Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Blog Post #5
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
Since the first video was released, Travis Allen has obviously made a huge impact on the education system. He formed the iSchool initiative and has recruited over 20 students to travel around the country, inspiring schools to embrace what they are representing. Their efforts have been recognized all over the country and also by popular news broadcasters like CNN. They are striving to rethink, retool, and rebuild our educational institute.JOIN THE CAUSE!
Jennifer Chambers' Post and Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
This has to be my favorite video so far. I don't think I would have the motivation or the patience to put something like this together! This was so incredibly complex and was even more beautiful than I expected. I wonder how long this took to complete...
Teaching in the 21st Century
This video explains, in great detail, that students may know how to use Google, YouTube, Ask, etc., but do they really know how to use all of what these sites offer? Before I began taking EDM 310, I had NO IDEA that I could use the internet to teach. I've learned so many amazing ways to incorporate technology into a lesson plan.
Mr. Roberts lists hundreds of things that are primarily done on a computer. He offers so many everyday questions that we ask the internet. I can easily say fifty percent of the search topics he included in the Prez are things that I have inquired about on a Google search engine. It is truly mind blowing the extent of information that is provided by the internet.With all of this information available to students, should our curriculum be focused on facts and content...or skills?
Reading Rockets
I fell in love with this site immediately. How could you not? It's perfect. I found so many useful resources and links that led me to articles that could answer literally any question I have about teaching a child to read. What I found the most interesting was the fact that many of the articles were on the importance of classroom management. Several stated that before you can effectively teach a child to read, you must have an organized classroom in order to provide a workable reading environment.
I found several links that could help teachers do an effective read-aloud, find the right book level, find great informational books, set up a classroom library (my favorite) and find free or low-cost books. Reading Rockets offers hundreds of articles that provide research-based and best-practice information for teachers, parents and others concerned about reading achievement. I loved this site because I can turn to it whenever I have a question and it will give me several perspectives instead of one or two. That way, I can put together my own style of teaching a child to read. Check this out! Great article.
When I first started reading, I was a little confused. Why would Dr. Strange want us to be reading something that goes against what we are learning. I had an "ah-ha" moment when I reached the line that said "can't wait to see who had a leg up in a decade or two". I read through SEVERAL of the comments that former EDM 310 students left and did not find a single one opposing what he wrote. He seems to be a big supporter of technology and incorporating it into children's education.This is a link relevant to college students. It shows some statistics involving Facebook and the students who use it.
The iSchool Initiative: Travis Allen
This presentation was very impressive and totally inspiring. I can't believe this came from the mind of a 17-year-old. He brought up many interesting points about why incorporating technology into schools is imperative. Not only will this save money and wipe out the problems of poor funding, but it will also lower the size of the school's carbon footprint. Being green is so important these days! He also brings up statistics that compare the cost before the iSchool and after.
Per student, the cost of being in school can be as much as $600. With an iTouch, this number can be lowered to a little over $150! Per class, the cost is would be lowered because there is no longer a need for paper, ink cartridges, projectors or chalk. These things add up. After watching this video, I am even more excited to use technology when I begin my student teaching and introduce new techniques to some of the veteran teachers.
Zeitgist YoungMinds: Travis Allen
Jennifer Chambers' Post and Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
This has to be my favorite video so far. I don't think I would have the motivation or the patience to put something like this together! This was so incredibly complex and was even more beautiful than I expected. I wonder how long this took to complete...
Teaching in the 21st Century
This video explains, in great detail, that students may know how to use Google, YouTube, Ask, etc., but do they really know how to use all of what these sites offer? Before I began taking EDM 310, I had NO IDEA that I could use the internet to teach. I've learned so many amazing ways to incorporate technology into a lesson plan.
Mr. Roberts lists hundreds of things that are primarily done on a computer. He offers so many everyday questions that we ask the internet. I can easily say fifty percent of the search topics he included in the Prez are things that I have inquired about on a Google search engine. It is truly mind blowing the extent of information that is provided by the internet.With all of this information available to students, should our curriculum be focused on facts and content...or skills?
