I was really excited when I discovered this class was not going to be the same as all of my previous computer classes. I have learned about Microsoft programs so many times that I could puke! Before this class I used g-mail but I had no idea of the other types of things the Google offered. All of the spreadsheet and document things we learned on Google were all new to me. I also learned that web pages were easy to create and fun to create. I will totally use this experience when I have a class of my own. I am now also sold on Mac and I know that was not the purpose of Dr. Strange but it's all his fault.
I hope everyone had a great time in the class. I have a great time spending my Monday evenings with all of you. I hope to see you again in future classes. I know we will all enjoy our paths to becoming teachers.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is a web based "encyclopedia" that anyone can edit. Apparently this guy Virgil Griffith has come up with a new product called the Wikipedia Scanner that can trace the edits to the IP address they were made from. So what that means is you can download this scanner and then see who edits and what they edit. This is a good thing for maybe discouraging companies from posting false information.
I've been to Wikipedia many times, I have never really trusted the information that I have found. It was however a good place to start researching subjects. If I find something interesting I will cross reference it with other databases(that are accurate.)Also most of Wikipedia does show references, simply check the reference to see if it is a trusted source.
I've been to Wikipedia many times, I have never really trusted the information that I have found. It was however a good place to start researching subjects. If I find something interesting I will cross reference it with other databases(that are accurate.)Also most of Wikipedia does show references, simply check the reference to see if it is a trusted source.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Growth vs Fixed
The video podcast was about students with either a fixed thought of intelligence or a thought of growth of intelligence. The women speaking was discussing what both terms meant. A student with a fixed basically feels they are born with a specific intelligence. A student with who believed in the growth felt that through learning intelligence is gained. She then discussed how growth class made student excel more than student who were just taught study skills.
I think that with teaching it is important to let students know that learning is the key. No matter what your dealt in the nature of things if you don't nurture by learning and working your brain you will be left with not much. I definitely believe that we grow with what we learn. I also feel that older people should be more aware of this. Most people don't realize when you stop using your brain it doesn't work as well. This is an important subject and I intend on passing it on to my students.
I think that with teaching it is important to let students know that learning is the key. No matter what your dealt in the nature of things if you don't nurture by learning and working your brain you will be left with not much. I definitely believe that we grow with what we learn. I also feel that older people should be more aware of this. Most people don't realize when you stop using your brain it doesn't work as well. This is an important subject and I intend on passing it on to my students.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
iuniversity teacher video
On the PBS section of iuniversity there were a couple of movies that a teacher could use in their classroom. There were only a couple available and mostly science was the subject that you had to pick from. I watch the video on the sun. I never knew the sun was a dwarf star so yeah, now I do.
As for me using this in my class I would say no. The reason is because of the load time. I had to wait an unusual amount of time to get it to play and it would play for about 2 seconds before it stopped. I guess it was buffering but I really don't know because it never continued on without me doing something.
If it was more user friendly I would totally use this if it worked properly. The video about the sun was very helpful and informative. It told specifics about the sun such as the temp and the distance from the earth. Good stuff bad stuff.
As for me using this in my class I would say no. The reason is because of the load time. I had to wait an unusual amount of time to get it to play and it would play for about 2 seconds before it stopped. I guess it was buffering but I really don't know because it never continued on without me doing something.
If it was more user friendly I would totally use this if it worked properly. The video about the sun was very helpful and informative. It told specifics about the sun such as the temp and the distance from the earth. Good stuff bad stuff.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
i Tunes University
i Tunes University is available from Apples itune store. It features free audio and video from universities across the United States. It appears that you can download lectures from classes. You can also subscribe to programs and podcast made available by the universities. Some of the links provided information for college level but also K-12.
I stumbled across what appeared to be course offerings. Really it seems to be another useful way for a student or teacher to receive information. A student can subscribe to a class podcast and a teacher can also subscribe to another teachers podcast. It's really cool and I will definitely be subscribing to quite a few of the college links.
http://www.learnoutloud.com/content/blog/archives/2007/07/best_of_itunes.html
I stumbled across what appeared to be course offerings. Really it seems to be another useful way for a student or teacher to receive information. A student can subscribe to a class podcast and a teacher can also subscribe to another teachers podcast. It's really cool and I will definitely be subscribing to quite a few of the college links.
http://www.learnoutloud.com/content/blog/archives/2007/07/best_of_itunes.html
i-pod use in classroom instruction
I researched the Duke University digital initiative. It appears that Duke University give or loans their students an i-pod with voice recorders installed. The school is using i-pods to add to class instruction. The i-pods are used in many different helpful way one of which is the distribution of class learning materials. They also used systems such as blackboard, podcast, and i-tunes to provide information to the students.
