Sunday, November 30, 2014

Blog Post #5 Part 2

I can really understand the importance of having a good PLN for a career in education. After doing a weekly blog and seeing how other educators are doing their own lessons and still enhancing their skills. After reading blogs of educators such as Nick Provenzano and Krissy Venosdale, I have really come to my senses on how being a full time learner is a requirement to being an educator. Both have been in the game for a long time and are constantly finding new way and acquiring new skills to improve student output and motivation. Seeing how even the students respond to the blog prompts are very inspiring. While including these specific educators, as well as many others, unto my blog feed and twitter I feel that I am acquiring a vast repertoire of professionals that we may help guide each other through the journey of improving education to its best potential.
Multiple terms relating to PLN
Link to image: here

C4T Post #4

Krissy Venosdale
Krissy's Blog

3D Cube Assignment

In the first comment I left on Krissy's blog, the blog pertained to a 3d cube assignment. The assignment entailed the students creating a three-dimensional cube that was completely unique and original, but also conveyed a story as well. The assignment, in my opinion, seemed to be very entertaining and would be a great motivator for students to be creative and present something that was completely their own. All of the cubes are assembled into one masterpiece which constitutes cubes from various other students who shared their own stories. Being a future educator, I can only imagine the joy I would have myself watching the students engaging the creative process and striving to learn more.

Source Code
Link to image: here

So You ARE Ready to Code After All

In the second comment on Krissy's blog it was relating to her experiences with code in the classroom. She realized just how much more students take from assignments when offered complex tasks which require much trial and error. When pertaining to code, students have various different learning methods that include either kinetic, visual, or auditory learning methods. Students will also keep working on the problem until the task is completed, but are also very adamant about being self reliant. I can attest to this as when I was a student of a much younger age, I wanted to do everything myself and would think myself a failure if help was needed to complete any task.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Blog Post #14

Teaching our children can be a profession

1. Problem: Teaching must be professionalized to the degree of one who studies law or medicine.
    Solution: Teachers must be trained to develop a student's knowledge to a higher level of quality.
   
    Teachers should be treated with the same degree of professionalism as other more important careers carry. A level of experience should also be accounted for when regarding this new movement. There need to be more hands-on experience made available to up and coming educators rather than just tests and papers explaining the methodology. I thoroughly agree to Shanker's choice in a mandatory 1-3 years of internship for those studying to be an educator.

2.Problem: A higher quality of teacher must be available.
   Solution: A higher quality can be found in the top 3 of the class.

   Once again I am in agreement with Shanker. Although I myself would not be classified, I do however understand that for the world to take educators more professionally there must be a higher risk of challenge. Doctors go through many exams as well as school hours to achieve standing as an acting physician, so why shouldn't teachers be put through the same ordeal? Despite other students striving to be educators, the major doesn't require many challenging requirements and what challenges there are seem quite minimal compared to that of a medical student.

3. Problem: Senority grants immunity to most educators from scrutiny even if their educating abilities are                           lacking.
    Solution: Yearly examinations that will determine the educators knowledge of  pedagogy and academia.

    I myself have felt the brunt of experiencing a teacher who was tenured, but nevertheless was unable to provide an enriched and productive education. Education is a constantly changing organism that is still growing itself and unless one is able to change their ways the students are left to stand below their own potential. With the use of a yearly exam, educators are able to keep up their knowledge up to date and help make the classroom more productive and motivated. We are all still learners after all, so why not keep bettering ourselves in helping the students exceed expectations.


In conclusion, I found this post to be very enlightening. It seems the process wouldn't take very long to get accustomed to, however I can see where those in a tenured position would find themselves "under attack" from it. Speaking as a future educator, the more time wasted not addressing the problem their is a proportionate number of students underachieving with it. Education is an important facet of the world and demands to be recognized as such. It requires high quality individuals who are not afraid to learn what it takes to provide a great education and to keep on learning  new methods as well.

Project #6 C4K Month of November

 1. Dilem
Dilem's Blog

In the first week of November, I was assigned Dilem's blog to read. Dilem wrote an interesting tale about a sculpture in the woods coming to life and terrorizing the everyone. It was very chilling and and I persuaded Dilem that they should pursue their writing further in the future. It is nice to be able to see young students be creative and inventive inside of the classroom.

Thanksgiving Cornicopia
Link to image: here
2. Brennan
Brennan's Blog

Brennan is a 5th grade student of Mrs. Mena's class in Chula Vista, California. His post was regarding his Thanksgiving traditions. Even though he is far away in California, I recognize that my own family practices the holiday in the same way.From the cranberries, mash potatoes, and the thoughts about the first Thanksgiving all of which I found that we both practice every year.

3. Jacque
Jaque's Blog

Jacque, a sixth grade student of Mrs. DeBuhr's class, had recently posted an interesting blog. The blog consisted of a reflection of what was learned this semester which included new vocabulary and chrome books. Jacque has amazing study habits, as stated in the post, and could truly succeed throughout life if the work is kept up. It was definitely thrilling to see a student from sixth grade use a more refined vocabulary, it was definitely an improvement from the language that I am more accustomed to hearing from this age group. 

