Project 11--Short Movie

Project # 12

For project 12 I chose to make a book trailer for Danny and The Dinosaur by Syd Hoff. Just thinking about this book takes me back to childhood with memories I could never forget. I still have my worn out and pitiful copy of this book with it's pages colored on and the binding almost completely gone but, I cherish it too much to toss it out.

Blog post #8

Richard Miller- This is how we dream

On December 28th, 2008, Richard Miller, from the dept of English at Rutger's University, gave a presentation entitled "The way we teach now" to the Modern Language Association. Our assignment for Blog post # 8 was to view This is how we dream parts 1 and 2 which was a piece of his presentation. His was not the greatest lecture we've heard in EDM and I'm glad that most of our blog assignments start with "write YOUR reaction". First things first, I felt a slight sting with his opening remarks, particularly the statement "this is the time to be engaged in the work of literacy, it has never been a more important moment for this profession or for people who take reading and writing seriously." This idea for me pertains to older students who write and study as he even addressed that he wanted to discuss how literacy has changed in the universities as well as the culture. There is no way in the world I would replace pencils as the fundamental tool for writing success in my elementary classroom. Will I add greater, more sophisticated tools for success such as the SmartBoard, iPads, and computers? Absolutely!!!! But saying to replace the pencil is going a little too far for me. There is no doubt in my mind that technology is booming especially in the education field but, there are some things that need be left alone. I don't think I'm all alone with that opinion. I do appreciate all of the technology advancements that are available as I think they're very beneficial for our growth as educators.

He moves on to the fact that most text books are becoming ebooks. You can now go online to any library; local, collegiate, foreign and look at most books. How fascinating is that? I did a paper in my British lit class a few years back and I actually received feedback from a library in Wales, UK. I thought it would be a neat idea to find a library website, use their email tool and ask questions. Turns out they really do have a better understanding of british lit than we do but, hey.....we know all about Justin Bieber ok!?!?!?! cricket...cricket...still with me?

In part two of the video he discusses the power of YouTube. Every second a video is uploaded on YouTube and fortunately for students, current and future educators it doesn't take rocket science to upload a video lesson, a video presentation, etc. Richard Miller speaks the truth when he says that if this lecture were something he wrote down, it would take some time for the writings to be published, delaying someone's advantage of the lecture. Most of the things we've had the pleasure of watching for EDM 310 has come from YouTube uploads...can you imagine the knowledge we would've missed if it hadn't been for this site?






Carly Pugh-- Creativity is talent that some people have and others do not
My word. I have interacted with Carly on several occasions in the lab. She's always struck me as a super smart gal and leads with example in her Blog Post # 12. Dr. Strange asks us to evaluate how we think she comes close to Dr. Miller's hopes for writing with multi-media. I watched Dr. Miller's video 4 times..that's 1,2,3,4....@ around 12 minutes for both videos and each time the WONK..WONK..WONK..of Charlie Brown's teacher got louder and louder. While I understand his hope for the future of writing with multimedia, as I said previously, it wasn't a great lecture. If Carly's creativeness breaks down what the video was supposed to be getting at then she's got a bright future ahead of her.

The Chipper Series and EDM for Dummies
Haaaaaaaaa haaaaaaaaaaaa LOL, I'm sorry, how is one supposed to write according to the requirements in Writing a Quality Blog after watching The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies? I laughed out loud so much during the videos. I can imagine most of us have experienced every scenario once or twice during EDM but, I can vouch that I have because this course during the summer...ain't no joke!  sometimes you just have to use bad grammar. HA HA Don't get me wrong, this course is so much fun and I love learning about how technology is thriving within all educational fields but, it can be strenuous at times and I am crazy guilty of being a procrastinator such as Chipper. Although, I am NOT 100% reformed with my time management skills, I think I've truly shaped up and I always, always, always get my work completed on time. But, seriously.....can we get the book published?
I think if I had to help create or have the option to participate in creating a video, it would be something about wikispace. I recently did a project in my EPY class and I involved the use of wiki space in a project for my make believe 5th graders. I loved learning how to use the site and also what benefits it had to offer students such as reducing project time because of the improved communications and it's paperless and that's one step closer to being the best teacher you can be in the 21st century classroom!!

