Poject 9-A Timetoast Timeline

Project # 9-A Timetoast Timeline

Blog Post # 5

Who is Scott Mcleod?
Dr. Mcleod is an associate professor of educational leadership at the University of Kentucky. He has his own description of himself to help us understand him more clearly.

 "Associate Professor. CASTLE Director. Blogger. Idea generator. Solution builder. Agitator. Catalyst. “If the leaders don’t get it, it’s not going to happen.”

 

My thoughts on Dr. Scott Mcloeod's blog post: Don't Teach Your Kids this stuff. Please?
I had to read Dr. Scott Mcleod's Post more than once to be sure that I understood the point that he was trying to get across to his readers. I believe Dr. Mcleod is saying, if we allow fear and lack of understanding to get in the way of teaching children how to use technology properly, the children will definitely be behind others that are allowed to use technology. Many of us are uneducated about technology and the internet. Sometimes, the fear of the things that we do not know can be greater than the fear of the things that we do know. I like the way Dr. Mcleod used a sense of sarcasm to get his point across to the reader. It certainly got my attention. I agree that we should allow our children to use and become comfortable with technology. We would be doing them an injustice if we did not teach them these necessary skills. I know that there is some bad stuff on the internet, but it is our responsibility to guide our children in the proper direction. If we educate our children to use technology respectively and responsibly, that is most likely what they will do with this opportunity. I appreciate the post made by Dr. Mcleod because it made me think about technology a little deeper. I am a parent, and I understand how important it is to protect our children. I have become more active in guiding my daughter in respect to technology.

The iSchool Initiative
According to Travis Allen, his iSchool Initiative Plan could greatly benefit education. Travis attributes the downturn in the economy and the technology based information age as reasons for an education revolution. He believes that public education is broken, and it is in great need of repair. He describes many positive aspects of the iSchool initiative. First of all, it will costs much less than paper, books, pencils, and copiers. His plan will benefit the environment by leaving a smaller carbon footprint. Travis's plan to use the iTouch platform is catching on, and his non-profit organization is gaining members,as well as, recognition.

I believe that Travis has many great ideas. I love that his approach is more environmentally friendly. I am always a little stressed by the amount of paper and resources that I have to use for my own school assignments. I do agree, that his plan will save educational dollars. The iTouch platform covered just about everything that a student would need for an education in the technology age. I liked how he presented his ideas thoroughly, and he leaves it up to each individual to decide how they feel about his plan. Travis acknowledged in his interview with Huff Post Tech, that his plan will not cure all of educations problems. I like that he is realistic with his goals. At the same time, he has enough of the student perspective and persistence to push a little more. In his interview in the Huff Post Tech, Travis explained how his age is beneficial to his motivation.

Age is my advantage. I am my own target audience and I understand what my generation wants and needs better than the older generations. I am in the perfect position, using my lack of wisdom to my advantage. The older you get, the more impossible you think something may be and the more society tells you that you can't achieve it. I am under the impression that anything is possible and if I put my mind to it I can make it happen.

This is a very ambitious statement.Although Travis has a workable plan, I feel like new approaches to education are generally resisted as a whole. It's awesome that he is so passionate about education, and that he is trying to make a positive change. 


Jennifer Chambers Post and Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
 I am glad that Jennifer Chambers saw Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir and shared the video. This virtual choir is really neat. It is amazing that it sounded so great, yet they had never met or sang together. This is just another example of how technology can bring people closer together.



                                                    Teaching in the 21st Century
After watching the video Teaching in the 21st Century, I needed a few minutes to process what Kevin Roberts was trying to say. In the beginning of the video, I thought Kevin was implying that teachers were not needed in 21st century education. I soon realized, that he was actually saying that we need to change the way we are teaching. Basically, he is saying that classrooms should be student centered rather than teacher centered. He is also telling us that it is necessary to teach and use technology in the classroom. I have always leaned more towards a student centered classroom instruction. I believe that a student centered classroom requires students to be engaged and participate, rather than sitting passively. Until my participation in EDM310, I was not aware of the importance that technology is to students. I have learned several things from this video. One of the things that I learned, is the difference between engaging and entertaining students. I think that many people have the misconception that we are using more technology to entertain our children and students. I have family members who argue with me over this point. Their argument is that they did not need all of this technology to learn when they were in school. I was overwhelmed while I was watching this video because I was not sure how I can effectively implement the necessary technology instruction into the classroom. It is my desire to be the best teacher that I can. Then, at the end of the video, Kevin gave instructions how to start small, collaborate with others, and ask for help. That I can do. I appreciate that Teri Hampton suggested this assignment.


