Friday, July 20, 2012
Project 13# Collaboration Tools
Through out this semester, it has been so important for us to step outside of the box using technologies we had either only heard of or used very little of...
For project 15, my group took full advantage of our g-mail accounts. It was always easy to send a group message that we could all see and respond back to in a timely manner. Sometimes we had several questions or concerns going on at once. It was even easy for us to share documents. Items were safely secured in our drives once shared from any one member of the group. We also found text messaging to be very useful. I don't know how much easier it gets than a quick text message to answer a question, comment, or concern.
We used Google to find almost all of the pictures and videos that we added to our iBook.
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Thank you TECHNOLOGY GODS and GODDESSES!
For project 15, my group took full advantage of our g-mail accounts. It was always easy to send a group message that we could all see and respond back to in a timely manner. Sometimes we had several questions or concerns going on at once. It was even easy for us to share documents. Items were safely secured in our drives once shared from any one member of the group. We also found text messaging to be very useful. I don't know how much easier it gets than a quick text message to answer a question, comment, or concern.
We used Google to find almost all of the pictures and videos that we added to our iBook.
Thank you TECHNOLOGY GODS and GODDESSES!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Blog Post #13
The assignment was to watch Back to the Future, a video by Brian Crosby.
I then watched A Vision of Students Today by Michael Wesch. This video gave shocking statistics about the average life of a college student. It showed how the lives of these students were directly linked to a form of technology in some way. There were so many things mentioned in this video that seemed to make the classroom of today a "misfit" for the students of this generation. In fact, students even shared that most of the time they had their personal computers in the classroom, but they were not doing anything that related to that class at all. The college class of today seems to simply be an auditorium averaging about 115 students who are their physically, but not mentally there at all. This video is from 2007, so just imagine what it is like today.
For teachers or University presidents this should come as a wake up call. Both teachers and University presidents need to understand the students of today before they can be effective.This video may open eyes showing how unprepared today's college student is for the world into which they are about to enter. Obviously, since these students are linked to technology, presidents should encourage teachers to incorporate technology in their classrooms to engage students. Even the students in the video proposed that technology alone can save them. They are probably right!
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How Will You Teach Me in the 21st Century?
This video by Melinda Kraft is a great way to get educators to think about implementing technology into teaching the newer generation of students. She shows how technology is being used by almost everyone, even grandmas!Melinda lists that she believes that students should know how to use technology, they should be able to communicate effectively and understand the impact of media on their lives, and they should have experienced interaction in a global economy.
I want my students to know and understand the importance of technology and how when used correctly, it can greatly enhance their learning. I want my students to be able to apply the technologies they know to assignments given in my class, future classes and life in general! I want my students to have experienced a sense of accomplishment, much like I feel after taking this EDM310 class. This will be an experience that moves them outside of the box into a higher level of learning and thinking!
I like Melinda's approach, but if I had to change the video I would use actual video clippings of people engaging in these much needed technologies and not all still pictures.
The Basic Technology Tool Kit
I read this blog next! It is not a part of the assignment to write anything about it but I did find it a good read. It is true, the technology tool kit of teachers today is nothing like it was in 1999. Then again, why would it be? Technology is moving fast and teachers need to be life long learners and keep up with it. Otherwise, we are not preparing our students for the world in which they will soon enter.
I commented on the blog:Hi Dorothy,
I too am a student in EDM310 at the University of South Alabama. It is great to see this list for present and future teachers. Dr. Strange is definitely preparing his future educators to carry this tool kit of today and NOT the one from 1999. All teachers should be eager to find out what new things they need to add to their tool kit. After all, we are supposed to be life lone learners and if we are not, how can we prepare the students of this technologically literate generation for the world upon which they are about to enter? Feel free to visit My Blog.
Thanks,
Angyl White
I then watched A Vision of Students Today by Michael Wesch. This video gave shocking statistics about the average life of a college student. It showed how the lives of these students were directly linked to a form of technology in some way. There were so many things mentioned in this video that seemed to make the classroom of today a "misfit" for the students of this generation. In fact, students even shared that most of the time they had their personal computers in the classroom, but they were not doing anything that related to that class at all. The college class of today seems to simply be an auditorium averaging about 115 students who are their physically, but not mentally there at all. This video is from 2007, so just imagine what it is like today.