Learn to change, change to learn

This video fundamentally attacks the old school way of teaching but, it's actually a really great video. I am learning to keep my eyes open and embrace technology within the classroom. The more time and effort (and sobbing breakdowns because I'm exhausted) I apply to EDM 310, the more I benefit from it. I'm not just benefitting because I'm learning how to do random things on a computer but, benefitting in a way that I've not yet begun to expose and that is my ability to teach. I know that when my dream comes true and I am standing in my very own classroom, with my very own students, I will provide them a better way of learning because of technology. I'm learning to change (not transform), and changing to learn. I got chills when Stephen Hepell said, "it is the death of education, and the dawn of learning." Awesome!!!

SCAVENGER HUNT!!!

Comic Strip

Video Tool
Animoto: It supplies many useful tools for creating video presentations for the classroom. While you're 100% focused on the content of the video you're creating Animoto automatically creates a customized selection of music, video clips, and photos. You can also add text to individual photos to provide better education and entertainment to your audience. Lastly, it's simple to share a video with Animoto.

Poll Everywhere!

MY FIRST POLL

Project # 10--PLN

So far my PLN is websites I've used for various research projects in my journey to become an elementary teacher. I added useful tools for everything from grading papers to sites completely dedicated to videos created by teachers. I created a few of my own tiles that I find resourceful such as Pinterest and Dare to Care blog. I look forward to continuing to add to my PLN because as we all know education never stops!!!!!

Project 9b--Prezi

TRIANGLES,CIRCLES,SQUARES...OH MY! Shapes build our lives. on Prezi

C4T #2

On Mrs. Denise Krebs' blog you can find many great and inspiring posts about her love for being an educator and also how she can contribute to making education (with the use of technology!) a better experience for her students.

Such example can be found in her post Researcher's Workshop in which she discusses the benefits of letting her students choose a topic to research. That's not writing a research paper but, rather giving them 3 hours to submerge themselves in a particular topic. This project is similar to Genius Hour, check it out here. Her encouragement was simply "learn now, become an expert later." which I find refreshing. This type of assignment has many benefits and a great potential for success. Mrs. Krebs also notes the enthusiam of the students as they took notes while viewing History Channel dvds, youtube videos and Learning 360 clips. If a piece of information excited a student he or she would share with their neighbor or more excitedly share with the entire class. As with any project there was a required end result and while Mrs. Krebs was 100% pleased with the experience and creativity of the research, she didn't see 100% in the quality. I'll just agree with her theory that this occured because the projects were due 3 days before summer break :)

My first post to Mrs. Krebs proved to be beneficial for me. I explained that in my experience with research papers I never "learned", I just became an "expert" long enough to write about the topic due. I think she's on to something so, I encouraged her to continue this workshop for future classrooms. While I praised her "researcher's workshop" activity with her classroom I also opened a whole new can of worms within myself concerning my opinions on technology in the classroom. I'm glad that I did this because I recieved some wonderful feedback, websites, and articles from Mrs. Krebs that really opened my eyes to technology in the classroom. We also discussed the importance of "reinventing the classroom" which inspired her to continue writing a post from October '11. Which brings me to post # 2 The Reinvention of Education.

In this post Mrs. Krebs recalls being inspired to rethink how education is done. She attended ITEC11 where guest speaker Steve Hargadon, shared 3 things with the group:
1) An important idea: You matter!
Realizing that you and technology are a collective value. You're making a difference.

2) A platform: How we connect with others
Connecting with others is important--We learn from others!

3) A framework: How we get things done
Being constrained to the stereo typical way of teaching will get the job done but, opening a world of wonders for your students with the use of technology can give them and yourself the potential for success.

My final remarks on Mrs. Kreb's blog were simply that through our blog convos and websites she offered, I recieved an abundence of guidence towards becoming a 21st century educator. I'm glad that my inquisitive mind asked questions, that led to her answers, that led me to an open mind.

Blog post # 7

Could I become a teacher who adapts connectivism?

