Friday, December 7, 2012

Project 15 Collaboration


My group consisted of Courtney Block, Stephanie Tisdale, and myself. We used many resources that was suggested such as; google doc, google chat, and skype. All three ways were a really cool way to connect with the group, and my two  favorites were skype, and google doc. With the goodle docs all our notes were right there, and we could all be on at the same time.


Sunday, December 2, 2012

Final report on PLN

My Personal Learning Network has come a long way, Since I started using Symbaloo. I have added some educational tools to my board, that are helpful. I really enjoyed adding the different tiles, and it makes it so convenient.

C4T Final Teacher

First week

John Hahnstadt wrote about using technology in PE. He went in a little early and made videos for fitnessgram testing. He used another coach and they made videos using The Coach's eye app. This only took about 15 minutes, and was ready to show when the class came in. I think it's a very good idea, and it helps show the students the proper way to exercises.

Second week

He did Flipped teaching football. I thought this was a really good idea, because the players could access this anytime, and it would help them get more familiar with their plays. It also kept him from having to meet and practice so much with the players.

C4K final

On November 5, I commented on Donny's  blog. Donny did a post about 9/11. He did a really good job describing the details of the Twin Towers. He knew details of how many  miles of staircases there was, and how tall they were. Reading his blog brought back a lot of sad memories of what happen that day. That day has become a day in our history books, and one many Americans will never forget.


On November 12, I commented on Faye's blog. She wrote about the election, and who she would vote for if she was old enough. Faye's choice was Mitt Romney. Her main reason for choosing him was for lower taxes, and more job opportunity. Faye did a really good job gathering her information about each Presidential Candidate.

On November 20, I commented on Makalia's blog. She wrote about the book Speak. She basically wrote a quick summary. I have never heard of the book Speak, but it seems like something that I might read. Makalia was a tenth grader from Baldwin County.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Progress Report on Final Project

Our group includes Courtney Block, Jessica Mose, Stephanie Tisdale, and myself. We have met twice to work on our project, and we have completed most of the video for our movie. We communicate mainly through text, and that seems to work well with all 4 of us and our busy schedules. We will get together again after Thanksgiving to work on finishing it up.

Blog Assignment #13

Back To the Future     

The first video for this blog that I watched was Back To the Future. Mr. Cosby talks about all the different activities that he does in his 4th grade classroom. My favorite part of this video is the balloon experiment. Mr. Cosby let his kids help design and engineer the balloon so they are all involved and having fun while learning. I thought it was so interesting that he had a camera in the balloon, and they could see the view from the top. I really  liked how Mr. Cosby used this as a way for his students to be creative, and turn an ordinary day at school into something exciting.

My other part of the video that I enjoyed was the experiment with the soda can being crushed. I like how each student got  involved and was able to film themselves doing the experiment and then embed the clip into their blogs. It was great to see the kids get excited and eager to participate, and not just sit there looking bored.  I  thought that was great how Mr. Cosby using video chat  to include Celeste in the class.




A Vision of Students Today  was the second video I watched for this blog assignment. This video was very enlightening of a students point of view. Some of the students were holding up messages, and I felt  like I could  relate to most of what they were saying. Each semester when I go and buy my books,  I feel like I have been taken to the cleaners afterwards. One thing I don't agree with or understand is students who pay for these book, classes, and then don't show up half the time.

From the point of view of a president or dean of a college or university this video is probably a little disturbing. If I was someone in that position I would feel really horrible knowing how much the dean makes, and then see signs being held up about how expensive college is, and how much debt students are graduating with. Many of the messages suggested that no matter what was going on they weren't paying attention in the classroom. I think if some of the teachers would get out of the same repeating lecture, make it more interesting, then some of the students might pay more attention and get more involved.







Blog Assignment #12

Our blog assignment for this week is to create an assignment for a blog post that Dr. Strange should have created. I am an Elementary Education major, and I really love the idea of my future students blogging. I think they can learn so much, and learn to express their self in a creative way.

The Assignment                        

Watch the video Randy Pausch Inspires Graduates . Write 2 or more paragraphs discussing the video.


