Saturday, April 30, 2011

Project #16

C4T #4

Pseudoteaching with Demos by Jerrid Kruse
Thank a Teacher


Jerrid's Post on Demos

Jerrid is concerned with the way some teachers demonstrate science projects. You can relate this to just about any subject that is taught. The "demos" are spoken to students without any interaction whatsoever. The students have to be silent while they watch an entertaining bit that they probably will not remember. At least it is entertaining, but the Jerrid would like there to be some kind of engagement going on so that the students can think about what is happening during these scientific reactions.

I highly commend Jerrid for this since I love to learn and enjoy being engaged in discussions. Ideas and opinions can be formed through this process and then it can be applied. I find myself forgetting a lot of what has been lectured shortly after classes. All I really want is to be able to talk a little bit about what has taken place so it becomes relevant for me. Jerrid would like to encourage teachers to get their students involved in questioning and discussing topics, to go beyond entertainment.

Unsung Heroes by Jerrid Kruse

In Jerrid's most recent post he commends the efforts of great teachers. Teachers that relate to their students and find ways to incorporate their ideas are rarely commended for their efforts. Although these teachers work so hard they rarely expect anything in return. They are not getting air time on television or getting thousands of Twitter followers, yet they still work hard to make sure their students needs are met. I am sure their are teachers that would certainly appreciate this post since they are rarely commended for their efforts.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

C4K #7, 8, 9, 10

Mr. McClung's experiments were the topics of the week. The post that I was assigned to was very, very short but informative. The students from his 8th grade class were assigned to a Skype meeting with a class of similar age in New Zealand. They found out a little bit about each other and "y'all" was mostly the subject discussed since the students from New Zealand hadn't heard that contraction very much in their own country. They only spoke for about 10 minutes but it shows how much one can learn in a short amount of time. The meeting seemed to be very constructive and I think Skype and computers are the future in educating each other.

Mr. Mclung's World

Millie is a grade 7 student from Adelaide, Australia. She got to go on an amazing class trip for aquatics. They each had 3 activities in which they were taught different styles of surfing. She excelled in her attempts and I commended her for working so hard to achieve it. We do not get to go surfing here, but I wish we did. What an amazing learning experience that would be since I have no idea how to surf. I think Millie has done a great job with her blog; she has posted pictures so everyone can see how much fun they had during their activities at the beach. She has done a great job with her blog and it is very detailed. I think we need to take a page out this book and incorporate some surfing lessons. That would certainly make my classroom experience a lot more memorable and fun; especially since I wouldn't be in class. If you'd like to see how much fun they are having in their class, you can click on Millie's Blog posted below.

Millie's Blog

Mrs. Yollis' Classroom Blog

Mrs. Yollis is a fabulous teacher located in a suburb of Los Angeles. Her blog is very well organized and used to further everyones education experience. Mrs. Yollis travels quite a bit to certain locations to make sure that she continues learning. This makes learning quite extensive since she has experienced things that she likes to teach. Her blog is an extensive piece of work for her students and the time that she spends learning herself has also broadened the learning spectrum among the children. Her joy and knowledge spills over to her classroom and it is obvious in the smiles of her children.

Mrs. Yollis' has taught me so much. I love her thorough HTML code lesson. I use it every time I make a post and that definitely makes it a ton easier for me. She has also allowed parents to enjoy the lessons that go on in class. The students get to blog and family members get to drop by and make comments which takes learning to the next level. Mrs. Yollis' class and net atmosphere has heightened everyones learning experience that has taken part. I have learned from her and so have many others; she is an example to teach and live by. Thanks so much to Mrs. Yollis and her 3rd grade class.

Mrs. Yollis' HTML Lesson

Hannah is a fabulous student from Mrs. Yollis' class is California. Hannah and her sister Leila enjoy growing their hair, for what seems like make take a year, just to donate it to a wonderful cause. It goes directly to locks of love which is a non-profit organization that makes wigs for children that cannot keep their own hair. This is a great idea for anyone to join and I highly recommend it since it is totally free. Make sure you read Hannah's rules for donating and you will be on your way.
A girl donating her hair to Locks of Love

Friday, April 22, 2011

Blog Assignment #13

ALEX
ALEX website


ALEX stands for the Alabama Learning Exchange. It is dedicated to teachers but can also be a resource for others just wanting to navigate and learn as well. The layout is pretty cut and dry and easy to follow. The first link you or anyone else can navigate is the Courses of Study. This option allows a teacher to see what can be expected while teaching in a specific area. Then, there is the Web Resource button with specific websites that can be useful in gathering information outside of ALEX. Lesson planning is the next option, which can be a fabulous tool that can make classroom planning much easier. It can be used to cut down on a stressful day and develop a plan much quicker than usual. It may also provide something that can help gain other ideas that you may want to use. If you'd like to be specific, without much navigation, you can always use the search tool to get directly to many lessons that are available, for multiple days. Podcasting is another venue that I find very interesting on ALEX. I particularly enjoy podcasts since it can be a great tool for students that may be sick or not available in class due to other activities.

