Goodbye

To all of the Tues/Thurs 2:00 class, I would like to say "goodbye". It was great getting to know so many of you. Good luck with the rest of your schooling.

Looking Back....

Well, this is somewhat sad. I went into this class not really excited about taking it. I am an older student who was afraid of the whole computer idea! Now, I am so glad I have learned many things from Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class. I was a student who did not even know how to cut and paste. When I mentioned I did not know how to do this, I will never forget Dr. Strange reaction. It was like "You don't know how to cut and paste," but he never made a big issue of it. He showed me what to do and went on to something else. I bet he did not know he would have a student in that much need of help. Since the semester began, I have to say I have majorly improved. Our first big project was making our own blog. Who would have ever thought I would have a blog? Now, I could not see my self communicating any other way, especially when it comes to my future students. I had a first experience with Google docs. We had a presentation to do and I actually learned to do this! We had to gain knowledge from our own personal learning networks, which helped keep up on the latest ideas in education. Comments for Kids was a project that we had to keep up with weekly. This was never a dread. It was always exciting to see what the kids were working on and how far things have advanced since I was in elementary school. It was also interesting to see what your classmates were posting about. I made a few attempts to keep up with Dillon and Jennifer. The professional blog was a little more important to me. Maybe it is the fact that I can use this in trying to find a job one day, and it was a little more formal. I learned about spreadsheets and forms. I would have never used this before. Now, I have knowledge to create my own. Project 10 and 11 were great! My group and I had so much fun creating movies on particular topics. How I was in the movie both times is still a mystery to me? But, If it helps me get a good grade, I will certainly not complain! Skype. I almost forgot! I absolutely loved skyping! I have encouraged several of my family members to get on board. I know my little boys would love to see who they are talking to at times. I am not sure there are things that I would have liked to have learned. I feel so much better about how much I already know by taking this course. I did not find anything overly challenging. What I learned, I know will be beneficial to me in the future. I was not bored at any time. There was always something that could be worked on during any spare time. I felt the class was right on track. We pretty much was on schedule for the assignments and projects. From when I started, I feel I have come a long way! I would not say that I was great, but maybe in time I will get there. I will maintain my tech literacy by using what I have learned. Even thought I will not be in the class, I will continue to blog, Skype, use Google docs, and update my professional blog when needed. A big thanks goes out to Dr. Strange for helping me get out from under the rock where I had been living!

My Edm 310 Presentation

My PLN for EDM 310

My personal learning network has grown since taking Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class. In fact, it was not even in existence til this class. As I have began to learn more about technology in general, I have also learned that you leave a trail when you enter into the technology world. For starters, I have learned to create blogs. In class, I have created my own class blog and professional blog. People can follow me on these two sites. I have also gained knowledge of Google docs. Never before have I used any type of presentation material from Google. I can send forms and documents from here. Another tool I have used for PLN is Skype. I have widened my network by being able to talk with relatives and friends absolutely free! In Comments for Kids, I have been able to participate in posts that have been in other parts of the world. You never know what kind of influence you will have on one of the kids by leaving them comments. I plan on having some type of project like this for my classroom. I am sure the kids enjoy receiving the comments. I would like to use the class blog also for my classroom. I feel this is a great way to keep the communication open with the parents. It will also help the kids to know what is coming due, such as exams and projects.

Apples Are for Teachers

My project 11 presentation was entitled "Apples Are for Teachers". My group consisted of Dillon Rogers, Jamie Lynn, and myself. We made a movie on a "Mac" about how convenient iPhones could be for users. We went to an elementary school one afternoon to film and have some of the kids help us with the project.
During our film, I was the teacher who was asked by her students a number of questions. Some of these questions, I could not answer. So, I got to use "Tommy's" iPhone to look up the answers. Time after time, this iPhone was a lifesaver. Our iPhone was made out of a cardboard box with a replica scene of iPhone apps on the front.
Through the movie, we showed how much help the iPhone was to the teacher. It was so beneficial to the teacher, that the teacher was "falling in love" with the iPhone and the technology it brought to the classroom.

