Tuesday, February 28, 2012

C4K Summary for February

I had the pleasure of commenting on four different children for "Comments 4 Kids" during the month of February.  My first student was a kid named Alec.  He is a student in Mr. William Chamberlain's class.  Alec's blog post was about the science experiment steps.  He gave step-by-step instructions on growing a bean and even included a photo.  I commented on his page, but it seems my comment is still awaiting confirmation.  I wrote to Alec in a comment post about how much I liked science.  I remember doing the bean growing experiment when I was in school.  I think Alec did a great job writing the different steps in his science experiment.  I look forward to frequently checking back on his blog. 

The second student that I commented on is a 4th grade student of Kasey Huebner's in Iowa.  Their blog is titled Early Kids Blog.  The students were able to have free writing during the week that I commented.  My assigned student posted spells from Harry Potter.  You could definitely tell through reading her other posts that she was an avid Harry Potter fan.  I commented how I thought the Harry Potter series were an adventure to read.  I also asked her if she had ever had been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.  I would love to have an opportunity to visit their myself!

I love blogging photo


The third student that I commented on is Jailyn who is a student of Mrs. Garcia's Awesome Class Blog.  Jailyn's post was on the Rick Hansen Relay.  Before reading her post, I had never heard of Rick Hansen.  This peaked my curiosity so I did a little research and was moved by the life that Rick Hansen had lead.  I urge each of you reading to watch this video created by Mrs. Garcia's class.  Jailyn posted about what they did on their special day.  I commented about how well the students did on creating the video.  I also asked Jailyn what her favorite thing play on the playground.  I mentioned how my son likes to play on the slides.  

My most recent C4K was for a 5th grade student in Mrs. T.G.'s class.  This student lives in Iowa.  My student was 5TG1 GA.  His post was about family vacations and how he believes that his family should take one to have fun together.  He directed the post to his parents and gave a variety of reasons why he thinks they should take a family vacation.  A few places that he mentioned for the vacation was Cancun, Mexico, Disney Land or SeaWorld.  I commented on how fun family vacations are and how family vacations are a time for families to come together, have fun and make life-long lasting memories.  It's not about how much money you spend or where you go.  It's about the time spend together.  

I think "Commenting for Kids" is my favorite part of our EDM class so far.  I love reading the blog posts written by the students.  I am very impressed with their technology skills.  Blogging can help students with a variety of skills including communication, writing, technology, reading comprehension and many more.  This will definitely be something that I hope to do with my future students.  

Monday, February 27, 2012

Blog Assignment #6

The Last Lecture
If there ever was a lecture to watch, this one is it!  Dr. Randy Pausch, professor at Carnegie Mellon University, gave his famous speech known as the Last Lecture-Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.  This is not the first, nor the second time that I have watched this inspirational speech.  It really just pulls at my heart strings because of my own personal experiences with cancer in my family.  My mother was diagnosed in 2010 with an inoperable stage 4 glioblastoma, otherwise known as brain cancer.   Through this tough time in my life, I needed something to help me deal with the emotional struggles that come when a family member has been diagnosed with cancer.  A friend of mine gave me a copy of the book The Last Lecture and said, "read it". 

My mother's brain tumor 2/22/2010

The book and the lecture helped me to see that each day is a blessing.  I had two choices, I could either "A" choose to ball up in a corner and cry about our situation or I could "B" enjoy every second and live the life that God has given me.  Like Dr. Pausch said, "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand".  Obviously, choice "B" seemed like it would be more fun.  So, that's exactly what I did.  I let go of the questions, and the "what ifs' and enjoyed the time and adventures with my mother.  Two years later, she is still going strong.  I fully believe that it is because we chose to be positive in our lives instead of negative.  Your body reacts to feeling happy.  Even if you think you cannot make it through...well I say you can by putting a smile on your face and by staring adversity in the eyes. 

Non-active tumor as of July 2011

One thing that really stood out for me during the lecture was his view on brick walls.  He said, "The brick walls are not there to keep us out.  The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough".  This directly applies to me with school.  I am 28 years old and I have been trying for the past 6 years to be able to come back to school and finish one of my dreams to become a teacher.  My family life had to be put first and my dream second for many years.  Then just as soon as I had everything set and settled -- BAM--cancer decided to step in.  For over a year and a half, I resigned from my job and took care of my mother.  This was a blessing in disguise.  I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.  I gained so many life experiences , many of which are positive, from my mother's diagnosis. Now, thankfully and graciously, she is better and I can take a pen and put a check mark beside school.  

