Project #14 Smart Board

My Movie Project 11

Thought 1

If laptops came from the ground and we could lay on our stomachs in the sun.. this class and I would be friends :)

Project 12 Book Trailer

Blog Post #8

This is how WE dream

After listening to Mr. Millers videos, it would be my opinion that he really shared a love for writing. He dreamed about books and then later in his life he wrote his own. I feel that this video needed a little more emotion expressed from Mr. Miller in an effort to really show the love he has for his career. I talked about how all books and writing tools are being updated to e-books and smart boards. He even says at one time that we need to get rid of all of the pencils and just move on. This may be taking it too far, pencils are great. Pencils have been around for so long. Who wants this elaborate customized e-mail card when you could get a handwritten in pencil with eraser marks and an individualized singnature. I would definitely prefer the latter.
When he talks about the uses of the internet in terms of books getting online I really started paying attention. He makes fun at the fact that his book in on Amazon for 59 cents. I am very grateful for this, selling books online gets me so much more money than any of the bookstores and I sold all my books in a day :). It really is a great move in technology, turning books to e-books. However, if you read my Thought 1 on my blog, I still stand by the statement. I believe with the books being online there is much knowledge to gain and an easier way to gain that knowledge.
"We need more Pedogogies" or Professional teachers. I would have to argue that with the rise of technology and need for teachers is decreasing, it is becoming easier and easier to become that professional teacher. We have the interent for all of our daily needs and questions. Youtube is one of the resources we use all the time. Without youtube.. we would live, however, it would not be fun for a lot of people. Myself, I would be alright. Thank you Mr. Millers for your videos and dreams.


Carly

I would argue that Carly did an excellent job on this video. The music, the pictures, and the flow all just fell nicely with one another. She takes Dr. Stranges lesson to a hight point. Her lesson sound very elaborate and well thought out. She wants us to create a playlist of videos that describe us, or simply just explain who we are. Any student would really love doing this project, I am going to try and start one as soon as I get a spare second. I believe Carly and Mr. Miller both have simliar views on the books and writing becoming electronic. They both want to use the technology to the fullest.

EDM is Different
Part 1
Part 2

I can appreciate both of these students videos. My favorite part in each of these videos for me was the beginning. Chipper's was funny because she came in sarcastic and with full emotion. On the EDM for Dummies I thought the acting was exquisite. The main the idea for the for the first video fit the EDM is Different genre. Chipper illustrated the ideas that Edm 310 was not a normal class students could just breeze by, they would have to work. This thought, I had to learn the hard way. The second video dealt more with the how of passing EDM 310. They went through the many apps and help sections to help complete this class. My idea for a video would consist of a much similar set up to the second one. Show a few scenes of kids freaking out over the class and then perhaps show a easier more relaxed kid doing their work on a timely schedule. Thanks to all the students that made these videos.

Learn to Change, Change to Learn

This video really down talks the way of the old school teaching methods. They feel that the lessons taught and the way in which they are taught are insufficient and sloppy. The video supports the new and advanced way of teaching that uses technology in the classroom and allows for easier access to information. We as a group need to learn how to change, and we can't be afraid to change in order to learn. With new advances all around us, we need to make sure we ready to master them. Let's stay ahead of the game.

The HUNT

I found a lot of interesting stuff on this web search, although, I still think I like the real scavenger hunt better. Looking with your fingers just isn't the same as going out and physically gathering information. However, I chose to use the website, Edmodo. This website is a mix between blogger, facebook, and twitter. On this website you can make friends, chat with other people, gain information, and put up your own thoughts for others to see. I could use this website as a professional in many of the same ways that we are using blogger today. It really is just another branch out to the rest of the world. EDMODO As for the tools, they all looked pretty useful. However, I liked the video ones the best. This Animoto was my favorite. It allowed a user to turn photos and videos into hollywood movies. The deal they give students and teachers is really great. I as an upcoming teacher really appreciate their consideration. The app I chose to use is called Prezi This was a really fun app that allowed me to make a presentation that was exciting to navigate and st stayed away from the basic slide to slide presentation. Check it out. My slide.

Blog Post #7

Why does the Networked Student even need a Teacher?! 

