Project # 5 Presentation

Blog Post #4

Langwitches

          Langwitches gives an example of how to create a working podcast. The podcast shown has the students reading "Dinosaurs Before Dark". While recording you can hear the excitement and enthusiasm in their voices. The students are shown following along with the recording which shows they are interested. Not only were they paying attention to the reading of the scripts but was also paying attention to the way their voices sounded on the recordings.

          I think that having students create podcast together gives them a window of creativity. They can chose how dramatic the "actor/actress" is and become that person. All students work at a different pace in reading so to have the students interact with the rest of the class as a team is an improvement for the subject. I would love to have my students create pod casts.I believe that allowing students at a young age begin with podcast is a great way to introduce them to technology.

Pod Casting with a First Grader

          The impact of the second grade students made the first graders want to create their very own podcast. The interaction of the world made an impression on them and made them want relate to the same experiences. While recording, the first graders sat back and waited their turn and was interested in everyone else's role. The podcast gives the students a chance to think about what is being read. Comprehension is a big deal for first graders.

         I think that the skills the pod cast offer is beneficial. It really makes me happy to see students excited to learn. This also gives them a chance to interact with children all over the world. I wish that I had something like this when I was in first grade. I plan to try and use this in my future classroom and I plan to bring it up to my son's teacher since it would be beneficial for their age group.

Flat Stanley

         Flat Stanley interested me because my son just received a paper for him to create his own flat Christian. The students learn a lot when reading the notes and letters sent back from family and friends. This assignments allows the students to see the differences and similarities of living conditions relatives have from us. When students complete a flat Stanley online it not only allows them to see the U.S. but different countries. This project gives them a better understanding in geography also by looking up where the people are from.

          This is such a neat idea for students to do especially for children that are young. When young children realize that "home" is so small compared to the rest of the world they take notice that their options are unlimited! I would love to use this project in my classroom one day. I am interested to see the response we receive for my son's project I could only imagine the possibilities for twenty or more students!

C4T Post #1

          Scott Mcleod's blog is up to date and ready for debate. One blog that he shared was the future of MOOCs, Massively open online courses. Dangerously Irrelevant discussed that these courses will take over universities because they are more convenient and less costly. The colleges that are able to stay open will charge students even more for tuition because less students would attend these schools. The article also suggest that while the schools slowly close they should offer extra testing facilities to provide for the students attending MOOC's. This article should make people aware of the changes that is happening before our eyes. Will we be teaching ourselves through online courses?

          Mcleod posted two videos that presented the difference in teaching today with the way students were taught in past years. Technology is on a rise. and jobs that will be offered in years to come are still in the air so how can we prepare our students for these jobs? Community Involvement and Students Approach is a good way to look at how teachers should handle the transformations that is happening before us. Community Involvement is a simple way in which the teachers of this particular community give the students a chance to give back to the people in their town. Students were able to build and make projects on their own which gave them a chance to learn the task by experience. The second video goes into detail of how teachers should let the students be creative and design projects from scratch. The men allowed the students to design their own website. Each website had interesting ideas that adults get paid for!

          I believe that both post were amazing insights as to what to expect in the future. when thinking of MOOC's I think that people will decide that they are not the best idea. Which in turn will open schools back up. I hope that these ideas don't trickle down to the elementary schools as does other ideas because what would the teachers jobs be. Would there be any jobs left? I like the thought of being able to take the classes online at a cheaper price but what is the long term effects? Are they really worth it?

          On the next blog with the students taking control I believe this has got to be the best idea yet. What better to do than to allow the students think for themselves with a little help and direction from the teacher. There is no limit as to what the students have to offer. As a teacher we should always be open to new ideas because the more creative we get the more room the students have to grow.

