Blog Post 16 Reflection

Blog Post 5 Part 2 PLN Summary

Over the semester I have expanded a little on my PLN. For example, I have expanded my search on twitter and have developed a list of material to read on the different subjects I'm interested in. Also, I have saved websites such as a blog, misalittheoryblog.com, focusing on literary theory to my bookmarks tab on my computer. I have been looking up specific authors to read and blogs to follow concerning literary theory. These tools and sources have helped me learn a little more about the topic that started my PLN. However, there are other topics I have become interested in and have used youtube and pandora to help learn a different language. For youtube, I try to watch various videos that offer exposure to French. Also, I listen to popular French singers on a pandora radio application to get used to hearing the language. Overall, my PLN started off with literary theory sources and tools and now includes learning a different language and keeping up with other topics I'm a little interested in.

Source:3.bp.blogspot.com

Summary Post C4T #4

I commented on Angel Maiers' blog. The two posts I focused on was "Student Geniuses Stand Up in Grand Island" and "The Sandbox Manifesto". The second one focused on a program for students that allowed them to work and change the world around them. The program did not discriminate against students with low scores and allowed whoever wanted to to participate. I commented that I liked the program and that it encouraged students to look beyond their test scores. Many students seem to feel that test scores are the only way to see if they are smart or not and thinking like this leads to many bright students giving up. The second article is a list of how some lessons learned in the sandbox can be applied to adult life. I focused on one that stated that sometimes we need to realize that we are holding ourselves back. I really think this can be applied to many college students who give up or drop out because they think they cannot do it. In reality, many of these students are more than capable to handle the course work if they would stop limiting themselves.

Source:serc.carleton.edu

C4K Summary for November

Outline
1. Briann
2. Amira
3. Emma

The first blog I commented on for November was Briann who wrote a scary story about a girl basically trapped in a time loop. It started with a girl walking through the woods and coming upon a stranger who kills her. It repeats until the killer is revealed to be her. So, it involved alternated time lines and time travel and actually freaked me out for a few seconds. I commented that he had a good Halloween story and did a good job describing the woods the girl was lost in.

The second blog I commented on was Amira who gave instructions on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It was a basic step-by-step instruction guide. I told her that she wrote it very clearly and was a good example of how to write instructions on a step-by-step format.

The last blog I was able to read was by Emma who is in middle school. Emma's blog was a reflection on what she has learned so far throughout the semester and what she enjoys about middle school. Her main focus was on her improvement in reading and writing. She really expressed how proud she was that she improved in her topics. Also, she stated that she liked being able to change classes in middle school. Her blog ended with a list of goals for the next semester. I commented that I was glad she enjoyed middle school and that I also liked reading and writing. I closed the comment by wishing her luck with her goals for the nest semester.

Source:media-cache-ecO.pinimg.com

Blog Post 14

Teaching Can Be a Profession by Joel Klein
Problems and Solutions
1. Klein calls for a knowledge-based education beginning before age 5.
2. Make teaching a profession by better academic training, recruiting from the top third of classes, and rewarding excellence instead of seniority. Also, he suggests that giving teachers standards to meet such as entrance exams would turn it to a more professional occupation.


I agree with some of Klein's arguments,however, I'm not sure about the first on the list. I think that children should be continuously taught throughout their lives; however, I do not think that putting children younger than five in many classes or programs is a good idea. The time from birth to five years of age is very important for education, according to www2.ed.gov. However, this time is important also to allow children to play and explore."Research News You Can Use: Pretend Play Is Important But Its Role in Learning is Complex" by Kyle Snow, Ph.D, at www.naeyc.org explains that children have to have a mix of instruction and play to allow healthy development. If Klein is talking about knowledge-based learning for young children balanced with play, then I agree with his stance. However, I do not think that children should have a rigid instruction program because it'll only prove harmful in the future.


Klein's next stance is to make teaching more of a limited profession than something everyone can do. In his article, "Teaching Can Be a Profession, Klein states that teaching has become something that the attitude towards teaching has been "anyone with a college degree can be a teacher" and that it needs to change. I agree that teacher programs should be more selective in students who can be teachers because teaching is a very important job that has been disregarded for a long time in our country. Teachers are not the glorified babysitters that many individuals think they are. Teachers are preparing the individuals that will one day run the country. However, by experiences in my own life I can tell that no one really sees this importance. For example, ever since I started the education program I've been told by multiple people that I was making a mistake by becoming a teacher. I was wasting my talent and settling for a future in a low-income job because of my choice. An article from education next.org provides examples of how teacher selection in the United States is different than that of more educational successful countries. The article discusses that teachers are the key factor in improving a failing a system. So, I agree with Klein's argument that teaching needs to become more selective on who can teach. I also think that teachers should be continuously exposed to new ways of teaching and instructed in those new practices.

Klein has some really good points in his article regarding early education and how to improve teachers. I agree with many of his ideas and solutions. However, I do think that early education has to be handed with care so that young children do not start stressing over their education before they even start kindergarten.

Source:rockettiers.org

Project 12B Smart Board Lesson

Blog Post 13

Driving Question: How will you keep students engaged using technology in your classroom?
1. State the subject you are planning to teach, and provide five examples of activities that you could do that relates to the subject you are teaching and keeps students engaged.

I am planning on teaching English at a high school level. The five ways I plan on keeping my students engaged using technology includes interactive smart board presentations, webquests, using interactive literature using iPads, enable students to use various programs for projects, and blogs.