Reading Rockets
I am so glad that Anthony Capps suggested the Reading Rockets web site for an assignment. This website is full of so much information for teachers, parents, and educators. I will have to take much more time looking over this web site. There is just so much information, and it will require revisiting this web site over time. This web site is certainly valuable to any educator, parent or teacher.

There are several things that I was excited to read about on the Reading Rockets web site. The first, is the how to list under the section for teachers. I am an elementary major, and I have been wondering how to set up a classroom library. I love reading, and I have actually already bought many children's books to start my own classroom library. In the mean time, my daughter and I read them to each other at night. Under this section, it also tells you how to pick the proper books for the age of the children, how to effectively read aloud, and how to find free or low cost books. I like the section that lets you know the celebrated reading theme for a particular month. For example, Black History Month in February, Read Across America in March, and Hispanic Heritage Month in September. There are links to assist parents and teachers with children who have learning disabilities. These links provide assistance in literacy for disorders such as, blindness or dyslexia. You can download widgets such as, daily news headlines, teaching resources, and reading blogs. This website has a section called the ABCs of teaching reading. It explains the important details of how to teach children to read. The list of resources that this web site has to offer goes on and on. I could spend days looking over this information. Thanks EDM310, this is a valuable resource.

Blog Post # 4

Preparation for Podcast Assignment

After reading several teachers blogs, I am definitely convinced that using podcast in the classroom is very beneficial to the students. For the last three years, I have been concentrating on the academic part of my education. This is the first semester where I am actually learning some of the things that are important to be an effective teacher. This is also my first chance at being exposed to the use of technology in the classroom. So far, I am absolutely impressed with the ways that technology can be used to engage students in learning. Podcast makes learning much more interesting and meaningful for the students.

Langwitches - Podcasting With 1st Grade
Silvia Tolisano's Langwitches Blog is impressive. She has so much information on her blog, in addition to the podcast instructions. I definitely subscribed to Silvia's blog and followed her on twitter, as well. The information that she provides is extremely valuable to current and pre-service teachers. One of the things that I noticed on Silvia's blog, is that she has made a chart for Blooms Taxonomy for iPad apps, and she is working on ways to assess assignments that use technology. I know that technology is a wonderful learning tool, but I have been wondering how practical it would be in today's standardized education system.

I absolutely love the students' podcast on Silvia's blog. You could tell how much fun they were having. They were probably having so much fun that they didn't even realize how much they were learning. The list of skills that they gain and improve from making podcast are long. They are able to work on their comprehension, reading, listening, and storytelling. This is also a neat way for them to practice inflection, pitch, and emotion. I am going to love practicing on podcast with my daughter,who is in the first grade.When we read together every night, I love to hear her inflection and emotion when she reads. Silvia's Langwithces blog was beneficial to me for learning about podcast and other technology in the classroom, as well.


Joe Dale - Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
I really like how Joe Dale used a podcast to inform others of how beneficial podcast are to students, parents and teachers. I hadn't thought about using podcast for students who are absent. I am so excited that he passed on his great ideas. The more assignments that I have to do in EDM310, the more I understand the importance of blogging and other technology. He also shared his ideas of uploading a podcast to a class blog for students and parents. It would be great to be able to let parents see what their children are learning through a class blog with podcast. The podcast assignment that Joe did with his students made me think about the Michael Wesch Video. I certainly see it from a different point of view . To begin with,I was a little ambiguous about the video. I thought that the students should have paid more attention in class and turned off their facebook and cell phones. Now, I see how the students are much more engaged in learning through avenues more familiar and interesting to them. The light bulb finally came on, and I understand that we should strive to use more technology to make learning more interesting and meaningful.

