My Self Reflection

My PLN

  

This is my PLN  (My Personal Learning Style) it shows my progress through this semester. I have learned a lot during this semester and it has shown me that it is good to be organized. I choose to follow all the C4K assignments, I also chose to follow all of the C4T assignments. Another thing that I included on my PLN was all the things that we used in the class. Such as, EDM class sblog, Instruction Manuel, and You Tube. I feel that this has taught me a lot about the different technology that can be used.

Project 16

Project #15

C4K- Summary

C4K #8

This was a post on a Mr. McCafferty, 4th grade class. The post that I commented was the "Invisible Man" this activity was to help the students better understand how to solve problems. I told the class that I really liked the assignment and that I hoped the students enjoyed it as much as I did.

C4K #9

Miss. Bryne's 7th grade class. I had the privilege of reading Deon's blog post. Deon wrote about the book "First Truth". I told Deon that he did an amazing job and I felt as though I had read the book after reading his summary.


C4K# 10

Ms. Millar's 3rd grade class did an assignment on the planets. My child was Groe. Groe did the a cool picture that showed words that represented the planets and the picture was very creative and neat.

C4K #11

Maggie was a home schooled student that wrote her post about making cookies with her grandmother. I told her that I hoped she enjoyed the cookies and that I would like to know more about her.

C4T #4- summary

Image via Wikipedia

          

 A unique way of keeping Track of Reality by Jenna Bentley 

  Ms. Bentley blog is interesting and a great way for her to keep in touch with others around her. The first blog post that I read from Ms. Bentley was a thank yo letter. This letter was inspirational and she let everyone know how appreciative she was for their help she even included her 10th grade class. I thought that this was a great idea and a cool way to announce your appreciation. 
   
    Ms. Bentley's second post was talking about our country and the way the people are so different. She also mentions that after 9/11 our country stood together. However now we have fallen apart and everyone thinks their opinion is right. She mentioned that if me had the great men that wrote the Declaration of Independence than maybe it would change things. 
     I enjoyed reading Ms. Bentley's blog, she has an interesting point of view. Personally, I could not agree more with th things that she said in these two blog post!!  

Blog Post 13

Image via Wikipedia

This blog post is very interesting. We where asked to write a summary on ALEX. http://alex.state.al.us/index.phpWhich is a Alabama Learning Exchange. This website is very interesting and has many details. It shows you course of study, lesson plans, workspace, learning, etc. I love the fact that this website will allow you to make your on lesson plans. All you have to do is click on the subject matter and it will walk you through exactly how to set up your lesson plan. I also think that this website is neat because it will show you all the standards for each subject no matter the grade. Another interesting thing is that the the website makes it so easy to find the stuff you need in just a few steps. I think that this website would be very helpful when teaching. This site is convent and well worth checking out. This site is simple to use and very informative and helpful to Alabama Educators.

Additional Assignment 5

Image via Wikipedia

Mr. Spencer has great ideas and wonderful thoughts about the future generations. I feel that his ideas will take him far and will help many children. I loved the idea that "Children where required to turn on their brains", this is so true. Children must learn to use their brains for critical thinking rather than pen and paper. In another blog he also uses the pencil to describe his children in the classroom. I love Mr.Spencer's ideas and I feel that I can learn a lot from him. He has encouraged me to look at things in with a new perspective.

Project #6- Analysis of Assignment

After reading my summary of my responses I concluded that out of 22 responses, 14 students where elementary education and 8 where secondary education. I also concluded that most students have been at the University for 2 years. I also noticed that most people are going into education because they love children. I also found that 50% of the 22 students wanted to be a teacher from the 1st through 3rd. Last but not least I noticed that 82% of the 22 have not taken the PraxisII.

Progress Report for Final Project

 Project #16- Progress Report

Jessica Hadaway and myself will be doing a how to video. This video will be based on the smartboard! This video will show how the smartboard can be used in teaching technology and cool ideas on how to bring technology to the classroom.

Blog Post 12

My assignment
Watch this video. 

 Do you think that students learn all types of ways?  

Find a video or link that shows a different type of learning other than technology.

