This is a video created by Nichole Hassell and Kimberly Tharp, and it discusses the taboo of Wikipedia.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
"What I've Learned This Year" by Mr. McClung
This blog post, written by Mr. McClung, was a reflection of the things that he learned through his first year of teaching. Some things that he talks about are the importance of communicating with and listening to the students, being prepared to make mistakes, being open minded about mistakes and technology alike, and never quitting the learning process.
I think that there are many teachers out there that feel they've reached the end of the learning road now that they teach. The teachers that I speak of are
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Comments for Kids 2
This blog was by Eleva, Jessica, Sesalina, and Turuhira in Room 14 at Pt. England School in New Zealand. It was a video titled R.I.P. Michael Jackson in remembrance of his death a year ago. The girls danced to "Heal the World" and I thought it was a great tribute and the perfect song to pay homage with because right now, the world does need healing.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
This video was around an hour and seventeen minutes. Every second was worth it. From watching this lecture, it seems that Pausch focused on project based learning the most with his students. By implementing this method, the students get hands on work and have the opportunity to draw ideas off of each other which, most of the time, creates a better product than if the student worked alone. I'm beginning to find out that a project based class, such as this one, is better than just reading and writing all the time (much like my other class at the moment). The amazing thing about the projects that Pausch had his students do was that they completely blew him away. He did not know what to do. This brings us to the next teaching method that I've never even really thought of before.
Due to being completely amazed at the first project he assigned, Pausch had to do something so his students would keep amazing him. So, he told them that they could do better next time. Pausch called this "not setting a bar". By not letting the students know how great they really did, they achieved more and more with each project. This idea was actually given to him by someone else but by Pausch doing this, it created the popularity of his students' virtual world simulators. Which, by the way, the example he showed was really cool even though it was creepy.
The next completely awesome thing that Pausch did that I've never thought about was called "the head fake". A head fake is making the students do something without them knowing that they're actually learning. The biggest example of this is Alice, a virtual life program that he helped create. When I saw this part, I remembered using Alice in the 10th grade, or at least trying to (slow computers). This also reminded me of how much my son learns from watching cartoons, such as saying "Si" instead of "Yes" from watching Dora. While Alice is a cool program, from what I've seen of it, the best head fake was at the end when he told everyone that the lecture was really for his children.
Everything that I mentioned above was great but I got way more out of this video than just teaching methods. Pausch said talked about always working as hard as you can to reach achieve your dreams. To go beyond that, he said not to let a brick wall get in the way of your dreams. This is motivation and inspiration that can be passed from person to person, especially from teacher to student. I am very glad that I got to watch Pausch's Last Lecture and that he got the chance to inspire so many people, even after his death.
Due to being completely amazed at the first project he assigned, Pausch had to do something so his students would keep amazing him. So, he told them that they could do better next time. Pausch called this "not setting a bar". By not letting the students know how great they really did, they achieved more and more with each project. This idea was actually given to him by someone else but by Pausch doing this, it created the popularity of his students' virtual world simulators. Which, by the way, the example he showed was really cool even though it was creepy.
The next completely awesome thing that Pausch did that I've never thought about was called "the head fake". A head fake is making the students do something without them knowing that they're actually learning. The biggest example of this is Alice, a virtual life program that he helped create. When I saw this part, I remembered using Alice in the 10th grade, or at least trying to (slow computers). This also reminded me of how much my son learns from watching cartoons, such as saying "Si" instead of "Yes" from watching Dora. While Alice is a cool program, from what I've seen of it, the best head fake was at the end when he told everyone that the lecture was really for his children.
Everything that I mentioned above was great but I got way more out of this video than just teaching methods. Pausch said talked about always working as hard as you can to reach achieve your dreams. To go beyond that, he said not to let a brick wall get in the way of your dreams. This is motivation and inspiration that can be passed from person to person, especially from teacher to student. I am very glad that I got to watch Pausch's Last Lecture and that he got the chance to inspire so many people, even after his death.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Comments For Kids 1
The blog that I was assigned to comment on was 2KM @ Leopold Primary School. This school is Australia and that is what the blog post was based upon, a tourism video for Australia!
My post was as follows: The commercial for Australia really did make me want to visit! It was very catchy and everything looks so beautiful! Mobile is known for it’s bay but the waters in Australia look 10 times better.
Another thing I love about this commercial is the emphasis put on the animals. I love animals and right now, a large portion of our coastline is suffering from the Bp oil spill but the animals are being put on the back burner.
Anyway, I would love to visit Australia some day to get a hands experience of the beaches, wildlife, and of course the Sydney Opera House.
