Our assignment for this week is to read a classmate's entire blog site and gives the pluses and minuses of blogs in the classroom. I read Kimberbna Griggs blogs and she took great time and gave in depth information on her subjects. At the beginning of this class, I thought that when I became a teacher I would not have time for blogs. After reading several of my classmates blogs, I see the views that other people have on different subjects and how it can affects my thinking and comprehending. I enjoyed reading Kimberna's blogs and looking at her thoughts about podcasts, blogs, math & technology, ACCESS, Alex and International School Teachers.
The pros for blogs in the classroom are that many students can converse with other students all over the world. They can look up blogs about different subjects and most schools provide students with a homework blog. Students can create their own blogspots and check them daily at school. Blogs are a great way to communicate with anyone and anywhere. Technology blogs are useful in the classroom and provide information on the many technological resources for students and teachers. Teachers can create a blogspot for parents to comment and check on the lessons being taught in the classroom. Pictures on blogspots give parents a feeling of watching their children learn and grow in school.
The minuses of blogs are maybe that blogs may contain material not appropriate for the classroom. Blogs are a great way to communicate, but maybe not for the younger children in the classroom. It's hard to think of anything that would be negative about blogs. So far, I have found nothing inappropriate and hopefully never will. Teachers using blogs in the classroom need to keep the information up to date and I'm sure it can be time consuming. I just really don't see a lot of minuses with sharing information.
I may have complained every now and then about having to post a blog every week, but I have learned a great deal from doing my home work. Before this class, I had never blogged and now I feel like an old pro. Okay, not really!!! I'm still learning and by the looks of it, I have a lot to learn. I now have the knowledge to introduce blogs into the classroom and teach my students what I have learned. Blogs are pretty cool when you want to share your thoughts with the world!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
EDM310 Podcasts
I listened to four EDM310 podcasts for this assignment. Two of the podcasts were from Dr. Strange's class and two were from Ms. Averitt's class. Because my podcast was one of the first to be uploaded to the site, I listened to the podcast I did with Jennifer about Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture". I also listened to Anne and Kim discuss four websites for technology sources for teachers. The two other podcasts I listened to were "Technology Used in the Classroom" with Nicholas, Gretta and Sarah and "ACCESS Distance Learning" with Henryetta, April and Ashley.
As I listened to these I remembered how nervous I was about sounding stupid, scripted and uninteresting. We all spoke clearly and there weren't too many ums. All of the podcasts had great insight and were well worth listening to, although most of us sounded nervous and scripted. I imagine if we had a few weeks to get together and chat about our topics maybe it wouldn't have been so nerve-wracking. This was for a grade and we all wanted to do well, obviously none of us are going into the radio business anytime soon. I did enjoy hearing about the many different websites and the technology available to teachers and students. The information was detailed and given clearly, just too scripted. The podcast I participated in sounded pretty decent, just scripted as well. We should have had more of a discussion than just reading the written words. Dr. Strange's class was equally as good, but I liked how Nicholas kind of took over and seemed relaxed with his part. The ACCESS podcast was insightful with the three ladies giving a section of information. They all were read by people who want to do their best and teach our future podcasters!
I believe podcasts can be useful in the classroom with some material. Although, video podcasts keep my attention. I need to see someone speak to keep me tuned into what they are saying. Some children need a visual speaker and video podcasts are a better way to keep the students mind on the information presented. Podcasts can be an exciting way for students to connect with each other and learn certain curriculum. Some of the podcasts I have listened to(not EDM310) could put a person to sleep in minutes. So, if you are putting information out there for students to hear, make it so they can visualize what you are saying. Humor in some situations can make a podcast much more enjoyable. Even educational podcasts can be funny and intellectual at the same time.
As I listened to these I remembered how nervous I was about sounding stupid, scripted and uninteresting. We all spoke clearly and there weren't too many ums. All of the podcasts had great insight and were well worth listening to, although most of us sounded nervous and scripted. I imagine if we had a few weeks to get together and chat about our topics maybe it wouldn't have been so nerve-wracking. This was for a grade and we all wanted to do well, obviously none of us are going into the radio business anytime soon. I did enjoy hearing about the many different websites and the technology available to teachers and students. The information was detailed and given clearly, just too scripted. The podcast I participated in sounded pretty decent, just scripted as well. We should have had more of a discussion than just reading the written words. Dr. Strange's class was equally as good, but I liked how Nicholas kind of took over and seemed relaxed with his part. The ACCESS podcast was insightful with the three ladies giving a section of information. They all were read by people who want to do their best and teach our future podcasters!
