Thursday, April 30, 2009
EDM 310
Although I read several political blogs online, I had never really considered writing a blog myself. Working on this blog has been an experience that I have really enjoyed and would consider continuing beyond this classroom. Google documents as a whole was something I had some experience with before entering this class and had used it most back during the campaign to keep track of contact information for volunteers. Although it still has a few kinks to work out, it has improved significantly since I was first introduced to it. Perhaps the most useful aspect of the Google "works" was Google presentation. I have found it to be a good alternative to Microsoft Powerpoint as it is easier to keep track of your documents and you don't have to worry about saving it, or emailing it to yourself or any other hassle.
I think perhaps out of all of the technologies utilized I enjoyed using iTunes and podcasts the most. Although I use iTunes quite frequently, it was purely for the purpose of purchasing music. Finding educational podcasts and using them outside the classroom has been something I have really enjoyed and I feel that listening to them helped prepare me for the Praxis II exam. This is a technology I could certainly see using, particularly as a teacher where I could create a podcast that would cover days that I may be absent so that my classroom doesn't fall behind.
Finally tools such as ACCESS and ALEX are terrific opportunities for teachers to communicate with each other and share ideas and classroom strategies. As a teacher, one might feel that lecture and other classroom activities are getting dull and repetitive and this provides a great opportunity for teachers to infuse their classroom with fresh ideas. I feel that all these technological options I just listed were the most important aspects of EDM 310 and the ones I will take advantage of in my future career.
I think perhaps out of all of the technologies utilized I enjoyed using iTunes and podcasts the most. Although I use iTunes quite frequently, it was purely for the purpose of purchasing music. Finding educational podcasts and using them outside the classroom has been something I have really enjoyed and I feel that listening to them helped prepare me for the Praxis II exam. This is a technology I could certainly see using, particularly as a teacher where I could create a podcast that would cover days that I may be absent so that my classroom doesn't fall behind.
Finally tools such as ACCESS and ALEX are terrific opportunities for teachers to communicate with each other and share ideas and classroom strategies. As a teacher, one might feel that lecture and other classroom activities are getting dull and repetitive and this provides a great opportunity for teachers to infuse their classroom with fresh ideas. I feel that all these technological options I just listed were the most important aspects of EDM 310 and the ones I will take advantage of in my future career.
This semester I had very little experience with Twitter. However, from what I have learned about it recently, I can see a few ways in which it would be beneficial as well as detrimental in the class. As a teacher, it would be easy to upload addendums to assignments for example and have my students be able to access it quickly. Twitter would be an ideal tool for small updates to various classroom activities.
There are several negatives as well. I feel that with these addendums, students would ask their friends about the assignment rather than seek it out themselves and therefore have an excuse if the directions get distorted. Secondly with our current situation with the swine flu, information travels so quickly that oftentimes it is not correct and people become concerned for no reason. Because of these reasons, I don't have a particularly positive reaction to Twitter and don't foresee using it in my classroom.
There are several negatives as well. I feel that with these addendums, students would ask their friends about the assignment rather than seek it out themselves and therefore have an excuse if the directions get distorted. Secondly with our current situation with the swine flu, information travels so quickly that oftentimes it is not correct and people become concerned for no reason. Because of these reasons, I don't have a particularly positive reaction to Twitter and don't foresee using it in my classroom.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Classroom Podcasts
After reviewing several of the podcasts, I felt that there was a running theme throughout most of them that warrants some attention. First, it was clear that since this was a "live" broadcast many people were nervous. To avoid long pauses, people kept large quantities of notes to ensure that they would not forget anything. However, because of this action, many of these podcasts felt overly rehearsed and unnatural.
Rather than speaking casually and conversationally as occurs in most podcasts, many groups simply took turns reading their contributions to the discussion. Thus the podcasts felt overly transcribed rather than well rehearsed. Additionally, those groups who did engage in some question and answer portions of the podcast felt very unnatural.
Ultimately it is clear that many people were nervous about this exercise. To compensate for this nervousness they rehearsed to the point where their discussion no longer felt natural. Despite these criticisms, I felt that every group excelled at the knowledge of the topic they were discussing and provided an interesting look into whatever field they chose to discuss.
Rather than speaking casually and conversationally as occurs in most podcasts, many groups simply took turns reading their contributions to the discussion. Thus the podcasts felt overly transcribed rather than well rehearsed. Additionally, those groups who did engage in some question and answer portions of the podcast felt very unnatural.
