Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Blog Post # 13
My Teacher is an App
By: Stephanie Banchero and Stephanie Simon
“My Teacher is an App” is an interesting article published in the Wall Street Journal. This article discusses the pros and cons of a new concept of education - virtual classrooms.
The traditional schools, classrooms, and the way students are learning are changing in some areas. “States and districts nationwide are launching online public schools. Other states and districts are bringing students into brick-and-mortar schools for instruction that is largely computer-based and self-directed.” The article goes on to mention schools in states such as Florida, Virginia, Georgia, and Idaho that require students in high school to take online classes. In fact, “thirty states now let students take all of their classes online.” This appears to be a growing trend around our country. “An estimated 250,000 students are enrolled in full-time virtual schools.” In addition, “more than two million pupils take at least one class online.” In some areas, the state and local districts oversee the online schools. In other areas, companies are hired to run the online schools. Two such companies are K12 Inc. of Herndon, Virginia and Connections Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. This change in education in some areas is a result of various factors, including: budget problems, dropout rates, dissatisfaction of schools in general, and the inability of the nation’s schools to compete with other countries. “Advocates say that online schooling can save states money, offer curricula customized to each student and give parents more choice in education.” Critics “have found that students enrolled full-time in virtual schools score significantly lower on standardized tests, and make less academic progress from year to year. They worry that kids in online classes don’t learn how to get along with others or participate in group discussions.” As a result, many experts recommend “hybrid schools which blend online study with face-to-face interaction with teachers.” In some areas, for example, “students complete most lessons online but come into class for teacher support and hands-on challenges.”
Not only does the virtual classroom change how students learn, it also changes the way teachers conduct their teaching. Email, text messaging, phone calls, and online lectures are all examples of how teachers have had to change the way they teach and communicate in virtual classrooms. In addition, “an online teacher can supervise more than 250 students, since he or she doesn’t have to write lesson plans and most grading is done by computer.” So, the personal relationship that teachers traditionally establish with their students is limited.
For some states and local districts, budget issues are forcing schools to move from a traditional classroom to one that provides online classes. Potential savings for large state districts are amazing. In Georgia, for example, savings from educating students online is about 60%. “Florida saves $1,500 a year on every student enrolled online full time.” However, online schools can cause financial strains for individual school districts since the law requires districts to send those students who attend online schools their share of local and state tax dollars to their “cyberschool.” For example, Spring Cove District in Pennsylvania had to send $340,000 to the cyberschool that 43 of their students transferred to this year. Other companies are making financial gains as a result of online schools. K12 and Connections Academy are two companies that have seen revenue growth during the past four years since their full-time enrollment has increased.
With all that said, “academic struggles have followed the rapid growth” of online schools. Using a double bar graph to illustrate data from a 2010 Colorado study of standardized test scores, it was discovered that students in third through tenth grades enrolled in a full-time cyberschool “consistently lag behind those of non-online students, even after controlling for economic status and other variables.” Still, parents and students agree that there are benefits to online schools. They like the flexibility and media options available to students.
After reading this article, I believe that there is a strong possibility that more and more school districts will begin to offer online schools or classes in the future. However, I believe that there are issues that still need to be addressed to make online schools successful in this competitive educational world. One of the benefits of a traditional classroom is the interpersonal skills that are learned through interactions with fellow classmates. These are skills that will be vital to students as they enter the work force one day. Another issue that concerns me is the fact that many students from low socioeconomic households do not have a computer at home or Internet service. Moreover, many of these students do not have access to computers, or the Internet. Some students simply do not have a way to get to a public library to gain access to a computer to complete their assignments. Most students rely on the public school bus program to transport them to and from their traditional school.
I do realize that the educational institution is changing. There is a push toward taking advantage of the media available to help students be able to keep up with other nations. However, I think that schools can be just as successful by simply allowing students access to computers and virtual learning projects that are conducted in the traditional classrooms. I think the collaboration techniques with their peers and guidance of teachers are important attributes of the classroom experience.
By: Stephanie Banchero and Stephanie Simon
“My Teacher is an App” is an interesting article published in the Wall Street Journal. This article discusses the pros and cons of a new concept of education - virtual classrooms.
