Blog Post #15 Final Video Reflection

Final Report on PLN

 This is my final report on my PLN for EDM 310. Although it is not my final use of my PLN.  I have had a good time exploring sites and including them on my Symbaloo account.  I have included a few more website tiles since I reported on my PLN a while ago.  Since I now know about Box of Tricks (which I am thrilled, really!), I have included a few of the sites from there as well. I can't wait to explore and add tiles to my account during my educational endeavor. I know without a doubt in my career as a teacher, I will have my students develop a PLN as well.  It can only be a positive tool for their educational development. I have realized that it it more than just a bookmarking site. It is a wonderful tool for organization.  And in this hectic and somewhat disorganized life I have, it has been a blessing.

C4T #4

The Calvary Has Arrived: Jabiz Raisdana

http://www.jabizraisdana.com/blog/2011/06/the-cavalry-has-arrived/ 


The Intrepid Teacher, aka Jabiz, had a technical issue comprising of a hack job to his comments file. Jabiz panicked and said that he felt isolated and confused.as he did not know what to do. Through his network of "techie" friends on Twitter, he was able to locate and fix the problem. Jabiz said he could have Googled the problem, but through a much quicker resource, Twitter, he was able to solve the problem.  Or rather his friends could.  Although he says he has never met these friends, he knows how valuable his network connections are.
The saying "It takes a village to raise a child," could be applied to this situation. The "village" was the network.  Jabiz realized he was not alone and if he found a problem he could not solve, he knew he could look to his network of experts.  The technology resources that we have today, have made communication which could be spread out over thousands of miles seem like right next door. The problem that Jabiz faced and the way in which it was solved was truly an act of collaboration of a village.

The Art of Creation

In his latest post, Jabiz writes about the latest social website, Google +.  He says it has caused him some anxiety.  Jabiz says he wants to stay true to his what he feels and writes, he does not want to change his content according to which site venue he uses. Jabiz says that one can get caught up in "likes,+1s, and Re-Tweets."  Also, the art of creation becomes lost.  He reflects in his post that regardless of what venue he chooses to use, or even that if he did not publish his posts, he exists; whether he writes, or shares his ideas with others.  He wants to make that point very clear.  And yet very thankful that there are ways in which to view and appreciate his work while provoking thought.

I would like to add that Jabiz makes me really think about his content.  I feel one has to pay attention to what he writes to find the true meaning.  Jabiz requires time to fully digest and appreciate his posts. This has been the second time that I have read and commented on his posts.  I really feel he is nothing short of brilliant.  He is careful in thought, and thorough in painting a mental picture.  I have come to appreciate him as a wonderful philosopher and will stay in contact with his posts.

Final Project #16

Our group project members consisted of myself, Kim Summers, and Gemini Sigler.  I had a really good time working on our fictitious third grade class newsletter project.  Exploring all the options in how this project could turn out was exciting with our budding knowledge of technological media.  I think we are all excited with our beginning multi media newsletter, and will continue to build on our knowledge base to make future publications for our classrooms. I believe creating a newsletter is something that can involve students, parents, and the community. It is a wonderful way to use technology in the classroom.  I appreciate the opportunity to have had this assignment.

Blog Post #13

Box of Tricks         http://www.boxoftricks.net/internet-resouces-for-education/

This has got to be my FAVORITE site.  I really should not be so colorful in my description of what this site is, but it is the mother load of what I think every educator, parent, student, anybody who has a computer should have bookmarked.  What blows my mind, is that the person who put this site together, said it "...wasn't exhaustive." I don't even know where to begin in describing what websites are listed.  It almost seems easier to say what is not listed. There are few things that get me excited apart from talking about my daughter and horses, but this site has been added to my repertoire of excitement categories.




Top 10 Tips for Using Technology In The Classroom: Jose Picardo





This was an informative You Tube video on using technology when it helps achieve lesson objectives in the classroom. Without watching the video, the key points were as follows:

• use streaming video
• use music more often
• use teleconference tools
• create interactive exercises
• make the interactive whiteboard more effective
• create own podcasts in the classroom
• start a blog or a wiki
• use social networks
• use internet tools
• make the most of your pupil's gadgets (smartphone, ipod, etc)

These points can only enhance a student's learning.  Technology has replaced boredom in the classroom and has created excitement.  It is up to the administration and educators to channel this means of learning to students.  Technology in the classroom can be compared to the horse and buggy as a means of transportation, i.e., it got the job done (textbooks and chalkboards). Driving a car has made taking trips a lot more enjoyable (technology).