The teacher, Kathleen McGeady, said this: @ Nichole, thanks for your great comment. It’s nice having so many visitors from Dr Strange’s class. I am very impressed with what you’re learning in your course! I’m glad you liked the commercial. I’m sure if you came to Australia you would love all the animals, beaches and the beautiful Sydney Opera House. The BP oil spill is very sad and I hope it is resolved soon!
I thought it was very nice of her to comment back and now I have the urge to visit Australia. And after searching this blog, I thought it was in a very original format. It's not the kids necessarily doing the "posting" but the teacher posts questions for everyone to answer. I think that is a very neat idea.
The Current Status of my PLN
I began my PLN with my Twitter account. I have teachers on Twitter such as Dr. McLeod, Ms. Drexler, Kelly Hines, Dr. Howie DiBlasi and so on (60 in all). Also, after looking around Ms. Drexler's blog, I found the PLE video that one of her students created (before I realized Anthony posted it on his blog) and I created a Symbaloo, which is pictured above. I have also bookmarked many pages on Delicious such as Dangerously Irrelevant, TED, The Educator's PLN and many more.
So far, I have received a "Thanks for Following" message from Dr. McLeod and Dr. DiBlasi on Twitter and I've replied to Dr. DiBlasi on behalf of his Did You Know? 6 Video. I have also left a comment for Will Richardson concerning G-Portfolios, awaiting reply.
I feel confidant about my PLN and as I begin to feel more comfortable with it, and as it grows, I have a feeling it will be my most powerful teaching tool. I am going to use this in my classroom.
Compose. Network. Meh.
Richard Miller: This Is How We Dream
"The limits and restrictions are largely ones we place on ourselves". I feel that this was one of the most powerful messages in these videos. Everyone has unaddressed fears and for some of us, it is the web. It isn't the Internet or the computer itself, it is taking on the task of learning how to use new tools and pick up a new "trade" so to speak. While the computer can be intimidating, from what I've what I've learned so far, there are an infinite amount of ways to get help, videos to watch, and an infinite amount of blog posts and websites to learn from.
By watching this video, it has not prepared me to write with multimedia but it has prepped me, so to speak. This video brought home the reality to me that education is just not going to be the same when I graduate. I may not be grading any essays at all but videos, blog posts, and wiki entries.
I stand in awe at this technology revolution. By keeping up with my PLN after this class and through my career, I know I will be well equipped for whatever new is thrown my way, even "composing" with multimedia.
The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler
This video by Ms. Drexler was very informative, like a set of instructions. However, the path to being able to have networked students seems very gray. As Ms. Drexler says on her blog, there are many obstacles to over come before being able to do this. I hope that Ms. Drexler, as well as myself, can accomplish the task of having networked students.
Such obstacles that accompany having networked students would be parents, administrators, blocked websites/software/applications, and how much responsibility/freedom you let a student have. For students to be more than just model memory keepers, they have to assume some level of responsibility for their work. I think working collaboratively on the Internet is perfect for this. What's a computer without unlimited information of the Internet?
Am I ready to be a teacher of networking students? Well, no. However, I do have the confidence to learn more about it to prepare myself. I find this to be a great learning opportunity and a much easier research method than "Don't use Wikipedia".
Michael Wesch Video
This video was of the easiest videos to understand because I knew about everything Wesch talked about. I've read 1984 and Brave New World and I've also watched YouTube videos for a long time now. After watching his students talk to themselves in the camera, I understand why my video isn't too great. It's really different to act out something with someone else in front a camera compared to have a "private talk" with your camera. Another thing I enjoyed about this video is his perception of the "whatever" and "meh" generations. I find it interesting that we, as humans, do like to complain about almost everything but it's rare that anything is done about it but a simple "whatever, meh".
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Smartboards Vs. Teachers
Interactive Whiteboard and Classroom Guru
While scouring Google to find something nice to say about smart boards, I slowly began to realize that there really isn't anything nice to say. However, I did find a blog (the link is posted above) that had some interesting pros/cons and a funny parody about the Microsoft Surface. This is the video for the "Smart Table" that seems alluring until you realize that only 3 kids can really fit at the table and being that they cost almost $10,00 a piece, they go from alluring to untouchable.
After reading Why Smartboards are a dumb initiative and Why I hate Interactive Whiteboards, my views on this device did not change. I have never been interested in smartboards. My high school pre-cal teacher used one and it had no outstanding effect because over half the class was failing and still falling asleep. I was very lucky that I didn't need another math credit. Another example would be my high school government teacher whose smartboard sat in the corner of the classroom collecting dust. This teacher had a powerful personality and a great attitude towards teaching so a smartboard was not needed (plus, it was more fun to watch him throw dry erase markers across the room when they ran out of ink).
The only pros to smartboards that come to mind are as follows: (1) they might capture attention for a limited period of time (disregard if you teach high school); (2)the students could come up with their own lessons to share with the class.