     I enjoyed watching the video, the way it was interpreted by little drawings being moved around seemed fun. But why does the networked student even need a teacher? To answer this question I would have to argue that he/she really doesn't. The way that all of these views are shaping depict a world without teachers and less real, physical friendships. The teachers they are referring to, look to me, like nothing more than experiences mentors that have professionally mastered the use of the internet. Why even give them the title as teacher? I do not want to "bump" their whole idea because I can easily see that it is a great one that really allows oneself to get connected with the world and earn a certain status that would never be able to be achieved without the use of internet. I can also see that if a student were to be able to conquer the art of being a Networked Student that he/she would have a one up on all the rest. However, I also would strongly argue that a student with persistence, motivation, and a good personality can accomplish all of this without touching a computer.
     When it asks the question, "what does the networked student even need a teacher?" the answer given includes reasons such as, "Learning Architect, Modeler, Learning Concierge, Network Sherpa, Change Agent, Synthesizer, and Connected Learning Incubator." This student is in a Contemporary Issues Class. I feel that their are other issues that would be talked about rather than going out and making connections in the world. I understand that all of these methods are helping him further his career and find out information, but we also have books and teachers for that.
     If I were to take a class called Contemporary Issues I would think we would be watching the news and trying to formulate our own opinions on matters. I understand the more knowledgeable you are the more backbone your own opinion holds but I would strongly argue that you need to use more social means, and not social means electronically, but social means like talking face to face. I agree that the networked student is a quality one to be, but I would back a student who feels that the internet is not needed to accomplish the goals in life and "change the world." Thank you for your post
-Keith Tardibuono

Her PLE

     I was pretty impressed with all that this seventh grader had done with her skills of the web. I would argue that her PLE is really outshining my PLN at the moment. I can see that we share many of the same content, but what she is doing with that content is really putting her ahead of the game, and myself. I really liked her interest in the bizarre animals she had on her blogs. I also like how she had all of her "apps" lined up neatly in order. I respect her project and will do my best to have one myself of such status. Great Job Miss.

Project # 10 Planning My Plan

My Start. 

Since this is my second go around in this class I am feeling confident that my support group will come a little easier. I have made plenty of friends since being at the University of South Alabama and through (some of) these friends I know I can depend on to help me through my education career. I in turn will do my best to help these fellow students. I know that having the physical friendships in similar fields is a great start to forming a PLN, however, I have learned over the past semester and a half that it is far from all that is needed. I kept up with my Twitter from last time I was included in this class and am using it more to my advantage this time. I have friends from work, family, and employees at the University all being followed on Tweet. I am still getting used to using it on a daily basis. Along with a Twitter the blogs that are created are a great tool to developing in this field. By using the C4T and C4C it is easy to see my peers thoughts and views on specific issues. I plan on incorporating my Blog and Twitter more and more into my lifestyle so that I may get better prepared for the road ahead of me. I have been blogging with my Uncle is a Principal at an elementary school in L.A. and through my blog he can keep tabs on me for future work. I am going to continue to grow and try and take on the new technology filled world ahead.

Alternate Wiki Project

C4T Summary TWO

Mr. Larry's Optimism.

"Optimism is not so much about being positive, as it is about being persistent and motivated" (Segerstorm).
Mr. Larry chose this quote to write about in his blog and it really caught my eye. Like I said on his blog, I would argue that positivitey really does have a lot to do with being optimistic. Having a positive attitude can change your world and is a needed attribute to living a full and content life. On the other hand, I agree that optimism is greatly effect by the persistent mindset and the motivated drive. If people are motivated enough they will change their lives, if people are persistent they will only improve, or move forward. Unless of course they are persistent in something like suicide which is really a move back, or super far forward rather. Nonetheless I think this was a great post.

Day Time 
My second read was on how the human race spends their day. In the post I was able to connect to a link that gave a quick survey on how an individual compared to the rest of the world in how they went through their day. I noticed at the end of the survey, I was well above average for the amount of time  I spent eating, but rather low on the average amount of sleep per night. I had fun with this post. I have also read a few random quotes throughout Mr. Larry's blog that caught my eye, videos that interested me, and pictures that "restored my faith in humanity"  (Pics!!). So for all these posts, Thank you Mr. Larry.

Project # 8 My Podcast

Blog Post #6

Randy  Randy Randy.