My Post

Randy Pausch  gave a very inspiring speech to the graduates of Carnegie Mellon University on May 18, 2008. All the videos that we have watched  in EDM 310 this semester, Randy Pausch is my favorite. In This video he speaks about finding your passion in life.  He says that you can't wait until your on your death bed, because then it's too late. Life if full of experiences, and  you should always do what makes you happy.

Randy Pausch was a very inspirational person, and I think his advice is worth taking. I look back over the last ten years and I think of all the time I wasted not finishing my education. If  you don't make the most of it, one day you will look back, and think where has the time gone. As Mr. Pausch says " find your passion, and follow it." Your passion comes from the things that fuel you from the inside, not the materialistic things.


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

C4K October Summary



C4K3                      

On October 4th I commented on a students blog named Aurduc954. He talked about the difference between cats and dogs. He stated that they came in different sizes, colors, and that dogs are more popular because they are playful. He also listed some other things like dogs bark, cats meow, dogs play a lot, and cats like to sleep. I agreed with him about the differences, and told him that cats are friendly when they want to be, and it's usually on their terms.

C4K4

On October 12th I commented on a students blog named Mike Gwaltney. His blog post was called "Our Final Project," The final project in The Age of Exploration. His challenge was to create a video about the American Revolution. He did a great job making a video pointing out the facts on the Battle of Bennington.

C4K5

On October 18th I commented on a students blog named Sponge-bob.  Sponge-bob is a sixth grader from Canada. She wrote about things that she likes, and her hobbies. a few of her hobbies include photography, doodling, knitting, and swimming.
C4K6

On October 28th I commented on Molly's blog. She summarized Johnny from The Outsiders. She did a really good job describing Johnny's character. From what I read Johnny has had a hard life, and went through a lot. His character reflects that it is important to truly be who you are.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Blog Assignment # 11

Little Kids...Big Potential       

Ms. Cassidy is a first grade teacher from Moose Jaw, Canada. I really enjoyed watching this video, but I was a little surprised that the students were writing blogs. I'm in college and only created my first blog because of EDM 310. The students also use the smart board, create web pages, wikis, and Skype. She also has a class website set up to keep the parents informed.  The students really enjoyed this type of learning environment, and personally I think they learn more when they are enjoying what they are doing.

Skype Interview with Ms. Cassidy

In the interview, Ms. Cassidy talks about how she got involved in technology with such a young age group. My experience this semester has been a huge stepping stone, and I have learned a lot. Technology is here to stay, and as I have said before, we might as well embrace it. Before EDM 310 I haven't thought much about using technology in my classroom, and now it definitely gives me something to think about. I think the younger you start teaching them the better.

For me the # 1 thing I look forward to using in my classroom is blogs. I think it is very important for students to learn and using their writing skills. It also can help them learn to be creative and express there self. As a parent of a two year old, I see how he picks up on the little things, and he is always so eager to mess with the computer, or try and use our cell phones.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

A world where grades will be left behind   

Sebastian Thrun, A Google Vice President and research professor, founded an education company called "Udacity." Thrun's Udacity is neither the first nor last high-tech experiment seeking to revolutionize education.  Thrun thinks that education should be as fun as a video game, and free to anyone who is interested. I agree that making learning fun is a way to keep the students interested. I also feel that there should be structure and routine involved with children's education.

Grades is what Thrun calls "the failure of the education system" won't exist. He thinks that students should be able to move at their own pace, and take as much time as they need. Personally I think that is a mistake, because all that does is teach them that they can take their time, and not excel at the pace they should. Not all students have the discipline to work at their own pace and work online. I do not agree with him, and as a future teacher I want to be able to help my students succeed.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Blog Assignment 10

This cartoon by John T. Spencer is a mock of the I'm a Mac and I'm a PC commercials. The point that is being made in the cartoon is that Mac computers are more expensive, but they are worth the money. I have never used a Mac until this semester, and now I'm quite fond of them. I have a PC at home and it does not compare to the Mac.

Why Were Your Kids Playing Games?   

                                                                                         

In this post, Mr. Spencer writes about being called into the Principal's office. He gets in trouble for allowing his students to play games in the classroom.  Mr. Spencer tries to tell him that the games were educational, and the children were learning.  The principal tells him he needs to prepare his students for the rote memorization test. Mr. Spencer adds that even doctors and soldiers play games and do simulations as a part of their education.  The principal tells him that games are not allowed, period.