Blog Post #14 Media Fast

I participated in a media fast and I thought that it would be easy.  I was WRONG!  I thought that it would be so much more peaceful without the TV on as background noise.  I can say I can do without the TV, but I don't know if my little girl can go without Sesame Street! I managed to keep the phone off, and that was nice.  I did forewarn some people that I wasn't ignoring them, it was for a project.  And really, all the important people were around me.  This fast made me wonder if I could be Amish. Could I convert?  I already have a horse...alright, I am digressing.

I did wonder what the latest scoop was on Facebook.  I also thought whether I should check my EDM class blog. I didn't.  I thought the schoolwork could wait.  After all, this was a school project, the reporting would come soon enough. The time that I would have spent on the computer, I managed to cut the grass and wash three Labrador Retrievers while my little one was asleep.  I did look over at the closed laptop occasionally and wonder if it missed me. I think this was a amicable break up.  We are now back together obviously.
I am not tied so much to my computer as are a lot of people.  I think a younger, different generation will have a harder time participating in a media "fast." Children are used to being entertained by playing videos, watching movies, and reading books on Kindles.  I personally like to touch books and to flip pages.  I think I could handle a piece of chalk. The children may even wonder what chalk is. Wait, will there even be a chalkboard?

Project #14 Book Trailer

Has Anyone Seen Winnie and Jean? by E.B. McHenry

Progress Report on Final Project

Kim Summers and Gemini Sigler are in my group.  We have been emailing and I believe the last idea was a digital newspaper.  We would each show a part of the newspaper with blogs, links to podcasts, and other relevant technological media for school. I hope to get this project almost complete by the end of the week.

Blog Post #12 Create an Assignment

My assignment proposal is what I had discussed with Dr. Strange when we had to watch "Mr. Winkle Wakes."  My idea was to interview an old teacher that we had (preferably in elementary school), or a principal of that particular school to see what has changed since we had attended.  The reason why I say elementary school is that for most of the students that would be a good while ago.  And if it was a REALLY LONG TIME AGO, (some teachers may either have died or retired, same with the principal) interview a teacher that is the oldest in length of time they have been teaching in THAT school. What has changed?  Are the children keeping up with technology? Are the teachers keeping up with technology?  Are they prepared to be students of the future?  Or is it still the same as what it was?  If you went to a school out of town, call to see if you can Skype. The educators at that school may want to use it to promote technology as well.  I see it as a win-win situation for both sides. If they can't Skype (a bad sign), take thorough notes and post a blog about the conversation and add your reflections to it.
The videos that we have seen are composed primarily of elementary school children using technology. These students seem so much more advanced.  I know that if I had in the late 70's and early 80's what the students have today in terms of technology, I would have been a completely different student. 
This assignment can really only be done during the fall and spring semesters.  Trying to contact anyone during the summer is virtually impossible.  My elementary school that I went to is a mile away from where I live.  I do have an interest in going to visit, so I do plan on carrying this assignment out. I think it would interesting to hear about what has changed since third grade. If anyone wants to know the year, it would be 1980. Please, let things have changed for the better.

Project #13 Smartboard Presentation

Blog Post #11

Little Kids...Big Potential


I am impressed with the technology content these first grade students are learning.  I thought about what I was learning to do when I was in the first grade.  There is just no comparison.  This video of Ms. Cassidy's first grade class in Canada was inspiring.  An educator has to embrace technology in order for education to be enhanced.  Although Ms. Cassidy started out with few computers and no programs, she has found ways to utilize these wonderful tools. Her students are writing blogs, playing educational games, learning internet safety and etiquette just to name a few skills. These students are also using fine motor skills in conjunction with the mouse. They have learned to collaborate. In layman's terms for first graders it could be called sharing. There is so much more than just technology utilization. These students are excited about what they are learning.  I believe that these kids will have a  great foundation on which to build.  I think I want to go back to the first grade, especially if it's like Ms. Cassidy's class.

Teach Someone Something Project #14

Time Management
How to Load the Dishwasher
How to Load the Dishwasher with a Toddler