I watched Wendy Drexler's Networked Student three times. Once to make sure I didn't miss the specific sentence Dr. Strange pointed out, the second time was to listen out for specifics to jot down and the final time was to listen, uninterruptedly to the entire video. I did this because I was determined to have this be the video that helped me become more open to the way of the 21st century educator. So I watched, eyes peeled, ears AND mind opened. After the video ended I sat back and looked at all of my notes, I had 2 pages from a 5 minute video. My reaction was, "ok...I live my life just as this animated high school student does." I have classes, then I have hybrid classes. Even the classes that I take where we actually go and sit in a classroom for a lecture has online tools that hopefully further our grasp of the content. I can't tell you how many websites I have bookmarked because I learn from them. I use Google religiously to find information. I sorta Skype only it's through FaceTime on the iphone. Now these are all things I did BEFORE starting EDM310. Since then I have created my own blog, post regularly, respond to posts often, read and comment on teacher's blogs, recieve feedback from them :), use google docs, created a wordle (lord knows I'd never even heard of that phrase before EDM) All of these things are molding me into a future for becoming a teacher of connectivism.

I've been thinking long and hard about my opinions on students getting all of their lectures and assignments from teacher blogs, having no books, and toting around ipads instead of paper and pencil. I have NEVER been one to be pushed into liking anything no matter what it is. Even though I have honestly enjoyed watching every ounce of the material we've covered schooling us on 21st century education, I still kept a biased opinion that it just wasn't for me. Does that make me dumb and mean I do not know how to use technology? No, it doesn't. But, I do consider myself open minded which brings me back to my first sentence. I recieved a post today from Bailey Hammond on a recent blog that made me realize that my bias wasn't against the theory of connectivism as a whole rather having the concept consume a child's life at such a young age. When I think of my elementary students (my dream is to teach the little ones K-2) I see them using glitter, scissors, and Elmer's glue to give life to a piece of construction paper. I see them mastering how to correctly draw the letter B because we've made bats, balls, and bees together in the classroom. Does a child ages 3-6 have the capacity to use devices such as ipads, tape recorders, and cameras? Well 9 times out of 10 they do! I look at my 4 year old nephew who has been dominating his mom's iphone for at least 2.5 years. But, the downfall is when it's unavailable for him to play on, the battery may be dead, she might be on the phone OR she just tells him no because he's spent most of his day playing on the sucker. So, do I think technology belongs in the classroom even at the kindergarden level? Yes, because I believe to educate you must be entertaining. No, because I have anxiety just thinking about a student who can't write in cursive because to type on a computer or ipad, all you need are your finger tips and quick movements. But, after watching Networked Student and Welcome to my PLE I'm seeing the real benefits of a full connectivism classroom in older students.







When I stopped to think about the question "Why does the network student even need a teacher?" I immediately think about Dr. Strange and how all of the given facts for why the student would need a teacher is a characteristic of him. We rarely see him in person yet he is the most beneficial teacher I have this semester. He's taught us to put together this network of resources for learning oppourtunities, speak to experts respectfully by thanking them via twitter, etc....My life will never be the same after this semester is over. I've learned more in the past 4 weeks than I have in many other semesters. I believe KNOW implementing technology in the classroom is a must. I have already began the search to build my PLN with all the information I can on the benefits of technology in early childhood developement, any K-2 teachers that incorperate technology in their classrooms, and motivational lectures on the benefits of being a teacher of connectivism.

Thomas Suarez

The only real thing I learned from watching Thomas Suarez: A 12 year old app developer is that he's a seriously smart little man! I think he speaks volumes about the change in the world according to technology. When I was 12, I never even heard of an app on an iphone or any phone for that matter. For Thomas to be interested in creating apps isn't mind blowing this day in age but, for him to take the initiative to practice programs in other languages such as Java and Python to get the basics down so to actually go through with his interest at such a young age is exciting!! Children are benefiting from technology as we can clearly see in this video and as well as the 7th grader's PLE. Who knows, maybe Thomas will be creating apps for iSchool Initiative one day.