1. Interactive Smart Board Presentations
As we learned in project 12b, smartboards have certain programs that allow students to move words, reveal answers, and other ways to learn using programs like that. In my classroom, I would use this especially when introducing students to different grammar concepts. For instance, if I was introducing my students to different sentence structures, I would use the smart board to have different sentences on the slide and the name of those types of structures in a word bank. To get the students engaged, I would ask for a volunteer to come up and drag the correct label to the matching sentence structure. This would allow students to be active in their learning and make it a group effort since other students would label the other sentences.
2. Web quests
A web quest is a research program that lets students explore certain topics or concepts by asking questions or requiring the students to complete tasks. The end result can lead to a one page document or multi pages. I would probably use this tool when discussing themes in a book. Allowing students to explore something will let have a deeper understanding of the topic and let them take their learning into their own hands. Basically, the students become responsible for what their own education. Another example of a web quest can be found at www.glencoe.com.
3. Interactive Books on iPads
Using iPads while reading will allow students to highlight, look up words, and take notes all while using a tool they are familiar with. I think this will be useful because the students won't have to wait for the teacher to go over something they don't understand. They will be able to simply open up a window on the iPad and search it themselves. Also, they will be able to look up words they didn't know before.
4. Projects
Using projects that require technology beyond the typical research and presentation can really help engage students in the lesson. For example, students could remake a scene from a book using iMovie, but instead of a straight rehashing of the book, students can add their own elements to the story. They can do a scene from Hamlet and change the setting, time, or genders of the characters. Students would be able to explore different programs and have a clearer understanding of the characters in the story.
5. Blogs
I think blogs can be really helpful in writing instruction and reflecting on the text being read in class. Teachers can manage students' writing abilities and understanding of the text. Also, students will be able to explore, through writing, their own thoughts on the topics in class and what they learn. Giving students an outlet to express themselves can result in a clearer understanding and a deeper interest in the class.


Source:www.teachthought.com

Blog Post 12

Interview Movie Project 10

Summary Post C4T Teacher # 3

My teacher was Jeff Delp and he works in Chandler, Arizona as an administrator. The first post I commented on was titled "I Am... The Thoughts of Learning Disabled Student". His post focused on fictional journal entries of disabled students and how they feel lost in the education system. I commented that the post reminded me that all students learn differently and that I can't let certain students fall behind because of my faults of "clumping" students into one group. The second post was titled "A Little Help for Haiti, Please...", which was a call to help the poor schools in Haiti get needed materials. I commented that it's important, as educators, to help children learn regardless of where they are.





Source:farm2.staticflickr.com

Project 14

Our lesson taught students to use a Wiki to present information on the literature devices in a work of Shakespeare's/ Students used different resources and elements to present the information. The Wiki is on a public forum and used by students in the younger grades for reference while studying Shakespeare.



Source:wikiunab20.wikispaces.com


Lesson Overview
Rubric
Calendar
PBL Checklist and Group Evaluation Rubric

Blog Post 11

Crosby Video  showed a classroom where students were excited about learning and exploring topics. In this video, we see that teaching needs to allow students to be creative and explore the topic being discussed. Also, teaching doesn't necessarily come from the teacher. Students can learn from interacting with other students, guests, and doing their own research. Learning also has to take on a explorative quality so students can have a understanding of a topic that they discovered. Independent learning is not a bad thing and should be encouraged.

 Blending Learning Cycle had really interesting ideas about how to keep the students learning and questioning, and the teacher was able to keep track of the progress. I really liked the emphasis on questioning in this video. The speaker also goes into application and exploration for the student to show the student's progress.

Making Thinking Visible discusses asking questions before and after a project.This video showed a teaching technique that involved asking students a question, researching, and then asking the question again to see if the students' have a different answer. I think that when it comes to teaching and learning, this video shows that questioning furthers a students understanding and allows teachers to keep up with that student.

Teaching Digital Citizenship  taught students skills using technology and skills on how to be safe. Also, allowed students to share work. Students were not only taught academic skills, but they were also taught life skills like being safe on the internet. This video showed that teaching and learning needs to include life skills that help students in everyday life and not just in school.

Project Based Learning   and Roosevelt Elementary's PBL Program both discuss the improvement in students' work ethic and learning experience because of Project Based Learning. I think that these two videos can teach that with learning students have to have some freedom and the chance to be active. Also, in the first the video students are given the chance to work with multiple teachers so they can continuously improve on a project. Students are able to have time to address issues and learn from them. The videos also teach that while teaching, teachers should give the students some choice. Instead of a rigid outline to follow, students learn better if they have the chance to explore.



Source:wordpress.com

Project 12A

Blog Post 10

Ms. Cassidy's technology use in the classroom is really interesting. So many children are missing needed instruction about technology use simply because most schools are neglecting to acknowledge the importance these skills have in a child's future. Mrs. Cassidy's children are excited about learning because they are able to use technology to learn how to problem-solve, write, and communicate. It's also interesting to note that the use of technology is not only benefiting them academically, but the students are learning how to handle situations with other students that before may have caused real problems. They are learning to share and how to correctly address problems with their peers. Also, I think that being able to show what they learn through blogs and videos is a real incentive for them to try hard in school.

Ever since the beginning of EDM, I have been thinking about how blogs could really improve my future class. I'll be teaching English and literature, and I have no doubt that using blogs for students' responses to stories or writing assignments will help them be more excited about doing the work. The school I plan to teach at is in a rural area, so by using blogs the students would be exposed to a wider audience who will hopefully communicate with my students about the assignments. As stated by the video First Graders in Ms. Cassidy's Class, blog posts allow students to practice their writing skills. Also, students' post will give me a clearer idea about their writing ability and allow me to address specific issues. I also loved the idea of a professional skyping the class to answer questions. I would use this to most likely address certain literature texts and concepts covered in class. The biggest issues I would face with using blogs would be parents' and administrators' concerns with protecting the students. I would address this issue by first sending parents a form home with their student stating that photos would not be on the internet of their child, there would be no last names on the blogs, and that since the blogs are a public forum the parents can see what exactly is going on. I think that knowing they can view their student's blogs will give parents a better view on allowing the students to post. I would share the same information with administration to ease their concerns, also.


