Blog Flashback March 28.

--An Open Letter To Educators--

Oh the joys of a bone crushingly boring lecture that tells me "stuff." Oh how I revel in the test 3 weeks later on this "stuff" and then am thrilled to find out I must repeat the process 5 more times throughout the semester. I want to be creative, I want to be given freedom of knowledge and not be subjected to often mindless, uninteresting drivel that I payed good money for.

You know, I am not the greatest student. I do not make strait A's, I do not have perfect attendance; but I do have the intelligence, and the capability to become a successful teacher. I want to be taught not only the "stuff" but how to apply the "stuff." I am very willing to learn, even if it means going to class to ignore the lecture to use my own computer to research these necessary skills myself.

Blog Flashback April 4.

--Dear Kaia and Intrepid Teacher: Singing Hearts--

Moving posts about child-like wonder of learning. Children are learning at earlier stages in their lives now, and teachers must be aware that (at any stage of a child's school career) they must prepare themselves for perhaps a smarter, more inquisitive generation to come.

I have expressed my cynical outlook on future generations due to the greasy grip of the media on their minds; but maybe, just maybe, there is a sliver of hope out there for children to overcome such atrocious obstacles. These two blog post have given me a new hope.

Blog Assignments April 11.

--Why is important for students to post their work to blogs (or in other ways)?--

Teachers need to know you have done your work. It is easy to write about it in a blog post and say you have done it, but how could you prove it without evidence of your work?

Here are some examples of kids posting work in their blogs:

http://rosenglish.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-patricks-day.html#comment-form

http://moturoa.blogspot.com/2010/02/swim-advertisements.html

http://mrsgstudent.blogspot.com/2010/02/have-you-ever-wondered-why-you-are-so.html

Comments4Kids

Need to know some basics on tennis? Need some tips to help improve your game? Noah W. from Mrs. Goerend's class has all the answers:

http://ow.ly/1nn07

Comments4Kids

St. Patricks Day has come and gone. Let Mrs. Sanches' students tell you all about it:

http://rosenglish.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-patricks-day.html#comment-form

Comments4Kids

Everyone should learn to swim! Don't take my word for it, listen to Some of AllanahK's students:

http://moturoa.blogspot.com/2010/02/swim-advertisements.html

Blog Assignments Feb. 28

-Writing With Multimedia-

"How could we not be interested in this attempt to make sense of the world we live in?" A quote by Richard Miller on the use of technology and the networking capabilities of the Internet.
Many people are in awe or even frightened by the rapid advancement of technology and the ever growing capabilities of the Internet. I welcome technology and the Internet with open arms. There is so much that can be done that its mind boggling. Can we be changed from a reading/writing culture to a listening/watching culture? Yes it's possible. Should we shift to a listening/watching culture? Yes, but slowly. Should we completely change to a listening/watching culture, leaving behind reading/writing completely? No we should not.

I can see where some future and current teachers would be reluctant to first learn writing with multimedia, thinking it would be a long and arduous process and the time to learn it would not be worth the effort. However, it seems that writing with multimedia has so many benefits, who would not want to learn to use it? You can produce lectures, study guides, notes, pictures, video, and even bring up your produced items at the touch of a mouse button. The benefits are well worth the time and effort it will take to learn writing with multimedia. However, this tool should be used judiciously. I have had experience in classes were a professor relied too much on the technology to teach the student. The professor did not use the tech to teach, but rather had the tech teach the student. Use technology with caution! To see how not to abuse tech see the film "Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II."

We have so much at our fingertips, and all we have to do is push the button to open the virtual door.

-Networked Student-

I suppose after watching this video I could be a teacher to a networking student. Though after teaching exactly what to follow on the syllabus my interaction with the students I (unless they have questions about how to use or download certain programs, applications, etc.) would be limited to simply a guide. I would, of course, have to learn how to use all of the materials in the course work myself in order to "teach" the student how to use them.

If I were to use networking, I promise you, I would NOT be just simply a guide, I would talk with the students, see if they are having any problems, teach them proper Internet conduct, and allow them as much flexibility as possible with their work, because I am sure the instructions for the course work would be a bit confusing, especially with students who have not had much interaction with computers or the Internet.

Networking should NOT take precedence over conventional teaching methods. Lecture should NOT be thrown out completely (boring as it may seem it helps trust me). I have a feeling that several teachers that teach networking students will make the mistake of thinking, "Oh well, they will figure it out sooner or later." This scares me, because it happens even today in classes with out a heavy technological influence. Please teachers, don't make this mistake!

-Toward a New Future of Whatever-

After watching Michael Wesche' video I find myself thinking about all of the people I have met that were raised in my generation, and it seems he is so pinpoint about the whatever/me generation, that if he were more right about it, his word would be holy doctrine. The media's suffocating grasp has had its hand around my generation's neck influencing us with sleezey reality television and so much mind numbing garbage that it has us desensitized and ignorant of all that it is around us; except for maybe ourselves and what ever badly written show we can get a quick fix of entertainment out of. Reality television and the trash that the media pumps out, through almost endless outlets, are going to be some of the reasons many of our children and future generations are going to be self-centered, ignorant, and shallow. I am being a bit radical in saying this but I have seen it all around, and frankly it sickens me.