For teachers or University presidents this should come as a wake up call. Both teachers and University presidents need to understand the students of today before they can be effective.This video may open eyes showing how unprepared today's college student is for the world into which they are about to enter. Obviously, since these students are linked to technology, presidents should encourage teachers to incorporate technology in their classrooms to engage students. Even the students in the video proposed that technology alone can save them. They are probably right!
How Will You Teach Me in the 21st Century?
This video by Melinda Kraft is a great way to get educators to think about implementing technology into teaching the newer generation of students. She shows how technology is being used by almost everyone, even grandmas!Melinda lists that she believes that students should know how to use technology, they should be able to communicate effectively and understand the impact of media on their lives, and they should have experienced interaction in a global economy.
I want my students to know and understand the importance of technology and how when used correctly, it can greatly enhance their learning. I want my students to be able to apply the technologies they know to assignments given in my class, future classes and life in general! I want my students to have experienced a sense of accomplishment, much like I feel after taking this EDM310 class. This will be an experience that moves them outside of the box into a higher level of learning and thinking!
I like Melinda's approach, but if I had to change the video I would use actual video clippings of people engaging in these much needed technologies and not all still pictures.
The Basic Technology Tool Kit
I read this blog next! It is not a part of the assignment to write anything about it but I did find it a good read. It is true, the technology tool kit of teachers today is nothing like it was in 1999. Then again, why would it be? Technology is moving fast and teachers need to be life long learners and keep up with it. Otherwise, we are not preparing our students for the world in which they will soon enter.
I commented on the blog:Hi Dorothy,
I too am a student in EDM310 at the University of South Alabama. It is great to see this list for present and future teachers. Dr. Strange is definitely preparing his future educators to carry this tool kit of today and NOT the one from 1999. All teachers should be eager to find out what new things they need to add to their tool kit. After all, we are supposed to be life lone learners and if we are not, how can we prepare the students of this technologically literate generation for the world upon which they are about to enter? Feel free to visit My Blog.
Thanks,
Angyl White
Mr. Webb did a great job with these students and you can tell that he is very passionate about his work. He advocates allowing students to take control of their learning through technology. It was inspiring to see that he used legally blind Carlton as a main actor in the video. Imagine the confidence this student was given. I would like to incorporate this form of learning in my classroom.
We Are Using IPads in Room 6 at Pt England School
It was inspiring to see that even 6 yr olds in England have begun to use technology in class. Technology is rapidly taking over and I cannot wait to be a part of it!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Project #15: Smart Board Project Part 2
Group 3
This is a Smart Board lesson for 3rd grade on the elements of a story:
1. Setting
2. Characters
3. Plot
4. Problem/Solution
This is a Smart Board lesson for 3rd grade on the elements of a story:
1. Setting
2. Characters
3. Plot
4. Problem/Solution
PLN :Post #2 (Final Report)
This class has given me so many tools that are sure to be of much assistance when I begin my career as an educator. The PLN is one of the most important tools discovered. It is very easy to create and it allows for you to have EVERYTHING you need all in one place. Originally, I had no idea what a PLN was, but now I understand that is has endless benefits and I definitely plan to continue to use and build upon it. A few weeks ago, my PLN was a blank slate, much like my mind was (technologically wise) when I entered EDM310. Today it is full of resources to promote my life lone learning. I am so glad I have been introduced to such a wonderful source. EDM310 definitely knows how to prepare "top of the line" (plugged) educators! Visit this SYMBALOO WEBSITE to start yours today!
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C4T #3
What Ed Said
Comment#1:
For C4T #4 my blogging teacher's name is Edna Sackson. Edna Sackson blogged "What would you do if you could change the world?" on June 30, 2012. In this post, film maker Genevieve Bailey explores the world in the views of 11 year olds through a video. This is particularly interesting because like the video stated, they are not quite children, but not yet teenagers. It is interesting to see how they view the world around them; a world that everyone older than them has created. Genevieve asked questions to all kinds of eleven year olds she encountered in fifteen countries over a period of several years.
Edna showed this video to students at here school who were mostly 11 year olds as well. They enjoyed it and afterwards were able to have a Q & A time with Genevieve. Most of their responses included making the world around them an equal opportunity for all races and making most things if not everything free. This shows how much attention even an 11 year old is paying to the society in which they live. On a separate blog, other questions were asked including: What do you like least about being eleven? What do you worry about? and Would you rather be clever or good looking? These youth gave some amazing answers which really let me know that I may have been one of the people they referred to when a lot of them say that they are underestimated as an 11 year old.
