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!