Not only do the inspirational quotes apply to me and my family, they also apply to what I feel are important lessons as a teacher.  He stated in his lecture, "you've got to get the fundamentals down, otherwise all that fancy stuff isn't going to work".  Being an Elementary Education teacher, fundamentals are a major part of what I will be teaching my students.  Reading, for example, to me is the utmost important fundamental that needs to be taught and comprehended.  I personally have seen so many kids struggle with reading.  If they cannot master their reading skills at an early age then they will more than likely struggle with all of their other subjects.  Secondly, he discusses how cool it is for us to teach students something without them know that they are even learning.  That's the best type of learning! 

Dr. Randy Pausch holding his children


Dr. Randy Pausch was an inspirational man.  He knew the secret to life and that is family.  Family is the most important thing of all.  They are the ones who are there for us in times of rejoicing and times of sorrow.  In an interview with Diane Sawyer, I was so touched by his words when speaking of his children.  He said that he was more sadden by the fact that his children will not have him there for them when they needed him.  This man was a great professor, a great creator, a great leader, a great spouse, but mostly to me, he was a great father.  His Last Lecture wasn't for you or me, but for his children.  His last days were for them to have happy memories with their father and of their father.  To me, that is the best of all.  His legacy will live on through his work and positive outlook on life as shown in his lecture. 



Friday, February 24, 2012

Blog Assignment #5

Dr. Scott McLeod
Dangerously Irrelevant, is a blog created by Dr. Scott McLeod.  He uses a unique and sarcastic approach in the blog post, Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please? to parents, teachers, administrators and board members regarding youth and their use of technology.  I was a bit taken off guard at the structure and look of the post.  It is written in a not so typical sentence structure, yet gets the point across with great perfection.  In my blog assignment #2, there is a link to the Did You Know? series that was created by Dr. McLeod.  He is the Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky, as well as, the Founding Director of UCEA CASTLE.

When you first begin to read the post you think that Dr. McLeod is against technology and how it can make bad impressions on our youth.  He says that we need to "block it all, shut it down" because all social networking, cell phones and blogging does is make our kids unsafe and expose them to too many different things. He says that kids "can't be trusted".  Then right at the end he says, "don't do any of it, please.  Really, cause I'm doing it with my kids". I am right there with him.  We have to teach our students about using technology wisely, efficiently and responsibly. It is a well-known fact, that the jobs that the majority of them will be doing will be technology-based to some degree.  These jobs are not even created yet.  As an educator, it is our responsibility to help guide them and give them the tools that they need to succeed and be contributing citizens to our country and worldwide as well.  Also, I personally know that I don't want to be left in the dust of my students or my own kids.  I want to be right them with them learning and growing.  Just because we get our degree and teaching certificate does not mean that we have learned all we need to know.   Learning should never stop.  As a teacher, you have to be able to adapt and evolve with the latest and greatest teaching methods and technologies available.  If you disagree, then maybe you should take a look at another field of study.

future tablet computer with image of apple


Travis Allen
In 2009, 17 year old high school student, Travis Allen created a YouTube video called the "iSchool Initiative" showing a solution to our current education problems in the United States.  This 5:42 video discusses how our school system can save money and at the same time allow students, teachers and parents all access to the student's work, assignments, school events, test scores and more.  Travis' proposal is for every student to own and use the iPod Touch interface system in place of books, pens, calculators, planners & other required school materials.  By using this technology, schools would save on average about $500 per student.  This would not only help schools become more "GREEN" friendly, but would also be a great opportunity for schools to put money back into the system.  Wouldn't it be great it schools could hire more teachers, instead of laying so many off and continue to overcrowd classrooms.

I believe that Travis is onto a brilliant idea.  I also know that some schools are already trying to take the initiative and convert from books and paper to iPads, as well as, MacBooks.  All of these products are created by Apple.  I personally rely on my iPhone for many of the same app features to help me with school here at USA.  Since 2009 there have been thousands of new apps created to help improve and assist students, teachers and other professionals within our school system.  I look forward to seeing the many great things that Travis Allen will accomplish for our education system.

