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!