Post for the 3 Lists

Click Here
I enjoyed reading the list of 7 stupid mistakes by teachers by Doug Johnson. Several of them were simple common sense rules, but I guess if you were all involved in the class, I can see where some things might get overlooked. Number three should be of major importance. You should never leave a student unattended on the computer. Yes, a computer could be filtered, but things do happen. Also, depending on the age of the student, their minds could be filled with curiosity. This could all result in major problems for the teacher. I felt another importance was ignoring the interest of technology. After all I have learned this semester about how you can incorporate technology into the classroom,how could you not let your students learn more from tech devices? A child will already know a great deal about technology with the world we live in today. We, as teachers, have to keep up with these students. Their little minds absorb all this technology like a sponge. It is our job to keep their interest and it would be in technology.
The most brilliant thing to me on the other list was to make conferencing real time. What a great way to communicate with parents! It is important to keep the communication open between the school and the home. I feel the computer is a great place to keep this going! Parents are probably more likely to be on a computer at work these days where they could access the internet, if they do not have it at home. This could be a way to get the parents involved. If they choose not to engage in the communication, then they have no one to blame but themselves. Accepting the role as co-learner is important. As a teacher, you will be constantly learning things as you go. There will be times when you do not have all the answers, but you will do what you can to find out. I have even seen Dr. Strange experiencing this, but he was sure to find out the information as soon as he could.
I thought the rules of the classroom were comical. Number thirteen, about being quiet in the hallways, lines, etc., was cute. While using on line learning, you can do whatever you want while in class. You can do your work in your pjs in you prefer, or you can dance around while on line. Bring required materials is a must! If you are going to be online, then you will certainly need your computer!

"At the Teacher's Desk"

I loved watching the video of Fundreds. I have not ever heard of this and was not aware of the lead problem in New Orleans. I find this to be a very unique way to raise awareness. If I was a teacher right now, I just might have to join this project with my class.
Looking around this blog, I found several videos and many posts. I was reading the information underneath the Fundred video that was very informative. It is going to cost 300 million dollars to transform New Orleans from the lead problem. So, in exchange, the students around the country are making "fundreds" to present to Congress. The lead can lead to unsafe medical conditions that need to be resolved. I see this to be a major problem and would love to help.
Mr. Miller has presented a goal to his class. If they reach 2,500 hits on their blog, then he will not assign the students any homework. For a student, I am sure they are trying to get the word out. Another post talked about how hard it was to get the word out. There are many teachers who do not teach with technology, which in turn causes them not to be aware of what is going on all around them. One person added that it is important to post regularly.
I feel that the professional blog is important to help communicate. One teacher can gain information from another and they may be half a world away from one another. You can also help one another in ways like the "fundred" project. It is a great way to spread important issues, raising awareness to those who do not know like myself.Click Here

Comments about Michael Wesch's Video

I was so surprised to hear Mr. Wesch speak about Huxley at the beginning of the video. I am studying him right now in one of my classes!I agree with the statement made about when media changes, our conversations change. I could not help but think about texting, and how is has changed our conversations.
The little clip Mr. Wesch showed about Maury Povich show was too cute. So many kids today have the "I don't care attitude" and it reflects badly on the parents. The American Idol phenomenon was a great example of how we are all trying to find our identity in the world. I liked how he said the kids were miserable because they were not the next Idol.
I totally understand the whole camera thing. When you are about to speak to the camera, you really do not know just how many people are going to see it. The camera does make you aware of self, and the fear of having to see yourself later on really bothers many people!

Importance of Posting Work

click here
I must say before I get to my assignment how moved I was when I watched the video of the young choir singing "Landslide." It was totally amazing! I loved how the students were putting all their emotions into it!
I feel it is important for children to post their work for parents or guardians to keep up with what they are doing. Many parents are already on the computer at their jobs, and they could easily look at their child's work on the blog.
I also think it is pretty cool for classes to be on here from different countries. Here, in the United States, we can watch students from Australia and New Zealand, just anywhere from all over the world.In our class, we watched a video from some students in New Zealand that was very interesting. We can learn about different cultures and geographical areas by reading these posts, and watching videos that may be posted.
Lastly, I feel it is important for students to post their work because of the technology being used today. Introducing students at an early age to technology is only going to be beneficial to them.