Reading Rockets
I fell in love with this site immediately. How could you not? It's perfect. I found so many useful resources and links that led me to articles that could answer literally any question I have about teaching a child to read. What I found the most interesting was the fact that many of the articles were on the importance of classroom management. Several stated that before you can effectively teach a child to read, you must have an organized classroom in order to provide a workable reading environment.
I found several links that could help teachers do an effective read-aloud, find the right book level, find great informational books, set up a classroom library (my favorite) and find free or low-cost books. Reading Rockets offers hundreds of articles that provide research-based and best-practice information for teachers, parents and others concerned about reading achievement. I loved this site because I can turn to it whenever I have a question and it will give me several perspectives instead of one or two. That way, I can put together my own style of teaching a child to read. Check this out! Great article.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Blog Post #4
1st Graders Create Their Own Read-Along Audiobook
This was so cool! I can't wait to do this with my own students. Making the audiobook didn't sound very difficult and would probably be simple for the students to try once they get the hang of it. I like the script that was created along with it. While they are improving their listening skills, they are also working on their reading and their ability to keep up. This is an excellent idea! The students seemed very engaged and even experimented with their voices.
Listening Comprehension Podcast
I found this post to be an excellent example of what students can do with a SmartBoard. In order to internalize a vocabulary word, you have to hear it 70+ times. The lesson was less about using the technology like GarageBand but was more about learning the Hebrew words and pronouncing them correctly. They also had a chance to list things in sequential order according to the story.
They were able to write a script, listen comprehensively, collaborate a story, work with others,enhance their speaking skills and develop fluency in their target language. This was a very hands-on approach to learning vocabulary. SmartBoard made it so easy for the entire class to go up and work with each other to place the correct audio clips in the right order. This was very exciting and I would love to try something like this with my students.
Podcasting With First Grade
The more I read, the more I discover that technology really does make a huge difference in education. The children are actually EAGER to learn because everything is so hands on. Creating this podcast allowed the children to use most of their senses in ways they had never done before. Having an audience does matter because these kids wanted to see what people had to say about their hard work. They were thrilled when someone left a comment!
I am a little nervous about the podcasts but, I think after some practice I should probably have it down. I hope I will be able to do this sort of thing in my student teaching and in my classroom. I was pleased to see the skills that had been addressed were listed. Listening, speaking, presenting, comprehension, storytelling, performance, voice acting and oral fluency had all been put into use while doing this activity. Only in a day or so! That is more than I can say for writing on a chalkboard...Ms. Tolisano is onto something! This is a cool video of students getting ready for a podcast.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
This really opened my eyes to what podcasting can really do for students. It is truly an effective way of interacting with students outside of the classroom. My favorite thing about being able to download these podcasts is that you can take these with you on an ipod. Students can plug their iPod into their parents vehicle and listen to the lectures on the way to school for review for a big test. This seems so much more engaging than trying to read through a study guide in that car or at home.
I also love the fact that children have access to the classroom without even having to be in it. An example would be Emily being sick and having to stay home. She could listen to the review session and reap the benefits even when not in class. In Mr. Dell's class, the podcasts allowed the students to become more interactive with their assignments. Several students were asked to comment on the podcasts. "It really keeps my attention" and "It makes learning fun" are just a few of the good things that the kids had to say. Very excited to get started using podcasts!! This video includes commentary on the video I shared in Podcasting With First Grade.
This was so cool! I can't wait to do this with my own students. Making the audiobook didn't sound very difficult and would probably be simple for the students to try once they get the hang of it. I like the script that was created along with it. While they are improving their listening skills, they are also working on their reading and their ability to keep up. This is an excellent idea! The students seemed very engaged and even experimented with their voices.
Listening Comprehension Podcast
I found this post to be an excellent example of what students can do with a SmartBoard. In order to internalize a vocabulary word, you have to hear it 70+ times. The lesson was less about using the technology like GarageBand but was more about learning the Hebrew words and pronouncing them correctly. They also had a chance to list things in sequential order according to the story.
They were able to write a script, listen comprehensively, collaborate a story, work with others,enhance their speaking skills and develop fluency in their target language. This was a very hands-on approach to learning vocabulary. SmartBoard made it so easy for the entire class to go up and work with each other to place the correct audio clips in the right order. This was very exciting and I would love to try something like this with my students.
