Blog Post Assignment #6

The Networked Student
By: Wendy Drexler

This video by Wendy Drexler made some good points about a student learning by having a their own network of educational tools. It was interesting how there are so many ways a student can look up things on Google, and even make a virtual textbook from it. The word connectivism is something I have never heard of, but it means educators or anyone else who believe that a series of connections to other people and networks can help students learn more and understand subjects through opinions and a diverse collection of facts. Such sites as Wikis and Blogger can help students branch out what they know to other students. A 21st century student can have all online classes and maybe go to class once a week. But the teacher is very involved and hugely important.

The teacher is important because they can help the students understand networks, and teach the class how to utilize any information. We also help the students by giving them advice on which sites to look into more, and which sites may not be very useful on any given subject. The students will not just know how to gather information and put it together in the right order; we are there to instruct the students on how to collect all the information they have gathered properly and put all the pieces in the right spot. Also, the teacher can help the students analyze all the facts they have collected so the students can understand the material better. Also, as educators but also students in a way that we are always learning new things too, we should inspire them to get excited about these new techniques of learning and sharing what they know with others. Teachers guide the students where they need to be and we hope that in their future, all this knowledge they have gained will help them to do bigger and better things in their lives.

My reaction to this video was actually me being kind of surprised that teachers were doing this, or thinking about doing this. I can understand high school teachers trying this out on the older students to get them prepared for how college will be. I just would never think middle school students already were doing this possibly, but if they are then I am VERY impressed. Until now, I knew very little about blogs and uploading videos from YouTube;Twitter is still a mystery to me. But Ms. Drexler is very smart about having young students involved in this project because they get a preview of true social media. Most of them probably have Facebook and Myspace, so they are already very familiar with how different networking strategies work. I think this is a great idea for most students to try out, because it gets them really involved with technology at a different level and makes them savvy about connections and reliability or validity of certain information.

Wendy Drexler's Blog


Ms. Drexler's blog gives more details on the networked student and what the puts and takes are from trying it out. One of the bigger challenges is making sure all the students understand and can apply computer knowledge, since many 7th graders only know the basics of how to use one. Also, the age restrictions for some sites require that the user be thirteen but many in 7th grade aren't quite thirteen yet. A big issue is making sure you fit everything in so it will match the standard curriculum and don't go overboard with it. Having a the freedom of topics while also sticking to a certain subject can also be a bit tricky, since the students need the freedom but must also comply to the curriculum standards for the subject.

The hardest part fall on the teacher being able to design assessments that help the student understand and put together the content they are learning. Also, providing the opportunities for classmates to learn from one another and communicate about the subjects the class is learning about. If it were me, I would definitely see an issue with finding other teachers who would be willing to help out and experiment with this project a litte. I commend Ms. Drexler for even trying this, and think it's really great that she is integrating this much technology with a middle school class.

C4T Assignment #2

I was assigned to post on Elvira Dayemport's blog: Language Journeys (http://languagejourneys.blogspot.com). Her most recent post was about her class having their very first Skype call with a school in Nebraska. Ms. Dayemport had to choose a game to play with that school for the Teaching Enrichment Activities Time, and chose a math game called 0-99 Guess from a book called 'Mega-Fun Math Games: 70 Quick and Easy Games to Build Math Skill' by Dr. Michael Schiro and Anna Walker. The main objective in this game is to ask a bunch of yes or no answers to figure out the opposing teams number. Ms. Dayemport involved her students in a big way by having them participate in the entire activity. All the students had certain tasks they had to keep up with throughout the game. All of the students had a blast with it and this activity made learning math fun, and gave the students a chance to interact with other students from other schools.

The response I posted on Elvira Dayemport's blog was that having a Skype call with another school sounds like a fun way to learn, and a great way to meet other people. Math is usually a very boring and difficult subject, but making it interesting with technology and giving the students a responsibility on the game really grabs their attention. If I had had teachers that developed innovative ways to make math and other subjects fun then my whole perspective would've been different when it comes to math. However, now a days, learning math is easier because of all the online reasources there are.