Source:www.gabrielweinberg.com

C4K Summary for October

Outline
1.Savagee
2. Jenna D
3. Shelly
4. Sohel

Savageee asked people to leave their name and count how many times she said Ray Ray, which is a performer’s name. In the post, she claims that she is Ray Ray’s girl and not her friend London. Since I have never heard of this person, I googled him. Ray Ray is a performer in the band Mindless Behavior, along with three other boys his age. The group raps and dances. I watched part of a video to have better understanding of the group Savageee was talking about. I introduced myself and commented to Savageee that I had watched a video and, while I’m more of a Eagles person, found the video entertaining. She also asked whoever read her post to number the amount of times Ray Ray’s name was mentioned, and the name was mentioned seven times.




The next blog post I commented on was Jenna D.The post focused on Jenna's thoughts about the book they were reading in class. The book was called "The Fourteenth Goldfish". Jenna went on to tell what had happened in the book and what her expectations were. I commented that I was glad she found the book interesting and that her evidence for her expectations were well stated and explained.

Shelly's post was a simple statement that she enjoyed recess. After introducing myself, I commented that I had also enjoyed recess when I was in elementary school.I also stated my favorite activity during recess was reading. Later in my comment, I asked her what she enjoyed most about recess.

Sohel's blog post was a story with the main character named DOOM KNIGHT DESTROYER who becomes trapped in the world of Minecraft. The story was descriptive and had exciting aspects. However, Sohel only posted part of the story ending the post with a "to be continued." I commented that I enjoyed reading about DOOM KNIGHT DESTROYER and the descriptive world Sohel had created. I also asked how the name DOOM KNIGHT DESTROYER came to be.

Blog Post 9

Outline
1.Seven Qualities of Project Based Learning
2.Project-Based Learning for Teachers
3.Student Voice: Experiencing Deeper Learning through PBL
4.High School Teachers Meet the Challenge of PBL Implementation
5.PBL in PE

Seven Qualities of Project Based Learning gave an idea about what makes a good Project Based Learning experience. The teachers that participated in this article taught very important aspects of Project Based Learning. They taught teachers to engage students and how to keep the students interested in what the project was. They stated the importance of student choice and having a clear "driving question" so the students could have a good understanding of what the project is meant to achieved. The teachers presented the idea of giving students controversial topics to and freedom to address those as they wished. Going to other teachers about Project Based Learning can help teachers learn effective ways to teach. Using articles like this will allow teachers to have a foundation on how to guide Project Based Learning.

Project-Based Learning for Teachers gives a video by Tony Vincent that gives teachers a summary of Project Based Learning. The video talks about how interesting questions that allow students to explore and meet the standards of the education system. This video is a good tool for teachers interested in Project Based Learning but are not sure what it is.

3.High School Teachers Meet the Challenge of PBL Implementation is a video I found on youtube that gave a student's perspective on Project Based Learning. The student migrated to America with his parents for a better education. This student's video teaches how Project Based Learning can allow students to voice opinions and become interested in learning.

















4.High School Teachers Meet the Challenge of PBL Implementation is a video detailing how some teachers at a school are slowly going through and putting PBL in each subject. This video shows that with careful planning and teamwork, PBL is possible for every classroom. The teachers commented how implementing PBL was causing them to redefine curriculums and rethinking how different subjects were approached. These teachers also talked about how their students enjoyed PBL and benefited them. These teachers show us that PBL is worth the handwork to help students learn.

5.PBL in PE is a blog post about how a teacher used PBL to help and teach his students. He had his high school students fill out an exercise plan for middle school students. He showed that allowing students to help and make a difference through PBL taught them how to stay healthy and got them involved in the community.

Through these resources, teachers and students teach that PBL is a learning tool that can engage students and help the community. It allows students to learn about their world and be interested in their education.


Source:1.bp.blogspot.com

Implications and Teaching Opportunities for Camera Use in Teaching and Learning.

Outline
1. Part A
-How phones and cameras impact students and teachers.
-How phones and cameras impact school and education.
2. Part B
-How can we use cameras and phones in teaching students.

The use of phones with cameras in classrooms has become a headache for most teachers. Because of students taking pictures of tests and cheating, many schools have banned phones from the classrooms. However, with the rise of students who grew up with phones, teachers will need to incorporate these tools into the classroom. Since phones will be so wide spread, teachers and students will have to come to some agreement about the proper use of these phones. Teachers would have to remember to consider how phones could be used, and the teachers would need to teach students how to use the phones for educational purposes.

The education and school systems will need to also incorporate the use of student phones into how information is shared. Because of the camera message system in phones, school systems could send updates and information pictures, forms, and other things to students and parents. Students continuous use of smart phones will require school systems to adjust to reach their students. Also, the way teachers teach would have to evolve to incorporate cameras on phones or tablets. Education will have to include more technology based learning, and this type of education will require individuals who are unfamiliar with technology to learn it. With the steady increase of students who own phones with cameras, education and school systems will have to incorporate this technology into the everyday workings of the system.


To incorporate the camera technology into my classroom by giving scavenger hunts where students have to find certain objects relating to the literature we are going over in class. Also, to meet standard ELA2013(11), students can do a group project to collect pictures that represent the literary information that backs up their reflection, analysis, and research of a text. The students could setup their information and then go and take pictures that support their stance. Students could also use their camera to record a commentary video on the text being discussed. This project could be applied to standard ELA2013(11) that requires students to do small research projects.



Source:flatclassroomproject.org

Blog Post 8

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture provided many ideas about teaching others. Pausch clearly believed in never giving up on someone, having fun, and giving students tools to reach their dreams. These three characteristics aren't all that I got from the video, however, they are the ones that stuck out the most.