Special Assignment #2

Khan Academy

Khan Academy provides free tutorials and resources and practice exercises with self assessments.  The library of 2100 videos encompasses K-12 math, biology, chemistry, and physics.  Also other topics included are finance, history and statistics. Each category has sub-categories. If there is something that the student doesn't understand from their own teacher or book, Khan Academy will definitely get the concept across.  One has the "A-ha" moment with Khan Academy.  Sal, the instructor, is humorous and easy to understand.  His demeanor makes explanations make a student go "I get it now!"  In watching the tutorial videos, the viewer doesn't see Sal explaining. The viewer sees a cursor or pointer moving on the screen as Sal explains a concept.
Instructors should use Khan Academy as a resource to help explain content to students. Khan Academy should be bookmarked on every student's computer.  I think it has been the best tutorial web site I have ever used.
The video I watched was found in the Chemistry section.  It was "Introduction to the Atom: the Atom, Proton, Neutron, and Electron."  This video was so easy to understand.  I have watched other videos from Khan Academy for subjects that I have taken in college.  I know from personal experience that this has been a huge help for my comprehension. I will have my students use this site for more understanding and a go-to for help.
http://www.khanacademy.org/video/introduction-to-the-atom?playlist=Chemistry

iTunesU

The thoughts that ran thru my head as I looked at what is available on iTunesU were "How cool is this?"  "OMG!", and "Why bother going to class?"  I felt like a kid in a candy store. The information that is available is astounding. From university lectures,audio from The Library of Congress, and learning foreign languages are just the tip of the iceberg! Choices are endless! I now understand why people constantly have earphones in.  I used to think they were listening to music.  I am now hoping they are listening to iTunesU. I will be using iTunesU to enhance my students' learning, and help to provide a more thorough knowledge base.
I watched "Introduction to Psychology" Defining Mental Illness.  This course surveys questions about human behavior.  I listened to it because I have an interest in psychology.  Here is the link. http://itunes.apple.com/itunes-u/introduction-to-psychology/id341596834#ls=1

TED

TED is a website dedicated to free lectures on technology, entertainment, design, business, science, and global issues.  These categories are then broken further down into what type of message they are conveying. They can be persuasive, courageous, ingenious, fascinating, inspiring, beautiful, and informative.The concept of TED is "...to bring together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers."  The lecturers are challenged to give the talk of their lives in under eighteen minutes.  I thought this site could be for the high school level student and  the college student. I could use TED in my classroom to provide another point of view.  I feel like TED is more like an editorial section of the newspaper.
I watched the lecture Conrad Wolfram: Teaching Kids Real Math with Computers. Wolfram says in the real world, we use computers for math.  In education, we do math by hand. Wolfram poses the question "Why are we teaching students math?" We teach math for technical jobs, everyday living, and for logical thinking (math teaches it).  He states that math liberation hasn't made it to education. He also says that it takes too much time to hand calculate.  The days of the horse and buggy are over and we need to use computers to speed things up.  Wolfram does say that math by hand is good for estimation.  It seems to be quicker.  The argument against using computers for math is that it may dumb math down.  The argument that Wolfram uses is that one has to know how to use the program in order to figure out the math. I enjoyed listening to Wolfram's viewpoint on the subject. It was interesting.  http://www.ted.com/talk/conrad_wolfram_teaching_kids_real_math_with_computers.html

I wasn't surprised in having this type of assignment being assigned.  I knew about Khan Academy but TED and iTunesU were new for me.  I am going to use all three resources for my students.  I think they will appreciate having more tools that they can use to broaden their horizons. 

Blog Post #10

Do You Teach Or Do You Educate?

The above question should probably say, "Will I teach or will I educate?"  That may be a question that could have a different answer depending on whom you ask.  The reason I say that is that one student who just loves me and has done well in my class might say that I educated them.  Another student for some unknown reason, may say that I just taught them.  There are some people you just "get" in having personalities that get along well with each other, and others that simply exist.  I may be getting a little deep, but let me explain.

I taught riding lessons for over twenty years.  It was my passion.  I taught every day, and had eight to ten private lessons daily.  I rarely took a day off, unless it was due to a broken bone.  And that was just to have it set and then I was right back out at the barn. I had students who started out because they loved horses, and thru their learning of not just about riding, but also horse care, they saw that I cared about if they truly understood  concepts.  My students and I talked.  We had conversations about not just horses, but school and family.  My students knew that I actually listened. I would explain to them that good horsemanship and sportsmanship also transferred to other things outside the barn.  Riding is a team effort of horse and rider.  Communication has to pass between the two.  Each has to learn to read one another.  Good riders learn to feel.

I have letters from students which I have framed. They have meant so much to me because I knew I did more than just teach them how to ride.  I was their mentor.  I educated them. Again, not just about horses but life lessons.  So, I will go back to the question, "Will I teach, or will I educate?"  I chose education because I loved to educate students about something in which I cared deeply.  I am grateful for a previous degree, and a previous unofficial teaching career, but an official education degree will help me touch more lives in an academic atmosphere.  I will be a mentor to them too.


Don't Let Them Take Their Pencils Home: Tom Johnson

Who's idea was it to stigmatize and label students as incapable of learning?  Someone who had esteem issues obviously.  Every child can learn.  Some may need a little more help but that is fine. Not everyone learns the same way.  I had to think about this post for a while, because I just was not getting it.  Does that mean I shouldn't take a pencil home?  On the contrary, I should have one with me all the time.