In the class room the i-pods could be used to record lectures and class participation for future reference. Students were able to use the i-pod outside of the class room by tailoring it to their own needs for projects and what have you. I think this is a great idea. I would much rather participate in classroom lectures than spend all of my time writing it down. Most people seem to be intimidated by technology and this is a great way to integrate it into everyday situations.
http://cit.duke.edu/pdf/reports/ipod_initiative_04_05.pdf
In the class room the i-pods could be used to record lectures and class participation for future reference. Students were able to use the i-pod outside of the class room by tailoring it to their own needs for projects and what have you. I think this is a great idea. I would much rather participate in classroom lectures than spend all of my time writing it down. Most people seem to be intimidated by technology and this is a great way to integrate it into everyday situations.
http://cit.duke.edu/pdf/reports/ipod_initiative_04_05.pdf
Monday, February 18, 2008
Pictures with title and ALT modifiers
One of my favorite pictures is a picture of children with a stormtrooper.
Best of 2007 Why Wireless
In this blog a teacher was asked by the administrator to explain why the school offers wireless services. The school has wireless set up so that the students, teachers, and parents can access the internet while on the school property. The teacher originally started with the typically used reasons. As the she went on she started to realize that the people questioning the motives should see the vision behind the services.
She went on to quote people about learning. She basically was saying that wireless services offered an array of things to not just the teachers but the students. With the right equipment students can all be placed in their regular desk but still have the power of the internet to provide excellent learning capabilities. I completely agree with this teacher and I would back this in my children's school system. Access to the internet is an incredible learning tool and wireless makes it very easy for a classroom to support the use.
She went on to quote people about learning. She basically was saying that wireless services offered an array of things to not just the teachers but the students. With the right equipment students can all be placed in their regular desk but still have the power of the internet to provide excellent learning capabilities. I completely agree with this teacher and I would back this in my children's school system. Access to the internet is an incredible learning tool and wireless makes it very easy for a classroom to support the use.
Best of 2007 September
This blog was very interesting and I must say that I completely agree with the
author. I can't tell you how many people around my parents age group (60's) that won't
even put forth the effort to learn about computers. It seems that they are almost
afraid of the computer. I think as a teacher you should not only be willing to learn
to use a computer but excited to master using a computer.
In these days most children should be learning how to use computers in the classroom.
Not only will this give them a great start for their future rolls in society but it will also
give them a great resource. Writing papers now is completely different than it was when
I was in high school and that was only 13 years ago. A child has access to library's online,
classrooms online, not to mention a great way to socialize while away from friends and
family. Teachers should be the masters of anything they are expected to teach; computers
are expected and all teachers should be able to pass down complete knowledge to their students.
author. I can't tell you how many people around my parents age group (60's) that won't
even put forth the effort to learn about computers. It seems that they are almost
afraid of the computer. I think as a teacher you should not only be willing to learn
to use a computer but excited to master using a computer.
In these days most children should be learning how to use computers in the classroom.
Not only will this give them a great start for their future rolls in society but it will also
give them a great resource. Writing papers now is completely different than it was when
I was in high school and that was only 13 years ago. A child has access to library's online,
classrooms online, not to mention a great way to socialize while away from friends and
family. Teachers should be the masters of anything they are expected to teach; computers
are expected and all teachers should be able to pass down complete knowledge to their students.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
International school blogs
The first blog I found was run by a teacher,Nathan Toft, from Ottawa, Canada for grades 5 and 6.
This site was used by the students to just blog about what ever but also by the teacher. The teacher would ask the students to respond to certain activities done during class time. Also there were links to the school sites. The students all seemed to interact with the class blog.
http://grade5nt.edublogs.org/
The second blog was a bolg from Sandaig Primary School in the city of Glasgow, Scotland.This blog was used primarily in a educational way. The students posted poetry they had been encouraged to write. There were post of name art that had been done by a student for a class project. Mostly this blog is used to post work done by the students and also to show what the students are doing in the classroom setting. I liked that because I am sure students try hard so they can be posted on the blog.
http://www.sandaigprimary.co.uk/pivot/
Blogging in the school setting
I found a blog for grade 4K at Richards Elementary School in Whitefish Bay, WI. It basically uses the blog for a way to inform people about what is going on. The blog gives calenders, it shows what the children are working on, and it also shows homework and things like that. It also has new letters available. What I liked the most was that it also had blogs by students. For example a question was posted for the students to respond to, "What is it like in your house when your relatives come to visit?". The students responded with things like "when my grandpa came to visit...". The blog was really neat.
http://marykreul.teacherhosting.com/blog/
The second blog I found was named the life and times of the 4th grade class at Dalton School in New York City. This blog was different from the previous. This blog is actually used in the class. The teacher would post questions about what the children are reading and the children were expected to respond I'm assuming for some sort of credit. I thought this was a great use of a blog to teach. The teacher would also pose question on a field trip or a musical that was attended by the class. There was separate selections for homework, student blogs, and useful links. Great Blog in my opinion.http://blogs.dalton.org/edinger/
Sunday, January 27, 2008
ACCESS
ACCESS is a state program that "provides additional educational offerings for all Alabama public high school students." This program is a program that uses online
classes to teach. Also this program uses combined methods of teaching and learning that uses cutting edge equipment that breaks the gaps between the "traditional and online learning environments." The state would like all high schools in Alabama to be using this by 2010.
