Final Post

I'm proud to say that all my blog assignments for the semester are complete. When I first registered for this class, I had know idea what to expect. At first I felt somewhat intimidated because there was so much information to absorb. I'm proud to say that I "hung in there" and all in all, I really enjoyed this class. Becoming familiar with Access, blogs and ipods being used in the classroom, was a real treat. The blog assignments in reference to iTunes Universtiy, Dr. Alice Christie, and Carl Fisch were real eye-openers. I'm so excited to be able to implement the various concepts that I feel will help in instructing my students once I become a teacher. The one post that we had to make to our blog that touched me profoundly, was the "Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. When faced with a crisis, I will always remember his words about the "brick wall".
As I said earlier, I really enjoyed this class. If I had to take it again, I would. Mr. Wakeman proved to be a very competent instructor who "bent over backwards" to make sure I understood and knew everything I needed to know. The only complaint I have about the class is the excessive amount of assignments given at the end of semester.

iTunes U - WGBH (Boston's PBS Station)

A digital library free to the public, WGBH's "Teacher Domain" on iTunes U features media derived from PBS programs such as FRONTLINE, NOVA, and American Experience. Programs from other public broadcast stations are also available. The domain is divided into three sections representing each grade level - K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The media is designed to enhance teaching and learning skills. Being an elementary education major, I focused primarily on K-5, but did explore the other grade levels. There were nine tracks available, all scientific based. All tracks come with down loadable informational guides to aid teachers in the instruction of the topics. iThough I found all to be very interesting, "A Night in the Coral Reef" was one that stood out. Filmed in an actual reef, the narrator gave a clear explanation of the activities taking place while also providing information on the more prominent sea creatures. In the video "Observe Clouds", students are encouraged to pay more attention to the clouds in that they change by the second.
Here is another example of a wonderful resource which can be used to make the learning experience more interesting for the student. It also provides an added mechanism by which a teacher may be able to provide a clearer understanding of what is being taught. Another site I'm sure to refer back to once I become a teacher.
For more information on these videos and more like them, visit WGBH-Teachers Domain

"Living the Lesson"

"The Edible Schoolyard" was a video showing students at Martin Luther King Middle School in Berkeley, California beginning their day, not in the classroom, but in the organic garden they are growing together. The garden is said to be a "learning lab for social studies, math, science, and life. The children grow, cook, and eat the food produced by their hands. The children seem to comprehend better with they are taught using "the hands on" method. As well as teaching the children ecology, the garden helps them to learn to build communities along with cooperating with others. Children who may be good in math, science, and English, may not necessarily be good with their hands so this is good experience for them. The same applies with someone who is not good in the before mentioned subjects but good with their hands, this give them the opportunity to explore a field in which they may excel. The idea for this program was that of Alice Waters in 1994 to improve school lunch programs.
Awesome is the word I use in describing "A Night in the Global Village". This video profiles the Global Gateway Program taking place at the Heifer Ranch in Perryville Arkansas. The program allows students (in this episode the children are from the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning in Denver, Colorado) to experience living as others do in "developing" countries. The five acre ranch is set up in communities designed to resemble those of the country they represent. The children experience first hand what it's like to live without little or no food and water, live in abodes not "fit for living, and to share and cooperate. What better way to teach a lesson than to live the lesson.
As a future educator, I continue to be impressed by the types of resources available to enhance the learning experience. Both of these programs, which are hands on, would be great to use.

iTunes University

iTunes University, part of the iTunes Store, contains educational content(audio and video) that can be downloaded at no charge to a ipod or iphone. There are courses and topics for K-12, colleges and universities, and beyond. Information is provided by top universities such as Cornell, Duke, Oxford, and Stanford. PBS stations also provide information as well as famous museums and other cultural institutions. iTunes has an introductory video which allows the user to preview the site and get some insight on how to use it.
Business, history, mathematics, science, and teaching & education are just a few of the categories in which information, courses, series, and lectures can be found. An individual university can be chosen in which a page will appear listing all they have to offer through iTunes. When looking for a specific course such as Western Civilization, all files related to that course (audio and video)are listed. Some courses and series are ongoing so a person is allowed to subscribe to the course or series and updated information will be downloaded in the podcast section of iTunes. There are thousands of tracks available to be downloaded. It's learning on the go.
iTunes U is useful as a student in that if I need information on a course or topic, I can download the information and refer to at my leisure.