I commented:My name is Angyl White and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. Being an elementary education major I was truly inspired by your blog post. That video was a wonderful look into the views of not just 11 year olds in America, but everywhere. It really shows how different, but alike a lot of 11 year olds are. I visited the blog of the other students with the other questions that were asked. When I read these responses I was immediately convicted because I realized that I may be one of the adults that several of them referred to saying that they were underestimated.
This was a great post for me! Thanks
Comment #2:
What Ed Said Again!!!
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On July 11, 2012, Ed blogged, "Do you waste learning time?" Ed shares his thoughts of the classroom that does things the same way all of the time just because it is the way that things have always been done. In the beginning he starts off with the phrase, "I used to think...now I think". I especially like this because he goes on to explain that this phrase is a part of an important thinking tool. He says, "It allows you to grow, without having to have been wrong. It allows me to develop my ideas, change my practice, increase my understanding, deepen my thinking… and change my mind." I thought this was a great way to view this phrase because many people often believe that if you make up your mind about something at one moment, then your mind cannot change. For an educator who is continuously learning like they should be, this would be a ridiculous thought because if you were actually a "life long learner", you would continue to explore and THINK and of course come up with new thoughts, ideas, and reasons.
Mr. Ed gave 2 scenarios, one where the students sat in a circle and the teacher asked questions and the students had to raise their hands to answer. He pointed out that in this traditional way of a group discussion, the teacher spent most of the time encouraging the class to listen to others, wait to be called on, sit down or even to be quiet. He also pointed out that some of the student may not even be paying attention. The THINKER can change this situation and like in Ed's second scenario, he/she can split the children into groups. In scenario 2, the students are having a regular conversation with a smaller group and the teacher walks around and listens in and raises key questions. Ed points out that in this way, the students practice effective communication by listening and speaking one at a time. They don't have to raise their hands and all students can be more active in the conversation. These scenarios prove the importance of being a thinker. For example, I used to think that the best way to understand whether your class really understands a certain topic is to bring them all together and have a class discussion, now I think that splitting students into groups is a better way.
I commented:Wow! Another inspiring post. I am going to be sure to make sure I “think” back and remember the importance of this blog when I get into my own classroom. It is wonderful that you have pointed out the importance of student interaction for effective teaching and learning. I especially like the way you summed up the thought behind, “I used to think…now I think”. I have always wondered the best way to present this as an argument when I change my mind about something. Most people think that once you make up your mind about something, you can’t change it. Ridiculous! If you are experiencing, learning, and most of all THINKING, you will MOST DEFINITELY change your mind about some things. Please visit My Blog. Again, thanks for sharing another great post!
Comment#1:
For C4T #4 my blogging teacher's name is Edna Sackson. Edna Sackson blogged "What would you do if you could change the world?" on June 30, 2012. In this post, film maker Genevieve Bailey explores the world in the views of 11 year olds through a video. This is particularly interesting because like the video stated, they are not quite children, but not yet teenagers. It is interesting to see how they view the world around them; a world that everyone older than them has created. Genevieve asked questions to all kinds of eleven year olds she encountered in fifteen countries over a period of several years.
Edna showed this video to students at here school who were mostly 11 year olds as well. They enjoyed it and afterwards were able to have a Q & A time with Genevieve. Most of their responses included making the world around them an equal opportunity for all races and making most things if not everything free. This shows how much attention even an 11 year old is paying to the society in which they live. On a separate blog, other questions were asked including: What do you like least about being eleven? What do you worry about? and Would you rather be clever or good looking? These youth gave some amazing answers which really let me know that I may have been one of the people they referred to when a lot of them say that they are underestimated as an 11 year old.
I commented:My name is Angyl White and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. Being an elementary education major I was truly inspired by your blog post. That video was a wonderful look into the views of not just 11 year olds in America, but everywhere. It really shows how different, but alike a lot of 11 year olds are. I visited the blog of the other students with the other questions that were asked. When I read these responses I was immediately convicted because I realized that I may be one of the adults that several of them referred to saying that they were underestimated.
This was a great post for me! Thanks
Comment #2:
What Ed Said Again!!!
On July 11, 2012, Ed blogged, "Do you waste learning time?" Ed shares his thoughts of the classroom that does things the same way all of the time just because it is the way that things have always been done. In the beginning he starts off with the phrase, "I used to think...now I think". I especially like this because he goes on to explain that this phrase is a part of an important thinking tool. He says, "It allows you to grow, without having to have been wrong. It allows me to develop my ideas, change my practice, increase my understanding, deepen my thinking… and change my mind." I thought this was a great way to view this phrase because many people often believe that if you make up your mind about something at one moment, then your mind cannot change. For an educator who is continuously learning like they should be, this would be a ridiculous thought because if you were actually a "life long learner", you would continue to explore and THINK and of course come up with new thoughts, ideas, and reasons.