Ultimately it is clear that many people were nervous about this exercise. To compensate for this nervousness they rehearsed to the point where their discussion no longer felt natural. Despite these criticisms, I felt that every group excelled at the knowledge of the topic they were discussing and provided an interesting look into whatever field they chose to discuss.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Benefits of Blogging in the Classroom
After reading Gretta's blog , what struck me the most is how often we diverge in the things we notice in each assignment. This first observation points out one way in which teachers could utilize blogs in the classroom, by observing what each student notices in each assignment the teacher better understands what interests the student and what they ignore.
There is a little more freedom in blogs because there is no right or wrong answer necessarily, just how one responds to what is listened to or observed. As such, students with picking out specific details and instead looking at the assignment as a whole. I think that this is part of how Gretta and I diverged. Additionally, where topics must be selected rather than assigned, the students are allowed to pick something that interests them and they are therefore more inclined to do the assignment. I think giving the students some freedom in writing blogs would be very important to their success.
Yet, as has been observed in this classroom there are cons to writing blogs as well. Since blogs are discussed infrequently, students many times tend to forget about the assignment and fall behind, creating an environment where it becomes more and more tasking to catch up. Thus I think it would be more ideal to grade them throughout the semester rather than at the end to encourage students to maintain their blogs. Individual the blogs themselves are not difficult, but when 3 months of blogs begin to stack up then working on them becomes intimidating.
Overall I think that blogs would be a welcome addition to a classroom if students are able and willing to keep up with their blogs and use them to communicate their ideas effectively.
There is a little more freedom in blogs because there is no right or wrong answer necessarily, just how one responds to what is listened to or observed. As such, students with picking out specific details and instead looking at the assignment as a whole. I think that this is part of how Gretta and I diverged. Additionally, where topics must be selected rather than assigned, the students are allowed to pick something that interests them and they are therefore more inclined to do the assignment. I think giving the students some freedom in writing blogs would be very important to their success.
Yet, as has been observed in this classroom there are cons to writing blogs as well. Since blogs are discussed infrequently, students many times tend to forget about the assignment and fall behind, creating an environment where it becomes more and more tasking to catch up. Thus I think it would be more ideal to grade them throughout the semester rather than at the end to encourage students to maintain their blogs. Individual the blogs themselves are not difficult, but when 3 months of blogs begin to stack up then working on them becomes intimidating.
Overall I think that blogs would be a welcome addition to a classroom if students are able and willing to keep up with their blogs and use them to communicate their ideas effectively.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
"Growth" vs. "Fixed" Mindsets in Learning
In this video podcast, author and professor Carol Dweck is interviewed about her research into growth and fixed mindsets. She argues that students who believe that intelligence is a fixed trait and putting themselves at a disadvantage and will be unable to learn and adapt as well as those who believe in growth learning. People who believe in growth learning, on the other hand, believe that knowledge is something that can be gained constantly and actively seek to learn something new. Intellect is not a fixed characteristic and can be improved over time if one makes the effort.
She mentions a study in which two groups of students were taught in the fixed and growth mindset manner and those educated in the growth mindset improved their grades significantly. Although teachers were unaware which students were involved in which group, the results pointed clearly to the advantages in growth mindsets.
As an educator, this lesson is important to me most of all. After the first few years as our lesson plans are set and become reusable year and year, teachers are tempted to become apathetic and not improve upon their subject matter. By making the effort to continually learn, our brains will continue to develop and hopefully help us become better teachers by increasing our knowledge of our subject matter and the world around us. Thus by following the growth mindset, teachers should be encouraged to remain curious, and to remember that just because they teach it doesn't mean that they cannot learn.
She mentions a study in which two groups of students were taught in the fixed and growth mindset manner and those educated in the growth mindset improved their grades significantly. Although teachers were unaware which students were involved in which group, the results pointed clearly to the advantages in growth mindsets.
As an educator, this lesson is important to me most of all. After the first few years as our lesson plans are set and become reusable year and year, teachers are tempted to become apathetic and not improve upon their subject matter. By making the effort to continually learn, our brains will continue to develop and hopefully help us become better teachers by increasing our knowledge of our subject matter and the world around us. Thus by following the growth mindset, teachers should be encouraged to remain curious, and to remember that just because they teach it doesn't mean that they cannot learn.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Video Podcasts in the Classroom
For my video podcasts I chose subjects from a variety of different areas in science. I chose: Characteristics of the Suns, Energy Transfer in a Trebuchet, and Homo Sapiens vs. Neanderthals. The first video shared some very interesting facts about our sun and the solar system. It was a terrific way to reach out to the students that are visual learners by showing them just how massive the sun is and just how small the sun is compared to other stars.
