Within my blog I received a comment from a teacher giving me advice on blogs. Mr. Chamberlain told me that I should develop and encourage technology in my class. Here is the response that he sent me: Thanks for the kind words about my class blog. I remember how excited I was when I was in my edu classes learning about all the things I could use when I became a teacher. Just remember, you want the best tool for whatever you do and technology is just one tool of many.
I wish you much success.
Wm. Chamberlain
September 4, 2008 4:21 PM
I am so glad that he wrote nice words to me. It is so great that people respond to your blogs.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
My EDM 310 Blog Assignments are Now Complete
I am so happy to have had class with everyone. Have a great year and happy holidays!
Growth VS. Fixed Minds
In this podcast there was talk about how students minds can grow. Is is better to teach structured or non structured material. Many studies have taken place on how people learn and which teaching methods work better for students. There was a study done showing how study skills did not work for students . They were not motivated to learn the material that was being taught to them. The grades of the students did not improve at all. The neuron connectors did not fire off good learning result. It was more like a stale mate within the thought process. Within the growth mind set session, it found that students were motivated. Their brains were then growing and the neurons were firing off better and stronger. Yes, the brain is the most powerful muscle within the body. The students grade improved with this method also. Intelligence is not learned, it is developed. One must exercise their brain so that therefor they are able think intelligent and are smarter.
I believe that in order for me to be an affective teacher I must teach by allowing my students brains to expand and grow. In knowing that students learn better doing hands on activities and ones that interest them, I must take that with me. Everyone has the means of intelligence. When someone is hindered to expand with their mental they are more than likely to not use their knowledge for the right reasons.
I believe that in order for me to be an affective teacher I must teach by allowing my students brains to expand and grow. In knowing that students learn better doing hands on activities and ones that interest them, I must take that with me. Everyone has the means of intelligence. When someone is hindered to expand with their mental they are more than likely to not use their knowledge for the right reasons.
Edible School Yard and A Night in the Global Village
At the Martin Luther King Junior Middle School they have garden school yard. Every morning for first period they go to the garden to tend to the vegetables, flowers, and herb harvest. This was a way for the teachers to incorporate and combine different subjects in within the hands on of the gardening yard. They also have a chef teacher that teaches them ways of preparing and cooking healthy food. The students seemed to enjoy doing this. By them having to care and take care of crops they took pride in what they were doing. Development of community unity skills were created with in the students. Also the knowledge and willingness to work together as a group to grow and complete the task.
I think that this was great for the students to do. This was a great way to give the students another way or technique of learning subject with integrating harvesting within it. I would like to integrate different interesting things within my classroom. Students seem to learn better when they are doing something they like besides being taught repeat material. Students I believe need more hands on material and less repeat. I thought that this was a great way to get away from the same old thing. It not only help them mentally but help them make better food choices for their physical portion. If there were more places like this around their would be better knowledge of healthiness.
The other podcast that I watched was A Night in the Global Village. This was about student that were of well privilege life styles experiencing poor, poverty stricken life styles. Students were assigned to different living conditions that were simulated around the world. Some of the groups did not have as much as others. They were required to go around and trade things for food, water, and other materials. For many of the students this was a wake up call for them. A lot of them will never go through this in real like because of the riches and non poverty environments they were born in and now live within. How great to put them in the shoes of the less fortunate. Many of them will appreciate what they have now.
I think that this was great for the students to do. This was a great way to give the students another way or technique of learning subject with integrating harvesting within it. I would like to integrate different interesting things within my classroom. Students seem to learn better when they are doing something they like besides being taught repeat material. Students I believe need more hands on material and less repeat. I thought that this was a great way to get away from the same old thing. It not only help them mentally but help them make better food choices for their physical portion. If there were more places like this around their would be better knowledge of healthiness.