Tom Johnson's post, "Don't Let Them Take Their Pencils Home" is fraught with sarcasm.  The teacher has let his students take their writing utensil home.  I would think that would be common.  The administration wants to keep the low standards and to keep the students in a category labeled as under achievers. She is used to that idea.  Why change?  The teacher actually wants to achieve higher academic testing scores by having the students use their pencils.  And actually use them for other than filling in bubbles on standardized tests.  The teacher feels if they practice, learning will increase.  What a novel concept!

C4T #3 Posts 1 and 2

College Isn't For Everyone: Mike Prater

In this post, the material presented is about the advantages of obtaining technical skills in order to go out into the work force versus staying in a four year program to graduate with a college degree.  Mike Prater states that not all students will be successful at the college level.  They are better off to have skills that will prepare them for a job in which they can be gainfully employed.  He continues to state that a lot of colleges offer a one size fits all general education program.  The problem is that many jobs need specific skills and those can be readily gotten at a technical school instead of learning about a meaningless subject to a student. Times have changed to that it means more to have skills that put students in the real world.  I will agree.  I would rather have someone know how to repair my air conditioner or heater than know the virtues of Aristotle.  Some more points that Prater states in his post are that these particular type of students don't want to waste time or money on general education and over-priced courses.  Prater says that schools need to have more tech type classes to offer. He also says that we need to remove the elitist viewpoint of having a four year degree.  I agree whole heartily.  I know several people who are doing well financially from going to a technical school or an associates degree college and are working while some of us are still in a four year degree program.
I really enjoyed reading about the viewpoint of Mike Prater.  I found it very realistic and common sense.  I realize that there are many jobs that require higher education.  But in order to have survivor skills in life, technical school is an answer for many people.

Student Achievement: Principals Do Make a Difference: Mike Prater

In this post, Mike Prater discusses the impact of principals on student achievement.  He conducted a survey in Missouri of 131 high schools.  His findings are as follows.

• Factors from all three leadership styles-managerial, instructional,and transformational had an impact on students achievement.

• Educational level of the principal impacted student achievement.

• Five behaviors were linked to student achievement.  Instructional improvement, curriculum improvement, providing a model, identifying a vision, and fostering group goals.

The point that is being made is that in order for student achievement to be on the rise, principals must be involved.  No longer can they sit behind closed doors and let other administration run the school.  They are involved with communication to the teaching staff, students, and parents. They are interacting with students, which in turn, students can see a role model they can emulate.  Good principals have a plan and they work the plan in order for student achievement to happen in their school.  

I enjoy Mike Prater's thoughts on education.  I have commented on his posts as such.  I think he has a realistic perspective on the current educational status of what it takes for students to succeed.

Project #12 Skype Interview

Interview with Thomas Hess

Blog Post #9

What I've Learned This Year:  Mr. McClung

Mr. McClung wrote about his first year of teaching. It struck me that his reflections could be about anything in life.  Not just education. His key points are as follows with some of my thoughts included.
How to read the crowd.  One really has to pay attention to how others are responding to them.  If you don't, what is being said falls on deaf ears.
Be flexible.  I have learned there is always more than one way to get a point across. The old adage, "There is more than one way to skin a cat," is very true.
Communicate.  This relatively "simple" concept is not so simple.  No one can read minds, and educators are in the spotlight to communicate.  Administration, parents, and children all require communication and knowing how with each goes along with knowing how to read the crowd.
Be reasonable.  Mr. McClung states "...we hold high expectations for our students..." People are human and do make mistakes. Students are in school to learn, and they learn from their mistakes.  And ours.
McClung points out to not be afraid of technology. We cannot afford to be afraid.  In order to compete globally, we have to educate ourselves with technology so we can educate our students.
The last two points McClung states in his post could be the most important.  Listen to your students and never stop learning.  Feedback from students will help to shape what can be improved.   When one starts at the bottom, one can only go up. Educators should never stop learning.  Really no one should stop learning.  I truly believe wisdom is infinite.  

Blog Post #8

This Is How We Dream Parts I and II: Richard Miller

Richard Miller's discussion on how information sharing has changed through the years was interesting.  Miller starts out stating that he grew up understanding writing was a solitary activity and that his house was filled with books. That was the premise to the lecture on how it has evolved to what it is today. The beginning comparisons were that books were solo authored and print based.  And the print would wind up in the trash at some point. I know that is true. I have first hand knowledge of thousands of medical journal publications that have been bound in leather and are sitting in floor to ceiling bookshelves in my father's office. In today's publication world, with the advent of the world wide web, those same journals are forever on the web and not taking up valuable space.

