Final Project #16

Additional Assignment 1

Reading Tom Johnson's article I did understand that he was using a metaphor but did not clearly state it in my blog post. I did think what if he replace the word "pencil" with "computer" but, I guess wasn't 100% sure so did not post it. I think others myself and other are just to serious and took it literally. I should have took more time on reading it to be certain what he meant and went with my first instinct. I believe we use metaphors to get a point across. I really like using metaphors they can be funny and add excitement to a story. I really like it when others use metaphors also, it makes me laugh. I will defiantly be on the look out for metaphors now. Some of the most common metaphors I can think of I use regularly are:
Music to my ears
Jumping for joy
It's raining cats and dogs
Free as a bird
Easy as pie
Piece of cake
Slow as Christmas
I really could go on, these are just a few.

Blog Post# 13

My Teacher is an App
I chose to read this article because I actually know 2 high school students that are attending Florida Virtual School this year to finish up their high school. At first when I heard about this I thought this is a joke school. But, come to find out this is actually a public school offered through the state of Florida that offers a valid high school diploma. I was amazed, this is not fair. We did not have this in when I was in high school. But, that is OK because I really enjoyed going into the "brick- and- mortar" school. I personally think that this should not be allowed unless unusually circumstances. It does children good to get out and socialize with others their own age. If they don't go to school they probably stay inside all day with not physical activity. Also, who is to say they are not cheating on their test and other work. Unless the child is very self-motivated they may choose not to do their work or have someone else do it for them. This could be a very bad thing if not properly monitored.

One the hand, the two high school students I know would have dropped out of school if not for this program. They are very beautiful children and not sure what happened to them in their high school years but, their older sister has already dropped out. They would be following right along her but not that Florida has the virtual school they are at least going to get their high school diplomas. One even wants to go to Univeristy of Alabama. This for them turned out to be a good thing but it hindering them from interacting with other peers.

Smart Board Presentation Part 2

Final Project Progress

I am getting a little excited about the final project. Not just because it is the final one it is a big one. My group and myself have been discussing ideas through email. We are currently brainstorming ideas to each other. As of right now we are going for doing a imovie of our experiences throughout EDM310. We will be talking about how we felt through out the course. Also, we will have clip in it our past projects we have done. As of right now that is about it. We plan on meeting this week in the lab to start on the interviewing of each other.

Blog Post #12

For this assignment I would like you to find and contact a former EDM310 student using the Student Link on the right hand side of the blog page. Try to contact them through email, Facebook, or twitter and set up a time where you could interview them. The interview can be done Skype, over the phone, or in person. I would like you to ask them about their experiences in EDM310, what is the most important thing they took from the class and have they used any of the ideas they learned in EDM310 in their Education journey. I would like the interview to be 5-7 min long. I also want you thoughts at the end. It is very important you interact with other students, they can be your best sources for new information. Each one of us may see things in a different light and it is important to help each other. I am sure the former students would not mind at all helping out.

Skype Interview Project 14

Ms. Yollis' 3rd grade class blog

Ms. Yolli's Blog

Ms. Yollis' is on her twenty fifth year of teaching. Ms. Yollis has taught a variety of classes over her years of teaching but, is currently teaching third grade. Ms. Yollis has just recently finished her master's degree in Integrating Technology. The more I read about her the more I admired her. She is a very intelligent woman who seems determined to be the best educator she can be. She has done some amazing things in life. She has even taught in another country. She also loves to travel and has recently traveled to many places throughout the country. Ms. Yollis' blog is awesome and she defiantly goes above and beyond to find new ideas for her students.

Ms. Yollis is very big on proofreading. She has a video that stresses how important to proofread your work is. She has turned away comments due to errors. The children are also learning how important to proofread is. Ms. Yollis has a visitor counter on her blog similar to the one Dr. Strange has on his blog. I was amazed that over 50,000 visitors has viewed her blog from U.S. That is amazing and must make the kids feel very proud.

What I really loved was Ms. Yollis' website. This is a wonderful tool for students, parents,and grandparents. Her web page has blogging tips, homework, spelling, and etc. on it. It is a really great tool to keep up with what your child is doing. Her web page also has a view counter and already has over 5,000 viewers to visit her web page. She is amazing and I hope to be just as dedicated as she is.

Blog Post# 11

Little Kids...Big Potential
I was very impressed at the different technology they used in their classroom. The kids seemed to be excited about coming to school and learning new things. This is a wonderful way to keep the children engaged in activities. They really made it look like they were having fun while learning. They each really enjoyed writing in their blogs, and looking at their webpage. This video showed many different web pages they used. For example, they used wiki to figure out what thing were when they were not sure. They also made videos and put up on their blogs. I know the kids really enjoyed doing this. I was really amazed that they are using Skype at such a young age. I have never used skype (yet) in all my 29 years. I will be next week though. I thought that is was neat that they used the Nintendo DS for problem solving and also used it to learn to share. It was really cool to hear them speak of people from Alabama. That made me feel good.

