Final Reflection
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Blog Post #5 (part 2)- Final PLN Summary
Final Summary of PLN
At the beginning of the semester my PLN was not well developed. I only had a few teachers and resources that I could reach out to. As the semester has progressed, I have added to my PLN. There are many blogs that I visit that help give me ideas. C4T made a huge contribution to the teachers' blogs that I visit. I now feel like I have more teachers that I can reach out to. Along with that, I have discovered different resources I can use. Social networks are a great way to expand your PLN. Through the use of Facebook and Twitter one can connect with other educators and share new ideas with one another. Youtube is also a great resource to include in a PLN.
At the beginning of the semester my PLN was not well developed. I only had a few teachers and resources that I could reach out to. As the semester has progressed, I have added to my PLN. There are many blogs that I visit that help give me ideas. C4T made a huge contribution to the teachers' blogs that I visit. I now feel like I have more teachers that I can reach out to. Along with that, I have discovered different resources I can use. Social networks are a great way to expand your PLN. Through the use of Facebook and Twitter one can connect with other educators and share new ideas with one another. Youtube is also a great resource to include in a PLN.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
C4K- November
C4K- November
Isaac's O."s Blog
Isaac's blog included a comparison of him and his sister. I just commented on his post and encouraged him to keep blogging. I shared with him that blogging can connect him with others to share his ideas. This blog was very simple, so I just wanted to leave encouragement. Isaac is a younger student and it is apparent that he has just started blogging.
Paige's Blog
I really liked Paige's blog post. It was a review of her accomplishments during her first quarter of middle school. Then she also discussed her goals for next quarter. I think this is a great blog assignment to assign to students. This blog assignment can help students keep track if what they achieve and what they want to achieve. I just encouraged Paige to keep blogging and to keep setting goals.
Isaac's O."s Blog
Isaac's blog included a comparison of him and his sister. I just commented on his post and encouraged him to keep blogging. I shared with him that blogging can connect him with others to share his ideas. This blog was very simple, so I just wanted to leave encouragement. Isaac is a younger student and it is apparent that he has just started blogging.
Paige's Blog
I really liked Paige's blog post. It was a review of her accomplishments during her first quarter of middle school. Then she also discussed her goals for next quarter. I think this is a great blog assignment to assign to students. This blog assignment can help students keep track if what they achieve and what they want to achieve. I just encouraged Paige to keep blogging and to keep setting goals.
Blog Post 14- Teaching Can Be a Profession by Joel Klein
Teaching Can Be a Profession by Joel Klein
Problems:
1. Better academic training for teachers.
2. Change how we reward teachers.
3. Develop a demanding "knowledge-base".
Better Academic Training for Teachers
I agree that teachers should be prepared to teach their course of study when they enter the work field. Teachers need to be prepared to teach students how to "learn" and to prepare students for the future, whether it be the next required course or even the real world. Klein writes that none of our school programs in the United States can be compared to the leading education programs found elsewhere, along with that, Klein includes that teachers should be recruited differently. According to Klein, teachers should be recruited from the top third of prospects. I agree that teachers should be challenged to be a top prospect. If students who planned to become teachers knew that only the top third of the class was going to be hired, then this would push students to strive to become better educators.
Change How we Reward Teachers
Personally, I believe that teachers should not always be rewarded just because they have been teaching for a while. Teachers should be rewarded on their effectiveness and pedagogy skills. I feel that some teachers who have been teaching for a while become slack because they know their teaching position is safe. I do not agree with this. A new teacher comes in, who is actually more effective than most of the other teachers who are considered seniority, but the new teacher gets let go only because he or she is new. Do not get me wrong, I believe seniority does count in some circumstances. I just find it unfair that the teacher who is slacking gets to keep the job, which also negatively affects the students. Teachers should always be up to date. Teachers are all also basically paid the same, when some teachers provide more for students than others. If teachers were rewarded based on their actual performance, I believe it would help motivate teachers and in return students would obtain a better education.
Develop a Demanding "Knowledge-Base"
Klein mainly discusses how teaching should be professionalized and that excellence should drive the profession. Having a demanding "knowledge-base" would benefit both teachers and students. Teachers are not taken seriously like they should be and they do not get the respect they deserve. I believe that if the content teachers are required to teach is improved then it will help teachers gain a better respect when students are successfully learning. Teachers should teach in ways that students have no choice but to learn.