I am glad I was not influenced as some of my peers were so easily influenced. Truthfully I have been caught in the media tar pit, but I was quick to get out of it. Go to a t.v., find a reality television show, and watch about 5 minutes, then sit back and think about what you saw. Think carefully about the show now. Do you want your child to watch it?

Comments4Kids

-Week 7-

Kyle B. of Mrs. Goerend's Sixth grade has some advice for those of us who cannot seem to overcome the case of the "Mondays."

http://mrsgstudent.blogspot.com/2010/02/have-you-ever-wondered-why-you-are-so.html

Blog Assignments Feb. 21

-Ipods In Education-

It seems that technology is finding its way rather easily, more so as time progresses. Even mainstream entertainment devices such as an ipod can be used now as an educational tool. At Duke University, ipods were being used to create new flexible alternatives to conventional means of study. Students would use ipods to store or recieve notes, lectures, and other useful items.

I welcome technology in the classroom, especially if it allows the student not to be burdened with many different items that could be used at the touch of a button. However, the ipod should not be completely depended on as the ultimate storage unit and database for the student (if the teacher does implement it). Students should have back up materials on hand or at the ready if the ipod, or other device, fails.

Here is some good sites to read more about ipod usage in the classroom:

Duke University
http://cit.duke.edu/pdf/reports/ipod_initiative_04_05.pdf

A macuser.com article about a school in Arlington, Virginia
http://www.macuser.com/ipod/ipods_as_teaching_tool_making.php

Blog Assignments: Episode 3

-Can Wikipedia Be Trusted?-

I am not very surprised that Wikipedia articles were being changed by corporations, political parties, religious organizations, etc. In fact, I am rather amused. I find it laughable that corporations, etc. would stoop so low as to edit and change (if true in the first place) facts and figures to save face or make themselves look like paragons, victims, etc.

Is Wikipedia 100% reliable? Is the base of an active volcano a reliable place to live? The answers are no and no. Yes Wikipedia is known for having users maliciously edit articles; Yes it is known to have facts and figures so in error that they make 2+2=fish a more reliable fact than what is written. Wikipedia offers articles with facts that may or may not be true. Sometimes wiki articles hold water, but always remember to double check your info before believing Wikipedia to be an infallible source of information.

-"What I've Learned This Year"-

Mr. McClung's post perfectly summarizes the methods and traits needed in the classroom. I was nodding my head in agreement as I read each paragraph thinking, "Yes of course that's exactly right." As McClung said in his post, "I truly believe that teachers do not know enough about the students they are teaching. In order to build the respect that we all seek in a student teacher relationship, it is important to take interest their the lives of our students. It's that important." He is right, it is that important. Too many times students are brushed off or dismissed when problems or needs are brought to teacher's desks. This sickens me personally. LISTEN to your students. You need their input just as much they need yours!

Blog Assignments: 7 February

-Langwitches Blog-

Preparation is the key to any presentation or production. As I have read in the Langwitches blog, you must prepare your students or staff and lay the ground work for the podcast. Once the preparations are made the students or staff can have a few practice sessions, to polish off the presentation. Once there has been preparation and practice, then the podcast can be done.

The Langwitches blog also discussed not only how to do a podcast, but the educational aspects of it. The author discussed how parents or administrators become uneasy and attempt to change the subject when blogging, etc. is brought up. I must say that it is quite disappointing that the parents or administrators do so to, just because they are unfamiliar with blogging, etc. The parents or administrators seem to, as the blog suggest, direct the subject to the teaching of basic, reading, math, and science skills. Learning blogging, etc. is just an extension in which the basic math, science, and reading skills are taught.

Blog Assignments: Podcast

-Teachers Teaching Teachers-

In this podcast it seems as though the host brought in multiple speakers through some sort online voice chat program similar to Ventrilo. This podcast is similar to a radio talk show in that the presentation is very much similar; it features a host or an operator managing the program and the cast is done with out interruption. This pod cast seems as though, at the time, it was recorded without interruption. I understand many podcast are not recorded without interruption and are later edited afterward to take out any mistakes.

-Teaching With Video-

This podcast features intro music accompanied by sound effects. The intro adds a bit of flair to the podcast drawing the listener in. The intro is a signature or trademark of this particular podcast. Background music or sound effects can be an effective tool in relaxing the listener, gaining the listeners attention, or making the listener feel uneasy.

-Bit By Bit-

This podcast is very similar to the Teachers Teaching Teachers podcast in that it is an open discussion through a voice chat program. The speakers mentioned a chat room, which possibly means the podcast was being streamed through a chat room or the podcast was recorded through the chat program they were using at the time of the podcast.

-Geek Speak-

This particular podcast is an internet radio podcast that features elements I have already discussed in the three previous paragraphs. It features open, candid speakers and intro or background music. This podcast seems to be recorded in a studio, much unlike the previous podcast which are done through a voice chat program. The open discussion often leads to the speakers all speaking at once, however, this is not necessarily a bad thing. The open discussion and the small talk between the speakers makes the podcast seem less artificial and allows it to be more listener friendly.