Project 8

Blog # 6

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

As I watched Randy Pausch's last lecture, I thought about the first time I ever heard of him. It was for a blog post we did the first of the semester and one of the questions asked by Dr. Strange was "do you know anything else about Randy Pausch?" Well, to me that didn't mean look something up, so I simply replied that I didn't know anything but, I gained a lot from the clip of his lecture. As I clicked the link in preparation for what I knew was going to be over an hour of video, I still knew nothing about Dr. Pausch. Then he started the lecture and I realized, wow! This man has passed away. Oh gosh, this video is 4 years old. I immediately thought, "dang!! He's such a joy to watch and really gives GREAT motivational speeches." As he opens immediately with jokes, slides of his cancer progression, I understand that not only does he just go out in the world and teach people to have faith to go for their dreams, he's actually a testament of what he preaches. See, I've been down in the dumps lately because I'm maxed out stressed with school this semester so after watching his last lecture, I spent a little while watching many other youtube clips of this man that had me tearing up, laughing, intrigued, speechless and mostly learning.

Before I move into the aspects of teaching he touched on I want to say that the main thing I received from this lecture was a life lesson, he said it out loud, "don't pity me." Those words, I stand by. I also stand by his theory on on the "head fake"!! Lordy who doesn't? For Dr. Pausch, his "head fake" was football. Mine is school. I remained at my job because what I do for the nurses at Providence Hospital is rewarding for me personally. Those guys and gals respect me as I do them. I decided going back to school full time, all while keeping a full time job would teach me values that I never received growing up. I was a spoiled rotten child. Mommy and Daddy can and WILL fix it all. I find a wonderful fiance', he does the same with me. I as an individual needed values and something to look forward to. Which brings me to how I will run my classroom. I believe that giving any child the opportunity to excel is what teaching is all about. You will have some children, God love them, that just aren't cut out to be scholars but, they can excel in arts, sports, etc. Pushing them to do something they enjoy teaches them determination, gives them goals, team work, things that will hopefully make them great human beings.

Brick walls are there for a reason. “They are there to separate us from the people who don’t really want to achieve their childhood dreams.” -- Randy Pausch. If this isn't the truest statement I don't know what is. I've heard this variation of words in many ways but, coming from him, it just makes so much sense. In a classroom the brick wall can be a number of things. The teacher can hit a brick wall and so can the students. For the teacher, the brick wall can be when he or she doesn't seem to be getting through to the students in a lesson. Does that mean we stop teaching? Does that mean we give up? No! That wall was there to prove how badly we want something. When a student hits a brick wall, it will probably be a little harsher. Kids are already young and impressionable so coming across something that basically knocks them down can do just that...KNOCK THEM DOWN!!!!! As educators we're taught that there will be goals and dreams that you will not reach. But, as children dreams are limitless. Dr. Pausch's last speech is so admittedly titled "Achieving your childhood dreams". I hope to be an educator who pushes a child to run so fast towards their goals and never look back.

If you can't make education for your students and yourself fun then why are you there? I know a job is a job but, if you take what you worked so hard to achieve, and make the most of it, then it has all the potential to be fun. Kids are stressful, teaching is stressful, grading papers is stressful, you will wake up on the wrong side of the bed, your students will wake up on the wrong side of the bed but you have to make the most of it. "You can not change the cards you were dealt, you can only change the way you play your hand." -- Randy Pausch. Although he used this line to describe how he intended to live everyday to the fullest, this is simply a motto to make life workable. Have fun in your classroom!!!!!!! (Randy Pausch insists he's going to have fun every day he has left, that's when the tears fell. ) Don't be an Eeyore, be a Tigger!!!!!!!!!!! Find the fun in everything. I hope that I can be the best educator possible all while making my classroom enjoyable. I wonder if Rafe Esquith ever had the pleasure of enjoying any of Randy Pausch's lectures? After reading "Teach like your hair's on fire" I have restored faith that classrooms can still be fun without being looked at like "oh that teacher just let's those kids play..blah blah" Nope!!!! We're learning, just taking a different avenue.

I will wrap up my blog by saying Randy Pausch gives so much motivation to take to your classroom. Never give up on your students, fight for them and their dreams because if becoming a great teacher is your dream, then that is most definitely a branch from that tree of dreams.

