I commented on Michael Kaechele's Concrete Classroom blog on October 23 and October 30. Mr. Kaechele lives in Michigan and teaches Global Studies in high school.
On October 20, Mr. Kaechele wrote a post about a lesson he taught on imperialism and colonialism. The post was titled, "Imperialism in my classroom today." In order for his students to understand these concepts, he wanted to use a real-life situation that his students could relate to. He decided to remove all of the laptops from the classroom. I responded that I thought his way of relating the concepts of imperialism and colonialism to real-life was a great way to show his students how their life could look like in that type of society.
Mr. Kaechele's other post, written on October 23, was titled, "6 best reasons to attend #edcampGR." This post contained a list of six individuals that he has met that will be at the camp on November 5. According to Mr. Kaechele, these people are great educational resources. Mr. Kaechele provided the credentials of each individual, and all were very impressive. I responded that the conference sounded like a good place to meet a great group of people committed to education and making it a positive and productive system for student learning.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Blog Post # 10
Do You Teach or Do You Educate
“Do You Teach or Do You Educate” is an interesting video that highlights the differences between a teacher and an educator. The video incorporates pictures and music to further highlight the differences between a teacher and an educator.
The video begins with a classroom of emptiness. It provides many definitions of the word “teach,” each highlighted with a picture symbolizing a barrier. For example, it shows pictures of an impassible brick wall, metal plates, a wood floor, and even a lock to make the point that to teach is uninspiring. Students can learn from a teacher, but are they really learning, or are they simply recalling facts?
As the video moves to showcase an educator, the music changes to a faster beat and the pictures are ones that contain more color and inspire growth and life. There are pictures of flowers, plants, trees, and brick walls that can be climbed over.
The video uses symbolism to reinforce the idea that teachers need to be educators. We need to inspire our students. We need to guide students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. Just like the picture used in the video presentation of the tree-lined trail leading to the brick wall, we need to show students the way. But, ultimately, they have to figure out how to get over the brick wall. As a teacher, I plan on educating my students by providing opportunities to collaborate, explore, and crate projects using a variety of resources, especially technology-based.
Tom Johnson’s Don’t Let Them Take the Pencils Home!
In Tom Johnson’s post, he tells a story of Gertrude. She works with school curriculum and is worried that students who use “pencils” will have lower test scores. These students come from low income families that see “pencils” as a form of entertainment. Their parents are not familiar with “pencils,” so they don’t understand their purpose. Gertrude plans to meet with the parents and students to tell them about the “pencils.”
I think Tom Johnson used a great metaphor in his post. He compared pencils to computers. Both can be a form of entertainment and both can give the perception that they have no value for education because they can be entertaining. I agree with him that parents need to be informed on the value of computers in education. Computers are tools just like pencils. They can help students learn. I believe that the more parents are informed on the value of computers in our classrooms, the more that they will embrace the idea. After all, the goal and focus should be on the education of our youth. In order to keep pace with the technological changes in the world, teachers must utilize the technological schools available to them in the classroom. It is not going away.
“Do You Teach or Do You Educate” is an interesting video that highlights the differences between a teacher and an educator. The video incorporates pictures and music to further highlight the differences between a teacher and an educator.
The video begins with a classroom of emptiness. It provides many definitions of the word “teach,” each highlighted with a picture symbolizing a barrier. For example, it shows pictures of an impassible brick wall, metal plates, a wood floor, and even a lock to make the point that to teach is uninspiring. Students can learn from a teacher, but are they really learning, or are they simply recalling facts?
As the video moves to showcase an educator, the music changes to a faster beat and the pictures are ones that contain more color and inspire growth and life. There are pictures of flowers, plants, trees, and brick walls that can be climbed over.
The video uses symbolism to reinforce the idea that teachers need to be educators. We need to inspire our students. We need to guide students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. Just like the picture used in the video presentation of the tree-lined trail leading to the brick wall, we need to show students the way. But, ultimately, they have to figure out how to get over the brick wall. As a teacher, I plan on educating my students by providing opportunities to collaborate, explore, and crate projects using a variety of resources, especially technology-based.
Tom Johnson’s Don’t Let Them Take the Pencils Home!
In Tom Johnson’s post, he tells a story of Gertrude. She works with school curriculum and is worried that students who use “pencils” will have lower test scores. These students come from low income families that see “pencils” as a form of entertainment. Their parents are not familiar with “pencils,” so they don’t understand their purpose. Gertrude plans to meet with the parents and students to tell them about the “pencils.”