Podcasting With First Grade
The more I read, the more I discover that technology really does make a huge difference in education. The children are actually EAGER to learn because everything is so hands on. Creating this podcast allowed the children to use most of their senses in ways they had never done before. Having an audience does matter because these kids wanted to see what people had to say about their hard work. They were thrilled when someone left a comment!
I am a little nervous about the podcasts but, I think after some practice I should probably have it down. I hope I will be able to do this sort of thing in my student teaching and in my classroom. I was pleased to see the skills that had been addressed were listed. Listening, speaking, presenting, comprehension, storytelling, performance, voice acting and oral fluency had all been put into use while doing this activity. Only in a day or so! That is more than I can say for writing on a chalkboard...Ms. Tolisano is onto something! This is a cool video of students getting ready for a podcast.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
This really opened my eyes to what podcasting can really do for students. It is truly an effective way of interacting with students outside of the classroom. My favorite thing about being able to download these podcasts is that you can take these with you on an ipod. Students can plug their iPod into their parents vehicle and listen to the lectures on the way to school for review for a big test. This seems so much more engaging than trying to read through a study guide in that car or at home.
I also love the fact that children have access to the classroom without even having to be in it. An example would be Emily being sick and having to stay home. She could listen to the review session and reap the benefits even when not in class. In Mr. Dell's class, the podcasts allowed the students to become more interactive with their assignments. Several students were asked to comment on the podcasts. "It really keeps my attention" and "It makes learning fun" are just a few of the good things that the kids had to say. Very excited to get started using podcasts!! This video includes commentary on the video I shared in Podcasting With First Grade.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Project #3
AUTODIZACTIC
Mr.Chase:If I take a course, but it's not for credit, does it make a sound?
This blog was a description of a dilemma Mr.Chase was having. He wanted to register for the class but was low on the list of getting in. The class was full and he was a cross-registrant. Meaning, he was from another school(Harvard).
This particular course was designed to teach people how to solve problems using technology. In other words, it was formed around studying tech tools and open government practices and the students are charged with partnering up with the DSNI (Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative) to help shape the neighborhoods plan for continued urban renewal. They would have a direct impact of improving the lives of others.
What I Had To Say...
I stated that since he needed the class to gain his masters, it would be helpful to audit the class if he failed to get in. I suggested he attend class for as long as he could to get a taste of what was to come. He could interact and still have an impact, although it may not be for credit.
Learning Grounds Episode 001: In Which Megan discusses her learning, inclusion, and professional collaboration.
This was a session between Megan and Mr.Chase, both attending Harvard in pursuit of their masters in education. They were discussing what it was like to include special needs children in a regular classroom. She discussed the separation she experienced when she was going through grade school. The special needs children were always separated into an entirely different classroom. She also stressed how important it was to include these students into a regular classroom. All of the students can come together and learn how to communicate with each other.
What I Had To Say...
I was very interested in the conversation between these two. Not only were they very knowledgeable,but they brought up many topics I could relate to. I commented on the importance of merging classrooms and I agreed with her statement about learning how to communicate and teaching students to be friendly with special needs children. I explained how much I learned from the conversation and found it interesting that she felt as if she were making up for the time she spent avoiding the special needs children.
Mr.Chase:If I take a course, but it's not for credit, does it make a sound?
This blog was a description of a dilemma Mr.Chase was having. He wanted to register for the class but was low on the list of getting in. The class was full and he was a cross-registrant. Meaning, he was from another school(Harvard).
This particular course was designed to teach people how to solve problems using technology. In other words, it was formed around studying tech tools and open government practices and the students are charged with partnering up with the DSNI (Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative) to help shape the neighborhoods plan for continued urban renewal. They would have a direct impact of improving the lives of others.
What I Had To Say...
I stated that since he needed the class to gain his masters, it would be helpful to audit the class if he failed to get in. I suggested he attend class for as long as he could to get a taste of what was to come. He could interact and still have an impact, although it may not be for credit.
Learning Grounds Episode 001: In Which Megan discusses her learning, inclusion, and professional collaboration.
