Sunday, September 30, 2012
Blog Assignment #5
The iSchool Initiative
In the video The iSchool Initiative (Mobile Learning) and his follow up video Zeitgeist Young Minds by Travis Allen, he explains the pros of being completely technological in schools. I agree that using the hand held devices would help decrease budget cuts throughout the schools. I believe becoming more technologically advanced in classrooms would benefit some students, however, I am on the fence with the idea.
I see that there could be some major mishaps. Let's be honest, kid are clumsy and sometimes careless. What would happen if their device was broken, stolen, or even lost? Does the school have to replace the item or does the student. I can understand how it would save the schools money after the intial purchases for the school, but how much would it save if they had to replace 100 or more iTouches a semester? Some schools would be further in the hole than if they hadn't switched to full technological learning. I also think that it could be extremely beneficial in some classes. However, I can not imagine taking notes in math on my iPod. I have many questions that I would like to ask so I could choose to be on either side of the fence. I have read into some comments from Allen and he says he takes all of his notes on his iPad, so clearly it can be done. It would be interesting to go from a 35 pound backpack to a 1.5 pound backpack to say the least.
Jennifer Chamber's Post with Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir Video
I think this video is absolutely incredible! I have showed it to my family and they loved it too. I think it is amazing to see how much technology can bring people together in ways we have never thought about. I would like the see a "Virtual Choir: Behind the Scenes" personally and see exactly how much time, effort, and hard work was put into making this choir. This is an inspiring video.
Teaching in the 21st Century
In the video Teaching in the 21st Century: By Kevin Roberts, John Strange Version, is an eye opener. I have never realized how less students will be relying on a teacher for information. I have even caught myself doing the same thing and just never realized I do it until now. I do believe that teachers should be more focused on giving the students the applications on the assignments and not the broad information. Speaking for myself and others I'm sure, the information given to us is not near as valuable as being able to apply it to other problems. I can memorize the form to solving a dervative but if I cannot apply it to a problem on a test then the formula does me no good.
I do believe that Robert's is right, it may not be within years, but eventually he will be right. As an educator, I will focus more on helping my students to apply the problem rather than giving them information that can be found on the internet, or even if they simply read the book. We need to engage our students so they will look forward to learning.
Flipping the Classroom
I think that flipping the classroom is an excellent idea for some classes. However, I cannot expect a student to fully understand everything they watch immediately. I can honestly say, at one point of another, I have been a part of each section of Katie Gimbar's class divisions. The only section I would want to stay in is the "middle group" that is currently on task and following the discussion. As I said in the last section (Teaching in the 21st Century) I want to focus on the applications of problems. I like that she is able to seperate the kids and focus on their specific needs. I also think that Mrs. Munafo's video gave the parents a little bit of insight of how their children would be learning. I think this would be an exceptional way to teach, especially in a math setting. I can't say that I would be prepared to teach this way as a first or second year teacher but possibly by my fifth year I would like to give this idea a whirl. Another video you may what to watch is Dr. Lodge Cammon's FIZZ to further understand "flipping the classroom."
I see that there could be some major mishaps. Let's be honest, kid are clumsy and sometimes careless. What would happen if their device was broken, stolen, or even lost? Does the school have to replace the item or does the student. I can understand how it would save the schools money after the intial purchases for the school, but how much would it save if they had to replace 100 or more iTouches a semester? Some schools would be further in the hole than if they hadn't switched to full technological learning. I also think that it could be extremely beneficial in some classes. However, I can not imagine taking notes in math on my iPod. I have many questions that I would like to ask so I could choose to be on either side of the fence. I have read into some comments from Allen and he says he takes all of his notes on his iPad, so clearly it can be done. It would be interesting to go from a 35 pound backpack to a 1.5 pound backpack to say the least.
