Friday, April 30, 2010
Farewell EDM310
EDM was a course that was both challenging and beneficial. Between blogs, projects, podcasts, and a list of other assignments I am walking away from this course with a great deal of knowledge, and for that I am very grateful. It was a great opportunity getting to have you as a professor Dr. Strange. Thank you for introducing me to some wonderful tools that I can integrate into my teaching one day; and I wish my fellow classmates the best of luck in their futures and reaching the goals they have set for themselves.
Final Blog Post
1. I learned so much in this class! I think the amount I learned about technology in just one semester amazes me. What amazes me ever more, is the fact that there is so much more out there still to learn.
-Blogging: I benefited a great deal from this. It was also need to be able to connect to people from all around the world. I would love to implement class blogs into my classroom once I become a teacher.
-Skype: I think cool is the best word to describe this. I’d heard of it before, but this semester is the first time I actually ‘skyped’ with somebody.
-Google Presentations: free, easy, convenient. Needless to say, I loved this tool!!
Picasa: I have had the most fun with this tool. I love taking pictures, and the editing tools on this are amazing! I now use Picasa all the time.
2. I firmly believed this covered everything possible, and then some. I was overwhelmed with the amount of information that was thrown at us, but looking back, I now appreciate the fact that I was introduced and now know how to use so much different technology.
3. I don’t want to forget anything, regardless of it I enjoyed doing it or not, EVERYTHING is a learning experience and is valuable in some way or another. You can never know too much, and there is always something to learn and build on. This class was the perfect example of that.
4. Keeping up, and building onto my personal blog excites me. It is going to be a great resource in the future, especially after I graduate and begin looking for a job. I would love to have the opportunity to look back, and share with others what I have learned/put into my blog.
5. This class has challenged me from day one, without a doubt. I think time consuming is a more appropriate word, there was ALWAYS a blog to post, or a project to work on. I was challenged to keep up with deadlines, and figuring out how to properly use the tools we were instructed to learn about and use.
6. Boring and this class do not go together. This class was never once boring. Stressful yes, but not boring.
7. If anything was to be changed about this class I think it should be having clear expectations from day one and explaining in greater detail about each tool, program we will use and how to properly put it to use. Also, maybe having the projects spaced out throughout the semester so the end isn’t quite so overwhelming.
8. I still have a lot to learn, but I have come a long ways since January. I hope I can continue to learn and grow on what I know already. I think that is what this class is all about!
9. I would love to keep up with my classroom and professional blogs. I would love to find every way possible to integrate technology into my classes here at South and continuing on into my own classroom one day!
-Blogging: I benefited a great deal from this. It was also need to be able to connect to people from all around the world. I would love to implement class blogs into my classroom once I become a teacher.
-Skype: I think cool is the best word to describe this. I’d heard of it before, but this semester is the first time I actually ‘skyped’ with somebody.
-Google Presentations: free, easy, convenient. Needless to say, I loved this tool!!
Picasa: I have had the most fun with this tool. I love taking pictures, and the editing tools on this are amazing! I now use Picasa all the time.
2. I firmly believed this covered everything possible, and then some. I was overwhelmed with the amount of information that was thrown at us, but looking back, I now appreciate the fact that I was introduced and now know how to use so much different technology.
3. I don’t want to forget anything, regardless of it I enjoyed doing it or not, EVERYTHING is a learning experience and is valuable in some way or another. You can never know too much, and there is always something to learn and build on. This class was the perfect example of that.
4. Keeping up, and building onto my personal blog excites me. It is going to be a great resource in the future, especially after I graduate and begin looking for a job. I would love to have the opportunity to look back, and share with others what I have learned/put into my blog.
5. This class has challenged me from day one, without a doubt. I think time consuming is a more appropriate word, there was ALWAYS a blog to post, or a project to work on. I was challenged to keep up with deadlines, and figuring out how to properly use the tools we were instructed to learn about and use.
6. Boring and this class do not go together. This class was never once boring. Stressful yes, but not boring.
7. If anything was to be changed about this class I think it should be having clear expectations from day one and explaining in greater detail about each tool, program we will use and how to properly put it to use. Also, maybe having the projects spaced out throughout the semester so the end isn’t quite so overwhelming.
8. I still have a lot to learn, but I have come a long ways since January. I hope I can continue to learn and grow on what I know already. I think that is what this class is all about!
9. I would love to keep up with my classroom and professional blogs. I would love to find every way possible to integrate technology into my classes here at South and continuing on into my own classroom one day!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Interview
I interviewed a Special Education teacher that works in the Baldwin County School System.
1)When did you decide to become a teacher? I always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I can remember. However, I waited almost ten years after high school to go back to school to pursue this dream. I can honestly say that it was the best decision that I have ever made. I love my job and I look forward to going to school every day to teach my students.