Problems:
1. Better academic training for teachers.
2. Change how we reward teachers.
3. Develop a demanding "knowledge-base". Better Academic Training for Teachers
I agree that teachers should be prepared to teach their course of study when they enter the work field. Teachers need to be prepared to teach students how to "learn" and to prepare students for the future, whether it be the next required course or even the real world. Klein writes that none of our school programs in the United States can be compared to the leading education programs found elsewhere, along with that, Klein includes that teachers should be recruited differently. According to Klein, teachers should be recruited from the top third of prospects. I agree that teachers should be challenged to be a top prospect. If students who planned to become teachers knew that only the top third of the class was going to be hired, then this would push students to strive to become better educators.
Change How we Reward Teachers
Personally, I believe that teachers should not always be rewarded just because they have been teaching for a while. Teachers should be rewarded on their effectiveness and pedagogy skills. I feel that some teachers who have been teaching for a while become slack because they know their teaching position is safe. I do not agree with this. A new teacher comes in, who is actually more effective than most of the other teachers who are considered seniority, but the new teacher gets let go only because he or she is new. Do not get me wrong, I believe seniority does count in some circumstances. I just find it unfair that the teacher who is slacking gets to keep the job, which also negatively affects the students. Teachers should always be up to date. Teachers are all also basically paid the same, when some teachers provide more for students than others. If teachers were rewarded based on their actual performance, I believe it would help motivate teachers and in return students would obtain a better education.
Develop a Demanding "Knowledge-Base"
Klein mainly discusses how teaching should be professionalized and that excellence should drive the profession. Having a demanding "knowledge-base" would benefit both teachers and students. Teachers are not taken seriously like they should be and they do not get the respect they deserve. I believe that if the content teachers are required to teach is improved then it will help teachers gain a better respect when students are successfully learning. Teachers should teach in ways that students have no choice but to learn.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Blog Post 13- What did I leave out?
Blog Post Assignment: This semester we have focused a lot on using technology in the primary classroom setting. Now, please discuss how you will use technology to teach your students in the English and secondary education classrooms.
Watch these videos to help:
21st Century Classroom
Technology in the High School English Classroom
Blog Post- Integrating Technology into the English/Secondary Education Classrooms.
Both of these videos discussed using technology in a high school classroom setting. The first video discusses how technology should be integrated into the 21st Century classroom. Videos, such as YouTube, are discussed as a main resource for students to learn. Being able to pause and replay videos allow for students to learn at their own pace. Students in the video also discuss how technology engages them more in a classroom compared to just using a text book. The way the classroom is set up in the video is all the students have their own laptops. Each students explores the internet to learn new ideas. I believe this setup could work in a high school setting if the students were provided the right guidance for their teacher.
The second video mainly focuses on the English high school classroom. I am an English major, so I found this video to be very useful. The video discusses how the Smartboard can be a main resource in the English classroom. Students can highlight and analyze text using the Smartboard. Another great example of incorporating technology was the use of students making videos. These videos were assignments that allowed students to express, from their own point of view, their understanding of the readings assigned in the classroom.
Watch these videos to help:
21st Century Classroom
Technology in the High School English Classroom
Blog Post- Integrating Technology into the English/Secondary Education Classrooms.
Both of these videos discussed using technology in a high school classroom setting. The first video discusses how technology should be integrated into the 21st Century classroom. Videos, such as YouTube, are discussed as a main resource for students to learn. Being able to pause and replay videos allow for students to learn at their own pace. Students in the video also discuss how technology engages them more in a classroom compared to just using a text book. The way the classroom is set up in the video is all the students have their own laptops. Each students explores the internet to learn new ideas. I believe this setup could work in a high school setting if the students were provided the right guidance for their teacher.
