It's been a long semester, but we made it. I think that although we covered a lot of things in this class that I was already familiar with, I have also learned a lot. Even the programs I was already familiar with, I learned how to use them more effectively. Voice Threads and Google Docs are the two things that I was the happiest to learn about. I will undoubtedly use both of them in my career as a teacher, and probably in my personal life as well.
The only thing that was not covered in this class that I had hoped would be was how to build a website. My brother-in-law had taken this class before me and talked about how easy it was after you learn. While I do wish this was still in the curriculum, I also realize that the stuff replacing it will probably much more useful in the classroom. If I really need to learn to build a site, I'm sure I can easily find that information using the skills I got from the class.
There is definitely nothing that I wish I had not learned. Even if there are items in this curriculum that I will never use, I am addicted to knowledge. The idea of unlearning something, or even wanting to learn something sickens me.
Not a lot really excited me. I guess I was pretty psyched when I saw the potential of Google Docs, but the best thing that came from this class for me is Steve. He has been a good friend to me this semester, and I hope to keep in touch with him.
I'm not sure that 'intellectually challenging' quite describes this class. It was 'intellectually interesting', but I think that the whole idea is to make technologically illiterate people, literate. In order to do this it has to be easy to understand. The only thing that was really 'challenging' was maybe keeping up each week, and that was just a matter of finding time.
A few of the blog posts were somewhat boring, but that was probably because they just didn't interest me. All in all the class kept my interest.
I did not feel overworked in this class. I think that the only problem was organization. It's not even that the assignments were unorganized, but the class didn't really understand the system until about halfway through the semester. At least that was the case with me. I got way behind, but as soon as I figured out where everything was, I had no problem catching up and now I'm finishing up slightly ahead of time.
By my definition, I consider myself 'technologically literate', but only because I believe the standard of literacy defines it. A literate person can read, but that does not define at what grade level. I think that I am a fairly computer savvy person that can navigate well enough, but I certainly have far more to learn. This class has definitely help me move up a few grades.
I plan to use these tools in other classes when applicable and when it is not to at least practice on my own. It should not be hard because it is fun to play around with these programs. I really enjoy playing around on the computer, so I will keep doing that, but maybe now I will be doing something more productive.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
PLN 2
I have learned a lot this semester by expanding my Personal Learning Network (PLN). I have been listening to some interesting podcasts on iTunesU, and I have been following many teachers, especially the one's I found through comments for teachers, on twitter. Using these tools I have really been able to get an experienced perspective on teaching, and an idea of what kind of classroom I would like to teach in one day.
However, I have to say that I have gotten the most benefit this semester from Skype. Not only do I use Skype to speak with my fiance, but now I use it to keep in touch with my classmates from EDM310, even those that are in other sections. While we may not speak in class, and the majority of them I haven't even seen in person, we have really been able to relate through Skype. They have helped me, and I them, with projects in this class, keep up in other classes we have in common, and even just let a load off our minds by sharing common frustrations.
I have been trying to explore more blogs, but to be honest it's just my favorite way to share information. Not to say that it doesn't have it's own strengths and purposes, they have just not really fit me this semester. Though I'm sure in the future they will play a more important role in my education, and much much more as a teacher.
However, I have to say that I have gotten the most benefit this semester from Skype. Not only do I use Skype to speak with my fiance, but now I use it to keep in touch with my classmates from EDM310, even those that are in other sections. While we may not speak in class, and the majority of them I haven't even seen in person, we have really been able to relate through Skype. They have helped me, and I them, with projects in this class, keep up in other classes we have in common, and even just let a load off our minds by sharing common frustrations.
I have been trying to explore more blogs, but to be honest it's just my favorite way to share information. Not to say that it doesn't have it's own strengths and purposes, they have just not really fit me this semester. Though I'm sure in the future they will play a more important role in my education, and much much more as a teacher.
