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

Podcast Project

Blog Post 8

"What I've Learned This Year" by Mr. McClung


This is an extremely important post that could help many first year teachers. All teachers should write a reflection like this at the end of their first year. It would be so helpful for not only other teachers, but one's self. Being able to look back and see how much one has grown and progressed as a teacher would be interesting.
I agree with the concept that students should be the focus, and many teachers lose sight of that. we should communicate with our students and encourage them to do the best they can at everything they attempt.
I find the most important part of this post was to never stop learning. How can we beg and tell students how important learning is when we do not actively engage in the same activity. It is necessary to continue learning past our degree in order to stay up-to-date with the latest educational resources. We definitely do owe it to our students.

Blog Post 7

Randy Pausch: The Last Lecture

When I think of inspirational speeches, this is it. The fact that this man is dying of a such a fatal disease, and yet he is able to stay upbeat should, alone, motivate anyone. He states that we can not change the cards we are dealt, just the way we handle the game. He is definitely in charge of how he is handling his game, and throughout his lecture he makes many dynamics points.
He first refers to personal dreams of childhood. This is an easy time to dream, when anything is possible. It is where the fundamentals are taught, and hopefully one day appreciated. He makes numerous comments about being an encouraging professor. If teachers could be this focused on their students at an early age, encouraging dreams, think of what the quality of students could be at the college level. The next important step in his lecture is how to help others achieve their dreams. You may not get what you want, but you will get experience. Experience is necessary when you hit the brick walls that are meant to stop you. The brick walls will only stop people who do not want something bad enough.
The impact Randy Pausch has made on the students he has worked with will probably be one they never forget. Utilizing involvement of students in huge projects, such as the ETC program, is extremely beneficial. The hands-on experience and professional guidance they received will be something they take with them on the professional journey. The bar graphs he used as a self-reflective tool, is comparable to the necessary comments left for this class. Though it is difficult to take criticism, it logical to realize when the criticism stops, someone is giving up on you. That is so true, the comments that critique our process in this class is only helping us better achieve complimentary work.
After the dreams, comes the lessons learned. How you lead you life will consist of these three categories: childhood dreams, helping other achieve dreams, and lessons learned. Overall, giving everything you have to what means the most to you, and do not lose sight of what that is. Never lose your childhood wonders and always help others. Many of the items that were discussed in this lecture are ones people usually push to the side. If everyone held true to their dreams, there is no doubt this world would be more advanced than it already is.

TimeToast

I have created a timetoast to represent current events that would be applicable in a physical education classroom. Presented: the winners of the World Cup since the first year it was played, 1930. This timeline would be utilized during a soccer lesson in class.

Comments 4 Kids #2

Room 14
I am following Helen King's year fives at Pt England School. The student I followed, Onosai, did artwork to represent a rainy day they had. As it rained he and three other classmates watched from a window and played Jenga. The student's comment was organized and written very well. Starting students using technology at such a young age is a great way to enhance their educational opportunities.

PLN

I have come across a number of informational websites and blogs to benefit my personal learning network. Below is a list of links I have added so far. As I continue to enhance my growing PLN, I plan to replace and add the most beneficial sites for my network.

PE Blog
Intrepid Teacher
PE Central
Physical Education
AFAA
Pilates

Vocaroo

Comments 4 Kids # 1

I followed 2KM at Leopold Primary School, located in Victoria, Australia. This blog is amazing, check it out! The students stay up-to-date with current events through a news story, Behind the News, which is presented in a student friendly format. The students presented a commercial promoting Australia's tourism. They wanted response on whether what was thought of the commercial, and if it sparked an interest to visit.
I admire the fact that this classroom is not only incorporating current events, but also the use of technology. The blog is full of great videos and links, and the teachers are quick to respond to messages.

Assignment 6-Blog Post 5

Why Smartboards Are A Dumb Initiative by Michael Staton
Michael Staton makes many useful remarks. Saying Smartboards pretty much just make a school look good, and it is something that can be counted for is a good point. I acknowledge how he admits he is a "gadget geek" yet still does not fully support the idea of Smartboards.
Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards by Bill Ferriter
Are Smartboards a waste of money? From what Bill Ferriter presents, I would say yes. Given the fact that he had a Smartboard for a year, and gave it away says a lot. If everything that is done on a Smartboard can be achieved at the same level, if not above, on a computer then why not train our teachers that way. Teachers could transfer their technological skills to their students in meaningful lessons.
I feel the background of both of these men give them the ability to fully argue against the idea of a Smartboard.
In Teachers Love SMART Boards, a number of posts are presented to aid teachers in developing effective lesson plans utilizing Smartboards. Resources include: audio podcasts,how to develop interactive activities, and how to use classroom assessment tools. Within the site is slideshow of interesting ways to use your Smartboard in the classroom. This website and blog contains argumentative information that supports usage of the Smartboard.
I am personally not 100% for SmartBoards. I do agree they are wonderful tools for our education system; however how many teachers are actually utilizing these very expensive tools? I know a lot of classrooms who have them and hardly ever use them. Also, in many classrooms students are barely allowed to even look at them, for fear they will break them.