Post on Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide

ACCESS, or Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide, is also a related educational site. ACCESS is for the state of Alabama and is directed more towards online learning. On this site, it shows exam dates, deadlines, courses, and resources. One great resource from the site is the Alabama Virtual Library. The main purpose of the site is to provide classroom courses by the internet. The only drawback is that some students who live in more of the country setting will not get the best connection, if any at all.
I feel this could be very helpful for many students. The more advanced we get, the better. Slowly, I am learning more technology myself. I am realizing the importance of technology inside and outside the classroom.Click here

Post on Alabama Learning Exchange

The Alabama Learning Exchange, or ALEX, is an online site created to help others in the field of education. ALEX was created by teachers. In this site, there are lesson plans from other teachers that could be very beneficial to others in the teaching field. Weblinks, professional learning, podcasts, and courses of study are all listed on this site. As a teacher, you may have a hard time trying to think of plans related to what your class is studying. By using ALEX, you may find the perfect class plans from another teacher right here in our state.
Being in education, I am really glad there are such sites as ALEX. Especially being a first year teacher, I am sure I will need all the help I can get. I hope to learn about more of the sites like ALEX. I even found out that you can keep up with ALEX on Facebook!Click here

Post on "Dear Kaia"

click here
In my watching and reading "Dear Kaia", I was greatly impressed with the step that this father took. I am a parent and treasure these moments with my little boys. It still amazes me that you can Skype from Qatar to Missouri, like you are close by one another. The technology is so over my head, but it is amazing! I liked the fact that this father let Kaia take her own photos in the story. This lets her be a part of the blog. As a future teacher, I feel that it is a good idea for parents to get involved in their children's computer activities. If a child has a class blog, then the parent could get on the blog and keep up with what is going on in the classroom.

More Information on The New Media Literacies

In looking up more information on the New Media Literacies, I found that this staff is a research from MIT. It is part of a studies program that is trying to help younger children become associated with the growing world of social connecting.
It is to also teach a better understanding of how to become literate in this world that is so multicultural and fast-paced. I read over a syllabus from a course in this research by Henry Jenkins. He stated, "This knowledge will help us see into the media research and help journalists better understand shifts in how young people access and deply information."click here for the link to the website.

The New Media Literacies Video Comments

I feel the staff on the video was right on. These new media literacies are adequate for the 21st century. Every word on the list is needed in some form to be able to keep up with the world globally.
Times are changing so fast! In order to keep up, one must be technology advanced. I am not there yet, but give me some time. I do possess some of these literacies. I know for sure that you must have judgement. You never know what you might get into without good judgement. You need to know what information is appropriate. I love to play and see what all I can teach myself by exploring. Multitasking should be an important skill for the tech user, also.
I am trying to put myself out there. I am on Facebook and since this class, I have my own blog. Who would have ever thought? I surprise myself every day. As far as what I do not know, I am taking things step by step. When I get one thing accomplished, I will move on to the next.click here for the link to the website.

Reaction to The Networked Student

I felt this video was very informative. I enjoyed watching the objects being placed on the board and then tossed away when the subject was over. Again, this is how we are suppose to be coming up with an idea for our next project. Am I prepared to teach a network student? At this moment, I would have to say "no." Hopefully by the end of the semester I will be much closer.
Being a student, I am all for virtual textbooks. Students are ripped off when having to purchase books that are not even opened during the semester. What a waste! It is amazing how one person can gain all sorts of information by networking for particular topics. When networking, a student has so much more access to information other than the textbook and school library.
Why does the networking student need a teacher? He needs the guidance, show opportunities, help organize information, and to keep the student motivated. I would like to have a job one day so I hope the students still need teachers.click here to view the website of "The Networked Student"

My Reaction to Mr. Miller's Video

I feel so unintelligent after watching Mr. Miller's video. He amazed me by all of the things he was saying. How he is able to dream these ideas is fascinating to me. I am sure I could learn many things from Mr. Miller.
Mr. Miller made a comment about,"We are no longer carrying around school supplies,but we are carrying laptops." We are already seeing this here on our campus. Many students are taking class notes on the computer instead of using pen and notebooks. Who would have ever thought this? This is showing progress to what Mr. Miller is illustrating.
When watching the videos, I started thinking about our next project due in EDM 310. The Martin Luther King clip was a visual document with music added. Having these and more techniques added together, makes it all real for those who were not present at that particular time.
I am just getting comfortable with the computer. I am not sure about writing with multimedia. On the other hand, with students being so much more advanced, they will probably be able to write multimedia. Who knows? They may have to teach me some things.click here to view the website.

