I really did learn so much that I did not know in this class. First of all, I had no idea that there were so many resources on google. I had no idea I could create new documents and spreadsheets on google. I also had no idea how to create a website and didn't know how to do all of the things that go along with creating one. I also did not know how to create payout tables and can see how all of this can be extremely helpful.
Fellow Classmates,
I hope you have learned as much in EDM 310 as I have. I know that I didn't understand much of the stuff that I was taught but truly feel that this class will benefit me so much in the future. In doing my blog assignments I feel that I have learned about so many new resources that I had no idea about. I cannot wait to hopefully incorporate what I have learned when I become a teacher.
Laura Blackman
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wikipedia
I have always been warned about Wikipedia and how it is not the most reliable source. In all honesty, I have only ever used wikipedia as a source if I am looking for a definition of something and usually it is something I am somewhat familiar with. I really do not think that there are too many opportunities in which you can trust what Wikipedia says. Of course, there are many things that are true, however I do not think that Wikipedia should ever be used as a reliable source for information. I have seen people use Wikipedia as sources in papers and other things. Because anyone can put information on Wikipedia and change current information I do not think all information can be trusted as reliable.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
"Growth" vs. "Fixed" Minds
I thought this video was extremely interesting. The "Fixed" mindset which is one that makes students believe they have a fixed trait. It ends up making students concerned with how much they have. They worry about how they will be seen and base the things that they do on how their intelligence will be shown. Those with a "Growth" mindset believe that their intelligence is something that they can develop over the course of time through different activities and passions. Carol Dweck who is the author of "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success," discusses this workshop that was created to teach children the growth mindset. Half of the students got study skills and a growth mindset and the others got only study skills. They found that the students with the growth mindset workshop were taught how to apply things and ultimately ended up doing better than those who didn't because the others really had no motivation for applying those study skills.
I think this would be a great things to remember in my classroom because if I am going to try and teach my students to have a growth mindset I have to truly develop one and believe that it is the best thing. We cannot keep up with the changes in the world if we cannot learn and grow. One thing that was great to hear was that I cannot be a good mentor without having a growth mindset. I really do believe that this is true. I am not 100% sure how I will apply this in my classroom, but I do know that intelligence does develop over time through discovering new passions or new activities. I thought this was a great video and really made me think.
I think this would be a great things to remember in my classroom because if I am going to try and teach my students to have a growth mindset I have to truly develop one and believe that it is the best thing. We cannot keep up with the changes in the world if we cannot learn and grow. One thing that was great to hear was that I cannot be a good mentor without having a growth mindset. I really do believe that this is true. I am not 100% sure how I will apply this in my classroom, but I do know that intelligence does develop over time through discovering new passions or new activities. I thought this was a great video and really made me think.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Teacher's Domain
This was an excellent resource. I found it very useful! I think it would be extremely helpful for teachers and also great for variety for students. I loved that there were a variety of topics and I think the information can be used much of the time during teaching. The videos that I watched did skip a good bit of the time which made it difficult to watch.
As I said, I think the videos would be great for the classroom. All children have a different way of learning. For some, learning is visual so seeing these movies could be really helpful. Everything was straightforward and interesting. I know that students love the days when they are able to watch videos in class, and then for them to be educational and helpful with what the students are already learning that is even more beneficial. I think this would be great for substitutes as well. They would not have to be worried about having not prepared for a lesson or anything like that.
Overall, I think these videos would be great resources. I had never heard of this before, but I definitely would like to use this in my classroom.
As I said, I think the videos would be great for the classroom. All children have a different way of learning. For some, learning is visual so seeing these movies could be really helpful. Everything was straightforward and interesting. I know that students love the days when they are able to watch videos in class, and then for them to be educational and helpful with what the students are already learning that is even more beneficial. I think this would be great for substitutes as well. They would not have to be worried about having not prepared for a lesson or anything like that.