I think Tom Johnson used a great metaphor in his post. He compared pencils to computers. Both can be a form of entertainment and both can give the perception that they have no value for education because they can be entertaining. I agree with him that parents need to be informed on the value of computers in education. Computers are tools just like pencils. They can help students learn. I believe that the more parents are informed on the value of computers in our classrooms, the more that they will embrace the idea. After all, the goal and focus should be on the education of our youth. In order to keep pace with the technological changes in the world, teachers must utilize the technological schools available to them in the classroom. It is not going away.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Blog Post # 9
Mr. Joe McClung – What I’ve Learned This Year (2008-2009)
At the time he wrote this blog, Mr. McClung had recently completed his first year teaching. He taught sixth grade science in Noel, Missouri. He created his blog page to share with others what he learned as a first-year teacher.
I really enjoyed reading his post because it brought back memories from years ago when I began my career as a fifth grade teacher at Indian Springs Elementary School in Eight Mile, Alabama. The year was 1994, and I was fresh out of college with many grand plans and ideas for my students. I was so excited. But then reality set in, and I realized that having my own classroom was very different from what I expected. Like Mr. McClung, I grew and learned a lot during my first year, but I remained positive. I wished that I had had the opportunity then to read a blog like Mr. McClung's because he wrote some honest observations and tips that would have been very helpful to me during my first year.
Some of his advice and observations from his first year include: “Instead of focusing a lesson on observation, make it student-centered. No lesson is ever perfect. The lesson you teach and the one you plan are always different. Communicating is the best way to resolve any issue in the workplace. Don’t become upset when students don’t meet expectations. Our job is simply to pick them up after they fail, dust them off, and encourage them to try again. Technology is our friend and essential to living in our society today. In order to build the respect that we all seek in a student-teacher relationship, it is important to take interest in the lives of our students. It’s never too late to change your way of thinking, learning, or style.”
These are all very good points that all teachers should take to heart. Our ultimate goal as teachers is to touch the lives of our students, and guide and challenge them to achieve the best that they are capable of.
Mr. Joe McClung – What I’ve Learned This Year (2009 -2010)
At the time of this blog, Mr. Joe McClung had just completed his second year as a teacher. He was at a new school, teaching new subjects. Inspired by many comments, including those from EDM 310 students in Dr. Strange's classroom, Mr. McClung decided to create an annual reflection in his blog of his teaching year. It contains lessons learned, as well as, advice for other teachers.
The first lesson he learned was to “adapt.” For his second year in education, he moved to a junior high school in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Instead of teaching sixth grade science, he was now teaching three subjects. He was teaching science, social studies, and Arkansas history. While he loved teaching science, he was not as fond of social studies and history. In fact, he found himself in “survival mode,” assigning busy work and notes just to get through the day. So, he had to decide to make an effort to make social studies and history fun and exciting for his students. As a teacher, each school year will bring new challenges for you to overcome. His advice to fellow teachers is simple. “Learn how to adapt when the current situation requires it. The lesson to learn from here is never get too comfortable, change is good and ultimately makes us better teachers.” I had first-hand experience in adapting. After my first tear teaching fifth grade at Indian Springs Elementary School, I moved to fourth grade. Even though I was apprehensive at first, it was the best thing that could have happened. I really enjoyed teaching fourth grade.
His next piece of advice was named, “The Path Least Troubled.” In this piece, he simply reminds us that our goal as teachers is to create independent learners. We need to guide students to be able to think for themselves. He “doesn’t want students to always look for the right answer, but instead take a different approach that requires them to think analytically and access each situation on an individual basis.” I think this is extremely important since we live in a standardized testing world that doesn’t promote critical thinking.
“Find Your School Mom” is another helpful hint for success. Parents can be really wonderful and can be very helpful and kind. Mr.McClung believes “it’s a great asset to have someone who knows the ins and outs of school. If you handle yourself right and really gain the respect of your school mom. She will do anything for you and that’s always useful.”
“Check Your Ego at the Door” is another lesson Mr.McClung has learned. He believes teachers should do whatever it takes to get students engaged in learning, even if it means we have to step out of our comfort zone and act silly. As teachers, we should be willing to do whatever it takes to get the point across. For example, one day in October, the language arts teachers at the middle school that I work at come dressed in a character to teach different skills. They call it their “character carousel” as students visit each of the five classrooms to learn a different skill. Dressing up in costume is not necessarily their favorite activity, but their students love it. “Our students need to know that we have a passion for our jobs if we ever expect them to take our subjects serious.”
Another piece of advice Mr. McClung offers us is, “Don’t Be a Control Freak.” He believes that allowing students to have jobs in the classroom is important. When I taught elementary school, my students looked forward to being a classroom helper. “As teachers, we need to teach our students how to perform tasks in the classroom rather than depend on us to do it for them. This requires them to be responsible and take ownership for the classroom experience.”