     I am sure that Randy will be missed by  family and friends, they should be very grateful they were given a man like him to be part of their lives. Although this was a rather long video, I must say that I did appreciate the thoughts and stories that came from Randy and his life. He first spoke on dreams. I love the fact that he helped out on the Aladdin ride at Disney world, I am a huge Disney fan and  got to go behind the scenes of the park  when I was a senior in high school.  I also share a dream like that which involves working at Disney for a summer. Along with that dream I too wanted to play a professional sport. My dream was soccer, however, I tore my knee  last year and  since the surgery I have never really felt the same. From this  particular dream I can understand what Randy meant when he said the dreams we don't make happen are the ones we learn the most from. As a teacher I want to help my students succeed in their own dreams. As a teacher I will do my absolute best to find out my students dreams and goals and push them in the right path to completing them.
    The sky is the limit. This is how I felt after hearing  Randy talk. He is  point on when he says to not allow the students to be limited. People want to  impress, I would strongly argue that it is one of the best motivators around. So as a teacher we can not set a bar for our students, we must set a goal and then aim to go  above and beyond. Kids will surprise even the most experienced and wise of teachers. When this event does occur, the smiles and joy it causes are great. "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will  land among the stars" -Brian Litrell
    I agree with Randy and his view on teaching the students through fun and exciting methods. Teach them without the feeling of HAVING to learn. In the classroom I may take the kids outside to the basketball court and discuss angles. The kids would love to be  out in the sun and playing ball, while secretly learning skills needed outside the classroom. If we can teach kids through having fun, the world just may turn out alright.

     When Randy says, "If your kids want to paint their room, let them" I smiled very big. My girlfriend and I painted our room the other year and  it turned out fantastical, and now we have a memory and evidence of that memory for a long time. We learn through experiences. These experiences are a major part of learning for our kids and future students. Stories from the past, adventures from our lives, and lessons learned can all make great learning material in the classroom. We must help our students grow and mature in the right way. This can easily be done by remembering our past and leaving a clear bright path for them to follow, or at least a neatly trimmed one. Thank You Randy for your life and beliefs.

Blog Post #5

The School Initiative

I must give props to this student for really knowing what he is talking about when dealing with technology and for doing his homework on the subject that he is powerpointing. I think all of these apps in the ischool would greatly increase the learning process and create a very easy setting for the students and teachers to learn. However, I can not buy into his argument. He is wanting to put all our students learning and teaching abilities/powers into the hands of technology. It's right here when you need it, technology makes it easier, you don't have to go out of the way. These are all true about the ischool, but humans as a race are already lazy and don't do anything for themselves. Pretty soon instead of people taking actual trips to the Bahama's they will see that it is just as entertaining to tour it digitally on the computer. People are loosing interest in the world around them and are becoming more and more focused on technology. I would definitely prefer my students to look up a term in the dictionary rather than on a phone, that is how I learned so I would argue they need to do the same. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the way kids have been learning throughout the years so why try to take away from the actual nature of learning and give it too computers.
I wish I could agree with Travis, but I think the only problems in the "schools" start with the household and the parents of the kids, or it is the fault of teachers that are not dedicated to their jobs. If parents would do a better job raising their kids, teachers did a better job at wanting to teach, then there would be no problems. I don't think that these instruments will help the problem. I am still not giving up on the whole integrating technology into the classroom idea, I just do not know which one of these blogposts are going to help change my mind.

The Beautiful Voices
I am so very glad Dr. Strange pointed out that I missed part of the assignment. I remember this video from last year and I am very excited I got to watch it again. I have been doing my classwork for the past hour and have had this on replay the whole time. This is another amazing talent that Eric Whitacre's
has done with the use of the technology. I love how he was able to bring voices from across the world and put them into a brilliant symphony. Thank you Eric Whiteacre's.

How we should teach?

This video said a lot and I enjoyed the star wars themed music in the background. Kevin Roberts, in my opinion believes that teachers need to be the "filter" for the information that our students are gaining. "Teachers are no longer the main source of information" Kevin says in his video, and I would have to argue that teachers have not been the main source of information really ever. Now this is not to say that I don't very much respect, appreciate, and admire my teachers throughout the years, however for the information Kevin talks about in his videos I would think that kids learn these "skills" throughout life through parents, friends, and experiences. I agree with Kevin when says we must help the students learn skills and I believe his resources such as facebook, ipods, laptops, and blogs are a key to developing the skill needed to survive in the world. As a teacher I will make sure that I provide my students with the skill to live a good life in this world, if they choose too listen. Thanks to Kevin Roberts for the video.

