Dear fellow classmates,
This summer class is now over but I am sure I will see some of you in my future education classes at South. Good luck in the Fall!
Sincerely,
Martha
Friday, July 24, 2009
Google- I learned about personalizing iGoogle and using Google documents. I can certainly see myself using Google docs in the future.
Podcast- I learned what exactly a podcast is and had fun doing a group podcast on Randy Pausch. I don't know if I will ever do another podcast but I will certainly listen to them.
Spreadsheets- I really did not learn anything new in spreadsheets.
Other teachers- I learned how other teachers are incorporating technology in their classrooms.
Blogging- I knew what blogging was, but i did learn how to use alt and title tags. It was also helpful to learn how to insert html links.
Delicious- I learned what Delicious was and decided to never use it again after this class.
As a teacher, everything I have learned in class will combine with the rest of my education to reach my full potential. I am interested to see what new technology will emerge when I begin teaching in a few years.
I do wish we could have learned more about teacher friendly websites that are helpful to all grade levels. Although I enjoyed this class, I did not think it was worth my time at all. It was a little more internet based than my previous two computer classes, but not worth the money or time. I wish there was a way I could have tested out of this class. I mean no offense to Mr. Sullivan, he was a great teacher, but I would have liked to take a more advanced computer class with him.
Podcast- I learned what exactly a podcast is and had fun doing a group podcast on Randy Pausch. I don't know if I will ever do another podcast but I will certainly listen to them.
Spreadsheets- I really did not learn anything new in spreadsheets.
Other teachers- I learned how other teachers are incorporating technology in their classrooms.
Blogging- I knew what blogging was, but i did learn how to use alt and title tags. It was also helpful to learn how to insert html links.
Delicious- I learned what Delicious was and decided to never use it again after this class.
As a teacher, everything I have learned in class will combine with the rest of my education to reach my full potential. I am interested to see what new technology will emerge when I begin teaching in a few years.
I do wish we could have learned more about teacher friendly websites that are helpful to all grade levels. Although I enjoyed this class, I did not think it was worth my time at all. It was a little more internet based than my previous two computer classes, but not worth the money or time. I wish there was a way I could have tested out of this class. I mean no offense to Mr. Sullivan, he was a great teacher, but I would have liked to take a more advanced computer class with him.
Monday, July 20, 2009
iPods in instruction
Technology is becoming integrated in every part of our lives. The extremely popular Apple iPod is another form of technology which is now being used for education. According to the article "Using iPods for Instruction," iPods are now being used as "educational tools, a trend Apple hopes to capitalize on
with "iTunes U," a nationwide service that makes lectures and other materials available online." To view the full article click here.
Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of using iPods during instruction is their speed. There is no need to wait for a teacher to erase a chalk board or overhead projector to continue the lesson. Now, the entire lecture can be uploaded in just seconds. Another example of iPods in instruction can be seen at Duke University. An article published in June 2005 states that "to encourage creative uses of technology in education and campus life, Duke distributed 20GB Apple iPod devices, equipped with Belkin Voice Recorders, to over 1600 entering first-year students in August 2004." Click this link to read the full article.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Alice Christie
Dr. Alice Christie is a professor at the University of Alabama and received a Ph.D. in Educational Technology and Language and Literacy. Several news articles have been written about her acheivements. She is an influential person in the integration of technology and education. Dr. Christie's site is detailed and organized and contains a large amount of resources.
This site could be useful to me as a teacher for several different reasons. One important aspect of Dr. Christie's website is that is gives and honest portrayal or her as a professional. I feel as if I can trust her opinions and advice because of her experience and educational background. I also like the fact that the website offers opportunites such as workshops to better myself as a teacher. To view Dr. Christie's site, click here.
This site could be useful to me as a teacher for several different reasons. One important aspect of Dr. Christie's website is that is gives and honest portrayal or her as a professional. I feel as if I can trust her opinions and advice because of her experience and educational background. I also like the fact that the website offers opportunites such as workshops to better myself as a teacher. To view Dr. Christie's site, click here.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wikipedia's trust issues
When researching subjects on the internet, most often the first search returned is from Wikipedia.org. However, the fact that this is the first on the list does not mean all of its information is correct. According to an NPR article, Virgil Griffith is a Cal Tech graduate who has created a program that traces the IP addresses of Wikipedia's anonymous editors. Griffith's program will show how biased the entry's contributor is.