Overall, I think these videos would be great resources. I had never heard of this before, but I definitely would like to use this in my classroom.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Using iPods in Instruction
I honestly had no idea that the use of iPods for instruction even existed. It's really encouraging to hear that it has been a positive experience for some universities in the country. I think, like anything in life, it would definitely have its pros and cons. I would worry that it would make students think that they did not have to come to class anymore. Richard Lucic, a professor at Duke University says that he sends podcasts to "complement his lectures," which I think is great. I also read that using iPods has made class attendance increase because students want to discuss what they have heard on the podcasts. If this is working then I think it would definitely be something to try.
In thinking about it, one problem for me personally, would be making the time to listen to the podcasts. However, I think it would be so helpful to be able to listen to a piece of a lecture that I struggled with on the way to take my test. How beneficial! There are six schools that have participated in a pilot program with Apple called iTunes U. Those schools are Duke, Brown, Stanford, the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Missouri School of Journalism. I don't think that this should ever become a substitute for the classroom environment because I believe that that is always important, but technology is changing and why shouldn't we change with it. I think incorporating iPods in teaching would be a great thing!
To Learn More About Duke University using iPods....
Click Here
In thinking about it, one problem for me personally, would be making the time to listen to the podcasts. However, I think it would be so helpful to be able to listen to a piece of a lecture that I struggled with on the way to take my test. How beneficial! There are six schools that have participated in a pilot program with Apple called iTunes U. Those schools are Duke, Brown, Stanford, the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Missouri School of Journalism. I don't think that this should ever become a substitute for the classroom environment because I believe that that is always important, but technology is changing and why shouldn't we change with it. I think incorporating iPods in teaching would be a great thing!
To Learn More About Duke University using iPods....
Click Here
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Why Wireless?
The post in the "Best of the Fischbowl 2007," from November is about incorporating technology in the schools. One of the points that was made was that we need to move from an isolated classroom to a connected classroom. There are three specific ways that technology is being incorporated into the classrooms. First, there is a way students can access their grades. Secondly, there are teacher web pages where teachers can put notes, presentations, assignments, and worksheets. Third, there are electronic databases which are online, subscription-based services such as Ebsco and ABC Clio.
Personally, I believe that incorporating technology into the classrooms is a great idea. I think that these services are very important. I know that that campus portal that allows students to look at their grades is extremely helpful not only for students, but also for parents. It was extremely beneficial for my parents and I in high school. I think it would also be helpful for teachers to have web pages where they can put their assignments and other notes. This can be helpful for when students are out of the class or even for parents to keep up with their children's assignments. While I think technology is important, I do not think it should completely replace the normal classroom settings. I think there should be a steady balance between the two.
Personally, I believe that incorporating technology into the classrooms is a great idea. I think that these services are very important. I know that that campus portal that allows students to look at their grades is extremely helpful not only for students, but also for parents. It was extremely beneficial for my parents and I in high school. I think it would also be helpful for teachers to have web pages where they can put their assignments and other notes. This can be helpful for when students are out of the class or even for parents to keep up with their children's assignments. While I think technology is important, I do not think it should completely replace the normal classroom settings. I think there should be a steady balance between the two.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Importance of Technology
I think it is extremely important for teachers to have some knowledge in regards to technology. Our world is constantly changing and technology is used more and more in our everyday lives. I know that for some older teachers this may be difficult to accept but because our world is changing, we have to change with it to a certain extent. Besides believing that it is an obligation to have some knowledge in regards to technology, I think it can be beneficial to use technology in the classroom.
I definitely do not believe that technology should replace all forms of teaching. Having relationships with your students and their parents is incredibly important. I do not think those relationships should change to email relationships or online teaching. However, I think integrating technology into teaching is important. Teachers must have some technological literacy.