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Blog Post #13

How can Project-Based Learning be used in Language Arts?

This assignment will address how Project-Based Learning can be used in a standard Language Arts classroom. Watch the following videos below and post a response to each of them. One may address more resources that are not currently present.

1. Watch Project Based Learning and Common Core Standards - Matt Gillispie, Lancaster City Schools  about Matt's project on mass hysteria.

2. Watch Project Based Learning and Common Core Standards - Kelli Marvin, Lancaster City School on Kelli's
3. Watch Apps for English Learners and discover what new apps are available to Language Arts educators.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

C4T#3



The Nerdy Teacher written on a chalkboard
Link to image: here
Nick Provenzano

On the first week of November I was given Nick's blog The Nerdy Teacher. On the blog Nick showcases many strategies and reflections that he had implemented in his classroom. Also, he has apparently been awarded for his hard work many times over judging by what he has posted on his wall. On the particular post he had made it was a reflection of what he had done for that particular week to catch on his other reflections. I had left a comment asking how his reflections helped his teaching career as well as why reflections help educators in general.


The second time returning to Nick's Blog, he had posted a video that he played in his sessions. This video included cartoon songs from the 80's and 90's to which those who were listening sang along to. He related the behavior to that of a classroom setting and how a little fun goes a long way, especially considering the students attention. My comment related to the video where I remarked how important it is to keep the classroom setting fun. I reminisced how in my younger days of grade school a little video or song every now and again would peak the class interest. Keeping learning fun but productive is every teachers dream, so finding the right tools to do so is detrimental.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Project 14 Lesson Plan Group Tres


Map of United States of America seperated by regions
Link to image: here



Post #11

What can we learn about teaching and learning from these teachers?

Students about to send a weather balloon into the atmosphere
Link to Image: here


In Brian Crosby's video Back to The Future, Brian discusses how to instill passion into students by using project based learning. He teaches 24 students who are second language learners and have difficulties learning the basics of the English language. Crosby, with the help of Project-Based Learning, was able to not only motivate his students to want to learn but also go further and learn things that are not required. With his balloon project Crosby implemented social media such as Blogs and Flickr for writing intensive work, collaboration in the class and outside the class, and an authentic audience; plus, he was able to have the students show what knowledge they had learned and let them shine. By allowing his students to even at one point teach another class an experiment that they had learned was something profound and remarkable, as a future educator I realize that seeing one's students retain the knowledge presented to them but also implementing that knowledge in a passionate way is every educators dream. And it was all achieved by technology and Project-Based Learning in the classroom. I was also proud by how Brian used technology to include even a child with leukemia into the classroom with technology.

The next video Blended Learning Cycle introduces Paul Anderson and how he uses the blended learning cycle in his science classroom. The blended learning cycle itself is comprise of the standard blended learning including: mobile, online, and classroom learning; and also that of the learning cycle of a science classroom including: engage, explore, explain, expand, and evaluate. Both of these cycles come together to form a blended learning cycle that Paul calls Q.U.I.V.E.R.S. At first the educator must provide a hook or a question to get the students interested in what is going on and expand on their own curiosity. Next the students are able to investigate whatever the phenomenon is and provide more questions as to how things operate. Usually this process works hand in hand with the experimenting portion of a theory that the students may have and allows them a hands on approach to the object. After investigation comes video where the educator has set up a podcast or use another means so that students are able to view it on their own time, also this technology allows the educator more time to review what the students are doing. Then the class is lead into elaboration where the students can make diagrams and discuss what is going on with the current experiment which continues into the review portion where the teacher meets with them individually or in groups about their knowledge that was acquired through the experiment. Only until the educator is satisfied is when the students are able to take the summary quiz that ends the Q.U.I.V.E.R.S. procedure. It is definitely an improvement onto the scientific method and by using the technology in class, I am positive that the student's attentions are more involved and the educator is more involved as well in guiding their attention in the right direction.

In Dr. Richtart's video of Making Thinking Visible the author makes it apparent just how important it is to document a student's thoughts and ways of thinking not just for their own reflection, but also to show others the progress of the students also. I now know that an excellent way to document a students way of thinking and making it visible is by blogging. Not only is it posted to a document that can be accessed from around the world, plus the student acquires comments and feedback that can shape and grow the way that the student thinks individually.

Sam Pane from Omaha, Nebraska made his video to show how he used project-based learning in the class to address online safety. His students created their own super hero and comic book addressing a particular instance of online danger (e.g. Spam, online bullying, identity theft, etc.). Not only are the students able to be more creative, but the bar is set so the students can go above and beyond what is required. By making a project that is more individual, the students are not only having fun but also producing quality work that they want to show to everyone. I have to admit that had this kind of activity been used in my past classes at elementary school, there would have been a drastic increase in participation.