Judy Scharf Podcast Collection
I found the information in Judy Scharf's Podcast Collection to be very useful. I didn't know that a podcast was like a cross between broadcast and iPod. Judy also noted that a podcast can be used for any subject, therefore; any teacher can use podcast as a learning tool. She had great instructions for how to use podcast in the classroom. I might not have thought about having examples for the students and topic ideas. Judy provides a long list of podcast ideas in many subjects. For example, global warming, PC verses MAC, tour of the digestion system, and an interview with Bella Swan from Twilight. A podcast can be about almost anything! Another part of Judy's information that I find to be useful, is the ruberic. It is good for students to have some kind of guide of what the teacher expects. Judy provided some very good information about how to use a podcast. I am glad these educators take the time to share their ideas and information.

Project # 6 This is My Sentence Video

Project # 5 Google Presentation

Blog Post # 3

Peer review                                                      

Part of my blog assignment was to comment on a classmates blog and leave honest feedback. I commented on Eva Stringer's Blog. I really liked her blog post. She gave her honest opinions of the videos. She put thought and time into her blog post. As far as grammar, I did not see anything wrong. I am not exactly sharp when it comes to grammar, but I did look a little closely so that I could give an honest critique. Dr. Strange is right, we don't really want to tell someone when they have done something incorrectly. The thing about is, that I actually like for someone to let me know if I made a mistake. It gives me a chance to fix it, and possibly help me to not make that mistake in the future.

Technology in Special Education

Mrs. Cook definitely should be applauded for her use of different types of technology to assist Special Education students. I am impressed by what Technology in Special Education is doing for students with special needs. Mrs. Cook has basically opened up a whole new world to these students who have physical and cognitive disabilities. These students are now able to connect and communicate with others through the use of technology.

I believe that technology can help these students reach their potential by giving them access to the necessary tools. I love that the non- verbal students can now communicate. The zoom text is wonderful at assisting students in reading.  I also liked the use of the iPod touch and the audio books. I do have some questions, though. Does the technology nearly replace human interaction? I think the iPod touch audio books are great and interesting, but I also like the idea of a teacher reading to the students. Students need personal attention alongside the use of technology. The technology has made incredible changes in the lives of special education students. I just hope they also receive that personal interaction.

Apple Education Apps

There are many apps that can be used for Special Education Students.Technology in Special Education is a great instructional video. I had no idea that the iPad could be so useful to children with special needs. After watching this video, I was sold on how beneficial the iPad apps are.

I found several apps at Apple.Education.Apps.com http://www.personalizemedia.com/garys-social-media-count/that I thought could be used for special needs children. One of them is See. Touch. Learn by Brain Parade. It is currently a free app. It can be used to teach new words and concepts. This app uses pictures that are interactive as opposed to flash cards. It allows the teacher to measure a students comprehension. You can create your own sight words.It is good for students who are at different levels because it can be customized to a students particular needs. This app received very good ratings from current users who have children with special needs. I would use the See. Touch. Learn app with children who have cognitive disabilities. Students with autism, asperger's, and other types of special needs can benefit as well. This app is good for children who don't like much interaction or physical contact because they can work independently. With the many apps available, it was hard to choose any one app.

Gary Hayes Social Media Count

Wow! The numbers of the many different social networks that are being used every second are astounding. It was so cool to just watch the numbers on Social Media Count just rack up and up even more. I have to say that I am not that surprised about these numbers after watching the Did You Know Video by Dr. Strange. We are definitely living in a nationally and globally connected world. I have a teenage daughter and a younger sister, who I know are contributing greatly to the SMS messaging numbers right now. My sister uses her phone so much that my husband has a running joke going on with her. He tells her that she wouldn't remember to breathe if her phone didn't tell her to every so often. He actually sends her text messages telling her to breathe in. A few seconds later, he sends another message telling her to breathe out. I guess you know that it makes her mad.
The ways in which we communicate, live, learn, and educate have changed. In some ways, I previously thought that people who mainly communicated by technology were actually more disconnected than others. These thoughts of mine, were out of ignorance because I had not used very much technology for communication. I know first hand what happens when you do not keep up with technology. For example, I was lagging so far behind, that I did not even have a face book or text messaging. My family scheduled birthday parties and family outings, and I did not know about it until the last minute. I can tell you this, they were so tired of me not communicating more often than I did. Well, I got a face book page and text messaging, and I cannot imagine going back. It would be like living in a cave. We are able to connect with family members and friends from anywhere in the world. Social media is awesome!
One thing is for sure about EDM310, it has made me take the time to consider how technology fits into our lives. I know it is pretty much all around us, but I usually do not take the time to think about how much it contributes to our personal lives, businesses, and education. I don't know about you, but I am appreciating the technology at my disposal much more. I mean, being able to send an email instead of driving somewhere for thirty minutes or an hour is so nice. It is also saving a tree and the extra gas I would have used. All of my family members send out invitations through face book or text, so we don't have to buy invitations anymore. Being able to connect through multiple social networks is great for adults, teens, and educators. Social media is just another tool that educators have to reach and teach children. Social media can help children learn about other cultures. It helps businesses and non profit organizations get noticed. We are more connected now than ever before.


Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today

Well, this video is interesting. I am not exactly sure what A Vision of Students Today is trying to say. My interpretation of the video, is that there is not enough technology being used to keep the attention of the students. They basically describe a traditional teacher centered class experience, where the teacher spits out facts all day. The students were using different technologies to keep themselves from being bored mindless. This is mostly how students are educated today.

I am ambiguous about this video because I think some points that were made are valid, whereas some are not.The traditional teacher centered class can be boring. I have also bought expensive books that I never needed to open. What are the students with short attention spans learning? Probably not as much as someone who is able to concentrate and focus better. Although I believe that teachers and University presidents have an obligation to consider better ways to facilitate learning, I also believe as students we have a responsibility to put more into our own education. Do you think those students looking at face book during class really care about learning? I am not so sure. This is just my point of view. Maybe they just don't like learning in this way or this type of environment. I think what we get out of our educational experience also depends on what we put into our education. Educators should definitely advocate for more technology in the classrooms, but students can get more out of class by paying attention.There are many teachers who go above and beyond to encourage their students to learn. We are all different and we learn differently, hopefully Educators will realize that there needs to be some changes made.

Comment For Teachers # 1

C4T # 1

http://www.bethknittle.net/WP_Blog/?p=1019&cpage=1#comment-99980

My C4T assignment was to comment on two different posts on Beth Knittle's blog. Beth Knittle is a Technology Integration Specialist. She lives in Cape Cod Massachusetts.  One of the many aspects of Beth's job as  a Technology Integration Specialist is to support teachers as they integrate technology into the classroom. Beth has an impressive blog. It is full of useful information for Educators, as well as, students. One interesting part to her blog is a link called wiki resources. It is a space she uses to keep track of and share useful information regarding 21st century skills and web tools. Beth's biography stood out to me because it showed how much passion she has for teaching and sharing information. In Beth's biography she said " As teachers we often need to step out of the box and even our comfort zones to find creative ways to help our student learn."

Summary of comment # 1

Beth's most recent blog post was about iBooks, iPads, and iTunesU. Most of my comment focused on the iBooks. I was very interested to learn about inexpensive books that are interactive. In Beth's post she mentioned how you would be able to see the parts of an organelle and how they work interactively. The part that I did not like was that they would not be reusable time after time. They would be practical for college students, but not necessarily for K-12 students. However, iTunesU is full of educational information for students in K-12 and college students, as well. Beth's blog introduced me to some new educational tools that I had not yet heard about. It also helped me realize that the tools we can use for education are rapidly growing and changing.

Summary of comment #2

The next post that I commented on was a post about iPads and the overwhelming amount of apps. Beth's blog highlighted the fact that people sometimes get confused because apps on an iPad are so different from computers. There are so many apps that people just get overwhelmed and confused. Beth's solution is to just explore and delete any unwanted apps. While reading her blog, I realized that one of the reasons that I have been hesitant about technology is that I have been afraid to simply explore. I think I just did not want to mess up, so I did not freely explore. I thought I would just be learning about iPads and apps, but I learned about myself, as well.

Reading Beth's blog has been beneficial to me. I learned about some new and interesting technology. I also learned more about myself, which gave me more confidence concerning technology. I was very inspired after reading Beth's biography and blog. If she can make time to do all of this and be a wife and parent, maybe I can too.