I have used Wikipedia an innumerable amount of times. However, it is never my only source. In my opinion, the online encyclopedia is trustworthy only when the article appears unbiased and factual. I would certainly not trust it on its own when researching political topics. I like Wikipedia because it is easy to read and gives a variety of information on every topic.
NOTE: I did not read the email until after I wrote this so this blog is the original one from the syllabus, not the replacement one.
I have used Wikipedia an innumerable amount of times. However, it is never my only source. In my opinion, the online encyclopedia is trustworthy only when the article appears unbiased and factual. I would certainly not trust it on its own when researching political topics. I like Wikipedia because it is easy to read and gives a variety of information on every topic.
NOTE: I did not read the email until after I wrote this so this blog is the original one from the syllabus, not the replacement one.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Randy Pausch Lecture
Instead of talking about his cancer and death during his last lecture, Randy Pausch talked about what he knew the most about, his life. From becoming an Imagineer at Disney to getting to experience zero gravity, he got all he could from life. As a professor, he was able to influence his students by setting an example. He always believed in his students' potential and recognized that he was preparing them for the future.
Throughout the lecture, Pausch constantly makes references to his teaching style and experience. He was determined to make the most of the time he had with his students and wanted them to succeed. When one of his classes at Carnegie Mellon did extremely well on a new project, Pausch wanted to give them all A's. One of his colleagues helped Pausch by advising him to tell his students that "they did really great, but I think you can do better." When Pausch heard this advice it made him realize that his students' potential did not need to be shortened but expanded upon.
One thing that was obvious of Randy Pausch's teaching style was that he wanted to learn and experience right along with his students. Several programs and projects Pausch created were just as new to Pausch and the rest of the faculty as they were to the students. As a teacher, it's important to show that you're just as interested and excited about the students' work as they are. Education always needs new ways to make it relevant to the learners.
My favorite aspect of Randy Pausch's teaching techniques was his determination. It was obvious that in his teaching career and non-professional life Pausch was determined to succeed and fulfill his goals. He passed this feeling on to his students. No matter what person or obstacle he might face, he learned how to overcome everything and provide the best opportunities for his students.
Throughout the lecture, Pausch constantly makes references to his teaching style and experience. He was determined to make the most of the time he had with his students and wanted them to succeed. When one of his classes at Carnegie Mellon did extremely well on a new project, Pausch wanted to give them all A's. One of his colleagues helped Pausch by advising him to tell his students that "they did really great, but I think you can do better." When Pausch heard this advice it made him realize that his students' potential did not need to be shortened but expanded upon.
One thing that was obvious of Randy Pausch's teaching style was that he wanted to learn and experience right along with his students. Several programs and projects Pausch created were just as new to Pausch and the rest of the faculty as they were to the students. As a teacher, it's important to show that you're just as interested and excited about the students' work as they are. Education always needs new ways to make it relevant to the learners.
My favorite aspect of Randy Pausch's teaching techniques was his determination. It was obvious that in his teaching career and non-professional life Pausch was determined to succeed and fulfill his goals. He passed this feeling on to his students. No matter what person or obstacle he might face, he learned how to overcome everything and provide the best opportunities for his students.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Did you know?
The video by Karl Fisch titled "Did You Know" is very interesting. I watched it in full screen on youtube here. The video was full of facts concerning the necesity of technology in future generations. All throughout the video facts are given regarding google searches, average number of jobs and computer usage in other countries. One of the facts I found most interesting was that 100% of 2006 high school graduates in India spoke English. There is also a laptop program designed to help give laptops to underpriviledged children in different countries.
Another interesting fact about the video was all the information it gave regarding other countries' technology usage. It tried to put an optimistic spin on the issue of "outsourcing". It is a fact that other countries' education system is preparing them for job experiences that our education system does not prepare us for. Instead of being dissatisfied about this fact, we should look at it as an opportunity to better our education and perhaps learn from other countries.