The traditional schools, classrooms, and the way students are learning are changing in some areas. “States and districts nationwide are launching online public schools. Other states and districts are bringing students into brick-and-mortar schools for instruction that is largely computer-based and self-directed.” The article goes on to mention schools in states such as Florida, Virginia, Georgia, and Idaho that require students in high school to take online classes. In fact, “thirty states now let students take all of their classes online.” This appears to be a growing trend around our country. “An estimated 250,000 students are enrolled in full-time virtual schools.” In addition, “more than two million pupils take at least one class online.” In some areas, the state and local districts oversee the online schools. In other areas, companies are hired to run the online schools. Two such companies are K12 Inc. of Herndon, Virginia and Connections Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. This change in education in some areas is a result of various factors, including: budget problems, dropout rates, dissatisfaction of schools in general, and the inability of the nation’s schools to compete with other countries. “Advocates say that online schooling can save states money, offer curricula customized to each student and give parents more choice in education.” Critics “have found that students enrolled full-time in virtual schools score significantly lower on standardized tests, and make less academic progress from year to year. They worry that kids in online classes don’t learn how to get along with others or participate in group discussions.” As a result, many experts recommend “hybrid schools which blend online study with face-to-face interaction with teachers.” In some areas, for example, “students complete most lessons online but come into class for teacher support and hands-on challenges.”
Not only does the virtual classroom change how students learn, it also changes the way teachers conduct their teaching. Email, text messaging, phone calls, and online lectures are all examples of how teachers have had to change the way they teach and communicate in virtual classrooms. In addition, “an online teacher can supervise more than 250 students, since he or she doesn’t have to write lesson plans and most grading is done by computer.” So, the personal relationship that teachers traditionally establish with their students is limited.
For some states and local districts, budget issues are forcing schools to move from a traditional classroom to one that provides online classes. Potential savings for large state districts are amazing. In Georgia, for example, savings from educating students online is about 60%. “Florida saves $1,500 a year on every student enrolled online full time.” However, online schools can cause financial strains for individual school districts since the law requires districts to send those students who attend online schools their share of local and state tax dollars to their “cyberschool.” For example, Spring Cove District in Pennsylvania had to send $340,000 to the cyberschool that 43 of their students transferred to this year. Other companies are making financial gains as a result of online schools. K12 and Connections Academy are two companies that have seen revenue growth during the past four years since their full-time enrollment has increased.
With all that said, “academic struggles have followed the rapid growth” of online schools. Using a double bar graph to illustrate data from a 2010 Colorado study of standardized test scores, it was discovered that students in third through tenth grades enrolled in a full-time cyberschool “consistently lag behind those of non-online students, even after controlling for economic status and other variables.” Still, parents and students agree that there are benefits to online schools. They like the flexibility and media options available to students.
After reading this article, I believe that there is a strong possibility that more and more school districts will begin to offer online schools or classes in the future. However, I believe that there are issues that still need to be addressed to make online schools successful in this competitive educational world. One of the benefits of a traditional classroom is the interpersonal skills that are learned through interactions with fellow classmates. These are skills that will be vital to students as they enter the work force one day. Another issue that concerns me is the fact that many students from low socioeconomic households do not have a computer at home or Internet service. Moreover, many of these students do not have access to computers, or the Internet. Some students simply do not have a way to get to a public library to gain access to a computer to complete their assignments. Most students rely on the public school bus program to transport them to and from their traditional school.
I do realize that the educational institution is changing. There is a push toward taking advantage of the media available to help students be able to keep up with other nations. However, I think that schools can be just as successful by simply allowing students access to computers and virtual learning projects that are conducted in the traditional classrooms. I think the collaboration techniques with their peers and guidance of teachers are important attributes of the classroom experience.
Special Assignment # 1
Metaphors
Metaphors are a type of figurative language. They are “comparisons that show how two things that are not alike in most ways are similar in another way.” Metaphors are ways to describe them. We often use them to make a point or make something appear more interesting or entertaining. As teachers, we can use metaphors when teaching our students information to help them understand or relate to the topic that may seem particularly difficult for them to grasp. We can also use metaphors as part of our language arts curriculum to help students with creative writing, poetry, and novel studies. In addition, metaphors can be used as part of our history curriculum to help with comprehension or content material.