This was a session between Megan and Mr.Chase, both attending Harvard in pursuit of their masters in education. They were discussing what it was like to include special needs children in a regular classroom. She discussed the separation she experienced when she was going through grade school. The special needs children were always separated into an entirely different classroom. She also stressed how important it was to include these students into a regular classroom. All of the students can come together and learn how to communicate with each other.
What I Had To Say...
I was very interested in the conversation between these two. Not only were they very knowledgeable,but they brought up many topics I could relate to. I commented on the importance of merging classrooms and I agreed with her statement about learning how to communicate and teaching students to be friendly with special needs children. I explained how much I learned from the conversation and found it interesting that she felt as if she were making up for the time she spent avoiding the special needs children.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Blog Post #3
Technology in Special Education
This video was inspiring. I am thrilled to see a classroom that uses in the way that they did. The students seemed very pleased with themselves and their teacher. Kris was the first student that appeared in the video and he had a HUGE smile on his face! "I like using my computer because it helps me talk." How exciting is that? The teacher can communicate and find out exactly what he needs when she had trouble before. I was extremely impressed.
I am becoming more and more aware of the importance of technology in the classroom. It opens new doors for our students and gives them the experience they need when they reach the "real world". Those students were excited to learn and eager to use the computers and laptops to do their assignments. EAGER to DO THEIR ASSIGNMENTS! I mean, wow! I would love to be able to use the communication technology with my special needs students. It closes a huge gap between the teacher and the learner because now, educators are able to assess their progress even better than before.
How the iPad Works for Autism
I would love to try the iPad app History:Maps of the World. I think this would be such a fantastic way to teach special needs children geography. It's a little on the fast side but it is important to try and teach them other subjects and geography can be very engaging. This app allows the user to point out states and countries as well as view ocean currents and even see the movements of the tectonic plates. Most children don't even know what those are!
I also find Keynote to be very stimulating. It allows teachers to spice up their presentations! It goes beyond using funky colors or fonts. This app includes 12 themes that dazzle notes with animation, charts, sounds, and pictures. The iPad hooks up to just about anything so it can be viewed by a large audience. This eliminates everyone crowding around the device and trying to sneak a peek.
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
These statistics were intense. I mean, who sits around and really sums up how often they use their phone, laptop, wi-fi, desktop, tablet or Ereader a day? This should be an eye opener to those not willing or ready to intertwine technology and education. They basically go hand and hand. Soon, I believe you won't be able to have one without the other because we rely so heavily on modern day tech. In 2 minutes, 5 million videos were watched on YouTube...
A Vision of Students Today
This video was surreal. I don't understand why professors/teachers sit there and lecture with no other form of presentation outside of a chalkboard. Yes, this method can work at the right time but frankly, it's medieval. We have so many stimulating technological devices and most students view the chalkboard as being outdated so it seems completely obsolete. Our world is SO fast paced! We are used to 4G network this and 16GB's of that. We need more.
I think the universities should require more from their professors. they expect more from us because we are college students. Why aren't we allowed to expect anything from them? They are the ones TEACHING the college students.
This video was inspiring. I am thrilled to see a classroom that uses in the way that they did. The students seemed very pleased with themselves and their teacher. Kris was the first student that appeared in the video and he had a HUGE smile on his face! "I like using my computer because it helps me talk." How exciting is that? The teacher can communicate and find out exactly what he needs when she had trouble before. I was extremely impressed.
I am becoming more and more aware of the importance of technology in the classroom. It opens new doors for our students and gives them the experience they need when they reach the "real world". Those students were excited to learn and eager to use the computers and laptops to do their assignments. EAGER to DO THEIR ASSIGNMENTS! I mean, wow! I would love to be able to use the communication technology with my special needs students. It closes a huge gap between the teacher and the learner because now, educators are able to assess their progress even better than before.
How the iPad Works for Autism
I would love to try the iPad app History:Maps of the World. I think this would be such a fantastic way to teach special needs children geography. It's a little on the fast side but it is important to try and teach them other subjects and geography can be very engaging. This app allows the user to point out states and countries as well as view ocean currents and even see the movements of the tectonic plates. Most children don't even know what those are!
