Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Additional Assignment #3
What do you think is the most important thing Sir Ken Robinson says in this presentation?
His questions to me are very important. "How do we educate our children...?" I think we can ask this question and let the remainder of the question be followed with many things. So we should always think about it, "How do we educate our children?"
Is there anything you disagree with in this presentation?
He made a lot of good points about ADHD being fictitious. I do not disagree with him entirely at all. I do believe that some kids do need drugs for ADHD, but maybe if they are first tested by seeing what interests them and how much attention they pay with those things then we will be able to see it on an individual basis also instead of handing out drugs to any kid who thinks he or she has ADHD.
How congruent are Sir Ken Robinson's positions with those which you are being taught in the College of Education. In other words, where is there agreement? Where is there disagreement?
They are very different because we are told we are becoming smarter the older we get, but he shows that divergent thinking happening more at younger ages and deteriorating the older we get. When we are older we are told mostly that there is only one answer to each question, while as a child a lot of times we freely think whatever we want to and use our imaginations widely. Although now we are moving towards thinking out of the box more and maybe our divergent thinking will increase.
What can you do to address the issues Sir Robinson raises?
Never stop thinking about what other answers there could be. Remember how we thought in Kindergarten and use our imagination continuously because that is where things are dreamed up. People who use this come up with the inventions we now use today, so why stop using our imaginations now?
What do you think of the presentation? If you had to do a presentation with others like this, what role on your team would you like most to play?
I thought the presentation was represented in a very interesting way and I really like how he used unique visuals. I really enjoyed the artists job, but I think I would be better at being the designer and coming up with the ideas of how to portray the presentation.
Blog Post #10
Morgan Bayda and Dan Brown:
Comparing my attitudes and experiences with those of Morgan Bayda
I understand that some of education needs to follow along with the information age. I think South is doing a good job now at offering classes that are online. Yes, it will be very hard to completely change over every University and make everything all about the Information Age and making everything online. I personally don't think that should happen. I do think that every class that can be offered online, should be offered online, but I also believe that students should be able to choose between a regular class and an online class. I have also had some experiences where I am trying my best to stay awake in class while the professor is teaching. However, I find that if I have a really good teacher, such as my Geography professor Mr. Sebastian, I look forward to class and I stay very interested because he makes learning understandable and fun. A lot of times, classes just need new teachers, sad but true. It's crazy that Dan Brown quit school because of that. That was his decision although I think it was crazy. It is said that these days everyone should have a degree in something so I hope he found some all online school somewhere to get a degree!
Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home
I made a comment on this post also: I am also from EDM 310. I also like the approach of not arguing over the subject, but instead showing solutions. Kids always need a fun way to learn so they stay interested and continue working. However, if they do decide to go on a Hang Man trail, they are still learning some words! So learning is still there!
Two Questions That Can Change Your Life:
Reflect on the questions and how they affect me.
These two sentences are a great method of deciding what our main goal as teachers are. It is also great to motivate ourselves to do other things as well. I will probably ask myself these questions quite often and even come up with new ones throughout the years to help push me in the directions I desire to go and to inspire me continuously to do the things I know are my desires.
My Sentence:
" I strive to teach my students more than just things from a textbook, but also life lessons that will carry on throughout their lives always to be remembered."
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Blog Post #9
"What I've Learned This Year" by Mr. McClung
In this post, Mr. McClung writes about a lot of things that he has learned from teaching this year. I believe that everything he wrote can be useful for teachers of any age and with any type of degree. I agree with everything that he said and I find it all very important. The topics he discussed are to read the crowd, be flexible, communicate, be reasonable, don't be afraid of technology, listen to your students, and never stop learning. All of these are important in the job of becoming a teacher. I posted a comment to Mr. McClung saying that his focus on creating a relationship with our students by listening to them is one of the most important things that a teacher can do. The kids need to know that they can trust the teacher, not feel embarrased by the teacher, and to know that the teacher is always there to encourage and not discourage. Listening and encouraging goes a long way in a child's life!
In this post, Mr. McClung writes about a lot of things that he has learned from teaching this year. I believe that everything he wrote can be useful for teachers of any age and with any type of degree. I agree with everything that he said and I find it all very important. The topics he discussed are to read the crowd, be flexible, communicate, be reasonable, don't be afraid of technology, listen to your students, and never stop learning. All of these are important in the job of becoming a teacher. I posted a comment to Mr. McClung saying that his focus on creating a relationship with our students by listening to them is one of the most important things that a teacher can do. The kids need to know that they can trust the teacher, not feel embarrased by the teacher, and to know that the teacher is always there to encourage and not discourage. Listening and encouraging goes a long way in a child's life!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Additional Assignment #2
How Kids Teach Themselves: Answer these questions in your post. Identify any other issues that you think are important or useful to discuss.