Week Fifteen
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment
This was truly impressive. Her PLE is far beyond mine. I can barely understand how this all works together, and I hope to be able to know enough to be able to teach my students this kind of information. The versatility of her page is incredible. I can't imagine how different my school experience would have been with this kind of access to information.
I was unable to post on her video. I keep getting a message that an error is occurring.
Two Questions That Can Change Your Life
Two Questions That Can Change Your Life
I really liked this video. I don't really think about my legacy much, but based on my priorities and the way I have lived my life over the past few years, I would want my sentence to say "He helped those who truly needed it." I have strived to do that as a missionary, I as a special education teacher, I should be able to continue that work.
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment
This was truly impressive. Her PLE is far beyond mine. I can barely understand how this all works together, and I hope to be able to know enough to be able to teach my students this kind of information. The versatility of her page is incredible. I can't imagine how different my school experience would have been with this kind of access to information.
I was unable to post on her video. I keep getting a message that an error is occurring.
Two Questions That Can Change Your Life
Two Questions That Can Change Your Life
I really liked this video. I don't really think about my legacy much, but based on my priorities and the way I have lived my life over the past few years, I would want my sentence to say "He helped those who truly needed it." I have strived to do that as a missionary, I as a special education teacher, I should be able to continue that work.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Skype
How I've used Skype this semester
I have actually been using Skype for a while now. My fiance lives in Juarez, Mexico, and the only affordable way for us to communicate is via web cam. It has been great for our relationship, and I don't know that we would still be together without it. So obviously, I have continued to use Skype to speak with Nubia this semester.
I have also started to use Skype in my personal learning network. I have been able to keep contact with my classmates in this class, and even ones from other sections. We have been able to help each other with projects, blogs, and even just vent class related stresses to each other.
I have actually been using Skype for a while now. My fiance lives in Juarez, Mexico, and the only affordable way for us to communicate is via web cam. It has been great for our relationship, and I don't know that we would still be together without it. So obviously, I have continued to use Skype to speak with Nubia this semester.
I have also started to use Skype in my personal learning network. I have been able to keep contact with my classmates in this class, and even ones from other sections. We have been able to help each other with projects, blogs, and even just vent class related stresses to each other.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Comments for Teacher's Weeks 13 and 14
John Spencer - Indie Teacher
http://jtspencer.blogspot.com/
What Kids Can Teach Us About Community
I really enjoyed this post. He talked about the community you find within a neighborhood between kids. They seem to come together easily compared to our adult communities. I commented that I personally miss the community I had with my childhood friends, none of which I still talk to today.
Being a Parent vs. Being a Teacher
I really enjoyed this post. He wrote about the dynamic of being both a parent and a teacher, how they relate, and how they do not. One thing that I really liked was that he kept mentioning things that he could do as a teacher and parent, and never mentions what he couldn't do. I feel like his unwillingness to admit to inability really showed the power of his optimism. I hope that I can believe in my self as a parent and teacher the way that he does when I have the opportunity.
http://jtspencer.blogspot.com/
What Kids Can Teach Us About Community
I really enjoyed this post. He talked about the community you find within a neighborhood between kids. They seem to come together easily compared to our adult communities. I commented that I personally miss the community I had with my childhood friends, none of which I still talk to today.
Being a Parent vs. Being a Teacher
I really enjoyed this post. He wrote about the dynamic of being both a parent and a teacher, how they relate, and how they do not. One thing that I really liked was that he kept mentioning things that he could do as a teacher and parent, and never mentions what he couldn't do. I feel like his unwillingness to admit to inability really showed the power of his optimism. I hope that I can believe in my self as a parent and teacher the way that he does when I have the opportunity.
Comments for Kids - Week 14
Operation Christmas Child
http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337&start=20
The kids posted about a charitable organization that they collect toys for. I told them that it was great what they are doing for the less fortunate.
http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337&start=20
The kids posted about a charitable organization that they collect toys for. I told them that it was great what they are doing for the less fortunate.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Comments for Kids - Week 13
Thomas's Favourite Thing at Camp
Room 14 are AWESOME
I commented on a post by a kid named Thomas about camp. He talked about Kayaking and how much fun he had. He also said that without a kayak he could have died. I told him that I enjoy kayaking too.