What is your style of learning?

My learning style is Kinesthic and this video on the top is a video I found on You Tube. 

Teach Someone Something

smartboard lesson

Blog Post #11

Image via CrunchBase

 Ms. Cassidy's 1st Graders



 Ms. Cassidy has very good points and I like to see the children excited about technology. I agree that children love interacting with the world around them. I feel that children do love posting blogs, talking on Skype, and using Nintendo DS for learning purposes. Technology has to be a part of our children lives because if not children will be left behind. I love the fact that Ms. Cassidy has great ideas and ides that I feel that we can use in our classroom. I never thought that 1st graders where capable of using technology in all these ways. I am amazed by this video and her ideas. I found it amazing that she did not use technology in her personal life.

C4K Summary 3-7

 Teena (C4K 3)

Teena is a 1st grader!! She wrote on her blog about a spider. Teena also drew a picture of the spider and she described the spider with great details. She did a great job.I can not believe a 1st grader is able to do this. 

Aysha (C4K 4) 

Aysha is a 5th grader and is in gymnastics. She wrote about the metals and which each metal meant. I learned a lot from her post and I think she is a Fantastic Job!!

 Shayla (C4K 5)
 Shayla is a 6th grade student that was asked to base her writing on stories from history. Shayla does a great job putting herself in the shoes of those that where in the war. She sounds as though she was was write there with them.
  
Chase F (C4K 6) 
Chase is also in the 6th grade. Chase only said one sentence and the sentence did not say anything besides welcome to my blog. I encourage Chase to talk more about himself and I encouraged him through telling him about myself.

Dylan (C4K 7)

Dylan is a 6th grade student that is new to the town. He has realized that his old school was a lot different. In his new school Dylan has to work a lot more with technology. He states that he enjoys technology it is just something that he is trying to adjust to it. 

Teacher # 3- Summary

Manaiakalani: A new twist to parent engagement

This post gave a whole new way on how to get parents involved in their child's school and a new way for parents to be involved in the child's life. I feel that this post was great. I think that children can help their parents just as much as parents can help their children. I feel that if adults are willing to learn from children than they will be able to understand what a child understands. I feel the we should listen to children and be willing to learn from them. This post is talking about how children are teaching other adults technology. It also says that the children did not teach their own parents but rather taught someone else parents. 

This blog also shows use that children like using the internet even when they are not in school and I think that it is great that they are influencing children to use computers. I hope that these children learn a lot from using the internet. 

Additional Assignment #3

Changing Education Paradigms 

Personally my favorite thing about this animation was the fact about ADHD. I reason I find this so interesting is that teachers would rather say that children have ADHD so that they do not have to deal with him/her. Yes, I agree that SOME children need to be on medication, but not all. I could not agree more that children are used to technology and how it works and then you put a board in front of them and a lecture. What can educators expect, these children want to learn new things they just do not want to learn it through note taking and sitting in a desk for hours. Do I disagree with anything? Not really, I feel that he is making a great point about the world and school today. The standardized test are killing our teachers. These "test" that are suppose to help our children/ students are hurting them in the long run. You may ask how? Well teachers have to drill this material and the creativity is lost because the school is so worried about test scores.I feel that to some degree we are taught this in the College of Education. The College of Education tells you that you will have to give these test but they do not tell you that you can loose your creativity because you are to busy preparing students to pass the standardized test. I feel that the college of Education does not prepare teachers for the real world. I feel that the College makes teaching out to be this job filled with creativity and helping students. Yes, it is those things at times but not always. When you get the opportunity to go into a school and volunteer you will notice that teaching is not all peachy and that it has its challenges. Sometimes these challenges test you to your limit, college forgets to tell you the reality. (I am not trying to scare you, I just volunteered and it was a real eye opener for me, but the good days made me want to teach even more, I can't wait!!!) Back to the film... I liked the film I found it very neat... however, I was confused on how the drawing works. I think that I would want to be the one directing (I like showing my creative side). Over all, I liked the film it got me to thinking about a lot of different things and it enlightened me about the schools.

