The two podcast that I just watched were very interesting. The first one I watched was "The Edible Schoolyard." It was about a school in California that uses gardening as a teaching technique! It was very interesting to see how excited and cooperative the 6Th grade children were in the gardening. They loved it! Through the gardening the children were learning math, science, life lessons, and much more. It taught these students to have a sense of community. In the past, the things that the children are learning from gardening, were taught at home. Now days most children have no experience in this department. Alice Waters created this "gardening program" in 1994 as a way to improve the lunch program. I love how the kids see something through from beginning to the end. They grow the food and then good it and eat it. They learn to be generous and also how to be cooperative, like a family. I think that this is a great program for child development.
Another podcast I watched was, "A Night in the Global Village." This was my favorite! I have such a heart for the nations. To see children learning about other cultures and people was so encouraging to me. This helps them to not be blinded by our society and not to think that everyone in the world is as fortunate as many Americans. The Global Gateway Program takes children out of their natural environment to an area like none they have experienced. Teachers can bring students to this "global village" to help them learn about poverty, hunger, sanitation, and other problems that many villages face. The camp has life-like villages set up from Guatemala, Taiwan, refugee camps, and other areas. The students along with a chaperon stay the night in the villages with all the amenities that a villager has, nothing! Actually they are given a few goods such as rice, water, matches, and cooking pans. They spend the night and function as true villagers from other countries. They have to depend on each other and work together to make it through the night with a full stomach. I think that this is such a great program. I think that it shows children just how blessed they are, how much we take for granted, how to work together, and how to be responsible. They have to cooperate with other students or else everyone loses. There is also an in school project that the podcast mentioned, called Read & Feed that teachers can participate in, in the classroom. I love that the global village opens the students' eyes and helps them to see that they need to take action in their own community and maybe one day it will encourage them to take action in other communities, as well.
In my classroom I could see myself utilizing both of these podcast ideas, maybe not to the full extent, but somewhat. I would love to be able to have a small garden that my class could help plant, maintain, and be a part of. Something like tomatoes or some other fruit or vegetable that they could watch grow and we could eat in class. It would let them be a part of a community of growth and would help us to all be responsible for something.
The village program is really awesome. If teachers had the chance to take students to the actual program that would be awesome. I think that in my classroom I will just have to settle on virtual field trips to show my children the means by which some people live. I would also give practical ideas of things we can do to help as a class. I would also encourage my class to give up something for a week that they think they can't live without, cellphone, video game, etc. I think it would show them that we have so many things and we are so blessed by the abundance of our resources. I would love to have my class connect with a class from a different culture than ours and learn about each other. I think it is always good to open there eyes to knew perspectives and views on life.
Please go watch these pod casts...they are really short but really cool!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Randy Pausch-Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
What an amazing lecture! I really enjoyed watching this lecture. He is such an awesome speaker but most importantly he was speaking to help others. He was using his lecture to encourage and help others. Even in Randy Pausch's state, he lives each day to have fun and to better life for future children. His speech was extremely encouraging and I believe that all educators should take time to watch this video.
I love Randy Pausch's enthusiasm and excitement. I love his vision for future generations and for helping children enable dreams. One of my favorite parts of the lecture was when he was discussing his class that he instructed and how he was blown away by the first project they completed. I love that he did not just say, "way to go everyone!", but instead he called people and found more ways to stretch the students' abilities. WOW! He looked for other ways that they could use their wonderful ideas and made the projects bigger and better. He believed in them.
Pausch exhibits many teaching methods in his lecture. The one above, believing in his students and helping them reach their fullest potential, I really enjoyed hearing. He also used group work in his classes. He said that it was great for his students and their bonding. Pausch believes that students should have fun while learning. I totally agree. I do not think that students should sit in class bored to death. I love that in all his classes, he uses fun activities to help students learn.
He used many examples from his own experiences, he explained how two people said the same thing to him but how each of them worded it differently. The men both said the same thing but one man tore down Pausch and the other man built him up. He taught the lesson to watch how you speak and how you word things to your students. Pausch discussed how we will run into brick walls but that they are not the end all. A lot of his lecture was basically about letting kids be kids and enjoying life.
