Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Final Report on PLN
My PLN is primarily on using technology in early education classrooms. I created a Twitter and have been following several teachers. I used Symbaloo to create the PLN and have bookmarked several helpful sites. Twitter, EMD 310, my blog and different teachers blogs are some things I have bookmarked. Watching YouTube videos on technology in the classroom has been very eye-opening and useful for me.
These are some different blogs I have found and have been reading:
Summaries for C4T #4
C4T #4
At the Teacher’s Desk
The first C4T post I commented on was by Mr. Chamberlain.
He equates collaborative advancement in society with collaborative advances in education. He advocates a connected classroom that will benefit from interfacing with other classes and teachers over the long term.
I told him that I agree with his global idea of classroom connection. I asked him, do we depend on independent outreach or can we organize a larger entity to facilitate effective connected learning by “matchmaking”?
The second comment I made on this blog was to Mr. McClung.
Mr. McClung’s post was about staying positive. He talked about having a bad day, and taking it out on his students. He said that later that same day he saw another teacher that was having a bad day screaming at her class about something trivial. It hit him that he was doing that exact thing earlier in the day and he didn’t like that. He said that he wants his class to be something special and that he wants a better education for his class
I told him that I teach 4K and when it is a "bad" day it seems like the children act worse than they ever have. I said that I've learned that it's my impatience with them that makes me think that they are acting worse.
I said that especially at a young age, I feel that they can sense when I'm in a bad mood (even if I try my best to hide it) and that that affects them. I said that just like him, I want them to have a wonderful experience, so I've tried to change my attitude because my bad mood is NOT because of them, so it shouldn't be taken out on them.
Lastly I said that everyone has bad days, yells and makes mistakes. We just have to learn from what we have done wrong, and try our best not to do it again!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
C4K Summaries
C4K #8
This child posted a photo that was an element of photography. It was a picture of part of the USS Alabama.
I said that he/she did a great job. I also said that I loved all the details I could see in the picture like the dust on the window and the small cracks.
C4K #9
Ceaso said that he is learning about the planets in his class. He said that they learned how to make a kerpoof picture to help remember the order of the planets.
I told him that I loved the idea. I also said that making up little saying to help you remember important things can really help. I said that I’m in college and I still use mnemonic devices to help me study.
C4K #10
This post was done by Room 7. They created a movie for the Manaiakalani film festival.
I told them that they did a wonder job. I said that I loved it and that I had a smile on my face through the whole movie. I also told them they had very nice dance moves!
C4K #11
In Anna’s post, she is talking about a series of books called A Series of Unfortunate Events. She also said that she is really enjoying this book.
I told her that when I was younger I had never read, or heard of these books. I told her that from reading her blog post, it made me want to search the internet and find out more about these books.
Special C4K
Yasmine wrote a poem about winter /Christmas time.
I told her I loved the poem and that it flowed very well and was great. I said that she was a wonderful writer and that her poem makes me wish it snowed here.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Blog Post #13
Under professional development, it includes educator standards and the code of ethics that we all must adhere to. It has a helpful FAQ page in professional development and related professional learning units. It features a web resource section that has links to helpful sites for administrators, teachers and students.
I think this site will be very helpful for a new teacher, in particular the lesson plans, podcasts and some of the interactive links. I would like to see some more community based computing tools.
Additional Assignment #5
John Spencer has a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a master’s from Northern Arizona University. He teaches 8th grade at a low SES school in Phoenix, Arizona.
You can summarize what John Spencer has said in some of his posts with, reaching the child = teaching the child. John has proven that using technology based tools is a good method to spur creativity and maximize opportunities for learning. His use of metaphor in math to describe a variable is very off the wall, but it makes perfect sense when you think about it. Children that take advantage of his class will not only receive an education, they will learn how to think.
You can summarize what John Spencer has said in some of his posts with, reaching the child = teaching the child. John has proven that using technology based tools is a good method to spur creativity and maximize opportunities for learning. His use of metaphor in math to describe a variable is very off the wall, but it makes perfect sense when you think about it. Children that take advantage of his class will not only receive an education, they will learn how to think.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Blog Assignment #12
Think about the topics in this video. What are some of the technologies mentioned?