Another interesting fact about the video was all the information it gave regarding other countries' technology usage. It tried to put an optimistic spin on the issue of "outsourcing". It is a fact that other countries' education system is preparing them for job experiences that our education system does not prepare us for. Instead of being dissatisfied about this fact, we should look at it as an opportunity to better our education and perhaps learn from other countries.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
iTunes University
iTunes University is another convergence of technology and education. It is a collection of free educational media available to students, teachers and everyone inbetween. Whatever material a person puts on iTunes U can be made public or to members only through a password-protected iTunes site. This site offers educational files to people that have different levels of education. Also, iTunes can be easily assessed from any cell phone that has internet capability, making it extremely versatile.
Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of online educational files is that they may one day replace the need for textbooks, especially at the college level. College textbooks are extremely expensive, even bought used. When the time comes to sell back books, the buy back price is often only 10 to 20% of the original value. Online files can be made more affordable, especially when the entire book is not needed.
Since my major is Early Childhood/Special Ed, my students will most likely not use iTunes University. However it may be beneficial for me as a teacher. In the area of Special Education, it is always interesting to learn other teachers' techniques and what works for them. The video files may have recorded lessons and behavior learning to watch. Although iTunes can be a great help for education, it should not take away from the in class learning experience nor allow a teacher to slack off in any way.
To visit Apple's iTunes site, click here.
Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of online educational files is that they may one day replace the need for textbooks, especially at the college level. College textbooks are extremely expensive, even bought used. When the time comes to sell back books, the buy back price is often only 10 to 20% of the original value. Online files can be made more affordable, especially when the entire book is not needed.
Since my major is Early Childhood/Special Ed, my students will most likely not use iTunes University. However it may be beneficial for me as a teacher. In the area of Special Education, it is always interesting to learn other teachers' techniques and what works for them. The video files may have recorded lessons and behavior learning to watch. Although iTunes can be a great help for education, it should not take away from the in class learning experience nor allow a teacher to slack off in any way.
To visit Apple's iTunes site, click here.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Fischbowl Response
When it comes to Karl Fisch's blog on technologically illiterate teachers, I both agree and disagree. First I will explain how I agree. I am twenty years old and for the greater part of my life, technology and computers especially have been integrated into my school experience. Whether it was keyboarding class in high school or learning how to look up a book using a computer at the library in elementary school, for my generation it has slowly become unacceptable to be computer illiterate. It is now necessary for teachers to state a maximum of internet sources that can be used on papers since it is possible to complete a research paper without ever opening a book. Although it seems early to learn computer skills in elementary, a student must start somewhere. In college now, it is impossible to make the grades and have every advantage available without sufficient computer literacy.
On the other hand, how early is too early? When I send my children to school, they are there to learn more important skills than just computer skills, they are there to learn life skills. School throws children into a social atmosphere in which they must learn to survive. I cannot teach my child how to share attention and resources with 25 other children; school can. I think it is acceptable for a certain amount of time to be set aside to learn computer skills, but it should not be the motivation of learning. With TV and video games, it is already hard enough for children to be motivated to play outside, read a book or make new friends. Causing computers to be a main theme in our children's lives too early will only inhibit their ability to find enjoyment in learning outside of a solo realm. A child must learn how to function in society trusting his or her own self, not a technological facade.
On the other hand, how early is too early? When I send my children to school, they are there to learn more important skills than just computer skills, they are there to learn life skills. School throws children into a social atmosphere in which they must learn to survive. I cannot teach my child how to share attention and resources with 25 other children; school can. I think it is acceptable for a certain amount of time to be set aside to learn computer skills, but it should not be the motivation of learning. With TV and video games, it is already hard enough for children to be motivated to play outside, read a book or make new friends. Causing computers to be a main theme in our children's lives too early will only inhibit their ability to find enjoyment in learning outside of a solo realm. A child must learn how to function in society trusting his or her own self, not a technological facade.
