FINAL POST

Looking back on when this class started, I honestly did not think I would be taking so much new knowledge with me. I can truthfully admit that this was one of the most beneficial classes I have ever taken. Though it was a lot of work, I have learned so many tools that I previously had no idea existed. Before when I thought of blogging, I would always think of the snickers commercial and get so annoyed--thinking really who blogs? However, after using a blog this semester and being able to look at other blogs (professional and fellow students) it is easy to see why people engage in this activity.

Though I am a Physical Education major, and will have limited access to technology in my classroom, I plan to help any school I may be associated with in implementing the tools I have learned. All teachers should incorporate these tools for the benefit of their students and own personal/educational growth. Being able to see students' reactions who actually blog and use technology is enough to see that it is an important aspect of the school community.

Many people enter a class with the preconception of doing as little as possible to get by. I would highly discourage this attitude to anyone preparing to take this course. Proper time MUST be set aside for this class every week. I could not imagine what kind of position I would have been in had I fallen behind..I feel sorry for those who did. People who fail to do all of the assignments in this class are only cheating themselves of an amazing educational experience. Future students should prepare themselves to spend time, learn, and be willing to expand their educational background.

Students who say this class is ridiculous, did not manage their time in an effective manner. Yes, this class is time consuming but we are warned of that the first day-no surprises! So when that warning is given..start your work at that second and never fall behind. This is a wonderful class that could benefit many students to be an amazing teacher. I would say put into it what you are going to take out of it.

Thank you to all staff members who were so helpful in making this class meaningful!

ALBA Middle Students: Oil Spill

My Comment: As an EDM 310 student, I commend you on what a great way to reach others. The oil spill is a very serious situation and through your videos and responses, maybe people from other areas will understand the severity of what is happening. Great job using technology to advertise such a stressful situation!

Given the topic at hand, I believe the videos covered this situation well. The middle school students that did this have helped other parts of the state and nation get a glimpse of what they are going through. This to me, is one of the most important aspects of the videos. It is great they utilized technology to to get the word out.

Final Presentation: Blogging

Plan Teach

I taught my friend, Megan, how to use timetoast. She will be working in the intermediate school age and plans to utilize this tool in her classroom.

Blog Post 12

Mr. McClung 2nd Year

I think this reflection is an important resource for many students. Though this was his second reflection, he was presented with an entirely new setting that he had to adapt to. Future educators should be prepared to not get too comfortable and be willing to make the proper adjustments. I agree with him that change is good and will ultimately lead one to be a better teacher.

M-Cubed: ISTE Presentation Video

The students in this video were working so hard at accomplishing their tasks. When one of the projects worked, the student got so excited. This is how every student should react in classroom environments, when being taught beneficial tools. When the finished project was complete, it is obvious that the student was left with a sense of pride for his accomplishment.

Kris-Applying Images & Color to 3D Shapes in Tabs

I found this to be interesting because it demonstrated the way in which color was added to 3D shapes. Something that might seem so simple to some may actually require more work and effort than expected. The end project when color and design was added was actually really creative.

Digital Fabrication: Through the Eyes of a Five-Year-Old Boy

To watch a child of such a young age perform the tasks of fabrication with minimal assistance is truly amazing. As in the previous videos, the excitement of the child, to me, is one of the most beneficial aspects of this project. Though the use of technology is wonderful, it is the enjoyment of the child doing something that may inspire them later on to pursue something bigger.

The Classroom Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab)

Seeing a teacher explain what is going on in the FabLab is very useful. I honestly view the projects the students are working on and truly wonder how. It seems so complex to me, I could not imagine young students excel in such an area. However, they do excel. FabLabs are a great way for students to experiment with technology is a unique way. For many students, this may open doors in the future for them to continue their interest in digital design.

My PLN

My complete, though it will continue to grow, PLN consists of a number of resources. You can view my personal learning network at My PLN page found on my blog. As I have been working on my PLN, I have found a number of great blogs and websites that will help me be a great educator. A PLN is so important in order to keep an open mind of teaching. Being able to review and ask other professionals questions concerning education is a great way to utilize every available tool.

Google Forms

Comments for Teacher # 2

Eggsercizes
I am an EDM 310 student at the University of South Alabama and have been assigned to follow your blog. I am a physical education major and this assignment is very exciting. I appreciate that you are incorporating health and fitness in your classroom. People tend to forget the importance of exercising and it is very refreshing to see you acknowledge this! I love this idea...thanks for the post!

Nintendo DS in Elementary Classroom

Using this game system as a learning tool is a great twist on game systems. Most kids who have game systems do not wish to purchase word/learning games. By incorporating the use of these games in classrooms, hopefully kids will be encouraged play them outside of class. Great way to use technology as a learning tool at an early age. Thanks for sharing!

Teaching Science Vocabulary
Teaching science vocabulary was a tool this teacher used when teaching her class chemistry. Since the vocabulary is very heavy in chemistry, the teacher wanted to discover a way to engage students' minds. And this is just what happened. Seven different stations were set up that consisted of Jenga vocabulary, smartboard activities, paper chains, two truths and a lie, head bandz, name that mixture, and loooping. Each activity was very interactive and did a wonderful job exemplifying chemistry vocabulary.