My Search on iPod Instruction

Once again, I am sitting here reading things that leave me in awe. Just when I think things cannot get more advanced in technology, they do. I searched for iPod instruction at Duke University and was surprised at what I found. The university handed out over 1600 iPods to incoming freshmen. The purpose for this was to promote the use of technology for their students.
All in all, the use of the iPod was important in recording. Whether it be the professor that the student was recording, or another student presentation, the largest use was for recordings. I am sure the iPods were used for entertainment, too. Students can download music and games to the iPods. When you think or needing to record in a classroom, you automatically think of having to memorize something. What better class do you need to memorize than a language. The article talked about the students at Yale listening to Spanish on their iPods. Just as with any other language, they had vocabulary and definitions to learn. These were all on the student's iPods. How convenient! They even had exercises to do over the ipod. Also, instead of daily journal writings, they had to enter daily Spanish recordings on their iPods. Course profile: http://cit.duke.edu/ideas/newprofiles/merschel.do

Comments About iTune U

I feel so lost in this world of technology. Each week, we learn a little more about how technology can be used in the classroom and I am floored. I did find out that the downloads from iTunes U are free. Every student and teacher will appreciate that. Several of the Ivy League schools use iTunes, so there must be something there that is useful.
No matter where you are, you can get access to iTunes whether by mobile phone or computer. There are many interesting categories that can be beneficial to any teacher or student. From podcasts to educational seminars, you can take your pick as to what information you are needing.

Blog About Dr. Alice Christie

I was very impressed by the knowledge Dr. Christie showed in the website. I guess with forty years of being an educator, you should have much to teach and help others. I liked the Webquest technology tool. The Library Thing is probably a great tool as well.
As a teacher using Webquest, I understand that I would have to create certain boundaries for my students. Providing my students with certain resources to participate in the Webquest, would be my biggest challenge. I feel this would help students get more familiar with using the computer for assignments. I would have assignments for the students to keep up with relating to the certain topic at that time. With this being on the computer, I think this would let the students have a little more freedom about what they have to say. I somewhat feel like this is how we are with being assigned our blog posts each week.

Summary of Mr. McClung's Post

I am really glad Mr. McClung posted these comments. So many times, first time teachers go into a classroom thinking things are going to be a certain way. Then, once they are actually teaching in front of their students, everything is different. I agree 100% with Mr. McClung about forming communication with your students. You need to know the students, other than just on classroom basis. You have got to keep open communication with the students, parents, and other teachers. He also mentioned to be flexible. So, what if you do not stay on plan? He let us know that it is okay. You will have times that every lesson will not be on schedule. I enjoyed reading his post and hopes he will continue to keep us informed of things that can go on in a classroom.

My Response on Wiki Readings

I was introduced to Wikipedia last fall. I was in an English class that required writing papers, and the instructor asked us not to use Wiki. I thought to myself, "What in the world is she talking about?" I soon learned from the other students what Wiki was. The others did let me know that it could not be trusted. I could not imagine going into something like that and changing stories around. I do think with the monitoring system from Griffith that the site will someday be trusted. As far as knowing what to do to catch people, I have no idea. With the computer knowledge that some people have (like Griffith), I know we will be able to solve these problems.

practice

Presentation Post

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture Response

I found this video to be very interesting. The time went by very fast. Mr. Pausch is a great speaker, keeping your attention very well. The lecture was once called the "Last Lecture." This name came from someone asking Mr. Pausch if this lecture was his last, what would it be? Now, the title is Achieving Your Childhood Dreams."
Mr. Pausch started his lecture by listing his childhood dreams. He made the statement that " he grew up in the 60's, which was a time to dream." Another dream was to play in the NFL. He never made it to the NFL, but did become a professor.
I thought that Mr. Pausch working for Disney was astounding. For a person to be able to say that you helped create an attraction for such a famous place is really an honor. This also showed how intelligent Mr. Pausch really is. Once the Aladin project was over, he went back to enabling childhood dreams. He brought about several successful technology projects that even created campus phenomenons.
For this man to have six tumors in his liver, one would never know by his attitude and actions. He is very upbeat and very positive. I loved the quote that he used in the lecture: " When you are doing something badly and nobody tells you, then that is a very bad place to be." How true this is!