Podcast Improvements
This coming week in class we will be working on our podcasts. My group and I have the topic of Randy Pausch's Last Lecture. We have talked about what we want our podcast to sound like and have tried to at least make an outline of our conversation. In preparation of our recording, I listened to two different podcasts of students from last semester. The first podcast I listened to was "The Last Lecture of Randy Pausch" BW0119W. The students who presented this podcast were Sean Caballos,Chip Curtis, and Heather Averette. I wanted to see how a different group presented the same topic that my group has. Overall they seemed to respond to the lecture the same way I have. The Last Lecture is a very moving speech. The one thing I did not like about this podcast was that it sounded very scripted. Our group really wants our podcast to sound conversational. It should be organized but not sound boring.
The second podcast I listened to was from SS0216 titled Technology used in the Classroom at University of South Alabama. The three students seemed very well prepared. Each one did an excellent job describing their subjects and I understood perfectly what they were discussing. When my group does our podcast, I want to make sure the feeling of our topic gets conveyed correctly to our audience. It is important to remember that not everyone will already know what we're talking about. I liked the way they organized their podcast. It didn't sound like a boring recording that did not pertain to me. Both of the podcast I listened to provided different styles and ways to present information.
The second podcast I listened to was from SS0216 titled Technology used in the Classroom at University of South Alabama. The three students seemed very well prepared. Each one did an excellent job describing their subjects and I understood perfectly what they were discussing. When my group does our podcast, I want to make sure the feeling of our topic gets conveyed correctly to our audience. It is important to remember that not everyone will already know what we're talking about. I liked the way they organized their podcast. It didn't sound like a boring recording that did not pertain to me. Both of the podcast I listened to provided different styles and ways to present information.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The first blog I read about was by Daniel in Bologna, Italy. He has taught English in Turkey, Britain, Poland, and Italy. He works at the Madrelingua School of English. A link for the site can be found here. His last post was on May 23, 2008. Daniel teaches adults and children at various levels of English. The picture included is of a classroom from his school's website
The next blog I found here. The website is developed by BBC Learning English. In the Languages section, each month a different student is allowed to blog. Then an English speaking teacher comments and makes suggestions on improving their english. This is a good site for all students learning English to post their opinions and receive help in their efforts. The picture I included was posted by Rachel on May 26 of this year.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Podcasts
SMARTBoard Lessons Podcast is done by Ben Hazzard and Joan Badger. I listened to episode 1, "The Beginning." It was the first episode of Teachers Connecting Podcasts. They are interested in sharing ideas from different teachers. I listened to parts of different episodes. In each one, Ben and Joan had a lot of pointless conversation. They really didn't start talking about something relative to education until about nine minutes into the episode. Joan discussed Survey Monkey. On the other hand, KidCast episodes began talking about their topics much quicker. It is done by Dan Schmit. In episode 4, he discusses who uses the internet, such as teens and teachers.
I then listened to David Warlick's ConnectLearning episode 90. In this episode he is at a conference with 9000 librarians. They discuss how podcasting can be used in the classroom and with take-home assignments. Information in the classroom can be made available to a large amount of people through podcasts. In episode 106 of EdTechTalk, the men discussed 21st Century Learning. Bill Campbell talked about Tablet PCs. In his school, all grades 6-12 all students use Tablet PCs.
The next podcast I listened to was MacBreak Weekly, episode 134, "Leaky Bits." In this episode they talked about Apple, iPhone, and Skype. They also discussed gotomeeting.com. They talked about their experiences with Skype, iPhone applications and twitter. In the first 15 minutes that I listened to, I really didn't learn anything. Their discussion was not focused on education nor technology in the classroom. Most of their podcasts were at least an hour long and I don't think any of them would be very educational. They made jokes about technological problems that I did not understand. For the most part it just seemed like men rambling.
Finally, I listened to This Week in Photography's episode 50, "Printing for Photographers." In this episode, the host brings in Andrew Darlow to discuss printing pictures and digital photography. They discuss pigments and dyes and different levels of printers. This podcast was perhaps the most organized out of all six. They introduced themselves appropriately and immediately began discussing the topic. Their conversation was easy to follow and sounded very natural. Although the subject was not relative to my interests, the podcast was very well done.
