Summary Post C4T #4

I was assigned to read and comment on Paige Baggett blog. The first post I commented on was about her last day in Dublin. She visted the Northside and Southside of Dublin and she had a very enthuastic bus driver who proivided very useful information. She visited a lot of pretty cool places. One of my favorite places she visted was The Guinness Brewery and Storehouse. This Brewery was founded in 1759 and still produces one of Ireland's natural drink. Ten million pints a day are brewed world-wide. I found this information pretty interesting and I learned a lot about this particular company. Something that I would really like to visit would be The National Museum of Ireland Archaeology This place seems pretty historical and I would love to see it.

The next post I commented on was titled Exceptional Art in College Education. This post was pretty awesome to read and observe. Students from EDU301 joined people from the Exceptional Foundation and learned about perseverance, character and art education. They also engaged in a pretty cool finger-paiting with a blind artist. I really enjoyed seeing how these kids interacted with these kids with disabilities. It was cool to see these kids laugh and enjoy these fun activities. I am fortunate to be taking a educational class dealing with kids with special needs and I really enjoy it. I have been able to interact with some of these kids and it is an life changing experience.

Blog Post #13

A Vision of Students Today

The video A Vision of Students Today was very informative. This video was well put together, from the music to the students participating and putting together. I really paid attention and was into this video. It provided some very truthful and honest opinions on how the classroom and college is today. This video was very realistic. In a document a question was asked and it was "What is it like being a student today?" There has been 200 students that have made 367 edits to this document. All of these students surveyed themselves and this help create the video that they put together.

This video stated some very true facts. The video really relates to what every college student goes through. I go through these difficulties every semester. I never use me of my books and it IS a waste of money. One student pointed out that the average amount of students in her class is a 115 students. That is ALOT of people. When I have that many people in my class I tend to zone out and I don't learn to my full potential. One student states that 18% percent of her teachers know her name. I just don't think a teacher can possibly connect and interact with that many students. In a class that large a teacher, realistically, is not going to know all their names or connect with them. There has been many instances were I get really bored with these lectures and start playing on my phone. The education world is getting advanced with technology and some classrooms are not using it to their advantage. I feel like students are getting effected by the old ways of teaching an it is hurting them in the long room.

Personally I feel like the resources and tools that are available in classroom should be available to students all the time. Overall the video got the message across without saying a word. Teachers need to understand that there are other ways to learn besides just lecturing. I really related well to this video.

After watching Brian Crosby's Back to the Future video I was in shock of how many kids really don't know what’s going on in the outside world. In his classroom he deals with students of poverty. This video was really eye opening for me. He says these kids are not connected with the outside world and haven't been since they were born. These kids have had a narrowed curriculum and don't have the experience in the outside world. He tries to help these kids out and get them connected with the outside world. He talks about how his students have the access to laptops and all of his kids have blogs which connects them to the outside world. Mr. Crosby challenges his kids to think outside of the box. One example is, he tells his kids to write stories and imagine they are balloons and to discuss their experience. By doing this they then are taught how post their blogs and post them on to YouTube. The kids are amazed that people actually look and comment on their blog post. They become exposed to the outside world because kids from all over the country begin to comment on their blog's. They really enjoyed learning how to use Google Maps. They learned to find the location and time of the air balloon falling. Kids began to see this across the world and wanted in on these projects as well. So these classes started to Skype and talk and interact about these projects. These tools allow these kids to interact globally and they are able to grasp what is actually going on. I think it is awesome that these kids get the opportunity to learn because of the technology provided to them. I found this video to be very motivating because it makes you realize that some kids aren’t has blessed as we have been. By this technology they are getting to experience the same education as every other kid around the US. It was cool to see these kids get so involved. These students are able to provide and allow other kids to learn what they are able to learn.

Progress on Final Project

Progress Report on Final Project

Our group is creating a IBook for our project. We have made pretty good progress as a group. We are all starting to collect information and putting it together as a group. We are starting to pick out our posts, taking pictures and film our videos. We plan on to meet this week to finish up our project.

Blog Post #12

My Blog Assignment :

Watch this video Education "Times are a changing". What did you get from this video? Do you think technology should take over classrooms and how do you think times are changing? How will you incorporate technology into your classroom? Think about what the video presents and write two or more paragraphs on the questions presented to you earlier following the requirements in Writing a Quality Blog Post.

The next task I would like you to do is to find a website that provides information on how to incorporate technology into the classroom correctly. Provide the benefits of incorporating technology in the Classroom and what you think about these benefits. Also provide the link of the website and a picture.

Me completing my Assignment!

I found the video Education "The Times are a Changing" pretty entertaining and helpful. It was a video that showed how classrooms operated back in the day and how technology started to gradually take over the classroom. It showed students using cell phones and computers in the classroom instead of using pen and paper. I also enjoyed how the music went along with the video and guided you along throughout the video. The video shows the use of tools throughout the classroom such as the Smart board.

