C4T #4

Comment 1

This C4T I was assigned to Kim Cofino. She works with international schools in technology. Her Blog was about 1:1 implementation updates. She lists three updates in her blog. The first one was about how children take care of the laptops they are given. They make students and parents sign a responsible use agreement to make sure they know the consequences when they damage the laptop. The second update was about accountability. The children are given three strikes when they do things on their laptop they are not supposed to. The third update is about balance. The children were having a hard time dealing with having a laptop all the time and the parents were having a hard time having a new laptop in the house. I commented on her post and told her about how I really would enjoy working with international students. I also told her I liked the accountability they hold to their students.

Comment 2

This week on Kim Cofino's Blog she talked about Digital Citizenship Week. She explains through her blog how she informs her middle school about digital citizenship. They start off with a different word every day to learn about through activities. Everyday they start out meeting in a special tutor group for 45 minutes to do activities including answering a survey, adding pin to a collaborative map, and adding a slide to a presentation that is shown to the whole school at the end of the week. After they have gotten aout of there tutor groups each grade spends 90 minutes with one of three teachers that teach them about the words used for each day. The school also had a couple of courses that participated such as PE and Technology. At the end of the week the Student Council presented the material everyone put together about what it means to be a digital citizen. I commented on her blog and shared my thanks with her for helping us with an idea to tach kids about digital citizenship. I also told her I hope that the school I end up teaching at will be as willing to participate as I am.

Project # 10 PLN Final Summary

Before

After

After

Since my summary I have done a lot of work to my PLN. On my first summary all I did was decide on how I would keep up with all the resources used in my PLN. I chose symbaloo. Since then I have added my blog and the EDM 310 blog. I have also added all the tools we have used and the teachers and kids I have commented on. I hope to continue adding to my PLN throughout my teaching career.

Blog Post #13

Electronic Media Fast

This week my EDM 310 class was challenged to try and not use electronics for 24 hours. We were given three attempts to see if we could achieve the challenge. The only way we could use technology is if it was needed for work. However, we were allowed to watch a movie in a theater just not on a television or computer.

Attempt 1

I attempted this challenge on Thursday and failed. I will go ahead and admit I am addicted to Facebook. I have to check up on what is happening with everyone at least once or twice a day. My boyfriend Kyle knew about this project and was very willing to help. As hard as it was, I had to give in and answer my parents phone call. This is why I failed the first attempt. My parents live in Tennessee and I do not get to see them very much so I treasure the conversations we have. After I had failed I went ahead and decided to check my facebook and watch television that night.

Attempt 2

My second attempt occurred on Friday. I told myself when I woke up that today was going to be the day I succeeded. It was going very well till Kyle forgot about the project and called me. I did not want him to think I was ignoring him or mad at him so I answered. He wanted to ask me if I wanted to go to a movie that night. The worst part about this attempt is that I was so close to being successful because all I did was answer the phone the rest of the day went great.

Attempt 3

My third and final attempt occurred on Sunday. However I already felt like I was going to fail this time. I am in my final week of classes till finals so I am trying to get a lot of projects finished and assignments completed. I was exactly right. I failed due to having homework due by midnight and trying to study for finals. I realized after failing the challenge that I cannot live without electronics. My generation and the one after me are growing up in a technological world. Everything now is being accomplished thru electronics so there is really no way around it. I fear the children I will have in my classroom will not enjoy the simple things in life. They will think everything should be done for them. I will also have to keep up with the new technology to make sure my students stay engaged in the lessons.

Project 15

Mobile County Pacing Guide Learning Objective 1.4

Progress Report of Final Project

My group and I have discussed several video ideas. We have not fully decided yet but we have a few choices. I posted on one of my blog posts about making a video on how to schedule EDM work throughout the week and Dr. Strange commented and said this would be a great idea for the final project. We have also talked about how to video on one of the tools we have learned to use also. If anyone has any comments on which one we should use, please feel free to comment.

Blog Post 12

1.Watch Normal Distribution Video
2.Watch Normal Distirbution
3.Watch MAT 110 Module 4: Normal Distribution Curve and Percents


Write a post in which you discuss the differences and similarities of the three videos about Bell Curve. Also do some research and find out some standardized test that you can use the Bell Curve to illustrate. Write at least one paragraph about the similarities of the videos and one paragraph about the differences of the videos. Also write one paragraph on standardized tests that use the Bell Curve. You will have to do a little research to figure the tests out. Follow the requirements in Writing a Quality Blog Post.

4.For the picture on this blog post include your own drawing of a Bell Curve.

