Correspondence with Teacher

I emailed Mr. Chamberlain, a fifth grade teacher at Noel Elementary in Noel, MO. I found his class blog during a previous assignment. His class blog is very developed and the students have their own blogs, in which they regularly make posts. I decided to ask him a few questions about blogging. He has been making class web pages for several years. He switched to blogging to allow feedback from the students. I asked him what he thought about teachers who feel they don't have the time to incorporate blogging and other forms of technology into the classroom. He basically said that if teachers want to have students blog, it can be done. Since I am going to become a PE teacher, I asked if he had any suggestions on blogging in PE class. He gave me a link to a blog that is kept by a PE teacher in Milwaukee. The blog was very helpful. I enjoyed viewing the activities and got a few ideas for my future classes. Talking to Mr. Chamberlain was very helpful. I received ideas on how to incorporate blogging into the physical education classroom and I know that if I make the time, it can be done.
The Milwaukee PE blog can be found at http://fairviewpe.blogspot.com/

Daphne ACCESS Lab

I visited the ACCESS lab in Daphne High School. Joe Roh was the coordinator of the lab. He stated that the program was excellent, but there are still a lot of logistics to work through. One problem was that they couldn't have a course that the school already offered, so one class they have is Latin. Not many students are interested in taking Latin. They also offer test preparation classes, which students show interest in. They are able to communicate with other schools, it is easiest to stick with schools within Baldwin County, although he does interact with other counties. He also showed us what he called a Smartboard on steroids. It was like an electronical whiteboard, teachers can write their notes on the board when they run out of room, they can simply go to a new page. If they want to review the notes, they are stored and all they have to do is go back to them. The technology was pretty cool, but it is hard for them to utilize it to its fullest. They are still learning how to deal with the equipment and overcome problems, he said lightning struck the building a few times. They are also still working with rules and requirements that schools are required to follow.
Overall, I think the program is impressive and the idea is great. Every new program is going to have its obstacles. Once these are overcome, ACCESS will be a great tool in the student's education.

College Basketball has Begun!!!

Strange Conversations Podcasts

I listened to four different podcasts from the EDM 310 classes. I listened to iTunes for High School Teachers by Lisa Frye, Lisha Portis, and Joshua Andry; Blogs and Blogging by Silas Smith, Andrea Williams, and Lashandra Pruitt; and Useful Internet Sites for Elementary Teachers by Brennan Gibson, Hanna Callais, Ashley Wheeler, and Kimberly Dees.
Overall I think everyone did very well, although there is definitely room for improvement. Sometimes you can tell that the speaker is reading a script instead of talking from notes. You can also hear that some people were nervous...I was too. There were also a lot of filler words, especially "um". After listening to my podcast, I realized that I said "um" at the end of every sentence. I had no idea that I was doing that. While some people talked clearly, others talks quietly or too fast. In one podcast, there was a lot of rustling papers. While there were mistakes, there was also a lot of good things. People carried on conversations very well. People didn't interrupt each other too much. Everyone seemed well prepared and already had an idea of what they were going to say. Some of the podcasts were very funny. One group carried on the conversation very well, but at the end while Dr. Strange was wrapping the podcast up, everyone started laughing. This may have not been very professional, but it was funny.
Overall, I think this was a success. This was the first time that a lot of us have tried podcasting. Mistakes and nerves are to be expected. I think it is best to conduct the podcast as a conversation. It makes things more interesting. Good job everybody!