Personally, I really think times are changing throughout classrooms in America. Growing up, I rarely used computers in the classroom; I always used pencil and paper. Now the more I see how times are really changing, I believe ALL teachers need to incorporate technology into their classrooms. There is so many ways to learn with the use of technology. There are so many resources and tools on a computer that provide a kid to learn easier. Kids would rather look at information on the computer rather than reading a boring book. I will most definitely incorporate technology into my classroom. I am an old school guy but I see how much technology has grown and how easy it is for kids to learn. There will definitely be computers in my classroom to help my kids learn easier. In the video it also shows the use of the Smart board, which is a great tool. I will use the smart board in my classroom because it engages the students into the classroom and makes it fun to learn.

The website I found was titled Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many. This particular website provided many reasons why technology should be integrated into the classroom. This website states that “technology will help students acquire the skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy." It states that putting technology in the classroom is more than just having a teacher teaching computer skills and software programs. Teachers need to use effective programs that enhance the learning process. It states that there are four key components of learning. These components are: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. The tools that technology provides are amazing. There are tools that allow student to visualize and understand the certain topic because it is hands own. It also allows the students to stay engaged on the topic.

I believe these benefits are huge for the progress of education. If I would have had some of these opportunities I would be much more advanced. The tools these kids get to use are very useful for their learning. When I become a teacher I am going to incorporate all of these resources and tools into my classroom.

C4K summary

I recently commented on Riley D's blog,My First Loss. I really enjoyed reading her post and I can really relate to her post. She lost a wrestling match and was very upset about it. She continued to work hard and persevre and she ended up winning her next match. She really taught me a valuable lesson because I get frustarted while playing baseball. I have learned that you can't let the past effect your future.

C4T November Summary

I am following Mike Prater and his blog Growth through Learning. Mike Prater is currently retired but he taught Math and Science in the Missouri school system. He has also served as assistant principal and he taught at the college level.

His first post was about how to Motivate Students to Learn without Rewards. I first introduced myself and let him know that I was a student in EDM 310. He provided some very helpful information. I informed him that I was all for his methods of motivating. That all kids are not going to be angels and say yes sir or no sir. By showing them attention and actually genuinely caring about them, I think you can get the best out of the student. I really enjoyed the part about challenging kids to the right extent. If you motivate and push the kid, the student will work hard and get rewarded.

The post I was assigned to this week was about Loving the Unloveable Student. He was given an Algebra class filled me 10th graders. His immediate thought was that these kids have already failed and why does he have to teach these kids? His assistant principal caught him complaining about it and gave him a wakeup call. So the next day of class he went in with the right approach. He chose to try to get the best out of these kids. So the next day in class he informed them, that they were getting a second chance. He found it very hard to communicate with kids and the parents. One day he called one of the students parent to inform that the kid had made a C on a very difficult test. The next day the kid came in crying and informed the teacher that his dad took him out for pizza because he had been doing well in the classroom. He goes on to say that particular class was one of his favorites. It wasn’t because he reached to all of them because he didn’t but he was able to change some of those kids’ lives. That is the ultimate reward.

I really enjoyed this post. I could really relate to him and feel how bad he wanted to change those kids’ lives. I took from it that you really can’t judge a book by its cover. There are so many kids out there that aren't given the time a day and ultimately they end up not reaching their potential. I am really going to try to be like that in my classroom. It is not going to bother me what kind of class I have, I am going to work hard and give those less fortunate kids every opportunity I can
possibly provide.

Blog Post #11

First Graders Ms. Cassidy’s Classroom

The Video Ms.Cassidy's Classroom was pretty entertaining. They are showing how they use technology in their classroom for learning. The kids seemed very eager and ready to learn. In the video, it shows how the kids use blogs in the classroom. They use these blogs to learn about different subjects. The kids also talk about how to use their webpage to learn. They demonstrate by pressing on pictures and learning about those pictures on that particular site. The webpages provides fun games and very fun ways to learn. It also shows the way those kids comment on posts and how other people can comment on their post. The people commenting give them their views and allow the kids to learn more in depth about the material. One of the kids talks about always being positive while commenting on someone’s blog post. I really liked this idea because I learn a lot better when I see other people views and ideas. They also create and share videos about what they learn in class. I also liked how they used Skype as well. They use this to learn from people across the world.

The Skype between Dr.Strange and Ms. Cassidy

The conversation Skype Conversation between Dr.Strange and Ms. Cassidy was very informative. I learned many ways how to use technology. I also learned if you really put you mind to it, you can accomplish many things. She talks about when she was a child how she never got the opportunity to use technology. Honestly, I wasn't exposed too much technology as a kid either. I think it really hurt me because now I am really just learning how to use the internet and engage in learning. She first states that she got involved in technology when she was given a few computers about ten years ago. The technology she uses in her classroom growing as technology develops.

She now uses technology in her class frequently. She uses Blogs for her students and their writing skills have improved. I think it’s really cool how her students interact with kids around the world and learn things that they would have never had the opportunity to learn without this technology. I really liked her approach as well. She adapted to her classroom and never made it too hard for them. She also gave great advice about to use technology where you are most interested. Personally, if I am interacted with something I really enjoy, I am going to learn more efficiently. One of my very points was that you have to find your students interests. If you have your students full attention and interest, that can go a long way.