The moral of the story: The free software that Dr. Strange is sharing with us is (a)free and (b) more collaborative and interactive that an interactive white board that costs more money than most schools could think about having.
The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies
I thought these videos were great. While I was thinking about videos to make, I stole an idea from Eagle Nest Radio. It would be cool to "bring back" someone like Benjamin Franklin and teach him about technology. I would like to teach him how to blog and use Delicious because he had a lot of trouble remembering all of his facts when he wrote "The Autobiography".
While scouring Google to find something nice to say about smart boards, I slowly began to realize that there really isn't anything nice to say. However, I did find a blog (the link is posted above) that had some interesting pros/cons and a funny parody about the Microsoft Surface. This is the video for the "Smart Table" that seems alluring until you realize that only 3 kids can really fit at the table and being that they cost almost $10,00 a piece, they go from alluring to untouchable.
After reading Why Smartboards are a dumb initiative and Why I hate Interactive Whiteboards, my views on this device did not change. I have never been interested in smartboards. My high school pre-cal teacher used one and it had no outstanding effect because over half the class was failing and still falling asleep. I was very lucky that I didn't need another math credit. Another example would be my high school government teacher whose smartboard sat in the corner of the classroom collecting dust. This teacher had a powerful personality and a great attitude towards teaching so a smartboard was not needed (plus, it was more fun to watch him throw dry erase markers across the room when they ran out of ink).
The only pros to smartboards that come to mind are as follows: (1) they might capture attention for a limited period of time (disregard if you teach high school); (2)the students could come up with their own lessons to share with the class.
The moral of the story: The free software that Dr. Strange is sharing with us is (a)free and (b) more collaborative and interactive that an interactive white board that costs more money than most schools could think about having.
The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies
I thought these videos were great. While I was thinking about videos to make, I stole an idea from Eagle Nest Radio. It would be cool to "bring back" someone like Benjamin Franklin and teach him about technology. I would like to teach him how to blog and use Delicious because he had a lot of trouble remembering all of his facts when he wrote "The Autobiography".
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A post on podcasts
By searching through all of these websites, I found a lot to learn about podcasts. I have previously listened to podcasts before this class but I never expected to listen to a first grade podcast... and enjoy it. I learned how simple it is to make a podcast, and from listening to the podcasts, how fun it can be.
I would like to add podcasts as a list of things to do with my classes when I start teaching. Forget about blogging about Shakespeare, we'll have Shakespeare radio. And concerning "vodcasts", the class can create Coleridge TV. The possibilities are endless.
Eagle's Nest Radio & Class Blog
This blog contains podcasts that are created by third graders and designed like a radio show. I thought this was a very interesting way to incorporate technology into the classroom. My favorite podcast was about explorers and the kids made time machine noises so they could back and "interview" different explorers throughout history.
I took a look around the website and also saw news videos that the students made. I thought these were so awesome, it really beats the coloring I did in 3rd grade. This is a link to Nicholas's video, which is a report on the Colosseum of Death in Rome. I give this teacher an A+ for her creativity in coming up with assignments.
Langwitches
This website has so many tools, blog posts, and podcasts on it! My favorite podcast that I found was one that had been done by first graders. They recreated the story of Flat Stanley by saying that they had all gotten flattened by their smartboard. The teacher then mailed them off to places of their choosing and the students described the places by the research that they had done. I really enjoyed listening to this story.
This website is full of ideas for the classroom. The owner is Silvia Tolisano and she is a Technology Integration Facilitator and 21st Century Learning Specialist. I found this website very helpful and I have bookmarked it on Delicious.
Judy Scharf Podcast Collection
I found this website to be very helpful. It gives you a straightforward definition of a podcast, tells you how to make a podcasts, gives you tips to succeed in making podcasts, and many other helpful tips and tricks.
All of this information is designed for teachers and it even gives you a grading rubric. It also gives you ideas for what to make a podcast about. I listened to the example for the Tour of the Digestive System and could not stop laughing. I thought it was great that the students could have fun, learn, and act out body parts.
The Education Podcast Network
I thought this podcast website had the best definition of a podcast: "... imagine a merger between blogging (regularly posted articles of news, insight, fun, grips, literature, and more) and radio (an established broadcasting medium that people have listened to for news and entertainment for generations)."
What I liked most about this podcast network is that it isn't restricted to one main age group, such as elementary. This website has elementary, middle, and high school podcasts and is organized very well. Podcasts can be found by age group or subject, and there are even professional podcasts available.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Music, Poems, and iPods
Don't teach your kids this stuff, Please? by Scott McLeod
Dr. Scott McLeod is an "Associate Professor of Educational Administration at Iowa State University and the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE)". In simpler terms, Scott McLeod aids in the process of educating teachers in the field of technology all over the nation. He is also a co-creator of the "Did You Know?" videos (see my earlier blog post).