Metaphors are often used when referring to history in general. History is often compared to a river, a tree, or even a road. In fact, a Chinese Proverb uses the metaphor, “to forget one’s ancestors is to be a book without a source, a tree without a root, when referring to history.” As immigrants assimilated into American culture, the United States was often compared to a “melting pot.” Often times, people in authority positions have used metaphors in their writings and speeches to help people fully comprehend the meaning of their messages. For example: John F. Kennedy said, “There’s an old saying that victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is an orphan.” Gerald Ford stated, “Truth is the glue that holds governments together. Compromise is the oil that makes governments go.” John Adams said, “People and nations are forged in the fires of diversity.” “A leader is a dealer in hope,” commented Napoleon Bonaparte. “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere,” said Nelson Mandela. Martin Luther King, Jr., used metaphors in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech to create drama while highlighting some key issues. Two of those metaphors include: “great beacon of light of hope” and “crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.”
Metaphors are also used in literature, poetry, and writing to enhance material for their readers. An unknown author wrote, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page,” which is a great metaphor referring to the wealth of knowledge and adventure available through literature. Rudyard Kipling concurred by writing, “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” William Shakespeare uses metaphors in his writings. In his “Sonnet 18” he compares love to summer, and in Romeo and Juliet love is being compared to the sun.
Everyone has used metaphors at one point or another, whether it is in their writing, reading, speaking, or even in their educational classwork. There are many popular metaphors that may seem quite familiar. Some examples include: “It’s raining cats and dogs; he has a heart of gold; and, the noise is music to my ears.” In EDM 310, we have been exposed to many metaphors that are there to help and guide us as future educators. In the class blog page, Dr. Strange compared EDM 310 to riding a bike which reminds us that in order to be successful, we will need to continue to get back on the “bike.” Over the course of the semester, Dr. Strange has assigned us items to watch or read and post to our blog what we learned. In doing so, we were able to take what we learned with us as our journey as educators grows. In addition to Tom Johnson’s post comparing pencils to computers, we watched Randy Pausch’s “Last Lecture,” which contained many metaphors. Mr. Pausch compared Tigger and Eyeore to how you live your life, and brick walls to the barriers in life. In the video, “Do You Teach or Do You Educate,” brick walls were compared to teach while blooming flowers were compared to educate. These along with some of the other blog post requirements used metaphors in a creative way to effectively drive home important points. I think that the use of metaphors throughout different areas in life is an effective tool for everyone to use.
Metaphors are a type of figurative language. They are “comparisons that show how two things that are not alike in most ways are similar in another way.” Metaphors are ways to describe them. We often use them to make a point or make something appear more interesting or entertaining. As teachers, we can use metaphors when teaching our students information to help them understand or relate to the topic that may seem particularly difficult for them to grasp. We can also use metaphors as part of our language arts curriculum to help students with creative writing, poetry, and novel studies. In addition, metaphors can be used as part of our history curriculum to help with comprehension or content material.
Metaphors are often used when referring to history in general. History is often compared to a river, a tree, or even a road. In fact, a Chinese Proverb uses the metaphor, “to forget one’s ancestors is to be a book without a source, a tree without a root, when referring to history.” As immigrants assimilated into American culture, the United States was often compared to a “melting pot.” Often times, people in authority positions have used metaphors in their writings and speeches to help people fully comprehend the meaning of their messages. For example: John F. Kennedy said, “There’s an old saying that victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is an orphan.” Gerald Ford stated, “Truth is the glue that holds governments together. Compromise is the oil that makes governments go.” John Adams said, “People and nations are forged in the fires of diversity.” “A leader is a dealer in hope,” commented Napoleon Bonaparte. “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere,” said Nelson Mandela. Martin Luther King, Jr., used metaphors in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech to create drama while highlighting some key issues. Two of those metaphors include: “great beacon of light of hope” and “crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.”
Metaphors are also used in literature, poetry, and writing to enhance material for their readers. An unknown author wrote, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page,” which is a great metaphor referring to the wealth of knowledge and adventure available through literature. Rudyard Kipling concurred by writing, “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” William Shakespeare uses metaphors in his writings. In his “Sonnet 18” he compares love to summer, and in Romeo and Juliet love is being compared to the sun.
