Sunday, October 28, 2012
Project #10
For my first PLN report I included all the sites I use daily or every couple of days. I will continue to search for educational sites to add throughout the end of the semester.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Blog Assignment #9
Mr. McClung's "What I've Learned"
In Mr. McClung's fourth year reflection he realized two things needed to be changed. He came to understand that he was viewing his success by what his peers thought of him. However, he said that was not the scale he should be using, and he should be scaling his success by how much the students are enjoying his class. If the students look forward to going to his class and look forward to what he has to say than he is doing his job correctly and to the best of his abilities. I honestly think this is how we should view everything in our lives. We need to get our priorities in line and understand exactly who we are working for, the students. They should be the reason we get up and go to work.
The second thing he saw that was he was getting complacent with his teachings. He felt he was getting lazy and his lessons we sucking. He said we needed to challenge ourselves, in any way possible. He will be teaching a new subject at a higher grade this year. He feels as though this opportunity couldn't have come at a better time in his professional career. I think he is right in that we need to challenge ourselves. However, there will not always be a time that we can just move up a grade level or teach a new subject. If we feel we are getting lazy we need to find a way to get excited about teaching again.
In Mr. McClung's third year reflection, he has come up with five major objectives. These objectives include know who your boss is, don't expect others to be as excited about change as you are, don't be afraid to be an outsider, don't touch the keyboard, and don't get comfortable. One of the five that stuck out to me is don't be afraid to be an outsider. I love that. I think too many people focus on what others think of them and don't are not themselves. As a teacher, I want to be someone the students get excited about taking because I am not like every other teacher in the school. If I can get a few kids excited about taking math that normally are not, I think it would be great.
Another point that impacted me was to not expect other to be as excited about change as I was. Some people are very stuck in their ways and don't want anything to change. I think in order for younger generations to continue to improve academically we need to change things every so often to kept them interested and engaged in learning. I refuse to be someone that constantly shoots down other's ideas without even trying them. If I get excited about trying something different I will be excited in my classroom and hopefully that will transfer to into the way my students learn. Anything different will grab students attention, but our enthusiasm as teacher's being outside of the box will keep their attention so they are interested in what we have to say.
In Mr. McClung's fourth year reflection he realized two things needed to be changed. He came to understand that he was viewing his success by what his peers thought of him. However, he said that was not the scale he should be using, and he should be scaling his success by how much the students are enjoying his class. If the students look forward to going to his class and look forward to what he has to say than he is doing his job correctly and to the best of his abilities. I honestly think this is how we should view everything in our lives. We need to get our priorities in line and understand exactly who we are working for, the students. They should be the reason we get up and go to work.
The second thing he saw that was he was getting complacent with his teachings. He felt he was getting lazy and his lessons we sucking. He said we needed to challenge ourselves, in any way possible. He will be teaching a new subject at a higher grade this year. He feels as though this opportunity couldn't have come at a better time in his professional career. I think he is right in that we need to challenge ourselves. However, there will not always be a time that we can just move up a grade level or teach a new subject. If we feel we are getting lazy we need to find a way to get excited about teaching again.
In Mr. McClung's third year reflection, he has come up with five major objectives. These objectives include know who your boss is, don't expect others to be as excited about change as you are, don't be afraid to be an outsider, don't touch the keyboard, and don't get comfortable. One of the five that stuck out to me is don't be afraid to be an outsider. I love that. I think too many people focus on what others think of them and don't are not themselves. As a teacher, I want to be someone the students get excited about taking because I am not like every other teacher in the school. If I can get a few kids excited about taking math that normally are not, I think it would be great.
Another point that impacted me was to not expect other to be as excited about change as I was. Some people are very stuck in their ways and don't want anything to change. I think in order for younger generations to continue to improve academically we need to change things every so often to kept them interested and engaged in learning. I refuse to be someone that constantly shoots down other's ideas without even trying them. If I get excited about trying something different I will be excited in my classroom and hopefully that will transfer to into the way my students learn. Anything different will grab students attention, but our enthusiasm as teacher's being outside of the box will keep their attention so they are interested in what we have to say.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Blog Assignment #8
This Is How We Dream: Part 1 and Part 2
In "This is How We Dream:Part 1," Dr. Richard Miller makes an exceptional visual presentation! He begins by explaining how you can get all your information for a discussion strictly off the internet, without stepping foot in a library or using a pen or paper. Dr. Miller further explained the differences in fundmental and incremental changes. He told us that not only is the way we use internet changing but so is the way we write. Little do some of us realize, the advances with technology are making everyone a little bit greener.
In Part 2 of Dr. Miller's presentation, he explains the importance of using visual presentations. He says there may be a time that students use digital demonstrations rather than word processors. He also explains how people are not only using the internet but colaborating with it.