2)Why Special Education? During my first year as a teacher I had a student with severe autism and learning disabilities; this is when I knew. I have taught both regular and special education and both are wonderful. I believe that working in this field takes passion, it’s harder work and more challenging than you would imagine, but worth every single second of it.
3)Is there any aspect about working in Special Education that you do not like? That’s an easy one. The paperwork. It is unreal; granted, after a while, you do become accustomed to it, but it seems like it is never-ending. Because in reality, it is!
4)What about technology? Have you been able to incorporate it into your classroom? Yes, through Smartboard. We all LOVE this thing. It is wonderful, and opens so many doors to education and ways to incorporate it into the lessons, especially in this setting.
5)Any advice, or words of wisdom? Of course. Teaching is such as joy; just remember you are in charge of educating little minds. Make sure you love it, give it 200%. It’s not a career you choose because of the paycheck, you choose it because you love it. If you can find that passion, you are heading in the direction of a challenging, yet wonderful, fulfilling future!
1)When did you decide to become a teacher? I always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I can remember. However, I waited almost ten years after high school to go back to school to pursue this dream. I can honestly say that it was the best decision that I have ever made. I love my job and I look forward to going to school every day to teach my students.
2)Why Special Education? During my first year as a teacher I had a student with severe autism and learning disabilities; this is when I knew. I have taught both regular and special education and both are wonderful. I believe that working in this field takes passion, it’s harder work and more challenging than you would imagine, but worth every single second of it.
3)Is there any aspect about working in Special Education that you do not like? That’s an easy one. The paperwork. It is unreal; granted, after a while, you do become accustomed to it, but it seems like it is never-ending. Because in reality, it is!
4)What about technology? Have you been able to incorporate it into your classroom? Yes, through Smartboard. We all LOVE this thing. It is wonderful, and opens so many doors to education and ways to incorporate it into the lessons, especially in this setting.
5)Any advice, or words of wisdom? Of course. Teaching is such as joy; just remember you are in charge of educating little minds. Make sure you love it, give it 200%. It’s not a career you choose because of the paycheck, you choose it because you love it. If you can find that passion, you are heading in the direction of a challenging, yet wonderful, fulfilling future!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)
This video got me excited to get into the classroom as a teacher. I love how excited the student is and she is ready to try new things and learn using technology. What amazed me the most was the fact that she is only in the seventh grade. There are a lot of programs mentioned in the video that could potentially be good references for teaching technology in the classroom like this.
Two Questions That Can Change Your Life
“What’s my sentence?” and “Was I better today than yesterday?” are two questions that make you really think. And when you think about it, both have the potential to change your life. These questions are ones that day by day can be answered. Motivation is key.
“What’s my sentence?” As a future teacher, I want to motivate and encourage my students to be the best versions themselves and fill them with as much knowledge as I am capable of, always wanting and striving to grow and learn new things, and reminding myself and my students that there is no age limit on learning.
I want to be better than the day before. The question, “Was I better than the day before?” is a reminder that each day is a new day and anything can be accomplished if we set our minds to it. Setting out to achieve what makes you happy and feel successful are the stepping stones to this and a reminder than each day is one step closer to achieving this.
This video got me excited to get into the classroom as a teacher. I love how excited the student is and she is ready to try new things and learn using technology. What amazed me the most was the fact that she is only in the seventh grade. There are a lot of programs mentioned in the video that could potentially be good references for teaching technology in the classroom like this.
Two Questions That Can Change Your Life
“What’s my sentence?” and “Was I better today than yesterday?” are two questions that make you really think. And when you think about it, both have the potential to change your life. These questions are ones that day by day can be answered. Motivation is key.
“What’s my sentence?” As a future teacher, I want to motivate and encourage my students to be the best versions themselves and fill them with as much knowledge as I am capable of, always wanting and striving to grow and learn new things, and reminding myself and my students that there is no age limit on learning.
I want to be better than the day before. The question, “Was I better than the day before?” is a reminder that each day is a new day and anything can be accomplished if we set our minds to it. Setting out to achieve what makes you happy and feel successful are the stepping stones to this and a reminder than each day is one step closer to achieving this.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Who Knew?!
I had no idea Google has so much to offer. Before this class, I thought Google was nothing more than a search engine that led me to where I wanted to go on the web. I was (and am still) amazed at all the things that I have learned to utilize with Google so far in this glass. My blog, g-mail account, google doc’s, igoogle, and learning how to use Google Earth are just a few. I’m sure I’m sure there are so many that I have even yet to have the opportunity to utilize.
I have enhanced my use of technology tremendously this semester and I can now say, with pride, that I know how to do other things on the computer rather than jut sign on Facebook and check my e-mail. I hope that I can embrace what I have learned so far and my knowledge keeps continuing to grow!