In the video Project Based Learning, three teachers present how they implemented project-based learning in the classroom to connect three different subjects from three different classrooms. Al Wandler and Melanie Delorme, a History and English teacher, have tried on various accounts to provide a cross curriculum for students using traditional schooling which all the attempts have led to failure. However, through the miracle of project-based learning and inclusion of an information processing teacher, Lona Froshaug, the process was bridged much more effectively. Students are more motivated and proud by the quality of work they have accomplished. This quality achieved by feedback from different teachers, students, and classrooms that provide different questions and viewpoints to the authors. To me it seems very detrimental to promote the idea to students that their work isn't just "busy work" that cannot be improved upon, but something that is individual and motivates them to produce quality work and effort while also sharing it with the world.

In the final video, Roosevelt Elementary discusses their project-based learning curriculum that is implemented from kindergarten to the 5th grade. Roosevelt school is heavily project based which the students have shown a great response to with increased grades and knowledge. Even the parents are astounded by the effects of project-based learning and give their full support to it being used in the classroom. The video also touches on the heart of project-based learning which is student choice. When students are able to make their own choice and provide unique input their individual creativity will exceed all expectations. Giving the students to answer real world problems with tools they will use in their adult life is a detrimental resource to build upon in their lives. Also, the idea of starting public speaking early is a fantastic choice as I myself have been plagued with fear speaking in front of others countless times. Which I never understood how to motivate children to give quality work, but giving them an audience to show their work helps with the issue. And not just having other students as an audience, but individuals around the globe can spark a child's motivation to surpass their own potential.



Saturday, October 25, 2014

Blog Post #10

Shakespeare asking to"blog or not to blog"
Link to image: Here

In the first video we are introduced to Kathy Cassidy, a first grade teacher who uses technology in her classroom to aide her student's education. She has been using technology for 10 years beginning with her own webpage as well as establishing a class blog 5 years ago. Cassidy is adamant about using technology in the class room and believes that not learning and implementing such valuable tools in the learning process, teachers are not only handicapping the student's education but are also handicapping their own teaching skills. One particular tool, Blogs, she holds in high regard by its ability to give children a vast audience to show their work which may include their own parents who can check their child's progress regularly. Through her class blog, her students are met by different students from universities as well as elementary schools who Skype, post comments, and give feedback to a multitude of the students posts.
The second video begins by asking what technology is best to start with as a beginning teacher. Cassidy states that one needs to find the tool that they are most comfortable and proficient with. If a person is more comfortable using audio or video, then setting up a youtube account could be a valuable class tool. Also, Twitter plays a cool role in this video where Cassidy explains how this social tool is more valuable than it seems. I myself was under the belief that twitter was useless for any kind of important information; however, after listening to Cassidy about the important people that she follows and the links they provide, I can see that Twitter is more than just an "old person's Facebook".
In the final video, Dr. Strange lets his EDM 310 students ask Cassidy some prevalent questions concerning her teaching methods and use of technology. The first questioner is a physical education major which Cassidy provides wisdom on how technology could be used in their field of study. By using a blog or sending texts to students, the future educator will find that the technology makes sending information easier. The next question involved blogs possibly making cheating more accessible in the classroom to which Cassidy responds that it shouldn't. She states that it is up to the educator to develop an interesting lesson which the students can only provide quality and original work. The internet is becoming more of a collaborative tool for everyone to use so plagiarizing work should be kept to a minimum. A student also asks if Facebook can be used in the classroom, a question that I needed answering myself, which Cassidy replied that one could through the use of school Facebook accounts. Seeing how popular that this social media has become, implementing it into a lesson or project could be detrimental to a student's education. Another good question a student asked was how much does the classwork bleed into one's personal time at home. Cassidy says that is has become a day to day ordeal and that finding a good balance between the work and one's family time is key. I have to admit I also enjoyed the snow at the end of the video. Being raised down in the south for my entire life, seeing the snowbanks was very refreshing.
After watching all of these videos, the tools I will have available for me and my students is an astounding number. Now that I know that there are ways to use media sites that I use myself such as Youtube, Facebook, etc. I am much more comfortable with project based learning. Also much to my chagrin, I can also see how blogs can play a key role into a students education. I admit that I myself haven't been all that enthusiastic about having to write a post on a weekly basis, but seeing how Cassidy has used it to provide her students an audience not only far larger than just the teacher, but an audience that can provide feedback and resources that were not previously mentioned to them. By using this social media, I realize that I alone am not just teaching them but they are teaching themselves as well as being taught by the entire world. As an educator, I see my position is merely to open the door for the students to exceed their own potential.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Blog Post #9