1. What do you think? If learners are motivated, can they teach themselves?
With most things, yes I do think they can teach themselves.
2. If those motivated learners are kids, can they teach themselves?
Yes, with most things. We will all have things we may need additional help with, but if we are not
afraid messing up, I think we can learn a lot on our own.
3. What conditions are necessary for kids to teach themselves? For anyone to teach him or herself?
To be focused on it and dedicated to learning.
4. What role do computers and internet access play in the process?
Much of what we do not know, we can find out how to by searching for it on the computer.
5. What role does motivation, a desire to learn?
Motivation plays a large role. Without motivation it is hard to stay interested and focused on learning.
6. What roles do a problem, a question or multiple problems or questions play in the process?
There are always going to be questions. We can see things as merely problems, or we can see things as a challenge to figure out.
7. How do you motivate someone to learn?
Encourage that person.
8. How are you motivated to learn?
By interest and knowing that even though some of it does not seem like it will be used, to recognize that we do not know everything about the future and there is a possibility that I may need to know those things later.
9. Can anyone who is not motivated to learn learn?
That would be very difficult to do, but a lot of people seem like they do learn out of "have to" not out of the motivation of "want to."
10. Do you teach yourself? When? Why?
Yes when I know that I can. If there is something I cannot seem to understand, that is when I ask other people questions. There may not always be someone to answer every question that I have whenever I need and answer. That is why much learning can be done on our own.
11. What role does a teacher (either answer generally or use a specific example) play in your learning?
I have to see things visually and have them explained to me clearly. Good teachers explain things well in ways that students can comprehend clearly and do things well. Not so good tend to strain our learning by not making things understandable when they very well could have been clearly defined. Also, If teachers are excited about learning, students have a better chance of getting excited about it to.
12. What is the most important idea, question or emotional response you take away with you as a result of watching this video?
That anyone can learn as long as we are given the right materials.
13. What other questions or issues are raised by this video that should be considered and discussed by aspiring teachers?
What other means can we give the students to learn by as individuals and as groups.
1. What do you think? If learners are motivated, can they teach themselves?
With most things, yes I do think they can teach themselves.
2. If those motivated learners are kids, can they teach themselves?
Yes, with most things. We will all have things we may need additional help with, but if we are not
afraid messing up, I think we can learn a lot on our own.
3. What conditions are necessary for kids to teach themselves? For anyone to teach him or herself?
To be focused on it and dedicated to learning.
4. What role do computers and internet access play in the process?
Much of what we do not know, we can find out how to by searching for it on the computer.
5. What role does motivation, a desire to learn?
Motivation plays a large role. Without motivation it is hard to stay interested and focused on learning.
6. What roles do a problem, a question or multiple problems or questions play in the process?
There are always going to be questions. We can see things as merely problems, or we can see things as a challenge to figure out.
7. How do you motivate someone to learn?
Encourage that person.
8. How are you motivated to learn?
By interest and knowing that even though some of it does not seem like it will be used, to recognize that we do not know everything about the future and there is a possibility that I may need to know those things later.
9. Can anyone who is not motivated to learn learn?
That would be very difficult to do, but a lot of people seem like they do learn out of "have to" not out of the motivation of "want to."
10. Do you teach yourself? When? Why?
Yes when I know that I can. If there is something I cannot seem to understand, that is when I ask other people questions. There may not always be someone to answer every question that I have whenever I need and answer. That is why much learning can be done on our own.
11. What role does a teacher (either answer generally or use a specific example) play in your learning?
I have to see things visually and have them explained to me clearly. Good teachers explain things well in ways that students can comprehend clearly and do things well. Not so good tend to strain our learning by not making things understandable when they very well could have been clearly defined. Also, If teachers are excited about learning, students have a better chance of getting excited about it to.
12. What is the most important idea, question or emotional response you take away with you as a result of watching this video?
That anyone can learn as long as we are given the right materials.
13. What other questions or issues are raised by this video that should be considered and discussed by aspiring teachers?
What other means can we give the students to learn by as individuals and as groups.