ACCESS would provide by grants the paraphernalia needed to implement these courses.
These classrooms would have high tech stuff that would make it possible for every high school student in the state to have the same educational opportunity. This program benefits not just the students but the teacher. Teachers are able to help more kids achieve goals that they could not before in rural areas. This is a great idea and I hope my children will profit from this in the near future!
classes to teach. Also this program uses combined methods of teaching and learning that uses cutting edge equipment that breaks the gaps between the "traditional and online learning environments." The state would like all high schools in Alabama to be using this by 2010.
ACCESS would provide by grants the paraphernalia needed to implement these courses.
These classrooms would have high tech stuff that would make it possible for every high school student in the state to have the same educational opportunity. This program benefits not just the students but the teacher. Teachers are able to help more kids achieve goals that they could not before in rural areas. This is a great idea and I hope my children will profit from this in the near future!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Happy to have help
I would definitely use the ALEX website set up for the teachers. I have taking previous classes where I had to find lesson plans and it was harder than I thought. The ALEX site would be very helpful in this instance. Also I believe that every teacher should be up to date on educational materials. There are so many things that pop up in education that is new and in many instances exciting. So I would love to use a site that would keep me as knowledgeable on education as I will want to be.
The distance learning tab would also be very useful. I think that all school regardless of how rural they may be or how limited their resources should be able to offer some sort of extra classes. I think that this web site would be used a lot by myself when I am in the teaching field.
The distance learning tab would also be very useful. I think that all school regardless of how rural they may be or how limited their resources should be able to offer some sort of extra classes. I think that this web site would be used a lot by myself when I am in the teaching field.
ALEX
ALEX is a web site set up to help Alabama teachers get information they may be trying to find. There appears to be many features available. There is a course of study link that lets you access Alabama Standards for each subject along with the proper grade level the child is learning. The Web links option takes the person accessing links to resources from other web sites. There are teacher, administrator, and student web links to obtain. You can at any time search the web site for information you may be seeking.
The lesson plan icon is a very useful choice. A teacher can use it to find specific lesson plans based on subject, grade level, or a key word. Personal workspace seems to be something set up for members to access a area that is private and that they can use as a teacher work area on-line. The Professional Studies is set up in a way that a teacher can find development studies, learning and teaching tools, and the latest with education. The distance learning tab is really cool because it helps schools with limited classes use online classes to implement new areas of learning. Seems like a very interesting and helpful tool for teachers.
The lesson plan icon is a very useful choice. A teacher can use it to find specific lesson plans based on subject, grade level, or a key word. Personal workspace seems to be something set up for members to access a area that is private and that they can use as a teacher work area on-line. The Professional Studies is set up in a way that a teacher can find development studies, learning and teaching tools, and the latest with education. The distance learning tab is really cool because it helps schools with limited classes use online classes to implement new areas of learning. Seems like a very interesting and helpful tool for teachers.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Shift Happens
I had many reactions to this movie. I would say that the figures astounded me, the information saddened me, scared me for my children, and I am not really excited about computer brains surpassing human brains. Also the movie inspired me to learn to teach children beyond the box.
I decided to go into teaching after two of my children entered the school years. At this point, I can't say that I feel the education they receive will give them a dream to participate in any world dynamics. I hope that more parents see this happening and decide to not only teach their own children but take the extra step to teach any child they can reach.
After this watching this movie and thinking about it, I feel that the United States has made its dream to include accepted materialism. The bigger the house with the more junk crammed in it the more you can pat yourself on the back and say I have done it. We as a culture are selfish and I don't think many people really care to ask what is being done for their children to make the world in 50 years a better place. As long as their kids learn to read and write while making decent grades, parents seems to be content. Well I'm not. I'm not content with how little my children are getting out of school. I have learned the more you push as a parent the more pushed out a parent get by the school.
I have high hopes for our children. I plan to do what I can to feel that I did my part in preparing not only my children but other's children for the world. Not only for the money but for the well being of every country on this planet!
I decided to go into teaching after two of my children entered the school years. At this point, I can't say that I feel the education they receive will give them a dream to participate in any world dynamics. I hope that more parents see this happening and decide to not only teach their own children but take the extra step to teach any child they can reach.
After this watching this movie and thinking about it, I feel that the United States has made its dream to include accepted materialism. The bigger the house with the more junk crammed in it the more you can pat yourself on the back and say I have done it. We as a culture are selfish and I don't think many people really care to ask what is being done for their children to make the world in 50 years a better place. As long as their kids learn to read and write while making decent grades, parents seems to be content. Well I'm not. I'm not content with how little my children are getting out of school. I have learned the more you push as a parent the more pushed out a parent get by the school.
I have high hopes for our children. I plan to do what I can to feel that I did my part in preparing not only my children but other's children for the world. Not only for the money but for the well being of every country on this planet!
Monday, January 7, 2008
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