The other podcast that I watched was A Night in the Global Village. This was about student that were of well privilege life styles experiencing poor, poverty stricken life styles. Students were assigned to different living conditions that were simulated around the world. Some of the groups did not have as much as others. They were required to go around and trade things for food, water, and other materials. For many of the students this was a wake up call for them. A lot of them will never go through this in real like because of the riches and non poverty environments they were born in and now live within. How great to put them in the shoes of the less fortunate. Many of them will appreciate what they have now.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
What did I learn in EDM 310
I enjoyed the class personally. I thought that the class offered many interesting assignments. I learned the following: Pod casting,Spreadsheets,blogging,google gadgets,google documents,google PowerPoint's, and face book. Those are just some of the things that I learned. I thought that pod casting was fun and different. Blogging was also something new that I have never done before. I think that I will be bringing blogging with me when I begin to teach. Blogs are a great way to communicate,post information and helps with material. I am glad that I was able to learn about this particular technology. Technology is great! Without it what would we do today. Student and teachers need to be exposed to the new technologies that are out there at a finger strike away. I believe that this class could not have been any more informative than what it was. This class should not only be required by future teachers but everyone should have the ex poser to this great tool of technology learning. There was one thing that I wished I could have learned and that was how to post voice recordings to a blog. I think that would have been great to learn. That would have been something that I could have used within my personal classroom blog.
Discovery Access Lab
I went on a visit to the Discovery Access Lab at the Davidson High School. We met with our tour guide by the name of Mary Claire Wright. She is an educator there at Davidson High School. She took us with in the lab showing us the set up of the room. The teacher also had his own work station. His station had a computer, there were cameras, LCD TV board, and writing board for him to write down material for the students that were connected at the distant school. The lab will be in full operation by next year. It is completely set up will all of the equipment. She was tell us that they needed someone that could watch the students while the teaching took place. This person or persons would get paid to do so.
This is a great way to get teaching and instruction of other subjects to students that are not able to receive it because of were they go to school. So this is a great way to bring it to them without they having to find another school or miss out on the great advancements and rewards that other students have access to. I think that all student should be able to partake in the great educational advances and extras that are out there but just are distance away. I went to this visit with three other people, Amelia, Theola, and Lerrica. We thought that is was a great mini field trip to go and observe and learn out this wonderful learning tool.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Plusses out do the minuses
When we first was given the assignment of doing blogs, I did not know what it was. Our professor gave us step by step instructions on how to get it set up. We then had to go to google.com to set up a google account so that we could be able to use blogger. The step up was not that hard to do, yet for some reason you always come across a problem every now and again. So there fore the set up was pretty easy.
I think that blogging was a great thing to do. It was not hard to do, but just trying to make sure that you tag your pictures and write the source for it was a little hard. I would forget to do that sometime. I thought that writing about different topics was pretty easy to do. It was fun and some of the topics that we received was really easy to explore and write on.
Theola and I feel pretty much the same way about doing blogs. At first we both did not know what to do but through prat ice and trial and error we were able to get through it. It was a good way to express ourselves and personal thought in writing about different things. Theola and I would do very similar things to try to develop our blogs. I think that we both agree that blogs can be useful for future teachers.
I will be using blogs within my classroom in the future. I think that it will be a good way to keep in touch and communicate with parents. Parents and teachers can communicate really easy by using blogs. Classroom blogs can have many uses such as post for, homework, upcoming field trips, classroom calender, in class assignments, announcements for test, class news letter. It is so many other things that could be placed on a classroom blog that is just some things. I would recommend to teachers to use blogs within the class. They are easy to maneuver and create.
I think that blogging was a great thing to do. It was not hard to do, but just trying to make sure that you tag your pictures and write the source for it was a little hard. I would forget to do that sometime. I thought that writing about different topics was pretty easy to do. It was fun and some of the topics that we received was really easy to explore and write on.
Theola and I feel pretty much the same way about doing blogs. At first we both did not know what to do but through prat ice and trial and error we were able to get through it. It was a good way to express ourselves and personal thought in writing about different things. Theola and I would do very similar things to try to develop our blogs. I think that we both agree that blogs can be useful for future teachers.
I will be using blogs within my classroom in the future. I think that it will be a good way to keep in touch and communicate with parents. Parents and teachers can communicate really easy by using blogs. Classroom blogs can have many uses such as post for, homework, upcoming field trips, classroom calender, in class assignments, announcements for test, class news letter. It is so many other things that could be placed on a classroom blog that is just some things. I would recommend to teachers to use blogs within the class. They are easy to maneuver and create.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Post for November 22nd
The two podcast that I listened too on the Duke University podcast site were,The South in Black and White,and Black Panther Legacy Panel Discussion. Both were done at the university and focused on mainly the history, art and legacy of African Americans. They were very interesting to me, because I was able to hear not only from black but from whites also.