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
Eric Whitacre is a very well-known composer and public speaker.  He gave an amazing and one-of-a-kind performance in "Lux Aurumque" ,a virtual choir performance, which can be viewed here on YouTube.  The choir consists of 185 singers from 12 different countries.  My first thoughts were how beautiful and peaceful the voices of these performers are.  They harmonize and synchronize with such impeccable grace.  I felt like I was floating in an ocean as the waves rolled underneath me.  My mind then wandered as to how the heck did this guy put this thing together.  I can only imagine the time and planning that would be necessary to undergo a project of this magnitude.  It is just truly amazing how these people from all over were so unified in their performance.  With an internet connection and a computer, you can virtually go anywhere and do anything.  The possibilities truly are endless.  Bravo to Mr. Whitacre and his genius production!  If you would like to learn more about the virtual choir and how it began, please click here to watch learn more.

road sign that says the future next exit

Teaching in the 21st Century
Kevin Roberts created a video about teaching in the 21st Century.  After watching the video, I sat and thought about the questions asked.  What does it mean to teach in the 21st Century?  I believe that it means that teachers have a much different job then they did when I was being taught.  All my life, I was just presented with facts, theories, methods, and stories about things that did not interest me one bit.  Regardless of my interest, my mom expected me to do very well, so I did.  I read my books, took my test, wrote essays and completed papers on a variety of topics that did not apply to my life at all.  Of course, this was not a complete waste, but 10 years later after graduating high school I can only name a handful of lessons taught by teachers that really stand out.  The ones that I do remember were way ahead of their time.  I am grateful to those who stepped outside of the box.  Now I am 28 years old, and I do find myself to be fairly bright, but it's not from making all A's on my report card.  It's because I was released into the world and had figure it out.  I had to learn new skills that actually applied to my life.  I learned how to create a budget, how to do my taxes, how to change a tire, how to cook a meal.  The lists could go on and on.  I learned these things because I did them with my own hands.

Hands on learning is "engaging".  That type of learning stays with a person forever.  You learn how to ride your bike not by reading about it, but by doing it.  As teachers of the 21st Century, I believe that we must engage and interact with our students by using technology based programs and software that will allow them to learn tools that they will need to be able to apply to their lives.  Some parents and teachers may find technology threatening or have  concerns with cheating, or mis-use of computers, iPods, cell phones and other gadgets.  Ask yourself this...why not teach and guide our students on how to responsibly and professionally utilize technology to create, learn, communicate, and write.  Technology is just like any other problems parents and teachers have been concerned about in the past.  We worry about sex and drinking, but we are continuously educating our students on this subject matter so they can make better choices and see the big picture.  The same thing has to be done with technology.  You may not want them to use it, but if they are wouldn't you rather them use it safely, wisely and to their benefit to help them achieve success?  I know as a parent and educator, I sure do.  I want my children to be smart and successful.  I want them to use all parts of their brain.  I want them to have opportunities to be creative and figure things out on their own.  These kids are born in a world where all they have ever known is technology.  They are more comfortable with it than many adults out there because most adults have had to adapt to it and incorporate it into their lives.  Another point I would like to make is that technology gives students who may be limited financially to be able to learn about other cultures just from having an internet connection.  I think that kids who are more exposed to more culture and diversity grow up into more well-rounded individuals.

little boy reading a book

Reading Rockets
Reading Rockets is a website whose goal is to bring reading research to life and to help spread the word on "what works" for parents, teachers and administrators.  As a parent of a First Grade child, I was thrilled to learn about the tools and techniques available for me to help improve my son's reading.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, he is ADHD, so we have to work a little harder at keeping his attention.  At home, we have a book corner and encourage reading and writing daily.  We have had to change our reading strategy a few times.  Just like this website says regarding struggling readers, we had to find books that he could make a personal and emotional connection with.

From a teaching standpoint, I was amazed with the quantity of resources available through this page.  Reading Topics from A to Z is very thorough.  The topics are listed in alphabetical order ranging from "About Reading" to "Writing".  There also is a link for Videos and Podcasts.  I think that this would be quite engaging for students to read a book and learn a little about the author via these multimedia tools.  I think it would be nice for them to put a face and a voice with the person who wrote the story.  Reading is all about making connections.  It is the basis for EVERYTHING in our lives.  If a child is not able to read, then they will struggle without a doubt academically.  The parents need to also be made aware of websites such as Reading Rockets.  A successful reader not only learns at school, but parents have to encourage and help teach their child at home.  It is a combination of both.  I will most definitely be looking at resources on here that I believe can help my son and myself create stronger reading skills.