I also find Keynote to be very stimulating. It allows teachers to spice up their presentations! It goes beyond using funky colors or fonts. This app includes 12 themes that dazzle notes with animation, charts, sounds, and pictures. The iPad hooks up to just about anything so it can be viewed by a large audience. This eliminates everyone crowding around the device and trying to sneak a peek.
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
These statistics were intense. I mean, who sits around and really sums up how often they use their phone, laptop, wi-fi, desktop, tablet or Ereader a day? This should be an eye opener to those not willing or ready to intertwine technology and education. They basically go hand and hand. Soon, I believe you won't be able to have one without the other because we rely so heavily on modern day tech. In 2 minutes, 5 million videos were watched on YouTube...
A Vision of Students Today
This video was surreal. I don't understand why professors/teachers sit there and lecture with no other form of presentation outside of a chalkboard. Yes, this method can work at the right time but frankly, it's medieval. We have so many stimulating technological devices and most students view the chalkboard as being outdated so it seems completely obsolete. Our world is SO fast paced! We are used to 4G network this and 16GB's of that. We need more.
I think the universities should require more from their professors. they expect more from us because we are college students. Why aren't we allowed to expect anything from them? They are the ones TEACHING the college students.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Blog Post #2
Did You Know?
Wow! Those facts were pretty mind blowing. I'm really not looking forward to the day when we all need to be bilingual just to make it through the week. People refuse to believe that the English language may not be the most-widely spoken language forever. Eventually, another nationality will exceed that of English speaking people and their language will reign supreme.
I can't believe what a sensation YouTube actually is. I didn't realize how popular it was until I read how many people use it. I REALIZED HOW OFTEN I USE IT! I've learned how to braid hair, sew a cross-stitch, hem a pair of pants, apply makeup and even fix a watch just from watching videos on YouTube. What an informative video!
Mr.Winkle Wakes
SO CUTE! But how scary for poor Mr. Winkle. I laughed when Mr.Winkle recognized his familiarity with the school. It's been the same as 100 years ago! Dusty. Such an appropriate word to describe our education system. Maybe it's time to wash the curtains of education and open them up. We need to shine some light on our students and not be so partial to just using books. Computers are going to be a major part of our lives for the rest of human existence whether we like it or not. We might as well embrace it and let technology expand the intellect of our children.
I know that computers can be scary for older generations. I've grown up with computers and can't remember a time without one. Even being born into technology, I still am not familiar with everything a computer can do, especially when it comes to using it to educate others. I think that teachers should try and become familiar with desktops, notebooks, and tablets because our children are going to have to know how to operate these devices when they are launched into the real world. It's not fair to deprive the kids of this knowledge because teachers are too scared or lazy to try and learn. You can't be either of those to be a successful educator anyway, so it's a shame that those type of teachers exist.
Importance of Creativity
Education is supposed to take us into a future we can't grasp. No one knows what the world looks like in five years yet we are supposed to be educated for it. I feel like we are always behind. We are so afraid of being wrong that we still use the same system of learning and refuse to change it. When we do make a change, it's so small that the impact is almost invisible.
Sir Robinson makes a very valid point when he says children are not afraid to make mistakes or to be wrong. They become creative when they can't remember the exact answer. We teach them to be afraid of being wrong because we offer punishments. So instead of trying and failing, they simply don't try because they are AFRAID of being wrong.
It is important to incorporate arts into school. We've lost almost all connection with creativity in the school system. Our education techniques are bland and do not cater to today's society. We are so focused on passing tests and trying to satisfy the politics in education that we lose the ability to kindle the creativity our children try to express. Instead, we suppress that creativeness so we can concentrate more on exam scores.
A Vision in 21st Century Learning
THIS IS HOW PEOPLE LIVE THEIR LIVES. SURROUNDED BY TECHNOLOGY; USING TECHNOLOGY! So why are we taking so long to incorporate that into our teaching? I know many teachers who want to embrace this kind of learning but can't because of the red tape that exists in the school systems.
They are afraid to break the rules or simply do not have the resources. Students are still being taught by sitting them in desks and making them sit in front of a lecture. There is a time and place for that but we need to exchange lectures and textbooks with interaction and technology.