“Scope and Sequence” in the classroom is essential. As teachers, we need to spend adequate time on subjects and make that amount of time consistent with the assessments which are given.
A great piece of advice Mr. McClung gives is, “Don’t Lose Sight of What’s Important.” In every occupation there is conflict and adversity. As teachers we need to be able to put aside differences and concentrate on the reason we became educators. We want to make a difference in the lives of our students. “It’s about bringing your best effort for your students.”
His last piece of advice from his second year as a classroom teacher is, “It’s What You Learn after You Know It All That Matters.” This tip is something every teacher could follow. “Listen to those around you that have more experience, alter their advice to fit your style as an educator.” I believe that teachers are also learners and there is always room for more knowledge and improvement.
At the time he wrote this blog, Mr. McClung had recently completed his first year teaching. He taught sixth grade science in Noel, Missouri. He created his blog page to share with others what he learned as a first-year teacher.
I really enjoyed reading his post because it brought back memories from years ago when I began my career as a fifth grade teacher at Indian Springs Elementary School in Eight Mile, Alabama. The year was 1994, and I was fresh out of college with many grand plans and ideas for my students. I was so excited. But then reality set in, and I realized that having my own classroom was very different from what I expected. Like Mr. McClung, I grew and learned a lot during my first year, but I remained positive. I wished that I had had the opportunity then to read a blog like Mr. McClung's because he wrote some honest observations and tips that would have been very helpful to me during my first year.
Some of his advice and observations from his first year include: “Instead of focusing a lesson on observation, make it student-centered. No lesson is ever perfect. The lesson you teach and the one you plan are always different. Communicating is the best way to resolve any issue in the workplace. Don’t become upset when students don’t meet expectations. Our job is simply to pick them up after they fail, dust them off, and encourage them to try again. Technology is our friend and essential to living in our society today. In order to build the respect that we all seek in a student-teacher relationship, it is important to take interest in the lives of our students. It’s never too late to change your way of thinking, learning, or style.”
These are all very good points that all teachers should take to heart. Our ultimate goal as teachers is to touch the lives of our students, and guide and challenge them to achieve the best that they are capable of.
Mr. Joe McClung – What I’ve Learned This Year (2009 -2010)
At the time of this blog, Mr. Joe McClung had just completed his second year as a teacher. He was at a new school, teaching new subjects. Inspired by many comments, including those from EDM 310 students in Dr. Strange's classroom, Mr. McClung decided to create an annual reflection in his blog of his teaching year. It contains lessons learned, as well as, advice for other teachers.
The first lesson he learned was to “adapt.” For his second year in education, he moved to a junior high school in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Instead of teaching sixth grade science, he was now teaching three subjects. He was teaching science, social studies, and Arkansas history. While he loved teaching science, he was not as fond of social studies and history. In fact, he found himself in “survival mode,” assigning busy work and notes just to get through the day. So, he had to decide to make an effort to make social studies and history fun and exciting for his students. As a teacher, each school year will bring new challenges for you to overcome. His advice to fellow teachers is simple. “Learn how to adapt when the current situation requires it. The lesson to learn from here is never get too comfortable, change is good and ultimately makes us better teachers.” I had first-hand experience in adapting. After my first tear teaching fifth grade at Indian Springs Elementary School, I moved to fourth grade. Even though I was apprehensive at first, it was the best thing that could have happened. I really enjoyed teaching fourth grade.
His next piece of advice was named, “The Path Least Troubled.” In this piece, he simply reminds us that our goal as teachers is to create independent learners. We need to guide students to be able to think for themselves. He “doesn’t want students to always look for the right answer, but instead take a different approach that requires them to think analytically and access each situation on an individual basis.” I think this is extremely important since we live in a standardized testing world that doesn’t promote critical thinking.
“Find Your School Mom” is another helpful hint for success. Parents can be really wonderful and can be very helpful and kind. Mr.McClung believes “it’s a great asset to have someone who knows the ins and outs of school. If you handle yourself right and really gain the respect of your school mom. She will do anything for you and that’s always useful.”
“Check Your Ego at the Door” is another lesson Mr.McClung has learned. He believes teachers should do whatever it takes to get students engaged in learning, even if it means we have to step out of our comfort zone and act silly. As teachers, we should be willing to do whatever it takes to get the point across. For example, one day in October, the language arts teachers at the middle school that I work at come dressed in a character to teach different skills. They call it their “character carousel” as students visit each of the five classrooms to learn a different skill. Dressing up in costume is not necessarily their favorite activity, but their students love it. “Our students need to know that we have a passion for our jobs if we ever expect them to take our subjects serious.”