Logo representing concepts concerning Project Based Learning
Link to Image: Here

In the article The Seven Essentials for Project-Based Learning, the author mentions 7 criteria that are essential to a more effective project for a classroom. At first the article touches on what students need to know to understand what their project entail. The criteria supports opening discussion with videos or other uses of media to instill a different attitude towards the project rather than that of busy work. It is imperative to being the project with an entry event to allow motivation as well as critical thinking. The critical thinking is then put to a greater use with the second driving question, which is the driving question. The driving question is an open ended and complex thesis that will cover the over all main idea of the project. It allows the students a main point to work off of and keep their own projects on course. Other than this driving question, student voice and choice is also a key element in the process and drives the students interest and creativity. By allowing the students more choice, the project becomes more meaningful and personal rather than just creating a product for the sake of a grade. The bar is also set even higher as students get to choose how their project is to be presented to the class. These varying presentations are strengthened by their individual knowledge of key 21st century skills. With the effectiveness of the students organizational and oral communication skills, students are able to make their product more professional using tools that they will be using daily in future careers. Another criteria stated would be inquiry, which is not the driving question but more questions that the students come up with themselves. The students are able to search for answers to their questions and find entertainment in actually learning what they want to know about a specific topic. Lastly the article touches on feed back and public assessment. Students are more prone to provide quality work after assessment from their individual classmates and if they are going to allow others to view their work. After reading this article and seeing how a project comes together piece by piece, I can see how important it is for students to have more choice in their work and provide a means to show the work to others.

 Project-Based Learning for Teachers

This video is a brilliant advertisement showing the benefits of Project-Based Learning in the classroom. It touches on the key elements including the 21st century skills such as communication and organization. I would definitely recommend this video to those who have questions to what Project-Based Learning actually entails.

Project Based Learning and Physical Education
In this article, the author presents a class project concerning subject matter in Physical education. I myself had never even considered the idea of the range of Project Based Learning. However, after seeing the author use the 7 essential criteria in the article above to show a step by step process of the project, I can see a much broader application of projects in all subject matter. Technology is definitely helping in all aspects of education in this day and age, and it seems that even physical education is not an exception.

Highschool Teachers Meet the Challenges of PBL Implementation
This video entails the process of completely reformatting a school wide curriculum into Problem Based Learning at the Summamish High School in Washington. It is a 5 year process which includes over 30 courses in the school. The teachers in the video begin by touching on subjects that are difficult to adapt such as Math, Literature, etc.For the case of Literature, teachers want to be able to explore important philosophical questions while also letting students produce their own questions. This lead to teachers having students read texts, and then applying the text using skills prevalent in the field's career. For example, after letting a student read a text, perhaps use a project that allows the students to create their own text using the same themes or subject matter. Being a future educator in Language Arts, I found this video to be quite beneficial in developing future projects.

Ten Sites Supporting Digital Classroom Collaboration In Project Based Learning
This page alone provides very useful resources when considering Project Based Learning in the classroom. It begins with the website Titanpad that is free to use and provides a more simplified version to that of the other free to use website Google Docs. Also sites such as Wall Wisher and Corkboardme allow teams as well as whole classrooms discuss their ideas and collaborate on their projects. However, Today's Meet I found to be very useful in its ability to produce a digital classroom that an be used inside and outside of class. I myself can think of many ways to use these tools for my future lesson plans.





Friday, October 10, 2014

Blog Post #8

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

After watching Randy Paucsh's video, I couldn't feel anything but more inspired and reverent of the field of study that I have chosen to make a career out of. Here we have Randy, an individual who is diagnosed with cancer and accepts that there isn't much that can be done to prevent it. However, this unfortunate ailment does not prevent him from doing what he likes to do. In his last lecture Randy provides 3 main points that he touches on: his childhood dreams, helping others fulfill their own dreams, and how to achieve the dreams.
For most of his life he seeks out his dream of working for the Imagineering team at Disney, but alas when the time comes he chooses instead to follow his career of being a professor. Here is a once in a life time chance for an individual that everyone dreams of and instead of working his dream job, he chose to educate students and tap into their own childhood dreams. For example, he showed a student he had that dreamed of working on future Star Wars movies, which the student did achieve shortly after graduating.
 It was inspiring how much joy he found in inspiring others even until the last of his days. The innovative ways that he found to make learning the hard stuff fun was ingenious and showed just how important and enjoyable he found in teaching. I found his takes on education to be quite refreshing and enlightening as soon I myself will be educating youths how to follow their own dreams. It would be nice one day to look back at not only my accomplishments, that the ones of so many others that I had helped pave the way for by introducing an innovative and entertaining education.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

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

Multiple Smartphones side by side
Link to Image: Words by Nowak
Part A

 Zoby Analytical Study
1. 87% say their smartphone never leaves their side.
2. 80% say the very first thing they do in the morning is reach for their smartphone.
3. 78% say they spend 2 or more hours per day using their smartphone.
4. 68% say they would prefer to use their smartphone instead of their laptop or personal computer for personal use.
5. 91% say that having a camera on their smartphone is important (61% very important)
6. 87% say they use their smartphone camera at least weekly. 59% use their smartphone camera at least every other day. 44% use their smartphone camera for still or motion picture taking every day.