I believe podcasts can be useful in the classroom with some material. Although, video podcasts keep my attention. I need to see someone speak to keep me tuned into what they are saying. Some children need a visual speaker and video podcasts are a better way to keep the students mind on the information presented. Podcasts can be an exciting way for students to connect with each other and learn certain curriculum. Some of the podcasts I have listened to(not EDM310) could put a person to sleep in minutes. So, if you are putting information out there for students to hear, make it so they can visualize what you are saying. Humor in some situations can make a podcast much more enjoyable. Even educational podcasts can be funny and intellectual at the same time.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Mathematics with Technology Podcasts
The podcasts I listened to were the Maine Learning Technology Initiative: Mathematics with Technology and Thinking Mathematical with Judy Chandler. Ms. Chandler is a Technology Integration Specialist and Math Mentor and Trainer for the Maine Dept. of Education. She claims that some math teachers are reluctant to embrace technology as a resource in their classroom. Teachers feel as though they have no time to learn technology and that standardized testing will cover the material needed to finish the math textbook. According to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, technology influences and enhances student's learning. Technology provides powerful tools to facilitate examples, provide visual representation, represent data analysis and provide alternative ways to demonstrate learning. Technology integrated with pedagogy and content knowledge engages students in a multi-sensory authentic and collaborative math learning environment.Chandler states that one well-designed learning activity can cover material from 4 or 5 textbook lessons.
Traditionally the math learning environment consists of students moving lesson to lesson and example by example. Frustrated students fall behind and in math we need to engage our students to "Think Mathematically". Questioning guides our thinking and questions also direct classroom discussions and guide critical thinking experiences. Chandler states that as teachers we should ask, "Why?" and challenge our students to think. Questions provide opportunities for thinking mathematically and with meaningful technology integration we provide valuable critical thinking experiences that prepare our students for lifelong learning. These podcasts also provided websites to enable your students to "Think Mathematically".
I am a bigger fan of the video podcasts because I could not understand a few things Judy Chandler was saying. It was an interesting podcast and I will definitely incorporate "thinking mathematical" tools in my lesson plans. I am a Para in an elementary school and use the computer to help visualize certain math problems. I believe questioning students at all times keeps their brains stronger. It prepares them for the long road ahead. Watching and listening to podcasts gives teachers a valuable guide to the many tools available to teach our students to the best of our ability.
Traditionally the math learning environment consists of students moving lesson to lesson and example by example. Frustrated students fall behind and in math we need to engage our students to "Think Mathematically". Questioning guides our thinking and questions also direct classroom discussions and guide critical thinking experiences. Chandler states that as teachers we should ask, "Why?" and challenge our students to think. Questions provide opportunities for thinking mathematically and with meaningful technology integration we provide valuable critical thinking experiences that prepare our students for lifelong learning. These podcasts also provided websites to enable your students to "Think Mathematically".
I am a bigger fan of the video podcasts because I could not understand a few things Judy Chandler was saying. It was an interesting podcast and I will definitely incorporate "thinking mathematical" tools in my lesson plans. I am a Para in an elementary school and use the computer to help visualize certain math problems. I believe questioning students at all times keeps their brains stronger. It prepares them for the long road ahead. Watching and listening to podcasts gives teachers a valuable guide to the many tools available to teach our students to the best of our ability.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Stanford Video Podcast
After searching endlessly for this podcast, I finally found it.I found this podcast on the Stanford link under the Stanford Challenge: Seeking Solutions, Educating Leaders and then click on "Growth" vs "Fixed" Minds. The video podcast was the conversation of Carol Dweck, a Professor of Psychology and author of the book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success", with an unknown woman. She is discussing her book and the effects it has had on students and even race car drivers.