Harness Your Students Digital Smarts
Vicki Davis is an inspiration. She really tries to teach her students how to LEARN how to LEARN. She is helping her students become comfortable with technology. I like the hands-on approach and their is no burp back education. They use their brains because she helps them learn how to figure things out. She even stated that she learns things from them.
It's not all about teaching the students. It is a learning experience for everyone. I am a hands-on type of learner and I do three times as well in a chemistry lab than I do in actual chemistry class because I handle and actually make what I am studying. Another example would be math. When I was in third grade, I learned how to do long division through a computer game. I was quick and efficient because I was using my hands, my brain and my ears. I engaged more than one sense. Ms. Davis is truly inspiring.
Wow! Those facts were pretty mind blowing. I'm really not looking forward to the day when we all need to be bilingual just to make it through the week. People refuse to believe that the English language may not be the most-widely spoken language forever. Eventually, another nationality will exceed that of English speaking people and their language will reign supreme.
I can't believe what a sensation YouTube actually is. I didn't realize how popular it was until I read how many people use it. I REALIZED HOW OFTEN I USE IT! I've learned how to braid hair, sew a cross-stitch, hem a pair of pants, apply makeup and even fix a watch just from watching videos on YouTube. What an informative video!
Mr.Winkle Wakes
SO CUTE! But how scary for poor Mr. Winkle. I laughed when Mr.Winkle recognized his familiarity with the school. It's been the same as 100 years ago! Dusty. Such an appropriate word to describe our education system. Maybe it's time to wash the curtains of education and open them up. We need to shine some light on our students and not be so partial to just using books. Computers are going to be a major part of our lives for the rest of human existence whether we like it or not. We might as well embrace it and let technology expand the intellect of our children.
I know that computers can be scary for older generations. I've grown up with computers and can't remember a time without one. Even being born into technology, I still am not familiar with everything a computer can do, especially when it comes to using it to educate others. I think that teachers should try and become familiar with desktops, notebooks, and tablets because our children are going to have to know how to operate these devices when they are launched into the real world. It's not fair to deprive the kids of this knowledge because teachers are too scared or lazy to try and learn. You can't be either of those to be a successful educator anyway, so it's a shame that those type of teachers exist.
Importance of Creativity
Education is supposed to take us into a future we can't grasp. No one knows what the world looks like in five years yet we are supposed to be educated for it. I feel like we are always behind. We are so afraid of being wrong that we still use the same system of learning and refuse to change it. When we do make a change, it's so small that the impact is almost invisible.
Sir Robinson makes a very valid point when he says children are not afraid to make mistakes or to be wrong. They become creative when they can't remember the exact answer. We teach them to be afraid of being wrong because we offer punishments. So instead of trying and failing, they simply don't try because they are AFRAID of being wrong.
It is important to incorporate arts into school. We've lost almost all connection with creativity in the school system. Our education techniques are bland and do not cater to today's society. We are so focused on passing tests and trying to satisfy the politics in education that we lose the ability to kindle the creativity our children try to express. Instead, we suppress that creativeness so we can concentrate more on exam scores.
A Vision in 21st Century Learning
THIS IS HOW PEOPLE LIVE THEIR LIVES. SURROUNDED BY TECHNOLOGY; USING TECHNOLOGY! So why are we taking so long to incorporate that into our teaching? I know many teachers who want to embrace this kind of learning but can't because of the red tape that exists in the school systems.
They are afraid to break the rules or simply do not have the resources. Students are still being taught by sitting them in desks and making them sit in front of a lecture. There is a time and place for that but we need to exchange lectures and textbooks with interaction and technology.
Harness Your Students Digital Smarts
Vicki Davis is an inspiration. She really tries to teach her students how to LEARN how to LEARN. She is helping her students become comfortable with technology. I like the hands-on approach and their is no burp back education. They use their brains because she helps them learn how to figure things out. She even stated that she learns things from them.
It's not all about teaching the students. It is a learning experience for everyone. I am a hands-on type of learner and I do three times as well in a chemistry lab than I do in actual chemistry class because I handle and actually make what I am studying. Another example would be math. When I was in third grade, I learned how to do long division through a computer game. I was quick and efficient because I was using my hands, my brain and my ears. I engaged more than one sense. Ms. Davis is truly inspiring.
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