Richard Miller says educators must share ideas freely and globally.  That is also a relatively new concept.  There was a time when no one wanted to share ideas.  Researchers wanted to make sure everyone knew from whom the ideas came.  Now it is more about the collaborative effort. Technology has made it possible to do a lot of research without stepping into a library.  That is sad to me, just because I enjoy going to a library.  Another point is that learning is more about using the auditory senses.  Information being relayed over a podcast or using an iPod.  I am still getting comfortable with that concept.  I am a work in progress.  That is what education is anyway.  A work in progress.
This discussion includes a statement about needing inspiring teachers and spaces. I know that learning with technology is a step into the future, but our future is happening now.  We, as educators can see results immediately and provide feedback to our students immediately.  I am learning to write with multimedia and realize it is an ongoing learning process. I will also engage my students to do so as well.  It is our educational future.  

Carly Pugh's  Blog Post  #12

Carly  Pugh really sets the bar!  The many ideas she has and then narrowing them down to one topic must have been like being a kid in a candy store. With the use of technology, and coupling with the classroom, the possibilities are endless.  She has used multi-media for which it was intended. To further the interest in a student and creating a desire to know more with ideas, education, and the use of technology. I thought the video "Six Questions for Everyday" was poignant. I thought Carly went above and beyond what was expected.  I kind of feel like she didn't want the assignment to end because she has so much to offer.  She will truly be an asset to any school.  Parents will be glad their child is in her class.

The Chipper Series and EDM 310 For Dummies

These are such fun, student-created videos.  The primary messages of these funny videos are that one can't just watch, one has to participate to fully learn.  Experience is such a great teacher.  Another message is that  once you get behind, it is nearly impossible to catch up.
The initial feeling of being overwhelmed by the work because of lack of understanding in EDM 310 is right on the money.  But once starting the projects one can really enjoy it.  The tutorials that are in the instruction manual are priceless.  When one uses them, everything becomes clear.
I think a good video that could be created is using the angle of being overwhelmed by the classwork load, as in "EDM 310 For Dummies," but equating it with the question that was proposed to me by a dear friend of mine when I was already getting stressed by EDM 310 before it had even begun.  My friend asked, "Amy, how do you eat an elephant?"  I said "Uh, I don't know." As I had this vision of a very large elephant in my head.  She said, "One bite at a time."  This concept can be applied to any challenge one faces.  If one thinks about it, it's very true. Thank you dear friend.  That statement has brought calmness to my life. 

 Learn To Change, Change To Learn

I understood this YouTube video to be about the need for educational reform. One of the first statements is made about what the shape our education is in. A commentator said education was ranked behind coal mining in IT development. I don't know if that was a good argument to use, because coal mining is a very dangerous industry and there is a huge need for IT development to keep miners safe.  Miners aren't dumb by any means and they absolutely need information about where they are working and the need for knowledge about earth demographics for their job and to simply stay alive.
I will move on to a point that I will agree with to a certain extent.  The statement that more stimulated learning occurs outside the classroom can be true.  Learning outside can be reinforced with life experiences.  Learning inside is not necessarily a bad thing.  A student needs to be inside to for some structured learning.  That concept may never go away. I will agree with the statement that "Technology is not a choice, it has created a world."  The choice to use it will happen with me and my students because I am involved with them and speaking and showing the merits that it has.  There are some people that say technology is a choice for them.  I feel they will eventually get left behind or just die off.  Harsh statement, I know. I will agree one hundred percent that teachers have to connect with other teachers. Most teachers want to engage their children with learning.  Having a wealth of ideas that are coming from all over the globe can keep learning fresh.  Children get bored easily and having a bank of resources can help to produce a student that will have a desire to learn for the rest of his/her life. As educators, we must "Learn to change, change to learn."

Blog Post #7

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

A Carnegie Mellon alumnus, Randy Pausch, who pioneered the development of virtual reality, gives his very last lecture because he is dying from pancreatic cancer. Standing before a packed auditorium at Carnegie Mellon, his lecture is titled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." Pausch reflects on what is really important in life. This lecture has many descriptive words. Inspirational, humorous, reflective, and tearful. I will cut to the chase and say this lecture was directed to his children and how he would guide them as they grow.  He wanted to say the things he would not get to say as they grew because he would not be there.  Because I am an older student with a young daughter, I understood what he was saying. I am able to think about things I did when I was younger and have wished I had done somethings a little better or totally different. But experiences make us who we are.  Because there are no do-overs, we try to teach our children how to avoid the bumps in the road because we have already hit them.