Pausch stated that "people will impress you, given enough time." This struck me because I know many students that teachers simply gave up on. These students were left alone because of one or two bad experiences. If teachers took Pausch's words to heart, there would be many more students who were able to succeed and do what they wanted. Pausch was the perfect example of how teachers should approach troublesome students. He stated that helping others was more important than doing the easy thing. I took this as when I face a student that gives me trouble, I should keep trying. It is my responsibility to do everything in my power to help that student. Another point that Pausch made was that loyalty was "a two way street" and this could be applied to student and teacher relations because many students feel betrayed by teachers. Teachers have to keep in mind the student's view point about situations. Students can feel betrayed if a teacher ignores them, embarrasses them, or is harsh with them. For a teacher to truly help a student, the teacher has to be willing to be loyal.

Pausch sees the importance of having fun. He knows that students are more likely to really learn when they are enjoying themselves. Many teachers have forgotten this aspect of teaching. Because of pressure from parents and administration, teachers tend to forget that learning can and should be fun. Students will also be more willing to work on projects to the best of their ability if it is fun.

The last major trait of Pausch's teaching that stuck with me is how he gave students tools to reach their dreams. He gave as much as possible to ensure his students could do what they wanted to do. He did this by project based learning, rewarding students, demanding the best, and indirect learning. He mentioned many other methods, too. Pausch knew that every student had a dream and needed guidance to reach that dream. While he taught them skills, he also taught them how to think. Pausch taught that chasing a dream can be just as important as reaching that dream. He taught students that facing "brick walls" separated the people who were dedicated to their dream from the others.
I mainly took away from Pausch's teaching methods the brutal honesty of his thinking. Pausch believed in his students, but he wasn't afraid of being honest with them. He knew that honesty was the best way for students to learn.

Source:theunattainablelife.com

Project 9 Video Commentary

C4T #2

C4T#2
The teacher I was assigned was Larry Ferlazzo who is a high school teacher at a school in Sacramento, CA. The first post I commented on focused on how guidance counselors are important to a student's academic success and how they are slowly being taken out of the education system. Also, Ferlazzo states that counselors help students with behavioral and emotional problems, and counselors and teachers should work together to better help all students.

I commented that I agreed and that my counselor helped me with academic problems and other issues I had at my school. I told how my counselor helped me when I had an issue with a teacher. My counselor setup a parent-teacher conference and allowed me to talk to her about why the teacher had upset me.I went on to say that guidance counselors are very important for a student's academic success and for other aspects of the student's life.

The second post by Ferlazzo that I commented on focused on an experiment where it was shown that monetary rewards do not motivate many students to do better. Ferlazzo posted two articles, one being Schools Told Cash Bribes Fail to Improve GCSE Grades.

I commented that I was not surprised by this finding because of my own experience at my high school. I stated that the students from my school were never motivated by rewards, however, teachers that worked with students and provided interesting lessons were responsible for motivating students to do better.


Source:www.yellowbrickroad.com

Project 7 Introduction iMovies

Introduction to Parents

Introduction to Students

Blog Post 7

This video showed me that I have many tools at my disposal for teaching and allowing students to be their own teachers. However, because I grew up in a lecture school system, I will have to continuously remind myself that there are other and better ways for students to learn than just me lecturing. Besides having to rewire my expectations of lecturing non-stop, I will have to learn how to apply certain technology to projects that allow students independent learning. Another weakness I will have to work on is allowing students to explore topics and projects themselves. I tend to want to do everything, even in group work,but I've been working on this by restricting what I will do on a project so that others have a chance to work on it. As for strengths, I could list that I love learning new technology. I find it very interesting to learn how to work programs and Apps, so I will be able to apply that to my classes.


I learned a lot from these videos. However, the thing I found most interesting was in videos iPad Reading and Poplet Center. In these videos, students had very independent projects that allowed them do their own research and use tools that they will no doubt need in the future. The way students learn is evolving. Instead of the teacher being the only source for information, the students are going out and discovering for themselves. Students are excited about learning and don't mind finding their own shortcomings as long as they have a part in it. Typically students were told what they needed to improve on, however, now students take an active role in improving themselves and seeking new things to learn. The video We All Become Learners I saw that I cannot just learn my subject and then present it to the students. I learned that I have to keep learning new ways to do things to really help my students learn. I also have to be willing to let the students take on a teaching role.



Source:vickyloras.wordpress.com

Project 13 Project Based Lesson Plans

My group, group five, planned a lesson based off of standard SS2010 WH9 (9) 1. This standards states that students need to describe developments in Italy and Northern Europe during the Renaissance period with respect to humanism, arts and literature, intellectual development, increased trade, and advances in technology.Our project required students to pick a country and describe the different changes going on. Each group had five students who were responsible for gathering information using iCurio and other resources. Students would have to create a google presentation and use audio, video, and other sources in their presentation. After the students did a presentation in class, they would have to post the presentation to the class blog so that other students, parents, and teachers could view it.
This lesson also involves the partnering technique talked about in our textbook in the first chapter. Instead of the teacher being the only source of information, students would also be teaching students.


Rubric
Calendar
Overview

     Source:Quoteko.com

Project 8 Book Trailer

Where the Wild Things Are Book Trailer

Blog Post 6

Outline
1-The teacher's work ethic.
2-Teaching strategies concerning technology and project based learning.
3-How to approach teaching.

I learned a lot about how teachers have to approach their schedule and balance time between work and other responsibilities. I found it interesting that Capps actually became more stressed when he cut his work hours to only 10 during the day. I learned that while teaching I would need to continuously research what I wanted to cover and be sure that it tied into the standards set by the government. At first, I was sitting here thinking that maybe I had made a mistake in my chosen occupation because of the large amount of dedication and time . However, by the end of the assignment I was still very excited about being a teacher because, despite the difficulty, I can't think of a more rewarding and exciting job than helping others learn.

I really enjoyed the fact that Capps addressed the need for teachers to not just show students how to use technology, but actually getting the students to use the technology throughout the course. I found it interesting how he combined project based learning and technology by allowing them to use technology that gives them real life skills and meets the standards set by the government. I think that giving the students a real issue to address that they can relate to is a good way to include them in the community and will interest them. Teaching students certain skills is very important, however, it is also important for students to understand the world they live in and what is going on.