In his satire, he addresses the fact that children who aren't taught technological communication skills are going to be left behind in the future. This is true. I want my child to have a "leg up", as Dr. McLeod puts it, on all the other kids. I understand that cyber sex crimes are a threat to children but the parents have to be engaged enough to monitor their kids and perhaps, through the process, the parents will learn something as well. Technology has become somewhat of a necessity and although it can create a lot of damage, it can create a lot of good as well.
The iSchool Initiative
This video was created by a high school student named Travis Allen who argues to do away with books, paper, pencil and put all schoolwork on an iPod Touch. Allen says that the iPod touch is capable of this as it is today with different apps such as World Wiki, Formulae, Chemical Touch, and so on. However, Allen says that the applications can be expanded to create a network for teachers, students, and parents; he also says that the internet can be limited to schoolwork only and the price will be cheaper than the normal school supplies are now. Allen also says that this would reduce the carbon footprint and help us step toward a cleaner environment.
I find this to be a brilliant idea but I cannot grasp it. When I write an essay, I need a piece of paper and a pen that I can write and draw for an hour or two and cross out what I don't like. I never am able to start at a computer, and the same goes for these blog posts. I tried searching to see who would be paying for these, and what would happen if there was damage but I couldn't find anything. I would also like to add that Travis Allen is now in college and has moved up to the iPad, which seems a more reasonable tool to use and also a more reasonable tool to use in college rather than high school. I think I'm still standing at the fork in the road.
The Lost Generation
I thought the reversal of this poem was a lot more accurate than the first part. If everyone really believes that we're going to destroy the earth, our melancholy attitudes will definitely get us there. The youth of today however, realize the downfall in of our environment and are eager to help make the Earth "green and healthy". If you don't believe, look up a couple of paragraphs and reread about Travis Allen.
The problem that we have to overcome is the ever building "me" society that we live in. If this can happen, future generations can gain a great value system and hopefully lower the divorce rate and the environmental deterioration rate. And just as a side note, I thought this was a really cool technique that I will be adding to my list of things to do when I start teaching.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir - Lux Aurumque
I thought this ensemble was really cool. I used to participate in my high school choir but to do over the Internet, I think this may have taken a really long time. I know I wouldn't have the patience to put this together. This could be really innovative thing for school choirs/choruses to do, especially for auditions. If you do it this way, you can audition all the people by themselves and then put them together to see if they sound good together. I think the people in this video sounded great, like a heavenly chorus.
Dr. Scott McLeod is an "Associate Professor of Educational Administration at Iowa State University and the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE)". In simpler terms, Scott McLeod aids in the process of educating teachers in the field of technology all over the nation. He is also a co-creator of the "Did You Know?" videos (see my earlier blog post).
In his satire, he addresses the fact that children who aren't taught technological communication skills are going to be left behind in the future. This is true. I want my child to have a "leg up", as Dr. McLeod puts it, on all the other kids. I understand that cyber sex crimes are a threat to children but the parents have to be engaged enough to monitor their kids and perhaps, through the process, the parents will learn something as well. Technology has become somewhat of a necessity and although it can create a lot of damage, it can create a lot of good as well.
The iSchool Initiative
This video was created by a high school student named Travis Allen who argues to do away with books, paper, pencil and put all schoolwork on an iPod Touch. Allen says that the iPod touch is capable of this as it is today with different apps such as World Wiki, Formulae, Chemical Touch, and so on. However, Allen says that the applications can be expanded to create a network for teachers, students, and parents; he also says that the internet can be limited to schoolwork only and the price will be cheaper than the normal school supplies are now. Allen also says that this would reduce the carbon footprint and help us step toward a cleaner environment.
I find this to be a brilliant idea but I cannot grasp it. When I write an essay, I need a piece of paper and a pen that I can write and draw for an hour or two and cross out what I don't like. I never am able to start at a computer, and the same goes for these blog posts. I tried searching to see who would be paying for these, and what would happen if there was damage but I couldn't find anything. I would also like to add that Travis Allen is now in college and has moved up to the iPad, which seems a more reasonable tool to use and also a more reasonable tool to use in college rather than high school. I think I'm still standing at the fork in the road.
The Lost Generation
I thought the reversal of this poem was a lot more accurate than the first part. If everyone really believes that we're going to destroy the earth, our melancholy attitudes will definitely get us there. The youth of today however, realize the downfall in of our environment and are eager to help make the Earth "green and healthy". If you don't believe, look up a couple of paragraphs and reread about Travis Allen.