I could talk about this lecture for hours. I will just mention a few more points that he made. Respect authority while questioning it. Sell something worthwhile. Never lose childlike wonder. Have fun. Never give up! Ignore everything they say and only focus on what they do. Have a feedback loop and listen to it. Show gratitude. Don't complain, just work harder. I loved the video!Please Watch!
I love Randy Pausch's enthusiasm and excitement. I love his vision for future generations and for helping children enable dreams. One of my favorite parts of the lecture was when he was discussing his class that he instructed and how he was blown away by the first project they completed. I love that he did not just say, "way to go everyone!", but instead he called people and found more ways to stretch the students' abilities. WOW! He looked for other ways that they could use their wonderful ideas and made the projects bigger and better. He believed in them.
Pausch exhibits many teaching methods in his lecture. The one above, believing in his students and helping them reach their fullest potential, I really enjoyed hearing. He also used group work in his classes. He said that it was great for his students and their bonding. Pausch believes that students should have fun while learning. I totally agree. I do not think that students should sit in class bored to death. I love that in all his classes, he uses fun activities to help students learn.
He used many examples from his own experiences, he explained how two people said the same thing to him but how each of them worded it differently. The men both said the same thing but one man tore down Pausch and the other man built him up. He taught the lesson to watch how you speak and how you word things to your students. Pausch discussed how we will run into brick walls but that they are not the end all. A lot of his lecture was basically about letting kids be kids and enjoying life.
I could talk about this lecture for hours. I will just mention a few more points that he made. Respect authority while questioning it. Sell something worthwhile. Never lose childlike wonder. Have fun. Never give up! Ignore everything they say and only focus on what they do. Have a feedback loop and listen to it. Show gratitude. Don't complain, just work harder. I loved the video!Please Watch!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
iTunes University
I wish that South Alabama would get in on the times! I think that the way other colleges and schools are using iTunes U is awesome. It is such a fun and modern way to incorporate school into everyday life. Students can have lectures, notes, pictures, etc. at their fingertips all the time. At these schools that have utilized the iTunes U, the students have access to so much information. I believe it makes it easier for students if they have all these resources on their iPod. I think that students would be so much more prone to listen to a lecture or podcast outside under a tree before they would in a stuffy library on a computer.
The way these colleges are using the iPod is so great. They are turning a fun experience into so much more. You can now learn and it will be enjoyable. I would love to try to utilize this process in my classroom. Even if I just do podcasts or allow my students to do podcasts and then upload them onto their iPods. If they do not all own an iPod, I could just show them how it works and how they can use them for when they do get one, someday. I could upload pictures and so much more information for my students that would be helpful. As a student right now, I would love for my professors to use the itunes U program.
I think thatthis article pretty much explains iTunes U very well.
The way these colleges are using the iPod is so great. They are turning a fun experience into so much more. You can now learn and it will be enjoyable. I would love to try to utilize this process in my classroom. Even if I just do podcasts or allow my students to do podcasts and then upload them onto their iPods. If they do not all own an iPod, I could just show them how it works and how they can use them for when they do get one, someday. I could upload pictures and so much more information for my students that would be helpful. As a student right now, I would love for my professors to use the itunes U program.
I think thatthis article pretty much explains iTunes U very well.
Using iPods!
There are so many ways to utilize an iPod! I think that a lot of people focus on only the listening to music on an ipod. Although that is very enjoyable, iPods can used for numerous things. They can be used for recording notes, listening to lectures, studying foreign languages, etc. After reading a study done by Duke University, I really can see the great importance of an iPod. I love that something so entertaining can be used to further education as well.
Duke issued each incoming Freshmen in 2001 an iPod. They studied the usage and value of the iPods. For the most part the iPods helped in the students education. They were a great tool for listening to lectures and other things. Even thought their were some problems with the iPods, I think that they were a great benefit. I think now with even more advanced iPods, they could help in the classroom even more.
I found a pretty cool website for the "new iPod owner"! Most of the tips on this site are really basic. I think that it could be really helpful to someone who has never owned an iPod or someone who is not so savvy with technical stuff. It gives you tutorials for many issues you may come into with using your iPod. Click here to see the site.