The second video, Energy Transfer in a Trebuchet is a terrific video for getting students interested in science. The video is about two individuals who decided to build a Trebuchet which is a medieval siege weapon using only methods available to people living in the middle ages. The video shows terrific footage of cannon balls, and old pianos being flung across great distances. This video is ideal for showing students that science and engineering can be cool.
The final video Homo Sapiens vs. Neanderthals provides an interesting look into pre-civilization. It studies the early competition between Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals and offers clues as to why Homo Sapiens emerged victorious. First it argues that Homo Sapiens were much more inclined to explore than Neanderthals and spread across vast areas rather than staying local like the Neanderthals. Secondly many Homo Sapiens sites were found on hilltops, allowing them a greater view of the surrounding area so they could better plan and strategize. Neanderthals on the other hand remained in low areas and valleys and lacked this advantage. After roughly 10,000 years of competition, the Neanderthals eventually went extinct.
Podcasts like these are a terrific resource for teachers. It provides the students with a visual aid in supporting the teachers lecture while the teacher is offered a brief break. It will help the visual learners in the classroom excel and show students the "cool" side of science that teachers sometimes cannot describe (like throwing a piano).
Finally, by using this resource that students can access from home, students are encouraged to learn outside of the classroom. Watching a ten minute video about science or any other subject is often much more enjoyable than reading a chapter in a text book. Certainly if it is more entertaining then students will be more inclined to do it. These are several reasons why video podcasts are a valuable resource to teachers in the 21st century.
The second video, Energy Transfer in a Trebuchet is a terrific video for getting students interested in science. The video is about two individuals who decided to build a Trebuchet which is a medieval siege weapon using only methods available to people living in the middle ages. The video shows terrific footage of cannon balls, and old pianos being flung across great distances. This video is ideal for showing students that science and engineering can be cool.
The final video Homo Sapiens vs. Neanderthals provides an interesting look into pre-civilization. It studies the early competition between Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals and offers clues as to why Homo Sapiens emerged victorious. First it argues that Homo Sapiens were much more inclined to explore than Neanderthals and spread across vast areas rather than staying local like the Neanderthals. Secondly many Homo Sapiens sites were found on hilltops, allowing them a greater view of the surrounding area so they could better plan and strategize. Neanderthals on the other hand remained in low areas and valleys and lacked this advantage. After roughly 10,000 years of competition, the Neanderthals eventually went extinct.
Podcasts like these are a terrific resource for teachers. It provides the students with a visual aid in supporting the teachers lecture while the teacher is offered a brief break. It will help the visual learners in the classroom excel and show students the "cool" side of science that teachers sometimes cannot describe (like throwing a piano).
Finally, by using this resource that students can access from home, students are encouraged to learn outside of the classroom. Watching a ten minute video about science or any other subject is often much more enjoyable than reading a chapter in a text book. Certainly if it is more entertaining then students will be more inclined to do it. These are several reasons why video podcasts are a valuable resource to teachers in the 21st century.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
iTunes University 2
The first podcast, The Edible Schoolyard is a terrific example of learning outside the classroom. These students spend their first period, growing and maintaining an organic garden of fruits and vegetables. The students are learning and engaged as they can both eat what they grow and examine firsthand things like plant root systems.
In A Night in the Global Village, students in Arkansas experience a night as a citizen of an impoverished country and attempt to barter with each other for simple things like water and wood. Through this experience, the students better understand what people in third world countries have to endure everyday just to survive.
Podcasts like these are of terrific use to me as a teacher. Having been born and raised in Mobile, AL I have only been exposed to Mobile County style teaching. Therefore I have little experience with how subjects are taught in the rest of the county, much less around the world. So by examining schools in Arkansas and California I am able to see teaching and learning from another perspective. The examples shown here are important because although the students are outside the classroom, they are learning and engaged.
As a teacher, this is a fine line to walk. Although lectures get tiresome, it is difficult to get the students outside of the classroom and yet still have them focused and engaged. These students were given responsibility and were able to adapt to their circumstances creating lasting memories and learning that far exceeds any typical classroom lecture. These students were respected and trusted, and they gave the same courtesy right back to their teachers.
In A Night in the Global Village, students in Arkansas experience a night as a citizen of an impoverished country and attempt to barter with each other for simple things like water and wood. Through this experience, the students better understand what people in third world countries have to endure everyday just to survive.
