Sunday, February 26, 2012

Project #9A

Blog Post #5

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?


In this blog post by Scott McLeod, he argues that the most common things we fear about our kids using the internet, we shouldn't. McLeod uses a very strange methods to grab his readers attention. For example his post is broken up in fragmented sentences with random spaces on long drawn out pages. I was a bit confused at first but I remained interested to see how the post would end up. So I continued to read, and finally, I realized the point that he was conveying. The point was that we should not fear our kids becoming involved in the social media world, porn access, and Facebook, just to name a few. McLeod was not saying that porn was acceptable, but was teaching his readers that we should embrace the opportunities that technology brings, instead of just focusing on the threats of them. I believe that this writing was successful in persuading his readers to give technology a second look, and a hard one at that. 


Scott McLeod, is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He also is the Founding Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education. He has received numerous national awards for his technology leadership work, including recognitions from the cable industry, Phi Delta Kappa, the National School Boards Association, and the Center for Digital Education. So this is a man of great success and is very creditable in teaching new and innovative way to educate our children.
Don't Teach Your Kids this Stuff. Please?




The Ischool Initiative


This video by Travis Allen called the Ischool Initiative was very extraordinary! I never thought of my class in the future being ran though an IPhone, but I am now. When I first heard his idea I was sorta closed minded, but as Allen explained I began to open up. I must agree that there is a major issue going on in the public schools, children seem to be unteachable. I think part of the problem is that with all of the technology around our children, once they come into a class with a book and chalk board, they become instantly bored. In other words, after spending hours on Facebook, twitter and Youtube; who will want to be taught and lectured by a teacher with no media?


Ischool Picture




Allen's argument is that schools don't need to change what is being taught, but rather how we are teaching. We need to move from books to computers, preferably the Iphone. This again could become a wonderful  way to teach. For example, he spoke about a idea to load all of our library books and textbooks on the Ipod and it would save trees. So this idea could save time, money, and even the economy! Allen has since gained International exposure, and will continue to create new innovative ways to educate our children. 


Eric Whitacre's Vittual Choir


This video by Eric Whitarce was very different, say the least. I continue to be amazed at the power of technology. There are so many unlimited way to create positive teaching tools through the internet. I would have never in my wildest dreams though of this idea. The fact that these singers never met just blew my mind! It's hard to understand how they all remained on one accord through out the entire song. 


Overall this video gave a good example of what a positive use of the internet can produce. If we continue to strive for the good of technology, while battling the negative, we can accomplish, just as this video Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir, great things.




Teaching in the 21st Century




Teaching in the 21st Century by Kevin Robert's was an eye opening video. Robert showed me what it meant to teach in the 21st Century. We have come so far from the old way of teaching, with just books, paper and pencil. Robert's view is that things need to change a lot more. Teachers today provide only content, stories and theories to name a few, according to Roberts. He expressed that children today can acquire information from anywhere, such as your phone, Face book, and Google. But the main focus he was conveying was that children could use technology, but we should teach them how to use technology. Just because a person does something, doesn't mean they are using it to its full potential.


I personally agree with Robert's view on teaching in the twenty-first century. We do need to change from the original way, to a new way. The reason I say this is because if food changes, cars change, buildings change; why shouldn't teaching styles change? We don't have to change what we teach, just the method of how we teach. That way, we can better educate our children while keeping them attentive in class to what is being taught.


If Roberts is correct, then I will have to adjust my mindset to a more technological way of educating my class, instead of just books and paper. So EDM310 is a great start in this new way of thinking and teaching.


Reading Rockets


This website called Reading Rockets is a teachers dream. This site give access to so many different tools that would be valuable to any teacher of children. For example, there was this one section on Black History where Jacqueline Woodson explain this story of her families heritage and genealogy. She explained how she knew little about her families past and how through her Aunt and Grandmother helped uncover her past before they pasted. 
This would be helpful because during this month of Feburary, I could use this site to help provide informative information about Black History.


I also could use the Audiobook section because not all student can read, but many can listen. So this would help to gain my class attention through technology on the internet. Children love computers, it a given fact. But we have to move beyond that fact and provide things that can help them in the future. It need to be more that pure entertianment but it has to be engaginging, as Kevin Roberts said in his video, Teaching in the 21st Century.























Friday, February 17, 2012

Blog Post #4

Podcasting for me is a very new piece of material. I actually run a online radio station called thepulseradio.net. So I am familiar with broadcasting but I have never broadcasted in Podcast, though I'm familiar with the name. So in my research of learning about Podcast, I've learn a lot.