She also introduced social media to her classroom. One Social media tool they use is Twitter. I think it’s awesome that they are already getting to use these tools. They are so many learning tools you can receive by using those tools. I just recently started using twitter and I absolutely love it. It provides many resources and I learn from it every day. I really like how she incorporates that in her classroom.

Personally, I really enjoyed listening to her Skype conversations. I learned so many things that I can incorporate in my future classroom. Hopefully, I am provided with the right technology because I will definitely put it to use. I have never had the opportunity to learn this much about technology and it has really opened up my eyes to the opportunities I can present my kids with.

Special Assignment

A World where grades are left behind

In this blog "A World where grades are left behind" by Mary Beth Marklein she talks how learning should be free and available to everyone. She goes on to say that no one is late for class and no one accepts failure.

He then talks about a red and blue pill. The red pill is for the teachers who like adventure and wonderland. The blue pill is for those teachers that like to lecture all day. He then talks about udacity being one of a rush of online start-ups he oversees. This tool could develop a catalog of free online sources. In one room the student can be creating special effects and videos. In the other room, they are creating courses that will help the students engage in their learning. He believes that would day students will learn straight from technology. He talks about students watching videos at night and doing the homework during the day. He also believes that grades are failure of the education system. He believes that grades should come to you rather than being forced upon.

I think his ideas were awesome. If everything wasn't so forced in the school system then maybe students would look forward to learning. Rather than dreading to take a test, students would look forward to it. He also talks about having to understand your students mind. Personally, I would much rather learn through technology or a game rather than a lecture.

Blog Post #10

I'm a Papermate. I'm a Ticonderoga

After looking and analyzing the cartoon "I'm a Papermate. I'm a Ticonderoga", I gathered the ideas he was trying to get across to his viewers.

The biggest issue that the cartoon is representing is that pencils and paper are old ways of learning and we should adapt to the new ways of technology. The Papermate is saying that pencils are cheap and schools should use them but they don't really allow you to engage in the real world like technology does. Although pencils have been used for years and years, I think it's time to incorporate technology in the classroom. Technology makes it easier and more fun for the students to learn. Pencils and paper might be cheaper but it's not giving our students all the possible resources. The Ticonderoga in the cartoon supports technology in the classroom. I think it represents the modern day technology that helps out the classroom rather than the old school pencils and paper.

Mr.McLeod Blog Post

The first blog I read was "Why were your Kids Playing Games?". This blog post was quite entertaining and interesting. This particular post talks about a teacher playing games with his class. He was trying to allow the kids to learn in an engaging and productive way. The principal did not want him playing games in class. He wanted the kids memorizing the lessons in order to pass standardized tests. The principal was quite upset with what the teacher was incorporating in his classroom but the kids were actually learning! Personally, I am a more productive learner when I am involved and interacting. I think it is awesome when teachers interact with kids because they learn better rather than just memorizing facts. In a lot of cases, some kids just memorize what they have to for the test then they completely forget about it the next week. If you actually take the time to teach and interact with the kids, the chances of them remembering are much higher. I am looking forward to becoming a teacher because I am going to do all sorts of fun activities just so my kids can learn more efficiently.

The next blog post I read was, "Remember Pencil Quests?". This blog was pretty cool. It's crazy how just a pencil was getting these students excited. These kids had the opportunity to use multiple pages of textbooks to learn. They were so excited about where they were going and what pages they were going to get to explore. I think this all relates back to the internet. The Internet is so unpredictable, you never know what site you're going to land on and what information you're going to gather. I feel like with this post, Mr. Spencer is informing the audience that there is no limit to learning. I can't wait to incorporate these learning activities into my classroom.

Mr.Spencer's Blog Post

After reading, "About Me" I found out some valuable information about Mr.Spencer. Mr.Spencer is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He is known as one of the nation’s leading academic experts on K-12 school technology leadership issues. He is also the Director of Innovation for Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency 8 in Iowa. He was a co-creator of the wildly popular video series, Did You Know? Mr.Spencer is a very accomplished and very interesting man.

I really enjoyed his blog called "Don't teach your kids this stuff, please?" . His post was very different and sarcastic to say the least. He talks about not letting kids use the internet because it will give them a leg up. It says that pens and pencils aren't going anywhere and that the internet will really ruin a kid. He touches on all of the negative points of the internet but there is a ton of positives as well. If the kids are taught how to use it by their instructors, there shouldn't be much harm. I think that kids should use the internet because it lets them know what is going on around them. I do think kids should have restrictions to what they do and what they look at on the internet. There is a lot of non educational things and bad information out there. The internet is a very useful tool and provides useful information to young kids. I do think there is negatives that go along with internet but there are a ton of positives as well. If students use it correctly then it will help them tremendously because if they don't they will fall behind.

Project #11 Green Movie

Project #14 Smart Board Part #1