Source:StrategyLab.ca

The tips provided in the videos The Anthony - Strange Tips for Teachers Part 1 and the lesson structures talked about in Additional Thoughts about Lessons were helpful in figuring out exactly what teaching requires. I have asked many people throughout my education what teaching is really like, and everyone has different answers, most are negative. Capps' and Strange's tips helped me get a better idea about teaching and what I can expect. Also, their tips were honest and not overly negative and helped me have a realistic view of teaching.

C4K Summary for September

Outline
1. The post and comment of C4K #1 post.
2. The post and comment of C4K #2 post.
3. The post and comment of C4K #3 post.

My first comment was left on a student's post who was in New Zealand and attended the Pt. England school. He posted about the Revolution Tour that visited his school. He stated that it was an anti-bullying group who performed for them. I had never heard of this group, so I looked a video up on youtube.
Source: Youtube


After watching the above video, I commented back that I enjoyed the group's performance and was glad that their school allowed groups like that to perform. I also stated that I liked the singing and dancing most. I preceded to ask what he enjoyed most about the performance.

My second post was to a student in Mrs. Timm's class. The student's assignment was to create an invention, and she came up with a banapple. She described the fruit as red like an apple but shaped like a banana. The fruit also tastes sweet and feels smooth. I commented that I thought her invention would probably taste very good and stated that some of my favorite fruit drinks are a blend of apples and bananas. I also went on to ask her where her fruit would grow in the world.
My third post was to a student in Mrs. Greer's class. He wrote a story about a girl who found a pet crocodile on her walk. The student did make grammar errors, and the teacher had posted for him to go and correct the mistakes. I experimented a little and tried to show the correct way to do it in my post. For example, he used a sentence that started with when that he put a period after the phrase instead of a comma. So, I used the same type of sentence in my post to try and show how to correctly do it. I didn't point it out or say this is how it is done. I simply wrote a sentence that started with when that also talked about his story. I'm not sure if this will result in anything or not, but I thought it would be interesting to see if seeing it done in a comment would leave an impression. I went on to talk about crocodiles and how I used to love huge reptiles like that. Also, I asked what he thought about crocodiles.


I really enjoyed reading the children's posts and commenting on them. I'm constantly thinking about how I could use this in my future class by having students post on other blogs to let them communicate with people hundreds of miles away. To be honest, at first I thought this assignment would be just another chore to do; however, I find myself really enjoying the children's posts and putting more effort into my comments than I thought I would.

Project 3 Presentations

Project Based Learning Presentation





Understanding ACCRS

My Sentence Videos

My Passion Is

My Sentence Is

Blog Post 5

Outline
1. Describe what a PLN is and how a PlN is beneficial.
2. How a PLN is formed and how an individual can create his or her own.
3. A description of my PLN and who I will add first.

A personal learning network(PLN) is a group of people or tools an individual uses to gather information on a certain interest. For example, if an English teacher creates a PLN he or she would include possibly blogs of other teachers, twitter accounts that connect to teaching or the subject, and websites that have information the teacher could learn from. A PLN can help a teacher because it provides information on topics, activities, and allows for communication between educators. The Michael Fawcett PLN video details how a PLN can benefit a teacher. Fawcett goes into detail about how making connections has allowed him to grow as a teacher and learn new teaching techniques. Maybe the most important aspect of Fawcett's PLN is the support he describes. Teaching is not an easy occupation, and being connected to others of the same profession and interests allows discussions and support when a teacher is overwhelmed with administration, students, or parents.

   A PLN can be set up any way that the user desires. I prefer using twitter and have been trying to expand my account to include my interests such as literary theory, book releases, and book reviews. A PLN is set up by first choosing a topic or question and then picking different sources to follow. For example, my chosen topic is literary theory, so I will go to twitter and search for accounts of individuals, websites, or organizations that provide information on that topic. Then, to further expand my PLN, I will follow who they follow. Eventually I'll build up a PLN about literary theory that includes many sources, perspectives, and ideas. Also, I tribute by reading about this topic and tweeting about what I learn or think. This allows communication and it generates idea in a PLN. To really setup a PLN, an individual doesn't need to just search but contribute. Contributing is a key factor into any PLN and won't last without it.  Developing a Personal Learning Network EDM 310 is a good source for better understanding how to start a PLN and other aspects of PLNs.

   As stated in the previous paragraph, I have already started to setup a PLN in my twitter account. I am following one literary theory account and other accounts that focus on book releases and reviews. It is a bit slow right now because I'm still learning how to navigate twitter; however, I expect to have a full functioning PLN in a few weeks. I have also began to look at books to buy and pod casts to listen to. I am very excited to start a PLN. Another thing about my PLN I'm considering is setting up a separate blog that will allow me to talk about what theories I've come across and the books I'm reading.

Source:computers.vineglobal.net

Blog Post 4

Outline
1) Discuss questions that allow students to be engaged.
2) How teachers can improve questioning.
3) Questions strategies that require thinking.

One of the things teachers need to consider when asking questions is if the students are engaged in the conversation. If the students are not engaged, then the lesson will only reach a handful of students. The rest will be in their own world or wondering when class would be over. I particularly liked Questioning Styles and Strategies because it gave more styles of questioning that allowed the students to interact in different ways. For example, one strategy was physical representation that required the student to get up and show the class what he meant. In this case, he had to stand up and show what kind of monster he would see in The Bridge to Terabithia. Another strategy that was brought up in this video and another article on the list was allowing students to choose who had to answer the same question next. I think this is very beneficial to students because it allows a bit of classroom discussion. Also, students may seem less nervous being asked the question from a student than the teacher.