Blog Post #8
Richard Miller: This is How We Dream:
Richard Miller had a dream when he was younger. His dream was to work in a place of books.......and he did. He also wrote a book which, strangely enough is now on Amazon. He dreamed all his life to be working with books, and now times have changed. He is now working on a computer with "books" that are now online instead of with physical books. He goes on to talk about how the documents and other things are now on the computer and he shows how to use some of them and what they are used for.
He showed a lot of things that are now on the computer and not only on paper anymore. This and the above mentioned are noted by Richard Miller as "instrumental changes" not "Fundamental changes." He spoke of The Washington Post Newspaper and how it can be seen online now with moving pictures and news. He also talks about ways that learning and education can be composed online. He shows that this information can be distributed freely and globally.
He goes on to say that the publishing of these online learning needs to happen. They should not simply be put together and posted. They must be attractive enough to draw attention of people to open the online book and read it; Visual representations should be used. He says that there needs to be inspiring spaces. He also says that these ideas must be shown. He ends with the phrase, "We can do this. We should do this."
I find it very interesting that his dream was to work in a place filled with books, and now he is wanting to take things to a level of technology driven books instead of physical books. I agree that these books and other learning resources on the computer should appeal visually. Chances are, more people will focus on things that attract their attention, therefore, they should be appealing. Work should also be put into the resources that are online. He put a lot of emphasis on these things being easily distributed freely and globally via internet. I think that can be very convenient for those who either choose not to go to a library and those that find the computer more easily accessed and organized.
The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies (comments and ideas):
The basic message of both of these videos was to work hard and get things done on time. Learning takes work, but it also involves using the appropriate materials and time schedule. An idea I have about creating a video is based on representing the different things that we use in EDM 310. It could start off by showing the class full of students working on their computers. Then as it zooms in on a person the screen could show that they are working on Comments For Kids, then the student could very briefly explain what it is. Next, the video will zoom over to another person and show what they are working on, such as Timetoast, and that person can briefly explain that. This can serve as a primary aid to students in 310 where everything and explanations of things are all in one place and students are the ones explaining how to do a project. The order in which the subjects are represented in the video should be in the order they are used throughout the semester.
Critiques of Smartboards:
Michael Staton: Why Smartboards Are A Dumb Initiative
This blog was basically saying that Smartboards are just another way to spend money and
that they are pointless from a learning aspect. The author was saying that they are not worth
the money and that the things that are used on there does not make anything any more
convenient or easy for the teacher
Bill Ferriter: Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards
Bill Ferriter also wrote of how the smartboards are a waste of money and not as useful as
people think they are. In fact, he gave his away. He said that he only came up with a couple of
good lesson plans out of it. He tried to make a point that although the students liked it, it did
not help him much. I would have to argue that if he wanted to make a valid point he could
have left that part out because if the Smartboard is going to get the kids more interactive and
interested in what is going on then it has done a lot of its job and he needs to realize that it is
not about making his job easier, it is about making the kids' interaction and excitement in
learning better.
opposing idea: This is a link to a blog that is devoted to showing innovative ways
that a Smartboard can be used. Different tools are given that can be used and
websites to go to that can be integrated in the classroom by using the Smartboard.
http://abunday-smartboard.blogspot.com/
This view shows that there are many ways that Smartboards are useful. There is
nothing negative said about the Smartboard; only ways to bring more interaction to
the students through various games and other things that are focused on helping
students find joy and fun in learning.
Richard Miller had a dream when he was younger. His dream was to work in a place of books.......and he did. He also wrote a book which, strangely enough is now on Amazon. He dreamed all his life to be working with books, and now times have changed. He is now working on a computer with "books" that are now online instead of with physical books. He goes on to talk about how the documents and other things are now on the computer and he shows how to use some of them and what they are used for.
He showed a lot of things that are now on the computer and not only on paper anymore. This and the above mentioned are noted by Richard Miller as "instrumental changes" not "Fundamental changes." He spoke of The Washington Post Newspaper and how it can be seen online now with moving pictures and news. He also talks about ways that learning and education can be composed online. He shows that this information can be distributed freely and globally.
He goes on to say that the publishing of these online learning needs to happen. They should not simply be put together and posted. They must be attractive enough to draw attention of people to open the online book and read it; Visual representations should be used. He says that there needs to be inspiring spaces. He also says that these ideas must be shown. He ends with the phrase, "We can do this. We should do this."
I find it very interesting that his dream was to work in a place filled with books, and now he is wanting to take things to a level of technology driven books instead of physical books. I agree that these books and other learning resources on the computer should appeal visually. Chances are, more people will focus on things that attract their attention, therefore, they should be appealing. Work should also be put into the resources that are online. He put a lot of emphasis on these things being easily distributed freely and globally via internet. I think that can be very convenient for those who either choose not to go to a library and those that find the computer more easily accessed and organized.
