Friday, April 24, 2009
My EDM 310 Blog Assignments are Now Complete
I'm sure some of our paths will cross again and I look forward to seeing all of you. I have enjoyed taking this class with everyone and I wish you all the very best in life. God Bless to each of you!
Things I Learned in EDM 310
Have I learned anything from this class? First off, I need to say that I am not very computer savvy and I have to fight my two teenage daughters for a little time on our home computer. With that said, I think I have come a long way in EDM 310. I do not have Facebook or MySpace. I do check my daughter's MySpace every now and then, yet I have no desire to put all my feelings out there on a daily basis for everyone in the world to read. I'm just not interested in the computer for those reasons. But back on the subject of this blog, I actually learned a great deal from this class.
I learned to post blogs and that is pretty cool. I have had an electronic conversation with a teacher in Indonesia. That was very interesting to be able to share ideas with someone so far away. I also created my first PowerPoint presentation and even though I didn't do it very well, I enjoyed it and can't wait to do another one. I never knew podcasts and video podcasts existed on certain subjects. Those will be a great teaching tool for a variety of lessons. I figured out that video podcasts kept my attention better than just listening to a podcast and I am assuming most of my classmates will agree. Making a podcast was an experience that I would like to do again, with more time and practice.
I wish I could afford to purchase Word2007 , but at the moment I am stuck with a much older version that is nothing like the newer version. That worries me when it comes to the final exam.
This class has been a great learning experience and I am sure I will take this knowledge and put it to good use in my future classroom.
I learned to post blogs and that is pretty cool. I have had an electronic conversation with a teacher in Indonesia. That was very interesting to be able to share ideas with someone so far away. I also created my first PowerPoint presentation and even though I didn't do it very well, I enjoyed it and can't wait to do another one. I never knew podcasts and video podcasts existed on certain subjects. Those will be a great teaching tool for a variety of lessons. I figured out that video podcasts kept my attention better than just listening to a podcast and I am assuming most of my classmates will agree. Making a podcast was an experience that I would like to do again, with more time and practice.
I wish I could afford to purchase Word2007 , but at the moment I am stuck with a much older version that is nothing like the newer version. That worries me when it comes to the final exam.
This class has been a great learning experience and I am sure I will take this knowledge and put it to good use in my future classroom.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Edutopia Podcasts
I listened to "The Edible Schoolyard" and "A Night in the Global Village" on the Edutopia iTunes site. They were both extremely interesting and very insightful. The first podcast I watched was "The Edible Schoolyard". It was about sixth grade students at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California. These students have an edible schoolyard where they spend a hour each morning planting, harvesting and eating their organic delights. They have a garden and kitchen classroom where they use recipes for math lessons and outdoor activities for hands-on science lessons. The students used a pumpkin they grew to make pumpkin pies. Their teachers are trained for specifically for this particular class. The Founding Director, Fritjof Capra explains that the students are very excited and this program has taught the students to do projects together, cooperate with each other and it builds community. I enjoyed watching this podcast.
The second podcast was "A Night in the Global Village". This podcast was about Heifer Ranch in Arkansas. Several children from the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning attended this ranch as a valuable lesson taught by the instructors. The main objectives of this camp were hunger and poverty in other areas of the world through educational programs. The students, combined with an adult, drew numbers(which represented a country) and each group was given a bucket of resources. The refugee group received nothing. Some of the countries represented were Thailand, Zimbabwe, and Guatemala. During the night, conflicts arose and alliances were formed. The students said it was hard, but it made them think about how harsh some of the living conditions are for these people.
Both of these podcasts were probably the most interesting video podcasts so far this semester. I wish I would have had time to watch more of them. In the event I start teaching , I will definitely look through the various video podcasts available to teachers and students. It is a great teaching tool to be able to show students what other children are learning and experiencing across the globe. I am not sure that a teacher can pull up the website at school, because the Board of Education blocks many sites from our classroom computers. I wish we could grow an edible schoolyard at my school.
Incorporating some of these ideas into lesson plans would keep excitement in the curriculum. Sometimes children learn more from hands-on experiences and both of the pocasts proved that to be true. Sometimes textbooks aren't always the answer to learning. All teachers need to keep up with the various podcasts available to them and their students.
The second podcast was "A Night in the Global Village". This podcast was about Heifer Ranch in Arkansas. Several children from the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning attended this ranch as a valuable lesson taught by the instructors. The main objectives of this camp were hunger and poverty in other areas of the world through educational programs. The students, combined with an adult, drew numbers(which represented a country) and each group was given a bucket of resources. The refugee group received nothing. Some of the countries represented were Thailand, Zimbabwe, and Guatemala. During the night, conflicts arose and alliances were formed. The students said it was hard, but it made them think about how harsh some of the living conditions are for these people.
Both of these podcasts were probably the most interesting video podcasts so far this semester. I wish I would have had time to watch more of them. In the event I start teaching , I will definitely look through the various video podcasts available to teachers and students. It is a great teaching tool to be able to show students what other children are learning and experiencing across the globe. I am not sure that a teacher can pull up the website at school, because the Board of Education blocks many sites from our classroom computers. I wish we could grow an edible schoolyard at my school.
Incorporating some of these ideas into lesson plans would keep excitement in the curriculum. Sometimes children learn more from hands-on experiences and both of the pocasts proved that to be true. Sometimes textbooks aren't always the answer to learning. All teachers need to keep up with the various podcasts available to them and their students.