The second video mainly focuses on the English high school classroom. I am an English major, so I found this video to be very useful. The video discusses how the Smartboard can be a main resource in the English classroom. Students can highlight and analyze text using the Smartboard. Another great example of incorporating technology was the use of students making videos. These videos were assignments that allowed students to express, from their own point of view, their understanding of the readings assigned in the classroom.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
C4T Teacher #3 Summary
Teacher's Blog
The teacher's blog that I commented on is Scott Mcleod. Scott Mcleod is a huge supporter and teacher of STEM learning. The first comment I left was on a video that introduced STEM learning. The video was very short but explained well what STEM is. I left a comment saying that the video was a great way to grab a viewer's attention and to introduce viewers to STEM. Before viewing this video, I have never heard of STEM. I learned that STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The second blog post that I commented on compared learning to a carnival. The blog post is titled, "we shouldn't be carnies". Mcleod says that carnivals are fun, but only last a short while. Then he explains that learning tends to be only fun sometimes, when it should be engaging all the time. I commented on his post agreeing with him, but I also expressed that keeping students engaged seems like it will be one of my toughest challenges when I become an educator.
The teacher's blog that I commented on is Scott Mcleod. Scott Mcleod is a huge supporter and teacher of STEM learning. The first comment I left was on a video that introduced STEM learning. The video was very short but explained well what STEM is. I left a comment saying that the video was a great way to grab a viewer's attention and to introduce viewers to STEM. Before viewing this video, I have never heard of STEM. I learned that STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The second blog post that I commented on compared learning to a carnival. The blog post is titled, "we shouldn't be carnies". Mcleod says that carnivals are fun, but only last a short while. Then he explains that learning tends to be only fun sometimes, when it should be engaging all the time. I commented on his post agreeing with him, but I also expressed that keeping students engaged seems like it will be one of my toughest challenges when I become an educator.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Project #14
Project Based Learning Plan #2
As a group, we decided to make our project a Wiki page that analyzes works by Shakespeare. Our content area is English. Students will work in groups. Each group will be assigned a different play written by Shakespeare.
Blog Post 11
What can we learn about teaching and learning from these teachers?
Back to the Future
Blended Learning Cycle
Making Thinking Visible
Building Comics
Project Based Learning
Roosevelt Elementary's PBL Program
There is much to learn from the teachers in these videos. The first video, "Back to the Future" really offered some insight into "active learning". Involving students in their learning can really benefit the students. Students participated in experiments and then blogged about what they learned during the process. These students also created Wiki pages to share their ideas. My favorite part about this video is when Brian Crosby introduced us to Celeste. Celeste was a young girl with Leukemia who participated in the class through a webcam. Technology can make all the difference in a classroom. "The Blended Classroom" introduced to me new ideas about the classroom. Paul Anderson has incorporated some great techniques into the classroom that he shares with us in his video. Anderson believes it is important to allows others to inspire you to try new things. I really liked Anderson's "Quivers" technique. Quivers is an acronym for question, investigation, video, elaboration, review, and summary. This technique, I believe, could be effective in the classroom. One of my favorite videos for this blog was the "Building Comics" video. It was really cool the way Sam Pane taught his students about internet safety. Each student created their own comic that displayed internet safety rules. Students were fully engaged due to this project. PBL in general is a great idea in my opinion. Students will learn real world 21st century skill while engaged in PBL, such as public speaking skills and team skills. PBL will only benefit students and help them develop into "learners".
Blended Learning Cycle
Making Thinking Visible
Building Comics
Project Based Learning
Roosevelt Elementary's PBL Program
There is much to learn from the teachers in these videos. The first video, "Back to the Future" really offered some insight into "active learning". Involving students in their learning can really benefit the students. Students participated in experiments and then blogged about what they learned during the process. These students also created Wiki pages to share their ideas. My favorite part about this video is when Brian Crosby introduced us to Celeste. Celeste was a young girl with Leukemia who participated in the class through a webcam. Technology can make all the difference in a classroom. "The Blended Classroom" introduced to me new ideas about the classroom. Paul Anderson has incorporated some great techniques into the classroom that he shares with us in his video. Anderson believes it is important to allows others to inspire you to try new things. I really liked Anderson's "Quivers" technique. Quivers is an acronym for question, investigation, video, elaboration, review, and summary. This technique, I believe, could be effective in the classroom. One of my favorite videos for this blog was the "Building Comics" video. It was really cool the way Sam Pane taught his students about internet safety. Each student created their own comic that displayed internet safety rules. Students were fully engaged due to this project. PBL in general is a great idea in my opinion. Students will learn real world 21st century skill while engaged in PBL, such as public speaking skills and team skills. PBL will only benefit students and help them develop into "learners".
