Sunday, September 25, 2011
Blog Post #5
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
Scott McLeod is an associate professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He is also the founder of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education. Dr. McLeod's post "Don't Teach Your Kids this Stuff. Please?" is a tongue-in-cheek way of making fun of the old-fashioned parents who think technology is a bad source of information for children. I thought McLeod's post was both humorous and entertaining, but it also proved a point of how technology is so important and advanced, and that if parents and educators do not expose the youth to it today, they will not be prepared and have a "leg up" in the future. I completely agree with his thoughts and views. When I do become a teacher, I have every intention to incorporate technology into my classroom in any and every way possible.
The iSchool Initiative
Travis Allen was a 17-year-old high school student who came up with the idea of the "iSchool Initiative" which was a proposal to change our schools into a complete mobile learning system. Amazing, right? I was so impressed by how in depth and though out this plan was, considering it was created by a high school student. Allen's proposal consists of a complete mobile learning education, in where students and teacher's would use the Apple iTouch in order to communicate, complete classwork, and keep up with assignments. Students could use apps an tools such as the scientific and graphing calculator, email, chemical touch, and the U.S. Constitution. This information would be right in the palm of the student's hand, and would also give parents an opportunity to keep track of their student's progress. The iSchool Initiative would decrease our carbon footprint completely. All books and assignments would be on the iTouch, eliminating the need for paper and pencil.
Although Allen's idea is brilliant and very earth-friendly, I believe it would take several years for schools to even think about incorporating the iSchool Initiative into the curriculum. It has so many advantages, however, there are many schools who have teachers that do not even use technology in their classrooms yet. It would be a huge step to convert every part of the school's curriculum into a hand held mobile device. There will always be people who think the traditional ways are what have worked for students thus far, and that those traditional methods should remain as the foundation of what education is built on. The iSchool Initiative is a great idea and maybe some years down the road, it will be used internationally in every school and be available to every student.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
WOW! After watching this video, I was stunned by the outcome. How could people who have never met or rehearsed together sing this beautiful song with such grace and harmony? The video was very moving and showed that the possibilities of technology were endless. Who would have ever thought to create a virtual choir? Obviously Eric Whitacre! I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and felt inspired to think outside the box when it comes to ways of using technology.
Teaching in the 21st Century
Kevin Roberts's video "Teaching in the 21st Century" is a compilation of many ideas and thoughts that express how technology is changing the way that students learn, and therefore changing the way that teachers should teach. Teacher's a no longer providing the "what," but are now being focused on providing the "how" when it comes to teaching students. Robert's suggests that students are capable of finding information anywhere on the internet, but he makes a point that this information is useless if a student does not know how to correctly use and interpret it. Teachers should encourage their students to CREATE. This most important when it comes to learning because it encompasses so many different skills that will be most useful to a student.
Roberts ideas and views were so accurate in describing how students should learn in this technology-driven world. There are so many resources and so much information available to students that teachers are no longer the go-to source for finding information. I believe that it is now up to the teacher to show students how to use these resources to their fullest potential. As a future educator, this video caused me to look at teaching in the 21st century in a whole new way. Throughout this course, I've learned so much about technology and how it should be incorporated in the classroom. However, this video really caused me to think of the skills that I will have to show my students in order for technology to be useful to them now and in the future. What good would all this technology and abundance of information be if our students did not know how to correctly apply it to their lives? That's what teachers should focus on, and as a result this will produce a more capable and better prepared generation of learners.
Scott McLeod is an associate professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He is also the founder of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education. Dr. McLeod's post "Don't Teach Your Kids this Stuff. Please?" is a tongue-in-cheek way of making fun of the old-fashioned parents who think technology is a bad source of information for children. I thought McLeod's post was both humorous and entertaining, but it also proved a point of how technology is so important and advanced, and that if parents and educators do not expose the youth to it today, they will not be prepared and have a "leg up" in the future. I completely agree with his thoughts and views. When I do become a teacher, I have every intention to incorporate technology into my classroom in any and every way possible.