Everyone has used metaphors at one point or another, whether it is in their writing, reading, speaking, or even in their educational classwork. There are many popular metaphors that may seem quite familiar. Some examples include: “It’s raining cats and dogs; he has a heart of gold; and, the noise is music to my ears.” In EDM 310, we have been exposed to many metaphors that are there to help and guide us as future educators. In the class blog page, Dr. Strange compared EDM 310 to riding a bike which reminds us that in order to be successful, we will need to continue to get back on the “bike.” Over the course of the semester, Dr. Strange has assigned us items to watch or read and post to our blog what we learned. In doing so, we were able to take what we learned with us as our journey as educators grows. In addition to Tom Johnson’s post comparing pencils to computers, we watched Randy Pausch’s “Last Lecture,” which contained many metaphors. Mr. Pausch compared Tigger and Eyeore to how you live your life, and brick walls to the barriers in life. In the video, “Do You Teach or Do You Educate,” brick walls were compared to teach while blooming flowers were compared to educate. These along with some of the other blog post requirements used metaphors in a creative way to effectively drive home important points. I think that the use of metaphors throughout different areas in life is an effective tool for everyone to use.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Progress Report on Final Project
Final Project Update
Our final project will include Mary LaCoste, Angela Pitts, and Owen Gill, and we will be doing our final reflection on the ups and downs of EDM 310. We plan on utilizing the green screen to enhance the effect with some really cool videos and pictures of software programs we have utilized throughout the semester. We don’t want to give too much away because we don’t want our idea to be hijacked due to its awesome originality!! Stay tuned for more details!!
Our final project will include Mary LaCoste, Angela Pitts, and Owen Gill, and we will be doing our final reflection on the ups and downs of EDM 310. We plan on utilizing the green screen to enhance the effect with some really cool videos and pictures of software programs we have utilized throughout the semester. We don’t want to give too much away because we don’t want our idea to be hijacked due to its awesome originality!! Stay tuned for more details!!
Blog Post # 12
Children will enter our classrooms from different backgrounds and different learning abilities and styles. Our job as their teachers will be to educate and inspire them regardless of their abilities and backgrounds to become creative and productive. Watch Constructivism, Inclusion and Technology. Respond by writing two or more paragraphs following the requirements in Writing a Quality Blog Post about the benefits of technology for students with below grade level abilities and some ideas you have of using technology in your classroom to help them learn.
Response:
This video begins by showing a traditional classroom and asks, “What is wrong with this picture?” The video goes on to ask, “If we all face the same way, do we all have to learn the same way?” This clip highlights the benefits of technology in positively affecting the learning process of students with different learning styles and abilities; after all, everyone learns differently. “Technology adapts to any age group, any learning style or any culture.” There is no separation when using technology; everyone can learn to use it. “Technology allows for more seamless integration of differently-abled students.”
With the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, classrooms have become integrated with students that have learning abilities that are below grade level. These classrooms are referred to as “Inclusion Classrooms.” The No Child Left Behind Act discourages self-contained ability grouped (resource room) classrooms. Instead, it promotes mainstreaming students with IEPs (Individual Education Plans) into regular classroom settings to be placed among their peers. Oftentimes, these inclusion students feel inferior to their peers because they are not functioning at the same level as their classmates. But, the use of technology in the classrooms puts all students on “equal footing.” As an inclusion paraprofessional in a local middle school, I am able to see first-hand the positive effects technology can create for students that struggle academically. Smart Boards, laptops, videos, robotics, etc., allow all students to learn and work collaboratively with each other. Disabilities become almost “invisible” as everyone is engaged in learning. As a result, all students gain a sense of pride and self-worth in their accomplishments. As a teacher, I plan to have my students actively engaged in the lessons with the use of Smart Board interactive programs. I would also like to use laptops regularly for research, word processing, web quests in content area, and review games. Technology is an important part of our classrooms. It is a way that allows all learners to prepare for their future – a future of success.
Response:
This video begins by showing a traditional classroom and asks, “What is wrong with this picture?” The video goes on to ask, “If we all face the same way, do we all have to learn the same way?” This clip highlights the benefits of technology in positively affecting the learning process of students with different learning styles and abilities; after all, everyone learns differently. “Technology adapts to any age group, any learning style or any culture.” There is no separation when using technology; everyone can learn to use it. “Technology allows for more seamless integration of differently-abled students.”
