Final Reflection Blog Post

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Final Project

Comment for Teacher 4 Summary

     The first blog  post of Jason T. Bedell's that I commented on was on a fantastic tool called google calendar. Like me he had an obnoxiously enormous and amazing desk calendar. He then discovered that he should share his calendar with the world so SHAZAM! he made a google calendar. Google calendar is a fantastic tool that lets you either share your events with the world, keep them to yourself, or embed in a website. 
     The second post that I commented on was Jason T. Bedell's post on digital storytelling. Which I found awesome because using skills I learned in EDM 310 I actually did a digital story telling project for my World Literature class earlier this week. His introductory paragraph said...

"Teaching is an art that includes storytelling at its core. Stories are an essential part of our nature as humans. Stories are how we pass on our history, our culture, and our heritage. The brain does not remember isolated facts, but makes connections with other ideas, often in the context of stories."

     To me that sounded absolutely beautiful. Teaching as an art. An ART he says! No one ever thinks of it that way but he is right. Everyone tries to formulate education with methods and plans and workshops and "this is what you do if..." but art can't be planned so stringently as that. It is free flowing and creative and sometimes you just have to fly by the seat of your pants. Yes art does have outlines of sorts so some planning is involved but flexibility is the key.
     Digital storytelling is an excellent way for students to get their creative juices going we just need to make sure as educators we aren't invading their creative projests.

Comments for Kids Summary

Comment number eight was a video of the kid's problem solving chant.
"Identify the problem so you all understand,
Then you listen to each other, coz you've got to make a plan,
Then you do, you do it, you do it, do it, do it,
Then you check"

My comments said that I hope my students have the same enthusiasm and that the chant is a great device to aid in learning.

Comment number nine was on a blog post of a student named Bryant. He posted a blog about a article that I had actually read before. the article was about a four year old getting sued because she ran into an 87 year old woman who broke her hip and died four months later. He said that the child should not be held responsible because accidents happen. I agreed completely with him. Accidents happen all the time especially to the elderly  and the woman died four months later, not even in the same week as the incident. 


Comment number ten was a student named Jim's Kerpoof assignment and he chose to do a mnemonic device to help them remember the order of the planets.  It was actually a pretty cool looking creative project for him and also introduced me to a new tool.

Comment eleven was a girl named Delia's story prompt about a "High Sky Ride". I couldn't find out what kind of ride she was talking about. Perhaps a roller coaster of some kind ? I was impressed by her use of sensory devices in a child so young.

Final Report on PLN

My personal learning network is organized on Symbaloo so all of my bookmarks are easily accessible.It contains classroom tool sites such as Classroom 2.0 and Things for Teachers, and Smart Tech which are social networking type sites that contain help for those who want to use technology in the classroom as well as lesson plans for all subjects and grade levels. Youtube, which is a site where instructional videos can be found as well as my projects. The EDM 310 site contains all of the instructions for assignments and gives me ideas as to what my projects should look like. Google, Google, Docs, and Google Calendar are all great tools to search for information as well as keep yourself organized. Lord knows I would be incredibly lost without my EDM 310 checklist. Turn it in and Jstor are incredibly helpful to me as an English major. Jstor contains book and article sources for absolutely anything and everything you could possibly ever need.  Turnitin is where I can have everything I write, as well as assignments my future students write, and have it checked for originality which is another word for plagiarism. I have really enjoyed my PLN and it will continue to grow as I do.



http://www.symbaloo.com/mix/personallearningnetwo

Additional Assignment 5

     John Spencer is a lingual genius. Truly a man after my own heart. Metaphors are an absolutely essential part of the English language and by no means are they as complicated as people make them out to be. Metaphors engage your brain and make you think as opposed to just " saying what you think. Pencils are a fantastic thing both metaphorically and literally. They represent the temporary yet permanent state of life. Everyone needs flexibility in their lives. People who don't understand technology and the learning children experience using those tools think anything involving computer devices are all fun and games. Which is defiantly not the case. Behavior problems can be controlled by a no nonsense but not "mean" atmosphere. But as educators we all need to remember that whatever tools we introduce can change the atmosphere of the class.