As this study suggests, it is now near impossible to get students away from their phones. Data suggests that in the near future every student will have a smartphone on their bodies at all times regardless of rules and regulations. Social media has allowed social cliques of those few friends one had in high school to become a plethora of friends from around the globe.  Now that it is to the point where their morning routine is to wake up and check their smart phones, educators will have to find a way to use them in their lessons.

It seems that every smartphone since the first has been fitted with a personal camera. These cameras allow anyone to upload personal images to a variety of social media on the web including Facebook, Tumblr, and Flickr. With almost 50% of students taking photos everyday, the camera element could and should be used in the classroom as a way to bring relevant information with a tool that students use on a daily basis.

Part B

By using their own personal smartphone camera, students can take pictures of relevant images or ideas to a subject. As an educator, someone could make a class blog post where the student must post a relative image or images to a topic and post to the blog, either by their own blog or in a comment. This would provide not only a real world application on the subject but also build on the students research skills at the same time. One might also think about using the camera to take personal videos of students giving reviews on literature and other text. Going into Language Arts myself, I can see the proper use of the camera to allow students to post or send pictures and videos of what they have read providing summaries, favorite moments, or possibly pointing out literature mechanics in use.

Other than just using the camera, the smartphone itself is a great tool for the classroom. After stumbling upon a website called poll everywhere which allows a creator to make a poll question that sends text to various phones for a poll, I can see where a daily quiz question could be implemented by use of the smartphone.



Project #6 C4K Month of October

1. Auriana
Auriana's Blog

Artwork by Auriana Ms. Morgan's Class
Link to Image: Auriana

My first week of October I was assigned Auriana from Mrs. Morgans class. I was surprised to see her blog is covered with her own personal drawings which I found to be quite creative and colorful. I gave her information on the artist Pablo Picasso who was also colorful and used peace signs in his art as well. Also, in the comments were other students from other universities who had come to comment on her blog. I can imagine the joy she must feel acknowledging that college students are  looking at her blog "art gallery".

2. Kenadee
 Kenadee N.'s Blog

My second week of October I was given the blog of Kenadee N. of Mrs. Ripp's 7th grade class.This is a remarkable young student who finds enjoyment in going to class, as well as softball and volleyball. I posted a comment on her blog concerning certain ways she would like to changer how her classroom operates. She touches on key points such as seat assignments and having phones in class. I couldn't help but think of the blog post Dr. Strange had made considering the use of smart phones in class. Furthermore, now that I see this as a common problem for children coming from a child's perspective, I can't help but think of more ways to use these devices properly in the classroom for a more productive education.

1st graders using ipads in class
Link to source: here
3. Hallie
Hallie's Blog

On my second week of class I surveyed Hallie's blog. She is a 1st grade student in Mrs. Philipenko's class and had just developed her first blog. The classes first assignment is to develop a test post merely saying "I like school". I was again astonished for it was not but 8 weeks ago when I made my first test post myself, and here a first grade student is already doing it. The knowledge that children are obtaining at their age level is far surpassing my expectations, as well as my future students.

4.Mubashir
Mubashir
Logo of the Cricket World Cup 2015

My in my final week of October  I visited the blog of Mubashir. He is a 5th grade student in Mrs. Jacobsen's class in Auckland, New Zealand. His post was a free writing blog post which he chose the 2015 Cricket World Cup has his subject. Compared to myself his blogging abilities surpass my own knowledge, however I am gaining on him though. I have no idea how to play cricket or even where to play cricket. It is awesome how I get to experience speaking with students from opposite sides of the globe and actually help with their education.

Blog Post #7



After watching these videos, i couldn't be more proud of how much more advanced the children are becoming in their education by use of technological tools. Astonished would not be the correct term to describe my emotion when hearing that a kindergartner is achieving at the same assignments as a college curriculum. Albeit, I understand that their grammar and and comprehension aren't as refined quite yet, but still they are implementing these tools at a very early age and accessing skills they will need in their adult life.  
Logo for the Alabama Virtual Library
Link to Image: Alabama Virtual Library

After considering how well these students are at engaging these new technological devices, I am concerned about my own strengths on the matter. These students are progressing at such a fast rate, and much more than I will have ever given them credit for. I understand this weakness that the students will most likely be more knowledgeable than I considering the current technology at hand. However, after watching We All Become Learners, by letting myself become a leaner with my students I will be able to be educated by them so the classroom will all be learning together.

 A strength that I have acquired naturally, that I am definitely sure will come in handy with my profession, is my patience. I am and have always been a very patient individual, whether it be learning a new subject myself or trying to educate someone else in a subject that they aren't quite grasping. With the steady rise of technology in the classroom and how the students are reacting to it, I am assured that this patience skill will be quite useful and implemented on a daily basis.