On the first one that I listened to was, The South in Black and White. This particular podcast I think was done by professors that were trying to boost enrollment within this class. The professors want all student of all colors to come and partake in the learning of the true roots of the south. This class was developed after the incident with the lacrosse players at the university. It was to focus on all education especially the public education in the south. The coarse would observe and study the weaknesses, strengths of the true people. The students would be able to look within themselves and find their differences and similarities also. Many speakers would come to the class that were of African American heritage. The guest would be blues singers, story or poet writers, African American churches. All from the back ground of African descent.
The second podcast that I listened to was the, Black Panther Legacy. There were 6 members that were originally apart of the black panther party, all around the United States. Each member talked about how the party influenced them as young people. There was talk about how there is a misconception that the party was only for black rights which was wrong. The panther party was for "Manhood", for all people of all colors. Development of this party was done after the civil rights movement fell after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. Another name that they called this group was the 'Peoples Movement". It was a way for people to gain their personal rights and freedoms. They were no longer afraid to speak up for what was right. The panther party was united in trying to promote positive things within the black community especially. I found that this was very informative. I was able to hear from real members of the party.
On the first one that I listened to was, The South in Black and White. This particular podcast I think was done by professors that were trying to boost enrollment within this class. The professors want all student of all colors to come and partake in the learning of the true roots of the south. This class was developed after the incident with the lacrosse players at the university. It was to focus on all education especially the public education in the south. The coarse would observe and study the weaknesses, strengths of the true people. The students would be able to look within themselves and find their differences and similarities also. Many speakers would come to the class that were of African American heritage. The guest would be blues singers, story or poet writers, African American churches. All from the back ground of African descent.
The second podcast that I listened to was the, Black Panther Legacy. There were 6 members that were originally apart of the black panther party, all around the United States. Each member talked about how the party influenced them as young people. There was talk about how there is a misconception that the party was only for black rights which was wrong. The panther party was for "Manhood", for all people of all colors. Development of this party was done after the civil rights movement fell after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. Another name that they called this group was the 'Peoples Movement". It was a way for people to gain their personal rights and freedoms. They were no longer afraid to speak up for what was right. The panther party was united in trying to promote positive things within the black community especially. I found that this was very informative. I was able to hear from real members of the party.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Observations of Podcast
I thought that this assignment was a great way to get our feet wet in pod casting. Having never done it before, I was nervous while doing it, but after awhile I became less nervous. The assignments that Dr. Strange assigned all dealt with topics pertaining to education, and how they could be useful or not for teacher and future teachers. He assigned us to groups of 2,3 or 4, and gave us a topic to research and explore. We then had to record our conversation around a table with a microphone and our cue cards or notes for reference. The cue cards were used to help us stay focused on our topic.
One of the groups that listened to was that group that did, "Burp Back Education". The members were Ashley, Sandy, and Robyn. There podcast was very informative on this topic. Yes, I totally agree that we as future teachers should not have to do burp back education. Children learn better when they have hands on activities that go along with the lesson. This increases the learning level of the material when it is not just focused on testing material. The only thing that I could find wrong was that they did not have enough time to talk on their subject. It was great and well prepared for.
The second group that I listened to was on, ''Face book as an Educational Tool". The members were Theola and Lerrica. There podcast was also informative on the uses and the set up of face book. Lerrrica stated that she did not have a face book account, so she was asking Theola on how it works, who can join, what uses can it be good for as far as teachers and that she would like to set up an account. Face Book is something that I did not get into personally. But I know people who have this particular account set up. I do not know if I would use it as a teacher, because I am going to be teaching elementary school, so my student would more than likely not be into this particular thing. Now high school students, this would definitely work better with them because they are older. One thing that I found not so good about their podcast was that they only had two member versus three or four members like the other group.
The third group that I will be committing on is my own group. The members consisted of Josh, Rachel and myself. Our topic was ," How can blogging be useful to future teachers?" We thought that blogging would really be very useful, not only for students but for the parents. This would be a great way to communicate to the parents, that you cannot get in contact with when you need to. It is a way to share classroom information, school calender,lunch menus, or important information on thing going on in the classroom. I will be using blogs in my future classroom. I found that this would be a great tool for teachers to use. The only thing that I found wrong with our podcast is that we could have cut it shorter that it was instead of rambling on. All and all I thought that this was a great assignment to do for class. Thank you Dr. Strange for assigning this particular assignment.