Another piece of advice Mr. McClung offers us is, “Don’t Be a Control Freak.” He believes that allowing students to have jobs in the classroom is important. When I taught elementary school, my students looked forward to being a classroom helper. “As teachers, we need to teach our students how to perform tasks in the classroom rather than depend on us to do it for them. This requires them to be responsible and take ownership for the classroom experience.”
“Scope and Sequence” in the classroom is essential. As teachers, we need to spend adequate time on subjects and make that amount of time consistent with the assessments which are given.
A great piece of advice Mr. McClung gives is, “Don’t Lose Sight of What’s Important.” In every occupation there is conflict and adversity. As teachers we need to be able to put aside differences and concentrate on the reason we became educators. We want to make a difference in the lives of our students. “It’s about bringing your best effort for your students.”
His last piece of advice from his second year as a classroom teacher is, “It’s What You Learn after You Know It All That Matters.” This tip is something every teacher could follow. “Listen to those around you that have more experience, alter their advice to fit your style as an educator.” I believe that teachers are also learners and there is always room for more knowledge and improvement.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Blog Post 8
Dr. Richard Miller - This is How We Dream - Parts 1 & 2
In Dr. Richard Miller's video presentations, he points out the changes in communication that we are experiencing. "How we research, collaborate and publish is moving toward becoming web-based. Information is readily available to us via the Internet." As a result, Dr. Miller predicts changes in literacy. He "foresees a time students will compose not with word processing but with digital composing material." He believes our dream should be to "inspire teachers for visual literacy." Our schools will become a "digital environment." As a result, schools will have access to an enormous amount of information that will be constantly updated and immediately available. Libraries will start to become out of date, as they cannot keep pace with the information and resources available on our own computers. Dr. Miller suggests using resources such as iTunes U to download lectures to obtain academic information. He believes students will need to "compose with text, audio and video." Communication can become visual in an instant. Programs such as Skype, Twitter and Blogger are examples of how communication is changing.
By taking EDM310, I think that I am becoming better prepared to utilize multimedia presentations in the classroom. I have had the opportunity to learn about and use many of the resources available to assist teachers. The blog posts that I have written and some of the projects that I have created have helped me immensely. I also feel better prepared to guide my students in using the technology to help them use their creativity with multimedia applications.
Blog Post # 12 by Carly Pugh
Carly Pugh’s EDM Blog Post #12 was fantastic! It was evident that she put a lot of time, thought, and effort into this post. She created an assignment that required students to “create a You Tube playlist of ten videos that describe your teaching philosophy and relate to things you have learned in this class. What could you do with them in your teaching environment?”
As a response to her assignment, Carly Pugh found a variety of videos describing her teaching philosophy and provided links to them. I think she does an excellent job of answering Dr. Richard Miller’s call for writing with multimedia. She uses video examples to justify her ideas of using technology in her classroom. In the video, “Think Different Crazy Ones,” she is able to point out that we all learn differently. This video supports her idea that the traditional classroom environment needs updating. In addition, in the video, “The Schools Children Deserve,” Ms. Pugh demonstrates how learning needs to take place beyond the classroom walls. Teachers need to encourage creativity and they can use multimedia resources to achieve this. Two of my favorite videos that she included were, “Inclusion is Belonging” and “Disability Means Possibility.” These videos reinforce Ms. Pugh’s stance that students learn at many different levels. Technology is a way to reach out to all levels to spark their creativity into becoming successful students. Wouldn’t Dr. Richard Miller be proud!
"The Chipper Series" and "EDM310 for Dummies"
I enjoyed watching the “Chipper Series” and “EDM310 for Dummies.” These were two student-created videos highlighting some tips and information that would be useful for students currently enrolled in EDM310.
The main message in the “Chipper Series” is don’t procrastinate. Students in EDM310 are given deadlines for their work. The video warns against excuses and reminds students to take responsibility for their course requirements and complete them on time.
“EDM310 for Dummies” is a creative video highlighting some of the projects and activities that students in EDM310 will use and create. It also gives reminders and helpful hints for students to be successful.
Watching these two videos has given me inspiration for videos that I could create or participate in to showcase EDM310. One idea that I have thought about is the “ABC’s of EDM310.” I would come up with an idea for each letter of the alphabet. For example, “A is for Assistants; B is for Blogger; C is for checklist; etc.” Another possibility that I have thought of would be to use some of the programs available with the SMART Board to create a game show, such as Jeopardy, reviewing some aspects of EDM310. Regardless of the type of video I am able to participate in, I would like to highlight some keys to success and projects in EDM310. I would like to showcase the positives in the class because I feel like I have already learned a lot of new things that will help me in my classroom.