The iSchool Initiative
Travis Allen was a 17-year-old high school student who came up with the idea of the "iSchool Initiative" which was a proposal to change our schools into a complete mobile learning system. Amazing, right? I was so impressed by how in depth and though out this plan was, considering it was created by a high school student. Allen's proposal consists of a complete mobile learning education, in where students and teacher's would use the Apple iTouch in order to communicate, complete classwork, and keep up with assignments. Students could use apps an tools such as the scientific and graphing calculator, email, chemical touch, and the U.S. Constitution. This information would be right in the palm of the student's hand, and would also give parents an opportunity to keep track of their student's progress. The iSchool Initiative would decrease our carbon footprint completely. All books and assignments would be on the iTouch, eliminating the need for paper and pencil.
Although Allen's idea is brilliant and very earth-friendly, I believe it would take several years for schools to even think about incorporating the iSchool Initiative into the curriculum. It has so many advantages, however, there are many schools who have teachers that do not even use technology in their classrooms yet. It would be a huge step to convert every part of the school's curriculum into a hand held mobile device. There will always be people who think the traditional ways are what have worked for students thus far, and that those traditional methods should remain as the foundation of what education is built on. The iSchool Initiative is a great idea and maybe some years down the road, it will be used internationally in every school and be available to every student.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
WOW! After watching this video, I was stunned by the outcome. How could people who have never met or rehearsed together sing this beautiful song with such grace and harmony? The video was very moving and showed that the possibilities of technology were endless. Who would have ever thought to create a virtual choir? Obviously Eric Whitacre! I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and felt inspired to think outside the box when it comes to ways of using technology.
Teaching in the 21st Century
Kevin Roberts's video "Teaching in the 21st Century" is a compilation of many ideas and thoughts that express how technology is changing the way that students learn, and therefore changing the way that teachers should teach. Teacher's a no longer providing the "what," but are now being focused on providing the "how" when it comes to teaching students. Robert's suggests that students are capable of finding information anywhere on the internet, but he makes a point that this information is useless if a student does not know how to correctly use and interpret it. Teachers should encourage their students to CREATE. This most important when it comes to learning because it encompasses so many different skills that will be most useful to a student.
Roberts ideas and views were so accurate in describing how students should learn in this technology-driven world. There are so many resources and so much information available to students that teachers are no longer the go-to source for finding information. I believe that it is now up to the teacher to show students how to use these resources to their fullest potential. As a future educator, this video caused me to look at teaching in the 21st century in a whole new way. Throughout this course, I've learned so much about technology and how it should be incorporated in the classroom. However, this video really caused me to think of the skills that I will have to show my students in order for technology to be useful to them now and in the future. What good would all this technology and abundance of information be if our students did not know how to correctly apply it to their lives? That's what teachers should focus on, and as a result this will produce a more capable and better prepared generation of learners.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Blog Post #4
Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog
First, let me start by saying that listening to this podcast, I would not have thought it was done by 3rd graders! Kudos to the little guys for doing such a great job and keeping me interested in what they had to say! Kids never cease to amaze me, and these sort of things are exactly the reason why I am looking forward to becoming a teacher!
Prior to this class, I hadn't listened to many podcasts so I did not know much about them or how to even make one. My idea of a podcast was listening to someone ramble on and on about a topic. It didn't interest me very much. However, after listening to the Eagle Nest Radio's podcast titled "All Roads lead to Rome," my thoughts have certainly changed. I loved how the students used different approaches to delivering the information. The podcast was very interesting, while also informative at the same time. They made it fun for the listener, and I think that's very important! This inspired me to try to think of a new and creative approach to delivering my group podcast. I also liked the music in the background, which made the podcast sound much better and easier to listen to. It also added to the theme of Rome and helped my mind to travel to the time period that the students were referring to. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the podcast and look forward to incorporating some of their ideas into my group podcast.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
After watching "The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom" by Joe Dale, I learned so many techniques and ideas that I could use in my future classroom. I never realized how helpful and convenient podcasts could be. It is not only helpful to students to receive extra study materials for test, but podcasts can also be used for projects to help students interact with each other and think outside the box. It is not a traditional method that has been used in the classroom, but it is definitely an aspect of technology that should be implemented in every classroom curriculum!