I definitely do not believe that technology should replace all forms of teaching. Having relationships with your students and their parents is incredibly important. I do not think those relationships should change to email relationships or online teaching. However, I think integrating technology into teaching is important. Teachers must have some technological literacy.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
International Bloggers
Click Here
The first site I found was a from a blogger in Sydney, Australia. The bloggers name is Chris Betcher and he teaches at a school in Australia. The site is primarily for personal posts but there are excellent links and other things to read and explore in this blog. There are also helpful ideas and for other teachers. I found his most recent post, "The Hour of (no) Power" very interesting. Here is a picture of Chris:
Click Here
The second blog I found is from Susan Sedro in Singapore. Susan was a teacher in Minnesota and has now moved back to Singapore to be a tech coordinator for a school there. This blog is used for her personal use. There are many links of other blogs and also other sites. This blog is a way for her to get advice from others and also a way for her to give her own advice and allow people to keep up with what she is doing. Here is a picture from her blog:
The first site I found was a from a blogger in Sydney, Australia. The bloggers name is Chris Betcher and he teaches at a school in Australia. The site is primarily for personal posts but there are excellent links and other things to read and explore in this blog. There are also helpful ideas and for other teachers. I found his most recent post, "The Hour of (no) Power" very interesting. Here is a picture of Chris:
Click Here
The second blog I found is from Susan Sedro in Singapore. Susan was a teacher in Minnesota and has now moved back to Singapore to be a tech coordinator for a school there. This blog is used for her personal use. There are many links of other blogs and also other sites. This blog is a way for her to get advice from others and also a way for her to give her own advice and allow people to keep up with what she is doing. Here is a picture from her blog:
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Other Bloggers in the U.S.
See Blog
I found a blog being used in a kindergarden classroom in Illinois. The teachers name is Cindy Blakely. In her blog she has post an abundance of helpful information for other teachers, parents, and her students. She makes posts that talk about what they are doing in their classroom and even has interactive videos to watch. She also has a calendar and other information that can be helpful for parents. There are many educational links on her blog that are also very helpful. I think this is great cause it goes to show how helpful blogging can be even if it is simply teaching kindergardeners how to use a blog. Here is a picture of Mrs. Blakely.
Visit Site
Another blogger I found was for a sophomore english class in Branford, Connecticut. The bloggers name is Mr. Miller. He has created this blog for his english classes so that they can keep up with homework, assignments, classwork, and other information in general. He has many helpful links on his page. He also has a place where he lists due dates coming up for certain assignments. Once he has made posts the students can comment on the posts asking questions or simply expressing a thought about the blog. I think that blogging would be particularly helpful in a high school classroom and really prepare students for college when many classes are centered around technology. Here is a picture from Mr. Millers Blog.
I found a blog being used in a kindergarden classroom in Illinois. The teachers name is Cindy Blakely. In her blog she has post an abundance of helpful information for other teachers, parents, and her students. She makes posts that talk about what they are doing in their classroom and even has interactive videos to watch. She also has a calendar and other information that can be helpful for parents. There are many educational links on her blog that are also very helpful. I think this is great cause it goes to show how helpful blogging can be even if it is simply teaching kindergardeners how to use a blog. Here is a picture of Mrs. Blakely.
Visit Site
Another blogger I found was for a sophomore english class in Branford, Connecticut. The bloggers name is Mr. Miller. He has created this blog for his english classes so that they can keep up with homework, assignments, classwork, and other information in general. He has many helpful links on his page. He also has a place where he lists due dates coming up for certain assignments. Once he has made posts the students can comment on the posts asking questions or simply expressing a thought about the blog. I think that blogging would be particularly helpful in a high school classroom and really prepare students for college when many classes are centered around technology. Here is a picture from Mr. Millers Blog.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
ACCESS
ACCESS is a program that provides classroom courses and teachers by using technology to do so. It is a program which uses videoconferencing for teaching purposes. There are definitely benefits and challenges to using access. I am not sure how I truly feel about this program. I honestly think that there are more benefits and resources with ACCESS for teachers rather than students. However, ultimately I think it may cause more problems than be helpful.
Two benefits that I think could be helpful are: 1. Students are able to take courses that are not offered at their own high school. This would be incredibly helpful. I know that there are certain courses that were not offered at my school but were at another high school that I would have loved to take. Secondly, it discusses that it would increase students responsibility for learning. While this could be true, I think students will be as responsible as they want to be. Some may take an online class more seriously than others. Perhaps using ACCESS for one course might be reasonable, but I do not think it is comparable or better than traditional teaching methods. If a student is taking a class online only to see this same teacher in person later, what is the point in the online activities?