Podcasts like these are of terrific use to me as a teacher. Having been born and raised in Mobile, AL I have only been exposed to Mobile County style teaching. Therefore I have little experience with how subjects are taught in the rest of the county, much less around the world. So by examining schools in Arkansas and California I am able to see teaching and learning from another perspective. The examples shown here are important because although the students are outside the classroom, they are learning and engaged.
As a teacher, this is a fine line to walk. Although lectures get tiresome, it is difficult to get the students outside of the classroom and yet still have them focused and engaged. These students were given responsibility and were able to adapt to their circumstances creating lasting memories and learning that far exceeds any typical classroom lecture. These students were respected and trusted, and they gave the same courtesy right back to their teachers.
iTunes University
iTunes University is a terrific program being used by teachers all across the country to distribute digital lectures to their students. Students can use their computers, iPods, or iphones to access lectures and review them at their own pace from wherever they want. Apple offers further details here.
As a teacher, I feel that this would be a terrific tool to share with my students. Not only can I access lectures from other teachers to perhaps refresh my memory, but I can also share these lectures with my students in the classroom even if they don't have access to iPods. Students will be able to learn the material from another perspective and perhaps glean some information they weren't able to in my classroom.
This is just another terrific opportunity that technology has given us to share information with students and faculty around the globe. Students can benefit from learning at their own pace and having access to lectures 24 hours a day, learning when they want to rather than when society wants them to.
As a teacher, I feel that this would be a terrific tool to share with my students. Not only can I access lectures from other teachers to perhaps refresh my memory, but I can also share these lectures with my students in the classroom even if they don't have access to iPods. Students will be able to learn the material from another perspective and perhaps glean some information they weren't able to in my classroom.
This is just another terrific opportunity that technology has given us to share information with students and faculty around the globe. Students can benefit from learning at their own pace and having access to lectures 24 hours a day, learning when they want to rather than when society wants them to.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Duke University and iPods in instruction
In the fall of 2004, Duke University provided incoming freshmen with 20GB iPods that were also equipped with Belkin voice recorders. This is a terrific example of universities embracing emerging technologies by providing their students with an instructional tool that can be used both in and outside of the classroom. Students were able to record classroom instruction as well as: access podcasts, store files, and use it as a field recording and study support tool.
This link provides arguments both for and against the usage of iPods in the classroom. It basically reiterates the Duke University discussion of the audio recording abilities of the device and how those can be used in a variety of situations. As far as the challenges concerned they pointed out that the battery life was limited, difficulty file sharing, and how "most students" weren't technologically savvy enough to work with the software. Although I was skeptical about that argument. Overall the biggest issue seemed to be the usage of iPods in the classroom beyond their intended use, which most of students surveyed said they used their iPods for other things half the time. Ultimately iPods should supplement classroom instruction rather than replace it.
This link provides arguments both for and against the usage of iPods in the classroom. It basically reiterates the Duke University discussion of the audio recording abilities of the device and how those can be used in a variety of situations. As far as the challenges concerned they pointed out that the battery life was limited, difficulty file sharing, and how "most students" weren't technologically savvy enough to work with the software. Although I was skeptical about that argument. Overall the biggest issue seemed to be the usage of iPods in the classroom beyond their intended use, which most of students surveyed said they used their iPods for other things half the time. Ultimately iPods should supplement classroom instruction rather than replace it.
Alice Christie
One of the first things I noticed about Alice Christies' site is how well she understands her audience. She has covers bases from web 2.0 and blogging to the basics like translating instance message lingo. She even covers things like Google Earth and interactive programs like SecondLife under her Emerging Technologies section.
I believe that the website would be useful to me as a teacher because first and foremost it is easily navigable. Her website is well designed for beginners and advanced users alike, and both will be able to learn something for the information she provides.
I believe that the website would be useful to me as a teacher because first and foremost it is easily navigable. Her website is well designed for beginners and advanced users alike, and both will be able to learn something for the information she provides.
Wikipedia
Although Wikipedia is an easily accessible source of information, it is certainly unreliable. In fact, in one of my classes several years ago, a classmate edited some information on George Washington just as we were discussing the website. In just a few minutes the content had been changed (although it was fairly quickly restored) and episodes such as this prove that Wikipedia can never be a trusted source of information.
As with all things, you have to remember what the source is and who has access to it.
