Blog Post #2

Did You Know

          Did You Know? Dr.Strange's version and Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod's version were both eye openers. These videos were full of statistics that everyone in the U.S. should be aware of! We the teachers and future teachers really need to pass this down to our students, parents, friends, and family. Videos like these could be the motivation for our country to get up and learn something new!

          To think that “China will soon become the number one English speaking country in the world” frightens me. It’s outrageous to think that Chinese will know our language better than we do and it’s their second language. It frightens me to know the “Twenty-Five percent of India’s population with the highest IQ’s is greater than the total population of the U.S.” It is clear that the U.S. is so far behind in a lot of things but most importantly in technology. From these two videos we learn that technology is changing rapidly. Will we ever be able to catch up? We have to learn to teach ourselves. Technology is changing instantly and just to be able to keep up with today we need to constantly update ourselves with reality! After all “we are living in exponential times.”

Mr. Winkle Wakes

         The picture that Mr. Winkle presents in the videoMr. Winkle Wakes shows that transformation is inevitable. As Mr. Winkle walks through the updated buildings he finds that things run differently. Everything is set up by different types of technology. All the businesses and Hospitals take full advantage of allowing the computers to do the work. The School on the other hand has the unused computer in the back of the room. What does this say about education?

         I believe that if teachers would use technology in everyday lectures the students would be more prone to have the initiative to learn more about computers. If it were required for students to start learning not only the basics but more advanced information about computers in elementary school it wouldn’t be as hard of transitions for them as technology rapidly changes. The more education we offer to our students about technology the better off we will be in the future! Ready or not technology is coming.

Sir Ken Robinson

         In the lecture presented by Sir Ken Robinson creates a dilemma of how teachers are required to teach. Teachers are expected to teach by the guidelines of the state. Yes teachers are allowed to come up with lesson plans that suite what they desire but they have to mold it around the basic subjects. Sir Ken Robinson tries to explain how all children are different and they learn differently. He explains that creativity is becoming extinct and with this thought children will begin to be afraid to be themselves because being diverse is not accepted.

         I completely agree with Sir Ken Robinson. My son learns differently than anyone I have ever seen and if I didn’t come up with new ways for him to see things he will stay in the second grade forever! I believe teachers should encourage children to have opinions and to do things the way they feel comfortable in doing them, whether it is with music, art, or even computers for that matter. Suppression of young children’s ideas and dreams can cause them lifetime monotony. If we the teachers’ can transition our teaching to fit the students that step foot in our door and learn to know the difference between each individual make-up we can excel in teaching. Creativity is the key. Think outside the box!

Pinterest

         Pinterst is an amazing website! A simple click of a button will show you unique ideas from teachers around the world. I will definitely use many ideas from this site. Pinterest is a good tool to use throughout your classroom. I would follow current teachers’ boards. You can use Pinterst for decorating, organizing, and lesson plans.

          When looking through for new decorations there were so many boards that you can follow. Many times teachers post amazing ideas they have used in their classrooms from decorating doors, bulletins, or decorations and art projects for different lesson plans. There are many pins used for organization that will be crucial to my classroom! I would also like to show this site to my students. This would be a great way for them to see new ideas and also learn that they also can post their ideas for teachers to use. I feel that this website has a lot to offer and it’s even better because you and your students contribute to everyone using it.

Project #2- Wordle

Blog Post #1

Yours Truly

         I’ll try and keep it short and sweet. First my name is Charlene Wiggins and I am 24 years old. I was born and raised in Bay Minette, Alabama and have only traveled to neighboring states. I know it seems a bit boring but I live an interesting life. I am newly engaged to a wonderful man named Keith Beasley and between the two of us we have five beautiful children. I am sure you will hear a lot about them over the semester; after all they are my life. Miranda, Christian, Anna, Jayd, and Reece were all part of my motivation and inspiration to fulfill my dreams and become the teacher I always desired to be. I give much effort to be involved in all of their activities, after all that’s when I gain most of my knowledge for my future career. A loving woman named Debra Whatley adopted me as her own when I was two weeks old. I am extremely family oriented. I have always been used to a large family. I am the only girl of five brothers and I have sixteen nephews and nieces!

         I have recently picked up a few new hobbies. When I’m not running around from the kid’s school and my school or having family gatherings, I love attempting crafts from Pinterest. I love sewing, painting, drawing, and researching new art projects to do with our kids. Although I have never been much of a fitness person I discovered last semester during weight training that working out is a great way for me to relax and have “me” time. This is the basics but it doesn’t come close to the complexities of my life!

In the Classroom

          I am looking forward to becoming a leader in children’s lives. I have realized with our “Brady Bunch” that all kids learn differently. I realize that teaching elementary students I am the beginning of their education and that I will serve as the foundation for their outlook on school. I want to build my classroom around my students. I plan to involve each and every child in discussions, give positive but constructive feedback, and to give them many options of hands on activities daily.

         Involving the children in open discussions can not only help them voice their opinions but also get them accustomed to doing so. Many adults struggle with public speaking and I believe in starting children early so they can become more comfortable with it. I would like them to acknowledge that no matter how small or big the situation their opinion is vitally important.

          Open classrooms also give teachers a chance to allow the children to think outside of the box. When a child has done something wrong I feel it’s better to point them in the right direction without telling them specific instructions but rather what the final product should be. This way the students are allowed to think for themselves instead of the teacher giving them answers.

          Kids often pay more attention when they are involved with experiments or projects first hand. I plan to do mostly all hands-on projects to allow them to encounter what could really happen in the real world. For instance, having a small store in my classroom filled with trinkets that the kids will be able to buy on a certain day with the points they have earned within the week will help teach them discipline, responsibility and a little math at the same time.

          Technology plays a big role in education today. I plan to introduce my students to as many programs and devices as I have to offer. I believe that within a year when I am a qualified teacher that technology will become more advanced. I plan to use tablets, computers, and even involve game consoles like the Wii. I want the students to realize that the world and the details in between are readily available through a quick touch of the button.

Paush on Time Management

          Time management is vital part of adulthood. When watching Paush's Time Management Video you can see he set out certain actions one can take to help achieve everyday goals. He says one should live by a to-do list. When starting to complete the to-do list you should always do the least fun first. That way it is out of the way. It’s obvious once you complete the worst task it will become much easier to finish the rest. It’s important to stick to the list or else procrastination will sneak in.

          While completing the to-do list you should always keep in mind why you are doing it. What accomplishments will you make once you complete the list? I believe you can use his advice in many situations for instance I make a list every day. Sometimes multiple lists a day. I normally have one for school work and one for home tasks. If I don’t complete them the day I make the list I try to complete them the next day. If it weren’t for lists I would be confused and lost! Keeping in mind the keen satisfaction that I feel once a task is done is what keeps me going!

Penn State

          Penn State's Learning Page gives great detail on how to make a schedule and stick to it. I try daily to keep up with small chores so that I don’t get behind but since I have stopped working I have so much free time it’s hard to discipline myself. Within this website it gives examples as to what one should do when organizing time like focus on one thing at a time while trying to complete the most hideous task first. You should know yourself enough to know when it is best for you to complete homework. You should always remove all distractions like cell phones TV or people. This is just the beginning of the tips Penn State's Learning Page has to offer. These tips are a great help in planning everyday life and will be put to good use while I'm a student and when I’m a teacher!

Test Post #1

Test #1