Blog Assignments: Episode 2

--A Vision of Students Today--

The video presented me with various facts and figures pertaining to the lives of college students that I took (as I always do with such videos or short films) with a "grain of salt." Of course the facts and figures are very interesting it is just that videos of this sort are pretentious in a way that irks me just a bit. The averages are taken from a "survey" from about 300 plus students, and the thing that bothers me is that the video puts these figures across as definitive averages; that all students fall into a squandering away of their time to social networking and cell phone usage. Then suddenly a fact such as, "1 billion people make less than $1 a day," is shown. I want to assume it has something to do with the outrageous amounts of money college students have to scratch and claw for just to pay for their college only to have to pay it back after they graduate in a bill that comes once a month.

The film was very unique and creative. The camera work was well done (if not a bit shaky, which seems to be a trend in mainstream film nowadays) and the shots were solid and not overly sloppy. Overall the film was good if not a bit pretentious.

--It's Not About the Technology--

I must say I was in complete agreement with Mrs. Hines. Mrs. Hines ideas of classrooms where teachers teach and learn, use technology efficiently, and adapt to the learning aptitudes of their students are just remarkable. This post should be a guideline or a required reading for future teachers and even practicing teachers as well.

I must say any thoughts or ideas I have had in the past about technology ruling the classroom or playing a major part have been put into question. Teaching should reach a "Golden Mean" with the proper use of technology and a learning awareness to adapt to an ever changing classroom.

--Gary Hayes Social Media Count--

The counter gives me one thought: "I better keep up or else I will be left behind." The counter is an example of the need for everyone, either at the workplace, home, or school, must be very aware of the media and information exchange possibilities are growing at such an alarming rate that anyone could easily be engulfed in it or left behind.

For myself, as a future teacher, it is a perfect example of the ever changing face of the media and information that students have access to. I must adapt and learn. I must learn to teach at a higher level every year to accommodate students who will have access to information that I did not when I was their age.

--Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?--

Fisch's statement was not extreme. Teachers must get on the ball or they will be left behind. The fact that many people are proud of their low almost non existent technological literacy is very sad and makes me worry about some students in the future who will be not be encouraged by their parents to take advantage of technology because the parents themselves are ignorant of it.

Technology should be used as a tool to create an environment in the classroom that spurs thought and creativity. Technology should be used frugally and must also coexist with other materials and skills used by a teacher to help students learn. As I have said in my previous paragraph there should be a "Golden Mean" so to speak.

Blog Assignments: Episode 1: Techno Babble and the Creativity Crisis

--Did You Know?--
The video gives various facts and figures that may or may not be precisely accurate, depending on whether or not the creators "cherry picked" certain figures. The video seems a bit aggressive with its presentation of the information. The presentation style coupled with the background music lures the viewer into a sense of security, allowing them to absorb and possibly believe what ever it is the creators of this video could want to present as viable information.

Despite all of this, I must say that technology and information exchange capabilities are progressing so quickly that the human race cannot even keep up with what it is creating. Technology is also advancing so rapidly that there are very little rules or regulations, at least as far as proper conduct goes.

--Mr. Winkle Wakes--
It is true that many schools use computers or other technologies for no more than grade and information storage systems. I attended a school that used computers to teach typing. While this was good it was all the computers were used for. The library had computers but access was limited. My school also had an electronics class that I myself took. The class was scrapped after I graduated.

It is a shame really that many schools do not make good use of technology when they have it at their disposal. However, many schools fall prey to poor funding and are not able to give students opportunities to interact and learn how to use computers and other technologies.

--Sir Ken Robinson--
Ken Robinson's entertaining presentation sheds light on an all too common problem in the modern education system. The hierarchy that is set up does not cater to the expansion of student's imaginations and creativity. It is a shame that this is so, however little is done to change this, and the teachers and officials that have taken strides to change it have done so very painstakingly.

I attended a school that catered to this educational hierarchy. Very little funding was used for the arts and other programs that expanded pass the established curriculum. Most funding went to the sports programs of the school, namely football. While I do like football, it does not change the fact that the school I attended needed some sort of extra curricular activity other than just sports.


--Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts--
I do commend Vicki Davis for taking giant leaps in order to develop a program that teaches students how to use technology and expands their technological horizons. As I have said in a previous paragraph, It is far too often that schools fall prey limited funding, and must go without the use of computers or the means to teach computer application.

The video is an excellent example of a school and its staff willing to go the extra mile in order to give its students a proper course in technological application in a rapidly growing world that requires skills in computer application, etc. Other schools should follow suit and, if at all possible, use the computers and other technologies they have at their disposal to teach children at the very least basic computer skills.

EDM 310

Ah yes a new year and a new semester. I am Looking forward to this class and the upcoming year. So far the class seems rather easy going and does not seem like a runaway train on the path to ultimate failure ending with a massive coronary. Let's hope for the best.