With a tool that is as open and free as Wikipedia is, certainly individuals and corporations are likely to edit information if it will be to their benefit and thus, as with everything, I would always make sure I got information from multiple sources. But as a resource for looking up simple facts such as September 1, 1939 for the beginning of World War II Wikipedia is a quick, if not necessarily trusted resource.
As with all things, you have to remember what the source is and who has access to it.
With a tool that is as open and free as Wikipedia is, certainly individuals and corporations are likely to edit information if it will be to their benefit and thus, as with everything, I would always make sure I got information from multiple sources. But as a resource for looking up simple facts such as September 1, 1939 for the beginning of World War II Wikipedia is a quick, if not necessarily trusted resource.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
Although I had seen it before, I still found Randy Pausch's Last Lecture to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This is a terrific example of a lecture that rewards the audience on many different levels. Pausch is entertaining and inspiring throughout and the audience is drawn in emotionally as well as intellectually. He also provides terrific material to support his lecture including pictures and video adding a nice amount of variety to the lecture.
The portion of the lecture that I personally found most inspiring was his inclusion of what he called "brick walls". A terrific example of the obstacles that we all encounter in life which cause us to question how much we desire that goal. Brick walls are meant to keep the others out, not keep us from reaching our dreams. I encountered a few brick walls myself recently, and they have allowed me to prove to myself that this is what I really want.
This "Last Lecture" has also taken on particular significance to me. I found out while writing this blog that one of the most beloved professors at the University of South Alabama Dr. Joe Nigota passed away on Friday. In my early days at the university as an undeclared engineer, taking classes from professors like Dr. Nigota helped guide me into the field that I truly enjoy. The teaching of history. While he didn't pass on any life-altering wisdom, he set an example for how history should be taught. He would simply weave stories that allowed characters to come out the textbook and have special significance for his students. While working on my teaching service the term the "Dr. Nigota style of teaching" has come up frequently and that is the style I will attempt to emulate in my classroom.
Ultimately, Pausch's "The Last Lecture" is about life. As the lecture goes on, it becomes clear who his true audience is, and those of us looking in are privileged to hear his final advice for his children. So while a lecture by Dr. Nigota may never get 9 million hits on Youtube there are a few of us out there that will try to carry on Dr. Nigota's legacy.
The portion of the lecture that I personally found most inspiring was his inclusion of what he called "brick walls". A terrific example of the obstacles that we all encounter in life which cause us to question how much we desire that goal. Brick walls are meant to keep the others out, not keep us from reaching our dreams. I encountered a few brick walls myself recently, and they have allowed me to prove to myself that this is what I really want.
This "Last Lecture" has also taken on particular significance to me. I found out while writing this blog that one of the most beloved professors at the University of South Alabama Dr. Joe Nigota passed away on Friday. In my early days at the university as an undeclared engineer, taking classes from professors like Dr. Nigota helped guide me into the field that I truly enjoy. The teaching of history. While he didn't pass on any life-altering wisdom, he set an example for how history should be taught. He would simply weave stories that allowed characters to come out the textbook and have special significance for his students. While working on my teaching service the term the "Dr. Nigota style of teaching" has come up frequently and that is the style I will attempt to emulate in my classroom.
Ultimately, Pausch's "The Last Lecture" is about life. As the lecture goes on, it becomes clear who his true audience is, and those of us looking in are privileged to hear his final advice for his children. So while a lecture by Dr. Nigota may never get 9 million hits on Youtube there are a few of us out there that will try to carry on Dr. Nigota's legacy.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Why Wireless?
In his "Best(?) of the Fischbowl 2007" Karl Fisch defends the opening of AHS's wireless network to personally owned devices five days a week in an article entitled "Why Wireless". Fisch was asked by the school's principal to discuss this move in the school newsletter and Fisch transfered his discussion to his blog. Throughout his defense of wireless access, Fisch intersperses a series of quotes and perhaps this one defines AHS's endeavor best
"In times of rapid change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."- Eric Hoffer.
In the 21st century, Fisch argues, students cannot rest on their laurels as information, particularly pertaining to technology, must be learned, unlearned, and relearned in order to maintain the edge in society. It is imperative that students are given access to, and are in the habit of maintaining, the skills necessary to advance in the 21st century. Thus tools like wireless internet and the wealth of information that it opens to the students, must be utilized and embraced as readily as the previous generation entered the library. Thus students are given the responsibility of wireless access rather than presupposing that they are going to abuse the internet and mess up. Utilizing the internet will become second nature, and through habit will become ever more comfortable accessing and learning from the information they find there. That is "Why Wireless".