One of the groups that listened to was that group that did, "Burp Back Education". The members were Ashley, Sandy, and Robyn. There podcast was very informative on this topic. Yes, I totally agree that we as future teachers should not have to do burp back education. Children learn better when they have hands on activities that go along with the lesson. This increases the learning level of the material when it is not just focused on testing material. The only thing that I could find wrong was that they did not have enough time to talk on their subject. It was great and well prepared for.
The second group that I listened to was on, ''Face book as an Educational Tool". The members were Theola and Lerrica. There podcast was also informative on the uses and the set up of face book. Lerrrica stated that she did not have a face book account, so she was asking Theola on how it works, who can join, what uses can it be good for as far as teachers and that she would like to set up an account. Face Book is something that I did not get into personally. But I know people who have this particular account set up. I do not know if I would use it as a teacher, because I am going to be teaching elementary school, so my student would more than likely not be into this particular thing. Now high school students, this would definitely work better with them because they are older. One thing that I found not so good about their podcast was that they only had two member versus three or four members like the other group.
The third group that I will be committing on is my own group. The members consisted of Josh, Rachel and myself. Our topic was ," How can blogging be useful to future teachers?" We thought that blogging would really be very useful, not only for students but for the parents. This would be a great way to communicate to the parents, that you cannot get in contact with when you need to. It is a way to share classroom information, school calender,lunch menus, or important information on thing going on in the classroom. I will be using blogs in my future classroom. I found that this would be a great tool for teachers to use. The only thing that I found wrong with our podcast is that we could have cut it shorter that it was instead of rambling on. All and all I thought that this was a great assignment to do for class. Thank you Dr. Strange for assigning this particular assignment.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
November 9th Post
This is so wonderful for teachers. Itunes is a great tool for teachers to use in their classrooms. There are many different podcast pertaining to school subjects. Books on CD or on tape are no longer the only ways that a teacher can have books listened to by students. Computers are the way and are very helpful for teachers. Teachers can find many different helps through Itunes and on the web itself.
I explored a podcast that was from the Maine Department of Education. This podcast was actually a story that was being read by a Librarian. The story was, In the Rain with Baby Duck, a children's book. This would be great for teachers to used a way to have a reading activity for the students to do. They could also do some form of art activity maybe a visual art activity. That would be a great way to incorporate art in reading and reading within art. Teachers can expand there resources search but looking on the computer.
The other podcast that I listened to was from the Mathematics and Technology podcast. This podcast was done by author Judy Chandler. She was talking about how technology is important for teachers to teach and use in mathematics. Some math teachers are not really interested in using the new technology ways within their classrooms. Most student are very technologically knowledgeable already. Students more than likely already have the latest technology equipment at home, or they know someone with it and are very experienced in working with it. The use of technology within math can definitely improve students understanding of it. Mathematics is known as the Science of Patterns, so why not incorporate technology activities with math. For many people they learn better by doing hands on activities. This would be a great way for teachers to better prepare and teach their students. I say yes to Math and Technology.
I explored a podcast that was from the Maine Department of Education. This podcast was actually a story that was being read by a Librarian. The story was, In the Rain with Baby Duck, a children's book. This would be great for teachers to used a way to have a reading activity for the students to do. They could also do some form of art activity maybe a visual art activity. That would be a great way to incorporate art in reading and reading within art. Teachers can expand there resources search but looking on the computer.
The other podcast that I listened to was from the Mathematics and Technology podcast. This podcast was done by author Judy Chandler. She was talking about how technology is important for teachers to teach and use in mathematics. Some math teachers are not really interested in using the new technology ways within their classrooms. Most student are very technologically knowledgeable already. Students more than likely already have the latest technology equipment at home, or they know someone with it and are very experienced in working with it. The use of technology within math can definitely improve students understanding of it. Mathematics is known as the Science of Patterns, so why not incorporate technology activities with math. For many people they learn better by doing hands on activities. This would be a great way for teachers to better prepare and teach their students. I say yes to Math and Technology.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
October 26th Post
I explored a video podcast that was on Iltunes. This podcast was apart of the 6th through 8th grade section. The title of the video podcast was called Booming Sands, NOVA Science Now. There were scientists from California that were trying to discover how sands dunes boom. So they set out on a journey to dunes in California. These particular dunes were 1 out of 30 that make these sounds. The scientists brainstormed about what caused the sound by making a hypothesis, that the top layer of sand is first potential energy, then when the sand moves it is then kinetic energy. So the scientists set of avalanches that caused the booming. Then after they figured out how to set avalanches, they then put Geo phones in the dunes to measure the boom affect. The readings were transmitted back to a lab so that the readings could be documented. The findings were that the dunes were making the musical note G. The sand particles were found out to be the same size and shape, causing them to rub together and vibrate to make the low G sound. This was called Acoustic Energy.