Blog post # 5

iSchool Innovative



Wow!!! Travis is a smart cookie. The simple fact that he even thinks on that level shows his maturity. I think he really did his homework and that he's got an amazing idea with iSchool Initiative. Budget cuts in schools eventually takes a toil on students' education because teachers get worn down when they have 6 class periods of 30+ students. It's an unfortunate reality but, I've witnessed first hand the pessimistic attitude of stressed teachers.

While I share a lot of the same views as Travis, I also have my reservations. I am in school to become a teacher, this idea makes me see teachers as becoming disconnected in many ways. I know that when I become a teacher, I will be hands on. I am a huge fan of technology but, I still can't get over teaching children to become so robotic. I understand that the point of iSchool is to cut costs so the school systems do not suffer so of course, I am 100% on board for this type of technology becoming the norm. I actually LOVED the statement he made at the end of the 2nd video "help us better prepare our youth for the digital world they were born into." Well if that doesn't hit the nail on the head nothing will.

Virtual Choir
I am not too proud to say that this video brought tears to my eyes. The simplistic beauty of the entire thing put me in an awe. It just goes to show you that technology can be used any time, any where.

Teaching in the 21st Century
Kevin Robert's Teaching in the 21st Century was awesome. I think he is absolutely correct with everything he discusses. I mean isn't that what we're learning about in EDM? Media advances are in everything we do. I've never been one to deny that I don't love the idea of a classroom being complete technology to the point that you're never interacting with your students but, just denying it outright is pointless. Do I think this way of teaching will affect me as a teacher in the classroom? Yes and no. While I do not agree that teachers should 100% fall back on twitter, facebook, blogs and another other technological resource, I do think that involving them within the classroom is a very smart idea. Some people (especially children in today's world) would rather be taught this way as opposed to a chalk board and a teacher. I wouldn't want to be the juggling clown trying to impress or entertain a classroom full of children. I just want to be able to affectively engage young minds on learning. Having useful computer labs, Smart Boards, webcams to maybe connect with students in another country...how cool is that? That is where I see my classroom.

Flipping the classroom
There are pros and cons to this one. It's possible that "flipping the classroom" can be useful but, is it 100% always? I can use myself as a prime example for a pro. I took a math class Spring '12 and it almost killed me! I am not good at math at all, then on top of that you throw a teacher who just assumes everyone gets it because she does. Through word of mouth I was introduced to the website Khan Academy. It is what you would expect a flipped classroom to be. Dr. Sal is literally teaching you 1:1 and it helped me in sooooooooo many ways.
Moving on to the cons. Can you trust that every child will use the videos to their advantage? Will you slack on your teaching because you know the children have the video to fall back on? Not every child can learn from a video. I mean when you think about it, it's still lecturing you, you're just not live.

Project 9a-Time Toast Timeline

Blog post # 4

Today's students are lightyears beyond students from the 1990s and 2000s. Having graduated in 2001, I can remember a time when texting wasn't the norm and when internet access was only at a desktop. Even then I thought I was "ahead of the game" because my cell phone had texting capabilities when most students in my high school did not have that. But I wouldn't hold a candle to the students of 2012. Technology is at the tip of their fingers because they can carry it in their pockets. This is why having technology in the classroom is so important because without this students become detatched and uninterested in lessons.




Ms. Tolisano creatively incorporates technology in her lessons, allowing students to learn the required curriculum while sharpening their technological skills. An example of this is her implementation of student podcasts in a lesson of the book Flat Stanley by Jim Brown. Each student has the opportunity to narrate their Flat Stanley character. While listening to the audio, I could sense the excitement in each student's voice and really grasp that they enjoy and gain a lot from the lesson.

Joe Dale's incorporation of podcasts within his blogs is an innovative tool in accommodating students and parents. The podcast helps to emphasize important points of lessons. This is especially useful to students who may need extra review or are absent from class. Podcasts also assist parents in staying on top of their children's work. I can definitely see myself incorporating this into my classroom. I am all for sharing the students progression with their parents. It's beneficial all around.