Which of these technologies do you think would be most useful in teaching? How will you use them?
How could the technologies listed be used to enrich a literature class teaching Shakespeare?
What are some of the technologies mentioned? Some technologies that were mentioned are blogs, winkis, podcasts, online collaboration, webcams, E Portfolios, cell phones, iPods and more.
Which of these technologies do you think would be most useful in your teaching? How will you use these? I will be teaching the early elementary grades so I think blogs and online collaboration will be useful. iPods will be great for story time or learning games (letters, shapes, colors). Skype and video will be great for exploring volcanoes and animals in the jungle! Then we can post everything we learn on the class blog.
How could the technologies listed be used to enrich a literature class teaching Shakespeare?
For a high school class, we assign students to research and report on the clothing and costumes of the era. Have them construct a multimedia presentation on the Globe theatre. Have them Skype with a Shakespeare scholar.
Ask them to collaborate and rewrite a portion of a Shakespeare play into modern language and then video the scene and post on the blog!
I also found this video. Watch it for "extra credit". ;)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Google Form Results - Project #6
My questionnaire requested demographic information on the class sample to determine race, age, educational background, etc. to determine any correlation between background and pursuing a degree in education. Additional questions were on future post grad work and use of technology in the classroom.
As shown in the graphs below, the sample demonstrates ”normal” demographic characteristics for an undergraduate class. The single interesting finding was that having family members involved in some form of education seems to have a significant impact on the student’s choice of major. Thirteen of nineteen responses showed links to either immediate or extended family members involved in education.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Final Project Progress Report
Cassie Steele and myself will be doing this project together. We have talked about different things that we could do, and decided to do a movie on our experiences in EDM310. We are going to talk about the different tools we used in this class. We will also talk a lot about our opinions of this course and some other ideas that we have.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Blog Assignment # 11
Children are able to manipulate the technology (animation, symbols and reading) at a younger age than they are able to type coherent responses, so Skype or video may be better feedback or evaluation tools. One great use of the technology is the exposure and interaction that the class can have with distant places and cultures.
Ms. Cassidy was very complementary of her technology resource officer. We are learning a wide range of basic building blocks in EDM 310, but a reliable technology resource person in our school will certainly be helpful.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
C4T #3 Summary Post
The blog I commented on was called, “About a Teacher”.
The first post I commented on was called, “Aren’t We Done with Waiting?” Greta talks about having the initiative to be a concerned and involved professional and use our skills to collaboratively help children. She is advocating a grassroots movement of networked education professionals committed to parent/student/teacher communication to effect positive change in all of our educational processes. As John Donne said: “No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.” In other words, we’re all in this together. Let’s do what we can.
I commented to Greta and told her that a lot of what she talked about is the approach I want to take when I teach. I said that positive effects from the bottom up cannot help but contribute to some amount of change.
Greta’s second post I commented on was about loving your children in your class before you even know them. Greta had the “bad” child in one of her classes. The child all of the teachers warn you about. This little boy Thomas had serious behavior problems. Greta found out that he had been a victim of sexual abuse. She showed him that she cared about him, spent time with him and did little things that eventually helped the way he acted and changed his attitude. She loved him before she even knew him, and she really ended up helping him.
I commented to her and told her that that was wonderful, that she was a great impact in his life. I said that being about to learn about, love and help my students I will have one day is something I’m so excited about.
The first post I commented on was called, “Aren’t We Done with Waiting?” Greta talks about having the initiative to be a concerned and involved professional and use our skills to collaboratively help children. She is advocating a grassroots movement of networked education professionals committed to parent/student/teacher communication to effect positive change in all of our educational processes. As John Donne said: “No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.” In other words, we’re all in this together. Let’s do what we can.
I commented to Greta and told her that a lot of what she talked about is the approach I want to take when I teach. I said that positive effects from the bottom up cannot help but contribute to some amount of change.