ALEX is something that is very useful to the future teacher. I would certainly like to use this part of cyber space to gain knowledge in my field of study. It will definitely make things much easier with the ability to see what other teachers have used as a guide for their classroom. As I mentioned before I really like podcasts and I use them for classes that supply at my University. It is kind of like a book that is being read to you to cut down on time spent. With schools providing more online courses podcasts have been very instrumental in my learning experience and I will probably use them for my class. I also enjoy blogging, which can also be a useful tool in the classroom. There are some unique blogging ideas among the lesson plans that can be used to upgrade the classroom experience.

ACCESS
ACCESS website



ACCESS is a fabulous website that aids students in their learning process. If a student would like to expand beyond their classroom experience they can always join this website. It can be used as a way to gain college credits while still in high school. On the other hand, if a student is struggling in certain areas, this can be used to help manage classroom struggles. Web based instructions and video conferencing can be used by any student trying to get ahead. If there are courses that may not be available in schools ACCESS is a fabulous tool to expand knowledge before entering into a university or community college. There are complete instructions to begin using the website and this is an easy and effective project to learn from a distance.

I am pretty sure this was not available while I was in school(2000 grad). I certainly would not have minded having a few extra credits to get ahead before moving on to college. I was able to take some honors courses but we only had 1 AP course available in English and I had to have an "A" my junior year in order to be eligible; of course I got a B. So, this is something that I truly believe can tremendously change the outcome of learning. Not only will you graduate faster, but you will be far more educated than those around you.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Project #15

BOOK TRAILER

Blog Assignment #12

Watch this YouTube video Pay Attention In two paragraphs, explain your thoughts and give your opinions on why technology should or shouldn't be in the classroom. In a separate paragraph, explain what teaching means to you and give it a title.


Pay Attention

This video is similar to other videos that we have seen throughout the semester. It is apparent that drilling has taken place over the course of this class. By drilling, I mean that we are constantly viewing things that are very similar in nature. That is how our professor is speaking to us. All of the blogs and videos are telling us that we need to catch up, if we have not. This many bloggers and video producers cannot all be wrong and brainwashed. This video is another example of why we must integrate in order to develop a good teaching relationship with our students. Technology is what they comprehend at this point in time, and we cannot continue to teach what history says we must teach(lecture and spit it back).

If 70 percent of 4 to 6 year olds have used a computer, that means they are interested in what is on it. How do we interest our students in class regardless of age? By incorporating things that they will like into the lessons so it becomes more practical and memorable. Most students do not even enjoy going to school especially since they have to sit in there desks all day and be mute. Maybe if I use ipods and cellphones to do regular lessons, then maybe my students will show up on time or even actually come to class because they enjoy it. I will always remember the Randy Pausch's "head fake". Kids do not necessarily want to learn because the way they are programmed, but if we get them to use something they like to learn the material, then they will learn the material (head fake).

Break Through!
Break Through



Teaching is certainly a form of art. It takes a special person to have this ability and take on all of its meanings. Teaching means that someone is learning; if I talk and no one is listening, then I am not really teaching. As a teacher, I have to find effective ways to make sure learning is taking place. I have to grab the attention of the learner-listener and make sure there experience is something that can be remembered. Teaching in this age is different than in years past. I have to use the skills and techniques that I have learned from others and put them to use. The use of cell phones and computers by children has expanded dramatically in the last ten years and this means they interested in these types of gadgets. So I plan to incorporate these tools to make sure they are interested and teaching has taken place. However, if these methods prove ineffective, I will have to find another way to break through.