The problem that we have to overcome is the ever building "me" society that we live in. If this can happen, future generations can gain a great value system and hopefully lower the divorce rate and the environmental deterioration rate. And just as a side note, I thought this was a really cool technique that I will be adding to my list of things to do when I start teaching.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir - Lux Aurumque
I thought this ensemble was really cool. I used to participate in my high school choir but to do over the Internet, I think this may have taken a really long time. I know I wouldn't have the patience to put this together. This could be really innovative thing for school choirs/choruses to do, especially for auditions. If you do it this way, you can audition all the people by themselves and then put them together to see if they sound good together. I think the people in this video sounded great, like a heavenly chorus.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
My valued thoughts
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
This video is a true reality check. It is amazing yet depressing how much time we spend on technology rather than doing other things that could be deemed more important. However, as technology advances, it gets harder and harder too look at an old-fashioned book. I personally enjoy reading for my own pleasure and I own many books but when it comes to studying, it is almost like I will do anything to escape the reading assignments.
Online classroom tools are designed to keep the students engaged and in my experience, they have been used at South in some instances. After fumbling to figure out how to turn up the volume for ten minutes, my Drama professor showed us videos from TED and youtube; I used the e-companion to fetch my notes for Biology; and my Psychology professor had his own website we downloaded our notes from. The two main subjects that I have taken with a technological void is Math and English. That is what the video was missing- a dusty, ancient overhead projector with the students asleep in the dark.
"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
This was a very good outline on how to be a good teacher and stay in this century while doing it. I am all for the idea that technology won't do you any good unless your a good teacher. I also agree that the mindset of a teacher is important when incorporating technology into the classroom. A teacher can be just as stubborn as his or her students. Force feeding does not work with teaching or learning.
What I really got from this blog post is that a teacher is still the main tool in teaching. That has not changed. Technology has arisen as an aide in keeping the students focused and their creativity levels above and beyond the call of duty. Seriously, what student would rather write a 1,000 word essay over blogging?
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
Karl was my favorite. I think is mostly the older generation that does not know computers very well. My mom is the world's worst. She blames me for her ignorance of technology and hates the fact that my two year old knows how to turn on the computer but she can't. All I can say is that these technologically illiterate people are missing out on a lot. I don't know what I would do without Facebook games.
I loved the analogy that if you are technologically illiterate, it's just like not being able to read or write. For today's generation, that is like the chicken and egg question. Which will come first for today's youth? Technology literacy or traditional paperback literacy?
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
If you watch this count long enough, which I don't recommend, you can Father Time's clock ticking. I feel like this is a countdown to an explosion. I suppose you could think of it as a ticking time bomb of information ready to explode. Be sure not show it to y2k fanatics.
How will this affect my professional career as a teacher? That means more information available on the Internet, bigger Facebook for my planning period (a joke of course), more youtube videos to show my students, and a whole lot of catching up to do.
This video is a true reality check. It is amazing yet depressing how much time we spend on technology rather than doing other things that could be deemed more important. However, as technology advances, it gets harder and harder too look at an old-fashioned book. I personally enjoy reading for my own pleasure and I own many books but when it comes to studying, it is almost like I will do anything to escape the reading assignments.
Online classroom tools are designed to keep the students engaged and in my experience, they have been used at South in some instances. After fumbling to figure out how to turn up the volume for ten minutes, my Drama professor showed us videos from TED and youtube; I used the e-companion to fetch my notes for Biology; and my Psychology professor had his own website we downloaded our notes from. The two main subjects that I have taken with a technological void is Math and English. That is what the video was missing- a dusty, ancient overhead projector with the students asleep in the dark.
"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
This was a very good outline on how to be a good teacher and stay in this century while doing it. I am all for the idea that technology won't do you any good unless your a good teacher. I also agree that the mindset of a teacher is important when incorporating technology into the classroom. A teacher can be just as stubborn as his or her students. Force feeding does not work with teaching or learning.
What I really got from this blog post is that a teacher is still the main tool in teaching. That has not changed. Technology has arisen as an aide in keeping the students focused and their creativity levels above and beyond the call of duty. Seriously, what student would rather write a 1,000 word essay over blogging?
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
Karl was my favorite. I think is mostly the older generation that does not know computers very well. My mom is the world's worst. She blames me for her ignorance of technology and hates the fact that my two year old knows how to turn on the computer but she can't. All I can say is that these technologically illiterate people are missing out on a lot. I don't know what I would do without Facebook games.
I loved the analogy that if you are technologically illiterate, it's just like not being able to read or write. For today's generation, that is like the chicken and egg question. Which will come first for today's youth? Technology literacy or traditional paperback literacy?