Duke issued each incoming Freshmen in 2001 an iPod. They studied the usage and value of the iPods. For the most part the iPods helped in the students education. They were a great tool for listening to lectures and other things. Even thought their were some problems with the iPods, I think that they were a great benefit. I think now with even more advanced iPods, they could help in the classroom even more.
I found a pretty cool website for the "new iPod owner"! Most of the tips on this site are really basic. I think that it could be really helpful to someone who has never owned an iPod or someone who is not so savvy with technical stuff. It gives you tutorials for many issues you may come into with using your iPod. Click here to see the site.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Dr. Alice Christie's Site!
I was extremely encouraged by Dr.Christie's website. She has truly grasped the idea that technology is a wonderful tool that we need to implement in every child's life. She has a PhD in Educational Technology. She believes that we should use technology in the classroom. I agree completely with her. Also, Dr.Christie believes that we, as teachers, should be lifelong learners. I love that! I could use the site in a variety of ways. She has listed many resources, references, and ideas for teachers to use technology in the classroom.
I loved a few of the links I followed from her main website. I especially enjoyed one that had many ideas for children to use technology. One teacher had the students use Inspiration Software to make webs of the information they learned after watching a video. Another wonderful idea was with the use of Apple Works draw program. The students drew pictures that related to their vocabulary words. We have all these resources in front of us, we just need to use them. We forget all the technology we have at our fingertips that can make our classes more successful. From the internet to a digital camera, we need to take advantage of these things for our students.
I loved a few of the links I followed from her main website. I especially enjoyed one that had many ideas for children to use technology. One teacher had the students use Inspiration Software to make webs of the information they learned after watching a video. Another wonderful idea was with the use of Apple Works draw program. The students drew pictures that related to their vocabulary words. We have all these resources in front of us, we just need to use them. We forget all the technology we have at our fingertips that can make our classes more successful. From the internet to a digital camera, we need to take advantage of these things for our students.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Wikipedia
I remember in my second year here at South, my English professor warned us against using Wikipedia as a reliable source. It is common knowledge that anyone can edit these entries on the site. Personally, I never use Wikipedia as a source for anything. There are so many other sites and places to find information. I think that is really neat that Virgil Griffith took time to develop the Wikipedia Scanner. I think for many people that will be very helpful for them. In reference to companies deleting information, whose to say that information was not false to begin with. They could have possibly been deleting untruthful information. I think that as long as anyone is able to edit Wikipedia themselves, that it is not going to be a reliable source. I guess we all take a risk by getting our information from the internet. You just have to be careful and do not be lazy. Check a few sources to make sure your information is correct!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Fischbowl Blogging!
Hey everyone! So, I just finished reading, "Blogging 1984,-with parents." I really enjoyed reading this everything associated with this post. Two ninth grade teachers had their classes and parents get involved in blogging. The teachers asked the parents to read the book, "1984", with the students and also post thoughts. I was amazed at the response from so many parents. They loved that the teachers wanted them to be involved in the classroom as well. Many questions and things to think about were posted to prompt responses.
The students also posted expectations of their parents, while blogging. Many statements suggested that the parents should be commited to the blogging just like the students have too. Also, that the parents do not ridicule or make fun of the students. The class also commented that the parents need to stick to the original questions and not stray from the subject of the book. I thought the ideas of the students were impressive.
I believe that this is such a fabulous way to get parents involved in what their children are learning. Also, I think that the parents probably earned more respect for their children, in seeing their ideas and thoughts. This was a great opportunity to open technology up to a different generation. Having the parents be a part of this assigment is so great in so many aspects. I bet that more conversation was help between students and parents, as a result.
Another thing that I found interesting was that on the teacher's sites, that they assigned students to scribe each day. This allowed for everyone to know what happened in the classroom daily. Also, this made a child responsible each day for paying attention to what was going on in class and posting it for the entire class. I loved that some of the students apologized to classmates for posting so late in the evening. I think this process has a lot of teamwork involved.