Dweck states that some students have a fixed mindset that their basic intelligence is a fixed trait. They are always wondering if they are going to look smart or not so smart. Some students believe it is something they can develop with studying, passion or education. Dweck developed an eight session workshop to study the "Growth" vs "Fixed" mindset.Half of the students used study skills and growth mindset and the other just used study skills. The latter group didn't do as well as the growth mindset students. The study skills group lacked motivation. The growth mindset students were told that the brain is a muscle and it gets stronger with use and they read articles on the subject with energetic discussions. Dweck claims that even a race car driver can benefit from growth mindset by using the winning and losing mistakes to his advantage. She also says that for business, flexibility of growth is essential for success. You can't keep up with the changing world if you don't allow yourself to change and grow.
All teachers need to understand the motivation most students need to succeed. Growth mindset is essential to keep children interested and keep their brains stronger. Not all students struggle, but even the smartest students need to be challenged and motivated. Every child has some level of intelligence and we need to encourage them with study skills and a growth mindset that works for them. Quite a few students struggle with the way they are perceived intellectually when they are in the classroom and it is our responsibility to create that growth mindset and keep it going. I would like to get Carol Dweck's book and read it before I enter my own classroom.
Dweck states that some students have a fixed mindset that their basic intelligence is a fixed trait. They are always wondering if they are going to look smart or not so smart. Some students believe it is something they can develop with studying, passion or education. Dweck developed an eight session workshop to study the "Growth" vs "Fixed" mindset.Half of the students used study skills and growth mindset and the other just used study skills. The latter group didn't do as well as the growth mindset students. The study skills group lacked motivation. The growth mindset students were told that the brain is a muscle and it gets stronger with use and they read articles on the subject with energetic discussions. Dweck claims that even a race car driver can benefit from growth mindset by using the winning and losing mistakes to his advantage. She also says that for business, flexibility of growth is essential for success. You can't keep up with the changing world if you don't allow yourself to change and grow.
All teachers need to understand the motivation most students need to succeed. Growth mindset is essential to keep children interested and keep their brains stronger. Not all students struggle, but even the smartest students need to be challenged and motivated. Every child has some level of intelligence and we need to encourage them with study skills and a growth mindset that works for them. Quite a few students struggle with the way they are perceived intellectually when they are in the classroom and it is our responsibility to create that growth mindset and keep it going. I would like to get Carol Dweck's book and read it before I enter my own classroom.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Video Podcast
I watched the video podcast "Energy Flow in the Coral Reef Ecosystem" from Teacher's Domain. It had incredible underwater footage and it talked about all the living organisms around the coral reefs. First, coral reefs are usually found in tropical waters near the surface. Plants and animals turn the light energy into chemical energy. Coral needs energy from the sun to survive. The reef could not survive without coral. This colorful video showed sea cucumbers eating the sand because they keep the sea floor clean.
This was a very interesting video podcast and I know it would be very informative to students in the fifth grade. It would be a great teaching tool to use such beautifully shot video of fish and other sea creatures in the water surrounding coral reefs. Many children would never get the chance to see nature in action. Video podcasts are a brilliant teaching tool. I can't wait to check out a few more for my future students.
This was a very interesting video podcast and I know it would be very informative to students in the fifth grade. It would be a great teaching tool to use such beautifully shot video of fish and other sea creatures in the water surrounding coral reefs. Many children would never get the chance to see nature in action. Video podcasts are a brilliant teaching tool. I can't wait to check out a few more for my future students.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
EDM310Fall Podcasts
I listened to two podcasts from the EDM310 Fall class. Since I have yet to do my podcast, I don't want to be too critical about these ladies doing their assignments. I listened to Ashley, Brooke and Kimberly talk about "Blogs Used in Classrooms". I am sure these are wonderful ladies and I am sure they were nervous, but it sounded like they were reading something that they didn't write. It was a little boring and monotonous. I am aware that we barely know the person we are speaking with and it is difficult to have a fun upbeat conversation about blogs, but I needed some feeling in their voices. I was ready for it to be over. Sorry!
The next podcast I listened to was "Distant Learning in Alabama: Alex and ACCESS with Susan, Bridget and Angela. Maybe this topic was more interesting to me, but this podcast was short, to the point and not so boring. The first woman who spoke did have a difficult time pronouncing words. (At one point, she almost said a naughty word. Which was funny!)They had some important information that made me excited about going to a high school and checking ACCESS out. All three ladies seemed to make different points about these websites.