My Example of the Blog Post

Similarities of the videos

All the videos mention the normal curve is the Bell-shaped Curve. They also talk about the mean (average) and standard deviation. The videos also include how to label a Bell curve with the mean and standard deviations. The videos also gives a percent for the very tail ends of the curve. The only other similarity all the videos have is the 68-95-99 percents used with standard deviations. For example, one standard deviation away from the mean is 68% of the data, two standard deviations away from the mean is 95%, and three standard deviations away from the mean is 99%.

Differences of the Videos

The MAT 110 Module 4: Normal Distribution Curve and Percents Video and Normal Distribution Video gives an actual problem to work with unlike the other video. However, the Normal Distribution Video works out the problems for to help you understand the percents and how to get an actual number. The actual 68-95-99 percents broken down are different in all three videos. However, all three videos only differ by a tenth or hundredth of a percent. The Normal Distirbution video shows a different symbol for mean and standard deviation. The mean symbol looks like a u with a tail and is called the mu. The standard deviation symbol looks like a cursive o and is called sigma. This video also goes over how to look for median and mode unlike the other two videos.

Standardized Tests

All standardized tests can use a bell curve to help show a parent how there child is performing compared to everyone else that took the test. A few of the test you will recognize are SAT and ACT. However there are a lot more that as a teacher I will learn to use. For example, WISC and IQ. You can also use the Bell Curve to convert a problem from a percent to an actual score.

Creativity and Curiosity: My Thoughts- Special Post #12A

I believe that schools in the United States systematically destroy the development of curiosity and/ or creativity in students. This happens because teachers and administrators are not very excited about the growth of technology. Some teachers are so stuck in their ways that they want to stick to writing on a board and handing out the same worksheets year after year. I know throughout school all my teachers had taught the kids the year ahead of me the same thing I was learning. Technology is growing so fast that administrators need to provide seminars about new technology and make the teachers adopt the new ways of educating. If teachers start to add lessons using technology they will develop a curriculum that increases the curiosity and creativity of students. The key components to increase curiosity would be to use things that children are using for social network and make it educational. I do not know of a single child that does not enjoy getting on the internet and doing things. I know that there are still a ton of things children do not know about the internet. For instance, until I took this class I knew nothing about the website where you can create your own timeline, I had never blogged in my life, and had not used twitter to connect to people that could help me in my educational journey. The key components to increase creativity would almost be the came as curiosity. When teaching kids about blog posts, children can be creative by posting on their blogs and making their own timelines. However, the only way students are going to be curious about technology is if their teacher is excited and as curious as they are. Also the only way students are going to really show their creativity is if their teacher supports them and compliments their creativity. As I said in the beginning, schools need to give seminars in new technology and ways we can use technology in the classroom. Having seminars available and a good computer would help me to become more creative and curious. It would not hurt also if the schools and teachers fully supported the new technology and try everything they can to make sure our school stays up to date on new techniques and products.

C4K April Summary

Comment 1 April 8

This is my second week posting on Curtis's blog. This week he talked about Vermont. The one thing he mentioned about Vermont is Lake Champlain and the myth of a sea monster. He also mentioned Mt. Mansfield. I commented and told him how I have never been to Vermont. I asked him how the sea monster got his name. I also told him I would love the see the view from the top of Mt. Mansfield. I really enjoyed hearing about where he is from and he made me want to visit Vermont.

Comment 2 April 15

Well this was my final week posting on Curits's blog. He did not post any new blogs since my last comment so I commented an his All About Me Blog. He wrote that he liked baseball and listed his favorite team and also explained where he was from and his favorite food. He listed that his favorite food was pizza with maple syrup. I have never tried that but really do not think I would like it. I commented on his blog and told him about my favorite baseball team being the Braves and I loved watching it with my dad. I hope that he continues to post on his blog. I really enjoy being able to have the same kid for three weeks cause I really got to know a little about him.

Comment 3 April 22

Sadly this is my final C4K! This week I was assigned Ms. Jenny She's year 1 class in New Zeland and the third blog post in the month of April. The title of the post I commented on is Aneelis at Butterfly Creek. The post was a video done through animoto showing pictures of Aneelis and her adventure through Butterfly Creek. The pictures showed a lot of different animals including rabbits, butterflies, and goats. I commented and told her how I wanted to visit Butterfly Creek and have a butterfly sit on me like it did on her. I also asked her what animal was her favorite. I really like the animoto the teacher used to show the pictures.

