about his football days and wanting to play in the NFL. He tells a story about when he was a young boy playing ball and the coach was riding him all practice. This was a good thing explained Randy, when they stop yelling they stop caring. Even though Randy did not achieve his full football dream he took the best out of the situation. He says "experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted", he took a positive out of his failed dream. Hearing this story, we as teachers realize that we must never stop caring about our students. Teachers need to express to their students how important it is to want to learn and have goals/dreams. Randy teaches us that even if our dreams are far fetched we must always try our best to achieve them.

Randy Pausch not only achieved his dreams, he helped others reach theirs. With teaching and learning comes frustration. Even if a project or a student does frustrate us, Randy reminds us that if we wait long enough people will surprise and impress us. Randy gave his students a two week assignment, they came back with time to spare and projects that blew him away. Instead of saying how great and impressed he was Mr. Pausch tells them that they can do better. This shows me that the more we believe in our students the more they believe in themselves.

I loved listening to every part of Randy's lecture. He made so many great points about teaching and learning. He was so passionate about his job and his dreams, he really inspires others to achieve theirs. I plan on purchasing his book. This is something that I will not forget!

the last lecture

Monday, October 6, 2014

Project #7 Part B Videos

Introduction to my Students


Introduction to my Parents

Blog Post #7

The first video I watched was How to make a QR Code . In this video Ms. Bennett shows us step by step how to create a QR audio code. Using QR audio codes can and will be very useful to me as a teacher. I can read to my class or, they can record themselves reading. I think students would really enjoy this.

The second video was iPad Reading Center . Here a teacher has a center set up in her classroom where students can record themselves reading. After they record themselves, they play their video back and listen to themselves to check for mistakes. This is a great idea for students who are learning to read. By the teacher watching the videos she can help the students in areas where they are struggling. I love this idea for students, I feel that it is really beneficial for both the teacher and the student.

The next video was Poplet with Ginger Tuck Ms. Tuck shows us a program called Poplet. Poplet allows students to make their own web using their own words and pictures. This program is great for helping students learn the information and also help with their typing skills. Poplet is a great program for helping students with various skills. I know I would love to use this program once I am in the classroom.

The forth video was AVL and Kindergarten Students In this video the students are able to long on to AVL and do research themselves. I find it amazing that kindergartners are using this website that I first heard about in high school. This project allows students to do many different activities. Such as: research, drawing pictures, and writing sentences. This is a great learning activity for all students.

In the video Discovery Education Board Builder Moon Project Ms. Shirley and her student Carley show us how to create a board using Discovery Education. Carley is only in first grade and she showed us everything about this website! She showed us how to search for pictures, videos and other information about her topic. This is a great site for students of all ages. It is easy to operate and very helpful to students and teachers.

The next video was Mrs. Tassin Board Builder Project . In this video Mrs. Tassin allows two of her students to tell us about their Board Builder Project on whales. The two students did their own research and added their own pictures to their board. This project seems to have been a great learning experience both about whales and research. The boys seemed to have enjoyed their project.

In the video Sharing Board Builder Project Mrs. Tassin has three students sharing their board builder project. These three students did their own research on their topic about The Haven. The girls start off asking everyone watching a question. Then they share with us the information we need to know about The Haven and what the donations will be spent on. They share with us that they got their information from opening safari and then googling different things that they needed for their project. This is a great Project Based Learning activity.

Next, in Using iMovie and AVL Dr. Strange, Michele Bennett, and Elizabeth Davis talk about students using iMovie and AVL. Ms. Bennett talked about how much her students love iMovie and never want to stop using it. She only had to demonstrate this a few times before students were doing it on their own. She talked about how students always wanted to keep working and editing their movies to make them better. Next, Ms. Davis talked about students using AVL she says that it is very easy for her students to use this site for many things. This site is easy and free at all times! Dr. Strange was absolutely right when he said his students did not even know how to use iMovie. I think that it is great that students get to use these things a such a young age.

The last video was We All Become Learners . In this video Dr. Strange, Michele Bennett, and Elizabeth Davis talk about everyone being a learner. Ms. Bennett begins talking about how one of her kindergarten students showing her how to use an iPad. Ms. Bennett tells us how she learns something from someone else whether it be a student or a teacher everyday! I feel that it is important to understand that it is okay to not know everything when we become teachers. It is great to learn from students!