Room 14 are AWESOME
I commented on a post by a kid named Thomas about camp. He talked about Kayaking and how much fun he had. He also said that without a kayak he could have died. I told him that I enjoy kayaking too.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Week Thirteen
PS 22
Landslide
After watching the video in this post, there are several reasons that come to mind as to why teachers and students should post on blogs. Obviously, in the case of these students, it was a source of vast opportunities. They're youtube stars, they've been on national television, and now they get to sing in Madison Square. These are experiences that they will never forget.
On the other side of the blog however, are teachers reading it and seeing the possibilities. It may even encourage other teachers to take bigger risks with their methods and try something new. Find a way to get the kids involved and interested. I know that the biggest problem I had in school was that we never did much that I was interested in, so I didn't really care. I've never seen kids so passionate in school as the ones in that video.
Landslide
After watching the video in this post, there are several reasons that come to mind as to why teachers and students should post on blogs. Obviously, in the case of these students, it was a source of vast opportunities. They're youtube stars, they've been on national television, and now they get to sing in Madison Square. These are experiences that they will never forget.
On the other side of the blog however, are teachers reading it and seeing the possibilities. It may even encourage other teachers to take bigger risks with their methods and try something new. Find a way to get the kids involved and interested. I know that the biggest problem I had in school was that we never did much that I was interested in, so I didn't really care. I've never seen kids so passionate in school as the ones in that video.
Comments for Kids - Week 12
My Best Mate
My Best Mate
This week I commented on a blog post by a boy named Henry. It was a picture of him playing with his brother called my best mate. It was a cool blog. Teachers had posted pictures that their five year old students had drawn.
My Best Mate
This week I commented on a blog post by a boy named Henry. It was a picture of him playing with his brother called my best mate. It was a cool blog. Teachers had posted pictures that their five year old students had drawn.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Week Twelve
Dear Kaia
http://is.gd/3WS1N
http://is.gd/3WSsnhttp://is.gd/3WSsn
http://is.gd/3WSzD
So this all starts with Mr. Chamberlain's class, and a post about a girl named living in Qatar named Kaia that the teacher stumbled upon that Kaia's father had put up for/with her about going outside and taking some pictures. After making a connection with her father, the class decided to create a video for Kaia thanking her for her post. What I really liked most about the video was that each part was spoken by different students in the class. I really feel like this will help Kaia feel a deeper connection to each student.
I think that this definitely has an impact on the future of learning. For starters, Kaia's father is very proactive in getting her, and I'm sure her little sister before long, involved in a learning and exploring process. He is also teaching her to share her ideas, which is ultimately the definition of education. More so than that, the fact that a connection across the world was so easily made is somewhat stunning. It really shows that there are no limits to the connections you can make for your education.
http://is.gd/3WS1N
http://is.gd/3WSsnhttp://is.gd/3WSsn
http://is.gd/3WSzD
So this all starts with Mr. Chamberlain's class, and a post about a girl named living in Qatar named Kaia that the teacher stumbled upon that Kaia's father had put up for/with her about going outside and taking some pictures. After making a connection with her father, the class decided to create a video for Kaia thanking her for her post. What I really liked most about the video was that each part was spoken by different students in the class. I really feel like this will help Kaia feel a deeper connection to each student.
I think that this definitely has an impact on the future of learning. For starters, Kaia's father is very proactive in getting her, and I'm sure her little sister before long, involved in a learning and exploring process. He is also teaching her to share her ideas, which is ultimately the definition of education. More so than that, the fact that a connection across the world was so easily made is somewhat stunning. It really shows that there are no limits to the connections you can make for your education.