I think these two videos have only reiterated what we have been on the verge of learning all semester. Technology is taking over the world quickly. High school projects will not be the same, and the expanded knowledge of the internet can take the credit for that. I think that digital demonstrations in classes would help some students understand the subject better. I think if these presentations could be incorporated into every classes, they would help students tremendously. Everything is changing, why shouldn't the way teachers teach?
Carly Pugh's Blog Post #12
I think that Carly Pugh was dead on what Dr. Miller was trying to say. I think that the embedded video alone covers it all. The video posted got the point across without saying a word. If that is not what Dr. Miller meant by a digital demonstration, I would need to see what he was talking about. This video made you think and I believe that is what a good presentation is all about.
The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies
I watched these two videos at the beginning of the course when they were first recommended. I think they are most helpful before you get into the class, I let out a little sigh of relief after watching EDM310 for Dummies. The video just explains that even if you do get stuck or confused there will always be someone to help you out. The Chipper Series was also helpful in that it proved shortcuts just won't cut it.
I think another video that would be helpful would be one about what all EDM students will cover, learn, and use in the classrooms. Some students are turned away from the class, so I've heard, after they hear about all the work they will have to do. I think if future students realized how beneficial this class will be for not only when they are teaching but also throughout the rest of their college careers.
Learn to Change, Change to Learn
This video reminds me of a previous assigned video "Teaching in the 21 Century." I think the arguments made in this video are true. Students need to learn, not only to gather information, but to understand it. "No More Burp Back Classes" is what came to my mind when one man was explaining learning in terms of a vending machine. If a student can apply what they are reading or hearing they are not learning. One way or another, we as educators need to find an effective way to get our students to fully understand the information given to them so they can honestly call it knowledge.
WEB 2.0
www.polleverywhere.com
The video tool I liked the most was PhotoPeach. A teacher can either pay a small fee or use the free version for their students to create their own photo slideshows. The teacher can alter the student's profiles and the students cannot alter the teachers. Also, the student's projects will not be public until set to be public.
www.makebeliefcomix.com
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
C4T #2
My teacher this time was Mr. Frank Buck, "Get Organized." His post was about the saying, "That's the way we've always done it." He told a story of a little girl who traced back through her family tree as to why her mother cut off the edges of the ham before putting it in the oven. Come to find out, her great-grandmother cut the edges off because the ham did not fit on the pan. I told Mr. Buck I completely agreed with him. I do things just because my mom or grandparents do it, but I don't know if it is the efficient or not. I have some family tree research to do!
The second time I went to Dr. Buck's blog his latest post was titled "The Chicken and the Eagle Story." This post was actually a video, the video posted below, by Dr. Eldon Taylor. Dr. Taylor explained how you can become like the people you associate yourself with. For instance, in the video, the eagle lived in a chicken coup and started to act like a chicken rather than the beautiful eagle she was. As a male eagle spots her, he tries to explain to her that she is so much more than the chicken she pretends to be. I really related to this video. I thanked Dr. Buck for posting this video. It reiterated what my mom has been telling me since I was in high school. She told me to be careful who I befriend because they could bring me up and help me reach my potential or bring me down and I would never reach my goals. This video truly was inspiring, and if you haven't watched it, I suggest you do so.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Blog Assignment #7
The Networked Student
Wendy Drexler's "The Networked Student" was truly an eye opener. I think that the video was very informative to say the least. I have never thought about how technology will take the place, in some aspects, of a teacher. I have had plenty of online classes since beginning college but none to the extent that I could call myself "a network student".
I think it is phenomenal that students are able to teach themselves in this format. I know I will feel extremely accomplished after passing this course! Honestly, I think more classes should begin converting to this method of teacher. Not only will it teach the student how to stay on top of their school work, it will also teach them responsibility, time managament, and possible boost their confidence knowing they did the majority of the course by themselves.
However the question is still there, why do the networked students need a teacher? Honestly I can say if I was told, "Here are your instructions for the course, see you in five months." I would be a nervous wreck! Even if I know what I'm doing, it is always good to know if I need help there is, depending on the time, someone to help me to understand the instructions further if needed. I don't think we can expect a student to understand how to navigate their way through the internet and give us the information we want if we do not teach them. I think there will always be a need for the teacher, even if it is not in the traditional sense. If I thought, at some point, there would be no need for teachers I wouldn't be in the education field.
I am interested in seeing how many classes evolve into this style teaching. I am open to learning more about the teaching styles while having networked students. I would also be interested in seeing if I could incorporate having networked students in some of my classes for certain lessons.
A 7th Grade Personal Learning Environment or PLN
This 7th grader is one heck of a student!! Her PLE was organized wonderfully and she could nagivate her way through it with ease. I think this idea could keep so many children in our school systems eager to learn. In this video, the girl explains the freedom she feels like she gets, and honestly I think some of the students I've encountered would like a little bit of freedom. My PLN and this girl's are fairly similar, especially now that I am in EDM310. I am using so many different websites and have so many different accounts that I don't think it would be a terrible idea if I got used the same website, symbaloo, and create my own. That will be on my to-do list!