Flip the Classroom 
Flip the Classroom Dr. Lodge Version 

I have to say that I think this is a pretty great idea. I believe giving the students opportunities to learn the lessons outside the classroom is a very productive idea. When Katie says that she is only teaching the middle section of her class she is absolutely correct. I remember going the class and just looking at all the kids and what they were doing in class. Some would sleeping,  looking out the window, I  even remember playing cards and winning money in my ninth grade English class. (I was  part of the students who already knew the stuff ;). But with these ideas student could choose their own pace, within reason. Also, the teacher could focus on what the students are struggling on most or really want to learn. I really don't have an argument with this project/process. Thank you Katie and Dr. Lodge for your videos.

Project #9 Time Line

I still stand true to my sentence

Blog Post #4

1st Graders and their read-a-longs.

I choose the first link to check out first because it seemed reasonable. The story was about 1st graders making their very own reading book. Already have been in a 1st grade class, I really did not have much faith in this suggestion, however, I was eager to give it a shot to prove me wrong. I must admit that it proved me wrong beyond a shadow of a doubt. I was impressed that kids this young could be forming their own creative books. I thought it was interesting how excited they got about re-writing their papers. I would argue that after hearing themselves speak over the recording really fell a need to do better.

Podcasting With 1st Grade

I enjoyed this read quite a bit. The main reason for this is because I used to read The Magical Treehouse like it was the best book ever, I will read it too my sons one day. However, the fact that they got to record their voices really surprised me, because much like the first one, the kids were excitied. They also were acting like they have been doing it since the age of 2.

Listening Comprehension

I thought this was a cool section. I agree with all of the emphasis on putting emotion into your podcast. On this page the students were learning from the story Purim. They decided to take that and make a podcast and then put it on the class blog for the parents to see. I enjoyed how the teacher made sure to record all of the sentences out of order so that the students could put them back in order by editing them. I also listened to the podcast and just by the voices I was able to tell how enthusiastic about the project they all were.

Project #5

C4T Summary

Summary For Teachers 

     For my first week of class I was given Mr. Spencer to observe on the blog. I would argue that I lucked out with a pretty cool teacher who I feel may not always formulate with the rules. In his first post he talked about a disciplinary action that he had to take with one of his students. In this story, his methods are not actually all that disciplinary, he handles the situation with calmness and respect. A student was showing up late day after day for his class and would not tell the teacher why he was doing so. This situation could have caused a lot of commotion and problems, however, because the teacher did not make a big deal out of nothing, the problem was fixed and everyone got out alright.
     His second post was very poetical. I really enjoyed reading this one as well. It involved the use of the metaphor rust to symbolize change in the school system. I agree that schools need a little more something in them. I would argue that they are going the wrong direction in some aspects of learning. Students need more interaction with the teacher, they need more repetition. "Don't demolish it entirely... let it rust."

Blog Post #3

What is Peer Editing
The Slide Show
The Student Humor Top Ten 
     Each one of these links above lead to very creative and educational information. I enjoyed the later of the three the most, simply because the students really put on a good show. I learned a few key points about peer editing. The three steps to Peer Editing are compliments, suggestions, and corrections. After reading this is was easy to read through a classmates paper and give compliments. The suggestions and corrections are a little more harder to write because you have to point out mistakes and no one really wants to do that. I also liked the point the slideshow made dealing with always staying positive. Having a positive attitude when dealing with fellow students will be the easiest way to form friendships and help each other learn. These videos are very instructional and  I learned how to better correct and compliment peers work.
     I am excited to start editing my students pieces of works, but at the same time I feel that I must improve in my own writing skills in order to do so. I expect to see my students correct my corrections fairly often.