Special Blog Post #1

          Yes many students did misinterpret the data given in Did You Know? and I was one of them. When reading Dr. Strange's post of misinterpreting the data and discovering a few things out for myself from the Wolframalpha Search I have changed my thoughts on Did You Know? It is definitely the population of the countries that the statistics have derived from. The skills or abilities Americans have has nothing to do with the numbers that are shown in the video. I found that ranked number one in the world is China with the population of 1.35 billion people, following in second is India with 1.21 billion people and the united States comes in third with 309 million people. "It is estimated that 18 million Chinese speak English now and 300 million are learners So...if the "learners" do learn English there will be more people in China speaking English than the ENTIRE population of the United States". This statement is true since the total of the two is 318 million English speaking Chinese and there is only 309 million people in the United States but what is this saying? Nothing other than numbers and statistics, the United States is just as smart. I found that the literacy rate for the United States is 99% whereas China is 93.98% and India is only 62.75%. I also found that the United States is ranked second with Internet Usage. China is in first and India follows in third. I believe that Wolfram is a useful tool when wanting to find the statistics or numbers of any given situation. I believe that within a classroom this site should be in the favorites file. It will help not only me as the teacher stay up to date but it will give the students useful information at a click of a button.

         The Media count is an interesting tool that demonstrates the media's very own time clock. Each second the media count changes. The amount of money made worldwide is constantly on a rise with different types of technology. I can see how much time is wasted on video games just as quick as I can see how many pirated movies were made.
         This is a neat tool especially if you want to show your students how quick the world is changing. The numbers never stop. Every decision they make in life affects a number somewhere. I believe all future teachers can get a small grasp as to how quickly things change by watching the count of different topics gradually becoming larger. Whether we are prepared or not, the world is constantly transforming into the future!

Blog Post #3

Peer Editing

         The three web links;

What is Peer Editing?, Peer Edit with Perfection Tutorial, and Writing Peer Review with the Top Ten Mistakes give great detail as to how peer editing should be completed. Each website discusses the three basic steps to peer editing which are compliment, suggestions, and corrections. Each web link expresses how compliments should always stay positive. When giving suggestions one needs to be specific as to what’s wrong. One should know the best way of giving constructive criticism but also receive it.

         When watching these videos and power points I realized there are a few things I can work on. I believe the children in the video gave great examples of the people we deal with even in college classes. People are so afraid to speak their mind because of rejection but what they don’t realize often if it is taken as constructive criticism it can only make you stronger as a student.

The Mountbatten

         The The Mountbatten video made me think of Sir Ken Robinson and the thoughts he had on creativity in the classroom. This video focuses on using technology in the classroom and thinking outside the box when teaching. Every child is different whether by looks or by disabilities. This video shows how these differences shouldn’t determine how far a child’s mind can go. A student’s weakness should not hinder them from doing what other students do but instead give them a different way for them to learn.

          I believe that the thoughts that are presented in this video play a big role in education. One never knows what tomorrow holds so how can you prepare for it? Simple, open your minds to new things. If more teachers would open up to technology the students will follow. Students would become more interested in the lessons they teach.

Education for the Blind

         Technology has come a long way in the past ten years. In the three videos Teaching Math to the Blind,Ipad usage for the Blind , and Teaching Mom we can see how much easier education can be for the blind. Researchers have found that instant feedback is best when teaching a blind child. The new program for the Ipad allows the student to simply drag his or her finger across the screen and says what’s happening out loud it. Although blind people learn differently it’s easy for them to learn the simple steps of how to tap the screen a certain ways to get to what they are searching for.

         I feel that the new innovations that are offered can come in handy when teaching. The possibilities for students to learn are endless if given the right tools to work with. The Ipad for the blind can help many teachers by making it easier on them and the students when teaching. I plan to use Ipads in my classroom in the future but for all I know with technology rapidly changing they may be required by that time.

Harness Your Students Digital Smarts

         We give paper and pencils to paper and pencil students but what do we do when they are not paper and pencil people? This Video briefly describes a classroom setting that revolves around technology. Vicki Davis has set the bar for other

teachers. This teacher from a small town in Georgia has connected her students to the world through blogs and other media. She believes that her students are learning when they show that they have become comfortable with the technology they are using. She has even admitted that her students teach her from time to time which shows the students you’re never too old to learn.

         I believe that all kids do learn differently and that means you have to teach around the students individuality. I look up to Vicki Davis; her classroom is how I want mine set up. I would love for the students to come in every morning open minded ready to learn. The idea of “customizing projects” is perfect for the students that learn differently. I want them to be curious and to want to learn. As Dr. Strange would say “Learn how to learn.” If every student took the initiative to try to find out the answer there would be many more independent learners. There is so much information out there waiting to be researched. We as teachers need to push our students to acknowledge the world around us.

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