Using iPods in Education

Introduced by Apple in 2001, iPods are the top selling media devices in the United States. Many hold anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 songs, as well as enables the owner to watch movies, videos, play games, etc... The easy to use features, along with the amount of storage capacity also contribute to the popularity of the iPod. As of late, iPods are being used in the education arena to establish their benefits as a learning tool.
In order to "encourage creative uses of technology in education and campus life", Duke University gave 1600 Freshmen 20GB iPods in August of 2004. The Center for Instructional Technology formulated a study to evaluate how the iPods were used academically and their benefits. The results of that study stated that iPods; reduced the need for physical material for both faculty and students, lessened visits to the library and labs in search of resource material, useful for recording purposes, increased student interest and participation, and "enhanced support for individual learning preferences and needs." iPods are not just being used on the college level.
Mrs. Vanessa Levin, a ESL Pre-Kindergarten teacher in Dallas/ Fort Worth, Texas. has created a web site entitled, "pre-kpages" which is geared toward educators and parents of young children. There is a page on the site, "Using iPods in the Early Childhood Classroom", where Mrs. Levins discusses ways in which the iPod is an effective tool in the classroom. Tips on how to use the iPod in various phases of the curriculum along with creative ideas are given. This is a great site to visit.

Dr. Alice Christie's Educational Technology Guide

Dr. Alice A. Christie, a President Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University. She also earned a Ph. D. in Educational Technology and Language and Literacy from Arizona State. Dr. Christie travels nationally and internationally speaking and conducting workshops on "how technology can enhance teaching and learning." Her website is designed to assist educators with the integration of technology in their classrooms. The site consists of sections with instructions on how to teach searching the web, web design, as well as a gallery of Dr. Christies' photos and her publications. The section that caught my interest was Educational Technology which aids teachers instructing K - 12. Before going any further, you are asked to view Dr. Christie's video "We Are All Co-Learners".
This video presents insight on how productive Dr. Christie's classes are. Her combination of interns, students (usually middle school), and teachers together in a class, is a brilliant idea, whereas the outcome is beneficial to all involved. I was really impressed with the fact that the students work closely with the teachers teaching them what they have learned.
The Educational Technology page, provided resources, optional links, and examples on topics such as, Discovering Art in a Web 2.0 World, Educational Portals, Emerging Technologies, Internet Safety, Multimedia, and Podcasting, just to name a few.
As a future educator, this is another useful site providing resourceful information useful in many technological ways. When needing assistance with technology in the classroom, not only will this site be of use to me, but also to my students.

Wikipedia-How reliable is it?

For those not familiar with Wikipedia, it's basically an online "encyclopedia" used by millions of people daily. Whether information is needed on a person, place, or thing, it can be found on Wikipedia. Students find this site especially useful when seeking information for reports and research papers. The question is, how reliable a source is Wikipedia?
Due to the fact that the site is maintained by its users (the general public), "anyone can edit" the information on Wikipedia, which has put the website under a microscope. The facts entered into the site are not verified. To find out who was changing the information, a graduate student at the California Institute of Technology, Virgil Griffith, created the Wikipedia Scanner. The scanner is able to trace the IP address of the person(s) changing information. It was discovered that the majority of people doing the editing, are those who have a personal interest at stake. For instance, an IP address was traced back to Walmart after someone changed information about wages and a statement made by the owner of Walmart, from negative to positive. Famous political figures along with large well known companies, have been known to change any information not in their favor, to more favorable. In light of this develop, if using Wikipedia, it is wise to consult a couple more sources to make sure the information is correct.

Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture"

Randy Pausch, a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 25, 2008. Mr. Pausch's "Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams", has become a world wide phenomenon. The "Last Lecture", which really was his last lecture, has inspired the lives of millions. The lecture is broken down into three parts: My Childhood Dreams, Enabling the Dreams of Others, and Lesson Learned.
Throughout the lecture, Mr. Pausch speaks of the wisdom acquired through personal experiences as well as that which was obtained from others. Here are a few of the numerous valid points made by Mr. Pausch which affected me deeply.
On our quest to reach our goals, we will encounter "brick walls". The brick walls, according to Pausch, are there for several reasons. For one, "they let us prove how badly we want things. They also stop the people who don't want things bad enough". Pausch also said that "experience is what you get, when you didn't get what you wanted. Wait long enough and people will surprise you." Pausch advise to not complain and work harder. Be adamant and diligent in the pursuit of your dreams.
In reference to being an educator, he points out that roles are sometime reversed and teachers learn from their students. Let children excel. While teaching his Building Virtual Worlds course, his students didn't use text books, all projects being hands on.
These are just a few of the many valuable points touched on by Mr. Pausch. As a future educator, I hope to play a vital part in my student's lives. I want them to "believe" they can accomplish their dreams, just not here some one tell them they can. Enhance their confidence and provide them with the skills they need in order to climb over or knock down the "brick walls" they are faced with.

Customer Service

For those of you reading this blog for the first time, Karl Fisch is the Director of Technology at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado. The Fischbowl is a "Staff Development Blog For Arapahoe High School Teachers Exploring Constructivism And 21st Century Learning Skills". On this blog, Karl Fisch promotes the importance of "everyone" being technologically literate. His post from Best? Post of 2007- the month of May-Best: Customer Service, caught my eye because I worked in "customer service" for a rental car company for several years.
Mr. Fisch begins by asking the reader to watch the video that inspired him to write the post. The video is basically a tape recorded conversation between a customer and a customer service representative for Hewlett Packard. Not only does the customer not resolve his issue, the call is disconnected. Basically, he received poor customer service. Mr. Fisch takes the concept of "customer service" and applies it to his position as primary tech support person at Arapahoe High School.
Because he is constantly busy, Mr. Fisch admits that when a teacher or student comes to him with a problem, instead of teaching them how to solve the problem them selves, he solves it for them. In doing so, he admits to hindering them in the enhancement of their "technological literacy".
As usual, Mr. Fisch started me to thinking. As a future educator, I began to view my prospective students as customers. In committing myself to their success, I must be knowledgeable and comfortable in the use of all tools available to enhance the learning experience.

The two Podcasts that I listened to were: "Useful Web Sites For Elementary Teachers" by Shyane Fant, Erica Sledge, and Ashley Cleveland which "[takes] a look at a variety of web sites that could be useful to elementary school teachers",and "Can You Tube Be Used For Educational Purposes?" by Adrienne Lynch, Joylyn Reese, and Brian Stevens, were both nicely done.
In preparation of my own podcast, choosing a topic that is both informative and resourceful, with accessible and manageable tools, will be the main objective. The next step will be to develop a detailed and organized method in which to present the information. Making sure I'm well acquainted with the information,having a clear concise knowledge, is important to the success of the podast.
Staying on point, and creating a constant flow allows the listener to comprehend the information being presented. Moving from point to point giving only vague details about each, leaves the listener dazed and confused. Also, important names and addresses(websites} will need to be repeated to make sure the listener was able to get them.
My goal is to inform or better inform listeners on whatever topic I choose to present. I want the listener to be glad that he/she took the time to listen to my podcast.