Blog 13

      The Alabama Learning Exchange, or ALEX, it provides links for courses of study information, Alabama contact information for different subjects, lesson plans, training information, podcasts, and an area to contact colleagues. 

     Everything is organized by grade and subject matter so anything you can possibly be looking for is easily accessible. For example when you choose "Courses of Study" on the home page you are directed to a page with every course listed. I chose Language arts, because that is my major, and that took me to a page where I chose a grade level. I chose 12th grade, because that is my dream level, and it brought up a chart with all of the 12th grade language arts learning objectives and a link to all of the lesson plans.

     I think as an educator this will be a fantastic tool. Especially links to lesson plans of other educators. i know even as a "professional" I will need help.   This site is the closest thing to an EDM 310 help line that we will get. I am really excited about all the tools that we are learning exist out in the world. Its like an assurance that even after we graduate and begin our careers that there is always something to be learning and people to teach you.

 
 

Project 15

This is a short video I made on suicide prevention in Dillon's style. This video is the pinnacle of my EDM 310 career and I am extremely proud of it. My Teach someone video taught me how to do these kinds of videos and I took it an extra step. I hope everyone who views it enjoys it and feedback is always appreciated.

PLN Progress

I have finally figured out Twitter and am Following Dr. Strange and Jamie Lynn.  I have also discovered a site called classroom 2.0 which is a network for beginners in educational technology to find their footing and get support.http://www.classroom20.com/ Things for teachers is another extremely helpful site. It is a freshly graduated new history teacher in New Jersey. She has tips for student teaching and using Wikis and google docs in classroom among several other links and things. http://thingsforteachers.tumblr.com/page/2.

Project 15 report

I am going to do a informative/persuasive project on why to choose apple jacks over fruit loops. I have started compiling the nutritional information and I am going to do some taste trials with friends and family.I think this project will be different and fun to create.

Project 6 summary

     My project was a questionnaire on majors, why those majors were chosen, and why they chose the University of South Alabama.72% of the people questioned were majors in elementary education, 6% were social science/secondary, 6% were English/ secondary education, 6% were physical education, 6% were math and secondary education,and the remaining one was "other". Which is consistent with the people I have met at South. 

     56% of students were transfers.76% of those questioned chose the University of South Alabama because of the location. The next biggest reason was friends and family pressure with one third of the people questioned. Which to me is enlightening. I honestly do not think that is a valid reason and I find it kind of sad. Scholarships, programs, and athletics were at the bottom of the ranks.

     I find it interesting that only 39% of people have family in the education field and that 72% of people have changed their major, three people changed it three times. On a scale of on to ten on their experiences at south the responses were even across the board. Which tells me that people either like it or tolerate it at south.

   History, performing arts, and english are the top three subjects that students are the most passionate about

     This information tells me that some students are extremely apathetic and unhappy with the University of South Alabama. It disappoints me that some students are only here because they got pressured into coming here; which probably contributes to the unhappiness. I think choosing a school should be more centered around the programs and scholarships available.

     We have so many elementary education majors.  It seems like every education major is elementary education. There is a high demand and great flexibility in that field. I like kids I just like them in small amounts with more adults than just me in charge.I really enjoyed this project. I learned alot about my fellow students and I liked the google form and the graphs the summary it created. I think it will be a great assignment for my future students.
  

Blog Post 12

Read "How to Overcome Technology Integration Barriers" By Peter J. Dragula. . Write at least one paragraph reacting to his post. Be sure to add anything you feel was left out and/or state whether or not you disagree.

     We need to have technology in our classrooms because schools expect students expect to learn how to use computers and other technological tools. Also the job market requires computer skills so it is imperative that our students learn all they can. Also technology makes communication between parents and students a great deal easier.