With the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, classrooms have become integrated with students that have learning abilities that are below grade level. These classrooms are referred to as “Inclusion Classrooms.” The No Child Left Behind Act discourages self-contained ability grouped (resource room) classrooms. Instead, it promotes mainstreaming students with IEPs (Individual Education Plans) into regular classroom settings to be placed among their peers. Oftentimes, these inclusion students feel inferior to their peers because they are not functioning at the same level as their classmates. But, the use of technology in the classrooms puts all students on “equal footing.” As an inclusion paraprofessional in a local middle school, I am able to see first-hand the positive effects technology can create for students that struggle academically. Smart Boards, laptops, videos, robotics, etc., allow all students to learn and work collaboratively with each other. Disabilities become almost “invisible” as everyone is engaged in learning. As a result, all students gain a sense of pride and self-worth in their accomplishments. As a teacher, I plan to have my students actively engaged in the lessons with the use of Smart Board interactive programs. I would also like to use laptops regularly for research, word processing, web quests in content area, and review games. Technology is an important part of our classrooms. It is a way that allows all learners to prepare for their future – a future of success.
Mrs. Yollis' Classroom Blog
I explored Mrs. Yollis’ Classroom Blog, and I was extremely impressed. It was quite obvious that Mrs. Yollis has spent a lot of time putting her blog together and updating it. I explored the various links that she had and enjoyed looking at the information that was put together for other people to use and learn from.
The Meet the Bloggers link showed a picture of some of her students in their classroom and gave some general information. For example, there are 22 students in the classroom, which is located in a school that is in a suburb of Los Angeles. It listed some of their hobbies, including: sports, karate, knitting, cheering, building with Legos, and reading. They also love blogging.
I enjoyed reading about Mrs. Yollis on her Meet Mrs. Yollis page. She has been teaching for 25 years. In addition to teaching third grade, she has also taught combination classes and fifth grade. She enjoys teaching and working with parents. She holds a master’s degree in “Integrating Technology in the Classroom.” In her spare time, she and her husband love to travel. Some of her vacation spots include: Hawaii (where she enjoys swimming with turtles), Montana, Alaska, Belize, the Arctic Circle (for fly fishing), and San Diego. She attended the Google GEO Teachers’ Institute and learned about the Giant Traveling Maps. This is a program that is offered through National Geographic. It allows schools to “borrow” giant maps. The cost is $480 for a two-week loan of the map. Mrs. Yollis and her students show an example of these giant maps.
The video How to Comment is a student-made video. The students provide five tips on comments. These tips are: compliment, add new information, make a connection, end with a question, and proofread. The students suggestion that “content is key” is essential to commentating.
Mrs. Yollis’ Website was precious and appropriate for third graders. The page contained animation for autumn by having trees with leaves falling and a turkey that made sounds when you put your cursor over it. Her website contained multiple links for students and parents. It contained class information, Mrs. Yollis’ e-mail, a learning game, vocabulary, activities article links, and general curriculum information.
The Learn HTML Code link provides information on codes to be used in your blog. It also gives a video on how to create a hyperlink. One piece of advice Mrs. Yollis offers is that she leaves the code on her desktop, so all she has to do is copy and paste it.
Time Zones of Friends takes you to a page of different clocks associated with friends all over the world. The clocks show the times at many different locations.
Learn About California is a video set to music showing pictures of California symbols, such as the state bird, state flower and state tree. It also gives the population, a picture of the state capital building, and a picture of the current governor. Finally, the video shows pictures of some famous sites in California, such as Death Valley, the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland and Hollywood.
Learn How to Shoot Great Digital Images is a video of students giving tips to taking spectacular pictures. Some tips include using the wrist strap, holding the camera level and pressing the shutter without moving the camera.
Educational Blogging Resource for Teachers takes you to Mrs. Yollis’ Wiki page. This gives valuable information and resources that can be used in the classroom, including ideas for using technology in the classroom.
Mrs. Yollis’ blog page contains some information in its sidebar. Like EDM 310, Mrs. Yollis has a cluster map. Her blog had 72,060 visitors between January 1, 2010, and October 27, 2011. EDM 310 had 48,860 visitors between January 9, 2010, and October 20, 2011. Also, located on the sidebar is the New Global Project. This project allows her students to learn from other children in different countries. This week’s post is from Leopold, Australia. The students in Australia talk about the foods they have at school for lunch and snack. In Australia, the cafeteria is called a canteen, and the most popular snack is chocolate chip biscuits. This is a great learning experience for students. In addition, the sidebar contains awards that the blog has won. Mrs. Yollis’ Classroom Blog has won several awards from Edublog, including first runner-up in 2009 and 2010, as well as a lifetime achievement award in 2010. The blog won best overall for elementary in 2009 from Digital Voice Awards. Finally, the sidebar contains a Blog Archive, Pals, a link to become a follower, gratitude for commenting, and a link to a Happy Birthday Blog. Mrs. Yollis is constantly updating her blog with new information and posts which contributes to the reason her blog is award-winning.