Progress Report Final Project

I think we have taken our team to the next level by adding two of the drafts best. With our First and Second picks, we took Jenna Baxter and Kristan Steele. The duo cannot be matched in their field and I expect they will bring the intensity that I observed prior to this years draft selections. They are going to be an amazing addition to our already spectacular group. With Miranda Tidikis, Jennifer Hackney, and Ashleigh Skelton returning from All-Pro seasons, Kristan and Jenna will only compliment this years team. "I plan on making a run at the title, and with this group, it's going to be tough to beat us". Our expectations are high for the season(Final Project)and we expect to bring home some hardware. We've practiced all spring studying the video clips and taking notes and I think it's our time. We are going to show you how we practice and prepare in the lab and the effects it can have in the future of this program.

Baxter Jersey

Steele Jersey

Monday, April 11, 2011

Project #14 Teach Someone



We had some elemental problems so you may need to turn it up a bit

This is a short lesson on pitching with 5 easy steps to use if you are feeling out of control on the mound.

Blog Assignment #11

First Graders in Ms. Cassidy's class
Interview with Dr. Strange and Ms. Cassidy


The students of Ms. Cassidy's class have an amazing learning environment. I have seen some of the work that she has done with her class in her blog. She uses technology for her students and she also gets their parents involved as well. The students have an opportunity to create new things, problem solve, and use critical thinking skills that many places do not incorporate. These first graders have their own blogs which gives them a chance to get real feedback upon their work. They learn from different teachers, professors, and many others around the globe. In the video they actually mention the class that I am in right now as a reference for their work online. The interaction that they are involved with is serious and puts them far above their peers. Ms. Cassidy's students play their own roles in the video which is a testament to their higher learning as first graders. I highly suggest this video to all parents as well as all teachers. The knowledge that is being taken in is far greater than that of the average classroom. Parents should definitely take part in this type of atmosphere at home if you are at all concerned with your child's development. If it cannot happen at school, then we can definitely do it on our own time to make sure their education continues.

On a personal note, I allow my child, who is almost 2, to play on my computer. She also has her own computer that allows her to push buttons and gives feedback. It's probably not a great idea to let her play on my computer now, but the images and sounds that the internet puts out are expanding her rapidly growing brain. This will ultimately help her in the future since the majority of a child's brain development happens within the first five years. I believe that the information that our children are being given is based on historical protocol and limits their learning. Answer this: Why can't a child be given the same information as an adult? If they are going to learn it anyway, why not teach it to them when their brain is at its maximum. It only makes sense to incorporate limitless learning. Do not be afraid of limitless knowledge but embrace it so that your students and children will forever benefit from it. Watch this short video and it will give you a better understanding of why I believe this.

Ms. Cassidy's First Grade Class

Ms. Cassidy's Skype Interview with Dr. Strange

Ms. Cassidy is a fabulous teacher as I have already stated. Dr. Strange has conducted a video with her about technology and the classroom. Questions are provided by Dr. Strange mostly to imply that technology works and is relevant to any age level. Ms. Cassidy formed her base for technology in her class with the 5 computers that were donated to her with the Sunray program through Microsoft. Blogging is used on a regular basis with her 6 year olds and most of the work that has been done by her and of course she mentions that she has good supports within this technology. She is always concerned with the safety of the children and acts as a mediator for the children which I believe should always be done by the parent at home as well. I concur with each and every idea that she proposed for technology in the classroom. Her students enjoy the process and their parents do as well. The parents can view their children's progress and see exactly what they are doing at any time by simply logging on.

She specifically says the word "change" to imply that all teachers need to be technologically literate and I believe this as well. It does not matter how old our students are in order to take advantage of the tools available to us, to provide a higher level of education. The children have been given an audience of people that can essentially read and comment on their work instead of just turning in an assignment to Ms. Cassidy. This helps them become better writers and better audio and video makers. Ultimately it provides them with the ability to think on a higher level. Her ideas have expanded a bit in her school and I hope this continues. To add to this an online learning network is huge is the development of students. Of course, teachers need to be highly involved in this as well. PLN's are a big part of the class that we are in, and it broadens our ideas since others may have something we need to know or use. She also discusses one of my favorite topics; we must continue to learn. Our learning network is essential for this and websites such as twitter are very useful. Technology is resourceful for any teacher, no matter what field you may be in. I personally love twitter because I have had the pleasure of meeting so many new people that have broadened my learning experience. This is a great discussion of ideas that should certainly be considered by anyone is the teaching field. I recommend experimenting with ideas that you feel comfortable with to enjoy and gain a better knowledge of what your children could be learning.

Ms. Cassidy and Dr. Strange Skype Interview

Friday, April 8, 2011

Special Assignment

Responses to Mr. McClung's Blog
Mr. McClung's World



1. Mr. McClung uses his blog as a creative tool that his students can use to make their learning experience a memorable one. He uses his blog for ideas that he comes up with that may interest his students. He goes far beyond the expectations of a normal class experience. He has given his students a chance to expand their ideas onto the computer instead of just on paper.