Jennifer Chamber's Post with Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir Video
I think this video is absolutely incredible! I have showed it to my family and they loved it too. I think it is amazing to see how much technology can bring people together in ways we have never thought about. I would like the see a "Virtual Choir: Behind the Scenes" personally and see exactly how much time, effort, and hard work was put into making this choir. This is an inspiring video.
Teaching in the 21st Century
In the video Teaching in the 21st Century: By Kevin Roberts, John Strange Version, is an eye opener. I have never realized how less students will be relying on a teacher for information. I have even caught myself doing the same thing and just never realized I do it until now. I do believe that teachers should be more focused on giving the students the applications on the assignments and not the broad information. Speaking for myself and others I'm sure, the information given to us is not near as valuable as being able to apply it to other problems. I can memorize the form to solving a dervative but if I cannot apply it to a problem on a test then the formula does me no good.
I do believe that Robert's is right, it may not be within years, but eventually he will be right. As an educator, I will focus more on helping my students to apply the problem rather than giving them information that can be found on the internet, or even if they simply read the book. We need to engage our students so they will look forward to learning.
Flipping the Classroom
I think that flipping the classroom is an excellent idea for some classes. However, I cannot expect a student to fully understand everything they watch immediately. I can honestly say, at one point of another, I have been a part of each section of Katie Gimbar's class divisions. The only section I would want to stay in is the "middle group" that is currently on task and following the discussion. As I said in the last section (Teaching in the 21st Century) I want to focus on the applications of problems. I like that she is able to seperate the kids and focus on their specific needs. I also think that Mrs. Munafo's video gave the parents a little bit of insight of how their children would be learning. I think this would be an exceptional way to teach, especially in a math setting. I can't say that I would be prepared to teach this way as a first or second year teacher but possibly by my fifth year I would like to give this idea a whirl. Another video you may what to watch is Dr. Lodge Cammon's FIZZ to further understand "flipping the classroom."
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Blog Assignment #4
Views on Podcasts
I chose to read the blog post The Benefits of Pod-casting in the Classrom, 1st Graders Create Their Own Read Alongs, and my personal favorite as a kid Flat Stanley Podcast. I completely and totally agree with Joe Dale's views on the benefits of podcast in the classroom. When I was in high school my chemistry teacher created pod casts for us to watch if we were ever out of school or simply didn't understand what she said during class. I know it helped plenty of students throughout the semester and even after we graduated and had chemistry in college. I think the other two posts from Langwitches Blog really emphasized how pod casts could engage young students. I was never fond of reading when I was younger, however I think if I was able to record myself and reread the books or even my own work I would have liked reading so much more. The Flat Stanley project reminds me of when I was in the first grade and we did almost the same project except we didn't record anything. We just had to write a report. I think anything that involves technology engages students, especially the younger aged students, because they simply think they are "too cool for school" using equipment that the "big kids" use.
As far as what I can use in my podcast, the main thing that sticks out to me is one word, scripts. I think it would be much easier if we were to use a written script and practice using emotions to grab the attention of the audience. I don't think "making it as you go" will be an efficient way to making a quality podcast.
I chose to read the blog post The Benefits of Pod-casting in the Classrom, 1st Graders Create Their Own Read Alongs, and my personal favorite as a kid Flat Stanley Podcast. I completely and totally agree with Joe Dale's views on the benefits of podcast in the classroom. When I was in high school my chemistry teacher created pod casts for us to watch if we were ever out of school or simply didn't understand what she said during class. I know it helped plenty of students throughout the semester and even after we graduated and had chemistry in college. I think the other two posts from Langwitches Blog really emphasized how pod casts could engage young students. I was never fond of reading when I was younger, however I think if I was able to record myself and reread the books or even my own work I would have liked reading so much more. The Flat Stanley project reminds me of when I was in the first grade and we did almost the same project except we didn't record anything. We just had to write a report. I think anything that involves technology engages students, especially the younger aged students, because they simply think they are "too cool for school" using equipment that the "big kids" use.