It is just a little frightening that classrooms are being transformed in a way that I had never seen when I was in grade school myself. With iPad's in class to use iMovie and Poplet projects and using the Alabama Virtual Library, I will definitely have to prepare myself in using this technology in relation to my course of study. It is evident that these tools are stimulating to young students and motivates them to provide more input, therefore not considering to use these tools in the classroom would be a waste of good resources.

How to make an audio QR code
iPad Reading Center
Poplet with Ginger Tuck
AVL and Kindergarten Student Center
Tammy Shirley Discorey ED Board Builder
Mrs. Tassin 2nd Grad Board Builder Project
Mrs Tassin Board Builder: Haven
Using iMovie and AVl in Kindergarten



Sunday, September 28, 2014

Project #8 Book Trailer


The Hobbit Book Trailer

                                                  Link to youtube page: Book Trailer

Project #6 C4K Month September

Mohammed
Mohammed's Blog

My first student was a child by the name of Mohammed. He is 13 and currently an 8th grade student in Ms.Clarke's class in New Zealand. He shares many of the same interests as I do and seems to know more about how blogs work as well. He shares a post containing a presentation of the many sports of his country including "octopush", a sport I never knew existed.

Two Octopush Players Underwater
Link to Octopush: Octopush
Nathaniel
Nathaniel's Blog

My second student I met was Nathaniel who is a 4th grade student in Mrs. Timm's class. He developed a post where the assignment was to create their own personal invention. It was very entertaining that he developed a "bacon corndog" as his invention detailing the ingredients as well as the overall taste of it. His grammar could be improved a bit, however I understand that this is a 4th grade class and I am so used to seeing college quality diction.

Basket of many corn dogs
Link to image: Corn Dogs
Emma
Emma's Blog

My final student is Emma who is a 5th grade student in Mrs. Greer's class in Massachusetts. She made her post regarding a book that she had read about the underground railroad. It surprised me how much knowledge a 5th grade student had on the subject as well as others like the Titanic or the 9/11 incident. I am astonished also by how these kids can grasp the use of this technology so well.

Logo of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
Link to Image: Underground Railroad



Blog Post #6

Education written on chalkboard with mouse pointer about to click on it
Link to image: proctorfree.com

Project Based Learning Part 1

1. After watching these videos, I understood more of what a "good" project means from the examples Anthony gave and the feedback that those projects received from his students as well as their parents. Anthony himself stated the major key points of a project in his videos beginning with having an authentic audience that motivates the students to do their very best and perhaps even push further beyond the goals than anticipated. Second, Anthony spoke of the student's interests and how in his projects students were much more involved and provided more input when the project considered subjects relevant to the students. Anthony also included that the project should show how the assignment is related to the community and the actual real world relevance and the students are learning just "burp back" information. As an educator, I feel that these concepts of an interesting project for students is detrimental and I myself know that I will be using these tools to develop young minds with knowledge that will help them become critical thinkers. 


2. Honestly before this class I had never heard of iCurio, but after learning that it is an educational multimedia search engine i will be most likely using it all the time. The program is very organized and is actually a key tool in the improvement of student organization and is thorough in preparing them for the adulthood with iCurio's virtual organization. Also, the application of this search engine is very useful considering the time restraints the modern classroom entails with only 50 minute class intervals and breaks for lunch throughout the day. 


3. Discovery Education is a wonderful tool that can be used for finding visuals for a certain academic topic. Whether it be from science, math, of social studies their are visuals present to educate the child more effectively than just reading it. Students, speaking from my point of view as a current student, are more likely to retain knowledge from videos about the subject just as Anthony has stated in his video. 


4. After watching this video, I myself feel more comfortable going into the realm of education when listening to these various tips for beginning educators. I realize that as teachers we are also constant learners alongside our students and though it is hard work it will be fun and rewarding in the end. Also, an excellent tool for educating is being flexible and creative in your own right and anticipating when things go bad but also fixing the situation to benefit yourself as well. Constant reflection is also a key factor in reviewing what was done and how to improve the project better or change it entirely to benefit the students.


5. By teaching students to use technology instead of teaching them about the technology, the students are more motivated to learn the subject at hand. Children are more adept at technology than ever before and will continue to surprise with their aptitude for it. By teaching the students to use technology that they already know and understand to find information, they do not necessarily feel bored and are show more interest in the class. It is evident that a classroom that doesn't use technology will be left behind academically.


6. I learned in this video from Anthony's own input the key elements of the standard lesson. To begin with, one must find out how the lesson is incorporated into the year, or the curriculum for that year. Then find out how to prepare the unit for the class by devising a way to reach an outcome at the end of the semester by learning other tools beforehand. After unit comes how to prepare that unit into various weeks that progress to the aforementioned goal. And lastly, consider that daily assignments and activities and how to progress the next day in a smooth and cohesive transition. 





Sunday, September 21, 2014

Project 7

My Sentence Is...

My Passion Is...