    Technology in special education 
       When I watched this video I noticed that the teacher was quite fond of her children and really cared for each one of them. I thought it was a blessing for these kids to have the technology in the classroom to use to their benefits. I have never really thought about using technology as a tool when dealing with special needs, but now would completely agree that technology is very much a necessity in the classroom.
       In my future classroom I will definitely incorporate technology. Now, I feel like I will use it more so in special education more so than regular elementary. I really liked the mouse made for the first student, seeing his smile would be a great gesture of kindness. I am excited to find out what else I can do to better my road to teaching.

My future app
     I really liked how you could upload childrens' books to the ipod. Growing up I read Dr. Suess all the time, and to this day I still enjoy reading his rhymes. When I saw that you could put this into the ipod to help kids learn. This takes away the need of the student always needing a guardian there to try and help and pressure.
     In the video I could easily see how these instruments could be enjoyable to kids trying to learn. The learning tools are very helpful and really put the knowledge into the child's mind. The computers make the sound loud and it allows the student to see what he/she is doing. It is an immediate response which also is a great benefit.

Harness Your Students 
     I think Ms. Davis really does a fantastic job with her students and I would be willing to bet her students enjoy being in her class. Just from the responses and the little bit of footage we are able to see shows the students smiling while learning a great deal of world related information. I like how Ms. Davis said that a teacher does not need to know everything in order to be a teacher. She compared a child learning a piece of information for the first time, and the straight shrill and excitment that hits them. If we as educators knew everything, then that feeling would be no more.
      I argue that the technology really does bring about a smarter and richer atmosphere for learning. It gets the kids excited, which I would believe to be the most important concept. It also brings kids closer, which I would have argued against weeks past.

Blog Post #2

Did You Know?!?!

       This video prepared by Dr. Strange is one that I'm sure has opened the eyes and minds of students through the years past. I would have to agree that the video does reveal some shocking facts, like how there are so many kids in India. I also thought the information on Youtube and all of their uploads that are happening every milli-second were interesting tidbits.
       When the video asks me "did you know?!?" I would l have to answer that question with "no" to nearly every fact. However, when I reflect on the answers I must say I feel indifferent. I appreciate this new knowledge, and believe I actually am ready to be an Educator, (if ya include the rest of my schooling probably). I also support all the crowds in India, makes driving hectic.



Oh Mr. Winkles!

     After watching Mr. Winkles my thoughts would include a few points. If I were Mr. Winkles waking up from a very very long slumber, in  a big city like that, I would find a hot dog vendor and absolutely chow down. I also though this movie was interesting because it shows how the world really has come to change. Technology is a never ending project, hopefully I will never have to contribute to it's advancement too much, but it is definitely always on the rise.
     I thought it was neat how it showed the schools at the end remaining familiar to Mr. Winkles. He remembered the desks, and the lessons, really taking him back. However, classes have changed a great deal with the use of computers. Younger grades are  incorporating computers into the classroom earlier and earlier. It is almost to the point where it is too young in my opinion to give out computers. One of the things I look    forward to is standing in front of my little class and being energetic and enthusiastic about my lessons. It's definitely a cool video, reminds me of the spoons dude.

Killin the Creativity 

     Ken Robinson is a very comical speaker that had me chuckling a few times in front of my computer. My favorite line was the one about the little girl, her teacher, and Jesus. I enjoy what he says  when he talks about schools preparing us for our unreachable future. Questioning how they can prepare us for 65 years into the future when nobody knows what will happen in  five.
     Ken Robinson talks about when students grow up they are discouraged to participate in music or sports because it is not  in their future. However, Mr. Robinson  believes that teachers should not act in these ways. "Creativity is the process of having original ideas that have value" I would argue people show this everyday, and I very much enjoyed this video.

The Very Bias Classroom 

     After viewing these videos and answering the questions, this is what I have ended up deciding. I would think that the easy choice to which class I would take would be the more technology filled one. There was so much interaction and communication, even with the easel in the other video I would argue this class comes out on top. I can't really say either of those classes were representations of classes I have taken in the past. One was too over the top crazy and the other extremely slow.
     The differences between the two teachers is simply the enthusiasm and the technology. The teacher with both of these traits easily conquers the quest for better teacher. Much like the answer before, this one is clear. The items in the fun class were more on a reality level rather than just boring facts. I would have to say that when I become a teacher I will steal traits from both of these videos. From the "fun" one I would take his enthusiasm, and from the other I would take his easel. In order to become a better teacher I just need the experience that comes with it.