2. I have never seen Mr. McClung teach in a class, but his skills outside of that are extraordinary. He does not just explore the subject he teaches, but he also incorporates other areas that can be incorporated to make the learning experience that much better. He explores as the students do to keep up with ever changing trends so that he knows what they will take interest in. Once again, he goes far beyond the calling of "instructor".

3. Mr. McClung's set of rules are totally different than any rules that I have heard of. It totally interacts the students and brings out their energy. Of course you must come to class with that energy as well. He uses hand gestures and key words to make sure the students are talking when they are supposed to and listening when they are supposed to. These rules say a lot about him as an instructor and instills discipline subconsciously(head fake) by allowing them to make their own gestures as well as talk when appropriate. Discussion is heavily favored in his classroom rules to make sure they are paying attention and they are ultimately scored upon their ability to follow directions. I would enjoy using his ideas in my classroom as well as having them instilled into my lessons as a present student. I particularly love being involved in the learning experience and this will give my students a chance to do this as well. Not only would it help with respect and discipline but it head fakes them into being involved in class lessons.

4. In his syllabus, everyone needs a day planner. For obvious reasons, we should have one of these to make sure we are keeping with the tasks that we are assigned. With the many things children are doing, a day planner acts as a reminder to make sure they do not forget anything. It is proven that when something is written down, it is more likely to get done than if it were not written down. Time management is a discipline that can be gained by using a planner.

5. The consequences are specific and loss of a letter grade each day it is late. I think this gives the student time to finish and DO the work. The object is to do it regardless if it is late or not and this gives them a chance to achieve. As for Dr. Strange's policy on late work, he states that if the work is turned in late, it leaves the possibility for an F in the course. I believe this opens up the opportunity to finish and turn in the work as well, instead of just not doing the assignment. I could say it is a disciplinary action for late work but I think these rules are very generous compared to what I am used to. That being said, I am used to getting an automatic F for not turning my work in.

6. He wants to make sure the students are getting a positive learning experience the use of technology. He tries to implement it in his everyday work as well as in the classroom. His objective is to steer away from traditional learning of taking notes and doing homework every night and implementing technology as a more positive way of learning.

7. Arkansas History Curriculum for Grades 7 and 8. This is interesting since I am majoring in History and enjoy it. This is a break down of what shall be accomplished by the students in these grades. I enjoyed it's specificity and breakdown because it makes sure the Arkansas students know the History of their land and it's contributions to the United States. It is very specific and relevant by exploring names, regions, and resources for where they reside.

Secondly, I reviewed Convince Me. I am always up to debate and this is a great website to explain your thoughts and opinions on any topic that you choose. It can be used to form opinions on things that you may not know or at least see someone else view on the topic if you do not agree. If you do not agree you can certainly reply and discuss your opposing views. This is a great way to get involved in specific events that are currently happening.

8. This is a great set of Internet Safety Rules. It reminds me of my own safety to make sure I am not giving out personal information that may cause identity theft or worse. Uncomfortable communication certainly needs to be addressed and it is very important to notify a parent or teacher of this action. I agree that we need to limit the information that is provided about ourselves to protect us from such predators. Aliases are a great rule to go by which I attempt to use myself as a protection device. I certainly would not subtract any of these rules and if I had to add some it would go like this: If you are unsure of a website, do not go to it and ask before you enter. 2. Do not open something you do not recognize. 3. In emails, make sure the subject bar is filled in with something you recognize if you do not know the person or site it has come from.

9. I reviewed the Earthquakes section under categories. Mr. McClung's class is learning how to make different earthquake waves through a project that was assigned to them. They actually made there own seismometer in order to create the P and S-waves of an earthquake. They used different movements on their desk to make the pendulum like apparatus make these waves. The project consisted of using homemade materials such as paper, pen, clay, cup, and string. The assignment is very relevant to get the students involved in learning about earthquakes while Mr. McClung guides them through the process.

10. I would definitely like to use the Archives and Categories feature. This way, someone that is visiting my blog does not have to peer through my entire blog to find what they want. They can just use the side clicker to find what section they would like to look at.