A teacher's questioning strategy is very important for the learning of his or her students. Asking Questions to Improve Learning gives teachers points on how to become effective questioners. It suggests preparing before hand, asking mixed questions, and being clear. These qualities allow students to be able to understand what is going on, and jumping between types of questions allows for more discussion instead of a rigid Q and A session. Learning how to respond to students is also important to becoming an effective teachers. Allowing students time to think of the answer, not interrupting them, and showing an interest are just a few examples of how to respond better. The response to students can either help others feel secure in answering or asking questions, or a teacher's response can lead to students refusing to be active in class. Overall, teachers do not need to learn just how to ask questions, but teacher's need to learn to respond too.

Another quality of effective teaching is asking questions that require thinking. The video and article above both have strategies for this. The video, Questioning Styles and Strategies, has a teacher asking follow-up questions and open ended questions which is important for requiring student to think, but this technique also gives the teacher an idea if the student fully understands the material. Asking Questions to Improve Learning also presents strategies to get students thinking. The article suggests asking simple questions and then following with another. This will help discussions and will cause students to keep thinking. It also suggests staying away from questions that give the answer already. These questions are called leading questions and are not effective. Teachers should sometimes ask the class a question, wait a few seconds, and then call on a student which requires the whole class to participate in the question.


Source:ThePictureBookTeachersEdition.blogspot.com

Project #15 Search Engine Descriptions

Outline
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of:
1) Wolf|Alpha
2) Bing
3) Webopedia
4) Ixquick
5) Webcrawler
6) DuckDuckGo
7) Dogpile
8) What-U-Seek

     Wolf|Alpha, was very informative as long as the searcher knows exactly what he or she is looking for. The search engine will offer very specific details and offer links to more information. Overall, the website is a good source if someone needs either basic information or more detailed information. It would be very helpful in looking for specific information for papers or even help for homework. However, the one downfall is that the site will not offer information if you just search for a broad term or phrase. For example, if someone is wanting to know what is a good paper topic, they would not use this website because it'll be blank. This site is a good tool for only detailed information, which is sometimes hidden among the other search engines' endless advertisements and useless articles.

   Bing, is one that we are all familiar with. This engine offers a lot of information, however, it is unhelpful in looking for certain details because of the overwhelming amount of information it provides. Many students would see this as a good thing, but when researching it is better to be able to find the information quickly than having to shuffle through too much useless information. However, this site isn't completely useless. Bing is a good site for images, videos, and broad topics. Students who need a to search for paper topics, or other broad topics, would benefit from Bing because of the information. A student would use Bing to find a paper topic and Wolf|Alpha for specific details.

    Webopedia, was actually very interesting. This search engine is dedicated to technological terms and products. For example, if someone was trying to research what computer to buy, Webopedia would be the perfect tool for them. It was a very informative site, and if anyone ever needs more information on computers, systems, or technology in general, Webopedia would be very helpful. The site provides detailed information and many categories to search through.

   Ixquick is very similar to Wolf|Alpha because it offers very clear and concise information with little advertisement. It isn't set up as a chart like Wolf|Alpha, but the information is very easy to find. For example, I searched Anne Boleyn and was immediately presented with useful articles and websites to check out. This site is very helpful and informative. It is also easy to navigate since all sources are presented much like Bing and Google pull up sources.

Source:www.tractlocal.com

   Webcrawler was my least favorite search engine I found. It presented a list of many useless articles when I would type in a topic. However, the site would be helpful if someone isn't exactly sure what they are looking for because it provides so many articles and a list of helpful hints to narrow down the search. A student could use Webcrawler for ideas on a topic for a project, but would find the other search engines more helpful when looking for specific details.

   DuckDuckGo was a very helpful site. It provides alternative modes of searching that allows individuals to see only what is needed. Also, there were no obnoxious advertisements. I would use this site for research papers, projects, and other work. It provides good selection of images, videos, and other sources. I really liked how a searcher could look up the definition or well known facts quickly by selecting the options on the menu. The sight allows for deeper searches and basic information to help the searcher understand the topic a little more.

Dogpile is a site I would recommend for looking for information for directions, items to buy, or news. The site has other articles, but mainly it presents information for purchasing items and other such things. I did not find it a very helpful source of information and wouldn't recommend it for anyone for homework research.

What-U-Seek is a website more for practical information. It would help out with information on locations, recipes, and directions. However, for certain academic exercises it would be useless. WhatUSeek is a useful tool for specific information that would usually be hard to find in the big search engines. For example, for a simple recipe people, instead of having to shuffle through the overwhelming Bing and Google articles, can go to WhatUSeek and look through links with simple descriptions. This would help individuals who have specific interests and knows what they are looking for.

C4T#1

Outline
Discuss Mrs. Cassidy's blog on welcoming new students.
Discuss Mrs. Cassidy's blog on incorporating technology into the classroom.


The first blog by Mrs. Kathy Cassidy that I commented on was titled Hello, New Students! Welcome to Our Class. It was her discussing how she welcomes students to her classroom. Mrs. Cassidy sends out a letter during the summer addressing the students. She asks about the student's interest in the letter and gives a few details about what they will cover in the year. She also informs students that she is preparing her room for them, and she tells them the time and place she will meet them. Mrs. Cassidy states that this has helped both students feel better about starting the school year. I commented on how this was an excellent way to let students know that the teacher cared and was looking forward to seeing them. The students would no doubt feel at ease with someone they have already had contact with and who they knew a little about. I also pointed out that reaching out to the students would no doubt give the parents a sense of relief. Since parents typically do not have any contact with teachers before the school starts, it probably allowed parents to feel better about leaving their children with Mrs. Cassidy for part of the day.