     There are several barriers that impede technology being brought into the classroom. Some teachers are either scared or too lazy to learn how to use the tools available. It is a lot easier just to stick with what you know but I feel classes such as EDM 310 can solve that. But some educators don't have the emotional or financial support to get and use technological tools. But I feel with the right instruction, priorities, support, and starting out where you can by using the tools on hand big changes can be made.

     To integrate technology educators can either take baby steps. It all depends on what is available. If there is only minimum equipment educators can start with clip art and print outs and digital cameras and as technology becomes more available they can progress to smart-boards and classroom websites.

     Educators need to understand that they are not alone in the battle of the machines. Things can get frustrating and you may want to throw your computer, camera, smart board, and projector out the window. But step back, have a glass of wine (only if you are at home of course), and relax. Don't give up.

Teach Someone

C4K Summary

Kid number three was  JohnLee from New Zealand. He drew a awesome colorful picture of a pirate ship.

My fifth kid was Nathan. His blog were written in first person view from the American Revolution which I thought was awesome and incredibly creative.

My sixth comment for kids was a kid named Chase B from Iowa. His post was on typing properly. Typing too small is hard to read, and typing too big looks like you are being yelled at and its rude. Also typing in "text speak" is ridiculous. I meen doz dis luk lyk sumtin profesional n sumfin u wnt 2 luk @ all da tym? NO, it looks ridiculous. I cannot stand text speak. Honestly it looks stupid and takes just as long to type out.

My seventh kid was Dylan. He has a great plan for healthier school lunches. Basically his school's only option for healthy lunch is some form of salad. I know first hand that after a few days of cold veggies for luch a cheeseburger is welcome. He said that fried items should be exchanged for grilled items which is a great idea. In addition he wants the candy replaced with fruits and veggies.

Blog 11

Little Kids... Big Potential

     It never ceases to amaze me how children can learn to use the tools i am learning to use. Some of them can even use it better than I can. They are learning so much and I feel like they don't know how impressive it is. I didn't realize that blogging can help them with spelling. It makes sense now that it is pointed out to me. When learning is presented in a fun way children enjoy it and therefore learn more. Technology teaches them so much; everything from rituals to manners to problem solving. Children's minds are so easy to mold and they are so easger to learn new things so starting learning to blog and use technology is a genius idea.

     There are a few roadblocks that might be hit. Some schools either won't be supportive or possibly not have the funding in order to bring the technology into the classroom.  

Summary C4T 3

     I commented on two of Mr. Joe Bower's blogs. The second and favortie one was on bringing the Socratic method back into the classroom. I am a huge fan of the Socratic method. I beleive that actively engaging students conversationally teaches them to think, express those thoughts, and breaks some people out of their shells. I have liked the memorize and vomit classes. Sure I can do well in them but the whole class period I am counting the minutes until I make my escape from the confines of my desk. By no means am I a shy and quiet person and if I get a thought and it is socially unacceptable to express that thought it eats away at my brain.
    My favorite quote from Joe Bower is "Reflecting upon one's beliefs can be a very productive use of time, and I can think of no better time to do so than when we have come to mindlessly accept something as a given truth. When questions are no longer answered because questions are no longer being asked - it is time to rethink what we are doing." Students, including myself, are to quick to accept whatever the teacher says as truth. Its a combination of fear and ignorance. If a student doubts what the teacher says is true more often than not they are too scared to voice that opinion because they are scared or ridicule or their precious grade declining.  
     The other post was "Here's all the boring shit you need to know..." catchy title don't you think? This post was about the super passionate teachers instructing classes on the "basics". These instructors seem to think that since the coursees are for non-majors in that field that the student does not need to know the cool and interesting things about said field. If I was a college professor I would consider making the basics interesting enough to attemp to convert students to that area.
     I hate how my "basic" science classes will probably never let me blow anything up. What fun is science without fire and explosions? No fun at all. Not saying that if they let me put fire to something I would abandon my English teacher career but it couldn't hurt for them to try. But instead I will take Geography and learn about atmospheric processes. Quite frankly I care absolutely nothing about clouds and whatnot. So I am hoping for an engaging class.

