Sunday, March 25, 2012

Blog Post #8

This is How We Dream


This is How We Dream
The two videos "This is How We Dream" by Dr. Richard Miller was very informational. It shows that books are both online and in print. Dr. Miller was able to complete a writing assignment without ever going to a library. This is not surprising to me but to those who are used to having to search for material manually in a library it may take some getting used to. He spoke about how some documents are both written and online. That things in print will eventually make its way online and how some online things are or are not in print. He continues on to say that this is "a incremental change not a fundamental change."  
It is amazing how our learning lifestyles have changed. Now days we don’t just use pencil and paper for writing. We have computers that allow us to create word documents that express what we are trying to say. Dr. Miller shows us how to make word documents into web documents and showed us how a print document can be made into a web document. 
When I think about technology, I get excited. As a future educator, I want to use technology as much as I can because I believe it is a great tool. Since technology is always changing, I will have to keep up with these changes. I am willing to do that because I believe in the benefits of technology in the classroom. I have to admit though, I sometimes feel confused, overwhelmed or stressed when working with technology because it can be challenging. After saying that, I still think it is worth all the stress and confusion. I always end up figuring it out!  



Carly's Post
Carly and Dr. Miller definitely have similar thoughts and ideas using the multi-media learning system. As for me, I agree with both of them. Carly's project idea was great and I hope that in the future we can use her idea or ourselves, in our own classrooms. 


EDM310 is Different
The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies were both very inspiring. After coming up with and then rejecting several ideas, I believe that I have finally found one. In EDM310 we do many projects using technology for creative projects but they are all done using movie makers or smarts boards. Many of my fellow classmates, including myself, still like the original scissor and glue projects. For my video, I would have students record themselves demonstrating a project that could be used in classrooms following the Mobile County Public School curriculum. 


Learn to Change, Change to Learn
The video, Learn to Change, Change to Learn featured educators who focused on how schools are growing technologically and how we need to provide teachers with the permission and resources necessary to educate children in this ever-changing world we live in. They mentioned how important it is for teachers around the world to connect and share with each other. One of the main points of the video is that the world around us is developing and it is up to us to make sure our students are developing along with it. They need to be able to find answers and solve problems on their own, know how to be sure they are finding accurate information and know how to share information with the rest of the world.  


Scavenger Hunt 2.0
1. I chose to use Edmodo. This is exactly what I was hoping to find! I would best describe Edmodo as a facebook for teachers. Except your page is like a little online classroom. This could be compared to online classes that universities use. As the teacher I am able to post assignments, updates, reminders, grades, quizzes and so much more. I have to option to receive any updates from students sent directly to my phone or email. This site also allows students to ask questions or comment to me or other students. I will definitely keep this in mind (adds to symbaloo)!
4. I chose to research Animoto. This appeared to be a fun use for short videos, perhaps of a vacation. One thing that I did not care for was that you had to purchase the program and then pay monthly to use it. It does have its convenience. You can use a iPhone app or instagram to link with the program. 
5. 

Project #11


The Rainbow Fish

Project #12

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Google SketchUp

I just wanted to share this with everyone.


Google SketchUp is a program that I just recently came across but immediately saw the potential that it holds. Having the ability to see any building in the world in 3D form, can be a great tool for teachers and students.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Time Toast Project


This is a re-post of my time toast. For some reason the HTML broke on the first one.

Friday, March 9, 2012

PLN Progress Report Project #10

 People of the World
My personal learning network is starting off a little slow. I am currently connected with a few local teachers and not to many elsewhere. I have come across several all over the world who I read up on frequently but none of them do I personally know. My favorites have become twitter and Facebook for networking. I have been using Facebook for several years now but I am new to twitter. I try to use it more often now that I have people to follow. I use Facebook mostly for those who are local for business purposes. I have discovered Symbaloo for a type of PLE. It helps mostly in keeping me organized. So far my PLN is serving its purpose but could use a few more resources. This semester isn't over yet, so we'll see.

Project 9b- Prezi


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

C4T#2

PhD Blogger


Do I Dare Disturb the Universe?: A blog hosted by Scott Elias. On February 8, 2012, Scott Elias, posted a blog on Convening a Professional Study Group. Mrs. Elias made some very compelling points about schools going into panic mode when their state test scores are not high enough. Based on his research about 65% of students are proficient in reading and writing and less then 40% are proficient in math. She argument over schools entering the panic mode, is that they are ultimately not changing anything. Once they make the quota, they will return back to the same teaching methods. Mrs. Elias has formed a group at his school that will change and improve the way the students are taught. Hopefully, to avoid any more complications in the future.

Recently, Mrs. Elias, has posted that she finds herself questioning her choice to return to school for a PhD. Like many of us we will question the choices that we make in life. She makes a valid point; regardless of what we have going on in our lives, there will always be something. I find myself questioning this regularly, 'why am I back in school? I already have a degree, just do that.' However, it is nice to know that when and if the times comes, I will have the option to do something else.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Blog Post #7

The Networked Student
I really enjoyed watching this video by Wendy Drexler. I found this project to be such a neat idea and will hopefully use this in future classes. Her video specifically speaks to the new age generation. With all of the technology and new ways of learning, you can virtually listen to professors all around the world as they lecture.
A question is suggested "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" The reason is that you can never truly take away what both students and teachers will gain from the one on one learning. Students can easily post as question online but it may take some time to receive a response. Other students may have asked questions but you still don't understand. You might even be thinking so far outside of the box that no one else has even considered it. As much as technology will simplify our lives human interaction, in my opinion, is still the simplest method.
The idea of networking with students and teachers who are clear around the world is amazing. Lets face it, not everyone can travel to another country to get a first hand look at other cultures. As a networked student, you can.

A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (PLE)
I recently viewed a young girl's tour of her personal learning environment (PLE), Welcome to my PLE!
My first response was, YES! This is exactly what I need and I'm sure may other students do too. Symbaloo is the perfect PLE for students and even teachers. This useful tool allows students to have access to dozens of websites, all at once, without having them all open. The plus side is that you can arrange the sites in categories or add and delete, as needed. I must admit that I googled and signed up for this PLE before I could write this post. I highly recommend this for everyone!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Podcast

Blog Post #6

Dream Doodle

Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
WOW! This video was absolutely amazing. Randy Pausch was an outstanding man who dedicated his last few years to his series "Last Lecture". One particuar lecture was Achieving Your Childhood Dreams. In the 
very beginning he says not to pity him, but how could you not? He begins his lecture to talk about his childhood dreams and continues on to enabling the dreams of others.
Mr. Pausch achieved all of his childhood dreams. When he talks about enabling childhood dreams he seems to be really sincere. His way of teaching is very inspirational, the work that he gave students was incredible and their responses were even better. They were given big tasks and they performed greatly. He saw his students as brilliant, which I honestly do not think that most teachers do. He was able to excite the school as a whole. He described the brick walls we face in life, as ways to show ourselves how badly we want something. I could not agree more, it is about pushing yourself to the fullest and pushing through the walls. The walls are also ways of keeping people out who do not really want this.
One way of learning he describes was, indirect learning. Indirect learning, or "head fake", is making people think they are doing one thing, while actually teaching them another thing. He introduced a class called, Building Virtual Worlds. It was amazing to see what his students could do. He used a project based curriculum. One project that this class created, was Project Alice.
At the end of the video he tells us his two "head fakes" about his speech. The first one was that people need to lead their life the right way, and dream will find you. The second one was that this speech was not for the audience, it was for his three children. He gave this speech, so that his kids could go back after he is gone, and get advice from him.