Sunday, June 10, 2012

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.





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.


































5 comments:

  1. Mary,
    I throughly enjoyed your views on peer editing, and agree with you about the video "What is Peer Editing". I viewed this video as rushed and too quick to comprehend all the points made in the video. I had to go back and watch for the second time to grasp all the information. I without a doubt agree after looking at a paper for so long we do not see the places needing correction. I appreciate your idea to use peer editing in the classroom. This gave me a great idea to try this out if I am able to teach an older elementary grade level. I do believe before turning kids loose that I would need to explain the correct way of peer editing.

    When it comes to adaptive technologies I am on the same page with you. I believe technology is a must in special education classrooms. After viewing the video "Technology in Special Education" anyone can see that technology allows these students to learn and respond at a quicker pace which allows them to learn more each day. Ms. Cook is very inspirational and I hope to one day be an effective teacher like herself. The app that you have recommended to use for autistic children would be a great communication tool especially if I had a student in my classroom. Thank you for sharing this app.

    Ms. Davis has done a fantastic job as being a pioneer teacher and inspiring other educators to take dreams and visions and make them come true. She inspires her students to keep learning even after graduating. The element that I found the most interesting was the students faces. Throughout the video each student had a look of determination, excitement, and interest on their faces. Ms. Davis has done a remarkable job to be an effective teacher!

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
    Makenzie

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  2. Hi Mary! My name is Christie Mason. My assigned student did not post, so I have the pleasure of reading your Blog #3. I agree with you on the first two peer editing videos. They were a bit redundant. You would hope students at this level would have these skills, but just in case they don't they had that hilarious video of the kids peer reviewing each other. I guess we will have to try to not be "Critiquing Christie" and "Moaning Mary"!

    You had so much enthusiasm for the Special Needs children and their technological tools in the classroom. If you ever have students who require extra help, I can imagine that they would be fortunate to have someone like you as their teacher.

    I also agree with your observations regarding Ms. Davis' classroom. Her achievements are so inspiring. Maybe we can incorporate some of her trailblazing techniques in our own classrooms someday?

    Thanks for sharing this assignment with me. I really enjoyed it!
    Christie Mason

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  3. Thanks for your kind words Makenzie!!! Good luck with the class :) Please feel free to stop by my blog any time.

    well well well Ms. Mason, I hate that your assigned student didn't post something for you to read but, I'm so glad you decided to mosey over to my blog for some entertainment :))))) I love watching all the videos for the class, especially ones where the little ppl are involved because they have the funniest expressions and it's just so legit 100%. I do appreciate the video assignments that tell what wonderful work other educators provide to thier students, it makes me wish I had my own classroom tomorrow! The work with the Special Ed students really tugged at my heart. Seeing the excitement they had when Ms. Cook interacted with them. Thanks again for stopping by!!!

    Mary

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  4. Hello Mary,

    Good post. I think I mentioned last time the need for the alt and title tags on images. If you are afraid you'll get a virus by going to the actual site, you can always just click the image and copy the site name from the area saying "Website for this Image" without actually going to the website. :)

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  5. Bailey, I swear I added it bc it popped up when I previewed my blog before publishing it. goodness gracious. it's surely something I'm doing WRONG! HA HA

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