The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies
I found EDM310 for Dummies enlightening. It was a cute way of demonstrating what I am sure many students taking this class may feel, overwhelmed. I think it would be a good idea for the EDM 310 class to start it's own podcast. The class could be broken into a number of groups, where each group would be responsible for one audio episode and video. Whatever topic the group decides to speak on, a video would be made to represent their topic of the week. (error on The Chipper Series)

Blog Post 4

In my opinion, iTunes U seems closely related to the idea suggested for iSchool. I think integrating iTunes with education is a powerful concept. One highlight that stands out to me is how easily accessible iTunes U is for not only normal functioning students, but for students with disabilities. With over 600 universities participating and uploading lectures, syllabi, etc., through iTunes U, it is easy to observe how quickly technology spreads.
Podcasts are either audio, visual, document files, or a combination of all three that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication (making material available to multiple other sites. The most common way to use podcasts are though iTunes. You can subscribe to a podcast and iTunes will automatically update the newest episode. Anyone is able to make a podcast, they are available on a number of different topics, and it is a convenient way to reach a large audience.
It is literally astonishing that 3rd graders are able to make their own podcasts and blogs, yet so many individuals who should know how to, have no idea. The fact that teachers are integrating podcasts into classrooms at such an early age is a very effective learning technique. The students that are part of this podcasts are so much farther ahead, technologically, than other 3rd graders who are not involved with such an activity.
This is a wonderful way to encourage and influence students to retain facts about what they are learning. The special effects added to the podcast are impressive, and the students are engaging so many areas of their creative abilities. I highly recommend that schools with the available resources start podcasts like this.
There were many interesting points made in The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom. It is a great way to interact with students outside of the classroom and promote creativity and innovation. Another positive benefit involves parents being able to review their child's progress in class.
Podcasting is a great way to utilize reaching students who are sick. Relevant information is available to any individual, especially students, who are on the go. The ability of podcasts to be presented on blogs would be great for classrooms. If each class started their own blog, the students could be in charge of a podcast.
Practical principals is such a great development. Every principal should be as involved with their school, as Melinda Miller is in not only her school, but district. She has reached out to ensure that the teachers in her district are qualified in proper technology.
This audio podcasts is very convenient for teachers. The topics presented on their audio podcast is relevant for any teacher to participate in. This is a wonderful way for teachers and administrators to network among each other.
I would definitely suggest the information on curriki to anyone who is interested in starting their own podcast. This is a wonderful resource that offers tutorials, directions, and anything imaginable to get started.
I enjoyed reviewing the tips to succeed. Seven useful tips are provided to better assist beginners. Among these include: spending time learning the software, allowing plenty of time to finish projects, and inviting principals, parents, etc in to see the presentations the students worked on so hard. It is important for teachers to be familiar with these tips to better educate their students.

Timeline: Phi Mu Fraternity Installation Dates for universities in Alabama

Assignment 4: Blog Post 3

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?

Teachers, parents, and administrators definitely hold students back from their technological possibilities. I remember when I first started using the internet and how quickly I caught onto the concept. Luckily I knew what websites were appropriate and safe, but my parents thought few were appropriate, much less safe.

Parents and teachers should strive to teach students beneficial ways to utilize the web. Students are less likely to wander onto inappropriate websites if they are taught how to navigate and understand technology. The poem presented by Scott McLeod,who is co-creator of Did You Know 3.0, is very straight forward with the topic of technology and students. Parents and school officials should read this poem and realize that children held back from technological advancement now will continue to stay behind.

The iSchool Initiative

The school applications available through the iTouch are very useful and a great idea to incorporate in the classroom. iSchool, classics, and iHomework are truly amazing applications that could, not only help our student's technological learning, but help the world's attempt of going green. Some of the applications probably offer more information than school books, and would be accessed more easily compared to books.
It would be interesting if Apple conducted a research by distributing iTouch technology to a specific school. Students would perform their schoolwork using this technology. Grades and progress would then be compared to other schools within the same school district without the use of technology.

The Lost Generation

As the words flow, it is depressing, yet very true of how closely they resemble today's thoughts and actions. Putting work and money first, higher divorce rates, and environmental destruction is considered to be the general thought process of today's society. When the video unexpectedly reverses, hope is truly considered. It is evident that individual's are trying to turn around the mistakes we have been making on the environment. Families and happiness should be one of the most important areas focused on in daily life.

Though the words are the same, when reversed the meaning is entirely different. It shows that if we do reverse the way we act and think, there is hope that everything will turn around. An extremely interesting way of presenting words that have two different concepts.

Eric Whitaker's Virtual Choir

Some might argue that 185 people that have never met or practiced would not be able to perform "Lux Aurumque". Well the internet has not only accomplished this, but accomplished it very well. The combination of music and technology is amazing. This video is proof to anyone anti-technology that remarkable things can be accomplished via internet.