Blog Post #10

 An Open Letter to Educators

This was a very interesting post and video! I felt that some of the facts where true and others where questionable. Yes, technolgy is growing faster than most people can learn the information. However, it is the teacher's responsibility to try and stay caught up on technology. I on the other hand do not agree that going to College gets in the way of an "Education" that is the craziest thing I have ever heard. School has taught me how to use and understand technology. Yes, I do feel that schools all around the world are worried about their creditably way more than they learn about their students ability to learn. Should we give up? No, we must show and encourage students to learn and want to learn. Every student learns differently and every child or adult succeeds in different areas. For instance, in this class (EDM 310) you must have time management skills and always be alert and ready for a challenge. I personally have enjoyed all the hands on work. However, some students may hate learning on their on and having to manage their time without someone encouraging them and reminding them. I have to agree that Lecture is REALLY boring and can get old. I realize that as a teacher I may have a subject that I must lecture on, but I hope that I can make that lecture entertaining and worth listening to. 

Tom Johnson's Don't let them take the Pencils Home!!

I think that this post was very interesting and worth reading. I feel that Tom makes a good point. The take home message that I got from reading this article was that we often get stuck on a problem. When we get stuck on a problem I think that we find a solution and that solution is the only solution we except. Maybe I am completely wrong about Tom's post. But I took home that we must be opened minded and learn from others and be willing to except correction. What message did you get?



Two Question's that Can Change your Life 

I really liked this video... I guess I never thought of motivation in one sentence. So...
  
What's my sentence? 

 " I will finish my education so that I can be an example and a teacher of children."

Was I better today than yesterday? 

  
To answer yes to this question. I must go to school everyday. I must work hard on all school work given and I must show willingness to learn new things about becoming the best teacher I can be.

Skype Interview

Short Movie

Blog Post 9

                   "What I've Learned this year" by Mr. McClung
  
This post was very interesting and motivating. I felt like Mr. McClung learned a lot from his first year of being a teacher. I love the fact that he said that we must always continue to learn. Learning new things is the best way to be a good teacher. I also agree with him that you are there for the students and how they learn. I feel that often time we forget that the students are still children and it takes time. I also agree that teachers should not be afraid of technology, but they should learn new and interesting ways to include technology and new ways to teach students new ideas. The one and only thing that I am not sure about was the fact that he said that we set our expectations to high. That one does not make a whole lot of since to me. The reason I say this is because I feel that if we expect less from our students than we are not pushing them to be the best that they can be. I feel that we should expect the HIGHEST out of our students and if they fail we pick them up and encourage them to do better and help them do better. I believe every student is different and every student should have their own set of expectations.http://attheteachersdesk.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-i-learned-this-year.html

Blog Post 8

1.This is How to Dream
I really enjoyed this film. It showed how technology has changed our world and the things around us. He tells us that he did a whole paper and research without ever entering a library. He feels that technology will take away the library and that there is no longer any reason to have the library. To an extent this is true, but at the same time children need to experience a library. Children may not do research in a library but I think that they love the experience of having a library.

2. The Chipper Series 
This video is inspiring and heart felt. I feel that Chipper took the long way around before realizing that school was the way to go. I think that we all go through this and all want to give up. I feel that Chipper finally realized that she needed to work hard and she would appreciate what she accomplished in the long run. I think that the point of this film was to show that we all loose that motivation and want things to be so easy but there not always that way. Chipper encouraged me to stick with it even if you want to give up and take the easy way out.

3. EDM310 for Dummies
This video was  produced well I felt that the music and the background made it realistic. It was like I was watching a commercial on television. I know there have been times when I felt like this class was driving me crazy and there was no way to finish the all the assignments. However, like the film said I started using the valuable resources like Google docs to help me succeed. I feel that this film taught me that you can make a film interesting and a film that people want to watch. I also feel that this film showed me that EDM310 becomes more and more interesting as we go through the class. I have already learn so many new things, I can not wait to be able to share this technology with my family and students.