I hope when I do my podcast, I will sound a little more excited about my topic and I wish we could have some music. The professional podcasts were more entertaining because they just said what was on their minds, it didn't seem so scripted. And of course they are professionals! I will try to keep you awake during my podcast!!
The next podcast I listened to was "Distant Learning in Alabama: Alex and ACCESS with Susan, Bridget and Angela. Maybe this topic was more interesting to me, but this podcast was short, to the point and not so boring. The first woman who spoke did have a difficult time pronouncing words. (At one point, she almost said a naughty word. Which was funny!)They had some important information that made me excited about going to a high school and checking ACCESS out. All three ladies seemed to make different points about these websites.
I hope when I do my podcast, I will sound a little more excited about my topic and I wish we could have some music. The professional podcasts were more entertaining because they just said what was on their minds, it didn't seem so scripted. And of course they are professionals! I will try to keep you awake during my podcast!!
Podcasts
I listened to all six of the podcasts in our assignment and I enjoyed most of them. They were informative and some were quite funny. The music added to the beginning gets you in the mood to hear what the podcasters have to say. The SmartBoard Lesson podcast was the most entertaining to me. The Kidcast and Connect Learning Podcasts had great feedback from experienced teachers. MacBreak Weekly and This Week in Photography had some of the same gentlemen and they had interesting conversations about their topics.
I really enjoyed the SmartBoard Lesson #147 with Ben and Joan. They are from different areas in Canada and they were not only funny, but interesting as well. The music in the beginning of their podcast was energetic. Their topic was, "Classrooms Collaborating in Literature, Writing, and Reading Strategies. The SmartBoard is used to allow the entire class to view a screen projected from the computer. The teachers can use the SmartBoard to teach new strategies and interact with the entire class.
The Kidcast #59 podcast Dan discussed pulling ipods into the classroom. After the students have listened to an activity, they can pause, turn to a neighbor and summarize what they have learned. This can give the students a chance to interact with each other in a postive, helpful way. This interaction gives the students an engaging activity that provides communitive lessons.
In Connect Learning with David Warick Episode 104:Conversations About the Purpose of Education, Warlick was at the Technology and Learning Diversity Conference. Warlick walked around the room and asked the teachers about the purpose of education. The majority of the teachers' answers were " learn to want to read". This was an interesting podcast to listen to. The audience was teachers from all over the United States.
After listening to the required podcasts, I am excited about using the technology available to teachers. In the school I currently work at, we are incorporating the SmartBoard in lessons. In one of the podcasts, social media is described as a media sharing site that has a sense of community and interpersonal action built around it. Teachers can use this media and bring a variety of knowledge to a classroom otherwise staring at a chalkboard. I enjoyed the podcasts and I look forward to podcasting myself.
I really enjoyed the SmartBoard Lesson #147 with Ben and Joan. They are from different areas in Canada and they were not only funny, but interesting as well. The music in the beginning of their podcast was energetic. Their topic was, "Classrooms Collaborating in Literature, Writing, and Reading Strategies. The SmartBoard is used to allow the entire class to view a screen projected from the computer. The teachers can use the SmartBoard to teach new strategies and interact with the entire class.
The Kidcast #59 podcast Dan discussed pulling ipods into the classroom. After the students have listened to an activity, they can pause, turn to a neighbor and summarize what they have learned. This can give the students a chance to interact with each other in a postive, helpful way. This interaction gives the students an engaging activity that provides communitive lessons.
In Connect Learning with David Warick Episode 104:Conversations About the Purpose of Education, Warlick was at the Technology and Learning Diversity Conference. Warlick walked around the room and asked the teachers about the purpose of education. The majority of the teachers' answers were " learn to want to read". This was an interesting podcast to listen to. The audience was teachers from all over the United States.
After listening to the required podcasts, I am excited about using the technology available to teachers. In the school I currently work at, we are incorporating the SmartBoard in lessons. In one of the podcasts, social media is described as a media sharing site that has a sense of community and interpersonal action built around it. Teachers can use this media and bring a variety of knowledge to a classroom otherwise staring at a chalkboard. I enjoyed the podcasts and I look forward to podcasting myself.
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