I had no idea Google has so much to offer. Before this class, I thought Google was nothing more than a search engine that led me to where I wanted to go on the web. I was (and am still) amazed at all the things that I have learned to utilize with Google so far in this glass. My blog, g-mail account, google doc’s, igoogle, and learning how to use Google Earth are just a few. I’m sure I’m sure there are so many that I have even yet to have the opportunity to utilize.
I have enhanced my use of technology tremendously this semester and I can now say, with pride, that I know how to do other things on the computer rather than jut sign on Facebook and check my e-mail. I hope that I can embrace what I have learned so far and my knowledge keeps continuing to grow!
Comments4Teachers
How Full is Your Bucket?
Kelly Hines blogged about “Positive Strategies for Work and Life”
She included five tips for increasing positive interactions. This was a great blog, and I really enjoyed reading it! It stresses to focus on what kids are doing right, instead of what kids are doing wrong. The five tips are:
1.Prevent Bucket Dipping-it reminds us that it is important that we stop taking from those same buckets before we can work on filling the emotional buckets of people we meet.
2.Shine a light on what is right- this is focusing on the positive, and highlighting what has been done well.
3.Make best-friends
4.Give un-expectantly-(Kelly Hines had the idea of leaving sticky notes in her students cubbies, I think this is such a great idea of giving warm fuzzies)
5.Reverse the golden rule-The authors suggest changing the Golden Rule from “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” to “do unto others as they would have you do unto them.”
Kelly Hines blogged about “Positive Strategies for Work and Life”
She included five tips for increasing positive interactions. This was a great blog, and I really enjoyed reading it! It stresses to focus on what kids are doing right, instead of what kids are doing wrong. The five tips are:
1.Prevent Bucket Dipping-it reminds us that it is important that we stop taking from those same buckets before we can work on filling the emotional buckets of people we meet.
2.Shine a light on what is right- this is focusing on the positive, and highlighting what has been done well.
3.Make best-friends
4.Give un-expectantly-(Kelly Hines had the idea of leaving sticky notes in her students cubbies, I think this is such a great idea of giving warm fuzzies)
5.Reverse the golden rule-The authors suggest changing the Golden Rule from “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” to “do unto others as they would have you do unto them.”
Comments4Kids Week 14
Room 16's Got Talent
Why do we have a treaty in Aotearoa
"In the beginning the Maori people lived here first. The Europeans arrived later. They had some disagreements when having to live together. The treaty helped them to share and live happily."
This is the blog post, and they also included a cute animation that showed the story! It was really interesting to see them embrace and incorporate technology in that way!
Why do we have a treaty in Aotearoa
"In the beginning the Maori people lived here first. The Europeans arrived later. They had some disagreements when having to live together. The treaty helped them to share and live happily."
This is the blog post, and they also included a cute animation that showed the story! It was really interesting to see them embrace and incorporate technology in that way!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Comments4Kids Week 13
We've Got The Write Stuff
This is Levi and Jorja
On this blog post they shared their reflections on this term. Their highlights were reading a swimming. They also said that their goal for next term was to get better at drawing and listening to the teacher.
This is Levi and Jorja
On this blog post they shared their reflections on this term. Their highlights were reading a swimming. They also said that their goal for next term was to get better at drawing and listening to the teacher.
Comments4Kids Week 12
Afio Mai and Welcome to Room 9
Leslie's Mihi in Maori
This video was so sweet! It was Leslie's first post for the year!
Leslie's Mihi in Maori
This video was so sweet! It was Leslie's first post for the year!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Dr. Seuss-The Zax
What a cute video! (Click this link to view for yourself.) These two Zax are definitely stubborn, is what I was thinking the whole time I watched this video! This video is a good depiction that being stubborn gets you absolutely nowhere. Knowing how to accept change and work with others, and modify what you think is ‘right’ and be able to see other sides other your own is the only way you’re going to (travel) get anywhere.
It’s important to remember these things as teachers as well. We are going to be working with students, other teachers, parents, principles and several other people. There are going to be many ideas about how, when and why things are done. This is no place or career for being stubborn, like the Zax.
PS 22
This video was incredible! I really enjoyed listening to these children sing; it’s such a wonderful song. Without technology others would not have the opportunity to see this precious video. This goes for any blog, podcast, post as well. It’s a open door to stay connected, learn more, and experience things that we otherwise would not.
With posting, like with Comments4Students, it gives the students to receive positive and negative comments from someone other than their teacher. I have really enjoyed getting to read the blogs of these students throughout this semester; many of which have put a smile on my face!
What a cute video! (Click this link to view for yourself.) These two Zax are definitely stubborn, is what I was thinking the whole time I watched this video! This video is a good depiction that being stubborn gets you absolutely nowhere. Knowing how to accept change and work with others, and modify what you think is ‘right’ and be able to see other sides other your own is the only way you’re going to (travel) get anywhere.