I don't agree with students playing games that do not benefit what they are supposed to be learning, but I see nothing wrong if it promotes learning.  If you do something that sparks an interest with children, they enjoy learning. The fact of the matter is, their will always be that teacher who believes in what Dr. Strange calls the "Burp- Back" way of teaching. With the memorization method they do not gain anything, and what they memorized is usually forgotten soon after. As a teacher, you should not want your students just to memorize something to get by.

After reading the Con Academy it made me wonder why are there teachers? Teachers are there to teach and help students learn. You can't give them a bunch of worksheets and packets and expect them to be engaged. students need to interact, and you need to have their interest. If you just give them a stack of worksheets, they are not going to take it serious, and the students are the ones who will be left behind and not get the education they need.



Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?         

Mr. Mcleod's post was saying go ahead and keep your kids away from technology, but he will use it to his advantage. He was pointing out how important technology is, and learning it gives you a bigger advantage. The Internet is a great place to learn  as long as it's used properly. The Internet is also filled with things that children have no business seeing, and that's why parents should always monitor what their children are doing online. Technology is advancing constantly and there is nothing we can do about it. The ones who are at a disadvantage are the ones not  keeping up with the changes.






Sunday, October 28, 2012

PLN Progress Report

I started using symbaloo, and I love it. All of  my favorite sites are at my fingertips, and  you have room to add more. I wish I would have known about Symbaloo a long time ago. This site is useful for so many things, and it's so easy that anyone can have one.  




Thursday, October 25, 2012

Project 15

Blog Assignment #9



I read Mr. McClung's last two posts, What I've Learned This Year (2010-2011) and What I've Learned This Year (2011-2012). I really enjoyed reading about what he has learned the last two years. Starting his third year he had a lot of changes and new experiences. This was his first time being a head coach, coaching cross country, and teaching a computer applications class. One of the things I learned from Mr. McClung is that he does not like falling into the same routine, and he likes to be creative.

 As a teacher he found himself doing a lot of people pleasing. it's very easy to get wrapped up in keeping everyone happy, and worrying about what they think of you. His point is; you have to remember the reason you started teaching is for the kids.  The students always need to be your primary focus. As future educators we should keep that in mind, the students best interest should always be top priority. I often find myself guilty of trying to fit in with others or worrying about what someone else thinks. It gets very tiring and I have realized that you will not please everyone and as long as your doing the best you can do, then that is all that matters.


Another important fact is when you are teaching do not take over the task. It is easy to take over and do most of the work . The problem with that is they will never fully master the skills, and it will teach them to be dependent on others. EDM310 is a perfect example of what Mr. McClung is talking about. If Dr. Strange or the lab assistants fixed our problems every time we got stuck, then we would not learn anything from this class. It's about learning patience and giving them room to grow. 

In his second blog post, Mr. McClung's topics is defining yourself as a teacher, and challenging yourself. This year marked the third year that he worked for the same school and taught the same subject. If you get settled in the same routine, then you get comfortable. It's about setting the bar high and making room for change. I am guilty of not liking changes, but change is not always a bad thing. If you don't make changes you could get to comfortable and everything becomes boring. 




Sunday, October 21, 2012

Blog Assignment #8






This is How We Dream, Parts 1&2:           

In this video, Dr. Richard Miller gave a presentation on how technology is being used and how it could be used in teaching. Technology is getting more advanced every day, and it opens the doors for endless possibilities. Dr. Miller talks about paper and pens being eliminated and having the students complete all work online. There has been some college classes going green (including this one), but it is not so common in high school classes and younger. Not only has our writing changed from paper to desktop, but the way we research has moved from the library to the Internet. Using the Internet we have so much information at the click of a mouse.

Although the idea of eliminating paper and pen can seem overwhelming, it has many positive things to go along with it. There is an infinite amount of knowledge and only so much you can gain from the library. Researching the Internet opens the doors to even more information. Even with all the good information, you can also get unreliable information on the Internet. With all this technology we have to learn how to sort out the good from the bad.