Learn

Project #13




The Biography Project:Exploring the Past in 21st Century Ways

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Project #8 Book Trailer

Ace Lacewing Bug Detective


C4K Summary for September

Summary #1
I was assigned to Jacob's blog post. Jacob's post was about him and a few classmates making an MTV movie to Michael Jackson's Heal the World. He scored himself a 3 out of 5 saying that he could have done better and next time he will put more effort into it.

My Comment
In my comment I introduced myself and told him where I was from. I told Jacob that an MTV movie sounds like fun and I would have loved to hear more details about it. I also told him that I enjoyed looking through his blog. I shared with Jacob that this was my first time blogging and included the link in my comment so he could check mine out and tell me what he thought.

Summary #2
For my second post I was assigned to Scott from Ms. Horsts' 5-1 class. In his post Scott talked about what it took to be a great math mathematician. He asks himself 6 questions when he does these math problems to make sure that he has done them correctly.

My Comment
In my comment to Scott I introduced myself and told him where I was from. I told Scott that he made excellent points and that those six questions are very important to ask yourself while doing math. I even told him that after reading his post I would apply these points in my own math class! I told him to keep up the good work.

Summary #3
This week I commented on Cale's blog from Mrs. Freitag's 4th grade class. Cael posted this week about what he did not like in school and what he would change. Cael made some great points about how students in every grade level should have recess or free time outside. He also talks about how less homework would be ideal so that he has his free time at home.

My Comment
I started by introducing myself and where I was from. I told Cael that I agreed with him that all students should have time outside at any grade level. I even told him that I wish i would have had it. I also told him that I agreed with him about less homework, because everyone like free time at home without the work!

idea bulb

Blog Post #6

Conversations with Anthony Capps
In the video Project Based Learning Part 1 Dr. Strange and Anthony Capps discussed project based learning. Mr. Capps talks about his third grade class and how much they enjoy project based learning. He states that the most important thing is content. Teachers must find content that most interests their students and makes them want to learn more. It is important that the students have an authentic audience so that they are motivated to do good quality work.

The second video was Project Based Learning Part 2 here Mr. Capps talks about his favorite project based learning assignment. This was on cultures and ways of life in other Countries. His students were allowed to do their own research. He says that you should never limit your students and to let them explore their own options. Mr. Capps says that giving your students a choice gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their work. This video really shows that kids do enjoy project based learning and everyone benefits from it.

The next video was iCurio . iCurio is an online filtered tool that allows students to safely search the web. This site allows you or your students to save things such as, unfinished work to help keep them organized. This is helpful to the students so that if they do need to stop working in the middle of their search they have a safe and organized place to keep what they have already researched. This sounds like a great site to use in the classroom and I will definitely use it in mine.

The forth video I watched was Discovery Education . Discovery Education is a tool used to help students get the best understanding of a topic. As Mr. Capps said, if a teacher is not and expert on a topic, discovery ed helps bring experts into the classroom. Dr. Strange goes on to make a very valid point by saying that students these days are "listen and watch learners". We tend to get a better understanding by listening and watching the explanation. I completely agree with that point, so I believe that Discovery Ed is a great tool.

In the video Tips For Teachers Part 1 we learn some key things for teaching. First, Dr. Strange states that we as teachers must be interested in learning as well as our students. If we as teachers are not willing to learn can we expect our students to be? Secondly, Mr. Capps says " work is not separate from play in teaching" we must enjoy our work in and out of the classroom. Next, teachers need to always be prepared for the unexpected, being flexible and creative is always important in any teaching situation. Their next point is engagement "no student left behind" Mr. Capps makes a great point in saying that it is important to always be completely engaged with our students so that we know that they understand. Lastly, reflection this is the goal. It is important that students reflect on their work and always make the corrections that need to be made, so that next time they know how to do it correctly.

In the video Use Technology Don't Teach It Mr. Capps says that teachers should not teach technology, at first this statement threw me off, but he makes excellent points to back it up. He says that instead of teaching it, let the students use the programs and figure them out themselves. This is something that is easy for third graders! He allows them to explore the programs on their own so that they get a better understanding. Honestly I wish that my third grade teacher would have allowed me to do this, even at 20 I still have a tough time with technology.