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
If you watch this count long enough, which I don't recommend, you can Father Time's clock ticking. I feel like this is a countdown to an explosion. I suppose you could think of it as a ticking time bomb of information ready to explode. Be sure not show it to y2k fanatics.
How will this affect my professional career as a teacher? That means more information available on the Internet, bigger Facebook for my planning period (a joke of course), more youtube videos to show my students, and a whole lot of catching up to do.
C4T
My teacher was John Spencer, creator of Spencer's Scratch Pad. Mr. Spencer is a computer teacher in Arizona and has tons of great things on his blog! I highly recommend bookmarking his blog, following it, or just click the RSS button!
June 9, 2010
In the first post that I commented on, Mr. Spencer had a Google Docs presentation about all of the technologies that his children will not know about or use. I thought this was a great post because it was before I finished my Presentation and I don't even use some of these technologies. This is proof of how fast the technological world is growing.
Hi Mr.Spencer
My name is Nichole and I am a Secondary Education student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I have been assigned to follow you for the next three weeks by Dr. John Strange. This is the link to our class blog and if you would like to view my summary of your blog that I will be posting on June 30, here is my link.
I am thankful that I got assigned to you because you seem like an interesting and fun teacher from what I have read already on your blog and in your book.
It also great that the post I am commenting has a Google Docs presentation because mine is due this Sunday for my blog.
I never really thought about how outdated some of the technologies you listed were until I viewed your slide show. I can charge myself guilty of not using a watch anymore, I use my cellphone. I only use CD's in my car now but even though I'm only 18, I can say that I know how to use a record player. I can also say that mp3 players are so easy to use that my two year old can operate one.
Schools need to open up and accept the fact that they cannot hide from technology. In my first two semesters of college (I'm on my 3rd), I have found that online textbooks and online quizzes are better than the "old fashioned" type. And oh if people (such as school boards) could only realize that a technologically enhanced classroom inhibits boredom and induces learning. Quite the opposite of a traditional classroom unless you have a fabulously hilarious teacher.
June 16, 2010
This post was about the flaws of the education system and how people can't sit back and enjoy the beauty of education, but they have to prod and poke to see how to "enhance" it so to speak.
John,
I thought this was a very interesting blog post. I had to sit and think about it for a while, but I think what you said has started to sink in.
The way a school operates today, at least here in Mobile, Alabama, is not to create thinkers or learners but it seems as if they are here to heighten memory. I have had many teachers that focus primarily on standardized tests, memorization, and making sure that they don't see the same faces again the next year.
Is this really what teachers want? I don't think so or they should have chosen a different field. School systems are so fixed upon showing off test scores for funding... but what do they mean? I don't think they mean anything.
The whole system is flawed and the errors spread out and corrupt everything. I like technology as much as the next person but if we jump into turning to technology for everything, the whole concept of a classroom will become fable in itself.
Schools are becoming more and more like machines or factories. In comes the student, much like a "tabula rasa" as Locke put it, and out comes the processed product who is not truly ready for the world and cannot critically think or make decisions but can memorize something and fill in bubbles better than anyone.
That is all I am going to say for now... I really enjoyed your post, and I'll save the school board for next time.
June 23, 2010
This was a podcast about the "real world". It focuses on how teachers and schools like to tell students they need to get ready for the real world (i.e. turn in work on time, be prepared) but they should really be teaching honesty, originality, and creativity.
I agree that teaching authenticity is better than "real world" preparations. The "real world" is not the same for everyone. In most cases it isn't the "real world" but "dog eat dog".
I didn't learn how to compose myself in public in school by any means. I've been a server for 4 years which, in my view, has been a great learning experience. I've seen things I wish I had never seen before. But, I have learned how to talk to people the right way, how to avoid conflict with co-workers, and how to bite my tongue and smile.
I think that these are the basic skills for the real world that teachers cannot relay to their students unless they are completely brutal. The
"real world" is what needs to prepare students for the "real world", not the school system.
Back to your point of authenticity, if kids were just taught to be honest to themselves and to other people, they might come out with the originality needed to survive in the ever-changing "real world". I'll take creative chaos over prompt organization any day.
This is not a post that I commented on for the assignment, but for the helpfulness of it. It is the easiest-to-understand explanation of a PLN I've seen so far.
June 9, 2010
In the first post that I commented on, Mr. Spencer had a Google Docs presentation about all of the technologies that his children will not know about or use. I thought this was a great post because it was before I finished my Presentation and I don't even use some of these technologies. This is proof of how fast the technological world is growing.
Hi Mr.Spencer
My name is Nichole and I am a Secondary Education student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I have been assigned to follow you for the next three weeks by Dr. John Strange. This is the link to our class blog and if you would like to view my summary of your blog that I will be posting on June 30, here is my link.