As far as what I can use in my podcast, the main thing that sticks out to me is one word, scripts. I think it would be much easier if we were to use a written script and practice using emotions to grab the attention of the audience. I don't think "making it as you go" will be an efficient way to making a quality podcast.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
C4T#1
My first teacher assigned was Mr. Dylan Blain also known as "The PE Teacher." It seems to me that he loves implementing technology into his everyday teaching and he wants to get his students using technology in learning. He first introduced the use of the iPod/iPad apps called CoachsEye and Edmodo in a teaching setting. He explained how beneficial it would be for the students to be able to video other students and be videoed and be able to watch back the videos instantly. I personally think that I could use these tools with my softball team this year. My team would be able to understand what we're asking them to do by watching themselves and being critiqued instantly. I really think "The PE Teacher" has opened a new realm of teaching in sports with my team. He also explained his use of an app that he used to keep up with his students cricket games called NX Cricket Scoring. There are so many apps used to keep up with stats from games. Last year we used one to keep up with the team's softball stats. However, we found a few bugs and are currently looking for a new app to use this season. Over all, I definitely agree with "The PE Teacher" and his use of technology, it is so helpful and the kid's relate to it.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Blog Assisgnment #3
Paige Ellis' Blog Assignment #12
The video Peer Editing and the slideshow Peer Edit with Perfection Tutorial basically followed the same guidelines. I personally thought it was very helpful as a "commenter" and "commentee." I appreciated how everything was very straight forward and told you exactly how it would be best to comment on a classmate's blog.
On the other hand, the video Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes does not only reiterate what the two previous videos stated, it went further into detail about specific commenters. Like most people, I don't like to hurt people's feelings so I try to say to them what I would want someone to say to me. The videos have taught me that criticism is good as long as we can stay positive and not crush people's confidence.
Technology in Special Education
First and foremost, I must say my heart has always been in working with special needs students. I believe that anything that can help accomodate these students learn more efficiently is great and should be used. If children with certain disabilities best learn by drawing in the sand, then I am all for supplying sand boxes in all schools. If accomodations or modifications are needed and technology will create these things then these technologies should be provided.
Secondly, I think what Miss Cook, in the video Technology in Special Education, is absolutely brilliant. She has tranformed the way the students view learning and how they learn. All the students were so proud to show off the technology they use to learn and most kids take their ability to learn on their own for granted. I will be showing this video to my friends who are planning on going into Special Education and also the woman who was a big contributor in my love for working with special need students.
I have honestly never thought of implementing technology into a math class. However, if I were to get a student with a disability in my class, depending on the severity of the disability, I would life to use Math Bingo. Not only does it seem to reinforce basic math skills, the students may not picture it as soley a piece of learning material but a game. As far as I can tell, everyone is more willing to do something if there is a reward, even if it is just a screen that says "WINNER!"
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts
At first, I thought Vicki Davis was just letting her kids learning to play virtual living games such as "The Sims." That couldn't be farther from the truth. When I was in high school we were required to take a computer class, but I could only wish I could have had one like she's teaching. For the majority of my life, I have wanted to be in contact with someone on the other side of the world. These students get to do that, but magnified.
I think these students are extremely lucky to be taught these skills at such an early age. They are being "taught" (and I use that loosely, more like learning themselves) how to navigate their way through the internet and and a virtual world with other students all over the world. I think it is absolutely amazing. If I were going to be a computer teacher, I would love to be able to teach my students just as Davis does.
The video Peer Editing and the slideshow Peer Edit with Perfection Tutorial basically followed the same guidelines. I personally thought it was very helpful as a "commenter" and "commentee." I appreciated how everything was very straight forward and told you exactly how it would be best to comment on a classmate's blog.
On the other hand, the video Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes does not only reiterate what the two previous videos stated, it went further into detail about specific commenters. Like most people, I don't like to hurt people's feelings so I try to say to them what I would want someone to say to me. The videos have taught me that criticism is good as long as we can stay positive and not crush people's confidence.