Ms. Cassidy Skype Conversation"

I really enjoyed listening to Ms. Cassidy's Skype interview. She had many great and interesting points. That would have really been neat to be there during the interview. She explains how 10 years ago she was given 5 computes for her classroom and really had no choice but to find out new ideas for 1st graders. This began her journey on becoming technology literate. She began a blog page for her students to blog on. I think I will defiantly be using a blog page. If I can't arrange it so each child will have their own. I will have one for me to post assignments, and changes, and other information for students and parents. I feel that is important for parents to have a way of getting in contact with the teacher on matters. If possible I would like for each child to have their own to post on at least once a week. I know with elementary school aged kids their blog post won't be long but, that is going to be fine. Ms. Cassidy also talks about how the children light up when they see the number of people that has actually viewed their blog. This will keep the children interested and want to do a good job. Even though Ms. Cassidy did not ever have a principal that was totally opposed to her blogging, some did not really help either. I hope to get a principal that supports the use of technology and allows me to have a blog. Technology is not going away so to be the best teachers we can be we must become computer literate. If for any reason but to collaborate with other teachers and educational professionals. We can learn so much from them. Blogs also have an audience and allow feedback with ideas and comments. That is a great way to keep on learning new things.

C4K Summary for October

My first Kid for October was a 7 year old boy from Pt. England School named Liam. Liam is a wonderful kid who is very smart. He has a twin brother named Patrick. I told him that is very cool and he is luck to have a twin brother. Liam and Patrick are in the same class at school. They each have their own cat, Liam's cat is named Mikey and Patrick's cat is named Mily. He spends most of his free time on the PlayStation 3 and computer but, not all his time. He really likes sports and his favorite sport is soccer. He has several more he enjoys as well like football and cricket. Liam is very talented when it comes to playing music. He has learned how to play the guitar and flute. If and when Liam wants to relax he listens to music.

My Second Kids was Maia. Her class had a very cool wiki page. Her class was room 3 in Kids with a view. I was to tell Maia about something cool about the United State. I chose to tell her about our fairs we have. I really used the fair in Minnesota to tell her about. Even though I have never been there I read about it on the Internet and it seemed unbelievable. It lasted 12 days and over 1.6 million people attended. I went on to explain to her that this is a log of people. I just really can't get over how cool her classes page was.

My third kids was Bryce. Bryce's blog was awesome. Maybe that's why the name of his page is Bryce's awesome blog. I read Bryce's post on his favorite game which is Roblox. Roblox is a virtual playground and workshop designed for children ages 7 and older. Bryce goes on in his blog on how the game Roblox works. Roblox users can create the places they have always dreamed of!Users have a choice of thousands of games to play, varying in design from what the game developers wanted to create. Types of places vary by the feature where the creator of the game can choose a genre.Players in Roblox have the ability to construct up to 100 places (depending on membership type), using an unlimited supply of virtual building blocks. Players can add as many bricks as they want. They can insert their own scripts to add functionality, or can use other player’s scripts, if that player has allowed it onto the public market. I commented on how neat I though this was. It is very interesting to know that a 7 year old can do something like this.

My fourth kid was Sydnie. Syndie was my randomly chosen kid by the machine that pick them for us. I was so glad that I was chose to read her blog because it was about why did we have to go to school on Columbus day. I have wondered this before, if all the banks, state, and federal offices are closed. Sydine seemed to clear this up for me. She goes on in her blog to talk about that Christopher Columbus did not really discover America. The Asiatic people who became Native Americans later on were defiantly the first to find North America. But we really don't know, it may have been found by St. Brendan, Basque fishermen, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Africans, and even Carthaginians. Many of these could be true but we really don't know. Many schools think if Christopher Columbus didn't discover America, then why should we have a holiday about how he “discovered” America? Sydnie states that the school systems believe that America was not really founded by Columbus so chooses not to make that a holiday. But, she does say it would be nice to have the day off, I agree.

Another Kid I was assigned to was Hailey. Her blog post was story she wrote on her Let's Write a Story assignment. It was about her playing in a soccer game and she described it so great I felt like I was there. She explained how it was a cool night with the air blowing on her knees making them shake. I was really impressed on her writing. The thing is though in the story she explains how it is her against the goalie and she never tells the end of the story. I commented to her that I wanna know if she made it or not. But, I felt like she did.