I am thankful that I got assigned to you because you seem like an interesting and fun teacher from what I have read already on your blog and in your book.
It also great that the post I am commenting has a Google Docs presentation because mine is due this Sunday for my blog.
I never really thought about how outdated some of the technologies you listed were until I viewed your slide show. I can charge myself guilty of not using a watch anymore, I use my cellphone. I only use CD's in my car now but even though I'm only 18, I can say that I know how to use a record player. I can also say that mp3 players are so easy to use that my two year old can operate one.
Schools need to open up and accept the fact that they cannot hide from technology. In my first two semesters of college (I'm on my 3rd), I have found that online textbooks and online quizzes are better than the "old fashioned" type. And oh if people (such as school boards) could only realize that a technologically enhanced classroom inhibits boredom and induces learning. Quite the opposite of a traditional classroom unless you have a fabulously hilarious teacher.
June 16, 2010
This post was about the flaws of the education system and how people can't sit back and enjoy the beauty of education, but they have to prod and poke to see how to "enhance" it so to speak.
John,
I thought this was a very interesting blog post. I had to sit and think about it for a while, but I think what you said has started to sink in.
The way a school operates today, at least here in Mobile, Alabama, is not to create thinkers or learners but it seems as if they are here to heighten memory. I have had many teachers that focus primarily on standardized tests, memorization, and making sure that they don't see the same faces again the next year.
Is this really what teachers want? I don't think so or they should have chosen a different field. School systems are so fixed upon showing off test scores for funding... but what do they mean? I don't think they mean anything.
The whole system is flawed and the errors spread out and corrupt everything. I like technology as much as the next person but if we jump into turning to technology for everything, the whole concept of a classroom will become fable in itself.
Schools are becoming more and more like machines or factories. In comes the student, much like a "tabula rasa" as Locke put it, and out comes the processed product who is not truly ready for the world and cannot critically think or make decisions but can memorize something and fill in bubbles better than anyone.
That is all I am going to say for now... I really enjoyed your post, and I'll save the school board for next time.
June 23, 2010
This was a podcast about the "real world". It focuses on how teachers and schools like to tell students they need to get ready for the real world (i.e. turn in work on time, be prepared) but they should really be teaching honesty, originality, and creativity.
I agree that teaching authenticity is better than "real world" preparations. The "real world" is not the same for everyone. In most cases it isn't the "real world" but "dog eat dog".
I didn't learn how to compose myself in public in school by any means. I've been a server for 4 years which, in my view, has been a great learning experience. I've seen things I wish I had never seen before. But, I have learned how to talk to people the right way, how to avoid conflict with co-workers, and how to bite my tongue and smile.
I think that these are the basic skills for the real world that teachers cannot relay to their students unless they are completely brutal. The
"real world" is what needs to prepare students for the "real world", not the school system.
Back to your point of authenticity, if kids were just taught to be honest to themselves and to other people, they might come out with the originality needed to survive in the ever-changing "real world". I'll take creative chaos over prompt organization any day.
This is not a post that I commented on for the assignment, but for the helpfulness of it. It is the easiest-to-understand explanation of a PLN I've seen so far.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Did You Know? 3.0
This video was rather disturbing. There wasn't anything about it that I didn't already know, some of the facts were just hard to cope with. American patriotism has always made America to be the country that is on top of the world. I am quite sure that this is what many people think, even despite the grotesque amount of debt that our government owes China. It is quite difficult for me to sit here in Mobile, Alabama, and fathom all the technology that is being used right this very minute all over the world. Amish communities have even integrated technology into their lifestyle to sell their products (Amish jelly is really good). When I learned about the Amish using technology is when I concluded that technology is inevitable and quite inescapable.
However, these are the facts that we have to deal with and they must somehow be embraced. A fact that I thought was funny was about Myspace would be one of the largest countries if it were one. I pondered on this and came to the conclusion that if Myspace were a country, it would be very scary. Why? It would be run by 13 year old girls. Those are my thoughts on Did You Know? 3.0.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
I thought this video was dead on about how schools are today. All through out elementary, middle, and high school there was always a designated time to use the computer. Even in college there are instructors that do not want you to use your computer. I saw a lot of comments arguing that schools are not the same as they used to be, and so on and so on. There are few classes that I have had that were technologically enhanced up until my high school graduation. Computer classes, two of my teachers in high school had smart boards, and I remember playing Oregon Trail in the fourth grade. That is all I can remember, other than typing papers on Word and creating PowerPoints.