Technology in Special Education
First and foremost, I must say my heart has always been in working with special needs students. I believe that anything that can help accomodate these students learn more efficiently is great and should be used. If children with certain disabilities best learn by drawing in the sand, then I am all for supplying sand boxes in all schools. If accomodations or modifications are needed and technology will create these things then these technologies should be provided.
Secondly, I think what Miss Cook, in the video Technology in Special Education, is absolutely brilliant. She has tranformed the way the students view learning and how they learn. All the students were so proud to show off the technology they use to learn and most kids take their ability to learn on their own for granted. I will be showing this video to my friends who are planning on going into Special Education and also the woman who was a big contributor in my love for working with special need students.
I have honestly never thought of implementing technology into a math class. However, if I were to get a student with a disability in my class, depending on the severity of the disability, I would life to use Math Bingo. Not only does it seem to reinforce basic math skills, the students may not picture it as soley a piece of learning material but a game. As far as I can tell, everyone is more willing to do something if there is a reward, even if it is just a screen that says "WINNER!"
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts
At first, I thought Vicki Davis was just letting her kids learning to play virtual living games such as "The Sims." That couldn't be farther from the truth. When I was in high school we were required to take a computer class, but I could only wish I could have had one like she's teaching. For the majority of my life, I have wanted to be in contact with someone on the other side of the world. These students get to do that, but magnified.
I think these students are extremely lucky to be taught these skills at such an early age. They are being "taught" (and I use that loosely, more like learning themselves) how to navigate their way through the internet and and a virtual world with other students all over the world. I think it is absolutely amazing. If I were going to be a computer teacher, I would love to be able to teach my students just as Davis does.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Blog Assignment #2
Did you know? 3.0- A John Strange 2012 Version
Dr.Strange's "Did you know?" video really shows you how much technology is incorporated into people's everyday lives. It clear to me, before watching this video, that cell phones and the internet have become a way of life but the statistics given really put it into perspective exactly how much we all rely on technology. We can access almost any part of the world by clicking a few buttons.
The section with the statistics about India was astounding to me. Other countries in the world are becoming more and more technologically advanced. I have always assumed, other than a couple other countries, that America is one of the top intellectual countries in the world. India having more honor students than America honestly never crossed my mind. It really goes to show was advances in technology can do for not only for our country, but around the world.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
The last statement of this video by Matthew Needleman explains it best. Although many things in the world are growing and improving, somethings remain the same. If we were not taught the base of our education as we were, we would not be able to understand many of the things we are learning now, shown by Mr. Winkle in the video. It would be like asking a second grader to evaluate the expression 2X=10 without teaching them basic mathematical skills. It would be nearly impossible for them to give an answer and be able to back it up without the basic understanding of how math works.
On the other hand, I think it is great that we do have so many technological advances. So many lives have been saved with pieces of technology. In high school, we were required to take a basic computer class and, although I was not taught all there was to learn, I believe I have a good basic understanding of how to use a computer and different programs. Change is not always as bad as Mr. Winkle thinks it is and neither is a little bit of old school.
Sir: Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
This video really has me on the fence. We were required to take a "fine arts" class in high school and I chose to take photography. I loved it so much I took the next two classes as well, which were not required. I think everyone should be able to embrace their creativity within themselves but if it is a required class will the students really be grasping the idea of creativity? I know students who had no interest in drawing, painting, pottery, or photography while I was in school so they did enough to get by in the classes. It could possibly be because they didn't think they were good at any of the classes, which could in-turn be a result of the fact that we had "out-grown" our creativity as Mr. Robinson said.