I thought that this would be great to use in classes. This is a great way to introduce new science vocabulary words to students. Also a way for them to have a moving, active, visual of the new material. Children like to see things in motion. This could also give the teacher ideas on maybe how to simulate a particular things, by using materials. I think that this is a great way for teachers to have access to these videos for free.
I thought that this would be great to use in classes. This is a great way to introduce new science vocabulary words to students. Also a way for them to have a moving, active, visual of the new material. Children like to see things in motion. This could also give the teacher ideas on maybe how to simulate a particular things, by using materials. I think that this is a great way for teachers to have access to these videos for free.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Notes on Podcasting successfully!
It is very obvious that pod casters do not stop talking at no time. They are having a constant conversation about whatever the topic was. They all started of with a introduction of each person involved in the podcast. They were trying to keep in the listeners interested in what they were saying to keep their attention.
Some of the pod casters used music in the beginning as a introduction to there online talk shows. The topics talked about very well. These examples gave me ideas on how I should approach my assignment. So obviously I must have a structure a building block that I must follow to make the podcast very interesting and constant with my podcast members. We must approach it like a news broadcast. Examples include, CNN, MSNBC etc. So I must think of myself as news anchor.
So everyone should know who my group members and I are by introduction. We must then introduce our subject of what we will be talking about. Then one person must being with a particular topic and explain it clearly. The other members should put in commits about the topic that is being discussed as well. Then the different subtopics are then elaborated on then.
What is clear is that in being very good pod casters we must know about what we are talking about. There must then be a group effort in making this work well. At no time should we have a moment of silence, we are to continue to talk no matter what. One thing for sure there will be note cards involved to help keep us on a free flowing conversation.
Some of the pod casters used music in the beginning as a introduction to there online talk shows. The topics talked about very well. These examples gave me ideas on how I should approach my assignment. So obviously I must have a structure a building block that I must follow to make the podcast very interesting and constant with my podcast members. We must approach it like a news broadcast. Examples include, CNN, MSNBC etc. So I must think of myself as news anchor.
So everyone should know who my group members and I are by introduction. We must then introduce our subject of what we will be talking about. Then one person must being with a particular topic and explain it clearly. The other members should put in commits about the topic that is being discussed as well. Then the different subtopics are then elaborated on then.
What is clear is that in being very good pod casters we must know about what we are talking about. There must then be a group effort in making this work well. At no time should we have a moment of silence, we are to continue to talk no matter what. One thing for sure there will be note cards involved to help keep us on a free flowing conversation.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Randy Paush's Last Lecture
What an amazing person! He blew my mind away with his wonderful personality and kind spirit. He showed pictures of his childhood and his family, they all seemed to be very happy and full of joy. I could tell that he really cares for his family. Why are there not a lot more people like him in the world.
Mr. Paush's Last Lecture I think could not have been any better than it was. His focus was on three components, family, dreams, and having fun. His focus are some of my own focuses also. He kept mind on trying to help others. While others were getting help by him to fulfill dreams, he was fulling his own at the same time. That is awesome.
The virtual reality coarse that he came up with to better allow to students to learn better, but to have fun was amazing. This coarse allow all student, a total of 50, from different departments to be able to participate in the BVW-Pioneering coarse. His main objective of this coarse was that it would be project based and for students to focus on have to work well with others. One rule "NO BOOKS!" This was a hands on coarse. The students were able to perform their projects every two weeks, with different people. He said it became a very big thing for people to come and watch the students perform their finished projects.
The whole time he was doing something for everyone else, that is what I observed of him and his journey in life. He had plenty of support through is life, but he also had some brick walls. A very special thing to remember that he said, was to never stop even though brick walls may pop up in your way. He also said' work harder do not complain when it gets tough'. It was the end that caught me. The whole time I thought that he was lecturing for other people he was actually doing it for his children. What a way to have your last lecture.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5700431505846055184
Mr. Paush's Last Lecture I think could not have been any better than it was. His focus was on three components, family, dreams, and having fun. His focus are some of my own focuses also. He kept mind on trying to help others. While others were getting help by him to fulfill dreams, he was fulling his own at the same time. That is awesome.