I first want to say that Podcast is a very powerful tool for education. I was reading a piece of material about the "1st Graders Create their own Read Along Audio book." Their was great ideas about script writing and voice recording used to connect with kids around the world. I was listening to a 6th grade podcast and in this podcast I heard sound effects of the animals and machines that they spoke about. The reason I think this idea of podcasting with children is so awesome, is because it's new and exciting! It helps bring a new and innovative ways of grabbing our childrens' attention to learn. When I was in school, I actually dreaded some particular classes. Honestly because I though they were boring, but this is why podcast is great! There is probably not a kid in the world who would hate using podcast to learn.

I also read "Benefits of Podcasting in the classroom." This video explained the essential values of podcasting. For example, podcasting brings effective ways of interacting with students, projected based learning, and even opened a way to help a sick child at home take a test, while away from class. I thought it was simply amazing that a child at home could take an important test, instead of coming to class and getting everyone sick.

Finally, Jody Scharfs podcast information, taught me what a podcast was. It's basically a Ipod and a broadcast mixed together. There was also an awesome video on how to create a podcast. This information as a collection, will be effective in providing me great ideas in creating my Podcast.

Project #6 My Project Video

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Project #5

C4T #1

My C4T #1 was about Brian Crosby, an upper elementary teacher for 30 years who guides the learning in a model technology classroom in Sparks, Nevada. This was truly an amazing video to say the least. Crosby started off this blog on the subject of innovative pedagogy, which means creating new ways of educating our children. I must say that I'm not a huge fan of technology in the home or classroom because of what children can be exposed to, but after reading this blog, I have a change of opinion.


Leaving Their Mark – Redux, Redux


For starters, Crosby explains how this class, has been his students for the pass 3 years, which has created a type of positive bond. Crosby had this one student who had to leave the class because of cancer but through the awesome technology of Skype, he was not only able to join her back with the class, but she also could answer and participate. This eventually lead him to join with other teacher all across the globe, in sharing this same idea and concept. For example, he and his class was interview by Lee Barber's class in Virginia by using skype. Crosby also was able to interview Christine McAuliffe, who was the mother of the "Teacher in space" who was killed when the space shuttle Challenger exploded in space. This same interview went out to Virginia and New York. Now, what we have to keep in mind is that this is a group of 4th through 6th graders; this type of innovation is barely discovered in college.


Another beautiful things was how Crosby monitored the kids on Myspace and educated them on the importance of safety and honestly. I believe that more than half of the children who  are exposed to uncensored domains were never educated on what to avoid. So I thought this to be very wise because this is a huge concern with my future classroom. Time would not permit for me to type all that Crosby has and continues to accomplish, but this is truly a man on a mission to change the way our young children learn, in a broader and more positive manner.


My 1st Reply:


Hello, my name is Fredric Robinson. I attend the University of South Alabama in pursuit of a degree in Physical Education with a teachers certificate. I want to start off by congratulating you on such a great accomplishment with your students. We live in world where technology is being abused in so many ways, so it’s very refreshing to see it used in such a positive manner. In your blog you spoke about examples of innovative pedagogy, and I must say that you are truly using new ways of educating. I’m actually not a user of Skype but I have a different mindset of its possibilities, especially in reference to the teaching methods of my future students. Your story truly touched my heart to see the power of technology, how you included your student with cancer (Celeste McKarlie) into class through Skype; and I’m sure that there are many others who would agree and have taken advantage of your classes discovery. I hope that you continue to "leave the mark," within the world in a positive way.





2 Responses to Should kids’ grades call the shots on who teaches and who goes home?






My C4T#2 is about a question that Brian Crosby presented " One Response to Should kids’ grades call the shots on who teaches and who goes home?" This article was a deep debate about if test scores should be apart of a teacher's evaluation. There was so many thoughts given about this idea, that I was very engaged in my reading. Some of the teachers agreed with this idea, but said that it should only play a small part of the evaluation. (10 to 20 percent) While Brian Crosby was not so much convinced on the idea. He said, "No one says that poverty means that these kids can’t learn,” he added, “but that is the meme that is promoted. Instead, we need to recognize the problem, and like America has always been admired for, take it head on and solve the problem.” I love this idea by Crosby because he addressed the issue, from a outside the box perspective or the normal way of thinking. He took a deeper look into the problem. Some kids just come from troubled backgrounds but are just as equal as any other kids. I think we should stop showing favoritism and labor with some kids more than others, while understanding that not all kids think at the same pace nor on the same level, even though they are in the same grade. 