Blog Post #5 My PLN part #1

When making my PLN, I have decided to search various websites for educators who will be giving information to my particular field of study, which is Language Arts, and also providing ideas on education skills as well. I have added such teachers such as Vicki Davis who uses social media in her classroom as well as provides great insight in educating students on using this technology on their own. Also I have found an chat channel on twitter that begins every Monday at 7 which concerns only Language Arts and resources that relate to better educating students.

Project #3: Project Based Learning Presentation

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Project #15

1.Dogpile.com
This is a fairly clean search engine, my meaning that the homepage isn't covered in an abundance of ads and other distractions. It hosts many categories over the subject one is searching for such as websites, images, and news. One the first page on the subject it shows the definition of what you are looking for as well as an area where you can find more information about it.
2. Ask.com
A more simple search engine and groups more relevant subject matter on the first page. Allows for more quick and ready information on the topic other than wading through multiple pages until finding the source that you need.
3. Duckduckgo.com
The search engine instantly provides information about the subject with definitions and meanings. The homepage has little to no ads or spam unlike other popular search engines. Also, the information is all on one scrollable page and much more relevant to the topic by providing government and viable websites.
4. Wolframalpha.com
This search engine is a quick answer engine that is developed by Wolfram Research. Unlike other quick answer search engines which include user based answers, this engine uses calculable data such as measurements and answers to equations. It also provides accurate answers from reliable sources rather than listing multiple pages relevant to the subject.
5. Alltop.com
Alltop is known to be the oldest blog search engine on the net. It is primarily used to search for blogs related to a topic or subject being searched. Not only will it bring up blogs where the information is being discussed but also blogs that specialize in only that subject; such as when on is searching for education blogs it will bring up blogs that are written for education subjects and not just mentioning them.
6. Ohloh.net
This engine is primarily used to find code sources. according to the website it can process over 21 billion different types of code at a single time as well as in different languages and projects. I can see this showing good promise in EDM310 when looking for code sources to use in my own blogs.
7. Academicinfo.net
I have personally used this website multiple times for my college papers in the past. It is a wonderful search engine to use in which to gather wonderful sources that are appropriately cited as well. It encompasses a vast database from various online schools and libraries and is very accurate in finding relevant sources to ones topic.
8. Iseek.com
This website I also found to be of great importance to education majors. One needs to simply ask a question in the search bar and the engine provides a multitude of relevant sources to answer it. All of these sources are of course related in an educational sense and one doesn't even need to provide a topic in the form of a question for it to be answered either. I would definitely see myself using this to provide background to the subjects I will be teaching future students as well as answering problems encountered in the classroom.

Blog Post #4

What do we need to know about asking questions to be an effective teacher?

When answering the question of what educators need to know about effectively asking questions, I found it helpful to learn more about how the students react to the questions being asked. When I was a student in highschool, there were times when I would never ask or answer a question. The anxiety of being called on or thinking that I was crippled my confidence in the classroom, even when I knew the answer to the question. I sooner realized after entering a college classroom that it wasn't my fault necessarily, but more so the questions that the teachers asked.

After reading the article Asking Questions to Improve Learning, I noticed that my teachers would often use "leading" questions which are questions that already have the answer to them. And if they weren't using leading questions, the teachers would most likely end with "Are there any questions?" basically telling use we better have a full grasp of the subject because we will be learning new subjects immediately. Not until college did my instructors ever ask a question to provoke the class into critically thinking. Critical thinking allows the instructor to assure that the students are properly digesting the information and are able to use it effectively. Below is a graph by Benjamin Bloom implementing his six cognitive process that I found quite informative. It allows the combination of lower order thinking with that of more critical higher order thinking. As an educator I can see this graph being beneficial in the classroom in designating when to ask certain questions and what questions to ask as well.

Asking Questions to Improve Learning

Saturday, September 6, 2014

BLog Post #3

1. What is Peer Editing?
2. Peer Edit with Perfection Tutorial
3. Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes

1 and 2. After watching the the youtube video "What is Peer Editing", I have a more thorough understanding of exactly what it means to give a good review. I never really understood how to exactly start a a comment to review someones work, but after learning to start with a compliment it allows for a more comfortable opening in the conversation. Also, the act of including a suggestion to another's work allows for a more casual and less critical way to improve one's work. The tutorial was most helpful as well by giving an example of what giving a constructive review.

3. This youtube video was quite entertaining. Not only did it provide some social stereotypes that I myself found frequently in my classrooms, but it did so in a comical and easy to understand method. The children in the video gave very accurate portrayals and also at the same time provided tips on how not to review someones work.
Source: Photo From Peer Edit with Perfection Tutorial

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Blog Post #2

1. Mr. Dancealot

The message seems to relay that teaching has been reduced to just regurgitating information instead of applying the actual knowledge. In the video "Mr. Dancealot", the professor explains the moves and forms of dance without allowing the students to practice other than on their own. Near the end of the video the students are taking an exam and have no idea how to apply what they are actually taught. I agree that there should be a more hands on learning experience in the classroom where instead of just showing how something works, but teaching the students how to do the work themselves.