The virtual reality coarse that he came up with to better allow to students to learn better, but to have fun was amazing. This coarse allow all student, a total of 50, from different departments to be able to participate in the BVW-Pioneering coarse. His main objective of this coarse was that it would be project based and for students to focus on have to work well with others. One rule "NO BOOKS!" This was a hands on coarse. The students were able to perform their projects every two weeks, with different people. He said it became a very big thing for people to come and watch the students perform their finished projects.
The whole time he was doing something for everyone else, that is what I observed of him and his journey in life. He had plenty of support through is life, but he also had some brick walls. A very special thing to remember that he said, was to never stop even though brick walls may pop up in your way. He also said' work harder do not complain when it gets tough'. It was the end that caught me. The whole time I thought that he was lecturing for other people he was actually doing it for his children. What a way to have your last lecture.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5700431505846055184
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ipods!!!!!!!!
I found out that i pods are not only used for downloading music, but for other useful things. Students are using them to help with assignments given out by their teachers. Teachers are also using the i pods for different ways of instruction in the class room. I Pods are usually thought of as being a distraction in schools but they are quickly becoming a very useful piece of technology. They are also used to help students that are not fluent in the English language to be able to learn how to speak better through listening to popular music on i pods.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/education/09ipod.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/B/Bilingual%20Education
I also looked up information about Duke University. The university gave i pods to first time freshmen. The students were encourage to use them for personal use and for technology exploration. Information was also placed on the i pods pertaining to orientation, school calender, and faculty downloads. So students were able to use them for different classes that they needed to. Foreign Language classes really needed to have this device incorporated into it. This was a way for student to better learn and understand class material. I thought this was a great way to students to explore and use technology.
http://news.duke.edu/2004/07/ipods_0704.ht
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/education/09ipod.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/B/Bilingual%20Education
I also looked up information about Duke University. The university gave i pods to first time freshmen. The students were encourage to use them for personal use and for technology exploration. Information was also placed on the i pods pertaining to orientation, school calender, and faculty downloads. So students were able to use them for different classes that they needed to. Foreign Language classes really needed to have this device incorporated into it. This was a way for student to better learn and understand class material. I thought this was a great way to students to explore and use technology.
http://news.duke.edu/2004/07/ipods_0704.ht
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Virtual Field Trips
Dr. Christie's website has many different things for teachers to explore. There many different links that you can click on that are very helpful. Being that soon I will also be a teacher, this website could help out with a lot of things that I might have questions about. Dr. Christie makes it so easy for you to click and follow.
This website can really be useful to me as a teacher. I love the virtual field trip link. It allow you to pick a place to go to, and you just explore. This will allow for all student to be able to go on trips, without having to worry about their parents coming up with money. The really good thing is that it is free to use and does not cost the teachers anything either. I recommend this site to all teachers and upcoming teachers to explore and use. virtual field trips
This website can really be useful to me as a teacher. I love the virtual field trip link. It allow you to pick a place to go to, and you just explore. This will allow for all student to be able to go on trips, without having to worry about their parents coming up with money. The really good thing is that it is free to use and does not cost the teachers anything either. I recommend this site to all teachers and upcoming teachers to explore and use. virtual field trips
Wiki Opened
Well, to my surprise, I did not know that this was going on with Wikipedia. Virgil Griffith did a very good job of telling about his findings. I agree that the deleting of material is wrong, if the writings were not your own. Putting false information in the place of what is the truth is very misleading and wrong for others. For the findings that were found, especially on the Presidential election with Bush, I find that very disgusting. I know that the information on Wikipedia could not always be trusted. After reading what Mr.Griffith, hit the nail on the head. Yes, we should be aware of what is on Wikipedia. If someone is doing a paper for school on a special project they should probably use another source.
I do not think that I will be using this source anytime soon. I do not want to end up with information that may be half true. I want the truth and nothing but the truth. There are maybe somethings that could be trusted on there, but one must be very cautious. But I say,"what ever floats your boat".