I will list some of the many points that he made in his lecture.
Brick walls are there for a specific reason. To give us a chance to show how badly we want something.
Got to have fundamentals.
Seeing yourself screw up and no one says anything is a bad thing.
Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.
Most of what we learn, we learn indirectly.
A lot to learn by watching people.
Have something to bring to the table.
Quote from a colleague,"Wait long enough and people will impress you."
The best gift an educator can give is to be self reflective.
Have fun while learning something hard.

There are so many more points of which I have three pages of notes. I realized I needed to just put a few but choosing which ones was difficult because they were all so true. One really has to watch the lecture and reflect. It really hits home. I know I have a story for every one of Pausch's directives. I hope the younger crowd who saw this lecture will truly take it to heart. It's much easier to avoid the bumps in the road if someone has already scouted them out.

PLN Preliminary Plan

The progress report for my PLN is that I have created a Symbaloo account and have begun to add tiles.  I have realized it reminds me of a large display of bookmarked sites.  Some of the tiles will be Google News,Glogster, Twitter, Learning.net, free technology for teachers site,Skype, EPN Web, Teacher Share, PBS Teachers Connect, and Teacher Tube. I will add more as I search for the ones I will use most.  I am excited to use this and share with my fellow classmates what works well.

Short Movie Project #11

C4T #2

Leading by Example and a Pointer Finger: Enriching Our Lives Through the Arts and Technology

The blog Pondering Paige by Dr. Paige Baggett, is by one our own professors here at USA.  Her latest post was called  "Leading by Example and a Pointer Finger: Enriching Our Lives Through the Arts and Technology (highs and lows)." Dr Baggett shares in her blog blog post about Ricky Trione, a locally based artist who is blind.  He visits local schools and speaks to elementary students about challenges and adversity but through determination, one can achieve goals.  He speaks of having a disability that might keep most people from doing what they love to do.  Ricky Trione is able to create astounding pieces of painted art.  He uses technology and puffy textured paints to make visually appealing works. His sensitive touch to the paint is what he primarily relies on, also knowing which colors are where on his pallet.  Mr. Ricky, as he is known, motivates people by showing that having a passion for something and having a support system, dreams can come to true.  If one wants something bad enough, and willing to find a way, dreams can turn into reality.

http://ponderingpaige.blogspot.com/

Ibiyinka Alao, Nigeria's Ambassador of Art

The post in Pondering Paige called "Ibiyinka Alao, Nigeria's Ambassador of Art" dated February 14, 2011, was about a contemporary artist from Nigeria who has traveled the world conveying his message of peace through creativity and expression.  His focus is on African life and how that experience translates into his artwork.  His paintings are full of life, color and visions of his heart, Dr. Baggett states.
Ibiyinka came to the University of South Alabama to share his background that influenced his paintings.  He has exhibited his pieces all over the U.S.  The message that he wants to convey is of peace, love and cultural harmony between all people.
The comment I left on Dr. Baggett's post was about how the artist's passion has taken him all over the world to articulate the love he has for his country and how peace is celebrated through creativity and expression.

Project #8/ Podcast #1

Blog Post #6

The Networked Student: Wendy Drexler

The YouTube video depicting what a networked student is and what he/she does is a very good description for the people who have no concept of what a networked student is.  I never gave it much thought until watching the video.  Learning thru different sources of  information consisting of multiple people, technology, blogs, and sites are some of the things that go into being a networked student.  It is no longer going to and listening to one source about a topic.  With the computer and a keyboard, one can learn about a subject far more deep and thorough than one instructor can lecture.
A student needs to make sure they are using worthy sources and read blogs on others opinions about the facts they have gathered, and be able to make good judgement with the facts in order to learn.  A student can learn far more networking than just learning bullet points. Drexler states this theory of learning is called connectivism.  The learning may not be as important as to what the connections that are made thru the learning.  Drexler said that one can share sources on Google Scholar, a site in which I was not familiar.  I will become familiar with this site during my academic endeavors.
A question was brought up as to why a student needs an instructor.  An instructor is needed to help build a network, and help take advantage of the opportunity to learn, an instructor offers guidance, an instructor can help to differentiate between good information and bad information, an instructor can help to organize information.  And above all, an instructor is needed to be a mentor for students.  I know that in order for me to become a teacher for a networked student I will have to be knowledgeable about many educational sites and guide my students down the right path for success. I want to provide answers to questions they may have and show them until they understand.