However, being more creative and accepting the fact that you will eventually be wrong, as Mr. Robinson said, could make people feel so much better about their professional life. If being wrong was not so frowned upon in society, there could possibly be so many more advances in the world. Too many people are afraid to put their ideas on the table because they fear peer rejection, even though their ideas could be a more productive method of doing something. I like being creative but I do not like being forced to be creative in a class. I think it should be implemented into the classrooms but not forced onto the students.
The Future with More Technology
After watching "A Day Made of Glass" by Corning, I was absolutely amazed at how much technology could take over the world. The young girl in the video didn't even have to find her clothes in her closet they were handed to her after pushing a few buttons. The teacher in the video seemed to be able to show the students her lesson with such ease. Technology could be taking over the world before our own eyes. All that being said, I do not think they world should depend fully on technology. All of the hands on projects would no longer exist and learning things would depend on how well you can watch a video. Not only that, I think that kids would have things handed to them and they would not have to work very hard to get anything. The world would not be able to function without all of their gadgets. I'm all about a little give and take but I must say I would side with Mr. Winkle. Too much technology could not always be such a good thing.
Dr.Strange's "Did you know?" video really shows you how much technology is incorporated into people's everyday lives. It clear to me, before watching this video, that cell phones and the internet have become a way of life but the statistics given really put it into perspective exactly how much we all rely on technology. We can access almost any part of the world by clicking a few buttons.
The section with the statistics about India was astounding to me. Other countries in the world are becoming more and more technologically advanced. I have always assumed, other than a couple other countries, that America is one of the top intellectual countries in the world. India having more honor students than America honestly never crossed my mind. It really goes to show was advances in technology can do for not only for our country, but around the world.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
The last statement of this video by Matthew Needleman explains it best. Although many things in the world are growing and improving, somethings remain the same. If we were not taught the base of our education as we were, we would not be able to understand many of the things we are learning now, shown by Mr. Winkle in the video. It would be like asking a second grader to evaluate the expression 2X=10 without teaching them basic mathematical skills. It would be nearly impossible for them to give an answer and be able to back it up without the basic understanding of how math works.
On the other hand, I think it is great that we do have so many technological advances. So many lives have been saved with pieces of technology. In high school, we were required to take a basic computer class and, although I was not taught all there was to learn, I believe I have a good basic understanding of how to use a computer and different programs. Change is not always as bad as Mr. Winkle thinks it is and neither is a little bit of old school.
Sir: Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
This video really has me on the fence. We were required to take a "fine arts" class in high school and I chose to take photography. I loved it so much I took the next two classes as well, which were not required. I think everyone should be able to embrace their creativity within themselves but if it is a required class will the students really be grasping the idea of creativity? I know students who had no interest in drawing, painting, pottery, or photography while I was in school so they did enough to get by in the classes. It could possibly be because they didn't think they were good at any of the classes, which could in-turn be a result of the fact that we had "out-grown" our creativity as Mr. Robinson said.
However, being more creative and accepting the fact that you will eventually be wrong, as Mr. Robinson said, could make people feel so much better about their professional life. If being wrong was not so frowned upon in society, there could possibly be so many more advances in the world. Too many people are afraid to put their ideas on the table because they fear peer rejection, even though their ideas could be a more productive method of doing something. I like being creative but I do not like being forced to be creative in a class. I think it should be implemented into the classrooms but not forced onto the students.
The Future with More Technology
After watching "A Day Made of Glass" by Corning, I was absolutely amazed at how much technology could take over the world. The young girl in the video didn't even have to find her clothes in her closet they were handed to her after pushing a few buttons. The teacher in the video seemed to be able to show the students her lesson with such ease. Technology could be taking over the world before our own eyes. All that being said, I do not think they world should depend fully on technology. All of the hands on projects would no longer exist and learning things would depend on how well you can watch a video. Not only that, I think that kids would have things handed to them and they would not have to work very hard to get anything. The world would not be able to function without all of their gadgets. I'm all about a little give and take but I must say I would side with Mr. Winkle. Too much technology could not always be such a good thing.
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