It’s important to remember these things as teachers as well. We are going to be working with students, other teachers, parents, principles and several other people. There are going to be many ideas about how, when and why things are done. This is no place or career for being stubborn, like the Zax.
PS 22
This video was incredible! I really enjoyed listening to these children sing; it’s such a wonderful song. Without technology others would not have the opportunity to see this precious video. This goes for any blog, podcast, post as well. It’s a open door to stay connected, learn more, and experience things that we otherwise would not.
With posting, like with Comments4Students, it gives the students to receive positive and negative comments from someone other than their teacher. I have really enjoyed getting to read the blogs of these students throughout this semester; many of which have put a smile on my face!
Timetoast Timeline
all things yoga & the yoga in all things
Yoga entered the new millennium on a wave of unprecedented popularity. During this decade: acceptance, commercialization, higher profits and an increase in diversity and its use for healing and therapeutic uses were found in yoga!
(Click this Link) to view the "It's all Yoga" time-line I created.
Yoga entered the new millennium on a wave of unprecedented popularity. During this decade: acceptance, commercialization, higher profits and an increase in diversity and its use for healing and therapeutic uses were found in yoga!
(Click this Link) to view the "It's all Yoga" time-line I created.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Comments4Teachers
"The Follis Files"
Candace Follis posted on the 5th of February:
Collaboration and Cooperative Learning
The blog was about group work and the negatives of assigning students to specific groups. I responded:
I agree with your beliefs on letting students group themselves. You trying this is proof that it works and the outcomes they can produce as a group can be amazing! Results like these will outweigh the "lackluster" groups as you put it. There will always be students in your class like that, no matter how you decide to assign groups.
From my experience as a student I ALWAYS dreaded group work. Because my memory take me back to being in groups with students who could care less about their grade and if their work was A worthy. It was always a hassle, and from someone who has been there, I commend her decision completely!
Candace Follis posted on the 13th of March:
New Favorite Reading Handout
This blog was about BDA (Before, During, After) reading handout, called "Reciprocal Teaching". Her approach of encouraging her students to engage in conversation and not just copy down is great and seems like it would help in their understanding as well. She received positive feedback from her students, after they had a chance to experience this technique, which is exciting!
Candace Follis posted on the 5th of February:
Collaboration and Cooperative Learning
The blog was about group work and the negatives of assigning students to specific groups. I responded:
I agree with your beliefs on letting students group themselves. You trying this is proof that it works and the outcomes they can produce as a group can be amazing! Results like these will outweigh the "lackluster" groups as you put it. There will always be students in your class like that, no matter how you decide to assign groups.
From my experience as a student I ALWAYS dreaded group work. Because my memory take me back to being in groups with students who could care less about their grade and if their work was A worthy. It was always a hassle, and from someone who has been there, I commend her decision completely!
Candace Follis posted on the 13th of March:
New Favorite Reading Handout
This blog was about BDA (Before, During, After) reading handout, called "Reciprocal Teaching". Her approach of encouraging her students to engage in conversation and not just copy down is great and seems like it would help in their understanding as well. She received positive feedback from her students, after they had a chance to experience this technique, which is exciting!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Kaia’s Photo Essay
This video was wonderful; I really enjoyed watching Kaia’s photo essay. I think it’s great that her father is introducing her to and teaching her how to use technology beginning at such a young age. If she does learn all she can about technology it has potential to offer endless possibilities to Kaia. I had to admit that I am guilty of not always utilizing the technology that is available to me. There is so much that I can learn, and have left to learn. This video encouraged me to take better of the resources that I have, that way I can be like Kaia’s father in the sense of introducing technology to my students and offering open doors to technology for them as well.
This video was wonderful; I really enjoyed watching Kaia’s photo essay. I think it’s great that her father is introducing her to and teaching her how to use technology beginning at such a young age. If she does learn all she can about technology it has potential to offer endless possibilities to Kaia. I had to admit that I am guilty of not always utilizing the technology that is available to me. There is so much that I can learn, and have left to learn. This video encouraged me to take better of the resources that I have, that way I can be like Kaia’s father in the sense of introducing technology to my students and offering open doors to technology for them as well.
SKYPE
SKYPE
What a neat way to keep in communicate! Before this class I had heard about Skype and people talking about how fun and personal way to keep in touch with people, but I hadn’t experienced this form of technology for myself. I must say, I really enjoy it! I think it is more personable than talking over the phone, or sending a text message, you can actually see the person you are talking to. My skype name is: tracyalms.
What a neat way to keep in communicate! Before this class I had heard about Skype and people talking about how fun and personal way to keep in touch with people, but I hadn’t experienced this form of technology for myself. I must say, I really enjoy it! I think it is more personable than talking over the phone, or sending a text message, you can actually see the person you are talking to. My skype name is: tracyalms.
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