Podcasting is also a great tool for the classroom because it is something students are familiar with and can relate to. Just think, how many students listen to the radio on a regular basis or own a ipod or mp3 player of some sort? I would say 90% of students. So why not implement podcasting in tue classroom as a way to connect with your students in their daily lives? I wish I would have had podcasts of my lessons available to me when I was in middle and high school. It would have been so helpful. Another important topic that was discussed in the video was the fact that students who have missed class because of an illness could have a way to interactively be a part of the class without physically being there. The process of creating and uploading a podcast is one that is simple and easy for students, and provides a new way of learning that is fun and memorable. Another great thing about podcasts is that it also allows parents and other family members to see what is being done in the classroom.
100 Ways to Use Your Ipod to Learn and Study Better
After reading through the site and glancing at all the tutorials and information that was provided, I was a little overwhelmed at all the different tools that could be used on the iPod. I do own an iPod, but I honestly only use it for music purposes. I am definitely going to start to use it to it's full potential now, since I know all the academic tools that I can use. It can be very helpful for me in EDM 310 as well as my other classes.
I read one of the articles that was linked on the site, titled "Learning Podcasting" by Carolyn Wood. The site gives a quick overview of what a podcast is, how to create one, and what type of podcast can be created. There are many varieties of podcasts, and can be about anything from music to lectures on academic subjects. I learned something that I didn't know from reading the post: the word podcast came from the word "iPod" and "broadcasting" but a podcast can be created on any computer, not just an iPod. Creating a podcast is as simple as having a computer or mp3 device, a microphone, and the appropriate software to edit and convert the file! Also, podcasts range from simple recordings to more advanced and complex podcasts that are heard by hundreds of thousands of people. I learned so much that can be useful in creating my group podcast. The article gives overviews of the Audacity software and also how to turn your podcast into an RSS feed so that listeners can subscribe and be updated when new podcasts are available. This is such a phenomenon that I had no clue about, but it seems very interesting now and I am so excited to start on my podcast with my group to see what creative ideas we can come up with!
First, let me start by saying that listening to this podcast, I would not have thought it was done by 3rd graders! Kudos to the little guys for doing such a great job and keeping me interested in what they had to say! Kids never cease to amaze me, and these sort of things are exactly the reason why I am looking forward to becoming a teacher!
Prior to this class, I hadn't listened to many podcasts so I did not know much about them or how to even make one. My idea of a podcast was listening to someone ramble on and on about a topic. It didn't interest me very much. However, after listening to the Eagle Nest Radio's podcast titled "All Roads lead to Rome," my thoughts have certainly changed. I loved how the students used different approaches to delivering the information. The podcast was very interesting, while also informative at the same time. They made it fun for the listener, and I think that's very important! This inspired me to try to think of a new and creative approach to delivering my group podcast. I also liked the music in the background, which made the podcast sound much better and easier to listen to. It also added to the theme of Rome and helped my mind to travel to the time period that the students were referring to. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the podcast and look forward to incorporating some of their ideas into my group podcast.
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
After watching "The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom" by Joe Dale, I learned so many techniques and ideas that I could use in my future classroom. I never realized how helpful and convenient podcasts could be. It is not only helpful to students to receive extra study materials for test, but podcasts can also be used for projects to help students interact with each other and think outside the box. It is not a traditional method that has been used in the classroom, but it is definitely an aspect of technology that should be implemented in every classroom curriculum!
Podcasting is also a great tool for the classroom because it is something students are familiar with and can relate to. Just think, how many students listen to the radio on a regular basis or own a ipod or mp3 player of some sort? I would say 90% of students. So why not implement podcasting in tue classroom as a way to connect with your students in their daily lives? I wish I would have had podcasts of my lessons available to me when I was in middle and high school. It would have been so helpful. Another important topic that was discussed in the video was the fact that students who have missed class because of an illness could have a way to interactively be a part of the class without physically being there. The process of creating and uploading a podcast is one that is simple and easy for students, and provides a new way of learning that is fun and memorable. Another great thing about podcasts is that it also allows parents and other family members to see what is being done in the classroom.
100 Ways to Use Your Ipod to Learn and Study Better
After reading through the site and glancing at all the tutorials and information that was provided, I was a little overwhelmed at all the different tools that could be used on the iPod. I do own an iPod, but I honestly only use it for music purposes. I am definitely going to start to use it to it's full potential now, since I know all the academic tools that I can use. It can be very helpful for me in EDM 310 as well as my other classes.