The last video was Additional thoughts about Lessons here Mr. Capps speaks about having 4 layers of teaching. The first being the year, in your year you must be sure that you cover all of your content standards required. The second layer is about making sure that somehow all of your lessons throughout your year are connected like a "unit". The third layer is your week, it is important that within your week the daily work is completed. Lastly, is your daily lesson and how you deliver it to your students. How are you going to involve them and make them want to know more?

Overall, I think that these videos were extremely important and filled with great advice on project based learning as well as being a teacher as a whole. Project based learning is a great thing to use in the classroom and the students seem to love it! Technology, although not my strongest is also crucial in the classroom these days. I will most definitely take this with me to the next level.


pbl

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Blog Post #5

What are PLN's? How will they help me?

PLN stands for personal learning network. PLN's are a great social media site for everyone, especially teachers! PLN's can keep you updated on the latest things all at one time. They have such a great variety from Amazon to Netflix . As a teacher I Could use a PLN for so many things. It is very helpful and convenient.

This week I created a PLN using Symbaloo . And I love it! It is as I said before great for everything. I can get news updates sent right to my phone. It took no time at all to create yet I can spend hours using it. Now that I have this PLN it will be so easy to access my EDM twitter. This will definitely make a difference in being a student and a teacher. Great for Everyone!


Symbaloo.com

Project 3 Presentation

My sentence videos

My Sentence is..

My Passion is..

Monday, September 15, 2014

Search Engines

Search Engines

1. Wolframaalpha
is a site mainly for mathematical and scientific questions. It provides you with explanations and answers to your questions. I have never heard of or used this search engine, but I most definitely will after reading about it.

2. Dogpile Dogpile is google and yahoo put into one. This site filters your search results so you get all of what you are looking for. Dogpile came up with their name because they claim to pile all of the best results into one search!

3. DuckDuckGo is a site that is all about privacy. They help you find your answers faster with fewer clicks and keyboard shortcuts. This sites only priority is searching, they do not promote other sites while you search!

4. Ask is a site that I myself use often and find very useful. I have used ask for a very long time, even when it was "ask Jeeves". Ask has so many options, it even has its own blog. This site is mainly to ask questions and get answers.

5. Yahoo is a search engine that is much like google and bing. It has mail, news, sports etc. It is not much different from other search engines out there. In my opinion a little overwhelming at times.

6. Bing is more similar to google than any other search engine. It has a simple layout with a quick search. I have not used Bing so I am not familiar with it, but the feedback is very positive.

7. ixquick claims to be the most private search engine out there! It has more accurate, global, and and more comprehensive searches than anyone else, so it says. This appears to be for people who really love their privacy.

8. Blekko has a simple feel on the homepage. It is very different, and modern. They have their own search engine for smart phone this site powers three different products, izik, blekko, and rockzi.


chizeck.com

Blog Post #4

What Questions do we ask? How do we ask?


After reading these articles I have learned a lot about how to ask questions and what questions to ask. The first article I read was Three Ways To Ask Better Questions in the Classroom . First, we must prepare questions while we are creating or writing lecture it is crucial that we do this so that we are prepared to ask important questions that relate directly to the content of out lecture. Next, we are to be sure to engage our students in the question asking process, by maybe leaving the question unanswered for a while to let their minds think about their answer. Lastly, this article states that we must preserve good questions. Good questions help students to see the importance of questions and how they make us think. The best questions of all are those we cannot answer.

We must remember that as teachers we do not know everything, as stated in The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroom this article taught me that questions to check understanding benefit the teacher more than the student, for instance some students might say that they understand when they really do not. It is important that we ask a variety of different questions to ensure that our students really do understand the material. We will always have those students that keep quiet and count on the smarter students to answer the questions for them. Including every student in the question process will help everyone in the end.

Asking Questions to Improve Learning was most helpful in my opinion. This article tells us to keep our course goals in mind as we ask questions. We must keep them in mind if we want our students to master core concepts and critical thinking skills. We must avoid questions that answer themselves this does not allow students to think of their own answers. Asking our students to explain their answers could also be helpful to everyone not only themselves. It is also important that we pay attention and do not interrupt the student as they are answering the question. We show that we are interested even if the students response is right or wrong.

These articles have really helped me to see the importance of how to ask questions and how to respond. This has been really helpful and I know it is something that I will take with me through all of my years of teaching.

rightquestion.org