In conclusion, Crosby said, "An ideal evaluation system would involve the input of other teachers, administrators, and parents in a system of checks and balances.” Saying that peers of teaching should learn from each other. We are the experts and should not be locked in classrooms only 20 feet down the hall and not know each others names.


My 2nd Reply:



Hi Brian!
This is Frederic again from EDM310(Dr John Strange). I recently reviewed the full article that was posted about “One Response to Should kids’ grades call the shots on who teaches and who goes home?” This is a very sensitive subject between the students, parents, and teachers. Honestly, I believe the conduct and grades that our children produce has to do a lot with their home life. Now of course the method in which they are taught plays a huge part, but here is a covered secret. If we study the number of failing students, who has divorced parents or absent fathers in the home, we would be shocked. Now, again we can’t put it all on the parents nor all on the teachers but we should find a balance of what the real issue is, and as you said in your writing, “face it head on.”
Overall, learning from our peers should never stop, from our youth unto the grave, we can always learn from those around us. Put it this way, all the God given wisdom that man has, isn’t deposited into one person, so we all should learn a little from each other. Thank you for your continued effort to change the lives of our future generation.





  










Blog Post # 3

Technology in Special Education


This video by Lacey Cook taught me another lesson on technology. When I normally think about technology, I think from about a normal functioning human being. But in watching this video I realized that there are others with special needs that can be reached through technology. For example, Kris using his mouse because he was having a hard time using his hand to do a crossword puzzle. So technology has effected students and people in areas that we don't commonly think about.


Special Education Picture


I personally have gained a few thoughts on thinking beyond the norm, when trying to reach new innovations. Our children come in all different shapes and sizes and we need to continue to search out new methods of educating them properly. The quick way is not always the best way, but in many cases it can help. So in conclusion, let us all as teacher and potential teachers think beyond ourselves, and see the world.
 Technology in Special Education


Science App


My choice of app to use in the class would be this Science app. The reason I selected this app is because I'm a huge fan of science and nature! I believe you should teach something that your excited about, sorta like it's contagious. A lot times people become excited about what you are excited about, if I teach boring, then they will receive it boring.

The benefit of this app, is that we could do in depth research about particular topics in science, while receiving up to date information. I have an apple phone and it gives random updates on the certain apps from time to time. So with each school year we could monitor progress if volcanos, sea life, ground condition, and etc. So these are just a few ideas that came to mind, that I would use from year to year in teaching and educating my students about science through this app.
 How the Ipad Works with Academics for Autism

Social Media Count


This video count by Gary Hayes was amazing and scary all at the same time. When I realized just how much social media has changed the world, it was a little scary. What I mean by that is that if you haven't bought in to the movement of technology, you could be left behind. I consider myself somewhat up to date on computer literacy, but with so much room to grow. You never really realize just how social media is being used until you see these number in action. I really like this count because it provides a sense of liveness to the reality of what going on.

Now, for teaching strategies, this count will help me in my class. The reason I can say this is because I can find out what social media tools is most popular. I can also use this count as a tool of persuasion for my students, to help teach them that we are not wasting time by using these methods for teaching. I thank Mr. Hayes for posting this count and plan to refer back to it from time to time.
 Gary’s Social Media Chart

A Vision of Students today


The more I watch these videos, the more I think about the traditional style of teaching. This video by Michael Wesch had a solid message about how we teach our students. Technology is a very power tool for teaching and educating, I totally agree with that idea. Now I do think we should not say that technology alone can save us. This was a thought posted in this video, but some methods of old school teaching is irreplacable. For example, a child being bullied or a child being sick and needing help; it takes a real human teacher to respond to those  type of needs. But again, the traditional way has changed and for the most part technology has helped to make it. Computers in the class is a great idea, as long as we monitor the students behavior, to make sure they are not on Facebook or Twitter while in class. So, old chalk board teaching methods can be revised in my humble opinion.

My plan for teaching my students in the future will most likely involve computers. Children just have a sense of excitement when they are in front of a computer. It's like the human mind is magnetic to the materials that are available on a computer. Computers are quicker and very powerful, they can bring a new innovation in the way we teach. So I thank Wesch for sharing this very informative video.
 Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today

Friday, February 3, 2012

Blog Post # 2

Did you know? 3.0

This was a very eye opening video by Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod! I want to start off saying that just when you think you know something, you realize that you know very little. That's what this video revealed to me. Just some of the information that was provided, helped me to look at technology and the importance of EDM 310 in a different light. As much as we as humans hate to change, the fact is, the world is changing everyday; and it would be wise to adjust with the changes. So Fisch and McLeod conveyed a great message of being aware of our fast changing world, and leaving a question of what does this mean to me, which started my brain to think.