"In times of rapid change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."- Eric Hoffer.
In the 21st century, Fisch argues, students cannot rest on their laurels as information, particularly pertaining to technology, must be learned, unlearned, and relearned in order to maintain the edge in society. It is imperative that students are given access to, and are in the habit of maintaining, the skills necessary to advance in the 21st century. Thus tools like wireless internet and the wealth of information that it opens to the students, must be utilized and embraced as readily as the previous generation entered the library. Thus students are given the responsibility of wireless access rather than presupposing that they are going to abuse the internet and mess up. Utilizing the internet will become second nature, and through habit will become ever more comfortable accessing and learning from the information they find there. That is "Why Wireless".
EDM 310 Podcasts
The first podcast that I listened to was entitled "Facebook as an Educational Tool?". It was structured in the typical question and answer format. Theola Hines and Larrica Smith use the podcast to discuss the potential educational benefit of facebook. One of the first things that I would improve about the blog would be to have information I planned to use readily available, such as names or other facts. I feel that without Dr. Strange's guidance bringing focus to the podcast, the two students would have lost steam long before their time limit would have been up.
The second podcast "My Classes at South: How is Technology Used in Them?" seemed a little better structured than the first. There was more of a discussion format rather than the traditional question and answer format and I felt that, that helped the discussion flow a bit better. Matthew Cline and Jill Ravette also seemed to have their information a little more readily available. My biggest criticism would be that the podcast seemed to end rather suddenly, with no sense of it drawing to an appropriate conclusion.
The second podcast "My Classes at South: How is Technology Used in Them?" seemed a little better structured than the first. There was more of a discussion format rather than the traditional question and answer format and I felt that, that helped the discussion flow a bit better. Matthew Cline and Jill Ravette also seemed to have their information a little more readily available. My biggest criticism would be that the podcast seemed to end rather suddenly, with no sense of it drawing to an appropriate conclusion.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Best(?) of the Fischbowl 2007
Under Karl Fisch's blog, I chose January 2007's discussion entitled "A Blueprint for Colorado?" found here. In this section he discusses some radical education reforms that have been proposed for Colorado's school system. In his opening paragraphs, Fisch points out his earliest concerns with this radical reform is that it seems to be much too focused on a single test as a total measurement of student learning. As a hopeful future educator, teaching to the test has been one of my greatest concerns in entering the teaching field. Although No Child Left Behind included some positive aspects like the inclusive classroom, I feel that teaching to the tests will stymie the abilities of my students to think critically. Additionally, this supposed test would be administered at the end of the 10th grade whereupon these results would decide what schooling if any some students would continue to receive.
A second major issue I noticed was Fisch's discussion of school districts and ownerships of the schools. In this phase, the authors discuss shifting "possession" from the local communities to independent contractors which I think would be too eager to serve their interests rather than the interests of the community. Overall I felt that this radical reformation of Colorado schools seemed way too focused on early education, I stand by Fisch's argument that any sort of formal education at 3 years old is too extreme, and way too willing to kick out those who fail to achieve an adequate score on the sophomore level ultra exam. Additionally, financially schools and colleges are not adequately prepared for a massive influx of college students that this program intends to produce, with roughly 30% of everyone over the age of 25 possessing a bachelor's degree or higher few people have the opportunity or perhaps the desire to achieve higher education and current college infrastructure is largely based on that. Therefore I stand with Fisch's argument that a radical overhaul of the education system that doesn't include input from school administrators, parents, or faculty is an endeavor that would only end in folly.
A second major issue I noticed was Fisch's discussion of school districts and ownerships of the schools. In this phase, the authors discuss shifting "possession" from the local communities to independent contractors which I think would be too eager to serve their interests rather than the interests of the community. Overall I felt that this radical reformation of Colorado schools seemed way too focused on early education, I stand by Fisch's argument that any sort of formal education at 3 years old is too extreme, and way too willing to kick out those who fail to achieve an adequate score on the sophomore level ultra exam. Additionally, financially schools and colleges are not adequately prepared for a massive influx of college students that this program intends to produce, with roughly 30% of everyone over the age of 25 possessing a bachelor's degree or higher few people have the opportunity or perhaps the desire to achieve higher education and current college infrastructure is largely based on that. Therefore I stand with Fisch's argument that a radical overhaul of the education system that doesn't include input from school administrators, parents, or faculty is an endeavor that would only end in folly.