Mathematics with Technology

Judy Chandler is the technology integration specialist, math teacher, and math mentor/trainer for the Maine Learning technology Initiative. In the podcasts, she discussed the importance of technology in the mathematics classroom. She found that teachers are reluctant to incorporate technology into their lessons. there are many reasons for this. First, many view it simply as an add-on. Also, teachers don't want to take the time to learn about it. Another concern, which I believe is not the teachers fault, is that teachers must spend so much time preparing their students for standardized tests, they don't have time to integrate technology into the classroom.
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics includes the "Technology Principle" as one of the six critical principles for high quality mathematics education. They also stated "Technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics; It influences the math that is taught and enhances students' learning."
I believe that integrating technology into the math class could benefits students and teachers. Tools would be available that could engage the students, instead of passive learning. Technology would offer different teaching techniques that would engage different students. Also, technology would expand the walls of the classroom. Students can communicate with others and gain essential experiences that would increase learning.

Growth Mindset

The Stanford University video podcast discussed "Growth vs. Fixed" mindsets in learning. Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychology professor, discussed the results of teaching the growth mindset. Students were divided into two groups. The first was taught the growth mindset. They were taught that the brain is a muscle that can get stronger and new connections can be made. The second group was taught study skills. The second group did not improve much and there was not much motivation. The first group, who was taught how to apply the growth mindset to schoolwork, showed significant improvement.
Dr. Dweck also discussed how the growth mindset can be applied to other areas. Race car drivers who have this mindset gave optimal performance. The growth mindset can also be applied in business. It teaches to admit mistakes then overcome them.
I like the growth mindset idea. As a PE teacher, I can teach my students that hard work can be greater than talent. It is important to not teach students something that they are not ready for because they will be overwhelmed. They don't have to worry about making mistakes, just figuring out what to do with them. When students believe that they can push the limits on their abilities, they will reach their fullest potential.

ItunesU Videos

I watched two videos about coral reefs and one about a solar eclipse. The videos were interesting. I love watching the all fish and coral in the reef. There are so many different types of wildlife that are unique and unusual. I would love to see it for myself one day. The video talked about how the different creatures have different responsibilities. Some are carnivorous and eat other fish. Some keep the algae in check by feeding on the coral.
The solar eclipse video talked about what a solar eclipse is and how it happens. The video stated that the moon is 400xs smaller than the sun and 400xs closer to the sun. An umbra is the part of the shadow where a full eclipse can be seen. A penumbra is where a partial eclipse can be seen.
The videos were full of information and could be very useful in the classroom. But, while watching them, I had flashbacks of watching those boring PBS movies in elementary school. All I can remember from them is getting a good nap. While it is not always possible to experience the lesson in person, (I don't think a field trip to a coral reef will happen too often), hands-on learning seems to be more memorable. I will never forget what it felt like to hold an octopus at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
The solar eclipse movie did seem like it could be helpful. It was short and not full of too much information. I think it could be a good way to reinforce a lesson. If the videos are interesting to the children, they can be a great asset in the classroom.

Learning Outside the Classroom

After watching The Edible Schoolyard and A Night in The Global Village, I was impressed with the programs. I love that children are given the opportunity to experience hands-on learning.
The Edible Schoolyard taught the students how to grow and prepare food. Children are taught science, health and other subject matter while getting the hands-on experience that is so important. It is also a good way to teach responsibility by caring for the plants daily.
A Night in the Global Village was a great idea. The students were taught about the living situations of people from all over the world. They are given the opportunity to step out of the "American" box and learn about the viewpoints of others. The children will never forget their experiences and it will make them better people in the future.
The students in the videos were taught multiple lessons in unconventional ways. Students should be able to step out of the classroom every now and then to learn hands-on lessons. A hands-on lesson can be used to combine subjects. The experiences will probably be remembered much longer than the daily lectures the students hear.

Podcasts

Listening to the podcasts made me very nervous about my class podcast. I don't think I have ever talked continuously for that long. I don't know how everyone kept the conversation going. i realize I will have to be prepared with notes.
One thing I did not like about podcasts is having to listen for that long. I am definitely a visual learner and podcasts do not hold my attention for long.
I liked the Kidcast idea that "Questions Make the World Go Round", but listening to one person talk the whole time got to be boring. My favorite was probably This Week in Photography. The first guy whom I'm assuming is the host brought in someone who knew a lot about the printers used by photographers.
The podcasts were kind of like radio talk shows. The people were there because they had knowledge and experience about their topic. I think it is better with more than one person because they can help each other and add ideas and topics. I don't think I am a huge fan of podcasting, but I will still try to listen to them in the future.