Greta’s second post I commented on was about loving your children in your class before you even know them. Greta had the “bad” child in one of her classes. The child all of the teachers warn you about. This little boy Thomas had serious behavior problems. Greta found out that he had been a victim of sexual abuse. She showed him that she cared about him, spent time with him and did little things that eventually helped the way he acted and changed his attitude. She loved him before she even knew him, and she really ended up helping him.
I commented to her and told her that that was wonderful, that she was a great impact in his life. I said that being about to learn about, love and help my students I will have one day is something I’m so excited about.
C4K Summary Post
C4K #3
This post was by Room 116. It was about the Christchurch earthquake. The child who wrote this said that it happened very early in the morning. They said that there was a lot of damage, but no one was hurt.
I said that it must have been really scary waking up to an earthquake. I said that I couldn’t imagine being in one and asked if earthquakes happen often there.
C4K #4
This post was by Lily. It was about a fete given by her school that she helped out with. She described everything that went on very well and used great detail.
I told her that it sounded amazing and that I loved reading about it. I told her that when I was in grade school, we had something very similar to it, but it was called Field Day.
C4K #5
This post was by Ben B. He talked about his name. He said he liked it because he could make his name short or long. He said no one he knows has his name. Most people thought his name was Benjamin, but that it wasn’t.
I told him that is was awesome that he liked his name. I also told him that I’m curious what Ben is short for, because I also thought it was short for Benjamin.
C4K #6
This post was by Adam. His post was about his biome project. He said that he had to study a biome and make multimedia and a presentation out of it. He talked about different animals in the tundra. Some animals he talked about were polar bears, seals, killer whales and wolves.
I told him that 5 weeks was a long time to spend on a project. I said that it was very informative and that the pictures looked great.
C4K #7
This post was by Unisaur. This child took a picture of the ceiling in the USS Alabama. This picture was taken because it went along with the elements of photography.
I said great job and that I loved the photo. I said that if I tried to take a picture like that, it wouldn’t have turned out the way I would have wanted it to. I also said that I thought Wave was a great name for the photo.
This post was by Room 116. It was about the Christchurch earthquake. The child who wrote this said that it happened very early in the morning. They said that there was a lot of damage, but no one was hurt.
I said that it must have been really scary waking up to an earthquake. I said that I couldn’t imagine being in one and asked if earthquakes happen often there.
C4K #4
This post was by Lily. It was about a fete given by her school that she helped out with. She described everything that went on very well and used great detail.
I told her that it sounded amazing and that I loved reading about it. I told her that when I was in grade school, we had something very similar to it, but it was called Field Day.
C4K #5
This post was by Ben B. He talked about his name. He said he liked it because he could make his name short or long. He said no one he knows has his name. Most people thought his name was Benjamin, but that it wasn’t.
I told him that is was awesome that he liked his name. I also told him that I’m curious what Ben is short for, because I also thought it was short for Benjamin.
C4K #6
This post was by Adam. His post was about his biome project. He said that he had to study a biome and make multimedia and a presentation out of it. He talked about different animals in the tundra. Some animals he talked about were polar bears, seals, killer whales and wolves.
I told him that 5 weeks was a long time to spend on a project. I said that it was very informative and that the pictures looked great.
C4K #7
This post was by Unisaur. This child took a picture of the ceiling in the USS Alabama. This picture was taken because it went along with the elements of photography.
I said great job and that I loved the photo. I said that if I tried to take a picture like that, it wouldn’t have turned out the way I would have wanted it to. I also said that I thought Wave was a great name for the photo.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Additonal Assignment #3
What do you think is the most important thing Sir Ken Robinson says in this presentation?
I think the most important thing Sir Ken Robinson says in this presentation is the current “industrial model” of education is not working.
Is there anything you disagree with in this presentation?
While it may be time to change the “industrial” model, these methods have enabled the most literate society in history. In doing this, we have probably placed a lot of square pegs in round holes.
How congruent are Sir Ken Robinson's positions with those which you are being taught in the College of Education. In other words, where is there agreement? Where is there disagreement?
Most education classes are structured to continue the current methods and infrastructure of the traditional classroom. We see some progress with classes such as EDM310 and PLNs.
What can you do to address the issues Sir Robinson raises?
I can work with students to promote motivation and not medication.
What do you think of the presentation?