Virgil Griffith
I do not think that I will be using this source anytime soon. I do not want to end up with information that may be half true. I want the truth and nothing but the truth. There are maybe somethings that could be trusted on there, but one must be very cautious. But I say,"what ever floats your boat".
Virgil Griffith
Monday, September 15, 2008
Fisch Again!!
I took a look once again at the Fisch blog page. A Formula for Success?, done on February 13,2007 looked at the math topic. Mr. Fisch was trying to explain how students inputs or comments can work. They students were trying to figure out if there is more than one "right answer" to a math problem. Fisch made the suggestion that teachers try to make math a little easier for students to understand. Student were having a hard time remembering the equations and were to plug the numbers in order to get the answer. Yes, I admit it is hard to remember all that information. I totally agree with Mr. Fisch. Math teachers tend to think that something is wrong with how you think, but my thinking is fine. Math has always been a subject that I could not grasp tightly. I did just enough to do well on the test. Yes, students need to be taught in a way that they can remember and get the right answer. Also there are different ways to get a answer to problem. But in most cases it has to follow the math rules.
Fisch
Fisch
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Teachers and Technology
I explored this blog that was done by a technology education specialist at the Arapahoe High School in Litteton, Colorado. This blog contained very straight to the point views on teachers knowledge of technology. Mr. Fisch just tells it like it is. Yes, all teacher and administration should have the knowledge of computers and knew technologies. I totally agree with him on that.
I like the comment that he made about teachers and how they should beware of what he wrote for they might be provoked. But the fact that some teachers are not technologically prepared coming out of college does set on the instructor. Some instructors motive is to not prepare you but to fail you. Instead of college instructor's trying to make it hard for future teachers, they need to try to make an effort for teachers to learn the material easier. So yes I believe teachers need to keep up with the new technology and new discoveries of the computer world to better serve as well prepared Educators. Fisch Blog Post
I like the comment that he made about teachers and how they should beware of what he wrote for they might be provoked. But the fact that some teachers are not technologically prepared coming out of college does set on the instructor. Some instructors motive is to not prepare you but to fail you. Instead of college instructor's trying to make it hard for future teachers, they need to try to make an effort for teachers to learn the material easier. So yes I believe teachers need to keep up with the new technology and new discoveries of the computer world to better serve as well prepared Educators. Fisch Blog Post
Monday, September 8, 2008
International Exploration
The first blog I found was from a teacher who is Australian but who teaches in Tokyo, Japan. This teacher teaches 15 students from 12 different countries. Tokyo International is the name of the school. This class blogs has many different sites that you can visit. The teacher has all of the students pictures up on the blog. Some of the things subject area that they study are very similar to the material that is studied in school in America. The subjects include: Solar System, Language Arts, Structures, Math, Science, Banzi Japan, and Mini Beasts. One other thing I noticed was that the students seem to be very happy and the teacher is very happy also. I really like this blog, because it so inviting.
http://web.me.com/grade2a/Grade_2G_2008/Grade_2G.html
The second blog that I found was a blog from Auckland, New Zealand. This class consist of 12 and 13 year old students. On their class blog they write about many different things. The topics are not limited to class room criteria. They have blog post about their family members. Post also include their view on the gaming systems like PlayStation. They also write about how they spent holidays. The teacher is also connect to other class room teachers in the United States. There links to those teachers blogs on this web site. This is the website.
http://www.classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=71175&user_id=71175&blog_id=277579&position
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Blogs for Everyone!
A classroom teacher in the state of Colorado is using a class blog with her students and their parents. Her students are eight grade Language Arts students. Their blog is actually a first for this teacher, and the students. The teacher places assignments on the blog and what books they will be reading in the week. Her students place some of their assignments on the blog and also projects. They also commit on each other blogs. Postings also include what they do on a day to day basis. Another classroom uses blogger they are from Noel,MO. The class that is posted is a 5th grade class.The teachers students have their class blog posted but also they have the students personal blogs posted up. This blog and the blog that I mentioned first, have some of the same materials but this particular website is very detailed. This teacher has plenty of links and videos. The students perform experiments on video. Postings of different class links like educational games, creative writing blogs, tech tips and other links are also on the blog.