PLN 1
So I finally got my PLN going by signing up on Twitter and invited some people who I can learn from on Skype. I obviously need to expand this, but I feel like I'm off to a good start.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Comments for Teachers - Morgan Bayda
Evolving Perspectives on Self- and Peer- Assessments
This week I commented on a blog post titled Evolving Perspectives on Self- and Peer- Assessments. Morgan focused on self and peer evaluations and reflections. She told us about the need for them, and the impact that they have had on her own life. My comment focused on what she said at the very end, which was that we had to be willing to listen to our students comments, but at the same time we can't bow to their every whim.
Artifact #3: Tension Between Teachers and Parents – How does this affect my practice?
This post really concerned me. She talked about a Bar B Que dinner that the school held for what was basically a parent teacher conference. All of the other teachers were unwilling to interact with the parents or show them their classroom because they believed that they wouldn't care. It's sad to hear about teachers that are jaded and/or too lazy to deal with parents. I gave her some encouragement in my comment and told her that there are teachers out there who care just like her.
Morgan Bayda
This week I commented on a blog post titled Evolving Perspectives on Self- and Peer- Assessments. Morgan focused on self and peer evaluations and reflections. She told us about the need for them, and the impact that they have had on her own life. My comment focused on what she said at the very end, which was that we had to be willing to listen to our students comments, but at the same time we can't bow to their every whim.
Artifact #3: Tension Between Teachers and Parents – How does this affect my practice?
This post really concerned me. She talked about a Bar B Que dinner that the school held for what was basically a parent teacher conference. All of the other teachers were unwilling to interact with the parents or show them their classroom because they believed that they wouldn't care. It's sad to hear about teachers that are jaded and/or too lazy to deal with parents. I gave her some encouragement in my comment and told her that there are teachers out there who care just like her.
Morgan Bayda
Comments for Kids - Week 10
!!!! Djibouti !!!! by Carly
Mrs. Kolbert's Class
I read a post on a Mrs. Kolbert's class blog by a student named Carly. Carly talked about how her teacher had picked the African country Djibouti for their team country on field day. She did a great job of citing her work. She had many facts, and then would follow them up with a link to the site where she found them.
Mrs. Kolbert's Class
I read a post on a Mrs. Kolbert's class blog by a student named Carly. Carly talked about how her teacher had picked the African country Djibouti for their team country on field day. She did a great job of citing her work. She had many facts, and then would follow them up with a link to the site where she found them.
Questionnaire
Lost
I decided to create a questionnaire about the show Lost, because that's what I happened to be watching when I started this assignment. I asked basic questions mostly pertaining to whether or not the participants had ever, or regularly, watched the show. Based on the popularity of the show, I anticipated that there would be quite a few positive responses, but instead I found that less than half of the people who filed out the survey, 9 out of 27, had ever seen an episode. Only one of those nine did not enjoy it, and one thought that it was just 'okay'. Six of those who did enjoy it are now regular viewers. Of those who have not ever watched an episode, only five have any interest in starting to watch it, and three have friends who would like them to watch.
Thanks to those who took part in my survey. If you would like to see the results in greater detail, you can see the spreadsheet in Google Docs by clicking the link below.
Questionnaire
I decided to create a questionnaire about the show Lost, because that's what I happened to be watching when I started this assignment. I asked basic questions mostly pertaining to whether or not the participants had ever, or regularly, watched the show. Based on the popularity of the show, I anticipated that there would be quite a few positive responses, but instead I found that less than half of the people who filed out the survey, 9 out of 27, had ever seen an episode. Only one of those nine did not enjoy it, and one thought that it was just 'okay'. Six of those who did enjoy it are now regular viewers. Of those who have not ever watched an episode, only five have any interest in starting to watch it, and three have friends who would like them to watch.
Thanks to those who took part in my survey. If you would like to see the results in greater detail, you can see the spreadsheet in Google Docs by clicking the link below.
Questionnaire
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