"Learn to Change, Change to Learn"
“Learn to Change, Change to Learn” was an interesting video pointing out the need for change in our schools. With all of the advancements in technology, the classroom is changing. Teachers should not concentrate on having their students memorize facts or stress about standardized testing. This video suggests that teachers gear their classrooms toward project-based learning using the technology that is available. Students today are exposed to a variety of technological devices and programs outside of the classroom that are very stimulating and fun for them. This video suggests that teachers need to bring that same technological aspect into the classroom. As a result, students will develop and engage in enrichment programs that will better prepare them for their future. After all, how many employers require their employees to complete regular standardized tests?
The video suggests that this change in learning needs to begin with the community and teachers. The community needs to work together and support the schools in their endeavor to change the way learning takes place. Teachers need training on the best ways to incorporate the resources that are available to them. Teachers will need to inspire their students to research and collaborate with others to solve problems using the technological resources available.
I am very excited about the future shift in teaching. I work at a local middle school as a paraprofessional, and the teachers have to work very hard preparing students for all of the standardized testing that means very little to the students. These public school students are required to take county, state and federally mandated tests. Approximately nine weeks of classroom instruction is dedicated to test review and actually taking the tests. This equates to one-quarter of the school year. I think this is ridiculous. This time could be better spent focusing on an area that would meaningfully impact our students and their future. Technology is a part of the lives of students today and in the future. I believe that we need to dedicate more classroom time for students to familiarize themselves with the technological resources available to them. Technology plays a big part in the lives of students today. Why not take the time to allow them to embrace it?
In Dr. Richard Miller's video presentations, he points out the changes in communication that we are experiencing. "How we research, collaborate and publish is moving toward becoming web-based. Information is readily available to us via the Internet." As a result, Dr. Miller predicts changes in literacy. He "foresees a time students will compose not with word processing but with digital composing material." He believes our dream should be to "inspire teachers for visual literacy." Our schools will become a "digital environment." As a result, schools will have access to an enormous amount of information that will be constantly updated and immediately available. Libraries will start to become out of date, as they cannot keep pace with the information and resources available on our own computers. Dr. Miller suggests using resources such as iTunes U to download lectures to obtain academic information. He believes students will need to "compose with text, audio and video." Communication can become visual in an instant. Programs such as Skype, Twitter and Blogger are examples of how communication is changing.
By taking EDM310, I think that I am becoming better prepared to utilize multimedia presentations in the classroom. I have had the opportunity to learn about and use many of the resources available to assist teachers. The blog posts that I have written and some of the projects that I have created have helped me immensely. I also feel better prepared to guide my students in using the technology to help them use their creativity with multimedia applications.
Blog Post # 12 by Carly Pugh
Carly Pugh’s EDM Blog Post #12 was fantastic! It was evident that she put a lot of time, thought, and effort into this post. She created an assignment that required students to “create a You Tube playlist of ten videos that describe your teaching philosophy and relate to things you have learned in this class. What could you do with them in your teaching environment?”
As a response to her assignment, Carly Pugh found a variety of videos describing her teaching philosophy and provided links to them. I think she does an excellent job of answering Dr. Richard Miller’s call for writing with multimedia. She uses video examples to justify her ideas of using technology in her classroom. In the video, “Think Different Crazy Ones,” she is able to point out that we all learn differently. This video supports her idea that the traditional classroom environment needs updating. In addition, in the video, “The Schools Children Deserve,” Ms. Pugh demonstrates how learning needs to take place beyond the classroom walls. Teachers need to encourage creativity and they can use multimedia resources to achieve this. Two of my favorite videos that she included were, “Inclusion is Belonging” and “Disability Means Possibility.” These videos reinforce Ms. Pugh’s stance that students learn at many different levels. Technology is a way to reach out to all levels to spark their creativity into becoming successful students. Wouldn’t Dr. Richard Miller be proud!
"The Chipper Series" and "EDM310 for Dummies"
I enjoyed watching the “Chipper Series” and “EDM310 for Dummies.” These were two student-created videos highlighting some tips and information that would be useful for students currently enrolled in EDM310.
The main message in the “Chipper Series” is don’t procrastinate. Students in EDM310 are given deadlines for their work. The video warns against excuses and reminds students to take responsibility for their course requirements and complete them on time.
“EDM310 for Dummies” is a creative video highlighting some of the projects and activities that students in EDM310 will use and create. It also gives reminders and helpful hints for students to be successful.