The Meet the Bloggers link showed a picture of some of her students in their classroom and gave some general information. For example, there are 22 students in the classroom, which is located in a school that is in a suburb of Los Angeles. It listed some of their hobbies, including: sports, karate, knitting, cheering, building with Legos, and reading. They also love blogging.
I enjoyed reading about Mrs. Yollis on her Meet Mrs. Yollis page. She has been teaching for 25 years. In addition to teaching third grade, she has also taught combination classes and fifth grade. She enjoys teaching and working with parents. She holds a master’s degree in “Integrating Technology in the Classroom.” In her spare time, she and her husband love to travel. Some of her vacation spots include: Hawaii (where she enjoys swimming with turtles), Montana, Alaska, Belize, the Arctic Circle (for fly fishing), and San Diego. She attended the Google GEO Teachers’ Institute and learned about the Giant Traveling Maps. This is a program that is offered through National Geographic. It allows schools to “borrow” giant maps. The cost is $480 for a two-week loan of the map. Mrs. Yollis and her students show an example of these giant maps.
The video How to Comment is a student-made video. The students provide five tips on comments. These tips are: compliment, add new information, make a connection, end with a question, and proofread. The students suggestion that “content is key” is essential to commentating.
Mrs. Yollis’ Website was precious and appropriate for third graders. The page contained animation for autumn by having trees with leaves falling and a turkey that made sounds when you put your cursor over it. Her website contained multiple links for students and parents. It contained class information, Mrs. Yollis’ e-mail, a learning game, vocabulary, activities article links, and general curriculum information.
The Learn HTML Code link provides information on codes to be used in your blog. It also gives a video on how to create a hyperlink. One piece of advice Mrs. Yollis offers is that she leaves the code on her desktop, so all she has to do is copy and paste it.
Time Zones of Friends takes you to a page of different clocks associated with friends all over the world. The clocks show the times at many different locations.
Learn About California is a video set to music showing pictures of California symbols, such as the state bird, state flower and state tree. It also gives the population, a picture of the state capital building, and a picture of the current governor. Finally, the video shows pictures of some famous sites in California, such as Death Valley, the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland and Hollywood.
Learn How to Shoot Great Digital Images is a video of students giving tips to taking spectacular pictures. Some tips include using the wrist strap, holding the camera level and pressing the shutter without moving the camera.
Educational Blogging Resource for Teachers takes you to Mrs. Yollis’ Wiki page. This gives valuable information and resources that can be used in the classroom, including ideas for using technology in the classroom.
Mrs. Yollis’ blog page contains some information in its sidebar. Like EDM 310, Mrs. Yollis has a cluster map. Her blog had 72,060 visitors between January 1, 2010, and October 27, 2011. EDM 310 had 48,860 visitors between January 9, 2010, and October 20, 2011. Also, located on the sidebar is the New Global Project. This project allows her students to learn from other children in different countries. This week’s post is from Leopold, Australia. The students in Australia talk about the foods they have at school for lunch and snack. In Australia, the cafeteria is called a canteen, and the most popular snack is chocolate chip biscuits. This is a great learning experience for students. In addition, the sidebar contains awards that the blog has won. Mrs. Yollis’ Classroom Blog has won several awards from Edublog, including first runner-up in 2009 and 2010, as well as a lifetime achievement award in 2010. The blog won best overall for elementary in 2009 from Digital Voice Awards. Finally, the sidebar contains a Blog Archive, Pals, a link to become a follower, gratitude for commenting, and a link to a Happy Birthday Blog. Mrs. Yollis is constantly updating her blog with new information and posts which contributes to the reason her blog is award-winning.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Blog Post # 11
First Graders in Ms. Cassidy's Class
This video showcases how Ms. Cassidy uses technology in her first grade classroom. The children tell about different programs that are used. The students use Ms. Cassidy’s webpage to find things on the Internet to help them learn. They can access it from school and home. Using Wikis allows students to ask other people for information and allows students to ask other people for information and allows them to respond. The students will write blogs, which helps them to write better. People all over the world can read their posts and comment to them. They can even make comments to each other as long as they remember to write nice comments. They use Skype to talk to other people, classrooms, or even experts to gain information relating to lessons. Students are allowed to use their Nintendo DS game system which promotes problem solving and sharing. They also use videos in the classroom to learn information.