I read one of the articles that was linked on the site, titled "Learning Podcasting" by Carolyn Wood. The site gives a quick overview of what a podcast is, how to create one, and what type of podcast can be created. There are many varieties of podcasts, and can be about anything from music to lectures on academic subjects. I learned something that I didn't know from reading the post: the word podcast came from the word "iPod" and "broadcasting" but a podcast can be created on any computer, not just an iPod. Creating a podcast is as simple as having a computer or mp3 device, a microphone, and the appropriate software to edit and convert the file! Also, podcasts range from simple recordings to more advanced and complex podcasts that are heard by hundreds of thousands of people. I learned so much that can be useful in creating my group podcast. The article gives overviews of the Audacity software and also how to turn your podcast into an RSS feed so that listeners can subscribe and be updated when new podcasts are available. This is such a phenomenon that I had no clue about, but it seems very interesting now and I am so excited to start on my podcast with my group to see what creative ideas we can come up with!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
C4T #1
My teacher is from Auckland, New Zealand where she is the facilitator of the Manaiakalani cluster of schools. She is based at Pt England School where she has been for 17 years. On July 29, 2011 she posted Do Shoes Help Us Learn? In this blog she discussed how it used to be common when she was in primary school for her mom to send her off to school without any shoes. However, when she advanced to high school it was a normal part of her dress code. Regardless, she pondered whether she wore shoes or not, did it really affect her learning experience. In my response to her blog, I was very surprised at how different the kiwi tradition was from that of the United States. It would be so out of the ordinary to see a child not wearing shoes, yet alone a uniform. I commented that I think wearing a uniform (shoes included) did affect children's learning. They would not come to school focused on what to wear or if their classmates had the latest footwear. They would come prepared and ready to learn without any distractions.
My teacher's next blog entry on July 22, 2011 Teacher Dashboard + Google Apps for Education was about Google Docs and the Teacher Dashboard App. She discussed how Google Docs had become very important in the classroom as well as a Google app titled Teacher Dashboard. This application helped teachers to organize their students and their classrooms all online. I was very excited to read this blog because this semester is the first time I've ever used Google Docs and I find it to be a very necessary tool for me, even outside of my school work. I also commented that the Teacher Dashboard was very green because teacher's did not have to use paper when it came to organizing files for their students. It allowed a better connection between the student and teacher. Teacher Dashboard is also very convenient for teachers and is much less of a hassle.
Blog Post #3
Peer Editing: Paige Ellis's Blog Assignment #12
Peer Editing has always been a topic that I've had trouble with. As a younger kid, it was always hard for me to critique myself, yet alone have my peers do it also. I was always afraid of failing, so I wanted everything that I wrote to be perfect. I would dread the days in class that we would have to peer edit. I would just cringe at every suggest or critique that my peers would make about my writing. Now that I am older, I've realized that peer editing is such a great tool that can be used in the classroom. It not only allows your peers to make suggestions on how to make your writing better so that you will do well in the future, but it can also allow the person that is editing to view examples of his/her classmate's work so that he/she may gain knowledge of certain writing techniques.
When I read my C4C Assignment #2, it wasn't very much I could critique. There were a few typos and run-on sentences, but I felt that the writer made her blog very personal and many people could relate. If I was to peer edit her blog, I would do so in an email because I feel as if the suggestions and critiques that I make should be kept private. I realize that, although I think peer editing is great now, some people may not feel the same way that I do. Certain people may feel embarrassed or become offended. Just so I could prevent a peer from feeling this way, I would choose to email. I believe the writer would be appreciative of this and once reading my suggestions, she would take the necessary steps to improve the mistakes in her writing.
It's Not About the Technology
I find Kelly Hines's post "It's Not about the Technology" to be a very refreshing take on the use of technology in the classroom. Hines believes that even though technology is very important in this fast-paced society that we live, it is not the be-all and end-all to teaching 21st century students. Hines believes that are four things teachers much recognize in order to impact and help their students move in the right direction. The four points are as follows: teachers must be learners; learning and teaching are not the same thing; technology is useless without good teaching; be a 21st century teacher without the technology.