 4.  Critque of Smart Boards

Why I hate Interactive Smart boards by Bill Ferriter

Bill Ferriter feels that Smart Boards a waste of money and a way to bring in parents and students. He feels that also technology should not come through an expensive piece of machinery but rather come through time and research. He also states that training is necessary for the Smart Boards to be used in the classroom. With this point I can and will agree. I feel that a lot of schools are lacking when it comes to the smart board because the teachers are not being taught the correct material and uses of the technology.

Why Smart boards are a Dumb Inactive by Michael Staton

Mr. Michael Staton feels that Smart Boards are just as useful as any other technology that is already in the classroom. He feels that the same things done on smart boards can be done on an over head projector. He also sees buying smart boards as a way to get the school system to agree when it comes to spending money. He makes a statement that the children are learning the same way. I often wonder if this is not the teachers fault. Often times I feel that the fun has been taken out of education. I personally love the idea of the smart board. I believe that it is an interesting and more useful way for students to learn material. I feel that some students need hands on and this is a great to help students learn.
After reading these two articles I started searching for a blog that have a completely different outlook on the Smart Boards. The blog that I found "Interactive Whitedoards in the modern classroom (Sam and Nick)" shows me the great ways that a smart board can be used in the classroom. This website shows everyone the pros and the cons. Personally, I like to see both sides of the story.
http://www.slideshare.net/sjbaseggio/interactive-whiteboards-in-the-modern-classroom-sam-and-nick

Additional Assignment #2

I liked this video, I felt that he was very compassionate about his mission and that he was out to help students all around the world learn. I feel that like he stated that if the learner is motivated than he/she can learn and enjoy doing. We always learn better when we enjoy the subject and like learning new things about the subject. I also think that if a person is motivated about a subject than they are capable of learning and remembering the information and also teaching themselves. In order for someone to teach themselves the person has to interesting and desire to know more about the subject. Learning a new subject can include using the computer or internet. Personally, I use Google to learn a lot of new things. I like to learn new things by using my hands or even the internet. For instance, during the Alabama football game I wanted to know why there was a palm tree on South Carolina's field so I Google the information and found out that it was their state flag. Learning is all about encouraging students and getting students motivated about a subject. The message that I took home from this film was that children can teach themselves and that children can do anything when they are motivated.

Instructional Time Line

My PLN

I have learned a lot in this class. I have learned that small children are capable of learned things on the computer. I also have been learning how to blog on blog spot. I honestly did not think I would like blogging but it is interesting to see what others have to say. I have learned that technology is useful and very helpful in the classroom. I learned how to use time toast I found that time toast was really interesting and that it can help you o be a better teacher in the classroom.  For me the best thing was the podcast that the groups did and had to post them to you tube I thought that was a learning experience. I had never had to use you tube so I learned how to edit and upload videos to you tube.

Randy Pausch Last Lecture : Achieving your childhood dreams

Honestly, I did not want to watch this film surely when it was mentioned that it was an hour long. I was discouraged and not motivated. However, I must say that Randy has made an impact on my thoughts and my life. I feel that he made his family very proud. I am privilege to have gotten the opportunity to listen to such an inspirational speech. His speech was heart felt and compassionate. I could truly feel the love that he had for his past and the things that he accomplished. I can only imagine how proud he made his parents. He accomplished his dreams and never gave up.

Randy taught me that giving up is not an option... We must push forward even when we do not want to! He taught me not to let "brick walls" stop you, but keep pushing and get passed the walls. He taught me that those "brick walls" are for the weak and the people that choose to fail. I do not want to fail because a "brick wall" try to take me down. I want to be strong and determined like Randy.

Randy also taught me that you can not give up on your dreams! I feel that often times we forget about our dreams and stop our imagination from working. I feel that failure (brick wall) stops us from dreaming. Randy did not allow that to stop him or hold him back from what he wanted. He taught me to learn something from everything I encounter in my life. I know that there have been many times I have wanted to give up on different things and this film taught me not to be discouraged but to work harder.