I was very impressed with this class and the amount of different types of media that Ms. Cassidy incorporates into her classroom and her lessons. It is very inspiring to me to see technology working in the classroom to help students learn. Best of all, the kids are excited about learning and having fun.
Skype Interview with Ms. Cassidy
Dr. Strange and his EDM 310 class conducted a Skype interview with Ms.Cassidy. She is a first grade teacher in Moose Jaw, Saslatchewan, Canada. The conversation’s theme was technology.
Dr. Strange led a discussion of Ms. Cassidy’s experience with technology. She began her journey into technology about 10 years ago after five computers were put in her classroom. “In first grade,” she comments, “five of anything is considered a center.” So, she had to create something for the children to do. As a result, her webpage was born. She has received a lot of support from her technical director and funding through the government for professional development. Ms. Cassidy is always updating and trying to add new material and programs. Her class has been blogging for five years, and she has been using videos for two years.
Blogging is one of her most used technology components. She sends permission slips home on the first day of school and sets some ground rules. Students are never allowed to post their last names, and Ms. Cassidy makes a point when using pictures to make sure the picture doesn’t match the child’s name. Blogs are a portfolio of a student’s work, showcasing their writing. She tries to blog at least once a week in her classroom. Students love the fact that people all over the world can see their work and make moments to them, including students in EDM 310. Parents like to read blogs because it allows them to monitor their child’s progress, and they can view it at their convenience.
Ms. Cassidy believes that, “technology is not going away. We can’t teach kids in this generation the same way kids 20 years, 10 years, and even 5 years ago were taught. We have to use different tools. The world has changed.” She believes that you are “handicapping students and yourself if you are not using technology.” As a result, she feels that every teacher should be technologically literate.
I enjoyed listening to her interview. She made some good points regarding the positive effects of technology in the classroom. She also encouraged me, as a professional, to use more social networking programs such as Twitter, Blogger, and Facebook to gather information and ideas to use in my classroom. The biggest constraints that I see are time and funding. Therefore, I will try to plan wisely utilizing technology to teach the curriculum standards. Funding is a problem for schools everywhere. I would look into available grants that could be used for technological programs and professional development. Teachers need have continuing education on the technology available to them and how to incorporate different media into their classrooms.
This video showcases how Ms. Cassidy uses technology in her first grade classroom. The children tell about different programs that are used. The students use Ms. Cassidy’s webpage to find things on the Internet to help them learn. They can access it from school and home. Using Wikis allows students to ask other people for information and allows students to ask other people for information and allows them to respond. The students will write blogs, which helps them to write better. People all over the world can read their posts and comment to them. They can even make comments to each other as long as they remember to write nice comments. They use Skype to talk to other people, classrooms, or even experts to gain information relating to lessons. Students are allowed to use their Nintendo DS game system which promotes problem solving and sharing. They also use videos in the classroom to learn information.
I was very impressed with this class and the amount of different types of media that Ms. Cassidy incorporates into her classroom and her lessons. It is very inspiring to me to see technology working in the classroom to help students learn. Best of all, the kids are excited about learning and having fun.
Skype Interview with Ms. Cassidy
Dr. Strange and his EDM 310 class conducted a Skype interview with Ms.Cassidy. She is a first grade teacher in Moose Jaw, Saslatchewan, Canada. The conversation’s theme was technology.
Dr. Strange led a discussion of Ms. Cassidy’s experience with technology. She began her journey into technology about 10 years ago after five computers were put in her classroom. “In first grade,” she comments, “five of anything is considered a center.” So, she had to create something for the children to do. As a result, her webpage was born. She has received a lot of support from her technical director and funding through the government for professional development. Ms. Cassidy is always updating and trying to add new material and programs. Her class has been blogging for five years, and she has been using videos for two years.
Blogging is one of her most used technology components. She sends permission slips home on the first day of school and sets some ground rules. Students are never allowed to post their last names, and Ms. Cassidy makes a point when using pictures to make sure the picture doesn’t match the child’s name. Blogs are a portfolio of a student’s work, showcasing their writing. She tries to blog at least once a week in her classroom. Students love the fact that people all over the world can see their work and make moments to them, including students in EDM 310. Parents like to read blogs because it allows them to monitor their child’s progress, and they can view it at their convenience.