My last Kid to comment on was Michael L. Michael actually commented me back and that was so nice to me. Michael, a student in room 10 at Pt. England school. He has several post that are labeled his animations that are really neat. It is so interesting reading/watching all his post. It is amazing how smart the kids are. I have really enjoyed reading all the post. Michael's post were called animations. They were pictures he has drawn and wanted you to guess what they were or looked like. He seems to be a very smart child. I really enjoyed his blog.

Blog Post 10

Do you Teach or do you Educate?

This video was very inspiring. The music was a great touch to capture the attention. I feel the words can be used synonymously. The video showed more impact on Educate and all the cool terms were use with it. But, I don't feel like an Educator and a Teacher is much different. I want to be a Teacher that will educate the students the best I can. To teach means to show and explain how to do something, encourage someone, and give information. The video show the words that describe Educator here are a few; enlighten, empower, mentor, shows the way, and trusted advisor. I want to be all of these plus the definition of Teacher and I do believe that is possible. It all has to do with educating the student. That is the goal we as Teacher/Educators have and we all work toward that goal. Call it what you like,it is Education which is the kindling of a flame.

Tom Johnson's Don't let Them Take Pencil's Home!
In this blog the message to me was Educators get too caught up on the outcomes of test scores they lose focus on having the student learn. They need to be more focused on a solution to problem and not just the problem. Some teachers do not really look at the problem correctly becasue they are so caught up on test scores and that is their main focus. Even though test scores are important and measure how well a teacher is teaching learning is also very important. To me test scores are not a correct measure of a teachers ability to teach. Some student do not take these test very serious and cause low scores. Students seem to learn in a more creative environment. I think Gertrude is too caught up in having high test scores , that is does not matter to her what the children are actually learning. As long as their test scores remain high she does not want to change anything. I guess you could really substutue the word "pencil' with any educational word like computer, textbook, or worksheets. Focusing on test scores is becoming a main focus throughout schools today.

C4t Summary 3

What did you do during the great occupation of twenty-ought-eleven?
I was assigned to a blog of 19 educators called Cooperative Catalyst. The most recent blog post was by an educator Brent Shavely called "What did you do during the Great Occupation of twenty-ought-eleven? Brent believes that all of life is a learning experience. I agree everyday is a learning experience for me. Each day brings up new questions and answers. Students may ask questions we may not know the answers for but, we must find them we then learn new material. He also believes that individuals worked there entire lives seeking out "new things" to have and to do. Well again I agree because I feel like that is what I am doing. I am seeking an education to have a better life for me and my family. In his blog he goes on to talk about how learning experiences occur at all times and under all circumstances.

Challenge schools to change
The second C4T was also on the blog Cooperative Catalyst. This time is was an educator named Chad Sansing. The title of his blog was "Challenge Schools to Change".Chad Sansing is a humanities teacher at a charter school. He believes that a simple truth lurks behind our schools: we built them to keep our kids apart. Chad's blog talks about how each child deserves a personally meaningful education and a community of learning that includes ,involves, and inspires him or her. It is about creating a new public education system that recognizes and values a broader definition of learning than that accounted for by test. Chad's goal is to influence federal and state education policy so that meaningful work of lasting value stands in place of high test scores.

Project 13 Smart Board Presentation Part 1

Blog Post #9

What I have Learned this year (2008-09)
What I have Learned this year (2008-09)
I wanted to read Mr.McClung's first year (2008-09) and third year (2010-11) to see if his attitude has changed any.
When Mr. McClung first started out he was so worried and caught up in pleasing his superiors he lost touch with his audience. Mr. McClung felt like he was trying to control things way too much. I can see how this would happen on your first year as a teacher. He would beat himself up over activities that did not go well. He needed to get over that and I feel the same way. We are all human and not everything is always gonna go as planned.

He also states how communication is key. I strongly agree with him on this. Communication is the best way to learn, solve, and respond to an issue in the workplace. He also mentions "don't be afraid of technology." We as EDM students have learned how technology can help you as a teacher. Don't be afraid of it, it is our friend. Lastly, never stop learning. It is never to late to change something. Students deserve the best we can give them.

What I have learned this year (201-11)
What I have learned this year (2010-11)
Know who your boss is
I really loved Mr. McClungs statement about we are here for the kids. Don't get caught up in any other drama at the school. Focus on what you are there for, the kids. Students should always be the primary focus. Even though administration is important you are there to serve and teach the kids. Mr. McClung is an optimist and tries to maintain a positive attitude when it comes to things such as change. I really think this is important. Change is not always a bad thing. Change is good. I hope I am just as optimistic as him. Mr. McClung states "don't be afraid to be an outsider". That is something that I am afraid of. I am not saying I want to be in others business and drama. I surely don't want that, I just want to feel welcomed and not have to worry about not fitting in. I think it is important to have good relationships with other co-workers. I really enjoyed reading his post and hope I have the same look on teaching as he does.