Mr. Ed gave 2 scenarios, one where the students sat in a circle and the teacher asked questions and the students had to raise their hands to answer. He pointed out that in this traditional way of a group discussion, the teacher spent most of the time encouraging the class to listen to others, wait to be called on, sit down or even to be quiet. He also pointed out that some of the student may not even be paying attention. The THINKER can change this situation and like in Ed's second scenario, he/she can split the children into groups. In scenario 2, the students are having a regular conversation with a smaller group and the teacher walks around and listens in and raises key questions. Ed points out that in this way, the students practice effective communication by listening and speaking one at a time. They don't have to raise their hands and all students can be more active in the conversation. These scenarios prove the importance of being a thinker. For example, I used to think that the best way to understand whether your class really understands a certain topic is to bring them all together and have a class discussion, now I think that splitting students into groups is a better way.
I commented:Wow! Another inspiring post. I am going to be sure to make sure I “think” back and remember the importance of this blog when I get into my own classroom. It is wonderful that you have pointed out the importance of student interaction for effective teaching and learning. I especially like the way you summed up the thought behind, “I used to think…now I think”. I have always wondered the best way to present this as an argument when I change my mind about something. Most people think that once you make up your mind about something, you can’t change it. Ridiculous! If you are experiencing, learning, and most of all THINKING, you will MOST DEFINITELY change your mind about some things. Please visit My Blog. Again, thanks for sharing another great post!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Progress Report on Final Project #16
Sooo here is the update on project #16
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When I first heard about project 16 with 2 weeks left in the semester and all the work it included, I almost stopped breathing. Stopped breathing, that is, until I found out it was a group project! Then, I was excited because I just love working with "My Girls"! We have been communicating mainly through our g-mail accounts and text messages. Right now, every one is working on our individual parts and we are going to come together next week to bring everything together. I have both my book trailer and my sentence video complete. I have chosen blog post #9 to add to our iBook. I have chosen "the story of my life" as a theme for my 10 pictures and I am going to take pictures of me and the things that consume my life the most (my car, my job, my church, my family, Military etc...) I am still thinking about my answer to the most important technology tools to be used in my grade level, but I think I know what I am going to say already. I can not wait for our final product!
iBook Author
When I first heard about project 16 with 2 weeks left in the semester and all the work it included, I almost stopped breathing. Stopped breathing, that is, until I found out it was a group project! Then, I was excited because I just love working with "My Girls"! We have been communicating mainly through our g-mail accounts and text messages. Right now, every one is working on our individual parts and we are going to come together next week to bring everything together. I have both my book trailer and my sentence video complete. I have chosen blog post #9 to add to our iBook. I have chosen "the story of my life" as a theme for my 10 pictures and I am going to take pictures of me and the things that consume my life the most (my car, my job, my church, my family, Military etc...) I am still thinking about my answer to the most important technology tools to be used in my grade level, but I think I know what I am going to say already. I can not wait for our final product!
Blog Post #12
I am an Elementary Education major!
This assignment is to show the benefits of bringing technology into the classroom to teach rather than only lecturing!
A teacher uses the YouTube videos below to teach her lesson on the Four Seasons. This video is used when she talks about the Winter season and its holidays.
Watch the Proud Family Kwanzaa part1 and the Proud Family Kwanzaa part2
First, Write a Quality Blog Post summarizing the lessons taught in these videos. Explain whether you thought this was an effective tool to use during teaching.
Then research YouTube to find another video that can be used as a teaching tool in your classroom. Tell what the video teaches and make a clickable link for the video.
In the Proud Family episode above, we are taught about the Kwanzaa holiday. It is celebrated during what most people would consider to be Christmas time. It lasts for 7 days. The video taught that this time of year is not about receiving presents but more about the gifts that you can give to those in need. A lot of people seem to take the gifts that are given around this time for granted. This episode teaches to be thankful for what you have and to bless others when you can.
This is a very effective tool to use during teaching. When discussing seasons, it will be good to discuss holidays that are celebrated in those seasons as well. Bringing this form of technology into the classroom changes the atmosphere a bit. It allows for the students to get a little relaxed while at the same time they are still learning. Children often remember what they see, especially if it is in "cartoon form". This is a great asset to an elementary lesson plan.