Wendy Drexler's "The Networked Student" was truly an eye opener. I think that the video was very informative to say the least. I have never thought about how technology will take the place, in some aspects, of a teacher. I have had plenty of online classes since beginning college but none to the extent that I could call myself "a network student".
I think it is phenomenal that students are able to teach themselves in this format. I know I will feel extremely accomplished after passing this course! Honestly, I think more classes should begin converting to this method of teacher. Not only will it teach the student how to stay on top of their school work, it will also teach them responsibility, time managament, and possible boost their confidence knowing they did the majority of the course by themselves.
However the question is still there, why do the networked students need a teacher? Honestly I can say if I was told, "Here are your instructions for the course, see you in five months." I would be a nervous wreck! Even if I know what I'm doing, it is always good to know if I need help there is, depending on the time, someone to help me to understand the instructions further if needed. I don't think we can expect a student to understand how to navigate their way through the internet and give us the information we want if we do not teach them. I think there will always be a need for the teacher, even if it is not in the traditional sense. If I thought, at some point, there would be no need for teachers I wouldn't be in the education field.
I am interested in seeing how many classes evolve into this style teaching. I am open to learning more about the teaching styles while having networked students. I would also be interested in seeing if I could incorporate having networked students in some of my classes for certain lessons.
A 7th Grade Personal Learning Environment or PLN
This 7th grader is one heck of a student!! Her PLE was organized wonderfully and she could nagivate her way through it with ease. I think this idea could keep so many children in our school systems eager to learn. In this video, the girl explains the freedom she feels like she gets, and honestly I think some of the students I've encountered would like a little bit of freedom. My PLN and this girl's are fairly similar, especially now that I am in EDM310. I am using so many different websites and have so many different accounts that I don't think it would be a terrible idea if I got used the same website, symbaloo, and create my own. That will be on my to-do list!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Blog Assignment #6
Randy Pausch: Last Lecture Achieving Your Childhood Dream
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture on achieving your childhood dreams was not only informative but very inspiring. I would like to start off by saying I would suggest anyone who has not watched this video to watch it now. As well as other lectures made by Pausch. Honestly, I was not looking forward to sitting in front of a computer for over a hour but I felt like it was over as soon as it started. I could have watched another hour or more. He knows how to grab your attention immediately. He opened explaining his battle with liver disease and how that battle would be coming to an end soon. He hit three major points in his lecture including his childhood dreams, enabling the dreams of others, and lessons learned.
His first point was of his personal childhood dreams. He had his childhood dreams listed, and I am jealous that I never wrote my dreams down as a kid. I know what my dreams and ambitions are now, but I wish I could remember my childhood dreams were other than wanting to playing every sport possible. Something Dr. Pausch referred to was a "brick wall" and he hit the nail on the head. I know throughout my teaching career I will be giving obstacles, whether it be parents, students, administrators, anything or anyone, I will have to remember the reason I chose to teach, to teach my students through the passion I have for the subject. I think that could possibly be one of the hardest things to remind yourself of when everything, as it seems at the time, is telling you to stop. Reminding myself that even though I have critics, maybe major ones, they are showing me how much they love me and what I do will be hard at times, but anything worth while is not easy, right?
Dr. Pausch's second point was to enable the dreams of others. I think that is one of the main jobs as an educator. We shouldn't focus on what they think they cannot do, rather believe in them and make them believe they can do it too. Something that stuck with me was when he said, "There are two ways to say I don't know," but I think it could go with any question. I absolutely believe you can do one of two things by the way you answer questions. If a child comes to me about something he or she is genuinely interested in and I answer with a rude remark or answer it could turn them off or away from their dream. However, if I make them believe I am completely on board with whatever it is that they what to do they will move full steam ahead on achieving it. I know as a kid, and even now, I don't go to someone with something important to just anyone; I go to someone who I value the opinion they give to me. If a student comes to me, I need to remember I'm not just some random person, I am important to them and so is my opinion and the way I present it to them.
Lastly, Dr. Pausch covered what he called "Lessons Learned." Specifically how to achieve our dreams or enable others to achieve their dreams. He listed many things you can do to achieve your own or enable. A few stuck out to me: don't bail, work hard, and don't complain. If I have told me softball team these three things once, I have a thousand times. I was surprised to see him list them even though they are pretty obvious. He also mentioned finding the best in people, even if it takes a long time for them to show it. I know this is difficult for everyone, including myself. Sometimes your personality just clashes with someone else's personality, but as an educator you cannot let that effect you. There may be some students will not be interested in what I'm saying or teaching but I cannot let that effect the way I treat or speak to them. I can't bail on them, I can't complain about them, but I can work as hard as I possibly can to grab their attention each and everyday. I think I have decided at the end of each year to let the students write anonymous suggestions to me so I can better myself each and every year, if I think I don't need to change anything I will be time to change my profession.