I really enjoyed Dr. Miller’s presentation. It was interesting to watch him demonstrate all the possibilities that technology allows. I feel that it is very important to keep up with all the changes in technology and one day being able to bring it into my classroom.

Carly's Post

Carly’s idea was very creative. Her post is well written and it grabs your attention as soon as you start reading it. She made a play list of things that interest her and put them on a You Tube video. It’s a great way to use your mind and find out what really grabs your interest. I hope when I start teaching I can encourage my students to be creative and keep them motivated. I agree with Carly that you have to give kids a push to make them think and help them reach their full potential. When you work hard the world is full of endless possibilities that can open the door to many great things.



The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies  

I really enjoyed watching the videos. I felt like I could completely relate to how frustrated the girls were in the beginning of the video. The first couple of weeks of EDM310 I was very overwhelmed and skeptical about how I was going to figure out these assignments. Eight weeks later I have  a lot more self confidence in myself and I am finding that the class gets a little easier each week. The best part is I am learning how to do so much more.

If I had to make a video on EDM 310, I'd want to make a How to survive EDM 310 video. I would call it how to survive EDM 310 in five easy steps. I would give advice about blogs, projects, asking for help, and not waiting to the last minute to submit your work.



Learn to Change, Change to Learn  

The video started out by saying that education ranked lower than coal mining. Education has changed so much, and change is necessary to thrive in our environment. Children are more stimulated outside the classroom than they are inside the classroom. Email, social networking, and instant messaging is banned from schools, when technology is what stimulates these children. The purpose of going to school is to learn, and it is our job to teach them. It should be included in schools, so when they get to college classes like EDM310 wouldn't be so overwhelming. 

Scavenger Hunt 2.0

Using Discovery Education Web 2.0, we were assigned to do a scavenger hunt. Here is what I found;

1) We were asked to locate a tool that is similar to Twitter/Facebook and provides social platform for teachers, parents, and students. The website I found is Edmodo.com. Using Edmodo the teacher can post assignments, communicate with parents, students, and other teachers. If the student is out, or the parent is wanting to check and make sure their homework is completed they can check the teachers page. Parents can also check grades on Edmodo, so my opinion is that this is a very useful website, and the best part is it's free.

2) The second was to find a video tool that you have never used. The one that I found and really liked was Photopeach.com. it lets you upload pictures, embed them into your blogs, and create slideshows. I think it's really an awesome website.


3) The third tool I found was how to create a poll anytime or anywhere.



Poll Everywhere


Saturday, October 20, 2012

Ms. Siwak's Post

Week 1

While reading her  post her title was "One of My Great Teachers is Reaching the End of The Line." Her post was talking about her dad. He had decided that he was done with dialysis and pain. He was finished fighting and decided that he did not have anything left. She talks about her childhood and all the things she learned from her dad. Her dad was a very hard worker and spent his life making sure his family was taken care of. She realized how much she learned from him, and it's very clear how much he means to her. As she grew up she appreciated the man she called her father.

Week 2

She did not write a blog, instead did a tribute to her father. He passed away on October 7, 2012. She posted pictures that told a story of his life. It started when he was young and ended when he was an older man. It was very clear she loved her dad, and was thankful to have him in her life.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Blog Assignment #7




The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler was a very interesting video to watch. It was about a student who doesn't attend a regular school, he goes to class 3 days a week, and 2 online. This type of education is called connectivism. Connectivism is the theory of learning from social connection and ties. A lot of what the student learns is from researching the Internet, and it teaches the student to take control of their learning. The student looks up articles about psychology and writes his own opinion about what he is learning. With this type of learning the student can find information about any topic any time of day.

While watching this video, it makes me wonder what is the teacher's role? If the student gets stuck, or if they come across articles that have a bunch of different opinions. The teacher can help the student sort out the correct information, and help the student find better information on the topic. This type of learning lets the student learn at their own pace, and not sit and follow boring lectures. With all the technology available the student can access lectures from schools such as Cambridge, and Berkley.