For example, the point was brought out that 93% of all 8-18 year olds in the US have computers in their home now. I'm 32 years old and when I grew up, I had no computer in the home at the age of 8, nor by the time I graduated at the age of 17. So my children will be educated in manner that I was not; and I have to accept the fact that this is true, whether I agree with technology or not. They also mentioned how China will become the number one English speaking country in the world; so why aren't we learning their language more? What is the benefits? This is just a couple of questions that came to light after watching Did you know.
This is a link to the video Did You Know?3.0

Mr Winkle


I found in my review of this video of Mr. Winkle a similar message of what was given in Did you know 3.0. Needleman seems to deliver a message of a need of awareness of world change. Mr. Winkle woke from his 100 years of sleep and began to discover the change. So he starts to realize the depth of change and he began to feel sick and visits a local hospital only to reject the change because of technology. So he leaves a walks for a very long time and finally notices a school and he likes the school because after 100 years, the teaching style had not changed. That was a very sad part of the movie, but delivers a powerful point. We should always be open to change and not settle for old traditions of technology.

I can agree with the point of this video because things do change, even from day to day. Unless I'm willing to change, I will be left behind. So in my endeavors of become a teacher, I want to seek ways of new innovations in the way we teach. So this in what I learned from this video and I truly believe that change is necessary to adapt with life.
This is a link to the video Mr. Winkle Wakes 

The Importance of Creativity


The importance of creativity by Ken Robinson was a very rich video, to say the least. In this film there was so many good points to grasp. Robinson started off with the statement "everybody has an interest in education." Which I find to be true, whether it's about money, religion, children and etc., we all have an interest in teaching and learning about something. Robinson said that, "Education takes us into the future that we can't grasp," which has a strong point. We are always teaching the children of today about the unseen future of tomorrow. So in a strange way, we shape tomorrow by what we teach our children today. He gave a power story about this woman who couldn't stop moving, and said that in todays time we would have gave her a pill and sent her on her way. Robinson said she later became a dancer and then opened her own dance class and then became a millionaire! Maybe we have just become so focused on teaching that we have stopped learning.

What I take away from this video is that I should leave room for creativity in our children. We need to let them be kids and listen and observe their ideas. Each kid is different and posses different talents and values that is waiting to explode. So when I teach my kids in the future I will keep and open mind and always strive to leave room for them to be creative, without compromising my duty as a teacher.
 Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity

A Vision for the 21st Century Learning


This suggested video by Kenesha Brown was eye opening. This video argued that we need to take heed of the great technology around us. One point that was given, was that we should stop stuffing our children's head with facts with no context. We just give them multiple choice questions and if they pass the test, we say they have learned, but have they? This is a good question to consider for all teachers and future educators. This video also displays the importance of computers and the ability of a simple video game, with the ability to teach our kids art and much more. Now of course there is the potential of being exposed to uncensored pop ups, but thats why we have proper supervision at all times.

So I take away from this film the wisdom of using what is at hand; whether we accept it or not, computers are a way of life, in the twenty first century. We should seek ways of new innovations, to increase our education tools for the children of tomorrow. We should not have the same tools 100 years from now, that we use today; but that's the outcome unless we keep searching and seeking for better resources for our children.
A Vision for 21st Century Learning


Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts


Vicki Davis is what I would call a modern day teaching pioneer. I noticed immediately her boldness to be different. In this video she speaks on teaching students about "learning how to learn." I think this is very important because a lot of time we just assume that all students have to same learning abilities; which is not true. Some kids take a little longer to get moving, similar to a tractor trailer starting out on the interstate, they may start of last but before its over, they are the most powerful thing on the road. I feel that way about kids after watching this video, we need to try different methods. Probably twenty years ago, we were using none of the teaching tools we use today. Davis also pushed to point of telling her children to "be thinkers," I agree that we shouldn't think for them, but with them. It's no wonder she won the award for the Best teacher in the world blog writer. There is an old saying, 'it's the ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, that usually does."




I took from this video great ideas for new innovations in and outside the classrooms. I do music so I can see the importance of using the technology at hand. That's the great thing about learning, it always goes beyond our simple boundaries. I bet the maker of computers never imagined in his wildest dreams of what they would be able to do today. So I feel this video has educated and help me to stay focused on being different in a positive manner and to not be afraid of making mistakes.  Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts 


Project #2