I remember the second or third time meeting in EDM 310 class, Dr. Strange asked us did we think it was necessary for teachers to be technologically literate? One student answered that every should be technology literate, but not dependent. This goes back to what Kelly Hines said about the fact that technology is useless without good teaching. Technology has become such a huge part of our lives that many teachers depend entirely too much upon it. There is nothing wrong with presenting a lecture in a powerpoint presentation or slideshow, but what if the computer was to crash? Teachers should still know how to teach without solely relying on technology as a means to do so. Technology should be an accessory, not a necessity. I also feel as if teachers should be perpetual learners. You can never stop learning, and I believe there will never be a point in a person's life where they will know EVERYTHING. New ideas are being developed everyday and it should be the goal of every teacher to seek out new information that will be helpful in teaching his/her students.
Is it Okay to be a Technology Illiterate Teacher?
Karl Fisch writes numerous interesting points in his blog post "Is it Okay to be a Technology Illiterate Teacher? and gets many of us to thinking, is it really okay? Fisch talks about the fact that all of teachers today should have basic knowledge of technology and utilize it in the classroom. Fisch compares technological literacy to knowing how to read and write. I honestly thought to myself, is he really serious? Of course everyone knows that technology is advancing exponentially in today's world, but is it really as important as knowing how to read and write? I agree and disagree. I believe that in order for teachers to better prepare their students for life in the future, we should provide them with a basic understanding of different types of technology and its uses. Teachers should stress that the more knowledge that they have about it, the more successful they will be in getting a job.
Although almost all new teachers coming into the field are well versed in computers and technology, many who have been teaching for decades chose to stick to the fundamentals of teaching. Yes, I believe it is important for these teachers to at least know how to work a computer, but is it the end of the world if they don't? No. Students will still receive a great education from a teacher who is well qualified but doesn't chose to use all the bells and whistles. Just because an older teacher doesn't know all there is to know about technology, doesn't mean that his/her students are getting any less of an education. Technology is awesome, but having a great teacher who can motivate a student to learn whether its with the use of technology or not, is even better!
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
My eyes could not stop staring at the numbers on the screen when I watched Gary Hayes Social Media Count. I mean wow! It is truly unreal. As a student in EDM 310 I am continuously being told how important technology and the media is, but to have it shown to me in that sort of way is truly an eyes opener. Every second, the number of items shared on Facebook, or the number of tweets being sent on Twitter, were tripling, even quadrupling. It is amazing how these social media outlets are such a global phenomenon and how it allows you to connect to so many people around the world.
Having Dr. Strange and Dr. Baggett as teachers this semester has really given me a new outlook on how I use the internet as a means of networking. Before, I only used Facebook and Twitter as a means of personal entertainment. However, in the last few weeks I've learned just how important it will be for my professional career in the future. There's so much to learn out there, and with the use of the internet, knowledge is right at my fingertips! If I had questions about a certain topic that I was teaching, I could use Twitter as a way to get an answer. I could gather all different ideas and opinions from people all around the world. It is absolutely amazing to me! These social media tools have opened new doors for teachers now and in the future, and will allow us to learn so many new ideas. And in return, we will be able to share that with our students.
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
Michael Wesch's video "A Vision of Students Today" was very moving. Being a student, I could relate to it in so many ways. Many students are not focused, and simply waste their money on tuition paying for classes that, 50% of the time, they will not attend. Why is that? Because many students are bored and unmotivated by a professor sitting and lecturing them for one hour. When I first entered college, I was exactly that type of student. I had so much on my plate, and college was so overwhelming to me. I'd rather focus on things that I was interested in, rather than sit and listen to a teacher talk about something that I would not remember after I took the test anyway. Many students spend more time on the internet and watching TV than they do studying. Wesch shows a different point of view on students in the classroom. He gives them a voice and an opportunity to explain what they really think.
At the end of the video, Wesch suggests that technology may be the answer to these problems. I am sort of on the fence about this theory. I believe that students are much more interested in class when different kinds of technology are used, simply because it is something that the students of today are more familiar with and find more engaging. However, the students still have to be motivated to learn. This is, in part, up to the professors. This video can give different teachers and school staff and opportunity to evaluate what is really going on in the classroom. If they know these things, they should try new approaches in order to help to alleviate these problems. I am not saying it is their sole responsibility, but if many teachers know that there methods are ineffective, shouldn't they take the necessary steps in order to improve? I think so. Many professors should take their teaching and view it from the students point of view. Teach the material in a way that the students can relate to, and make it interactive. These issues are ones that will not change overnight, but I believe that it is a joint effort. I hope that in the future when I become a teacher, the beliefs and opinions of students like the ones in this video, will have changed and a new outlook on education will have been created.