Podcasts
The first podcast I listened to was This Week in Photography. The opening minutes of the podcast were spent introducing the members of the discussion panel who had phoned in from various parts of the United States. This is a great example of how new technologies such as podcasts are helping to bring people from different regions of the country and certainly the world to discuss topics that they are passionate about. As the blog continued, they discussed current events citing in particular Canon's recent profit losses and a legislative bill being proposed that would require all phone cameras to click when a photo is being taken.
The second podcast that I listened to was EdTechTalk in which the first portion of the podcast involved an interview with a man named Clive Goodinson. He was plugging a website called Pixton where people can make and display comic books without having to draw them. Goodinson also went on to discuss a version of the website that he designed specifically for schools because students often grasp knowledge much better through images. This second podcast was a terrific example of a simple interview format, whereas the first podcast was much more of a panel oriented discussion format.
MacBreak weekly returns to the panel format established by the first podcast This Week in Photography. Although I only listened to portions of the podcast, this particular one seemed a little more disorganized than the previous podcasts as the hosts spent a large portion of the time fooling with the sound effects panel they had access too. The podcast did have an interesting discussion about apple hardware and software that were now considered vintage, and how one of the hosts had a program to send older computers to Africa.
One of the first things I noticed and enjoyed about the SmartBoard Lessons Podcast was the fact that they listed what they planned on discussing in the podcast, something that I hadn't noticed in the others. this final podcast was also an example of a host/co-host format rather than the question and answer or panel format and it provides yet another look into how podcasts can be conducted.
The second podcast that I listened to was EdTechTalk in which the first portion of the podcast involved an interview with a man named Clive Goodinson. He was plugging a website called Pixton where people can make and display comic books without having to draw them. Goodinson also went on to discuss a version of the website that he designed specifically for schools because students often grasp knowledge much better through images. This second podcast was a terrific example of a simple interview format, whereas the first podcast was much more of a panel oriented discussion format.
MacBreak weekly returns to the panel format established by the first podcast This Week in Photography. Although I only listened to portions of the podcast, this particular one seemed a little more disorganized than the previous podcasts as the hosts spent a large portion of the time fooling with the sound effects panel they had access too. The podcast did have an interesting discussion about apple hardware and software that were now considered vintage, and how one of the hosts had a program to send older computers to Africa.
One of the first things I noticed and enjoyed about the SmartBoard Lessons Podcast was the fact that they listed what they planned on discussing in the podcast, something that I hadn't noticed in the others. this final podcast was also an example of a host/co-host format rather than the question and answer or panel format and it provides yet another look into how podcasts can be conducted.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
International Blog #2
The second international blog I found was located here. In his blog, the educator discusses teaching english in Japan with an emphasis on teacher education. His blog provides valuable insight to the goings on of activities in ESL classrooms in Japan and to the struggles experienced both by students as well as by teachers in that environment. Thus, this blog is of particular importance to those interested in teaching in places where English is a second language.
International Blog
One of the first international blogs I came across was located here. It was designed as medium through which students from countries across the globe could interact and share ideas. Students from countries such as the Philippines, to Canada, to Nigeria are able to share information about their own culture and learn new information about other cultures. This blog is a terrific example of just how small the Earth is becoming with the aid of technology. Cultures are able to reach across vast oceans and share ideas.
Blog # 2
The second blog I discovered was located at this location and as a great example of a much smaller blog intended for the use of his students and their parents. He uses the blog mainly to ensure students are kept up to date on the latest homework while parents are informed of any meetings that they may have missed. One of the terrific ideas I observed on his blog was the inclusion of a monthly awards section where students that were doing the best or were most improved were recognized. Although the community for which this blog is intended may be very small, it is still a valuable resource to his students and their parents.
Blogging in K-12 Classrooms
One of the first blogs I came across in my search was entitled Learning in Maine and provided a sort of hub where teachers can interact and share information. Perhaps what is most beneficial to those teachers still adapting to new technologies is that information is provided about real world workshops where teachers can go and receive firsthand experience improving their blogging skills or working with podcasts etc. Additionally with the inclusion of this social network teachers are also better able to reach out to their peers to share stories and advice.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Did You Know!
This video wants the U.S. school system to embrace the technology that is enveloping the world. The video makes a terrific point near the beginning by naming the statistics which made Great Britain the king of the 19th century. Yet now when one thinks of societies that are on the cutting edge of technological development neither Britain nor even the United States come to mind. Perhaps Japan, India, China, and to a larger extent the EU do. The literacy rate of Indian and Chinese college graduates is staggering and the video is simply pointing out that if the resources and technologies that are available today are not being readily utilized by our students then we are sorely preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.