Even though this method teaches the students to be more independent with their learning, the students still need teachers. Aside from helping students as needed, they are also responsible for teaching them proper online communication, and organizational skills. If the students don't learn how to do this the correct way, they can't communicate properly with other students. I like the idea of networking and I feel that know matter what technology you throw into the classroom, there will always be a need for teachers




A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Enviroment (or PLN)

I found this video so neat. The student's have so many buttons on their computers. The buttons will take you to so many places, and you can research so many things. I like how it keeps track of where the student gets their information so they can receive credit for their work. It teaches student's responsibility and gives them the knowledge they need at their fingertips. The freedom to explore gives them the chance to find out things on their own.

Friday, October 5, 2012

September Summaries

On September 23 I read Te Puawai's blog.Te Puawai is a student from Pt. England School, and  he wrote about two famous men named Tai and Brook who come to their school  every Thursday to  play basketball. The students really enjoyed having Tai and Brook come to the school and play basketball with them. It just goes to show it's the little things that count,and all kids need is someone to look up to.

On September 30 I read Tames blog. Tame is also a student at Pt. England School, and he wrote about going to the beach. While at the beach he is in the water and got scared when he saw a shark. clearly his story is fiction, but he did a great job using his imagination.  I really enjoyed reading the student's blogs. They both did a really good job.

Blog Post 6



Randy Pausch’s last lecture was amazing. This lecture was titled his last because Randy found out that his cancer had returned and he had approximately ten tumors on his liver. The doctors gave him an estimated time span of three to six months of good health. One of the first things he discusses is that this is something he can’t change, and he is making every moment count. One of his quotes is “you can’t control the cards your dealt, just how you play the hand.” I truly feel that Randy Paush was an extraordinary person and on July 25, 2008, Many people suffered a tremendous loss. He had such a positive energy, and had so much wisdom. You don't often meet many people like Dr. Pausch and he is someone that is not easily forgotten.

Next, Dr. Pausch talks about his childhood dreams and how his dreams molded him into the person he become. When you let a child dream, it can open the door to help them achieve greatness and other goals above what they expected. They might not achieve all their dreams, and that is ok. I want to teach students that it’s very important to go after what you believe in and no matter what, you have to work hard to achieve your dreams.  Another important thing is Fundamentals. You have to  know the basics before you can move on to the "big stuff".                            
                                     

I want to be the teacher that my students consider fun, and can't wait to get to school. I know from my own experience I retain less information when I am sitting listening to a boring lecture. You have to find ways to liven things up.You have to keep things interesting and keep the students interest alive. I believe children retain more information, when they are having fun, and interested in what they are doing. As Dr. Pausch said Life should be fun, and ask yourself, Do you want to be Tigger, or Eeyore?

In his lecture he finds it important not to set specific bar for his students to reach. He advised that if you do not set a bar, then the students would go above and beyond your expectations. Another piece of advice in his lecture was, “brick walls are there for a reason, not to keep us out, but to prove how much you want something.” I hope to be able to have that positive influence on my future students that Dr. Pausch had on his. I want to teach my students that you don't give up, you just work harder. Another valuable quote is"experience is what you get when you don't get what you wanted". Everyone experiences this at some point in their life, you think at the time that is what you really wanted, but it doesn't happen. Most of us don't see it at the time but it can turn out to be a good thing, because it is opening the door for something better.




Sunday, September 30, 2012

Blog Assignment 5


Part 1 Travis Allen   

Travis Allen, a 17 year old High School student from Georgia, has figured out a solution for the financial crisis with in the school systems. In his video, Allen talks about “iSchools” using an iTouch. Allen explains that there is applications for books, homework, and you can even check out library books. The average cost per student in public schools is $600: the iSchool is estimated to cost $150 per student. With the Ischool you would be able to do all work and save some of our natural resources.

I think Allen is on the right track, but a change that big would have a lot of kinks to work out. I do not think this is something our school system could jump into overnight. Eliminating some of the cost with in our school system would help the budget out tremendously.

Part 2 Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

I really enjoyed Eric Whitacre’s Choir! The fact that it consisted of 185 people who have never met or performed together is extraordinary. It’s hard to believe someone could put together something that sounds so beautiful. It just shows what can be done with technology. I highly recommend that everyone check this video out.