Thursday, February 16, 2012

Blog Assignment #4

Flat Stanley Podcast
Silvia Tolisano's blog Langwitches has a variety of resources for teaching techniques in the classroom.  I read and listened to her classroom's Flat Stanley Podcast and was just amazed at how well-spoken these 1st grade students were.  The students read with such great expression and enunciated their words like little professional broadcasters.  My oldest son is in 1st grade right now, and I would just be quite impressed to see and hear his class produce a podcast to enhance their learning.

The Flat Stanley project is a project where students mail out "flat" Flat Stanley characters to people world wide. The students can then discuss their characters' adventures and journeys from all over the world.  In their, the children talk about their adventures in various places such as London, Antarctica, Alabama (Roll Tide), Space and other exciting places.  By listening to the podcast, you can easily feel the excitement that these students have.  This is such a great way for students to learn about different cultures and languages in the world.  I believe that this type of exposure really makes a well-rounded individual and these students will grow up feeling confident about trying new things.

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom by Joe Dale
In his blog post, teacher Joe Dale provided a YouTube video on the Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom, which highlights numerous beneficial key points for introducing podcasting in the classroom.  Podcasting is an innovative way for educators to engage their students with project-based learning.  Technology and the students of today go hand-in-hand, therefore, it is extremely crucial that a variety of technology-based programs and techniques be utilized in teaching.  Podcasting allows students to access a higher order of thinking as used in Bloom's Taxonomy.  It also allows the students to be creative and to interact with other students in the classroom and around the world.  Another benefit to podcasting is that it allows parents to be knowledgeable about what their child is learning at school.  This can also be beneficial to both the parents and child should the child have to miss a day of school due to an illness or other reason.

If a teacher would like to make podcasting a part of their curriculum, they can find more information on creating a podcast by using Garageband.

bloom's taxonomy chart
Bloom's Taxonomy Chart


Judy Scharf Podcast Collection
Judy Scharf provides a wealth of information and how-to's on her blog regarding podcasting.  I found so many great resources on this page that I will save for my current and future podcasting needs.  Within this collection, there is a video that provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a podcast using Audacity.  Scharf also gives ideas and lists for podcast projects, time schedules, submitting your podcast to iTunes, grading podcasts and other beneficial information for teachers who may need help getting started. I will definitely be saving this site to use for my future classroom needs.

RSS Feed symbol with headphones - podcasting


Project #6 "This is My Sentence" Video

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

C4T #1

tissue paper hearts cut out in the sky

Bryan Jackson whose blog Adventures in a Gifted Classroom: Musings on Modern Learning explores different techniques and methods of learning for students of today. Mr. Jackson teaches at the high school where he also graduated high school from. I find his personality to be very easy going and down to earth. His students seem to be able to relate to him and seem excited about his original approaches in education. I read a few of his blogs, but posted comments to the following two posts: Slice of Life - Last Run of the Day and Poetry is Nothing.

Slice of Life - Last Run of the Day is a post that was originally inspired by a project of Scott Lockman's.  Jackson describes how he would like to incorporate Digital Storytelling 106 into his curriculum to further engage his students on a journey of life-long learning.  Just like a great adventurer, Mr. Jackson lets his students and followers into a slice of his life during a visit to a ski resort. He video records his "last run of the day" down the snowy mountainside. By doing this Jackson allows his viewer around the world to experience new things by digitally capturing this scene in his life.  He teaches and challenges his students to get out of their comfort zones and explore the world.  By the power of technology we can grow together as a community and see things that we never thought would be possible. 

My comment:
I am a student of Dr. John Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. After reading your post, I am excited to see that there are so many great teachers out there, such as yourself, who are pioneering the way for online learning. I am very new to the blogging world and the terminology, but I believe that this community is a wondrous way to allow educators and students alike to have a creative outlet and gain a sense of community at the same time. 

I also enjoyed the "Last Run of the Day" video.  Living in the South, it is extremely rare that we get snow. I felt like I was on a field trip while watching. Thank you for your inspiring words.  I look forward to my look back in a year, so that I may be able to see how far I have come in this educational blogging world. 

The Poetry is Nothing blog post by Bryan Jackson is inspired by a poem written by Jabiz Raisdana. Mr. Jackson turns the poem into music by using his acoustic guitar. After taking it a step further, he introduces the musical version to his classroom and they all play the music inspired by the poem.  Please take a moment and interpret the poem for yourself. 

