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.

Love

Assignment 2 June 6, 2010

Did You Know?

Interesting would be one way to describe the statistics presented in "Did You Know" by Karl Fisch. Throughout the video, it is easy to pick out common topics such as: the lack of educational technology, growing population, and the increased use of social networking though technology. Although the U.S. has made extreme measures to get to our current state of technology, it is obvious other countries are trying just as hard. Larger classroom sizes will result due to population growth, and if educators are not properly integrating technological advancements into the classroom our future generations will be lost.

As technology continues to evolve, jobs will continue to be more advanced and require individuals to have the proper knowledge to be eligible. The importance of today's students receiving a proper education in growing trends is vital for future success. New devices, educational approaches, and ideas are being presented daily, which will constantly change the statistics. I would definitely recommend this video to anyone unaware of the progress that has been made over a short period of time.

Mr. Winkle Wakes

This video says it all. Current skills in schools are not being implemented as they should. So many areas of businesses and jobs are growing, yet the schools are not teaching the proper skills. How qualified are these workers and what kind of skills were offered at the school they attended? It is wonderful if one attends a school where relevant skills were administered. However, will that person not just be teaching and training their coworker the skills they should have acquired in school?

If schools actually used the resources available, students would be far more confident on their own after school. Technology should not be a frightening term, but if one is unfamiliar with the concept then often times an easier route will be sought after. Students should be pushed to their limit and strive to understand the benefits of learning new skills.

Ken Robinson Says Schools Kill Creativity

Ken Robinson presents a humorous approach to a serious issue in schools. Creativity is an important characteristic for individuals to exude. As Robinson stated, children do not fear being wrong which in turn creates original ideas. However, for some adults the fear of being wrong is a constant worry. Imagine the amount of unique and original ideas individuals could create if the fear of being wrong and ridiculed did not exist.

School systems tend to diminish creativity by pushing classes such as art and drama to the bottom of the curriculum. For many students, these classes are great ways to express themselves. But what happens if these classes are taken away or ignored? The students who would be stimulated through drawing, acting, or dancing would more than likely get in trouble due to no creative outlet. Though the structure of education has shifted, it is important to try in every way possible to incorporate creativity in schools.

Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

What an amazing educator. The benefits these students are receiving through the tools they are learning is immense. I admire the fact that she teaches subjects she is unsure about. If you only teach the things you know, how are you going to learn anything new. Students proved in this video that not only can they help each other, but also teachers.

If every school could offer a computer based class like this, students would be far better prepared as they enter the next stage of their life. As online networking continues to grow, awareness of navigating through these web based programs are important. It only makes sense to utilize the resources that our schools offer.