Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Final Post Reflection

I remember the first day I walked into class. I was already nervous because I had to give up my full-time job to go back to school. The thought of going back to school was terrifying. But, since I wanted to be a teacher, I wasn’t going to let anything get in the way. When I registered for this class, I honestly thought it was going to be an overview of Microsoft Word, Spreadsheet, and Power Point. Little did I know, I was about to learn and participate in things that I had no idea about! The first two or three weeks of class were the WORST time of my life, or so it seemed. The idea of following instructions on the internet was an awful idea! I felt like I was being shorted of my education. No matter how bad I wanted to give up, I told myself to keep going. What helped me the most was going to lab every Tuesday and Thursday. I know I probably harassed Anthony the most. But, if it wasn’t for the computer lab and everyone’s help, I don’t think I would have made it through the end. Once I got a general knowledge of my blog and understanding how to embed and post, things started to get a little easier. The work was really time consuming, especially the first month. I spent on average, around 15 hours or more a week in EDM 310. I dreaded every Wednesday and Sunday night. I learned fast to start on an assignment as soon as I could, so that I wouldn’t have so much to do on the day it was due. I realized I had to change my mindset and to approach every assignment as a positive one. If you try to look at every assignment as something new and exciting, you start to take appreciation in your work. I thought blogging and all the assignments were just a waste of time. I didn’t understand why this was all important to me in becoming a teacher. I thought since the traditional way worked on me than why can I not do the same? I was so wrong! Maybe If I would have ever gotten out of my comfort zone in school, I would have had a little more motivation or drive while entering the first couple of years in college. I think it’s really important for everyone to keep up with the new technology. Everything around us is constantly changing and if we decide not to change ourselves, than what kind of teacher would we be? This class has really opened my eyes and made me understand the importance of technology. I plan on using podcast, videos, and blogging in my classroom. After following teachers and kids from around the world, I see how excited the students are when they use these tools in class. I would tell anyone who is taking this class in the future, just to take it one day at a time and try to manage your time wisely! Always keep a positive outlook and make the best of it! I would have to say that I have learned the most out of this class than any other class I have ever taken. I plan on using what I have learned in the future and never forgetting what it took to get me there.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Teaching Caleb how to start his own blog







Monday, July 19, 2010

Summary of C4T 4,5 and 6

My C4T 4, 5, and 6 were on a teacher named LISA THUMANN. Her website is called “THUMANN RESOURCES” and it's purpose is to inform the viewers of the "21st Century ideas to help facilitate good teaching and learning".

For my C4T 4, I commented on a summer reading program. The program is designed for students in first through sixth grade. They can read any eight books and then write about them in their Barnes and Nobles Summer Reading Passport. In doing this, they will receive a free paperback book. I think the reading program is a great way to keep students motivated during their summer break and it also allows them to have a smoother transition into the next school year.

My C4T 5 is about her discussing the different websites she learned about from the edtech conference that she attended. She listed several websites with their links, which would be beneficial for educators to use. My favorite one of all is Sweetsearch. It is recommended for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. This website is an educational search website that is suitable for their age group. You can view this website here.

In my final C4T, She discusses the meaning of an Unconference. She attended an EdubloggerCon East in Boston and wanted to simplify her thoughts on what an unconference is. Basically, it’s a gathering of people talking about a common subject. Everyone who attends is seen and heard. It’s an informal way to learn and share new ideas.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

MY PLN



After watching "A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment" video, I decided that this was a great way to establish my PLN. It's an easy and efficient way to keep your PLN organized. I have many bookmarks such as Facebook and twitter on the top and more of my educational bookmarks on the the bottom. Currently I am following Mr. McClung and Mathew Needleman's blog I'm becoming more familiar with this website and plan on adding additional sites as I go. I would recommend this to anyone who has trouble staying organized. You can create your on here.

MIDTERM QUESTIONNAIRE



I have learned so much while completing this survey. I now know that the class and I have a lot in common! We like to eat pizza and watch football! Most importantly, I can create a quiz of my choice using Google Docs, which will be very helpful in the future. I also have learned how to gather and evaluate data from my own questionnaire. In general, Google Docs is a great and effective tool that will help me tremendously in the future!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Mr. McClung Reflects on Year 2


Mr. McClung has matured as a teacher over the last year. In his reflection from the previous year, he was just beginning his first year of teaching. He taught 6th grade science. As he states in his current post, this is a subject that he is comfortable with teaching and enjoys doing so. He has had many challenges with teaching 8th grade social studies. Mr. McClung had to learn how to adapt to the Jr. High “independent mentality”. But, he was able to overcome these obstacles. He came up with exciting ways to teach and to make leaning fun.