The two videos on Judy Scharf's podcast collection help me as I'm sure it did our entire group. We made sure to be familiar with the tools we used to film and create our podcast. It was also helpful to be prepared and rehearsed on your topic as it will flow easier and not look so forced. Even before we edited our podcast, and it was just video of us doing our skit, I think we all thought, "wow! Look at what we created and how much we learned just by going over the information with ourselves. Imagine the benefits of podcasting in the classroom? It is well worth taking the time and effort to understand and figure out how to use the tools to create a podcast.

project 6

Google presentation

Blog post # 3

Advice on peer editing

I agree that peer editing is a wonderful resource to use inside the classroom. Children tend to overlook places that could be improved within their own writings. If you think about it, they're looking at these words for a long time so catching grammatical or spelling errors might be skipped during the development of the writing. When students are given the opportunity to edit a peer's paper, they're more likely to develop the skills to notice where changes might improve an other's work. As a teacher, giving the classroom the task of peer editing also develops their communication skills which will be useful as they move forward in life.

The video, What is Peer Editing? , meh...so so for my taste. It didn't flow very well although I did learn the three important steps in peer editing; compliments, suggestions, and corrections. I actually enjoyed and got more from the Peer Edit tutorial. Even though there were no words or music, the material was covered very well. There was an equal breakdown of each important step to peer editing. I thought the practice paragraphs were a useful tool. Lastly, the Writing Peer Review Top 10 mistakes was a riot! I love to see young children so active and entertaining. And because the video stars elementary aged "peers" it's a great resource to explain how peer editing is a positive process.

For my personal peer edit, I will probably post any suggestion or compliments publicly. I am not a "Mean Margaret" or "Picky Patty" :) I consider myself an extremely fair person and hey, I'm NOT perfect, my suggestions might not be the best either. I do know I'm very positive so if my compliments are the only thing that inspires my peer than I have done a good job.

Adaptive Technologies

I am completely inspired by Ms. Lacey Cook and thrilled that the administration for Campbell Collegiate provides the technology for her classroom. To see Corbin using an Ipod touch and a set of headphones to engage in silent reading time is so wonderful. He doesn't have to go to another class and have someone read to him, he can stay with his classmates and remain involved. Another student, Sherae doesn't speak. She may have that handicap but, she's very intelligent having understood all of Ms. Cook's questions. Shaerae uses a technology pad to spell out her answers to questions.

Technology offers more than just access to the Internet. After viewing the video Technology in Special Education I am convinced this is a huge step in the right direction for educating Special needs students. Technology just might be the difference between can or can not for most special needs students. Some students might have a greater handicap than others and if technology keeps them blended with their peers then that's one of the greatest gifts they can receive.

There are many different variations of Autism but, a simple definition is a psychological disability in infants and young children that is often times carried over into adulthood. One characteristic in people with autism is their inability to understand or express emotions. I found the app AutismXpress in the Apple Special Education Apps and it appears to be a useful resource for special education students in that it encourages the expression the recognition and expression of emotions.

Harness your students' Digital Smarts

Ms. Vicki Davis' blog was created to encourage teachers and parents to educate students. She very much prides herself on the accomplishments she's made with students throughout the years. Her classroom uses virtual as well as a technology experience. Each week a different group of students use technology to teach their fellow classmates.

Ms. Davis has also developed a website for communication from all over called Digi-teen. Teachers and students connect via this blog to share ideas. Another educational development is the Flat Classroom Project in which students connect with other students from all over the world. The students study and expiring trends from different cultures. Together they write reports or do videos on specific topics.

Blog Post # 2

Did you know?!?

Watching Did you know? 3.0- A John Strange 2012 was very informative but, unfortunately not surprising. While I know we have highly intelligent people right here in the USA, places like China have always (at least in my time) been more advanced, especially with technology. I believe that classroom education is the best place to incorporate technology because children soak up knowledge like a sponge. What better way to encourage that eagerness than by having fun, technological gadgets to mold their minds.

