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!