Watching these two videos has given me inspiration for videos that I could create or participate in to showcase EDM310. One idea that I have thought about is the “ABC’s of EDM310.” I would come up with an idea for each letter of the alphabet. For example, “A is for Assistants; B is for Blogger; C is for checklist; etc.” Another possibility that I have thought of would be to use some of the programs available with the SMART Board to create a game show, such as Jeopardy, reviewing some aspects of EDM310. Regardless of the type of video I am able to participate in, I would like to highlight some keys to success and projects in EDM310. I would like to showcase the positives in the class because I feel like I have already learned a lot of new things that will help me in my classroom.
"Learn to Change, Change to Learn"
“Learn to Change, Change to Learn” was an interesting video pointing out the need for change in our schools. With all of the advancements in technology, the classroom is changing. Teachers should not concentrate on having their students memorize facts or stress about standardized testing. This video suggests that teachers gear their classrooms toward project-based learning using the technology that is available. Students today are exposed to a variety of technological devices and programs outside of the classroom that are very stimulating and fun for them. This video suggests that teachers need to bring that same technological aspect into the classroom. As a result, students will develop and engage in enrichment programs that will better prepare them for their future. After all, how many employers require their employees to complete regular standardized tests?
The video suggests that this change in learning needs to begin with the community and teachers. The community needs to work together and support the schools in their endeavor to change the way learning takes place. Teachers need training on the best ways to incorporate the resources that are available to them. Teachers will need to inspire their students to research and collaborate with others to solve problems using the technological resources available.
I am very excited about the future shift in teaching. I work at a local middle school as a paraprofessional, and the teachers have to work very hard preparing students for all of the standardized testing that means very little to the students. These public school students are required to take county, state and federally mandated tests. Approximately nine weeks of classroom instruction is dedicated to test review and actually taking the tests. This equates to one-quarter of the school year. I think this is ridiculous. This time could be better spent focusing on an area that would meaningfully impact our students and their future. Technology is a part of the lives of students today and in the future. I believe that we need to dedicate more classroom time for students to familiarize themselves with the technological resources available to them. Technology plays a big part in the lives of students today. Why not take the time to allow them to embrace it?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Project # 10 Personal Learning Network
For my Personal Learning Network, I have chosen to use Symbaloo. I like the visual format that is available with this program. I have just started adding web links to my page. I have tried to divide the page into different areas. The bottom right, I designated as personal and have included some of my frequently visited sites, such as Target and Old Navy. The top right, I reserved for my Gmail and Blogger links. The majority of the remaining top and left side is dedicated to professional sites. I included some of the video sites that I mentioned in my podcast, including School Tube and Teacher Tube. I also added sites dedicated to Alabama resources such as ALEX and Alabama Virtual Library. As I was searching for other sites to add to my homepage, I came across some great resources for SMART Boards. Some of those sites that I included are SMART Board Lessons and Activities, Smart Exchange, and Scholastic Resources for SMART Board. I look forward to continuing to add to and adjust my PLN. I don’t think that it will ever be completely finished because I feel that, as a teacher, I will always be learning in my professional career and will adapt my PLN accordingly.
C4T # 2 Summary Post
I had the opportunity to view Mr. Bernia’s Blog page. Mr. Bernia is a middle school principal. I enjoyed reading two of his posts because he discussed issues and ideas that are relevant in schools today.
In his post, “Watching the Red Flags…Dropout Prevention,” on September 13, he discussed motivating students to attend school every day. Unfortunately, some students will drop out of schools. Mr. Bernia believes that teachers need to motivate students to show up at school because there might not be anyone at home pushing them to come. He suggested that teachers try to make a point to notice students and get to know them. He believes a simple “hello” or “have a great day” is all that some of these kids need. In my comments, I agreed with Mr. Bernia. I think that the more we take a personal interest in some students, the more they will want to come to school.
The second post of Mr. Bernia’s that I read was titled, “Setting the Tone…” This post was about school morale. He believes that the teachers and staff set the climate of the school. He goes on to say that small positive gestures make huge impacts within the general feeling of the school. In my comments to him, I agreed and responded, “When the teacher is happy, the feeling is contagious with their students. As a result, a child’s learning environment becomes a positive and productive element.”
In his post, “Watching the Red Flags…Dropout Prevention,” on September 13, he discussed motivating students to attend school every day. Unfortunately, some students will drop out of schools. Mr. Bernia believes that teachers need to motivate students to show up at school because there might not be anyone at home pushing them to come. He suggested that teachers try to make a point to notice students and get to know them. He believes a simple “hello” or “have a great day” is all that some of these kids need. In my comments, I agreed with Mr. Bernia. I think that the more we take a personal interest in some students, the more they will want to come to school.