The last time I stepped into a classroom was in 2006 when I subbed for a private school in my hometown, and it was exactly as I remembered a typical classroom from my years as a student. I graduated in 2001 and even then we did not have Smart Boards, computers in the classroom, communication with educators via Facebook or Twitter. No, no no!! We came to class with a book, took notes for 60 minutes and spit it back up for a test the following week. A classroom was considered "advanced" if it had a double dry erase board with rainbow colored markers! True story! I don't think this something typical of a small, country town in Southeast AL, I think it was the standard high school classroom. Today, I am envious of the opportunities our young people have at their finger tips and can only imagine the day (if I'm blessed enough to be in a technologically equipped classroom) that I can work along with students using all of the advancements offered.

Mr. Winkle

Poor Mr. Winkle looked so confused and lost throughout the video. I bet if he had a hamster spinning on a wheel in his head while experiencing all of the that technology for the first time, it would've created smoke plumes from his ears. The end of the video actually shocked me and I'm sure this is because I envisioned it going a different direction but, the fact that the classroom was so bland and not advanced made me sad for Mr. Winkle.

If Mr. Winkle were to visit a classroom today, he might find a room full of excited kids waiting to use a tennis ball to write on a Smart Board, a special guest speaker via Skype, or computers without the dust. I think after a day with children in today's classroom, Mr. Winkle would be ready to get his own Iphone and face time with his long lost brother....he just woke up after 100 years and 1 day!!!

Sir Ken Robinson: The importance of Creativity

I have always been a firm believer that you can teach anything to anyone but, the key is relating the material to something they are interested in. Finding a creative way to balance education and fun is something every teacher should consider. Maybe I'm too modern, maybe I have the wrong idea but, the fact that I have the idea and willingness to incorporate something outside of the box to help my students learn should earn me a gold medal. Too often have I witnessed "cookie cutter" educators stand in front of a group of students and recite page after page of material and expect the student to retain that knowledge forever. It's very unfortunate for someone like myself, who is a student.

As an educator you should be willing to take that step back and evaluate the different personalities in your classroom. If you have 20 children daily and 9 of them excel beyond all measures, that leaves you with more than half of your classroom needing extra attention in some form or another to learn the materials. Wouldn't you want to contribute to each child equally and effectively? It's understandable that some children might be slightly more challenged than others especially if there is a hyper or deficit disorder involved but, getting the ball rolling by having an abstract art class to teach them about shapes, colors or even a famous artist, is what being an educator is all about. I think a lot of teachers could benefit from watching the Sir Robinson's video.

Classroom Disruption

Hello day and night!!!! The classroom disruption video hit the nail on the head! Just watching the video reminded me of so many boring lectures I've sat through here at USA..shhh...don't tell anyone. I don't care how boring the material is, if you're interactive with the classroom, it will show. Students respond to teachers who bring something to the plate when they educate.

I felt horrible for the children in Mr. Christmas Sweater's classroom. I personally would prefer the other class because it was filled with knowledge and mostly because it had a teacher who was interested in his students. I think the classes I've taken here at South have been a combination of the two classrooms. The interactive classroom teacher used his resources as ways to engage the students. For example, he posted an article on Twitter and 95% of his classroom read it also he has a class blog which contained materials to help them study for the next test. The challenged teacher handed out a 35 page article for his students to memorize for the test the next day.

Even before watching the video, I knew I would never be like Mr. Christmas Sweater but, now more than ever I am convinced I will want to be an interactive teacher. I don't see the point in not embracing technology when it is offer to you. That being said, I'm not sure I agree with the "ideal" teacher's decision on letting the student who is going to miss class to take the test online at home. That seems unfair to the other students because he can use a book or the Internet to cheat, unless he's just that honest but, it's unlikely.

Wordle

C4T #1

The first post under Angela Maiers blog was a pitch to help Jerry Blumengarten get to his very first ISTE newbie project. Ms. Maiers had such nice things to say about her fellow peer.

My comments were introductory information. Who I am and what my intentions are for reading her blog. I praised her for encouraging Mr. Blumengarten with her nice words.

I also included links to the edm class, my personal blog and my twitter link.


Ms. Maiers tends to have guest bloggers a lot, I read the 5 blog posts of Passion Solves Problems that was written by guest blogger Lisa Cooley. She has very interesting ideas on why it is important to teach children the value of passion. Knowing that it can change lives is something every child should know.