I thought the presentation was distracting. Though, it was interesting, I think it would have been easier for me to focus if it was a straight lecture or powerpoint.
If you had to do a presentation with others like this, what role on your team would you like most to play?
Narrator.
I think the most important thing Sir Ken Robinson says in this presentation is the current “industrial model” of education is not working.
Is there anything you disagree with in this presentation?
While it may be time to change the “industrial” model, these methods have enabled the most literate society in history. In doing this, we have probably placed a lot of square pegs in round holes.
How congruent are Sir Ken Robinson's positions with those which you are being taught in the College of Education. In other words, where is there agreement? Where is there disagreement?
Most education classes are structured to continue the current methods and infrastructure of the traditional classroom. We see some progress with classes such as EDM310 and PLNs.
What can you do to address the issues Sir Robinson raises?
I can work with students to promote motivation and not medication.
What do you think of the presentation?
I thought the presentation was distracting. Though, it was interesting, I think it would have been easier for me to focus if it was a straight lecture or powerpoint.
If you had to do a presentation with others like this, what role on your team would you like most to play?
Narrator.
Blog Assignment #10
Post by Morgan Bayda
No matter the venue or the size of the class, my experience is that good teachers can make the difference. If you have a poor teacher in a small class that uses technology and a good teacher that can hold your attention in a large lecture hall, you will still end up with the opposite of the described problem.
Technology and online facts are not a panacea. If one does not learn the basics of grammar and sentence structure, getting online to teach yourself English 101 prior to writing a report for your administrator is probably not a good idea.
Good, motivational instructors that teach in relevant ways are the key now just as they have been for the past 1000 years. The problem is that we need more of them. Technology is a tool that we will use to keep ourselves and our courses relevant and hopefully, make us one of the memorable teachers for our students.
Two questions that can change your life
What’s your sentence?
Was I better today than I was yesterday?
The two questions above serve to focus us on a goal. The first is to establish a goal-worthy core value or philosophy and the second question is to provide a constant measure of our progress in living up to that goal. Right now, after a hectic day with a class of four-year-olds, I believe thinking about ”my sentence” will help me react in a more positive way.
My sentence:
No matter the venue or the size of the class, my experience is that good teachers can make the difference. If you have a poor teacher in a small class that uses technology and a good teacher that can hold your attention in a large lecture hall, you will still end up with the opposite of the described problem.
Technology and online facts are not a panacea. If one does not learn the basics of grammar and sentence structure, getting online to teach yourself English 101 prior to writing a report for your administrator is probably not a good idea.
Good, motivational instructors that teach in relevant ways are the key now just as they have been for the past 1000 years. The problem is that we need more of them. Technology is a tool that we will use to keep ourselves and our courses relevant and hopefully, make us one of the memorable teachers for our students.
What’s your sentence?
Was I better today than I was yesterday?
The two questions above serve to focus us on a goal. The first is to establish a goal-worthy core value or philosophy and the second question is to provide a constant measure of our progress in living up to that goal. Right now, after a hectic day with a class of four-year-olds, I believe thinking about ”my sentence” will help me react in a more positive way.
My sentence:
I will be a positive influence and role model to the children I teach through personal attention and interaction.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Blog assignment # 9
I would summarize Mr. McClung’s post with four values: listen, be flexible, be positive and never stop learning.
In these are valuable skills to use in everyday life as well as in the classroom. Everyone wants to be heard. Often, you can disagree with someone and still work together as long as you acknowledge that their viewpoint has value.
Children, especially young children, have limited ways to express themselves. We must be aware and listen to this feedback. Whether as an individual student or a class body, if we pay attention to the feedback, we can modify the message to connect more.
No one likes working with a sourpuss. Not even other sourpusses! When we emphasize the positive (what we CAN do, what we DO have control over) we can affect other people’s outcomes in a positive way.
Never stop learning is the final point Mr. McClung makes. I try to remember that everyone you meet can teach you something and many times those “somethings” are valuable. A good administrator can teach you leadership. A student’s viewpoint can be insightful. With our technological resources we have no excuses for handicapping our students or ourselves by not using them to further our own education.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
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