A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment

A 7th grader spent the early part of the school year creating a PLE (personal learning environment) for her Science class.  She organized her school work and created an agenda for class. She also created different sites for blogging, note taking, and education fact gathering.  The student could copy and paste from multiple sites and put in one location for reports. She also liked to Skype other educators to ask them about projects she was doing.  She felt she had more freedom to do work, but had more responsibility to get projects done.  The student said the outcome was neat, and wasn't like bookwork.   

I think one really has to be focused in order to plan a PLE at a young age. Much inner discipline is needed to get projects done this way rather than having an instructor stand over a student.  Not all students could follow this level of education. The goal is to have it happen, for the sake of learning, although not all students can learn this way.  We can only hope.

The comparison of my PLE and the 7th grader's PLE is that I think at the moment she may have the answers to my questions.  She definitely could teach me a few things.  Some of the sites she named for her PLE I will use.  I will refer back to her example when I am creating mine.

 Why Smartboards Are A Dumb Initiative: Michael Staton

 SmartBoards are a dumb idea says Michael Staton.  On his blog he states many reasons why he is against SmartBoards.  SmartBoards are the least cost effective way to improve learning. Administration can spend money on SmartBoards because they can count them, instead of providing remediation for students in subject content area.  He continues his point with that they have a basic "wow" factor in which the presenter can stand at the board without access to a keyboard to interact with the content. Also he says SmartBoards don't change the model that is broken- an overhaul of education reform is really what is needed. 

Some of the comments on Staton's blog are in agreement with him.  There also is a lot of bashing going back in forth. One response was that SmartBoards can save content for students who are absent and they can keep students engaged in lessons.  A technology specialist commented that in house training gave teachers better understanding on how to use the SmartBoard.  There are so many positive approaches for the use of a SmartBoard.  It is up the teacher to make them a positive teaching tool.

The following is a site dedicated to the wonderful benefits of a SmartBoard.

http://www.waukeshaschools.com/WIT/smartBoard/benefits.htm

Switching Off the Interactive WhiteBoard For Good: Kevin McLaughlin

In this blog post, Kevin McLaughlin says that the interactive whiteboard should be eliminated.  His reasoning is that there are many cost factors involved in having interactive whiteboards .  Although there are free tutorials, many teachers want face to face training.  He feels it is a normal white board but with the internet, and few use it as how it was intended-creating content that engages the class. Most schools have the older model which only allows one user at a time. The children also say they never get to use it, and it's boring to wait for a turn.  It is fun when it is just a small group.  Everyone said when asked about spending money on something else they would rather use iPads, iPod touch devices, netbooks, or Nintendo gaming devices. Tools that are mobile and more interactive.
I feel it is all in the user.  You can choose to use it the way it was intended, or not.  I would hope, that if a teacher is given a resource to help educate, then it would be wise to learn how to use the tool and give education a leg up. 

Project #9B

Blog Post #5

Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog




This blog is a great way to listen to beginning podcasters.  My theory is if 3rd graders can do it, Then the older generation can do it too!  This was definitely age appropriate and the children seemed to like being involved in the activity.  I thought the background music to what they were describing was appropriate.  The children were giving a lesson on Roman times.
Two drawbacks are that if it is lengthy, one can start to tune out the information being given.  Another drawback is not having a clear speaker.  Enunciation is very important.

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom by Joe Dale

The information given in this particular blog was good.  One can see why the "millennium" students learn well with this type of technology.  They are auditory learners. The "millennium" word applies to students born after 1980.  What is the name people get born prior to that I wonder?
The podcasting creates good use of imagination and makes a student really listen. Absent students can continue to learn at home and not miss classroom assignments or lectures.  Podcasting reduces the excuses for missing assignments.  Children say it keeps their attention. And the biggest benefit for podcasting is parents can become more involved with their children's learning.
I hope I can do podcasting justice.  I am a pre-millennium person.  Practice, practice, practice!


100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn to Study Better

http://www.bspcn.com/2008/02/16/100-ways-to-use-your-ipod-to-learn-and-study-better


This is a one stop shop for podcasts.  Most of the sites are free to download.  This site is wonderful for auditory learners.  A Particular site is Learning Podcasts by Carolyn Wood.  This site takes you step by step with what you need for equipment, software, and the finished product.  I will be saving this to my favorites. Advanced podcasts are also covered in this site.   
What I have learned from these sites is that one has to become familiar with doing this sort of broadcast.  It can't just be done once and expect to be perfect.  Trial and error will happen, and practicing until podcasting becomes second nature is really what it is about.