Poetry is Nothing poem

My comment:

Bravo to you and your talented students on a wonderful performance.  I was tapping my foot the entire time.  I love the sound of an acoustic guitar.  I find it to be very therapeutic, especially after a stressful day. 

We all need to do as the poem states and stop and listen and absorb the moments around us.  We live in a world where the rate of speed is almost always at full speed ahead. I am inspired by your creativity and find your teaching style to be engaging. You push your students to thing and learn in a new way.  Every single one of them was absorbed in the act and was "listening".

Here is the video of his class and their performance. 



Blog Assignment #3

Technology in Special Education
Lacey Cook, a Special Education teacher gives a short, yet effective demonstration about Technology in Special Education in her classroom.  Her students are able to utilize various technology gadgets such as laptops, iPods, Powerpoint Presentations and other tools to assist them in their various specialized learning processes. Being in a Special Ed classroom, she has students who have a variety of disabilities which effect their learning.  They all learn in different ways and at different rates.  These students already face many challenges in their day to day lives which are greater than the majority of other students in their schools.  With the use of technology her students have new abilities that were once out of their reach. Now they can operate more proficiently as one whole classroom unit and reach their learning potential at a rate which, for some, is twice as fast.

The first student previewed used to have to go out into the hallway by himself to read his books out-loud. Now, with the use of the iPod and a set of ear buds, he is able to listen to audio while following along in his book. The best part is that he is still surrounded by his fellow classmates.  Not only is this an important part to his learning, but now he is not singled out. This must have a tremendous effect on his self-esteem and overall give him a more positive experience at school.  The next few consecutive students are autistic and through the use of their laptops are able to participate in the class unlike before.  Laptops have made is possible for some of her students to improve their writing skills and have increased their abilities to turn in their classwork on time. Overall, the level of student participation and engagement has increased due to the use of technology and will assist the students in reaching their overall academic achievements. 

down syndrome child using an ipad in the classroom


IPad in Special Education
Dexteria is an app that I found was designed in coordination with occupational therapist For the affordable price of $4.99 on ITunes, this app can help improve fine motor skills, as well as, handwriting readiness.  It can be used in adults and children alike and is also easy to use.  In the program there are three main subcategories which focus on a variety of skills. The first program uses the "tap it" feature and aids in finger and hand movement.  The second program also aids in finger and hand movement, but requires it user to "pinch it".  This would be beneficial to those students who have a difficult time manipulating their pens and pencils.  The third program helps aid in advanced hand movements and requires its user to trace the letters of the alphabet.  One thing that I find to be helpful is that the teacher or parent can look at their child's progress and see what areas need improvement and see which areas that goals are being achieved. Here is a video I found where you can see a demonstration of this app. 

Gary Hayes Social Media Count
For those of you who are not yet sure about incorporating technology in your classroom, please check this out courtesy of Gary Hayes. After seeing the media counter change dramatically in just 10 seconds, I found myself to begin to think about how important it will be for me as a future educator to incorporate technology in my curriculum.  Today alone, I personally sent a total of 15 emails, 2 Tweets, and shared numerous videos via YouTube. What about you?



A Vision of Students Today
Michael Wesch, an associate professor at Kansas State University, gives his students a chance to express real details of what being a student of today is like in his YouTube video, "A Vision of Students Today". He asks only one question on his final exam, Why are you here? Simple at first, but then once you sit and think about it where will your mind take you?  His vision in the video takes you into a university lecture hall with over 100 empty desks. At the front there is the indistinguishable chalkboard. As a student, when I see a chalkboard, my mind begins to wander to find something more interesting. That's just it...are lecture halls engaging us college students to think beyond the ordinary and never changing chalkboard? It is a deep black hole that begins the day dreaming process. We want to be engaged! We want to be able to relate! We want to actually walk out of a lecture hall and feel excited about coming back to class.

We, the students of today, are not the ones of 1970 and before.  Heck, students of today are not even the students of 2005. "Times are a changing" as my grandfather would say. Even he, a 78 year old man, has a smartphone, a Kindle, and a laptop.  Future teachers do not have an easy job. We have to find new ways to interact and engage with our students and embrace technology. I do not want to be known as a number, but an original person with original thoughts.  I want to leave my university and feel that I have the tools I need to go out and inspire my own students so that they may continue the process of inspiring those in their lives.