The second post of Mr. Bernia’s that I read was titled, “Setting the Tone…” This post was about school morale. He believes that the teachers and staff set the climate of the school. He goes on to say that small positive gestures make huge impacts within the general feeling of the school. In my comments to him, I agreed and responded, “When the teacher is happy, the feeling is contagious with their students. As a result, a child’s learning environment becomes a positive and productive element.”
Blog Post # 7
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon. He was chosen to give a lecture in the school’s annual lecture series, “The Last Lecture.” The organizers of this lecture series chose a professor to deliver a speech as if it was going to be his last speech. Unfortunately, this topic really hit home with Mr. Pausch because he had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and was given three to six months to live. The topic for his lecture was supposed to be, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” However, Mr. Pausch decided to deliver his lecture on three topics: “My Childhood Dreams, Enabling the Dreams of Others, and Lessons Learned – How you can achieve your dreams or enable the dreams of others.”
Mr. Pausch's childhood was full of happiness. He was always smiling and loved to dream. He wrote a list of childhood dreams and worked throughout his life to achieve them. He never gave up hope in accomplishing these goals. He was faced with “brick walls,” but he was not deterred. Mr. Pausch believed that “brick walls are there for a reason. They let us prove how badly we want things.” I think that this piece of advice is very important for students. It encourages determination and effort, which are two qualities that lead to success. Mr. Pausch did not allow the “brick walls” to prevent him from achieving most of his childhood dreams. He was able to experience zero gravity, write an article for the World Book, won many stuffed animals, and met his childhood idol. Although he never played professional football, he believed that he learned the most lessons from his many years playing youth football. He credited his coach, Jim Graham, with teaching him several life lessons. These lessons can be applied to students in your classroom. Some of these lessons that I feel are beneficial are: “when you screw up and no one is saying anything, then they gave up; experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted; and most of what we learn, we learn indirectly.” Sometimes, students become upset when they feel teachers are on their case, but as Mr. Pausch points out, “Your critics tell you about love and care.” If teachers didn’t push their students to be the best that they could be, then they wouldn’t be doing their jobs. Mr. Pausch also learned about indirect learning, which he referred to as a “head fake.” A “head fake” is teaching someone something, but they are actually learning something else. As teachers, we need to master the “head fake.” We can use fun activities to actually teach an important skill. Becoming an Imagineer was another childhood dream that Mr. Pausch was able to accomplish. With perseverance, he was hired to work for Disney on a virtual reality simulation for an Aladdin exhibit. He didn’t allow the “brick walls” to prevent him from achieving this dream. In fact, he was asked do become an Imagineer permanently. He turned down the offer and learned another life lesson: “be careful what you wish for.”
Part two of his lecture was “enabling the dreams of others.” In accomplishing this, Mr. Pausch used his position as a professor to establish programs and courses at the university where he taught. He designed a project-based course called, “Building Virtual Worlds.” It required a lot of work, but it had amazing results. Students had to work together to create projects, and they learned what it took to make other people happy. This is a great lesson for teachers to use in their classrooms. Make lessons meaningful, but fun. Another program he worked to establish was the “Dream Fulfillment Factory.” This was a two-year course that allowed students to gain a professional master’s degree. This course required students to create projects using virtual worlds. It used “video games technology to teach useful stuff.” Mr. Pausch believed the keys to success of this program were the “focus on people and learning to work in groups.” Collaboration skills are extremely important in schools, as well as in life. Students must learn how to work together effectively. Mr. Pausch’s professional legacy is a program named “Alice.” This program allows children to have fun learning something difficult. It is one of his famous “head fakes.” Students are having fun making movies, while all the time, they are learning to program.
The last part of the lecture was “Lessons Learned.” According to Mr. Pausch, this is “what lets you achieve your dreams.” He encouraged people to use the resources available to them, such as parents, friends, colleagues, and mentors, to achieve their goals. I believe that both teachers and students can use some of his lessons to become successful. Some of his lessons that I feel are most valuable, and that I plan to bring to my classroom, include: “cherish and use the feedback loop; the hardest part is listening to it; find the best in everybody, no matter how long you have to wait for them to show it; never lose the child-like wonder, it drives us; show gratitude; don’t complain, just work harder; be prepared and luck is where preparation meets opportunity.”