Podcasts

The first podcast that I listened to was "SMARTBoard Lessons 148". This episode discussed the Top 10 ways to use the SMARTBoard and other technological tools in the classroom. Ben Hazzard and Joan Badger, the host of the program, were joined by guest who were all in different cities and states. Questions from teachers who use SMARTBoard in the classroom had been sent in, and the group attempted to supply answers. The "harmless and carefree" banner that exists between the two hosts, lends humor to the podcast while delivering resourceful information. The second podcast was "Kidcast #53-Podcasting the Field Trip by Dan Schmit. I found his idea of "re-energizing the field trip" very interesting. He introduced several ideas and concepts that would enhance the experience more academically.
"Connect Learning" featured an episode with David Warlick conducting a workshop on Web 2.0 April 3, 2008. The educators present were all affiliated with a program that serviced children in an institutional or transient program. The teachers were given the opportunity to stand and give their reason for the "advantages of having technology" available to their students. The same sentiments were echoed again and again. "Students would gain a sense of "individualism" in being able to create blogs and podcast. Being able to explore using technology would enhance the learning experience give students an incentive to want to come to school. Children need to exposed to technology because of its' importance in society.
The podcast "Ed Talk" episode 19, Parents as Partners, consist of parents (all professionally employed in technological fields)discussing ways in which parents can support their children in the 21st century school setting. Tips were offered on how to better educated parents so that they may be technologically inclined. "MacBreak Weekly" episode 126 were discussing the Flash becoming available on the i-phone. along with their "Tech" picks of the week. "This Week in Photography" features topics dealing with every aspect of photography. This week's episodes discussed the Nikon SDK development kit and a senator wanting to pass a bill requiring all camera phones to click when a photo is taken.
I'll admit that I had never her of podcast until having to post this blog. Before listening to any of the above mentioned, I familiarized myself with podcast. All the podcast that I listened to were very informing and well delivered. I look forward to creating my own.

Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

"Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?" posted by Karl Fisch, (photo on left} on his blog ""The Fischbowl" in September of 2007, should be read by every educator and potential educator. It's obvious why this post won the EDUBlog Award for "most influential post" in 2007. Mr. Fisch uses a "no holds bared" approach in blatantly stating what can know longer be ignored. [IT IS NOT OKAY FOR A TEACHER TO BE TECHNOLOGICALLY ILLITERATE]
Mr. Fisch composed a list of suggested standards in which he believes educators should adhere to. The first standard listed "All educators must achieve a basic level of technological capability" is not really an option in today's academic setting. The technological resources available to both teachers and students, is limitless. There are now so many innovative ways in which to enhance a child's learning experience, therefore giving teachers new ways in which to present it.
Another standard suggested by Mr. Fisch was the third one, which states "We should finally drop the myth of digital natives and digital immigrants." He goes on to say, immigrants become natives after they've been in the country for a given number of years. Personal computers have been around for nerarly 30 years. People have yet to realize that "technology is part of life, not an add-on". I feel we need to all wake up and smell the coffee. In a world that is "technologically inclined", if we don't "incline our minds", we're surely to be left behind.
Though I could go on and on, one last fact that Mr. Fisch mentions which rings true, is that the majority of people who are technologically illiterate think it's okay. I feel those people are living in a fantasy world. Not only in the academic world is it important to have "basic technological capabilities", but the average "career(s)" are based around or soon will be based around technology in some form or another.

Blogs Being Used Internationally by Schools and Teachers

This blog belongs to Menengai High School located in the Rift Valley Province in Kenya. The school is located in Nakuru Town and has a student population of about 1600 students. The school does a number of subjects such as mathematics, languages, humanities, arts, etc..
The site restricts usage to members, but I was glad to know that these kids are being exposed to modern technology and the resources it provides.

Located in Bali, Indonesia the Green School at the campus of Kul-Kul, serves more than 100 students from preschool through year eight. Their curriculum combines demanding academic content taught through a holistic approach that aims to inspire and enhance all of a child's capacities. Their goal is to "foster a spirit of inquiry and love of learning that prepares children to thrive in the challenging, complex 21st century world". Each classroom has it's own blog. For instance if you wanted to look at the blog page for preschool or year1-2, they are accessible from the homepage. Another very impressive blog.

Schools and Teachers in the U.S. Using Blogs

In my search for a school are teacher using blogs in K-12th grade, I came across the Class blog for an AP Biology class at Appleton High School in Appleton, Wisconsin. The instructor, Elissa Hoffman, wanted her students to "become fluent in online learning and discussion". She and her students have posted articles, research, photos and videos. Ms. Hoffman invites anyone that has an area of expertise, research or a career associated with Biology, to share their thoughts with her students.