The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies (comments and ideas):
The basic message of both of these videos was to work hard and get things done on time. Learning takes work, but it also involves using the appropriate materials and time schedule. An idea I have about creating a video is based on representing the different things that we use in EDM 310. It could start off by showing the class full of students working on their computers. Then as it zooms in on a person the screen could show that they are working on Comments For Kids, then the student could very briefly explain what it is. Next, the video will zoom over to another person and show what they are working on, such as Timetoast, and that person can briefly explain that. This can serve as a primary aid to students in 310 where everything and explanations of things are all in one place and students are the ones explaining how to do a project. The order in which the subjects are represented in the video should be in the order they are used throughout the semester.
Critiques of Smartboards:
Michael Staton: Why Smartboards Are A Dumb Initiative
This blog was basically saying that Smartboards are just another way to spend money and
that they are pointless from a learning aspect. The author was saying that they are not worth
the money and that the things that are used on there does not make anything any more
convenient or easy for the teacher
Bill Ferriter: Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards
Bill Ferriter also wrote of how the smartboards are a waste of money and not as useful as
people think they are. In fact, he gave his away. He said that he only came up with a couple of
good lesson plans out of it. He tried to make a point that although the students liked it, it did
not help him much. I would have to argue that if he wanted to make a valid point he could
have left that part out because if the Smartboard is going to get the kids more interactive and
interested in what is going on then it has done a lot of its job and he needs to realize that it is
not about making his job easier, it is about making the kids' interaction and excitement in
learning better.
opposing idea: This is a link to a blog that is devoted to showing innovative ways
that a Smartboard can be used. Different tools are given that can be used and
websites to go to that can be integrated in the classroom by using the Smartboard.
http://abunday-smartboard.blogspot.com/
This view shows that there are many ways that Smartboards are useful. There is
nothing negative said about the Smartboard; only ways to bring more interaction to
the students through various games and other things that are focused on helping
students find joy and fun in learning.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Blog Post # 7
In this speech Randy Pausch spoke a lot of interesting and thoughtful things. He first began his introduction into what his dreams were as a child. He mentioned a lot, maybe even all, of the major dreams he had as a child. All of us have had dreams. The only catch is that we tend to push them in the back of our minds and only see them as things that we dreamed about, but could not possibly come true. Randy Pausch saw his dreams in a different light.
After giving a long introduction of what his dreams were, Randy began to share some things that are very rare. His childhood dreams came true. He went on to talk about how each of them came into being. He went big! This portion of the speech led into a major question. This question is, "How can I enable the childhood dreams of others?" He asked himself this question, and he went on to pursue it.
After working with many people at many different companies and industries, he found himself as a professor. Now he could really help enable others childhood dreams by encouraging them and teaching them things that maybe many others did not have a passion for. Here he realized that the students needed to be taught in a different way. What he realized was that students of all ages needed to learn life-long abilities through things that were interesting to them. These ways were through technology and group learning-not all books. This approach allowed the students to do amazing work that surprised him greatly.
At the end of his speech, Randy Pausch brought in some very important words of thought he wanted to leave with others. These thoughts consisted of many things. Here are a few: Have fun, help others, loyalty is a two-way street, listen to feedback and use it, show gratitude, don't complain-just work harder, and find the best in everyone-maybe their good side will come out eventually. One of the main things that he impressed upon me, and surely other listeners, was that he was not afraid to go with his dreams when the opportunities came.
After giving a long introduction of what his dreams were, Randy began to share some things that are very rare. His childhood dreams came true. He went on to talk about how each of them came into being. He went big! This portion of the speech led into a major question. This question is, "How can I enable the childhood dreams of others?" He asked himself this question, and he went on to pursue it.
After working with many people at many different companies and industries, he found himself as a professor. Now he could really help enable others childhood dreams by encouraging them and teaching them things that maybe many others did not have a passion for. Here he realized that the students needed to be taught in a different way. What he realized was that students of all ages needed to learn life-long abilities through things that were interesting to them. These ways were through technology and group learning-not all books. This approach allowed the students to do amazing work that surprised him greatly.
At the end of his speech, Randy Pausch brought in some very important words of thought he wanted to leave with others. These thoughts consisted of many things. Here are a few: Have fun, help others, loyalty is a two-way street, listen to feedback and use it, show gratitude, don't complain-just work harder, and find the best in everyone-maybe their good side will come out eventually. One of the main things that he impressed upon me, and surely other listeners, was that he was not afraid to go with his dreams when the opportunities came.