2. Teaching in the 21st Century

Robert's Argument Outline
A. Students Can Learn Anything Anytime
1. Internet Sources
a. Google, Twitter, Youtube, etc.
B. Teachers Are Now Filters for that Knowledge
1. Techniques for Filtering the Internet Knowledge
a. Thinking critically about problems
b. Using Internet sources such as blogs and wikis to answer those problems
c. Teaching the students about the dangers of copyright and plagiarism

I agree with what Robert's is explaining that the Internet instead of schools has become the primary engine for knowledge. Teachers will now have to adapt to this new learning curve by educating themselves in the way of the internet sources of blogs and Google to productively teach students about critical problem solving skills.

3. The Networked Student

I found this video very intriguing. When I was in High school myself, I would have never thought that a teacher would be willing to show outside networks that can make information readily available. Instead of sitting there and absorbing the information from the teacher, students now will be able to find the information themselves and interact with professionals and other students from across the globe who are searching for the same information expanding the classroom drastically.

4. Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts
I would assume that Davis' thesis is that students learn more productively when in a more technological environment. Rather than using the traditional pencil and paper method that has been used for years, Davis implements technology to educate her students into using their social media and other helpful web devices to further their own education outside of the classroom.

5. Who's Ahead in the Learning Race

Elementary students are clearly ahead in the learning race. It is remarkable how fast that education is incorporating the use of technology and internet media at such an early age. Being an Undergrad, I find it hard to accept just how far behind we are in the race. However, being an older more experienced student I probably do not have to spend as much time learning how to use a program as much as a starting 3rd grader.

6. Flipping the Classroom
I personally have never heard about "class room flipping" before but is sounds like an excellent idea. The idea of preparing the class the day before allows for a more interactive and discussion based classroom rather than one which students just sit there and try to absorb information. I myself find it hard to discuss a subject that I barely know about and as an educator would most likely implement this technique in my own classroom.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Blog Post #1

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

1. I had heard through the grapevine that EDM310 is a time consuming class that requires a person to work outside of their normal routine to be an effective learner of the subjects in this course. Although it is time consuming, the students who have divulged this information to me have also explained how rewarding the knowledge that one takes away from this classroom if you put your mind to it.

2. I do have a fear that the class might go too fast for me, or that maybe the projects we will be working on in the group will hinder my ability to help the group more than I can at the time.

3. It is definitely more team based learning than I have ever experienced in a classroom setting before. It sounds too easy at first but will probably change my frame of mind by the end of the course.

4. The most difficult thing will most likely be the group work, not necessarily that I do not work well with others but more so how complex these projects will be.

5. The best way to address this is by doing the assignments seriously, timely, and efficiently learning what I need to so I can help the group in any way I can so we can get the work done on time.

6. Maybe how the idea of EDM310 came to fruition? or why haven't we decided to require this class a much longer time ago? I am sure these questions are somewhere on the internet so that I can educate myself on the matter, or maybe emailing Dr. Strange himself for info on the subject firsthand.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Practice Blog

Post Outline
1. Who Am I?
2. Why Do I Want To Be An Educator?
3. 21st Century Education
4. Life Passions

1. Who Am I?
Hello, My name is Robert O'Berry. I was born in the city of Mobile April 14, 1991. I come from humble beginnings and also the first person in my family to attend college. I chose the University of South Alabama as my college of choice due being a native of the area myself, but also most of my childhood friends were going here as well.Most of my family are natives of Florida, particulalry the Lake Okachobee area, since my family crossed over from Ireland back before even the Civil War.

2. Why Do I Want To Be An Educator?
I have always had the knack for being able to teach others complex concepts that came naturally to me. I love helping others, and if I could make a career out of doing it then I couldn't be happier.

3. 21st Century Education
With the new technological revolution brought into the 21st century, it would only make sense to increase student knowledge about technology from the educators themselves. This new way of learning is complex and thought provoking and though most individuals whose mind still lives in the last century, things are being set in motion that cannot be reversed and a new teaching method will be growing rapidly through all the schools.

4. Life Passions
Besides teaching, I have quite a few other life passions. I am proficient in writing in many forms and genres to which I enjoy writing equally. From writing novels, short stories, and poetry I enjoy all of the complex and emotional processes that go into crafting a piece. And when I am not writing, you can find me doing my other passion which is crochet. My grandmother taught me how to before her death as none of her daughters really picked up the trade and I just so happened to have been there during the last months she had. I cherish it as each time reminds me of one person who believed I could accomplish anything.
Crochet Time
welcome

Outline

Source: Photo by Robert O'Berry
Crochet Time

Test

Test

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

My Test Post Title

This is my First Post. I clicked the HTML button which I should always do in EDM310. I am now a Blogger!