I like how he motioned that having a school mom is helpful. I think that’s a great idea. You always have room to grow and improve on. A school mom can help you become more comfortable with the particular routines of the school. In all, the students are the main focus. There will always be existing problems throughout the school. But, it’s a teacher’s job to make sure that the students comprehend everything that is being taught in the classroom. I will definitely continue to follow Mr. McClung as he continues to share in experiences.

M-Cubed: ISTE Presentation Video

Digital Fabrication is creating a physical product from a digital design. It’s easy to use and fun for elementary students. Students can deconstruct objects and put them back together. It allows a better understanding of the problem solving process. Students have a physical object to hold which allows them to grasp more of an understanding on how it was created. I think these videos are very interesting. Although, it might take some time to catch on, but I think it’s great way for young students to learn the designing process. You can view Imagine. Design. Create. Construct, The Principle of Least Change, , and FabLab ModelMaker: Change a Shape.

C4K 4

Blayne and Dane

My C4K 4 is about two guys from a Drama, Film, and TV class who produced their own take on PC versus Mac. The movie is hilarious! Blayne was PC and Dane was Mac. The video was about the many negatives of each. The actors were perfect for the role!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

First Graders in Ms. Cassidy's Class


Mrs. Cassidy’s class is amazing! I am so impressed that she is teaching her first grade students all about technology. They are all eager to learn and enjoy sharing their work with the world. She is a great example on how current and future teachers should view the use of technology in the classroom. As she said on skype, the world is changing so that means we have to change. Like I've said before, teachers have to get out of their comfort zone and to always keep challenging their students as well as their selves.

Blogging and making videos is a great way for students to improve on their writing and speech. When they receive feedback, it has positive effect on their learning. It’s a good way for them to take writing seriously, when they are aware that many people are reading and commenting on what they are posting. I will definitely incorporate technology in my classroom. I want to create my own class blog like Mrs. Cassidy. I think there are endless opportunities ahead, when you incorporate technology in the classroom.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

C4K 3

My comment for kids this week is about student who is trying to start up a new club for the next school year. She wants the club to be based on the Harry Potter series. Kelly believes that Harry Potter would be a great theme because everyone else in her school enjoys reading the series. Students could watch movies and have discussion topics chosen by the teacher. This would be a great way for students improve on their reading skills and also, encourage more student interaction with one another.
Smart Board Project

7th Grade PLE

This student did an amazing job with organizing her personal learning environment. I am very impressed that her science class is paperless. I couldn’t believe that her class is mostly internet based. She did a great job on keeping her class work and projects organized. With using the internet as the main educational tool, it teaches the students to learn self-discipline.

She explained how sites such as face book, were on the top of her personal page and schoolwork is across the bottom of the page. My PLN does not compare in any way to her PLE. One day I would like to create a personal page of my own for my PLN. It would be a great way to stay organized and also, make communicating to others a lot easier.


Two Questions That Can Change Your Life

I thought this was an interesting video. I think having a sentence of your own is great way to stay motivated throughout the day! It allows you to have some kind of purpose as you go about your day. The question; “Was I better today than yesterday?” Is a thought I know I personally think about every day. I always try to have a positive outlook on how I want to live each day. Whether it may be learning something new or helping others.

My sentence would be simple but meaningful. Never give up! When I started back school this semester, I thought there was no way I could do this class. I stayed focused and always made sure that I was learning something new about it every day. Dropping a class because of lack of confidence will never be a question again.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Blog Post 9

The post was a little different than the others I have read. Dan Brown is quite a character, but he sure knows how to grab his audience's attention. I agree with Mr. Brown and Ms. Bayda. Who wants to sit in a large auditorium and listen to a two hour lecture? Yeah I’m good at memorizing, but who isn’t to a certain extent?

When I attended Faulkner State Community college, not only were the classrooms smaller, but the teachers were more in engaged with the students. My education definitely changed when I transferred to South Alabama. I started noticing that the teacher – student relationship no longer exist. I do think Institutional education needs to make a change. What’s the point of going to college if you do not receive the best of education that you deserve and pay for? I agree with David Brown, “If the teachers don’t make a change then the world will do it for them”!

Alex - Alabama Learning Exchange

I thought the Alex website is and extremely useful tool in education. I had no idea that something like this even existed in Alabama. It was very self explanatory. When you go onto the website, you have several different options to choose from. Courses of Study, Web Links, Lesson Plans, and Personal Workplace are just a few.


The lesson plans were the most interesting to me. You click on that option and choose which grade level and subject. It gives you and overview, objectives, background, and technology needed. You are informed on what materials are needed and the duration of the lesson. It also provides helpful links that you can use to obtain the information needed for providing the lesson. This website is definitely something I’ll be using, when I began my teaching career.