Watching this speech by Randy taught me to dream big... and not only to dream but accomplish my dreams. Randy learned from every event he encounter and I would like to look back one day and say I did the same. Randy made a way when most would have seen the impossible. For example, having zero gravity- he got his journal license just so he could experience this with his team, imagine rs- was rejected but pushed forward and showed Disney that he was capable. He pushed his students to achieve and asked them to be and do their best. I am thankful that I had an opportunity to watch this film. I believe that Randy would have been an amazing man to meet.

Time Line

Summary of Teacher #2

Summary of Teacher #2 (Mrs. Cassidy)
I think that Mrs. Cassidy has great ideas. I feel that I could learn a lot from her. I never would have thought that it took that much work to lay out a classroom. I was amazed when I read about the many times she had rearranged the classroom. However, I feel that she has a great point and that good classroom management comes from a good learning environment. Mrs. Cassidy also made a comment about "Making Movies" and I thought this was very interesting. She gave me a new way to look at how much a parent would enjoy this activity. Parents could even feel more involved in their children's school day if they to watch and see their child's enthusam. Over all she had fantastic ideas and news ways to view the classroom.

Blog Post 6

The Network Student

This clip was helpful and informative. However, I felt that the information could have been presented in a different way. I am not saying that I could do any better at representing the point, however, I feel that there has to be a more interesting way to tell be about technology and how it connects people. Yes, the drawing where good and fun but just not enough to keep me interested. I honestly felt as though I was staring at the pictures and not listening to anything else that was said. Another reason that I may have found this film boring was because I feel that I have already learned this information in our class.
In saying that, I feel that EDM310 along with any computer class needs an instructor/ teacher. I feel that teachers can be very helpful in these environments. The reason I feel that these classes need a teacher is because students need direction and guidance. Having a teacher in the class can reassure students that it is okay to mess up because someone is there to help you get through the problem. When learning a new task we need guidance and help when we mess up. We look to teachers for help and instruction.





A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment

I think the 7th grader did an excellent job on this film. I love the pictures and the technique much better than the one before. I feel that this one was a good example on how to bring people in and get people to watch your video. The colors and even the students  voice made you want to listen and find out what the 7th grader was saying. I feel that someone with a mono tone is hard to listen to and hard to concentrate on what they are saying. The 7th grader states that he/she has freedom to research and find new and interesting things using technology. I agree with The 7th that the the Internet holds so many interesting and fun things! I also agree that the projects always look better with technology. My only concern is that students that are not as motivated as this 7th grader will get behind and not do well in the class.




The Machine is Changing Us

I could not agree more with this video. It is so true. Year after year our culture changes due to TV, computers, cell phones, cars, etc. I personally do not know what I would do without my cellphone. It is my life line and if you look around everyone has one... these days children 9 and 10 years old are getting cellphones. Crazy!!! Family time is fading away because of technology. Culture in the United States changes everyday and with every new piece of technology.

Summary on C4K #1

I was asked to post a comment on Cendy's Blog. Cendy was a very talented student and seemed to understand the idea behind blogging. I found out that she wants to be a pediatrician because she loves children. However, Cendy is not really sure what she wants to do. She was very detailed with her "About Me" post and very interesting to get to know. After reading her post I felt like I already knew her. Her "manifesto" was also very good! She had awesome goals for the school year. Cendy stated that she would be prepared for test and activities in class. I thought this was a fantastic idea. She also stated that she would look at every new subject with a good attitude and this encouraged me to look at all new thing with a positive idea and try to learn and have a good experience while learning new information. I truly enjoyed reading Cendy's blog.

Blog Post #5

     I choose to listen/ read: "Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog", "Langwitches", and "The Benefits of Pod casting in the classroom. All of articles where very informative and well worth reading. Personally, these videos caught me about the benefits of pod casting rather than how to create a podcast. For instance, "Lanwitches" taught me that it is possible to do pod casting with small children. I did not realize until after reading this that students can learn more effectively through role playing.
     I also thought that the "Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog", was neat and I loved the sound effects and the picture of all the students. This showed that these students where learning new ideas by interacting. I believe that by these students having the opportunity to do the podcast will help them remember this information in the future. "The Benefits of Pod casting in the classroom", I can agree with some points they made on this film but not all. I feel that if a child is sick they are not going to be worried about anything that their teacher posted or lecture. I do agree that this will get the students interested and wanting to learn new material. Over all they were all interesting and fun to learn about.