Blog Post #11

Little Kids...Big Potential

In this video Ms. Cassidy's class explains some of the things they are doing with technology. The first child talks about how he enjoys writing in his book but he likes writing on his blog more. I am amazed that children this age are already diving into technology and know more about parts of technology than I do. Ms. Cassidy uses blogs to help the children with their writing and as a portfolio of their work throughout the year. She also teaches them how to use the internet safely. That has always been my biggest problem with young children using the internet. The webpage they use helps them with all subjects. They have a time everyday where they have the opportunity to pick which subject they want to work on. She also uses Wiki so her students can do their own research about things with the help of people on the internet. I really like how she is already starting to teach these young children how to research. I really like how she uses videos in her classroom too. The children have to learn how to work well with their classmates and also how to make videos. I never imagined children this age would already be this into technology. When I was there age I barely knew how to use a computer. I think now that technology has grown so much it is about time classrooms really start to engage students through technology.

Mrs. Cassidy's Skype Interview

I really want technology to be a part of my lessons when I teach. I really think having some sort of technology available to use will make my students want to participate more. The world now seems to revolve around new additions to technology so why not make my classroom revolve around technology. I fear that the parents will be a impediment of mine. I think they will like to be able to view their students work but will not like just anyone in the world being able to look at it too. If I encounter this problem I will probably do what Mrs. Cassidy did and at the beginning of the year send out a letter. The letter I send out will explain what we will be doing with the computers and the benefits and also the safety precautions we will take to protect their child. I also fear that the school I work at it will not have the funding to be able to give me computers in my classroom. To solve this problem I will try and talk to the superintendent and also get support from other teachers to help back me up to get the funding I need. I really want to use blogs in my classroom so my students can get a lot of positive feedback and maybe give them more confidence that they can do this work and can get better. I really think using technology will get my students more involved with the educational uses of the internet. I also think it will prepare my students for the years to come and college.

Blog Post #10

Do You Teach or Do You Educate?

This video tries to help viewers understand the difference between educating and teaching. Teach is defined as showing or explaining how to do something, encouraging someone to accept as a fact or principle, giving information about or instruction in, causing someone to learn or understand something, or inducing by example or punishment to do or not to do something. Educate is defined as illuminate, enlighten, inspire, empower. The video then goes on to define educator as one who gives intellectual moral and social instruction and mentor as an experienced and trusted adviser.

It is hard to not sit through this video and know that you want to be an educator not a teacher. However, most people in today's society are teachers. I chose education as my major because I wanted to make a difference in childrens' lives. I also wanted to share my knowledge and experiences. I was a good student but there are a few things that I could have done different. Therefore I hope to be an educator to my students and inspire, enlighten, and empower them. I will make sure my lessons engage the students and require them to show me they understand the material rather than just memorizing it.

Don't Let Them Take Pencils Home

Mr. Johnson presents his argument in a calm manner. He politely tells Gertrude that he does not see how a standardized test is a authentic measurement of learning. He then goes on to explain why he believes the article thinks children who bring home pencils have low test scores. Mr. Johnson teaches in a low-income school. Sadly many of the students see a pencil as a form of entertainment because they do not see their parents using them and only have them at school. His solution to children seeing pencils as entertainment is to involve the parents. This is probably one of the hardest things to do as a teacher. In my experience a lot of low income families tend to push education to the side. They seem to believe that their children will end up in the same jobs as they are in now. I think that his idea is great. We, as educators, have some influence on students, but the parents and home life is where it starts. He proposes to teach the parents some of the skills that their children are learning so the children will see their parents using pencils at home. Gertrude then states they will use the supplies to play hangman. I think my favorite part of this post is when Mr. Johnson responds to Gertrude "... if they choose to play Hang Man or go on the pen pal networks, I'm okay with it. There's probably some learning that's taking place that we don't realize." Some people still do not realize that when a child is using a writing tool they are learning. I mean Hangman teaches several different things such as spelling and how to write letters. I hope that I will be as creative as Mr. Johnson when I become an educator.

Blog Post 9

Mr. Joe McClung May 27, 2009

Mr. McClung starts off explaining he was a new teacher in Noel, Missouri. He describes that he had no idea what to expect as an elementary teacher but over the past year he has matured and learned a lot. I understand exactly how he felt that first day. I feel that way all the time right now. I have no idea what to expect my first year teaching. Thankfully, Mr. McClung has given me hope that after my first year I will grow as a teacher and learn a lot through the experience.

Mr. McClung goes on to explain a few things he learned through the year. The first thing he talks about is how to read a crowd. He talks about that when he was going through college he thought it was all about him and how he was being looked at by his superiors. Through this thinking he lost touch with the students when he gave lessons. He sees a lot of problems with teachers now days is they do not make lessons student centered. This leads to the students not fully comprehending the material. I could not agree with him more. I think so many teachers are concerned with how other teachers and the principal of a school feel about the lessons they are giving students that they forget about the student. I hope that when I teach I will make sure my students comprehend what I teach. I think if your students are able to comprehend your lesson then the way your superiors look at you is already taken care of.