Electronic Conversation
For this blog, I contacted the teacher from the school that I used on an earlier blog. Her name is Mrs. T and she teaches fifth grade at the Sinarmus World Academy in Jakarta, Indonesia. She responded to my first blog and showed her students the blog I posted about their school. I thought it was such a cool looking place and after talking to Jane(Mrs. T), I would love to be one of her students. We had a wonder conversation and I have learned how truly poor our schools are.
When I contacted Jane about this blog, she was more than happy to give me some background on her school and share with me their tools of technology. First, she told me her students each have their own personal Macbook and every grade from fifth on up gets one. Her school views using computers as a tool, therefore there are not any computer classes. Using the computer is an every day lesson for her students. I informed her that with budget cuts and employee reductions, our schools could't possibly afford to do that. She also said that they use mobile phones for taking pictures and I told her a student and teacher caught with a phone recieved a free pass to the principal's office. Her school has a full wifi environment (I have no clue what that is and I did ask her, with no response), a podcast server and a LMS. Jane said they have Interactive Whiteboards and of course blogs and websites. I asked her how this is all used in the classroom. She responded saying they use a cashless system called Smartcards. These are used as ID, library card and can be swiped at the cafes or computer stores which sell accessories.
After reading her comment, I asked her how the students academic achievement was affected. She said, "Our student's enthusiasm and creativity is very, very high". I explained to her that her school was much more advanced technologically than any school I have worked in. We are just getting around to using Smartboards in our school, with little success. She wrote back saying that her school is currently talking about using iPhones with the ninth and tenth grade students and she is currently podcasting student digital stories. Wow! I really want to attend that school, those student are so blessed.
I really enjoyed communicating with Jane. She seems like a super teacher and I'm sure her students think so. I never thought in the U.S. that we would be so behind in technology in our schools. It was very interesting to see how teachers in another country use technological tools for a great learning experience. Hopefully, someday soon we will catch up with other parts of the world.
When I contacted Jane about this blog, she was more than happy to give me some background on her school and share with me their tools of technology. First, she told me her students each have their own personal Macbook and every grade from fifth on up gets one. Her school views using computers as a tool, therefore there are not any computer classes. Using the computer is an every day lesson for her students. I informed her that with budget cuts and employee reductions, our schools could't possibly afford to do that. She also said that they use mobile phones for taking pictures and I told her a student and teacher caught with a phone recieved a free pass to the principal's office. Her school has a full wifi environment (I have no clue what that is and I did ask her, with no response), a podcast server and a LMS. Jane said they have Interactive Whiteboards and of course blogs and websites. I asked her how this is all used in the classroom. She responded saying they use a cashless system called Smartcards. These are used as ID, library card and can be swiped at the cafes or computer stores which sell accessories.
After reading her comment, I asked her how the students academic achievement was affected. She said, "Our student's enthusiasm and creativity is very, very high". I explained to her that her school was much more advanced technologically than any school I have worked in. We are just getting around to using Smartboards in our school, with little success. She wrote back saying that her school is currently talking about using iPhones with the ninth and tenth grade students and she is currently podcasting student digital stories. Wow! I really want to attend that school, those student are so blessed.
I really enjoyed communicating with Jane. She seems like a super teacher and I'm sure her students think so. I never thought in the U.S. that we would be so behind in technology in our schools. It was very interesting to see how teachers in another country use technological tools for a great learning experience. Hopefully, someday soon we will catch up with other parts of the world.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
ACCESS Lab
I visited the ACCESS Lab at Robertsdale High School. We, (Kandis, Karen and I) received a tour from the Technology Instructor, Mr McCrady. He graciously showed us the curriculum, his lab and the high school technology lab. The teachers at Robertsdale High School teach ACCESS one time a day to multiple classrooms and get paid very well. This is Mr. McCrady's second term to teach ACCESS.
Mr. McCrady gets his curriculum on the ACCESS website. He looks at his calendar and chooses lesson plans for the week. The students can find their assignments on the website and after completing each one, they put it in the dropbox for the teacher to grade. There is a feedback section with the posted grades. The student then completes the next assignment. The teacher is available for questions and comments during the ACCESS instruction.
The ACCESS Lab consists of two large screens on opposite walls. This allows the students to see the teacher and other students, while the other screen allows viewing from across the state. An Elmo is in the classroom which is used for transferring books and documents. There is a copy, scanner fax machine also in the room. A telephone is near the screen in case a call needs to be made to a teacher or student.
The ACCESS lab is an interesting concept and I hate it that none of this technology was around when I was in high school. This groundbreaking teaching method could possibly save a few students from repeating grades or dropping out of school. When I receive my teaching certificate, I just may look into teaching in the ACCESS Lab for some extra money and to learn about all the wonderful technological advances we have made.
Mr. McCrady gets his curriculum on the ACCESS website. He looks at his calendar and chooses lesson plans for the week. The students can find their assignments on the website and after completing each one, they put it in the dropbox for the teacher to grade. There is a feedback section with the posted grades. The student then completes the next assignment. The teacher is available for questions and comments during the ACCESS instruction.
The ACCESS Lab consists of two large screens on opposite walls. This allows the students to see the teacher and other students, while the other screen allows viewing from across the state. An Elmo is in the classroom which is used for transferring books and documents. There is a copy, scanner fax machine also in the room. A telephone is near the screen in case a call needs to be made to a teacher or student.
The ACCESS lab is an interesting concept and I hate it that none of this technology was around when I was in high school. This groundbreaking teaching method could possibly save a few students from repeating grades or dropping out of school. When I receive my teaching certificate, I just may look into teaching in the ACCESS Lab for some extra money and to learn about all the wonderful technological advances we have made.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Week 14 Pros and Cons of Blogs
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!
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!
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.
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