There are so many things from this lecture that I will write down in my "When I'm A Teacher" notebook to use. Dr. Randy Pausch had an amazing way with words and how he got his point across. He can keep people's attention like no one I've listened to before. I will remember this last point; Be prepared: "luck" is where preparation meets opportunity. He truly has inspired me in the videos I have watched of his lectures and will be forever grateful.
Rest in Peace, Dr. Randy Pausch.
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture on achieving your childhood dreams was not only informative but very inspiring. I would like to start off by saying I would suggest anyone who has not watched this video to watch it now. As well as other lectures made by Pausch. Honestly, I was not looking forward to sitting in front of a computer for over a hour but I felt like it was over as soon as it started. I could have watched another hour or more. He knows how to grab your attention immediately. He opened explaining his battle with liver disease and how that battle would be coming to an end soon. He hit three major points in his lecture including his childhood dreams, enabling the dreams of others, and lessons learned.
His first point was of his personal childhood dreams. He had his childhood dreams listed, and I am jealous that I never wrote my dreams down as a kid. I know what my dreams and ambitions are now, but I wish I could remember my childhood dreams were other than wanting to playing every sport possible. Something Dr. Pausch referred to was a "brick wall" and he hit the nail on the head. I know throughout my teaching career I will be giving obstacles, whether it be parents, students, administrators, anything or anyone, I will have to remember the reason I chose to teach, to teach my students through the passion I have for the subject. I think that could possibly be one of the hardest things to remind yourself of when everything, as it seems at the time, is telling you to stop. Reminding myself that even though I have critics, maybe major ones, they are showing me how much they love me and what I do will be hard at times, but anything worth while is not easy, right?
Dr. Pausch's second point was to enable the dreams of others. I think that is one of the main jobs as an educator. We shouldn't focus on what they think they cannot do, rather believe in them and make them believe they can do it too. Something that stuck with me was when he said, "There are two ways to say I don't know," but I think it could go with any question. I absolutely believe you can do one of two things by the way you answer questions. If a child comes to me about something he or she is genuinely interested in and I answer with a rude remark or answer it could turn them off or away from their dream. However, if I make them believe I am completely on board with whatever it is that they what to do they will move full steam ahead on achieving it. I know as a kid, and even now, I don't go to someone with something important to just anyone; I go to someone who I value the opinion they give to me. If a student comes to me, I need to remember I'm not just some random person, I am important to them and so is my opinion and the way I present it to them.
Lastly, Dr. Pausch covered what he called "Lessons Learned." Specifically how to achieve our dreams or enable others to achieve their dreams. He listed many things you can do to achieve your own or enable. A few stuck out to me: don't bail, work hard, and don't complain. If I have told me softball team these three things once, I have a thousand times. I was surprised to see him list them even though they are pretty obvious. He also mentioned finding the best in people, even if it takes a long time for them to show it. I know this is difficult for everyone, including myself. Sometimes your personality just clashes with someone else's personality, but as an educator you cannot let that effect you. There may be some students will not be interested in what I'm saying or teaching but I cannot let that effect the way I treat or speak to them. I can't bail on them, I can't complain about them, but I can work as hard as I possibly can to grab their attention each and everyday. I think I have decided at the end of each year to let the students write anonymous suggestions to me so I can better myself each and every year, if I think I don't need to change anything I will be time to change my profession.
There are so many things from this lecture that I will write down in my "When I'm A Teacher" notebook to use. Dr. Randy Pausch had an amazing way with words and how he got his point across. He can keep people's attention like no one I've listened to before. I will remember this last point; Be prepared: "luck" is where preparation meets opportunity. He truly has inspired me in the videos I have watched of his lectures and will be forever grateful.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
C4K for September
First Student
My first student was from New Zealand. His name was Sebastian, he is in the fifth grade and in Mrs. King's class at Pt England School. In his post, he was describing a card game is father had showed him called 3 Up 3 Down. I told him that my friends and I played cards almost every weekend. We are always looking for new games to play and I told Sebastian we would try to play his game and if he knew any more to let me know.
Second Student
My second student, Vanessa, attends the same school as my first student, Pt England, however she is in the seventh grade. Vanessa's latest post was about her experience doing paralympic activities for class. She explained how they did all the activities as they regularly do and then the teacher put a spin on it. They orginially did some sprints then the teacher, Mr. Marks, made them tie one arm against their side and try it again. She said she was different running without her left arm but that she enjoyed the assignment. I told her it is alway strange to try different things but you can always find out what you're capable of.
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