These students blew me away with how responsive and how responsible they were with this blogging system. The teacher was also very connected with them as far as communication goes. They were able to have questioned answered, even when she was absent from class. I will utilized a system like this for my students and parents.
Click here to check it out!
The students also posted expectations of their parents, while blogging. Many statements suggested that the parents should be commited to the blogging just like the students have too. Also, that the parents do not ridicule or make fun of the students. The class also commented that the parents need to stick to the original questions and not stray from the subject of the book. I thought the ideas of the students were impressive.
I believe that this is such a fabulous way to get parents involved in what their children are learning. Also, I think that the parents probably earned more respect for their children, in seeing their ideas and thoughts. This was a great opportunity to open technology up to a different generation. Having the parents be a part of this assigment is so great in so many aspects. I bet that more conversation was help between students and parents, as a result.
Another thing that I found interesting was that on the teacher's sites, that they assigned students to scribe each day. This allowed for everyone to know what happened in the classroom daily. Also, this made a child responsible each day for paying attention to what was going on in class and posting it for the entire class. I loved that some of the students apologized to classmates for posting so late in the evening. I think this process has a lot of teamwork involved.
These students blew me away with how responsive and how responsible they were with this blogging system. The teacher was also very connected with them as far as communication goes. They were able to have questioned answered, even when she was absent from class. I will utilized a system like this for my students and parents.
Click here to check it out!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Now striving for technology literacy...
Well, it is 2:30 in the morning and I just finished reading the fischbowl blog and ALL of the comments. I just could not stop reading them. It was so interesting and I knew I would not be satisfied until I read every one of them. Needless to say, I am very tired at this point. The original blog about teacher illiteracy was so eye opening for me. I love how he cares so much more about the well-fair of his students than if the subject he teaches is being bashed. His focus throughtout ALL of this blog is his students and what we as educators can do to help them. We have the capablility to hold their social and economical mobility in our hands. We have no right to sit back and stick with our "old" ways. The truth is, technology is in almost every single aspect of our everyday lives, therefore, it is in every aspect of our students' lives as well. All teachers need to jump on the technology train.
Before entering EDM310 I would have definately considered myself technologically literate. I mean just like in the post, I know how to produce spreadsheets and do power points. Had I ever posted a blog? No! Had I ever listened to a Podcast? No! I did not even know that classrooms used blogs. I realize how inadequate my knowledge of technology is and what it has to offer me and my students. Even though I do not know them yet, I do want the best for my students. I want to offer them the best opportunities possible. Therefore, I am committed to taking time to learn more and grow in my technological skills. Unlike the teachers discussed in the blog, I am not intimidated. If I fail, I will try again and again until I get it.
I love that in the post it is mentioned about students helping teach the teachers. I LOVE THIS! I feel like this allows them to see that we, teachers, are real. That we are not perfect, we do not have it all together, and that we WILL fail. Showing them this side of us, allows them to be more vulnerable with us. Allowing us to help mold and impact their lives. It is great that technology can open up so many doors for student and teacher relationships. My future classroom has amazing potential and I do not want to hold them back from anything, because I did not take the time to learn about technology. So, here I go into preperation for the future! :)
Before entering EDM310 I would have definately considered myself technologically literate. I mean just like in the post, I know how to produce spreadsheets and do power points. Had I ever posted a blog? No! Had I ever listened to a Podcast? No! I did not even know that classrooms used blogs. I realize how inadequate my knowledge of technology is and what it has to offer me and my students. Even though I do not know them yet, I do want the best for my students. I want to offer them the best opportunities possible. Therefore, I am committed to taking time to learn more and grow in my technological skills. Unlike the teachers discussed in the blog, I am not intimidated. If I fail, I will try again and again until I get it.
I love that in the post it is mentioned about students helping teach the teachers. I LOVE THIS! I feel like this allows them to see that we, teachers, are real. That we are not perfect, we do not have it all together, and that we WILL fail. Showing them this side of us, allows them to be more vulnerable with us. Allowing us to help mold and impact their lives. It is great that technology can open up so many doors for student and teacher relationships. My future classroom has amazing potential and I do not want to hold them back from anything, because I did not take the time to learn about technology. So, here I go into preperation for the future! :)
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
New Handouts
Ms. Averitte hs distributed some interesting articles on RSS Feeds and Podcasting.