Podcast for EDM 310 Fall 2010

Blog Post #4

1. Don't Teach your students this stuff. Please? By: Dr. Scott Mcleod

In my opinion, Dr. Mcleod has an interesting way of going about the way he represents his point. I like his method very much. However, if I had not already read some other blogs that the author was being sarcastic when introducing his/her blog, than I may have not known that this was his way of getting the reader's attention. Naming a blog like this one is very catching and I believe that it gives people a reason to read it. If I had came across this blog before I started taking EDM 310, I would have stopped to read it just to find out what it was about. Kudos to Dr. Mcleod!

Who is Dr. Mcleod? Well, by reading this post I was not certain who he was so I looked up some information. I found out Dr. Mcleod is a leading academic expert, Associate professor in Educational Administration Program , and the Director of UCEA Center for the  Advanced Study of Technology leadership in Education (CASTLE). If I must say a very busy man and great person to find when you need answers about technology.

2. The iSchool initative

Let me start off by saying that this student did an awesome job representing his point. He includes a lot of details and useful information. Personally, this video left me questioning this technology. The reason I question this technology is because I am not sure how it will work. I feel that by using this technology that it will almost be as though the students are taking an on- line class. And I personally do not care to much for on- line class. Another point that I would like to bring up is that I see where the school would purchase these tools of technology. What happens if the student breaks the device? Who is responsible for fixing the iTouch? I would agree that there are pros to this but there are also cons. I agree that it could be environmentally better, but what about the cost and who will teach students how to work the iTouch. I personally would not want to put a student responsible for an iTouch. You say well they are only 150 dollars, but if ten students break their iTouch the first week and they personally do not have the money to replace the iTouch than who will replace them. I am sorry I just cannot agree with this. For me the cons out weigh the pros, give me more information and I may re consider the idea, right now there are too many questions.

3. Lost Generation

My reaction to this film was amazed! I was sitting here thinking how unusual it was for her to be talking so negative about her future. When she started reading it backwards I realized that it made perfect sense and her point was that we are the change. I feel that she was showing us that we make the difference by our actions and that the small things in life add up. I liked the way the video caught my attention and made me think about the earth and where we would be if we do not make a difference.

4. Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir "Lux Aurumque"

WOW!!!! This was amazing and this is the best thing that I have seen so far in this class. I could believe that something like this is possible.... I also find it amazing that these people have never met and that the people are from all around the world. This use of Internet is astonishing... Technology can take us all around the world.

Practice Podcast

Additional Assignment #1

Google square was very interesting. It show new ways to compare different topics. I likes the fact that I could compare more than one thing at a time. It was a different and interesting way doing research. I can see myself using Google square in my future. To answer the question this was the first time for me to be introduced to Google square and Wolfram Alpha. They are both very helpful tools in research and providing examples. At first I did not like Wolfram alpha, but it was simply because I went to the wrong web address. When I finally arrived at the correct web address I found that Wolfram Alpha would be very useful in the classroom because it gives accurate details and great images. I feel that if you look at the statics along with the size of the city or country you will see a huge difference and this will be an easier way to compare populations. These are very important tools for future educators.

"wolframalpha.com Screenshot by Crystal Baxter"

Blog Post 3

1. Vision of Students Today

I really enjoyed this film because it seemed to reflect my college experience perfectly. I feel that the the cost of college is crazy. I also feel that the cost of books is insane. I can not stand buying a book that I never open for class. For me the worst part of buying books is the fact that when you go to sell them back they do not want the book or they only give you a portion of what the book is worth. This film really made me think of all the positive and negatives of the college life. Sometimes it seems like there are way more negatives than positive. For instance, another negative is that college is very time consuming! College is a job all by its self. I feel that I work harder at going to school than I do when I go to work. To answer the second question, "... How could I make the film accurately represent myself?" Personally, I feel that this film did a very good job at representing the way I feel about big universities. However, in my opinion another way to show problems could be through a survey and after getting an accurate survey you could interview one person out of each group. This maybe better than someone holding up signs. For me students getting the opportunity to express the way they feel about a situation makes students feel like they have control. In conclusion, I feel that this film reflects and relates to most of the college students today.