The second blog by Mrs. Cassidy that I commented on was discussing how she incorporates technology into her everyday classroom schedule and it was titled Changing Face of Early Literacy- Why Digital?. Mrs. Cassidy uses blogs and twitter for shared reading during her classes. She says this helps students become familiar with the technology and it engages them. According to Mrs. Cassidy, students like to participate in this kind of shared reading because they are interested in what people say and when others comment to the class. She states that using this type of shared reading allows her to have discussions with her class on what they are reading and if it is connected to what they are learning, should they comment back, and was the post a good post. I responded that this was a good practice for the students and would help them in later in their education and jobs. I expressed how I liked seeing how students respond and their excitement over reading other people's responses through blogs or tweets.




Source:learningonlineinfo.org

Blog Post 3

Outline
1- Discuss the steps to reviewing in What is Peer Editing video and Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial.
3- Discuss Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes video and the benefits of the presentation.
2- Discuss the right way to review of Ellis Paige's EDM310 Blog Assignment 12.

The What is Peer Editing video and Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial was very helpful in trying to figure out how to look at peer editing.The two presentations gave three rules to help with reviewing. The first step, which is complimenting, allows students to enter to the review on a good note and lets the writer know that there were good points. Allowing the student who is being reviewed to not feel like a failure or that she or he should not be writing. The rules step reminds the reviewer to not let the fear of being rude interfere with correcting mistakes. The writer will only keep making mistakes if the review doesn't contain ways to improve. The last step, remaining positive, is essential to both the writer and the one reviewing because it keeps the way open for the writer to feel comfortable seeking future help. For instance, if the reviewer had left a harsh review, it would discourage the writer from seeking help in the future and maybe writing at all.

The Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes video was very interesting because we have all been in the position where we were trying to help someone or where we were the writer and more than likely we have been a Picky Patty, a Mean Margaret, or in my case a Whatever Matthew. However, these behaviors can greatly hinder our own progress or someone else's.  We all need to remember that peer reviewing is to help and, despite if we find it boring, we should carefully listen to what others tell us so we can improve. Addressing the issues found here is also another form of review. If we experience someone acting like this, we should discuss the behavior and remind the individual how it could hurt in the future to not pay attention to what is important.

I found the Ellis Paige's EDM310 Blog Assignment 12 most helpful. I know there have been times when I wished someone would discretely tell me when I made multiple mistakes instead of publicly doing it. However, there have been other times when a writing had been so wrong and incorrect that I knew addressing it in front of everyone would cause a lot of embarrassment for the other student. I found this video helpful because it'll let students know how to handle a situation. If a student does horribly on a post, the reviewer should be honest but keep the other videos' three steps in mind and then email the student later about how the post could further improve. Hopefully, the student will remember to not take it personally, like in the Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes video,  and work on his or her writing.

Source "Pinterest"

Blog Post 2

Blog Outline
>Discuss Dr. Dancealot video.
>What it means to teach in the 21 century.
>The Networking student and what does that mean for teachers.
>Using technology in schools.
>Who is ahead in learning?
>Flipping the classroom video and how it benefits/hinders classes.
>Applying locker room co-operaction among students in classrooms.


Dr. Dancealot

The movie Dr. Dancealot posted on youtube.com by Kari Johnson, the central message is that technology is beneficial and harmful at the same time. It can be useful in the classroom to show examples, make presentations, and give the students a visual; however, if a teacher never really teaches besides reading a PowerPoint, the students will not be completely prepared.I agree with the author’s conclusion, which he shows through Mr. Dancealot only showing a power point demonstration, allowing no questions, and never allowing the students to practice the material.


Teaching in the 21st Century by Kevin Roberts
Kevin Roberts thinks that teaching in the 21^st century means teachers need to not just teach facts, but teachers need to teach skills, morals, how to use tools, and keep the lesson engaging, which he shows in his video Teaching in the 21^st Century.
Outline of Roberts’ Argument
1.Teachers are the filters of knowledge by teaching students how to handle resources.
-Students need to learn how to validate, synthesize, leverage, and communicate information.
-Students also need to learn how to apply information in collaboration with others and problemsolving.
2.Teachers should teach computer using skills and available tools.
-Teachers need to teach students to apply analyze, evaluate, and create using the information and skills gained from using technology.
-Students need to learn how to use the information gained to build pages, blogs, and other informative resources to share information.
-Students need to learn how use computer tools such as wiki pages, blogs, and search engines.
3.Teachers need to teach professionalism.
-Students need to learn about plagiarism, copyright, confidentiality, and slander.
-It is unlikely that students will learn these traits through peers, parents, or videos, so teachers have to teach them.
4. Teachers need to keep the students engaged.
-Because entertainment is available everywhere, teachers have to learn how to keep students engaged.
-Using the technology students are already using keeps them engaged especially if the assignment is already teaching them how learn more about how to use the technology they have.


3)The Networked Student by Wendy Dexter
My reaction to The Networked Student was, at first, a little discouraged because it seemed that I was basically obsolete in this new way of teaching. However,as the video went on I became less and less discouraged because Dexter, who made the video, was not saying teachers were obsolete but evolving. The roles of teachers have changed from classroom lectures to guides that help students navigate tons of information on the Internet. It comforted me to know that teachers are needed in the classroom and online. Online instructors help with online discussions, information searching, and how to properly use technology to get the best result.


4)Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts by Vicki Davis
Davis’ video Harness Your Student’s Digital Smarts proves her thesis that schools need to change with the students coming in. Davis’ theory is very beneficial to education. By taking advantage of the technology lessons students can connect with other students on an international level. This kind of course also allows students to explore technology and even become teachers by passing on what they have learned to their classmates and instructor. Combing education and technology allows all students to learn because it allows open discussion and group work. Using technology this way will prepare students for their future and keep them engaged in the classroom.


5) Who's Ahead in the Learning Race By John Strange
Being a junior in college, I can honestly say the elementary kids are ahead in the learning race. They are given a head start because they are exposed to technology by early childhood and are already capable of exploring and understanding tools such as computers and tablets. I know many college students who are lost when it comes to the very same tools these younger students are using with ease. This puts them ahead in the race because they already know where information is found, and the teachers are also able to further their knowledge by teaching them more using the laptops or tablets. I myself am not as skilled at using my laptop as the younger students seem to be, but I am improving.