The ABC's of RSS.
Podcasting: Just the Basics.
The ABC's of RSS.
Podcasting: Just the Basics.
Monday, September 8, 2008
International Classroom Fun
I found the cutest classroom blog! The class is a year 3 and 4 class in rural New Zealand. The teacher uses the blog for a few different purposes. First of all she uses it to post things that are happening in the classroom and fun events going on in school. They also use the blog to 
interact with other people. They encourage people to leave comments on their page. The page is also used for assignments. The teacher post assignment questions and the children reply through the blog. I think that this is such a great way to keep the kids up to par in using technology. There are also livewires to view. It is such an interactive and fun blog. Their accents are precious. The picture is of them!Here they are!
This blog is pretty awesome, as well! It is from a classroom in Lebanon. The children are fourth graders. Mrs. Bashour is the administrator of this blog. She uses the blog for multiple purposes, just like the
teacher above. The children are able to interact on the page. They have to post comments and reply to certain blog topics. Fun events are posted and also fun videos. I like that Mrs. Bashour does not just use the site for work but also for fun stuff to engage the children. Also, something I thought was really neat is that Mrs. Bashour is in constant communication with them. She is even taking time to figure out how to transfer their blogs to their 5th grade classes when they go. I think that it would be really beneficial if I could start this system in my classroom. It would help my children communicate with me and other students. Also, it would help them learn more about technology. Click here!
interact with other people. They encourage people to leave comments on their page. The page is also used for assignments. The teacher post assignment questions and the children reply through the blog. I think that this is such a great way to keep the kids up to par in using technology. There are also livewires to view. It is such an interactive and fun blog. Their accents are precious. The picture is of them!Here they are! This blog is pretty awesome, as well! It is from a classroom in Lebanon. The children are fourth graders. Mrs. Bashour is the administrator of this blog. She uses the blog for multiple purposes, just like the
teacher above. The children are able to interact on the page. They have to post comments and reply to certain blog topics. Fun events are posted and also fun videos. I like that Mrs. Bashour does not just use the site for work but also for fun stuff to engage the children. Also, something I thought was really neat is that Mrs. Bashour is in constant communication with them. She is even taking time to figure out how to transfer their blogs to their 5th grade classes when they go. I think that it would be really beneficial if I could start this system in my classroom. It would help my children communicate with me and other students. Also, it would help them learn more about technology. Click here!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Blog use around the globe!
In Centennial, Colorado a tenth grade English Class uses blogging. Mr. Sale's, the teacher, has set up a blog and post questions for students to reply to. There are no guidelines on how long or short the comments have to be, they just have to answer the questions. This blog allows for the students to share ideas about the things they are reading and writing in Mr. Sale's class. He addresses that two main questions they will be determining throughout the semester will be, "How do we overcome our circumstances?" and "What is the price of progress?".
http://tsaleone0809.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html
At http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337, Mrs. Cassidy is giving her kids a head start on blogging. These six year old children from Moose Jaw, Canada have access to many resources and fun activities through the blog. Mrs. Cassidy post new blogs on what the children are learning and has many sites relating to subject matter. This site is helpful to the students and also to the parents. It states that they want to connect with the world from their classroom. I think that this is such a g
reat way to start children off with early technology. This blog allows for students to post comments on what they are learning and also teachers can post entries as well.Both of the blogs were very interesting. I think that I will definitely utilize a blog in my classroom one day. I also love the idea that the parents can get involved more through the use of blogging. It is such a wonderful way to share resources, homework, field trips, and so much stuff with other teacher, parents, and students!
"Did You Know" video!
The "Did You Know" video blew me away! I absolutely loved this video. I did not know so much of the information shared. First of all, the statistics that the video gives made me think twice. I had no idea some of the things that the video showed. I love that the video has been shared with so many users and that it will continue to be used. Technology has taken this world and completed transformed it. The video said that 70% of four year old children have used a computer, that 50% of people in the world have content on the web, and that thousands of words have been added to our vocabulary in just years. That is amazing and scary at the same time.