Peer Editing has always been a topic that I've had trouble with. As a younger kid, it was always hard for me to critique myself, yet alone have my peers do it also. I was always afraid of failing, so I wanted everything that I wrote to be perfect. I would dread the days in class that we would have to peer edit. I would just cringe at every suggest or critique that my peers would make about my writing. Now that I am older, I've realized that peer editing is such a great tool that can be used in the classroom. It not only allows your peers to make suggestions on how to make your writing better so that you will do well in the future, but it can also allow the person that is editing to view examples of his/her classmate's work so that he/she may gain knowledge of certain writing techniques.
When I read my C4C Assignment #2, it wasn't very much I could critique. There were a few typos and run-on sentences, but I felt that the writer made her blog very personal and many people could relate. If I was to peer edit her blog, I would do so in an email because I feel as if the suggestions and critiques that I make should be kept private. I realize that, although I think peer editing is great now, some people may not feel the same way that I do. Certain people may feel embarrassed or become offended. Just so I could prevent a peer from feeling this way, I would choose to email. I believe the writer would be appreciative of this and once reading my suggestions, she would take the necessary steps to improve the mistakes in her writing.
It's Not About the Technology
I find Kelly Hines's post "It's Not about the Technology" to be a very refreshing take on the use of technology in the classroom. Hines believes that even though technology is very important in this fast-paced society that we live, it is not the be-all and end-all to teaching 21st century students. Hines believes that are four things teachers much recognize in order to impact and help their students move in the right direction. The four points are as follows: teachers must be learners; learning and teaching are not the same thing; technology is useless without good teaching; be a 21st century teacher without the technology.
I remember the second or third time meeting in EDM 310 class, Dr. Strange asked us did we think it was necessary for teachers to be technologically literate? One student answered that every should be technology literate, but not dependent. This goes back to what Kelly Hines said about the fact that technology is useless without good teaching. Technology has become such a huge part of our lives that many teachers depend entirely too much upon it. There is nothing wrong with presenting a lecture in a powerpoint presentation or slideshow, but what if the computer was to crash? Teachers should still know how to teach without solely relying on technology as a means to do so. Technology should be an accessory, not a necessity. I also feel as if teachers should be perpetual learners. You can never stop learning, and I believe there will never be a point in a person's life where they will know EVERYTHING. New ideas are being developed everyday and it should be the goal of every teacher to seek out new information that will be helpful in teaching his/her students.
Is it Okay to be a Technology Illiterate Teacher?
Karl Fisch writes numerous interesting points in his blog post "Is it Okay to be a Technology Illiterate Teacher? and gets many of us to thinking, is it really okay? Fisch talks about the fact that all of teachers today should have basic knowledge of technology and utilize it in the classroom. Fisch compares technological literacy to knowing how to read and write. I honestly thought to myself, is he really serious? Of course everyone knows that technology is advancing exponentially in today's world, but is it really as important as knowing how to read and write? I agree and disagree. I believe that in order for teachers to better prepare their students for life in the future, we should provide them with a basic understanding of different types of technology and its uses. Teachers should stress that the more knowledge that they have about it, the more successful they will be in getting a job.
Although almost all new teachers coming into the field are well versed in computers and technology, many who have been teaching for decades chose to stick to the fundamentals of teaching. Yes, I believe it is important for these teachers to at least know how to work a computer, but is it the end of the world if they don't? No. Students will still receive a great education from a teacher who is well qualified but doesn't chose to use all the bells and whistles. Just because an older teacher doesn't know all there is to know about technology, doesn't mean that his/her students are getting any less of an education. Technology is awesome, but having a great teacher who can motivate a student to learn whether its with the use of technology or not, is even better!