This is really cool! Here is the links to this sites.http://mrcsclassblog.blogspot.com/
http://classblogmeiste/blog.php?blogger
_id=117417&blog_id=&listclass=19280
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Fischbowl Discovery
This is a eye opener for me as a college student. I had now idea how far behind other countries that the United States really is. While observing this video in the manner that it was created, it was kind of creepy. Our society is definitely being out done by other countries. This is truly a problem that we must fix. The United States should not be this far behind. We need to stop this immediately in order to fix this problem of less productive future adults.
This findings by the United States Departments were amazing. The countries of China and India had more graduates than the United States. The numbers were not a small amount but by one to two million more than us. It also showed that the country of India's graduates spoke 100% of the English language. In the U.S it is not required that we learn other languages we are mostly a mono language speaking country. The Spanish language is right behind it. But if you were to go up to a ordinary college student and ask if they spoke another language more than likely they would say no here in the United States. We also have problems in the work force were 1 in 4 people have been on their current job less than one year. It was predicted that four year olds have used a computer about 70%. It is very apparent that the youth of today knows more about computers and technology than the youth of four to five years ago. Shift really does happen, it happens in a blink of an eye. I knew that there was a shift in the way things are, but I did not know that this shift was this huge. So I would recommend for other to watch this video in order to see for themselves what I seen for myself. http://thefischbowl.blopspot.com/2007/06/did-you-know-20.html
This findings by the United States Departments were amazing. The countries of China and India had more graduates than the United States. The numbers were not a small amount but by one to two million more than us. It also showed that the country of India's graduates spoke 100% of the English language. In the U.S it is not required that we learn other languages we are mostly a mono language speaking country. The Spanish language is right behind it. But if you were to go up to a ordinary college student and ask if they spoke another language more than likely they would say no here in the United States. We also have problems in the work force were 1 in 4 people have been on their current job less than one year. It was predicted that four year olds have used a computer about 70%. It is very apparent that the youth of today knows more about computers and technology than the youth of four to five years ago. Shift really does happen, it happens in a blink of an eye. I knew that there was a shift in the way things are, but I did not know that this shift was this huge. So I would recommend for other to watch this video in order to see for themselves what I seen for myself. http://thefischbowl.blopspot.com/2007/06/did-you-know-20.html
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
ACCESS Granted!
The ACCESS program definitely is a great way to connect teachers and students through technology. This program allow for access to different courses that are not provided to teachers or students. This program is only available in high schools Giving the opportunity to expand the classroom outwards in to other dimensions is great. The goal of this is to increase students academic achievement levels by using distant learning methods. There is a down side to this, low income school cannot afford this program. This is a problem! Student's and teachers are being left out of this. Some of the courses that are offered are: Math, Language Arts, History, and Science. ACCESS combines Internet instruction and conference through video. This program is considered to a blended type learning program. I think that this is great for students and teachers to participate in. Teachers and Students have the opportunity to travel virtually without leaving the class. http://accessdl.state.al.us/
Saturday, August 23, 2008
ALEX The Great!
The creation of the ALEX( Alabama Learning Exchange) website is a wonderful tool for teachers. When entering into this website, you will see different blocks such as, Lesson Plans,Personal Workspace,Professional Learning, Distance Learning(ACCESS), Coarse of Study,and Web links. It take the load of you by giving you the help that you would need to prepare for your students. The Coarse of Study link will allow you to pull up the coarse of study for your subject and grade level, which that you can easily print off for your use. You can also put your personal lesson plans on there also you can view and print of other teachers lesson plans that they have done. This site also gives you access to web links for teacher use, but it also gives web sites for administration and for students. I thought that was very interesting. First year teachers will definitely love this website, also veteran teachers will too. I think that this website is truly helpful. It is not hard to use and is very self explanatory. I would recommend this site to all Alabama teachers. I give this web site a 10!http://alex.state.al.us
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Information about me!
My name is Myrenda Howze, and my major is Elementary Education. I was married in May, to the love of my life, Derrick. We have two cats and their names are Charlie and Shelly. We consider our cats to be our children. I enjoy traveling to different destinations around the United States and in the Caribbean. My vacation log extends out very long as far as cruises. I love being around family and attending church. My husband and I are very active in our church. We are both youth Sunday School teachers. I cannot wait to begin my teaching career in the near future. I love children and observing how their minds grow by learning new knowledge. I' have always known that I would one day be a teacher and that dream is approaching fast.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Myrenda's Special Welcome
Hello! I would like to welcome everyone to my blog. I am glad to be in this class this semester, see you soon!
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