2. "It's not about the Technology"
When I first read the title “Its not about technology”, I thought why would we get a blog assignment on something that has this name. Than I began to read the article and realized that this title was used to get my attention rather than tell me how we do not need technology. Kelly Hines brings out many good points about the use of technology. I could not agree more with the points made such as, technology needs to be taught to students. However, if the teacher is not always trying to learn new things about the system than the students will not be taught new things. I feel that teachers and students have to learn together when it comes to using computers in the classroom. Once again Kelly makes a good point in saying that technology is useless without good teaching, this is so true. Every child learns differently and every teacher teaches differently. We have to find ways to teach students so that it is easy for all students to understand. Personally, when it comes to technology I feel that it is a hands on activity and that students can not learn unless they are able to work with the computer.

3. The Fisch Bowl

This article, “Is it okay to be a technologically Illiterate Teacher?”, is very forth coming and interesting. Karl Fisch voices his opinion in a way that I would never think would caught someone attention. His ideas are informative, funny, and interesting. This post showed how people truly fill about Teachers and where they should stand when it comes to technology. To say that teachers should be humiliated if they do not know the basic skills of technology is amazing. Because I know in the past I have made a comment that I did not know much about computers. Now looking back at that I feel horrible and this post have given me motivation to learn more and take the step to figure out new things when it comes to technology. Though I have been guilty of saying that computers where not my thing, I still feel that all teachers should learn about technology and also learn the way children understand technology. I also feel that all teachers should be willing to learn about computers. Yes, I will agree that sometimes it does seem to take longer putting together an assignment on the computer, but, we must be willing to take that time so that our students can get the best education that there is out there. To answer Fisch question, NO, it is not okay for teachers to be technologically illiterate. Every teachers needs to take to time to learn advances in technology.

4.Gary's Social Media Count
This chart is insane for everyone around the world not only educators. The numbers are constantly going up. I believe that the rate at which the numbers are rising will affect me as a teacher simply because, all of the items listed on the chart where things used by or through technology. I think it is scary and amazing at the same time. Scary because if the numbers are constantly rising that way now than what will the numbers shoe in 10 or 20 years? I also find it amazing because the world is growing at such a rapid speed and technology is growing faster. As a future teacher I wonder will we ever be able to keep up with technology and all the new advances. I do not have the answers but it makes me think!

Glimpse into My life by Crystal Baxter

Blog Post 2

1. Did you know?
This video was very interesting and very informative. It showed me many facts that I was not aware of. This film astonished me and the way I look at the world. I was completely unaware of the growing rate of the world and technology. In that same thought I had NO idea that the United States was so far behind.
In saying all this, I would also like to point out the fact that I was not aware how much technology we needed to know. I have gained a new perspective on the use of technology! I feel that soon if you do not understand computers you will not understand the world around you. This film showed me the importance of learning more about technology and its rewarding outcome.

2. Mr. Winkle Wakes
This video reminds me a lot of the older generation and the way some people feel when they see new technology! It is crazy that the world we live is still in a slumber when it comes to technology and the world around them. I do not believe that Mr. Winkle is alone in the world. I feel that some people are still in a deep sleep when it comes to technology. I feel that our country needs to come out of that sleep and become more advanced with technology.
Technology is rising each day in the world and we must stay up to date. I hope that the schools are not always as Mr. Winkle seen and that the schools can also get more advanced in technology. I feel that the younger generation needs to know about technology in order to have an accurate learning experience for the world they will, one day, encounter.