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
My eyes could not stop staring at the numbers on the screen when I watched Gary Hayes Social Media Count. I mean wow! It is truly unreal. As a student in EDM 310 I am continuously being told how important technology and the media is, but to have it shown to me in that sort of way is truly an eyes opener. Every second, the number of items shared on Facebook, or the number of tweets being sent on Twitter, were tripling, even quadrupling. It is amazing how these social media outlets are such a global phenomenon and how it allows you to connect to so many people around the world.
Having Dr. Strange and Dr. Baggett as teachers this semester has really given me a new outlook on how I use the internet as a means of networking. Before, I only used Facebook and Twitter as a means of personal entertainment. However, in the last few weeks I've learned just how important it will be for my professional career in the future. There's so much to learn out there, and with the use of the internet, knowledge is right at my fingertips! If I had questions about a certain topic that I was teaching, I could use Twitter as a way to get an answer. I could gather all different ideas and opinions from people all around the world. It is absolutely amazing to me! These social media tools have opened new doors for teachers now and in the future, and will allow us to learn so many new ideas. And in return, we will be able to share that with our students.
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
Michael Wesch's video "A Vision of Students Today" was very moving. Being a student, I could relate to it in so many ways. Many students are not focused, and simply waste their money on tuition paying for classes that, 50% of the time, they will not attend. Why is that? Because many students are bored and unmotivated by a professor sitting and lecturing them for one hour. When I first entered college, I was exactly that type of student. I had so much on my plate, and college was so overwhelming to me. I'd rather focus on things that I was interested in, rather than sit and listen to a teacher talk about something that I would not remember after I took the test anyway. Many students spend more time on the internet and watching TV than they do studying. Wesch shows a different point of view on students in the classroom. He gives them a voice and an opportunity to explain what they really think.
At the end of the video, Wesch suggests that technology may be the answer to these problems. I am sort of on the fence about this theory. I believe that students are much more interested in class when different kinds of technology are used, simply because it is something that the students of today are more familiar with and find more engaging. However, the students still have to be motivated to learn. This is, in part, up to the professors. This video can give different teachers and school staff and opportunity to evaluate what is really going on in the classroom. If they know these things, they should try new approaches in order to help to alleviate these problems. I am not saying it is their sole responsibility, but if many teachers know that there methods are ineffective, shouldn't they take the necessary steps in order to improve? I think so. Many professors should take their teaching and view it from the students point of view. Teach the material in a way that the students can relate to, and make it interactive. These issues are ones that will not change overnight, but I believe that it is a joint effort. I hope that in the future when I become a teacher, the beliefs and opinions of students like the ones in this video, will have changed and a new outlook on education will have been created.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Blog Post #2
Did You Know?
My first response to Did You Know? by Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod was complete and utter shock. All I could think to myself after watching the video was WOW. Technology has advanced so much in the last decade and is rapidly progressing. The statistics presented in this video are so amazing that they are hard for me to even believe. Technology has become the driving force of our world. It dictates our jobs, how we interact with people, and even our personal and romantic lives. The world we live in now is no resemblance at all to how it was when my mother was a child. My grandmother would not even know how to turn on a computer, yet alone Google something on the internet.
Technology has become so advanced that for people who are illiterate to it, they are having a much harder time carrying on their everyday life than they would have ten years ago. By the time my daughter is an adult, I cannot even imagine the possibilities of technology. It is evolving at such a rapid rate that a technological device that was created a month ago, will be out of date a year from now. Soon, technological devices will be able to accomplish more and have more capabilities than any human being.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
In Mr. Winkle Wakes, this video gives a different perspective on the changes technology has caused in the world. Mr. Winkle awakes from a 100 year nap where he discovers that technology has taken over hospitals and jobs. Everywhere he turns, he sees unfamiliar devices that he had never seen before. However, Mr. Winkle finds comfort when he returns to a school and finds that every thing is still the same. Teachers were still using traditional methods in order the teach the students.
I find that the video is both right and wrong in how it represents technology in the school. Yes, in a lot of classrooms teachers still use traditional methods, such as writing on a chalkboard and lecturing from a notebook. However, in many classrooms today, teachers are using technology more than ever in order to promote learning. Teachers use methods such a powerpoints, videos and even the advanced Smart Board technology. I believe that technology in the classroom provides a new and exciting method that allows students find interest in the subjects that are being taught. Although it may be looked down upon sometimes because it does not fit into the traditional way of teaching, it is still a very useful and effective tool in helping students to learn. In today's fast growing technological world, it is necessary for technology to be used in the classroom so students will be better prepared for the modern technology that is rapidly changing the world around us.