TimeToast Time Line

Special Assignment #1

I was not aware of Wolfram/Alpha or Googled Squared and was amazed at how mathematically in depth Wolfram/Alpha was.  The facts that were reported in "Do You Know" are correlated with population between China, India, and the U.S.  The percentage of China's population to the U.S. population is 22.2 %  Which is gotten by .3/1.35.  The percentage of India's population to the population of the U.S. is 24.8% .  Which is gotten by .3/1.21.  The population of China is 1.35 billion, India's population is 1.21 billion, and the U.S. is 309 million.
Wolfram/Alpha and Googled Squared are two more resources to get facts.  They will be utilized in my classroom.

Podcast Practice-Project #8

I have spoken to both members of my group, Kim Summers and Paul Stewart.  We have agreed to get together this week and formulate a plan.  Books have been ordered, so we are waiting on their arrival.  In the meantime, I will try to borrow one from the lab. We are staying in contact thru phone calls.

Blog Post # 4

Dont Teach Your Kids This Stuff.  Please.  By Scott McCleod

Scott McCleod is an Associate Professor at Iowa State University in the Educational Administration program.  He also is the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technological Leadership in Education, the nations only academic center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators.  Scott McCleod blogs regularly about technology leadership issues.
In the blog post McCleod offers a tongue in cheek poem about keeping technology out of the hands of students.  He says to only have paper and pen readily available.  The sarcastic overtone says to have no networking, no blogging, no cell phones to just name a few 'dangers' lurking out there.  With all things, especially with children, one can err on the side of caution.  But, in order for our children to keep up globally, the argument is to use technology as a tool. One doesn't have to solely rely on it, but to teach technology and have guidelines. which should be with anything.  Riding a bicycle can be dangerous, but  a hat is worn, and other protective items. Same idea with technology.  There are safeguards.  I think this should be posted in all school administrators offices to remind them of how education has to be shaped for the future.

The iSchool Initiative

The Youtube video features a high school student who has an idea for eliminating physical classrooms and strictly using a device called an iSchool. It is based on the iTouch device.  This student believes it is the future of education.  His argument is that due to budget cutbacks, this device would save money.  There would be no cost for paper, or for books.  All the information is on apps on the device. Graphing calculators, calendar, history, notes, and text books are all on it just to name a few. There would be websites dedicated only to education.  Another cost argument for the device is that calculators, back packs, and books are estimated at over $600 per student.  He says the iSchool is  $150 in cost.
My reaction to this student's initiative is mixed. I have many questions.
1.  Who buys the device?
2.  What if the device becomes damaged or lost?
3.  What is the monthly cost to subscribe, and who pays for that?
4.  Can the devices be leased and returned at the end of the school term?
5.  Is learning the technology simple?
6.  What about physical limitations of some students?
The initiative is to be competitive globally with technology and learning. Totally eliminating the brick and mortar building is hard to swallow.

You Can't Be My Teacher: Darren Cannell

The little boy in the video"You Can't Be My Teacher" asks many pointed questions to someone presumably who is the teacher, off camera.  Some of the many questions are: "Do you know how to use the computer?","Are you going to learn how to use the computer or just use that textbook?","Are you preparing me for the world?" The little boy states, "Because I want to know what the world has to offer!" The final reverberating phrase is "That's your job!"
I think this child has some great questions to make educators think about their goals. Educators have to prepare students for the future and for the world. They are OUR future. Teachers have to give the knowledge in how to problem solve.The answer is easy.  The problem solving skills are essential.
The question of  "Are you just going to use that text book?" is a sign of the times.  Computers, software programs, and other forms of media are in use today and will continue to be in use. Textbooks are used in conjunction with these advances. It is our job as educators to have the resources and know how to use them in order to teach.  As stated earlier,  these children are OUR future.

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

http://youtu.be/D7o7BrlbaDs

Ingenious is what I would use to describe Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir. The thought process that it took to have 185 people singing from all over the world harmoniously is a work of a master.  It truly shows that thru technology, how small the world can become.
One would never know how this masterpiece was done if they closed their eyes.  The beauty of the sound is magic.  A magnificent composer of music, whether virtual or real.

Teaching In The 21st Century

http://youtu.be/RmskHM0V2Ig


The feeling I had while watching this video was somewhat negative. The positions expressed were primarily focused on computer use. Keywords were flashed and put a negative light on learning some essential facts. It is essential to learn problem solving skills, but it is also essential to funnel technology skills into a good use. It was stated that teachers are no longer the main source of information. They are filters.
I thought that this video was more on how to  find information on the internet.  It was also stated  that entertainment is not the same as engagement. To that, I will agree. The key differences were that entertainment is passive, short-lived, and an escape from problems. Engagement is active, and has long term results, and also is called problem solving. It was flashed at the end of the video that both entertainment and engagement can both be fun and exciting. I believe that will be how teaching will be in the 21st century.