Ms. Hines' Blog

I totally agree with Ms. Hines' blog. Educators, and future educators, should be looking for ways to better the learning for our kids. Yes, technology is very important, but we need to start with the basics first.
Many teachers do not have control of their classrooms now, so bringing technology into such a mess would be ridiculous. I feel we need to get the learning foundation handled before we bring in any other teachings.

Post on Michael Wesch's Video

I am sitting here typing this with my mouth still open. This video so tells the truth about students during this day in time. Everything is rapidly changing for the better of technology. Most students are bored without the use of current technology in the classrooms.
I know I have been in several classes where the instructor was still using the chalkboard with lecture. When looking around the room during this lecture, students have their own laptops on, looking at things rather than what the discussion is about. These students are bored! I loved the video, and it made me stop and think that this is happening everyday!

Response to EDM 310 podcast

In watching last semester's EDM 310 podcast, I was impressed. I thought to myself, "This is what we are going to learn?" I found the conversation to be very beneficial to me. I enjoyed hearing what each student had to say about technology teachers.
Though I enjoyed the podcast, I felt something was missing. Maybe have some photos of students in the classrooms working on computers, along with their teacher. If there is someone in your group that does not feel like they can get "tech ready", have the other students convince them how important and beneficial it would be for them and their own students.

Podcast preparation

Over the weekend, learning about podcasts, I chose Langwiches blog and Practical Principals podcast. In the blog of Langwiches, teachers are sharing ideas from kindergarten all the wat to 5th and 6th grades. There was a 3rd grades class that was studying about the endangered species of Florida. This proved to me that you do not necessarily have to be in a particular place to gain knowledge. Other teachers that may have information about these animals can leave you a post to help you. I feel these podcasts can help teachers bring new ideas that they have learned from these podcasts to the classroom.
In the Practical Principals podcast, it was their twentieth show. The host was Scott Elias and the hostess was Melinda Miller. They both hold administrative offices. During these podcasts, they are trying to help teachers make a plan for the year: a schedule of professional development. What I keep thinking about from both of these is how a teacher can learn new ideas from someone half way across the world. I feel it would be very beneficial to a teacher to subscribe to several podcasts such as this one, so that he/she can keep up with helpful ways to manage and organize their classroom. Oh, I have to say how much I love the little red schoolhouse in the background!

Response to Mr. Needleman's Video

I was so amazed at how these kids made their own videos. I kept thinking to myself ," if these young kids can do this, why can't I?"

Podcast Experience

I have to admit that I was not aware of things, such as podcast, ever existing. I was totally amazed at how the podcasts worked. Years ago, who would have imagined that you could learn from and listen to such subscriptions? Well, over the weekend, I got some experience with listening to the podcasts and learning how the world can connect in such a way.
The first podcast I listened to was SMARTBoard Lessons Podcast. I visited Teaching with SmartBoard #11 with host Ben Hazzard and hostess Joan Badger. I just could not get over how the two of them were in two different places, and having this podcast over the web. For several minutes, they talked about Ben traveling to Ottawa (who is from Canada). In Ottawa, Ben had received an award at a teaching conference for his thesis. They talked about him going into a market there in Ottawa and buying an Obama cookie.
My next visit was Kidscast #62, podcasting for the classroom. The host was Dan Schmit. Dan talked about video podcasting and made the statement, "You're doing podcast best using the medium." He also talked about a myth: "A progressive step in a podcaster audio is best for commuters."
Podcasting and Fieldtrips #53 was a podcast that I chose. The question here was"How can podcast help fieldtrips?" Well. in several instances, you can post things about the field trip that the students need to know ahead of time. Important facts and dates about the destination would be knowledgable for the students. He also mentioned to have in the podcast, "Why are we going here?" In all the podcasts, a teacher would like a response from the students.
I have to say that my favorite podcast was Manic Mommies. The two ladies that hosted this podcast are Erin Kane and Kristin Brandt. This podcast was under the title of Kids and Family. This podcast emphasized the everyday lives of motherhood, which I can totally relate to. One example in the podcast was a mother who had called in wanting to know if her son was ready for the reading of Harry Potter. Erin was in Rodchester during this time expressing her feelings about taking kids here and there and being at her in-law's house.
Lastly, I chose to go under the heading of music. Here, I found that MTV has a podcast. Basically, this podcast informs you about the latest information on celebrities and musicians. I found out that DJ AM (whom I did not know) had died and it could possibly have been a drug overdose. So, all in all, my visit through the podcast world proved to be very informative.

