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.