He then explain how to be flexible, communicate, be reasonable, and to not be afraid of technology. He explains in his post that we have to remember that "the lesson you teach and the one you plan are always different". He then goes on to say that you cannot let mistakes get to you and get over the fact if a lesson does not go well. He give positive reinforcement by saying "simply work with it and try to better the situation". I am sure this is one thing I will have a lot of trouble with. I am a person that likes to plan out everything. I am getting better about being more flexible but still have a long road in front of me. Mr. McClung talks about communication and how it is important in building relationships with other teachers. He says that communication is a hard skill to develop. Thankfully, I am very good at communicating. I am not scared to ask questions and admit when I need help. I also am very good with talking to kids. They seem to like to talk to me and feel like they can tell me anything. Hopefully, this will be helpful in my first year. He then says to not be upset when a student does not meet an expectation. He then says "our job as teachers is to simply pick them up after they fail, dust them off, and encourage them to try again. I feel confident that I will be reasonable. I have always had high expectations set for me. The one good thing is if I did not meet the expectation my parents would do exactly what Mr. McClung says the job of a teacher is. This really helps me as a teacher because I have had great role models show me how to do this.

I think the too biggest things in the post he learns are to listen to your students and never stop learning. He had a child list on their end of the year survey that he/she knew the teacher cared about them as a person when he listens to what they say. This not only impacted Mr. McClung but it has impacted me. This makes me really what to know my students and take the time to answer every question and listen to every story the children want to share with me. We, as teachers, have a chance to make a difference in every child's life, but we have to listen to them for them to trust us. Finally, he talks about how we owe it to our students to learn new ways of thinking, learning, and styles of teaching. This statement is so true. I have seen through EDM 310 that technology is changing every day. In order for teachers to really impact a student and make sure they succeed in life the teacher needs to continue to learn.

Mr. Joe McClung June 23, 2011

Mr. McClung talks about his experiences as a teacher after his third year. He starts off saying this was his first year to be at the same school for more than one year, be a head coach, be a cross country coach, and be a computer applications teacher. He then lists the things he has learned the past year as in the two posts before this one.

He starts off with stating you need to know who your boss is and to not expect others to be as excited about change as you are. He starts off with something I remember he said in the first post I read. "If you are not careful you can become completely consumed with trying to please so many individuals that sometimes your own students get left out of the picture." He does not mean that you need to know who you boss is meaning principal. He means your boss needs to be the students. They are what your primary focus should be. I love the way he phrases the students as the boss. I could not have said it better myself. I want my students to be my primary focus that is why I am a teacher and I hope that is why other teachers are teachers. He then explains that you cannot let other people put a damper on things you find exciting. I hate to say it but I am one of those people he describes that sits in the back of the room checking facebook and not really paying attention. However, now that I am taking EDM 310 I see how important it is to be excited about new techniques and new technology. I will now be like Mr. McClung and be the person sitting in the front engaged in the lecture and excited about the changes in education.

Two others things he mentions in this post is to not be afraid to be an outsider and do not get comfortable. Mr. McClung does not realize this but he explains me and the way I look at school. I have always been the outsider throughout school. I do not really care about fitting in with people. I go to school to get an education and a degree. I thought that was what school was there for so I am making sure I do what it is there for. I will approach my teaching career the same way. I am there to teach students and make sure they comprehend what I teach them. I am not there to be accepted by the teachers. The biggest advice he gives in my opinion is about noe getting comfortable. Once you start teaching the things you worried about while in school are now easy because you are not stressed and there is not a grade for what you are doing. The way you can prevent yourself from getting comfortable is think of new ways to plan, grade, and instruct. He states perfectly "we cannot afford to be passive in education; we need to be willing to be 'movers and shakers' and be advocates for the changes that need to happen in our schools".

Finally, he states something in this post that our teacher Dr. Strange in EDM 310 has also been trying to teach us by him instructing us this way. "If you touch the keyboard and take over the task that they are trying to learn than they will never learn how to do it on their own and you end up doing all the work." Dr. Strange teaches us by making us use tools that we will have to use in classrooms, however, he is not there to do it for us. His helpers and him will help if you need it but they will not sit there with you and do the project for you, you have to do that yourself in order to learn. Mr. McClung relates this to teaching and how we, as teachers, want to help a student who is having difficulty and accidently end up doing it for them. Doing this will lead to the students never mastering the skill and it hindering them through school.