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!