Sunday, January 30, 2011

Blog Assignment #2

Did you know 3.0

I always like seeing statistics and this was a great video to provide me with some real numbers in education. I have thought numerous times about why I am actually in this class since things are going to change by the time I become a teacher. Then, I remind myself that this is a step in the process to build up to that point so I am not dumbfounded by new ways of learning and technology.
This video shows that this class in particular can have a major effect on what we know and learn in the future. We may not understand it at this moment in time, but all of what we learn right now is completely relevant in how we succeed in a few years. The numbers may seem astounding, but if we individually exceed our goals we can be a part of getting America's education system back on track with the rest of the world.

Mr. Winkle Wakes

Mr. Wakes was very satisfied with what he saw going on in school and that it had not changed much. When he was faced with technology at the hospital he became scared and felt out of place, so he left. He was not a fan of the hospital at all since so much had changed. This brings out many things that I see in myself. Sometimes, when I am faced with something that is different, I tend to shy away from it out of complacency. I like to keep things the way they are on many levels and find myself being complacent and not wanting to find things out because it may intimidate me on first impression.
From another stand point, the students were not using the computer in the back of the class which is disappointing. I realize it is just a movie but it brings out the idea of our children and teachers not using the technology that is available to them.

The Importance of Creativity

This video concerns creativity and what we need to do as educators to see that each child's creativity be harnessed. I especially like the facts about the little girl who could not sit still. Her teacher realized that her creativity needed to be grasped in a different setting instead of telling her to sit still in class. Sometimes we just need to get up and move around I guess. Sometimes we need to take chances to see that creativity be accomplished. In today's life we cannot afford to make mistakes, with technology the way it is we just cannot do it. We have essentially taken away our creativity. Children aren't afraid to make mistakes and that is what makes them so creative. As adults and teachers, we become more and more afraid to take a chance on being wrong which, as a result, takes away our creativeness.

Laura's Blog Post
Laura's Blog
Link to Cecilia Gualt Interview
If we could only walk into a classroom and tell the children to do whatever they want and try to be creative. We can teach our students how to be more creative by allowing them to use more technology in the classroom. We have computers available to us yet, we are not using them the way we need to. The video specifically discusses the need for American students to be able to study from other cultures and countries as a way to broaden the spectrum of creativity. Finland, in particular, has a 1% drop out rate and the U.S. has a 25% drop out rate. This was just an example that we need to find out what other countries are doing and how they are having so much success. We can dramatically expand the minds of children with the regular use of technology in the classroom.

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

I once had the pleasure of working with Leo Mazzone, the former pitching coach of the Atlanta Braves. I asked him how he got so good at what he does and he said "I've learned everything I know from the pitchers I have coached". This is very relevant to the video since the teacher of this class learns a lot of what she knows from her students.
The fact that computers are the main focus in her class has allowed these students to expand their brains to find out what they are good at and what they like. Others should take notice of this classroom and follow the leader. This is an amazing learning atmosphere where the children can use their minds endlessly. When I grow up and become a teacher, I definitely want to be like Mrs. Davis.

This is Leo Mazzone Ex-Baseball pitching coach for the Atlanta Braves

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Blog Assignment 1

     My name is Kenneth Nelson and I am originally from Ft. Washington, Md. I was raised there and moved to Alabama in 2004. I have an amazing wife that has graduated from South Alabama with a masters degree in education. We have been married for five years and have an awesome little girl. Before my family was complete, I played baseball nearly my entire life. Starting at four years old and retiring at twenty eight. I played professional baseball for five different organizations, over ten years, which include the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays.
     Baseball was hard to give up since I was fully capable of playing more. I made a choice to move on with starting my family. School has been a major focus since retirement and I have chosen education because I believe God has given me a talent to use as a tool to reach out to young learners. I would like to coach at the High School level  in the Mobile area. To combine education with baseball would be great to add to my already wonderful family.
     Sports have dominated my life so, I really wish I had a hobby to tell you about. I grew up a Washington Redskins fan and attended most of the home games until I reached High School. My family in Maryland means so much to me. My father and mother still live there with seventeen cats and four dogs. I guess after the kids left they needed some company. I am a stay at home dad that also works at night and on the weekends. Your baby can read! is awesome if you have young children! I also have two dogs of my own that I throw the ball with on a regular basis.