11. His blog is very relevant to what adults relate to in everyday life. There is something for all kinds of people to view. There are ideas that anyone can use and practice in their offices, classrooms, and homes. He has a wide range of knowledge to give and not just in history. Anyone viewing his blog can certainly put to use the rules, assignments, and ideas into their own lives. Current events is a popular subject used within teaching history, and anyone who loves watching the news can relate to these posts.

12. His blog is definitely better organized and has a lot more to offer but not to discredit the others because I think they are all great blogs and learning tools. I think Mr. McClung has been well taught in the use of technology and that I must also mention that he has taken it all in. He has embraced technology within his classroom and his passion overflows within his work which makes the blog look super spiffy. It looks like a majority of his downtime from teaching is done on his blog for his reach towards perfecting the art of teaching.

13. Mr. McClung is certainly a model for future teachers and present students. His blog shows that he is a perfectionist and cares dearly about his students and work. Not only has he reached his students but parents and views as well. It should be evident to those around him that he genuinely cares about the future of our country. He sometimes makes posts about his exhaustion to the amount of work he does and I certainly commend him for his effort.

Mr. McClung's Student Blog

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Blog Assignment #10

Use the Internet, Be Creative

Morgan Bayda

Morgan has made a great post here that discusses education as we know it and what it needs to become. Dan Brown's video is a great example that she uses to discuss her concerns for our learning future. I completely agree with both of them that we need to make some changes. The education system revolves around one professor that spits out facts and we just memorize them and give them back to receive a grade. However, we can get facts anywhere on the internet and school isn't really preparing us for the real world. This idea of teaching is blocking us from creating new things and coming up with new ideas. The best thing I think we can take from Dan's video is that, as educators, we need to evolve with the information age and update as it updates. Continuing to learn as the internet provides us with new information is now essential in making sure everyone is educationally up to date and prepared for what is next; the world.

Morgan Bayda Open Letter To Educators

Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!

Mr. Johnson has allowed his students to take their pencils home and Ms. Gertrude is upset about it. In what seems like a one sided argument by Gertrude; Mr. Johnson shouldn't allow the students to take the pencils home since students that use pencils at home have lower test scores. But, Mr. Johnson has given his students some projects that they can do while using their pencils, which looks like a great way to integrate the school and home learning process.

I think it is a fabulous idea for students to get involved in learning at home as well. Since most kids just want to play or watch television at home, this is a great way to include what is going on in the class to give them more ideas when they show up to class. The idea here, is to make sure that children continue to learn by using their tools that are at home; i.e. computers. If they choose to use their computer as a toy or play childish games, at least it has given them one more chance to be creative. In this case, we can always fall back on the idea that, we only get out of something what we put into it. I think any twisted form of teaching to pull out creativity is awesome. Going back to the first post above this one, teachers need to find ways to grab creative energy. How do we do this? We have to be creative ourselves, and find a project that can be incorporated into boring lessons. If students can explore using their computers at home, maybe it will make them more attentive on the subjects taught in the classroom. Keeping them interested and making the learning experience more fun and memorable in class, could give them ideas they may want to explore at home. So, it works both ways.

Tom Johnson's Adventures in Pencil Integration

Friday, April 1, 2011

C4T #3

Ghost Town


Mr. C. is my teacher for the week and his post shows much concern in his classroom. He gave an assignment where the students had to analyze the Wisconsin union problems. They were to think and give feedback on both sides of the debate by reading from different news websites. I understood his concern since nearly the entire class failed to do as he had asked. Most students, including myself, have simply been taught to memorize and spit back the information. This project was an attempt for students to step outside of that box and really think and determine for themselves what side of the issue they took.

Getting children to think on a different level is going to be very difficult since they have been wired incorrectly for so long. Not that memorization cannot work, we just need to attain a higher brain stimulation for our students to have a chance to excel above the norm. I propose that we continue the trend that Mr. C. is trying to attain and through consistency with this change we will be able to get the results.

I was able to relate it as a baseball instructor. If I ask a child to throw a strike the first time they pick up a ball, they will fail 9 times out of 10. However, if I am consistent in my instruction, the child will certainly throw more strikes over time. We have to establish and create things that have not yet been programmed in their heads.

Mr. C was obviously more pleased in the results that he attained from his students on this project. They had to create their own ghost town and well as figure out why some of the ghost towns weren't there anymore. But, this was just to help them remember their vocabulary for the week and of course a few words from past assignments. I think Mr. C certainly went beyond his calling on this one to make sure the students could ace the test. His writing, this time, is of much more praise compared to the last one, which means the students definitely enjoyed the project and it was much more memorable.


Mr. C's Teacher Blog