Blog Post 11

Little Kids Big Potential: Ms. Cassidy's First Grade Class

I know I have said this before, but it is so amazing how students at such a young age are utilizing technology. These students are just learning to read and write, but can probably use a computer better than most teachers. Considering each child had their own laptop to work on, does make a difference. Times truly have changed, I could not imagine what it would be like today for myself if I had these tools as a 1st grader. The positive reinforcement these students are receiving on their blogs makes such a difference in their success.

Discussion with Ms. Cassidy

Most teachers when given resources, such as computers, tend to push those resources to the side. However, teachers like Ms. Cassidy is an exception, given the fact when she was given five computers, she utilized them. Ms. Cassidy's students are very lucky to have such an influential teacher. She looks at not teaching students technology as a handicap, and makes sure she gives her students every opportunity that may help them in the future.
She acknowledges the fact that all teachers are different, rather than put down teachers who do not incorporate technology. She says technology is here to stay which definitely true. Watching her students navigate a computer at such an early age is proof that anyone can do it. By using Ms. Cassidy's approach to openness is an extremely vital characteristic to have while teaching. As she stated, we must keep learning and find a way that works best for ourself.

Interview

I interviewed Lloyd Meyers, Assistant Director of Athletic Marketing, at the University of South Alabama. The topic was how he is using technology at the university.

Comments 4 Kids # 4

Comments 4 Kids # 4
This video on transition metals was not only informative but very creative. Clay Today, which is the name of the show, many teachers could utilize watching these creative videos to better enhance their overall classroom experience. This is unique way to integrate creativity with learning, which will help students better understand the subject material.
I also viewed other posts by this teacher. This teacher combines creativity and learning in a way that students should retain the information they are presented. What a great way to use technology to help students learn!

Blog Post 10

Welcome to my PLE
When comparing personal learning networks, I think this 7th grader has me beat. I admire that this student's science class is paperless, which allows for better utilization of online/technological tools. Because of this, I am sure a lot of time has been dedicated in the classroom to better enhance her personal learning environment.
Being such a young student, I was impressed with the way she separated her school posts from her social/personal posts. Having the opportunity to learn how to navigate with such an important tool, will put her ahead of all of her non-technological peers. I am certain this student could probably give me some pointers.

Two Questions That Could Change Your Life
What an interesting way to look at a situation. Someone's sentence. At first, I was unsure how/what I thought about this. "A great man is a sentence." My initial thought was how could a sentence define someone. After examples were introduced, it was clear that a sentence may say everything about a person. How many times throughout a day do we summarize someone we know in a sentence? More than one would think.
In my opinion, I would use my first sentence as draft. Then incorporate the second question: was I better today than yesterday, I would revise my sentence. I find this to be a very beneficial concept; asking if I was better today than yesterday. By doing this, hopefully full potential should be met of what a person is capable of influencing.
My Sentence: "I will make a difference in children's lives who would otherwise have a dull future, through utilizing the use of available resources."
I have chosen this sentence because although it is basic, it is a starting point. I had rather start broad and generalize as I continue to find ways to enhance every aspect of my abilities to encourage and motivate individuals.

How to use ScreenJelly

Comments 4 Kids # 3

Topographic Map Lab
This was a brief post dealing with the use of topography maps. Students used latitudes, longitudes, townships, and range lines. This is a very useful lab for students. The skills learned will enable students to understand coordinates if ever faced with a situation to determine location.

Blog Post 9

Morgan Bayda: An Open Letter to Education
I can relate to this post in multiple ways. As students, the majority of our education comes from sitting classrooms and listening to lectures that are of little interest to our future. As the article states, why are we still using a model of education from hundreds of years ago? Are educators too lazy to utilize new ways that will ultimately benefit our future.
Through social networking, Morgan Bayda was able to find the volunteering opportunity she was looking for. The fact that she found this opportunity not through her professor, but from someone she did not know is enough to support the integration of classroom technology.
I agree with Dan Brown's stance that society is not finished moving forward. In his very energetic video, he makes the point that information is free. Free information is offered that is probably more useful than the unopened textbooks or professors who leads little to no interaction. "My schooling is interfering with my education" is a very strong statement that many students could probably relate to.
Educators should be prepared to change with the world for the students' benefits. We have reached a new time that requires new teaching methods. It would be safe to say that students today are more technologically literate than most professors. So who is teaching who?

ALEX
The Alabama Learning Exchange is a useful resource to benefit any teacher. ALEX offers lesson plans, educational web links, professional development opportunities, etc. to aid teachers with the best tools available to be an influential educator. As a future physical education teacher, the courses of study is very helpful. From grades K through 12, the courses of study are listed as to what should be accomplished for each grade. Following standards and appropriate teaching methods are required as a teacher. This website is easy to navigate and should be a resource teachers frequently visit.

ACCESS
ACCESS distance learning provides classroom courses and teachers via technology. This website offers a lot of information and tools. ACCESS allows students to receive the opportunities through technology, that they might otherwise not receive at all. To understand the full concept of ACCESS I recommend visiting the website, which is full of information.

SmartBoard Presentation