Assignment 3

Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today

Can technology save us? I am not sure about that comment. However, I agree that students today pay for classes they never attend, buy books they never open, and yet somehow pass a course that will benefit their career. Will this career affect anyone else...if a medical student did not go to class, would you want him/her as your doctor? It is inevitable that most students will spend more time online, eating, sleeping, watching television, or simply sitting around before they will perform school work.

Is there a way technology could be incorporated in the classroom to benefit students' college experience? Looking back on my personal experience, so many of the classes that were required, both undergraduate and graduate, were a waste of my time. Had those classes been replaced with a course to better prepare me for a technological based society, I would be among the few percentage of technological literate individuals.

"It's Not about the Technology" by Kelly Hines

I can relate to this article, due to the fact that personally I am not crazy about technology. I am capable of doing what I deem to be necessary to call myself computer literate, but I know at times it is not enough. It is true that technology comes to the vast majority's mind when determining what today's children need to know and be able to do. Though technology is important, is the need of technological resources the first things we need to initiate in the classroom?

This article presents four points. Teachers must be learners: once many students receive their certification/degree, they assume learning is complete. It is complete for those who do not wish to excel in their field of study and as future educators, every student should be prepared to continue their educational journey. Learning and teaching are not the same thing and future educators need to determine strategies that students will understand. Teaching in general would be useless if the teaching is not "good". A good teacher should be able to not only include technology, but also incorporate the necessary core outcomes without technology.

Karl Fisch: Is it Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

While I do agree that technological literacy should be required in most fields and careers, the list presented in Is It Okay To Be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher is pretty harsh. It seems to me that individuals who are technological literate have this high expectancy of non technological literate individuals to get on their level. Yes, this would be amazing if everyone had the same capabilities as those who are extremely literate, but would the professional athlete say this to a amateur...get on my level. Let's face it, some individuals do not have the desire to learn this tool while others would love to learn, yet has no teacher willing to help.

Overtime, perhaps more individuals will acquire the literacy to enable them to be on a higher technological level. However, it will take time and good teachers to get there. I agree that current employment opportunities rely heavily on technological knowledge. For this reason, it is vital for school systems to hire proper educators for not only students, but also teachers. This will build a stronger technological based community, and strengthen today's students preparation into the future.

Gary Hayes Social Media Count

I honestly could not comprehend the amount of changes that were socially occurring. After reviewing the previous three articles/video, I look at technology in a slightly different light. Most people who are not technologically literate tend to think nothing based on technology will affect them. But how could someone not be part of at least some form of technology, social networking, etc.

The amount of money spent on online social networks is unbelievable. The increase of new members, blog posts, and texts that occur in seconds should be enough to turn anyone who is completely anti-tech around. The ability alone to be able to track such amazing statistics should be enough proof that technology is a large part of today and is only growing by the second.

Comments 4 Teachers # 1

I followed Jabiz Raisdana, an intrepid teacher in Doha, Qatar. Many important topics and information is found on this blog. I highly recommend this blog! Below is the feedback I left for his posts.
Talk Back:
I found your post extremely relevant to my recent studies. In a class I am currently enrolled in, Bloom's Taxonomy has been brought up multiple times. The specific class has given information on applying Bloom's pyramid to special education students. The thought is, no matter the level of the student's learning capabilities, coursework should be relevant, challenging, and presented in a manner to benefit the child. I feel in most cases students can be pushed to the next level in coursework and exams. It would be interesting to gradually increase exams, quizzes, or projects to see how the students progress. Keeping the material along the same level of difficulty, but perhaps changing formats. Although I would have personally hated that when I was in 6th grade, I know it would have definitely been of benefit. You must be a very involved teacher to express interest in finding new ways to involve your students. I think this is wonderful. Students/children today have a hard time finding someone to trust and look up to. Many teachers are not involved and do no want to waste their personal time to offer additional help. I recall having my best relationships during school with teachers that presented a mentor model. Though it may depend on the child's individual personality, I feel many students would be able to communicate more effectively through this model. I look forward to your updates on this topic.
Tuff Stuff:
Amazing post. I am very interested with the concept of Glogster. The examples of ways you have come up with to utilize this tool is also very impressive. All prove to be very effective classroom activities/projects. Your students are very lucky to have a such a creative teacher, who is so involved. Thanks again for sharing!
No Flash. Just Read.:
Another great post. I personally enjoy reading the old-fashioned way, a book with only words. Someone replied with a comment stating reading should enhance the imagination. I could not agree more. When you only have text, you imagine as you read what the settings, characters, atmosphere of the words represent and look like. This new way of reading takes away that imagination.
Though it is a very fascinating tool, I agree that this gadget would provoke game playing. Perhaps an application like this could be utilized as a prize. Encourage the child to read a 'real book', and then instead of allowing children to sit in front of a game system, offer them this technological tool.
For the children who struggle or have a different outlook on reading, this may be the ideal tool. Though I encourage "old school" reading, if this tool could change a child's interest, then I would be supportive.
Thanks for sharing such an interesting topic.