3. The Importance of Creativity
Sir Ken Robinson was very interesting and humorous. He made the film enjoyable to listen to and stay engaged in. His ideas are exactly the idea that we all should have. I agree with him about the fact that we are taking the creativity away from the children. Children need the opportunity to be creative. I also feel that children should have the opportunity to show their talents.
I really enjoyed all the stories he told during the speech it help me be able to relate to what he was trying to say. I really liked the story about the girl from the 1930’s that he mentioned. Her mother taking her to the doctor because she thought she was sick and then he put music on and let the girl dance. Showing that there was no need to stop her from being herself. The doctor just suggested that the child be given the opportunity to dance and show her creativity.
Creativity is so important to this generation. Children loose their creative side when they do not have an opportunity to express it. I could not have said it better that Sir Robinson! He did a great job! Could not agree more with his film and truly recommend that all future educators watch this film.

4. Harness you students’ Digital Smarts
I think that it is awesome that Ms. Vicki Davis is teaching her students technology. I like the fact that she is acceptable to making mistakes and learning from her students. I believe that sometimes that can be the best way to learn. I feel that technology is all about trial and error. I took a computer class in high school that I feel taught me nothing.
Personally, I would have loved to have been in a class like Vicki’s I think she has a great idea for students. I only wish that I could have learned more about the computer in high school. Today it is all about networking and getting to know others around the world. I feel that Vicki is challenging her student ‘s in a great way!

Wordle

The Tempered Radical

 I just finished reading the blog from the Temper Radical. This blog was very interesting and showed many people and educators around the world how to use the internet as a teaching option and a resource to communicate with out Educators around the world. This web page (blog) also gave each person an insight on how to change technology in the schools. I personally feel that everyone should be taught at a young age how to use a computer. Learning how to work the computer at a young age will help students learn new and interesting things. Honestly, I wish I would have learned much more about how to work the internet and the basics of a computer earlier in life I feel that it would have increased my learning ability and others around me.


Another thing that I truly enjoyed about "The tempered Radical" is how they truly stand up for teachers around the world. They seek the truth and not numbers or false information. I believe that the way "Tempered Radical" approaches their articles is interesting. By interesting I mean that it keeps you wanting to read more and find out what is going to come next. I feel that they teach you so many different things. They teach you about technology; not only do they teach you about technology they also show you how to use the technology and how it can be used in the classroom. I feel that this blog has it figured out! I feel that the blog has a lot of great insights and interesting things to discuss.


When returning to the sight "The Tempered Radical" the most recent post was about technology around the world and how changes can be made to increase the connection to those people around the world. It also showed how having technology made a huge difference in the lives of those that where lucky enough to have access to technology. Bill Makes a great point about the great need for technology. He pointed out great men and women that made a difference and saved their lives and their family by using technology. I feel that everyone needs to get more advanced with technology. I believe that with technology it will make life easier with other people around the world! I find it amazing that through a simple push of a button that we can reach across the world. I only hope that the schools will obtain the knowledge to teach and learn the technology that is rising daily around our world. I feel that the United States is so far behind other parts of the world. i enjoy reading Bill's blog because it gives me an insight on the world around me and the information that shows the significance of learning about the internet and the computer.
I just hope that we can teach our future students the importance of technology. I also hope that in teaching them the importance that they will take advantage of the rising world and make a difference to their community and the world. I hope that students can use technology for the good and not just for games and networking.

Welcome To Crystal's Blog!!

Hello everyone my name is Crystal Baxter. I have attended the University of South Alabama for three years and I will graduate in December 2012. My major is Elementary Education. Some may ask why a teacher, but for me it is not all about the money! It is all about making a difference to the next generation. I truly love working with children. I was inspired at a young age to become a teacher. Teachers are given so little credit for all the work they do.
    Here are some simple facts about me! I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. My birthday is in July and I am 21! I feel that I am a family orientated person. I enjoy spending time with the ones I love. I have two AMAZING parents and a older sister and a younger brother. I also have a niece that is six and she is adorable and just entered the 1st grade. Another important person in m life is my boyfriend Wayne! We have been together for a short but amazing 6 months. Me and Wayne are planning on getting married in the future and raising a family. I also enjoy attending church and love ALABAMA football. My hobbies include watching NCIS, going to school, hanging out with family and friends, and working. I work at Remington College as the Receptionist. I have been working there for almost 2 years, the people are great.
 I hope you enjoy getting to know me! GO FUTURE TEACHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!