Synonyms can also be taught using YouTube videos! Check out this video from a Sesame Street episode teaching synonyms. This catchy tune is sure to have your students understanding synonyms in no time! I love the thought of bringing YouTube videos into my classroom. They just seem to make the lesson come alive!
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This assignment is to show the benefits of bringing technology into the classroom to teach rather than only lecturing!
A teacher uses the YouTube videos below to teach her lesson on the Four Seasons. This video is used when she talks about the Winter season and its holidays.
Watch the Proud Family Kwanzaa part1 and the Proud Family Kwanzaa part2
First, Write a Quality Blog Post summarizing the lessons taught in these videos. Explain whether you thought this was an effective tool to use during teaching.
Then research YouTube to find another video that can be used as a teaching tool in your classroom. Tell what the video teaches and make a clickable link for the video.
In the Proud Family episode above, we are taught about the Kwanzaa holiday. It is celebrated during what most people would consider to be Christmas time. It lasts for 7 days. The video taught that this time of year is not about receiving presents but more about the gifts that you can give to those in need. A lot of people seem to take the gifts that are given around this time for granted. This episode teaches to be thankful for what you have and to bless others when you can.
This is a very effective tool to use during teaching. When discussing seasons, it will be good to discuss holidays that are celebrated in those seasons as well. Bringing this form of technology into the classroom changes the atmosphere a bit. It allows for the students to get a little relaxed while at the same time they are still learning. Children often remember what they see, especially if it is in "cartoon form". This is a great asset to an elementary lesson plan.
Synonyms can also be taught using YouTube videos! Check out this video from a Sesame Street episode teaching synonyms. This catchy tune is sure to have your students understanding synonyms in no time! I love the thought of bringing YouTube videos into my classroom. They just seem to make the lesson come alive!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Blog Post #11
First gradegraders in Ms. Cassidy's class
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WOW! Ms. Cassidy takes a first grade classroom and shows them most of the things that we are finally learning as college students! These first graders used blogging, wiki's, skype and even nintendo DS. Ms. Cassidy proved that technology is a must, especially for the students of today! The world is much different than it was 20 years ago. Her approach is that it is very important for teachers to be technologically literate because technology is here to stay. She believes that it is as important in the elementary level as any other level especially since technology is not new to them. She states how it is not weird for students to be on computer and skyping and playing the DS. She says that it is just great that they don't have to power down when they enter into their learning environment. Ms. Cassidy seems very passionate about her decision to include technology in the classroom.
My favorite technique in which she uses is blogging. I have learned so much through reading other teacher's blogs as well as creating my own. To me, it is a benefit because I never realized that it actually is a portfolio. I love the idea of being able to monitor progress in this non formal way. I have stated before how much I show off my blog so I can only imagine how an elementary student would feel. I think even parents would be excited about the blogs. Blogging would also be a great way to show what my classroom is doing compared to other classrooms. The impediments to blogging may be having to take that extra step like Ms. Cassidy does to educate your students on what to say and what not to say. This is not a hard task though. Other problems a person may run into with blogging is the network on which they blog. What if the network that the school allows your class to blog on is down? What do you do now? We learned in several other blogs to be flexible and this would be a great time to be. I also liked the idea of using Skype. Just like in the Skype Interview with Ms. Cassidy, the benefit of this is the obvious; you are able to see and speak with others and not just reading about it. It becomes more personal and students are able to relate better. I loved how the students in her class were able to skype with another classroom and see what they were doing. An impediment with skype may be your connectivity. Problems with connectivity with the internet are not unusual!
WOW! Ms. Cassidy takes a first grade classroom and shows them most of the things that we are finally learning as college students! These first graders used blogging, wiki's, skype and even nintendo DS. Ms. Cassidy proved that technology is a must, especially for the students of today! The world is much different than it was 20 years ago. Her approach is that it is very important for teachers to be technologically literate because technology is here to stay. She believes that it is as important in the elementary level as any other level especially since technology is not new to them. She states how it is not weird for students to be on computer and skyping and playing the DS. She says that it is just great that they don't have to power down when they enter into their learning environment. Ms. Cassidy seems very passionate about her decision to include technology in the classroom.