6) Flipping the Classroom
Flipping the classroom is a new concept to me, and I love it. Being able to already present the information outside of the classroom allows more discussion in the classroom. This will benefit me as a teacher because in English classes there is so much time wasted on review, grammar, and other topics that take weeks to teach in such a small allotted time; however, watching the Flipping the Classroom video allowed me to think about how wonderful it would be to use that when teaching something like grammar, or literary terms, because the students could already have a grasp of the concept and be open to discussion. This would benefit students and teachers by giving each enough time to fully cover a concept without taking away from equally important instruction.


7) Bringing the Locker Room into the Classroom by Craig Owens
Bringing the Locker Room to the Classroom was very enlightening to me because of the way skills are presented. I’m going to be an English teacher and with that come analyzing texts, essays, and books. However, discussing how to teach the skills necessary for this has always been very vague in other classes I have take. This article was very helpful because it took the aspect of team working to the classroom, which I have never seen before. If students could bounce thoughts and ideas off of each other on how to close read, many students would not have the struggle many of them do when facing literary assignments.



Photo by www.securedgenetworks.com

Blog Post 1

Outline


What are the things (if any) you have heard about EDM310?
What fears (if any) do you have about EDM310?
Compare and contrast EDM310 with other courses you have taken in college or high school.
What do you think will be the most difficult thing for you in EDM310?
What is the best way for you to address this “most difficult” aspect of EDM310?
What questions do you still have about EDM310? What ideas do you have about how to address those questions?


What About EDM310?
   The first comments I had heard about the EDM class had me dreading the day I had to add it to my schedule. I had been told it was extremely difficult, horrible, and the most tiring class the student had ever taken. So, naturally by the beginning of the semester I was nervous. However, since being in the class my fears have been eased. To begin with my main concern was about the many projects and the statement from one student that said I would have no time for anything but this class. These things worried me because along with taking five classes, I also work three days out of the week. I was very worried that I would either not have the time to give the class my best work or there would be little sleeping at all this semester. These fears have been eased by asking students who took the class the previous semester and reading the syllabus. Many students that I have in other classes have told me that after the two week mark the class becomes easier. Also, other students have said how as long as I can set aside at least nine hours it'll be fine.

   EDM is a very different course from all but one class I had in high school. During high school, I was part of the journalism staff which took up one class period. This class consisted of some of the same qualities that EDM has. For instance, it was a very hands on course. We learned as we worked and had assignments due every week. It was a very project based course. The college courses I have taken have been very different from EDM. Since I take literature based courses, the only projects I have really had have been research papers. Because of EDM being such a different class from what I have been taking, one of the most difficult aspects for me will be learning how to adjust from one class structure to another. Also,setting aside the amount of time needed to perform well in the class and earn the best grade I can.

   The most difficult aspects for me for EDM are all easy to address. For instance, adjusting from one class to another will be difficult, but it will get easier as long as I keep going to class and managing my time to allow homework to be done right. I'm going to do this by setting aside certain days for specific class assignments. Tuesdays and Thursdays I will spend three hours a day working on EDM assignments and the rest of the days on my literature classes. I also plan on spending Saturdays and Sundays working on EDM and other classes.

   I do not have any questions regarding this class at the moment. Everything I was worried about has been worked out, explained by the syllabus, or Dr. Strange has addressed it in class. This class started out as a cause for worry, but I am actually looking forward to it now. The syllabus was a great source of comfort because it spelled out what was expected and even had links to other sources. I look forward to this semester and the challenge it brings.

Practice Blog Post

What I Want My Students to Know


Outline
1. Who am I?
2. Why do I want to be an educator?
3. What does an educator do in his or her practice?
4. What are my passions?


Hello, my name is Erica Mixon, and I am a junior at South Alabama. I have lived in George County, Mississippi my whole life. Since it is only a forty-five minute drive from South, I still live there. Also, this is only my second year at South because I did two years at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and then came to South Alabama. I had originally planned on attending Mississippi State however, I was told that South's education program was very helpful for her teaching career. I am working towards a degree in Secondary English education. Basically, I will be teaching English for high school students. I've always enjoyed English and literature course.

I come from a family of six. I have a younger brother, an older brother, and an older sister. I also have two nephews. One nephew is my brother's son and the other is my sister's. My family has been in George County for generations and my siblings still live in the area. I work at a Walt Massey Automotive as a receptionist three days out of the week. I attended George County High School where I started to really consider a career in education.


It took until my senior year in school for me to decide to pursue an education degree. I had always sworn up and down that being a teacher wasn't for me. However, as the year progressed and I experienced many different teaching methods and listened to my friends, I realized that education was actually very interesting. I was drawn to the challenge it presented with the subject matter and of presenting the subject in an interesting way to students. Also, since I am very passionate about analyzing literature and the way it can influences people, I can continue to analyze and observe that by being a high school English teacher. However, it is more important for a teacher to be able to show care towards the subject and students. A teacher in this day and age should be able to incorporate the subject into something the students can see as beneficial for them. For instance, I believe English teachers should not only teach the elements, themes, and syntax of a work, but teachers should also be able to teach how literature can provide different prospectives that allow people to grow and understand others.


As for my passions, it would have to be reading and mission work. First, I love reading. The best smell in the world is the smell of a used book. The more yellow the pages are the better. If I could improve anything, it would be that I would improve my analyzing skills. I have been taking classes specifically for analyzing different form of literature, which has resulted in some improvement. My other passion is doing mission work. I went to South Africa last summer and worked in a school in Johannesburg. It was terrifying and exciting at the same time because I had never worked with that age group before. The ages were mainly seven to eleven year olds, so I was able to improve on my interaction skills with younger children. I hope to keep going on these trips so I can continue to meet new people and build relationships with them.

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