Rafe Esquith Podcast

Blog Post Assignment #5

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please? By: Dr. Scott McLeod

In this post by Dr. McLeod, there are a few points I do agree with and some I don't. We should shield our kids and protect them, yes, however some things they really should know about so they can also protect themselves when we can't. I do agree with parental controls on the computer and no phones at age 12, since the latter is just ridiculously popular now a days. As for the older population, high school and older, it is a privilege to have a cell phone; especially those cool ones they have out now. Personally I also do agree with kids needing to learn about new technologies so in the future it isn't a new concept. Many teachers that have been around since before computers may not agree, but that IS how many students get around today. Online school and classes are a huge thing now because they are convenient to our daily schedules and, if given the necessary material, can be easier than live classroom settings.

Dr. Scott McLeod is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Studies. He is also the Director, of CASTLE (Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education)at the University of Kentucky. Also, he is UCEA Associate Director of Communications and Marketing.






Travis Allen: iSchool Initiative and Zeitgeist Youngminds

In Travis' video he is a high school student with a visualization for future learning in a virtual classroom. He says that having an iPhone with everything you would ever need for school would save so much money around the world for schools. All it wold take is a $150 phone to replace pencils, paper, books, staplers, and other school supplies like that. The iPhone, he says, has everything you would need already on the phone and for free in the app store. Having your notes in the notepad, all the assignments on a calendar that you and your parents could see, a scientific calculator for free in the app store; an endless amount of tools for students to write papers, find e-books, and essentially have a virtual school.

I think it would be a bit more cost effective to have a virtual type of school, though the social needs would be cut out. Most people now have androids or some kind of touch screen smartphone that could easily be rewired to have access to these things. However, the cost of the networks would be different and some people can't afford these kinds of things. Personally I think it's a good idea and wouldn't mind trying it out at all. Having iSchool would be a new kind of experience for students of all ages, and might have a ton of potential in the future of everything going online.










Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

I loved this video, and the fact that these people have the most amazing voices when they're all put together. This choir was amazing and they weren't even on a live stage. Technology has come so far, and the fact that these people can be a million miles apart but still be able to hoop up some headphones and go on a virtual stage is just crazy! I didn't even know people could do this kind of thing, and have amazing visual effects. The best part was it still kept to old time tradition with the red curtain and the introduction to the choir. As a plus, the music was beautiful and the way each person's screen came out when they did a solo voice was a lot like in the real thing. Technology like this is just astounding because of how advanced we have gotten.

Timetoast Timeline

Blog Post Assignment #4

Langwitches

I thought this was really cool, and didn't even think of how first graders could get their hands on a little bit of technology. It was kind of surprising to know that 6 and 7 year olds are dabbling in blogs and videos. But it's also really great for them because they can get to know certain applications and sites for kids their age. One day they might be interacting the kids around the globe using blogs as well.

The Education Podcast Network


This site was really nice, especially all the podcasts they had. It's good to know that people are using online web tools for everyday tings and that certain subjects are really talked about and listened to. There is a section that it just for the kids and for them to make podcasts and videos and such. I really like listening to them and think it is really great that elementary students are getting involved in such cool ways.

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom


There are many benefits for podcasting in the classroom. It is a very effective way to interact with students outside of the classroom, and they are familiar with computers in this generation, so it something relevant to them. Having podcasts and such allows for the students to be different and have projects to help them learn. The kids are so much more creative and there are so many unique outcomes. The parents don't have to be told what the kids are doing in class, they can watch and hear what they are doing. It is so much more innovative and helpful for students that can't make it school as well. I think Mr. Dale was right on the dot for all these point he made.

Project #6: This Is My Sentence

Project #5: Google Presentation 'This is Me'

Blog Post Assignment #3

Kelly Hines "It's Not About the Technology"

Well, I agree on what Kelly Hines has written about how technology isn't what is important about teaching; it's how you use it, and also how you make sure subjects are learned and really understood. She has a point when she writes that most teachers who have been teaching for a long time, they didn't have technology. However, they are very good at what they to today and have learned how to use different tools over the years. As future teachers, we need to be up to date on current items and tools in teaching; especially researching everyday on new and improved ways to really understand our students. Ms. Hines writes that as teachers, and learners we need to truly understand where are students come from and what they are doing everyday. Every child learns differently, and in order for them to learn we must be learners ourselves. All teachers must also be very motivated and want to evolve in understanding more. Kelly writes that "if no child has learned anything in a day, there has been no teaching done"; and it is completely true, that if a student has not in some way understood or learned something...we need to do a better job helping them to do so.