I then listened to David Warlick's ConnectLearning episode 90. In this episode he is at a conference with 9000 librarians. They discuss how podcasting can be used in the classroom and with take-home assignments. Information in the classroom can be made available to a large amount of people through podcasts. In episode 106 of EdTechTalk, the men discussed 21st Century Learning. Bill Campbell talked about Tablet PCs. In his school, all grades 6-12 all students use Tablet PCs.
The next podcast I listened to was MacBreak Weekly, episode 134, "Leaky Bits." In this episode they talked about Apple, iPhone, and Skype. They also discussed gotomeeting.com. They talked about their experiences with Skype, iPhone applications and twitter. In the first 15 minutes that I listened to, I really didn't learn anything. Their discussion was not focused on education nor technology in the classroom. Most of their podcasts were at least an hour long and I don't think any of them would be very educational. They made jokes about technological problems that I did not understand. For the most part it just seemed like men rambling.
Finally, I listened to This Week in Photography's episode 50, "Printing for Photographers." In this episode, the host brings in Andrew Darlow to discuss printing pictures and digital photography. They discuss pigments and dyes and different levels of printers. This podcast was perhaps the most organized out of all six. They introduced themselves appropriately and immediately began discussing the topic. Their conversation was easy to follow and sounded very natural. Although the subject was not relative to my interests, the podcast was very well done.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Others using blogs
The first class blogging that I found was from Seattle, Washington by Mr. Mark Ahlness. I read some of his third grade students' blogs from the 2008-09 school year. They were given assignments to write about topics such as recess, a teacher, new year's resolutions, and things about their daily lives. Mr. Ahlness teaches at Arbor Heights school. The picture is of the class project in which each student created a book of their best blogs. Click
here to go to Mr. Ahlness's site which contains links to his students' blogs.
The second school blog I found on the internet was from Noel Elementary School. A large group of students and teachers were involved in blogging. The bloggers participate skype, podcasts, and video streaming. For example, Mr. C's class blogs includes interactive maps, weather forecasting, and class streaming. The site is interesting and involves different classes in each other's blogs. The picture I included is of a student writing and recording a story before posting it.
To see Mr. C's class blog and explore more of Noel Elementary blogging, click here
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Blog about access
ACCESS stands for "Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Student Services." ACCESS offers opportunities to students that may otherwise be unavailable to them. Students are able to participate in electives and Advanced Placement classes. ACCESS is just one tool that uses technology to improve classroom availabilities. Technology is so prevalent in our lives it was natural for it to become more incorportated in the school system. One objective of ACCESS when it was first created was to provide distance learning to any high school students. An advantage of ACCESS learning is that it concentrates on the individual's needs. Another plus of ACCESS is that it can help equalize the opportunities that high schools offer. I wish ACCESS would have been made more available to me at my high school, Daphne High School. ACCESS and other distance learning opportunities were not made available options to us. Teachers and counselors should be well informed about the program and should be responsible for encouraging students to participate in outside learning sources.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
State Initiatives and Programs
Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX) is a very helpful website for teachers. Since my major is Early Childhood/Special Ed, I researched ALEX's Special Education Services initiatives. "Special Education Services (SES) provides technical assistance to all education agencies serving Alabama’s children with disabilities as well as gifted children." The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) require models for general education requirements to be available to individuals with disabilities. The Alabama Curriculum Guides are very useful because they allow students with disabilities to learn content in smaller increments. This is an important aspect because special needs children learn in different ways than regular education students.
ACCESS is Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide. It provides opportunities for students to participate in courses such as Advanced Placement and other electives. ACCESS is important to student achievement because it offers students opportunities they otherwise might not have. According to the ACCESS website, there are no Mobile County schools listed at this time.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Get to know...Martha!
My name is Martha Ann, but most people just call me Martha. I am 20 years old and just transferred to South from the University of Alabama where I was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. I changed my major from business to Early Childhood/Special ED, I will be graduating late so I wanted to go ahead and move home and be closer to my family. My boyfriend Jeff and I have been together for about a year; he transferred to South from Auburn. I am glad to be back in Mobile, but I am directionally challenged and get lost a lot. Thankfully, I live very close to school. I am currently looking for a part time job so if anyone knows of anything, please let me know!
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