My Remarks on Mrs. Davis' Movie

To start things off, Mrs. Davis seemed to be well focused on her students. The class acted as if they were all there to help one another. I come from a rural area and I was amazed at the computers they had. I do not think the high school here even has multiple computers in a single room! This tells me how much technology is being taught.
The relationship between Mrs. Davis and her students seemed open. I liked the way she let students lead discussions. As much as I hate it sometimes, I know the best way to learn is hands on. She was a great encourager of the students using all different types of technology. I am sure the old pen and paper can get boring to eager students. I hope I can keep up with all the new technology. I don't want my kids to be teaching me how to do things later down the road.

My View on Creativity Presentation

I thought the presentation would be boring, but I was wrong. Mr. Robinson kept my attention the entire time. He really made some important statements about our children and their creativity. I felt very strong about the fact that we put so much emphasis on academics, such as Mathematics and English. We are hurting some students by doing this. A child may be lacking in academics, but is strong in other areas. Without being able to show us that side, we casually think they may have some type of problem.
"We are born in creativity and we grow out of it," was a statement made by Mr. Robinson that I will remember for a long time. He also mentioned how art was always at the bottom level of schools. Hearing what Mr. Robinson said has made me stop and think. I would not want my child stigmatized like he mentioned.

Response to Karl Fisch Video

I am totally amazed at what I saw in the video! I cannot believe how so much has changed over the years. I do not consider myself that old, but boy, I sure do feel that way after watching Fisch's video. It seems as if other countries are so much more advanced than the United States. What has happened? As a future English teacher, I was shocked to read that China will soon be the number one English speaking country. This is absurb!
As a parent, I feel that I need to keep up with the newest technology. By the time they reach their teen years, there is no telling what we will be introduced to. The part in the video," the number of text messages during a day's time exceeds the amount of people on the planet," just blows me away! This could be a little scary how things are progressing so fast.
I feel like Mr. Wakes at times. I often wonder why I did not complete my degree fifteen years ago. Things would have been so much easier then. When I entered this class, I was scared to death! Hopefully, that will change by the end of the semester. I am an older student like Mr. Wakes, and I am use to the old pen and paper note taking.

The Life of Autumn Wiggins

Hello class! I am going to tell you a little bit about myself. I have been married for ten years and have two little boys. My boy's ages are four and six. There is never a dull moment around our house! I have truly learned the meaning of "mom's taxi." My boys have art lessons, football practices and baseball practices, not to mention the everyday drive to and from school. We are constantly on the go.
I am a nontraditional student. If I can give any of you some advice, it would be to finish your degree before you start a family. Some days are harder than others, but it will be worth it in the end. I love my family very much, but there are days when I can't wait to get back to school.
I chose to attend South because of the convenience. I still have a drive, but it is a time for me to unwind and relax without any interruptions. I have thoroughly enjoyed attending school here. I transferred from Alabama Southern, which is a smaller community college in my hometown. Most of the classes here at South remind me of back home. I feel you get to know other students better, as well as the professors.
After attending school two days a week and running the taxi service the rest of the week, I hardly have time for myself. I do get in some shopping days every once in a while, which I enjoy. Most importantly, when the day is done and everybody is happy, I can sit back and know that my job for the day has been done!