Thankfully the new administration recognizes that technology and science are not something to be feared but rather embraced. Visionary leaders can propel nations forward. What the video neglected to mention was who began to overcome Britain at the beginning of the 20th century. The United States under the brilliant leadership of Theodore Roosevelt. Then one must remember who won the space race. The United States remembering the visionary leadership of President Kennedy. Once more as our nation begins to fall behind, we must look to bold leadership or in the next video it will be this country that is mocked in the introduction.
Thankfully the new administration recognizes that technology and science are not something to be feared but rather embraced. Visionary leaders can propel nations forward. What the video neglected to mention was who began to overcome Britain at the beginning of the 20th century. The United States under the brilliant leadership of Theodore Roosevelt. Then one must remember who won the space race. The United States remembering the visionary leadership of President Kennedy. Once more as our nation begins to fall behind, we must look to bold leadership or in the next video it will be this country that is mocked in the introduction.
ACCESS
ACCESS or the Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide can be found at the following location and is an additional tool that can be utilized by teachers and students. Teachers looking for ways to expand their teaching knowledge or that are simply looking for ways to better ways to motivate their students will find access to be a valuable teaching tool.
Students also will have much to gain from using the ACCESS website. Primarily, students are given access to online learning courses which cover everything from Mandarin Chinese to Algebra to nutrition and wellness. Many of these courses are at the advance placement level. This website is invaluable for students who would not otherwise have access to advance placement classes. All of these courses are taught by highly qualified and motivated teachers in Alabama.
Access is yet another example of the school system using all technology available to ensure that students are given access to the resources they need to succeed in a 21st century society.
Students also will have much to gain from using the ACCESS website. Primarily, students are given access to online learning courses which cover everything from Mandarin Chinese to Algebra to nutrition and wellness. Many of these courses are at the advance placement level. This website is invaluable for students who would not otherwise have access to advance placement classes. All of these courses are taught by highly qualified and motivated teachers in Alabama.
Access is yet another example of the school system using all technology available to ensure that students are given access to the resources they need to succeed in a 21st century society.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
About ALEX
ALEX is the acronym for the Alabama Learning Exchange which is accessible at this website. It is meant to be used as a tool for both teachers and administors to improve both education and leadership. The website gives teachers access to lesson plans as well, providing valuable information in subjects ranging from Arts Education to Driver & Safety Traffic Education.
Essentially, ALEX is a learning hub that provides students, teachers, and administrators with the tools necessary to further improve their learning, educating, or administrating experience. While the ALEX website focuses on the administrative portion of the education system, it still provides students with links to a variety of sources to further their education as well.
I feel that ALEX will provide me with substantial assistance as a teacher particularly in the realm of the sample lesson plans and the teacher workspace which will allow me to better connect with teachers throughout the state. As a teacher I will plan on frequently utilizing the website.
Essentially, ALEX is a learning hub that provides students, teachers, and administrators with the tools necessary to further improve their learning, educating, or administrating experience. While the ALEX website focuses on the administrative portion of the education system, it still provides students with links to a variety of sources to further their education as well.
I feel that ALEX will provide me with substantial assistance as a teacher particularly in the realm of the sample lesson plans and the teacher workspace which will allow me to better connect with teachers throughout the state. As a teacher I will plan on frequently utilizing the website.
A few words about myself
Hi everyone, I thought I would take this opportunity to share a little bit about myself. I am going on my 7th year at South, I graduated with a degree in History in May of 2007. I started the graduate program in History in the fall of 2007 but by the spring of 2008 I knew that the program was not for me.
As you can tell by my picture I am a big political junkie. After finishing up in the spring I spent the summer working for the Obama campaign in Virginia where I had the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of terrific people. It was an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience.
After I returned in the fall I worked for a while before finally deciding to pursue my teaching degree this spring. I am pursuing a degree in secondary education with a focus on social science/history. If all goes to plan I hope to graduate in Spring 2010.
As you can tell by my picture I am a big political junkie. After finishing up in the spring I spent the summer working for the Obama campaign in Virginia where I had the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of terrific people. It was an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience.
After I returned in the fall I worked for a while before finally deciding to pursue my teaching degree this spring. I am pursuing a degree in secondary education with a focus on social science/history. If all goes to plan I hope to graduate in Spring 2010.
Monday, January 12, 2009
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