My favorite technique in which she uses is blogging. I have learned so much through reading other teacher's blogs as well as creating my own. To me, it is a benefit because I never realized that it actually is a portfolio. I love the idea of being able to monitor progress in this non formal way. I have stated before how much I show off my blog so I can only imagine how an elementary student would feel. I think even parents would be excited about the blogs. Blogging would also be a great way to show what my classroom is doing compared to other classrooms. The impediments to blogging may be having to take that extra step like Ms. Cassidy does to educate your students on what to say and what not to say. This is not a hard task though. Other problems a person may run into with blogging is the network on which they blog. What if the network that the school allows your class to blog on is down? What do you do now? We learned in several other blogs to be flexible and this would be a great time to be. I also liked the idea of using Skype. Just like in the Skype Interview with Ms. Cassidy, the benefit of this is the obvious; you are able to see and speak with others and not just reading about it. It becomes more personal and students are able to relate better. I loved how the students in her class were able to skype with another classroom and see what they were doing. An impediment with skype may be your connectivity. Problems with connectivity with the internet are not unusual!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Blog Post #10
Adventures in Pencil Integration
![]( "pencilintegration.blogspot.com")
Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please?
By Dr. Scott McLeod
I explored Google and learned that Dr. McLeod evidently understands the importance of being able to effectively communicate using the tools of today. This guy is on twitter, delicious, FaceBook, YouTube and more. He is blogging! Almost everything that I saw that he is affiliated with, we have been encouraged to join as well.
In this post he has a funny way of informing the reader of the importance of having your kids step outside of the box. He encourages the use of outside learning such as blogging and creating PLN's to foster a better learning environment. He explains that there are in fact some negative things that the internet can be used for but the success of a technological literate student far outweighs the negativeness. I did not know that there were so many things to be done in the classroom using technology. Before this class, a lot of what he said may have been foreign but not now! Through out this course I have learned that there are those people who really understand the major affects that the use of technology will have on students' success and those who are ignorant to it. This was a nice, sarcastic way of getting the point across. The truth of the matter is, that we simply cannot keep our students sheltered and expect them to be successful in such a technological diverse world!
Above is a picture where John Spencer compares a Papermate pencil to a Ticonderoga. The Ticonderoga pencil is a more expensive pencil. It is considered top of the line and has better quality when compared to a Papermate. The picture argues that the Papermate costs less, but will break all of the time. Considering that I am reading this blog as an assignment, I assume that it can also be comparing technology like the Mac and the PC. Dr. Strange loves to tell us how much better a Mac is! Macs are becoming very popular today and although they are more expensive they seem to be of better quality (features,ways to explore,the different software that it automatically comes with etc..). Some may say that it goes right along with the famous saying, "you get what you pay for". So, Mac or PC? What do you think?
I read "Why Were Your Kids Playing Games" after putting my thoughts together about the picture above. This post is a scenario between Mr. Spencer and his principal who evidently is not concerned about having lesson plans that are student centered. Even though what Mr. Spencer was doing clearly related to teaching his students, it was frowned upon by his principal.
I also took a look at his blog post "Remember Pencil Quests".
I definitely DO NOT! My answer is the reason behind the whole idea of the post though. Mr. Spencer thinks back on how excited he and his classmates were when he was in high school to be doing a pencil quest. I on the other hand, have no idea what that is. He states that today, his students are excited about blogging and networking with pen pals. With the rapid increase of new technologies, Mr. Spencer can only imagine how his students will look back and wonder how they ever thought these things were exciting. Think about it. Who knows what we will be using in our classrooms to engage students and these "exciting, new" ways of today will be extinct!
By Dr. Scott McLeod
I explored Google and learned that Dr. McLeod evidently understands the importance of being able to effectively communicate using the tools of today. This guy is on twitter, delicious, FaceBook, YouTube and more. He is blogging! Almost everything that I saw that he is affiliated with, we have been encouraged to join as well.
In this post he has a funny way of informing the reader of the importance of having your kids step outside of the box. He encourages the use of outside learning such as blogging and creating PLN's to foster a better learning environment. He explains that there are in fact some negative things that the internet can be used for but the success of a technological literate student far outweighs the negativeness. I did not know that there were so many things to be done in the classroom using technology. Before this class, a lot of what he said may have been foreign but not now! Through out this course I have learned that there are those people who really understand the major affects that the use of technology will have on students' success and those who are ignorant to it. This was a nice, sarcastic way of getting the point across. The truth of the matter is, that we simply cannot keep our students sheltered and expect them to be successful in such a technological diverse world!
Monday, July 2, 2012
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