The Importance of Creativity
I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Ken Robinson moving discussion where he touched on many points that I had never even thought of or realized when it comes to education and creativity. He discusses how we live in a world that has a hierarchy when it comes to education. We put mathematics and language at the top of the list and teach our students that if you want to find a job and be successful in the real world, you have to excel in these particular subjects. Arts are at the bottom of this hierarchy and because of this, students begin to see arts as an unimportant component of education. As a consequence, children often suppress their creativity and originality because we have drilled into their heads the thought that they didn't need to study music because they'd never be a musician or that they didn't need to study dance because they wouldn't have a career as a dancer. However, over time the world has changed and these ideas are not as true as they once were.
Mr. Robinson also discusses the ways in which we view intelligence. People often have this simple minded view of how smart someone is by how well they excel academically. Mr. Robinson points out that intelligence is diverse, dynamic, and distinct. One person's intelligence can not be compared to that of another. We are all intelligent in different ways. If I excel in academic subjects such as math and science, but my friend is one of the most talented young artists, does that mean I am "smarter" than her? The world has to open its mind to different possibilities and change the foundations of what we have built education on.
Mr. Robinson mentions Gillian Lynne in his discussion, who is one of the most successful choreographers of Broadway musicals. When Lynne was a child, teachers thought that she might have a condition such as ADD or ADHD because she could never sit still during class. However, Lynne's doctor realized that she was a dancer, and just needed an outlet for her to release her passion and creativity. This is so true of many students today. Children excel in so many different ways and for our education system to deem the areas they excel in as unimportant, can be crippling for that child in the future. This video reminds me so much of what we have been discussing in my EDU 301 class, Arts in the Elementary School. We talk about how it is important to incorporate arts into learning because it provides a new way for children to view subjects. It also allows them to utilize their creativity and to relate to the subject in a whole new way. If we provide students a new way of learning through the arts and allow them to express their originality and creativity, who knows what doors can be opened and how successful that child could be in the future.
Cecilia Gault
Cecilia Gault's article and video introduces several interesting points about students in the U.S. A lot of the time our country likes to think that we are the most advanced country in the world but in many ways, we are so behind. One of the reasons that I believe the students in the United States are falling behind is because we have a lazy lifestyle. Many kids today do not use the resources that are provided to us and we don't put in effort. Gault interviews Mr. Ken Robinson, who states that education should find a better balance between science and art and should also find better use of technology.
Robinson also mentions the three myths of creativity. I completely agree with this because personally, I was one of those students who thought that I was born with no creativity and that there was nothing I could do about it. I was so stuck in that mindset that I never put forth any effort when it came to subjects that required me to use my creativity and originality. However, Robinson suggests that creativity is in everyone and that people can be taught to be creative. When I do become a teacher, it will be important for me to challenge my students to unleash their creativity. There is no right or wrong when it comes to originality and students should understand that when they are young. I believe that when students become more comfortable with their own talents and what they are able to do, they will receive a more valuable education and be more open to learning.
Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts
Vicki Davis is an extraordinary teacher who sheds a new light on ways to learn in the classroom. In the video Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts, Davis uses technology to provide her students with a different perspective on how to learn. She allows students to use different technological software and pays close attention to each individual student and how they learn. Davis stresses that different students learn different ways. It is important for teachers to embrace this and try to mold their classroom to the needs and interests of their students. Davis points out that if there's only pencil and paper then every student will not learn.
Davis also makes a great point in the video when she says that many teachers feel "they must know it all to teach it." Davis believes this is not true and I agree. The world is changing so fast and it is completely impossible to know EVERYTHING! And why would us as teachers want to? Teaching should be a learning experience for both the teacher and the student. We may be able to teach a child the fundamentals of a subject, but in return a student can teach us so much about life and experiences that we may have never known. We never stop learning, so therefore we can never know it all!
Wordle
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| Above is a Wordle that I created highlighting different words used to tell about my life in Blog Post #1. |
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