This next blog belongs to Marian County Day School, located in San Francisco, California. MCDS is an independent K-8th coed day school enrolling around 540 students on its 35 acre campus. The school's mission "asks children to become skilled learners and ethical human beings, motivated to make a difference in the world". This is one of the best, if not the best, blog I've seen in reference to a school. To say I was impressed in an "understatement". There is a stories section,you can also listen to African American Folk Tales told by students. You're sure to enjoy this school's blog.

Finchbowl/Did you know

For some reason I thought the movie was going to be some silly cartoon. Was I totally wrong. I could not take my eyes off the screen. Finchbowl/Did you know was totally awesome. The simple graphics were very powerful. In today's society, the "computer" has become as common and important as the automobile. A computer is more of a necessity rather than a luxury. As important, if not more, is the use of the computer to access the "World Wide Web" commonly known as the web, which "is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the internet."
The movie was very informative in that it offered facts, figures and statistics on topics such as education, labor, language and the "internet". The movie often refers to ratios in contrast with the United States, China and India. My perception of the movie was that the main point they were emphasizing, was the importance of telecommunication is in via the internet, via the computer. The learning possibilities are not even imaginable. Sharing and receiving information in any known subject, whether large or small, academic or pleasurable from anywhere around the world, at any given time, from any given location is phenomenal. If kids (especially in poor countries) had access to computers, as those in the United States and China do, think of the empowerment they would receive with the enrichment that would come along with the knowledge and resources they would have available. I would recommend that any and everyone watch this movie.

ACCESS

ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, & Students Statewide) is a learning initiative that provides high quality classroom courses and teachers via technology. Full implementation of ACCESS in the Fall of 2006, ensured that Alabama students, especially those in smaller, rural schools, would have the ability to take advanced level courses and electives that might not otherwise be available to them."
"Delivering web-based courses with multimedia content, interactive videoconferencing (IVC) courses with two-way audio and video, blended courses with both web-based and IVC components, ACCESS provides a distance learning option that is opening doors for Alabama students."
As with ALEX I was very impressed with this program also. As stated earlier, every child is given a chance and opportunity to take courses that otherwise would not be offered to them. This program gives new meaning to the statement "no child left behind."

ALEX

ALEX (Alabama Learning Exchange) was created by teachers, for teachers, and consist of information which they've contributed in subjects(basic and new) taught in the Alabama School System in grades K-12th. Information about subjects is obtainable via courses of study, web links, lesson plans and by search, which allows the user to specify the subject and specific area of study in which they require information on or about. English Language Arts, Science, Physical Education, Technology Education, Foreign Languages as well as professional development opportunities, teaching and learning tools are just a few of the subjects and topics the site offers information on.
The site is very simple to use. For example, a second grade teacher is preparing to teach her students how to count money beginning with coins. She's interested in seeing how other teachers may have presented this information and the resources they used. From "Search", she would proceed to "Lesson Plans and Resources" which at this point she is able to check the box for "Mathematics" as well as the box for "2"(the grade she teaches) and in the box labeled "Keywords" she could put "count money" or "coins" and click "Display Results". A page displays giving information such as the subjects which these lesson plans apply, the title and an overview. After clicking on the hyperlink for the title, the teacher is then taken to the actual lesson plans of a teacher(name, school system, and name of school is listed)who has posted her lesson plan(s) which will teach students to count and identify money. The detailed plan contains an overview, content standards(both local and national), primary learning objective, duration of the lesson, materials and equipments used, technology resources, just to name a few.
As a future educator, I was excited as well as impressed with the site. It gives teachers a way to post their ideas as well as see and incorporate the ideas of others. Other techniques and teaching tools were available, making this a superb, informative site.

In all honestly,I must admit that I was very nervous about returning back to school after such a long absence. Would I be able to keep up with the work load and even more, would I be able to comprehend the material? Well the answer was quite obvious. I prayed and asked God to give me a second chance to go to college and receive a degree in Elementary Education. He has answered by prayer, and I will not let him down. Nothing or no-one will deter me from my goal. I shall succeed.