Dr. Strange Italy pic

 

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture on childhood dreams was full of many points that can inspire and encourage everyone. Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon. He created the ALICE program that teaches computer programing to students. It uses the "head fake" and teaches the students while they don't really even realize that they are learning, they are just having fun on the computer. He died from pancreatic cancer on July 25, 2008. He was married with three children.
One point that Mr. Pausch made was about brick walls. He said the brick walls are not there to keep us out, they are there to let us prove how badly we want something. What an awesome way to view a challenge!
Mr. Pausch talked about his childhood dreams that came true. His dreams included being in zero gravity, being Captain Kirk, being a Disney Imagineer, as well as others. He talked about each dream and how it came true or, in the case of being Captain Kirk, was tweaked slightly and came true a different way.
Mr. Pausch spoke about enabling the dreams of others. He was able to start programs that opened opportunities for students, teachers, and many others. He has inspired countless people with this one lecture alone.
Mr. Pausch lecture was educational and entertaining. He maintained a light-hearted tone and had the audience laughing and intrigued. He talked about inspiring others and finding the good in people. Randy Pausch's lecture was a pleasure to watch.

Universities and iPods

http://www.principalspartnership.com/iPods.pdf
I love the idea of using iPods in schools. I really had no idea that they ere being used for such a broad range of purposes. Duke University gives their students iPods. Students are able to access lectures if they miss a class. I am a visual learner so I don't always hear everything that the teachers say during lectures, I would love to be able to listen to a lecture on an iPod and if I miss something, just go back and hear it again. I think this is a wonderful program that should be considered by all schools.

Dr. Alice Christie

Dr. Alice Christie's website is full of information for teachers. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested about technology in the classroom. The website covers many useful areas such as making a website, photography, and even gps.
I especially enjoyed the photography section. It displays Dr. Christie's own photography. (She like flowers.) There are A LOT of links to information on photography. Information can be found on cameras, using the technology, and sites to display photographs. If you need to know anything about digital photography, Dr. Christie's website is the place to go.

My Presentation

Wikipedia

Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, is not a reliable source to be used for educational purposes. I knew wikipedia can be edited by anyone so I try to never site it as a reference for a research paper. However, I do like to use it as a starting point. Wikipedia breaks a lot of information down and is usually easy to read and comprehend. If I don't know much about a particular topic, then I like to read what wikipedia says. I always check the information with more reliable sources.
I like the Wikipedia Scanner idea. Once it is perfected it will be useful to hold people accountable for their entries. But, like they pointed out in the podcast, there are ways around it. In time,it could be a very useful tool.
If I were a teacher, I would not want my students to site wikipedia as a source for a paper. While wikipedia is useful in some areas, it is not reliable enough to be used as a formal reference.

180 Days?

I read the April fischbowl blog titled 180 days. I viewed a power point that broke down how many days are wasted in an average school year. After fire drills, sick days, test prep, and other "non-instructional" activities, only 120 days are used for actual instruction. I agree that this could be accurate and quite a bit of time is wasted. But I must also argue that teachers must allow time for this. With standardized tests being the make or break factor in a student's academic career, time must be allowed to prepare. Student's must not only learn the material the tests cover but they must also learn how to take the tests, as well as how to deal with test anxiety. Students are required to take multiple standardized tests on top of the every day workload. Also, if we are going to subtract the time "wasted" we cannot forget to add the time students must spend studying and doing homework.
The majority of a child's day is spent doing schoolwork. Little time is left for children to play. Play time is crucial in a child's development. Play allows children to be physically active, explore, imagine, be curious and even learn. Adding more school days is not the answer.
Yes, much of the time in school is not used for teacher-student instruction. Time is not always utilized to its fullest potential. But, is the problem 100% time management or is too much time being used to teach how to take the test on what we teach...confused?...so are the students.