There are so many ways technology can help us to do our jobs as educators if we have the proper mindset and we are knowledgeable of the curriculum. Since we pay thousands and thousands for the new boards and new devices, a teacher needs to be innovative and create different styles of teaching with that particular item. Those computers and other devices are being used for video games and writing plain papers is because the lack of knowledge and not knowing how to teach something. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has developed a method for core outcome learning skills for children. This includes:

1. Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes
2. Learning and Innovation Skills
     * Creativity and Innovation
     * Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
     * Communication and Collaboration
3. Information, Media and Technology Skills
      * Information Literacy
      * Technology Literacy
      * ICT Literacy
4. Life and Career Skills

On a personal note, this is probably the best way I have seen to really be a creative teacher and gain ground with helping the children learn more and really understand what they hear and do. Plus, the outcome is that in a day's work we know we have actually taught our students something when the participation picks up.

Karl Fisch "Is It Okay to be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?"

When we hear about being literate in something, it is usually about reading or math. Noone ever stops to think about being technologically illiterate, and that is what the future is. Karl Fisch writes that in this day and age we are always poking fun at not being able to do math; and usually we seem proud of it...which is horrible as a role model for our own kids. And I agree with him that we should at least try harder to understand today's new technologies, because that is a part of life. Many educators may use the new devices we have, but may not really know how to use it thoroughly when teaching. We should not be proud of not being able to do certain subject like math or science, and we do the same thing with computers and cell phones.

Mr. Fisch talks about the 20th century, and how the teachers back then did not really know much except for reading and math. But we have had computers since the late 1970's and only a few teachers have actually been using them since then. Teachers will soon have to be completely knowledgeable, if not just know a bit more than basics, because that is what teaching will be. As Mr. Fischer says "it's a part of life, not just an add-on". Our students will need to know about computers and how to use them for any kind of future they may want. Anyone who turns out students who know nothing about any kind of technology, they need to start thinking of how they just impacted a child's life. Most jobs, if not all, jobs in the future will revolve around technology and the future generations of kids need to know how to use it. This is a part of life, and things are constantly evolving and new devices or tools are being discovered.

Gary Hayes "Social Media Count"

Looking at the numbers grow on this chart every second is just crazy. Thinking back just a few years ago and none of these things existed, rocket forward maybe 5 years and we have so many different things online and phones everywhere. I am surprised there are not more people with a Facebook or personal websites like that. I remember when cell phones first became popular but nobody in school had one until they were at least 15 or 16. Now elementary students have iPods or an iTouch and stuff like that.

In today's society, having an iPhone or iPad is like being king, or queen, of your own world. I never had an iPhone until about two or three weeks ago; it IS truly amazing and I love it, but I have not obsessed over it like others. Gary Hayes brings up some very good points about social media. He says it is all in constant development and there is always a new bit information getting sent his way. The amount of emails sent, apps bought, members in Facebook is just crazy. I can not say much since I have a Facebook and an iPhone with apps. Everyone has everything they need with a touch of a button or with a voice- command. That is the future, and it really does keep changing.

Project #3

I was assigned to post comments on Connected Principals's blog, www.connectedprincipals.com. The blog I posted on was about Mr. Dwight Carter, and the trip he took to New York to white water raft on the Hudson and Indian River. He talked about having good times and a lot of fun experiences. Also, he quoted Dr. James Comer, who said "No significant learning takes place without a significant relationship". Dr. Carter's main fear was that he would drown or something since he couldn't swim, and he ended up having the time of his life without even thinking about swimming one time. He talks about how communication is key, especially listening when you have a guide telling you and your group what to do. All in all, he talks about taking a chance and trying something new and adventurous.

My response to his blog was that it's amazing to really conquer your fears and do something that completely scares you, but end up having a blast and making great memories. Also, that white water rafting in New York in the Indian and Hudson Rivers sounds completely amazing. I would love to go up there and try it one day.