Monday, October 4, 2010
First Progress Report: PLN
FIRST PROGRESS REPORT:
I am in the process of deciding what is my PLN. It has taken me a while to fully understand what is a PLN and what is not. These are my PLN's so far:
thirtyone.com ...........I am a consultant for this business.
google.com...............I google a lot to find out information.
Gmail....................I receive e-mails from edm 310, leadership honor society
notifications, and Thirty-One through this.
Comcast.net..............I receive all of my other e-mails here such as school
related things, Focus on the Family, e-mails from family,
theknot.com e-mails, along with any other information.
Facebook.................I receive notifications through this, although it is not
one of my top PLN's.
Dictionary...............I have a dictionary on my phone which is very helpful.
Navigation...............I also have a navigation/GPS app on my phone.
USA web page.............Here I find all of my classes and information about them.
I also have access to PAWS, Foliotek, and other links
through this site.
***This is what I have so far. I am still working on what all contributes to my PLN.
I am in the process of deciding what is my PLN. It has taken me a while to fully understand what is a PLN and what is not. These are my PLN's so far:
thirtyone.com ...........I am a consultant for this business.
google.com...............I google a lot to find out information.
Gmail....................I receive e-mails from edm 310, leadership honor society
notifications, and Thirty-One through this.
Comcast.net..............I receive all of my other e-mails here such as school
related things, Focus on the Family, e-mails from family,
theknot.com e-mails, along with any other information.
Facebook.................I receive notifications through this, although it is not
one of my top PLN's.
Dictionary...............I have a dictionary on my phone which is very helpful.
Navigation...............I also have a navigation/GPS app on my phone.
USA web page.............Here I find all of my classes and information about them.
I also have access to PAWS, Foliotek, and other links
through this site.
***This is what I have so far. I am still working on what all contributes to my PLN.
Teacher #2 Summary Post
TEACHER POST SUMMARY #1:
The kids were asked to make a post card and the back of the post card the student wrote what the assignment was about. The card was then mailed to the students’ parents. The parents received in the mail something their children created as artwork for school and also a lesson on the purpose of the project.
MY RESPONSE #1:
This is a great idea! I will definitely keep it in mind to use for my future class. This is also a good way to keep the parents informed, and possibly strike the parents' interest to get more involved with their kids' school work. This seems like a project that will be good for many different age ranges also.
TEACHER POST SUMMARY #2:
In this post he wrote about how he is now a math teacher although it is not his strong point. He goes on to say that the teacher he is tag-teaming with is very helpful. He is also learning this over with the children, although he is one of the teachers. He goes on to say how it is very uncomfortable teaching a subject that is not his best.
MY POST RESPONSE #2:
I have heard something like this said, "A great teacher is one who is always learning." I guess now you got a great chance to learn again! That is very helpful that there is another teacher in the class with you that is also a great help. As teachers, we will never be great at everything no matter how hard we try. This is why teaching is a team job, and it is not about one teacher being better than another at certain subjects. It is about helping one another reach what our best is as a person, even if we are not the "best" at everything. If we were the best at everything, where would our individualism in teaching be?
The kids were asked to make a post card and the back of the post card the student wrote what the assignment was about. The card was then mailed to the students’ parents. The parents received in the mail something their children created as artwork for school and also a lesson on the purpose of the project.
MY RESPONSE #1:
This is a great idea! I will definitely keep it in mind to use for my future class. This is also a good way to keep the parents informed, and possibly strike the parents' interest to get more involved with their kids' school work. This seems like a project that will be good for many different age ranges also.
TEACHER POST SUMMARY #2:
In this post he wrote about how he is now a math teacher although it is not his strong point. He goes on to say that the teacher he is tag-teaming with is very helpful. He is also learning this over with the children, although he is one of the teachers. He goes on to say how it is very uncomfortable teaching a subject that is not his best.
MY POST RESPONSE #2:
I have heard something like this said, "A great teacher is one who is always learning." I guess now you got a great chance to learn again! That is very helpful that there is another teacher in the class with you that is also a great help. As teachers, we will never be great at everything no matter how hard we try. This is why teaching is a team job, and it is not about one teacher being better than another at certain subjects. It is about helping one another reach what our best is as a person, even if we are not the "best" at everything. If we were the best at everything, where would our individualism in teaching be?
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