Technologically Illiterate Teachers?

The blog questioning whether or not it is okay for teachers to be technologically illiterate was very interesting. I agree for the most part. In these times, it is crucial for students to have an in depth knowledge of technology. Students are able to be more successful academically and have more opportunities for college and career. When I was in 4th grade, my classroom had a computer. We used it mostly to play educational games and I did not have many opportunities to use it. By the time middle school came around, the only computer available was used for games as well. High school was no different, they had a computer program that tested our reading skills. Typing courses were given with typewriters. (In a few years, children probably won't even know what a typewriter is.) Needless to say, my teachers were technologically illiterate. We finally got the internet at my home, but it was dial-up and extremely slow. My point is, I know how it feels to not be prepared. I know intelligence is not simply based on computer skills, but I felt I was unprepared for college. I am extremely glad to be taking this course and have learned a lot so far.

As for the teachers who seem proud to be technologically illiterate, if workshops are available to teach them computer skills, then they should take full advantage of them. If workshops are not available, then they should be. (I also believe every education major should be given a class or two to learn everything they need to know about Foliotek...professors too.)

I believe that in order to be a good teacher you should never stop learning...this includes technology.

Class Blogs From Around the World!

The first blog I found is from Mrs. Hayes' class in New Zealand. The class includes ten to eleven year old students. The blog is used to discuss projects the students are working on, as well as field trips and announcements. Each student has their own blog. The students are able to discuss their schoolwork and what is new in their lives. Links are available to other class blogs. The link to Mrs. Hayes class blog is
http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1638.

The second blog I found was from Mrs. Cassidy's 1st grade class in Canada. The blog has many helpful features. The blog is used to discuss how the students are learning to read. Youtube videos are used to teach lessons. A letter is featured in each blog and various methods are used to teach the words to the students. LInks are available to Mrs. Cassidy's webpage and other classrooms as well. A feature I hadn't seen before is called the yackpack, anyone can use this to talk to the teacher live in person. The link to this blog is http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337

Classroom Blogs

The first blog I found was from Mr. Chamberlain's 5th grade class from Noel Elementary School in Noel, MO. This blog was jam-packed with videos of students participating in class projects and lessons. the blog even has links to the school's website as well as other useful sites. A map indicated that people from all over the world have visited the blog. Student's are able to access assignments, student blogs, and announcements. http://mrcsclassblog.blogspot.com/

The next blog I found was from Mrs. Myrmel's 3rd grade class. The blog is used to give the students a chance to learn a little bit about their new teacher. A school supply list is also included. The most recent blog is about the class's first project, raising monarch butterflies. http://jmyrmel.edublogs.org/

Did You Know?

The "Did You Know?" movie was about how technology has grown and will continue to grow for future generations. I thought it was very interesting. My parents have always said that my sister and I had schoolwork that was way ahead of theirs. My parents hardly considered college if they considered it at all. I wasn't even sure if college was for me. Things have definitely changed. I feel like there is a generation gap between me and sixteen year olds when it comes to technology...I'm 23. The fact that 70% of four year olds have used a computer blew my mind. I was reading chapter books at four and was considered ahead. I probably didn't even know anyone that owned a computer when I was four. I feel like sooner than later I'm going to be one of those people who complain about how complicated everything is and how young people move so fast these days.
More and more people have access to the internet. Internet moves a lot faster, which makes sites like youtube and myspace possible. I am able to comment, ask questions, and learn from people all over the world. Learning about other countries makes me want to visit them. Hopefully future generations will not be satisfied with simply communicating through computers. While technology connects us...a lot is still to be said for life experience.
I like the idea of One Laptop Per Child Project, or OLPC. This will provide endless opportunities for children who would never have a chance to reach their potential.