The ending to this video should have been that Mr. Winkle could not stand the school either, so he went back to sleep. However, that is not so. This is truly a message to future teachers to liven up our curriculum and do not fear or detest technology in the classroom. Instead of forgetting about the computer, wake up the students and let them use it to showcase their intelligence instead of letting it deteriorate through tests and essays.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
This was my favorite video out of all four. Sir Ken is a phenomenal and captivating speaker. What stuck out most in my mind was when he talked about how we place subjects like math and language on a pedestal. I have seen many of my peers get so overworked by these subjects that they fail them and either repeat a grade, or drop out all together. I think that it would be heaven for students if there were more emphasis placed on art, drama, and dance classes. Instead of school feeling like an 8 hour day at prison, it should feel like an exciting place to go not only to learn about math and science but to unlock potential and talent through creativity.
Another awesome point that Sir Ken makes is about ADHD and how it is made to be something that should be controlled with medicine but it really just needs to be channeled through creativity. Where would Broadway be without Gillian Lynne? I don't think that Sir Ken was trying to say that everything in psychology's hefty DSM manual is made up but maybe ADHD is an opportunity, not a disability. Sir Ken is my new teaching inspiration. Kudos, Sir Ken.
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
This was my second favorite video. I admire Vicki Davis in that she a very good relationship with her students. By saying that she has a good relationship, I mean that she can teach her students and they can teach her as well. It is very empowering to a student when they can tell the teacher something new that the teacher doesn't know. Learning together also makes the class more fun and interesting and learning technology creates and endless cycle of learning.
Whenever I get out into the teaching world, I would like to integrate technology into my class. Even though I will be teaching English, I'm sure that there are many things to be blogged about Shakespeare. The main obstacle, however, is privacy controls on school computers. Although if they aren't taken off by then, I'm sure my students will amateur hackers anyway.
This video was rather disturbing. There wasn't anything about it that I didn't already know, some of the facts were just hard to cope with. American patriotism has always made America to be the country that is on top of the world. I am quite sure that this is what many people think, even despite the grotesque amount of debt that our government owes China. It is quite difficult for me to sit here in Mobile, Alabama, and fathom all the technology that is being used right this very minute all over the world. Amish communities have even integrated technology into their lifestyle to sell their products (Amish jelly is really good). When I learned about the Amish using technology is when I concluded that technology is inevitable and quite inescapable.
However, these are the facts that we have to deal with and they must somehow be embraced. A fact that I thought was funny was about Myspace would be one of the largest countries if it were one. I pondered on this and came to the conclusion that if Myspace were a country, it would be very scary. Why? It would be run by 13 year old girls. Those are my thoughts on Did You Know? 3.0.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
I thought this video was dead on about how schools are today. All through out elementary, middle, and high school there was always a designated time to use the computer. Even in college there are instructors that do not want you to use your computer. I saw a lot of comments arguing that schools are not the same as they used to be, and so on and so on. There are few classes that I have had that were technologically enhanced up until my high school graduation. Computer classes, two of my teachers in high school had smart boards, and I remember playing Oregon Trail in the fourth grade. That is all I can remember, other than typing papers on Word and creating PowerPoints.
The ending to this video should have been that Mr. Winkle could not stand the school either, so he went back to sleep. However, that is not so. This is truly a message to future teachers to liven up our curriculum and do not fear or detest technology in the classroom. Instead of forgetting about the computer, wake up the students and let them use it to showcase their intelligence instead of letting it deteriorate through tests and essays.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
This was my favorite video out of all four. Sir Ken is a phenomenal and captivating speaker. What stuck out most in my mind was when he talked about how we place subjects like math and language on a pedestal. I have seen many of my peers get so overworked by these subjects that they fail them and either repeat a grade, or drop out all together. I think that it would be heaven for students if there were more emphasis placed on art, drama, and dance classes. Instead of school feeling like an 8 hour day at prison, it should feel like an exciting place to go not only to learn about math and science but to unlock potential and talent through creativity.
Another awesome point that Sir Ken makes is about ADHD and how it is made to be something that should be controlled with medicine but it really just needs to be channeled through creativity. Where would Broadway be without Gillian Lynne? I don't think that Sir Ken was trying to say that everything in psychology's hefty DSM manual is made up but maybe ADHD is an opportunity, not a disability. Sir Ken is my new teaching inspiration. Kudos, Sir Ken.
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
This was my second favorite video. I admire Vicki Davis in that she a very good relationship with her students. By saying that she has a good relationship, I mean that she can teach her students and they can teach her as well. It is very empowering to a student when they can tell the teacher something new that the teacher doesn't know. Learning together also makes the class more fun and interesting and learning technology creates and endless cycle of learning.
Whenever I get out into the teaching world, I would like to integrate technology into my class. Even though I will be teaching English, I'm sure that there are many things to be blogged about Shakespeare. The main obstacle, however, is privacy controls on school computers. Although if they aren't taken off by then, I'm sure my students will amateur hackers anyway.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
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