I would say that in support of this program it is new and unique. Students may enjoy this as oppose to the traditional classroom experience. I also think it would be interesting to see how test scores might improve by using this. As far as faculty benefits I do agree that it would extend their resources. It would also help teachers own personal growth and development. In closing, I do not know that I would enjoy using ACCESS but I do think there are both problems and benefits that might come with this program.
Two benefits that I think could be helpful are: 1. Students are able to take courses that are not offered at their own high school. This would be incredibly helpful. I know that there are certain courses that were not offered at my school but were at another high school that I would have loved to take. Secondly, it discusses that it would increase students responsibility for learning. While this could be true, I think students will be as responsible as they want to be. Some may take an online class more seriously than others. Perhaps using ACCESS for one course might be reasonable, but I do not think it is comparable or better than traditional teaching methods. If a student is taking a class online only to see this same teacher in person later, what is the point in the online activities?
I would say that in support of this program it is new and unique. Students may enjoy this as oppose to the traditional classroom experience. I also think it would be interesting to see how test scores might improve by using this. As far as faculty benefits I do agree that it would extend their resources. It would also help teachers own personal growth and development. In closing, I do not know that I would enjoy using ACCESS but I do think there are both problems and benefits that might come with this program.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Adding a Picture
This is a picture of Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile. It was taken in May of 2007.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Using ALEX in the Classroom
ALEX really seems like an amazing program. I had no idea that this even existed until reading about it today. I feel like it would be helpful for any teacher teaching at any grade level. ALEX shows teaching and learning tools and helps with showing the different concepts that students should learn. I think it would keep teachers on track when planning out lessons.
I think I will for sure use ALEX when I begin teaching. I could use it for my own personal lesson plans for sure. I would also use it as a resource. I know for my first couple of years of teaching I will be overwhelmed and seeing other teachers ideas and plans would be quite helpful. I have never heard of anyone using this but I think it could be great to try. I plan on using this site when I begin teaching.
I think I will for sure use ALEX when I begin teaching. I could use it for my own personal lesson plans for sure. I would also use it as a resource. I know for my first couple of years of teaching I will be overwhelmed and seeing other teachers ideas and plans would be quite helpful. I have never heard of anyone using this but I think it could be great to try. I plan on using this site when I begin teaching.
ALEX
The Alabama Learning Exchange is a great resource for teachers to use. It is a place where teachers can view and post lesson plans in their own personal workspace. ALEX helps teachers to gather information about different topics and also see what other teachers ideas are. There are different areas of the website that teachers and administrators can explore.
The website is broken into different sections. These are courses of study, web links, lesson plans, search, personal workspace, professional learning, and distance learning. It really is extremely helpful. You can choose which grade you want to look at and see sample lesson plans. Everything is completely age appropriate. For example, I was able to access different plans for students from kindergarden all the way up to seniors in high school. I am able to see a variety of subject areas for all different grade levels. There is even a place where I can set up my own lesson plans in a personal workspace. This site is extremely helpful!
The website is broken into different sections. These are courses of study, web links, lesson plans, search, personal workspace, professional learning, and distance learning. It really is extremely helpful. You can choose which grade you want to look at and see sample lesson plans. Everything is completely age appropriate. For example, I was able to access different plans for students from kindergarden all the way up to seniors in high school. I am able to see a variety of subject areas for all different grade levels. There is even a place where I can set up my own lesson plans in a personal workspace. This site is extremely helpful!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Did You Know?
I found all of the statistics absolutely fascinating. It is incredible how far we have come in such a short time. The children of 2007 and 2008 have the world at their fingertips. Technology has made some amazing advances, allowing for many more opportunities. I can only hope that people will take advantage of all that technology has to offer. My parents would be the first to tell you that I have more opportunities than they did at my age and they encourage me to take full advantage of all that I can learn and be during my life.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
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