As a future teacher and parent, my concerns are how will I help keep my children prepared for the booming technology. I love how the video challenges people with "What's your vision"? It really made me think, what is my vision. How will I prepare myself and others for what the future holds. I love that we have people trying to help prepare this future generation. There are so many resources, conferences, websites, etc. available, to help spur on this growth. The ACCESS program, the shifthappens site, teacher blogs, etc. are all very helpful. Thankfully, I have seen this video and can go from here to further my vision.
As a future teacher and parent, my concerns are how will I help keep my children prepared for the booming technology. I love how the video challenges people with "What's your vision"? It really made me think, what is my vision. How will I prepare myself and others for what the future holds. I love that we have people trying to help prepare this future generation. There are so many resources, conferences, websites, etc. available, to help spur on this growth. The ACCESS program, the shifthappens site, teacher blogs, etc. are all very helpful. Thankfully, I have seen this video and can go from here to further my vision.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
ACCESS
Wow! I had never heard of any opportunities like those that the ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide) program allows. The ACCESS program allows students the opportunity to take Advanced Placement, elective, and other courses on the internet, that they may not normally have access to. It is a program set up by the state of Alabama for all public high schools. The ACCESS program uses the internet and E-teachers. The program is free to students. Schools are responsible for the equipment, internet access, and textbooks that may be required. All of the ACCESS classes meet Alabama Course of Study standards.
I think that the ACCESS program is fabulous. I believe that the students should be given the chance to take courses that may not otherwise be offered to them. When I was in high school I would have loved to had the opportunity to take some of the classes offered by ACCESS. The site also allows for teachers to learn about ACCESS and even become involved by applying to be an ACCESS distance learning teacher or facilitator. I do not plan to teach high school so as of right now this program does not effect my career but I still think it is wonderful. I believe that high school teachers, parents, and students should take full advantage of the ACCESS program.
http://accessdl.state.al.us
I think that the ACCESS program is fabulous. I believe that the students should be given the chance to take courses that may not otherwise be offered to them. When I was in high school I would have loved to had the opportunity to take some of the classes offered by ACCESS. The site also allows for teachers to learn about ACCESS and even become involved by applying to be an ACCESS distance learning teacher or facilitator. I do not plan to teach high school so as of right now this program does not effect my career but I still think it is wonderful. I believe that high school teachers, parents, and students should take full advantage of the ACCESS program.
http://accessdl.state.al.us
ALEX
I really enjoyed the ALEX (http://alex.state.al.us) website. The site has so many resources for teachers, administrators, and students. I probably spent almost two hours just searching through all the fun stuff that this site offers. First of all, ALEX provides students with many websites that offer then educational sites to explore on the web. They can find resources on ALEX from looking up certain animals to help with homework. Also, there is a link to an online translator. Children and parents can find resources on ALEX for counseling and guidance. It is easy to navigate through the site and find the information you need.
For teachers, I think ALEX is such a valuable reference to have. It provides lesson plans for every grade and every subject. There are also teaching tools and learning tools on the site. Countless handouts and references can be found to help in your classroom. Something interesting I found was the access to links for developmental opportunities and for grants. I will be using the ALEX site as a teacher. I will also provide parents with a handout of the site's address. I think it is a wonderful reference for everyone and should be utilized.
For teachers, I think ALEX is such a valuable reference to have. It provides lesson plans for every grade and every subject. There are also teaching tools and learning tools on the site. Countless handouts and references can be found to help in your classroom. Something interesting I found was the access to links for developmental opportunities and for grants. I will be using the ALEX site as a teacher. I will also provide parents with a handout of the site's address. I think it is a wonderful reference for everyone and should be utilized.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
~Amanda~
Hey everyone! My name is Mandy and I am an Elementary Education major. I have been at South for 4 years now. Hopefully, I will graduate one day. I have changed my major 3 times since I started college. Elementary Education is the winner! I chose South because it was only 45 minutes from home and I really loved the people and the campus. I love kids. I work at a daycare! I stay pretty busy most of the time. I am involved in a few organizations on campus. I think I am going to enjoy this blog thing. If you have any questions about me do not be afraid to ask. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)