Blog Post Assignment #2

Did You Know? Researched by Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod, and Jeff Brenman and remixed. In this video, the researchers make a slideshow about different pieces of information such as the amount of users on Myspace (over 200 million) or how much technology has changed and will change. It's pretty interesting how nineteen years ago, in 1992, the first text message was sent; and now people send enough text messages to equal over the amount of people on this planet. Also, the fact that we now have so many fields to go into that weren't around four or five years ago, and so many different types of jobs are STILL surfacing in any category you could ever imagine. There are classes for jobs that don't even exist yet. Jobs that exist now, those weren't around in 2004. Technology and computer information majors will be studying outdated technologies in their third year of studying in the next ten, or less, years. It's amazing how much we have yet to discover about science and developing technology, and we haven't even tipped the iceberg on half of it yet. 


Near the end of the presentation when it starts going into what's happening around the world and in our own United States, it was actually jaw-dropping to see how many babies are born in a matter four or five minutes; hundreds born all over the world in places like China and Japan and Africa. And not only that, but also in the middle part when the presentation said that in the first few years after students graduate, we'll have had between sixteen to thirty-eight jobs before we actually get to a job we keep. One thing that really caught my eye was the fact that India has more honor students than America, and also has the leading number of people with higher I.Q.'s than the rest of the world. This is so sad because we have the means to be smarter and educate our future generations to be smarter, but so many people out there are lazy or just don't care; and that means the parents don't care, or they just think their kids are going to homework and study without being asked to. Add to that, the fact that China will soon be the number one English speaking country in the world; that's a great a achievement for a foreign country, however America should be on top of that list. Yes we're the "melting pot" of different cultures and ethnicities, but we should ALL be able to speak English fluently. All in all, 'Did You Know?' was a complete eye opener for our world and seeing it just astounded me. As this presentation showed, technology and people will keep changing forever, and we just have to keep up with it.




Mr. Winkle Wakes by Mathew Needleman


I think this video shows how much schools and public places have changed over time. Mr. Winkle was around one hundred years ago when everything was read and the postman delivered your mail, there were no eBooks or e-mail or internet. He awoke into a century of video chat and up to date surgical procedures. But as he went looking around he found schools haven't changed too much. And he really liked school for that reason.


When Mr. Winkle went to a classroom, he discovered teachers still taught students with books and lectures and classwork. Everything was really the same as it was before, just a few ways of life had been tweaked and made into something new. there are many schools around the world now that use computers to teach kids and help them with certain subjects. But some schools still teach the old fashion way and use books, library research, and interviewing family members and friends about what life was like back in the day. Personally, I like the fact some schools use technology, but it is good for students to know how to look up pieces of information from a book, because technology doesn't always work when it is most needed.




How School Kills Creativity by Ken Robinson


I completely agree with Mr. Robinson; he brings up so many good points and makes you really think about ho much schools want to reinforce using the brain, and less using the body and imagination. He talks about how young students are being stuffed with information and are like little robots that spit it back to the teacher when asked to do so. But educators rarely ever asks a child what they think or how they would do something differently. And he says "we would all be amazed at kids will give us for answers, because they are so artistic and don't have the mind set we do". 


One of the best points he brings up is that if a young student isn't paying attention in class for a large part of the time, it isn't because they have some sort of mental disorder. A child wants to have hands on experiences in class and do what they love. For example, Mr. Robinson talks about a child who loves to dance and her parents think something is wrong with her since that is all she wants to do. Someone observing her said "she is a dancer, you need to put her in a dance school right away, not a regular school". We don't realize how much impact schools can have on a child, especially when educators do not allow their students' young minds to bloom into something even better than just a pile of information. 







Cecelia Gault: Interview with Ken Robinson


I think Cecelia had the right idea going to Robinson for advice on what he think about the arts and sciences. Her questions were well thought out, and it's actually really good for her to be so concerned with education and the right to keep arts in the school. To make sure the Cecelia Gault's in my classroom get their well deserved education, I will keep the arts in my classroom and also make sure the kids have fun. It's not fair to say only certain kids are creative, because Robinson is right "everyone is creative in their own way". I will also make sure that their opinions get heard and that ideas are shared and considered for future activities, instead of dismissing their ideas and only doing what I think is right.