Ms. Cassidy believes that, “technology is not going away. We can’t teach kids in this generation the same way kids 20 years, 10 years, and even 5 years ago were taught. We have to use different tools. The world has changed.” She believes that you are “handicapping students and yourself if you are not using technology.” As a result, she feels that every teacher should be technologically literate.
I enjoyed listening to her interview. She made some good points regarding the positive effects of technology in the classroom. She also encouraged me, as a professional, to use more social networking programs such as Twitter, Blogger, and Facebook to gather information and ideas to use in my classroom. The biggest constraints that I see are time and funding. Therefore, I will try to plan wisely utilizing technology to teach the curriculum standards. Funding is a problem for schools everywhere. I would look into available grants that could be used for technological programs and professional development. Teachers need have continuing education on the technology available to them and how to incorporate different media into their classrooms.
C4K Summary Post (covering October comments)
During the month of October, I had the privilege to comment on the blog posts of several young students. On October 2, I commented to Jacquelyn from New Zealand. She had written about a place that she would like to visit. Her destination choice was Los Angeles, California. I responded to her that I lived in Alabama and have never been to California. I told her that I would like to visit Los Angeles' beaches. It would be fun to see the difference between Alabama's sandy white beaches and those of Los Angeles. I also told Jacquelyn that I have visited Disney World in Florida, but not Disneyland in California. I told her that I imagine Disneyland would be just as much fun as Disney World. I wished her well on her dream of being able to visit Los Angeles.
On October 8, I responded to Gina from Kids With a View. She is five years old and explained what a blog is. She says, "a blog is something to put learning stuff on, type comments, see other peoples' work, and other people can see what you're learning about." I responded to her by thanking her for her information and mentioned that he post would be helpful to me since I am new to blogging, having just started in August.
On October 16, I responded to two students. One of the students I was assigned to; the other student I chose using the random student picker. I was assigned to comment on Kelsey's blog. In her post, she gave some helpful examples on how to figure out density of an object. I responded to her by telling her that the tips she gave me were very helpful, and that I planned to pass them along to my seventh grade daughter. I selected Jadyn's blog to comment on using the random student picker. Jadyn wrote a post about insects and why they are attracted to flowers. I commented to him that he was correct that the bright colors of flowers attract insects. I also added that spring and summer have many colorful flowers, so you might see more insects during those seasons.
On October 23, I commented on Alex's post from Mr. C's Grade 8 sixth hour. He wrote a short paragraph spotlighting the mood and setting of an event. I responded to him by commenting that I enjoyed his use of descriptive words to paint a picture of his journey through the forest.
My last comment in October was on October 30, to a young boy named Michael from New Zealand. His post was an animation of a New Zealand landmark. He asked people to make a comment by guessing which landmark he was showing. I commented to Michael that I liked his animation, and I guessed that it represented the Harbour Bridge.
On October 8, I responded to Gina from Kids With a View. She is five years old and explained what a blog is. She says, "a blog is something to put learning stuff on, type comments, see other peoples' work, and other people can see what you're learning about." I responded to her by thanking her for her information and mentioned that he post would be helpful to me since I am new to blogging, having just started in August.
On October 16, I responded to two students. One of the students I was assigned to; the other student I chose using the random student picker. I was assigned to comment on Kelsey's blog. In her post, she gave some helpful examples on how to figure out density of an object. I responded to her by telling her that the tips she gave me were very helpful, and that I planned to pass them along to my seventh grade daughter. I selected Jadyn's blog to comment on using the random student picker. Jadyn wrote a post about insects and why they are attracted to flowers. I commented to him that he was correct that the bright colors of flowers attract insects. I also added that spring and summer have many colorful flowers, so you might see more insects during those seasons.
On October 23, I commented on Alex's post from Mr. C's Grade 8 sixth hour. He wrote a short paragraph spotlighting the mood and setting of an event. I responded to him by commenting that I enjoyed his use of descriptive words to paint a picture of his journey through the forest.
My last comment in October was on October 30, to a young boy named Michael from New Zealand. His post was an animation of a New Zealand landmark. He asked people to make a comment by guessing which landmark he was showing. I commented to Michael that I liked his animation, and I guessed that it represented the Harbour Bridge.
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