SmartBoard Instruction

Additional Assignment 3

Changing Education Paradigms

     I honestly do not believe in ADHD. Like Mr. Robinson I am not qualified to say for sure. I just think they have way too much structured time. Kids now don't ever get time to just go outside and play, nor do they really have any motivation to. After all they have video games and television. The most important thing that he mentioned, which is something I beat to death, is that great learning happens in groups and there is more than one way to go about teaching and learning. Not every student is the same and if they can get ideas from each other they can learn things that they don't understand in thelecture or get a different view.

     I can be an "outside the tradition" educator. I can use new technology and allow collaboration in the classroom to enhance the in class experience. I can teach every student that they matter and that they can do something better than their current social state. Most children think "I am born poor so I am stuck." That absolutely is not true.

     If I were to be in an RSA animation project I would most likely be the narrator or the idea generator. I am creative but my artistic abilities do not venture outside of the music world. I am very good at speaking clearly and with the proper inflections. 

Blog 10

                                                           An Open Letter to Educators

     I, like Morgan, cannot stand lecture, listen, and take notes classes. I am a Socratic learner. I need to be able to bounce ideas off instructors and students to fully learn. Granted I can memorize and "burp back" information very well. I am a flash card making fool, as I like to say. But I do not like to learn that way because I feel like nothing is retained.
     There is no way I would have dropped out of school like Dan Brown. Granted I find his annoyance validated, but dropping out did not solve anything. I think I'll follow his other videos and see how it has worked out for him. Like I have said a thousand times in past blogs I have considered just throwing the towel in on this college thing. But its not what I want for my life.

Don't Let Them Take the Pencil's Home

     I liked the metaphorical pencil. In my brain I thought the pencil could be replaced with laptop, iPad, iPhone, etc. Anything a student does not have at home and they see in school or anywhere they immediatly think "Oh cool, what can I do with this?". That exploration and play often leads to learning. Just because the student is not using a tool in a structured maner does not mean it is mindless play. Often when I am comfronted with something new my immediate response is to mess around with it and see what I can do with the object and how it works.  

    A topic that keeps arising in these blog assignments is standardized testing nd test scores. The land of education is so caught up in test scores that students are no longer people. Instead they have been dehumanized into, as Mr. Johnson said, drill and kill test takers and score producers.  I, as a future educator, want to keep my students human. I want them to learn and not memorize and vomit. This, in part, is the reason I chose language arts. There is so much up for interpretation in literature and I want my students to know how to think and learn.

      Two Questions That Can Change Your Life

     What's my sentence?  What a crazy thought, putting myself in a sentence. A great thought though. My sentence is "I will teach children how to use their own minds to interpret literary works, also to unleash their own literary creative ablilities." I want my students to look back and say "Wow, she loved and cared for me. I learned so much from her."



Blog 9

What I've Learned This Year
Mr. McClung's blog was a self reflective and informative blog of the does and don't of a teacher. His first point was "how to read the audience". Teachers sometimes get so caught up in performance evaluations they forget that students are suppossed to learn and comprehend what is being taught. Lessons should be student centered. Be flexible was the next point. As an educator you need to have a little wiggle room. After all you are human and mistakes will be made. Communication and listening can not be stressed enough. Especially in a professional enviroment such as a school where you have you co-worker and student-teacher relationships to keep in good standing. After all 98% of daily friction is caused by the wrong tone of voice. Don't be afraid of technology. I thought this point was a little funny. I am terrified of messing things up where technology comes in. But I am trying to figure the big scary computer and its friends out. Never stop learning. Never, ever, ever stop learning. There is always new methods, information, and theories emerging and it is impossible to learn it all in your lifetime. I think that this point can never be stressed enough. I would like to think that I will be an awesome teacher and reach every student and all that jazz but I am a human. I will screw up. I don't want to, but I will sometimes. All I can do is do my best and correct my mistakes when they happen.