Project 12 My Book Trailer

Blog Post #8

This is How We Dream Part 1&2

Richard Miller's presentation is a great way of showing how multimedia is used in the classroom. The computer/Internet is the most useful source for information. I could not tell you how long it has been since I have been to the library. Several years ago I would have gone to the library at least once a week. That is really changed with the evolution of the Internet. I still do love books but, it is so convenient to go to the Internet at home or school and get the information I need.

This is the world we work in today, a digital environment. There is an unlimited source of information on the Internet. As classroom teachers we must understand and accept how fast the world of multimedia can and is changing. The Internet is a great way to keep in touch with people all around the world. It has become so easy to stay involved in something while half way across the world.

Am I prepared to write with multimedia in the classroom? I really want to be, I will definitely use it in my classroom. I think it is a great way to teach. The kids seem to enjoy using all the technology out today. I am excited to learn how it all works myself. There is so much to learn and I am eager to learn and teach it. It will be a great way to incorporate different ideas into the classroom. My students may not be ready themselves but, with my help and help for others they will be. We must teach and learn together. This is a very creative way to lean. It is awesome to view your final project online once you have completed the project.

Carly Pugh's Blog Post 12

In Carly's blog post she talks about how you can be a better teacher by creating a YouTube play list. After reading and viewing all the videos my thought was "WOW". This is great and would be a great source to have as a classroom teacher. I have never created a YouTube play list and at first seemed like it would be a little time consuming but, after I read on it seem simple. She really had some great videos on her play list and gave me some great ideas to use in my future classroom.

Chipper
The message from the two videos was you should always do your work on time and do not procrastinate. If you wait until the last minute to do your work it will get very stressful. EDM310 can be overwhelming but, if you just give yourself time to do the work you should be fine. How funny was the part when "Chipper" said that Dr. Strange was not doing his job because she just wanted to learn and do no work. Take on EDM310 as a fun experience and not all just work and no play. If you have fun and actually learn it will be such a better experience. I felt like Dr. Strange wants us to succeed but, also wants us to do the work instead of looking for ways out. The video shows how if you do not do your best at your work you may be without a job. Procrastination is not a good thing and if you want a little less stress in your life, learn to better you time and do not procrastinate.

Learn to change, Change to Learn
This is a powerful video about learning in education. It states that education is different now, more people seem to care about their culture. As a classroom teacher we must know how to find information and communicate that info. "Death of education, dawn of learning", this is what the last speaker on the video says. With everything changing so rapidly now everyday there is something new to learn.

TimeToast Timeline Instructional Project #9b

Short Movie Project #11

C4T Summary 2

Nancy's Imaginary Line
1) I had the pleasure of being assigned to a blog "Connected Principles". I read a blog post titled Nancy's Imaginary Line. This was an interesting story of a teacher who took her students out for an exciting outdoor activity, which turned out to be so much more. He little group was restless so she took 2 pylons and told the kids to stand behind the "imaginary" line. Well the kids minds started to turn. The students walked over to the imaginary line and had many questions.
1."What color were the lines, can mine be pink"?
2."How thick are the lines"?
3."What does and imaginary line really look like"?.....
These were just a few of the questions the student asked. It goes to show how each student thinks differently and how smart they are. Their minds were really focused on the imaginary line. The teacher was a little thrown off course. This was a good lesson in imagination and creativity for the students.

Pause Before You Post
2)This article was about technology bullying. October is Anti-Bullying month. The reason a month is dedicated to anti-bullying is to help cut down and eliminate the number of students being bullied through computers. Many people think it is OK because they hide behind a computer and are not face to face. Students are actually committing suicide due to bullying. We as teachers must learn to recognize bullying and put a stop to it. My teacher that I commented on is a strong believer in social media but, feels that it has became easier for cyber bullying. I agree I also love all the social networks sites as well but, we need to teach children to be more careful in what they post. Ask them..Would you actually say that to their face? So for the month of October.."Pause before you Post".

1st Progress report on my PLN

As of right now I am very new to creating a PLN and still have a lot of work to do on it. As of right now I have 27 tiles on my symbaloo. I have a variety from craigslist to my favorite search engine Google. My PLN will help me have a set of people and websites tools that I can call upon for help, consultation, collaboration and other assistance. I have added some lesson plan sites as well, I have found them to be very helpful this semester. Even though I am just starting out I plan to add more as I come across helpful websites. My PLN will always be a work in progress.