Part 3  Teaching in the 21st Century

Kevin Roberts describes in his video how improvements in technology can benefit the students and teachers. Students have access to any information they need through the Internet. The teachers job is to act as the “filter” and make sure that they know how to access this information correctly and use reliable sources.The students learn how to find other sources and are less likely to go to the teacher. My opinion is that this helps them learn, and do things independently.



Part 4  Flipping the Classroom

Dr. Lodge McCammon believes that there is too much lecture in the classroom and not enough engaging activities. I agree with him because as a college student myself, I benefit more from activities, and not listening to a lecture. Instead of spending 90% of the time lecturing and 10% applying skills they are flipping their routine. They can also record their activity and the student can listen to their lesson the night before. For some students it could help because they are already familiar with with what is going to be done in class.

Katie, an eighth grade teacher in North Carolina, also explains why she flipped her classroom. She had some students who understood everything, some who were bored with the lesson, and the few who didn't understand.she felt she was spending too much time lecturing and repeating herself. I think the idea of flipping the classroom sounds very effective and it would be something that I would try.

                                             




Saturday, September 22, 2012

Comment for Teacher (C4T) Assignment #1



Frank Noschese

First Post    

 In Frank Noschese's first blog he was discussing "Keep it simple standards-based grading". He was teaching a section of conceptual chemistry for the first time, and he thought to make things easier he would use the points- system. As he sat down to grade his first quiz, he realized that the points-system wouldn't work.
 I agree with Frank Noschese about his choice. As a future teacher, I want my students to think that I'm grading them fairly, but I don't want them to get by with easy points. I don't agree with giving partial credit, I feel you either get all of it or nothing. I don't think students benefit from getting half of something right.

Second Post

In his second blog he writes about his AP Physics C students. He has them make screen casts explaining the workings of and reasoning behind their VPython programs. His reasoning behind it is that it helps give him an idea of who understands and who doesn't.  I think his idea made a lot of sense. Some students either don't realize their mistakes or they don't ask for help. This way he can see who gets it and who doesn't.

Blog Assignment 4

<






The benefits of pod-casting in the classroom

Some may ask what is a podcast? Podcast can convey information about any subject. It enables information to be shared with millions of people around the world. Podcast have become an essential part of learning in the classroom. With podcast if a student misses a day or has trouble with an assignment they can go back and listen to the podcast and help them not fall behind. It's also a great way for parents to find out how their child is doing in school. Joe Dale's video made a lot of valid points about Podcast's in the classroom. The students not only get to watch the podcast but they also learn how to create them and upload the information. Learning to do this  lets the student's become creative and use their imagination.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Blog Assignment 3

 What is Peer Editing?              

I learned while watching the video "Peer Editing" that it is very important to always be positive and compliment the person's work that you are editing. Editing someone's work is not always an easy thing to do, but I have learned from my other blogs that it is helpful and it helps me see what mistakes I am making. Editing someone's blog hasn't been my strongest area, but after watching the video and the slides on peer editing, I feel more confident.

I thought the video about Picky Patty and Mean Margaret was really funny. It set the perfect example of the what not to do when you critique someone else's work. Like the sources stated in the video we should always, remember to complement each other first and try not to send any negative vibes to the person you are editing. The last thing I want to do is come across offensive. It is very important to maintain a positive attitude and we should all remember that we are all here for the same thing and should try to help each other.

 Technology in Special Education   

Lacy Cook did a great job illustrating how important technology is in the class rooms with special education students. With technology, it makes it easier for the students to learn and to communicate. I think it would be great if all the school systems could invest in the technology needed to help these students. Many people don't understand the obstacles that special education students face, and I think a lot of people would have a change of heart if they would take the time to sit down and watch this video. With technology these students are able to do everyday tasks that we take for granted.

While watching the video you could see the students were able to complete their work and read books independently and that seemed to make a big difference with them. Technology plays an important role with everyone but the impact this has in their class room is really rewarding and worth the expense to get these students the things they need. I think as technology continues to improve, it will continue to benefit these students and help them learn important everyday tasks.

  How the IPAD works with Academics for Autism




<








I was so impressed with how Braden was doing so well with his counting and writing out his words. This is another example of how technology is a positive influence on the children with special needs. These apps that they come up with do so much with these children who are not anywhere near the grade level they should be. When you have a child that has autism, a task as easy as writing your name is a big deal to them. This technology helps them learn the basic skills that we take for granted every day.

  Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

I really enjoyed the video on Vicki Davis! She has a really good approach in her class room, and it helped her students learn to teach their self and to be independent. I hope that when I start teaching, I do as well as she does. I really hope that I am able to be a positive influence on my students. I think that the younger the children are,the easier all these changes within the world of technology are easier to grasp.

I loved the idea of getting the students involved and letting them help teach, while she sat back and learned. It just shows that no matter what age we are, we still have plenty of knowledge to gain. Her student's seemed to be well rounded, and less dependent on her.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Blog Assignment 2





Did You Know


While watching the video, I noticed a couple intersting statistics. The first being that there are "1,393,519 searches made on google every minute, and the second being "The top jobs 10 years from now do not exist yet and will use technology that has not yet been invented." Social media has became an important part of the world, whether it's used for personal or professional use. People don't know how to function anymore without the use of there cell phones, and computers. It's intersting to think about where we will be technology wise in 10 years.

Another part of the video I found intersting was how the children in India have higher IQ's and how advanced they are in their education. I wish the children in the United States would take their education more serious and realize how important it is to get an education. I hope when I become a teacher that I can make an impact on my students and help them to understand how important it is to take advantage and get the most out of there time in school.

Mr. Winkle Wakes

This video is about a man named Mr. Winkle who has been asleep for 100 years. When he wakes up he finds that everything has changed tremendously and he does not like all the changes. All the changes with technology seemed to be overwhelming for Mr. Winkle. I really liked the way the video shows how the world has changed , and most of us doesn't know a world without all of this technology. The only place Mr. Winkle was happy was at the school. He found that the school was the only place that has not changed, and he was content that the children still sat in the classrooms and listened to the teacher, and that there was not all this overwhelming technology taking over.

I still remember that when I was in school if I had a project we went to the library and checked out books or looked things up in an encyclopedia. We didn't have google, and internet to do our research. Looking back when I was in high school till now, they have advanced so much in technology. It's intersting to see where we will be in another 10 years.

Sir Ken Robinson: The importance of creativity

I agree with Mr. Robinson about how important creativity is. I think children learn better with they are allowed to be creative and use their imagination. When children are young,they are not afraid of what anyone will think, and they do things they enjoy. As we get older we tend to do what is the normal and seek the approval of others. Mr. Robinson qutoed Picasso "All children are born artist, the problem is to remain an artist as we grow up". I think as we grow up we tend to push our creative side away and try to make as little mistakes as possible and do what others expect of us.

I really enjoyed the story about Jillian Lynn. You can't always assume when a child can't sit still or concentrate they have ADD or ADHD. Instead of always trying to diagnose a problem they should pay attention to the child. Some children need encouragement to pursue their creative side. It is important as parents and teachers to realize that all children are not the same, and they do not excel in the same things.

A Day Made of Glass 2

In this video it showed a glimpse in the future what it could be like with touch screens, and how things can be done with just the touch of a finger. It showed how everyday life was controlled by an IPAD and schools were run with Solar energy. If you combined all the videos for this blog it gives you an idea of how far our technology has come and how fast it can change with in a couple of years.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

About Me

My name is Anna and I am 32 years old, and I have lived in Mobile my whole life. I am a full time student and I hope to teach elementary school one day. I have been with my husband for nine years but married four of those years. When I decided to go back to school two years ago everyone thought I was crazy because I work full time, I am married, and I had a brand new baby boy who was only four months old at the time. There has been times that I thought I was making a mistake taking on all this but I want to teach Douglas that you always finish what you start, and I want to be someone that he is proud to call his mommy. I enjoy spending my time with my family and every decision I make is how I can better things for Douglas and I try to do what is best for my family.

I decided to enroll at South Alabama because it's not far from where I work, and close to my home. The past two years have been busy, and hectic but I think I have done pretty good so far. Everything will be worth it when I have my diploma for all my hard work.



Randy Pausch

After watching Randy Pausch's time management video I learned that I should always plan and have a to do list. I am guilty of procrastination and putting things off until the last minute. This semester I have made a goal to not wait until the last minute to start my school work.