Mr. Pausch’s “Last Lecture” contained a lot of information that I can use as a teacher and in my life. He ended his lecture by asking his audience if they figured out the “head fake.” He said, “The speech wasn’t about achieving your dreams. It was about how to live your life. Dreams will come to you.” The second “head fake” was the talk wasn’t for us; it was for his kids. I believe that he might have been mistaken with that second “head fake.” He delivered a message for everyone that heard him. It was a message of life lessons that we can all use to make us better.
Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon. He was chosen to give a lecture in the school’s annual lecture series, “The Last Lecture.” The organizers of this lecture series chose a professor to deliver a speech as if it was going to be his last speech. Unfortunately, this topic really hit home with Mr. Pausch because he had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and was given three to six months to live. The topic for his lecture was supposed to be, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” However, Mr. Pausch decided to deliver his lecture on three topics: “My Childhood Dreams, Enabling the Dreams of Others, and Lessons Learned – How you can achieve your dreams or enable the dreams of others.”
Mr. Pausch's childhood was full of happiness. He was always smiling and loved to dream. He wrote a list of childhood dreams and worked throughout his life to achieve them. He never gave up hope in accomplishing these goals. He was faced with “brick walls,” but he was not deterred. Mr. Pausch believed that “brick walls are there for a reason. They let us prove how badly we want things.” I think that this piece of advice is very important for students. It encourages determination and effort, which are two qualities that lead to success. Mr. Pausch did not allow the “brick walls” to prevent him from achieving most of his childhood dreams. He was able to experience zero gravity, write an article for the World Book, won many stuffed animals, and met his childhood idol. Although he never played professional football, he believed that he learned the most lessons from his many years playing youth football. He credited his coach, Jim Graham, with teaching him several life lessons. These lessons can be applied to students in your classroom. Some of these lessons that I feel are beneficial are: “when you screw up and no one is saying anything, then they gave up; experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted; and most of what we learn, we learn indirectly.” Sometimes, students become upset when they feel teachers are on their case, but as Mr. Pausch points out, “Your critics tell you about love and care.” If teachers didn’t push their students to be the best that they could be, then they wouldn’t be doing their jobs. Mr. Pausch also learned about indirect learning, which he referred to as a “head fake.” A “head fake” is teaching someone something, but they are actually learning something else. As teachers, we need to master the “head fake.” We can use fun activities to actually teach an important skill. Becoming an Imagineer was another childhood dream that Mr. Pausch was able to accomplish. With perseverance, he was hired to work for Disney on a virtual reality simulation for an Aladdin exhibit. He didn’t allow the “brick walls” to prevent him from achieving this dream. In fact, he was asked do become an Imagineer permanently. He turned down the offer and learned another life lesson: “be careful what you wish for.”
Part two of his lecture was “enabling the dreams of others.” In accomplishing this, Mr. Pausch used his position as a professor to establish programs and courses at the university where he taught. He designed a project-based course called, “Building Virtual Worlds.” It required a lot of work, but it had amazing results. Students had to work together to create projects, and they learned what it took to make other people happy. This is a great lesson for teachers to use in their classrooms. Make lessons meaningful, but fun. Another program he worked to establish was the “Dream Fulfillment Factory.” This was a two-year course that allowed students to gain a professional master’s degree. This course required students to create projects using virtual worlds. It used “video games technology to teach useful stuff.” Mr. Pausch believed the keys to success of this program were the “focus on people and learning to work in groups.” Collaboration skills are extremely important in schools, as well as in life. Students must learn how to work together effectively. Mr. Pausch’s professional legacy is a program named “Alice.” This program allows children to have fun learning something difficult. It is one of his famous “head fakes.” Students are having fun making movies, while all the time, they are learning to program.
The last part of the lecture was “Lessons Learned.” According to Mr. Pausch, this is “what lets you achieve your dreams.” He encouraged people to use the resources available to them, such as parents, friends, colleagues, and mentors, to achieve their goals. I believe that both teachers and students can use some of his lessons to become successful. Some of his lessons that I feel are most valuable, and that I plan to bring to my classroom, include: “cherish and use the feedback loop; the hardest part is listening to it; find the best in everybody, no matter how long you have to wait for them to show it; never lose the child-like wonder, it drives us; show gratitude; don’t complain, just work harder; be prepared and luck is where preparation meets opportunity.”
Mr. Pausch’s “Last Lecture” contained a lot of information that I can use as a teacher and in my life. He ended his lecture by asking his audience if they figured out the “head fake.” He said, “The speech wasn’t about achieving your dreams. It was about how to live your life. Dreams will come to you.” The second “head fake” was the talk wasn’t for us; it was for his kids. I believe that he might have been mistaken with that second “head fake.” He delivered a message for everyone that heard him. It was a message of life lessons that we can all use to make us better.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
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