Sunday, October 26, 2014
C4K Summary-October
Issac's Blog
Piper's Blog
Alina's Blog
Paris's Blog
Many of my kids for the month of October were pretty young. Most of the blogs I viewed did not include a lot of details. Most of these younger kids have not developed much grammar and writing skills, so their blogs were pretty basic. The only blog that included specific detail's was Paris's blog. Paris wrote about the Rina Oil Spill. I commented on Paris's blog and told her about the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I also shared with Paris how the BP oil spill affected my life. Through my comment maybe Paris can learn about the BP oil spill and share it with others. All of the other blogs I basically encouraged students to keep blogging and congratulated them for blogging at such a young age.
Blog Post #10
What Can We Learn From Mrs. Cassidy?
First Graders in Mrs. Cassidy's Class
This was an awesome video. It was amazing to see what these kids were accomplishing through technology in the first grade. Mrs. Cassidy's students were excited to tell viewers about what they were learning and how they were learning. I believe this is how all students should act. The video displayed students using SMART boards and laptops in the classroom. The students really seemed to like writing in their blogs. They were excited about the blogs because others could see what they were learning. The students also mentioned how family member left comments on their blog posts. These blogs worked up so much excitement for these kids and also helped achieved better writing skills. The children also learn how to use manners by learning how to leave appropriate comments on other blogs. Another resource that the students really enjoyed using was Wiki pages. Students were able to learn about traditions and rituals, while connecting with others. Skype is used in the classroom as well. Students are able to talk to experts through the use of Skype. All of these resources helped engaged the students, while making learning fun and successful.
Interview with Kathy Cassidy
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
One can learn many things from Mrs. Cassidy. I really found it interesting when Mrs. Cassidy mentioned how she started using technology in the classroom. Ten years ago, Cassidy explains, there were five computers set up in her classroom that only allowed internet access. Nothing could be downloaded onto these computers, so Cassidy had to find resources available online for her students to use. I find it very important that we find ways to use our available resources as educators. Cassidy mentions that technology is not going away, it is here to stay. I completely agree with her statement. I also agree with her that we can not teach students the same way we did twenty years ago, or even five years ago because the world has changed and we need to change with it. Promoting online resources, Cassidy includes that allowing students to to use the tools available online allows for collaborating and connecting to learn from others. Blogs are really stressed because it allows students to share with the world, rather than just their teacher. Students can display what they have learned through out the year in different subjects. By not allowing students to take advantage of technology you are handicapping your students, agrees Cassidy. I agree with this statement because students should always be introduced to new resources if it engages them in learning. Teachers should find ways to keep up with technology and share their new knowledge with their students.
How will I use this in My Classroom?
When I begin teaching, I want to incorporate as much technology as possible. I really liked how Mrs. Cassidy had a web page that includes links for students to navigate to "safe places". I definitely want to set up a webpage for my students that keeps them safe from viewing anything unwanted. Blogs are awesome. This year is the first time I have ever been engaged in blogging. My future students will be required to blog because I believe blogging is a great way to keep tabs on progress in the classroom, as well as personal growth. I hope to use technology as a way to better my student's future and success inside and outside the classroom.
First Graders in Mrs. Cassidy's Class
This was an awesome video. It was amazing to see what these kids were accomplishing through technology in the first grade. Mrs. Cassidy's students were excited to tell viewers about what they were learning and how they were learning. I believe this is how all students should act. The video displayed students using SMART boards and laptops in the classroom. The students really seemed to like writing in their blogs. They were excited about the blogs because others could see what they were learning. The students also mentioned how family member left comments on their blog posts. These blogs worked up so much excitement for these kids and also helped achieved better writing skills. The children also learn how to use manners by learning how to leave appropriate comments on other blogs. Another resource that the students really enjoyed using was Wiki pages. Students were able to learn about traditions and rituals, while connecting with others. Skype is used in the classroom as well. Students are able to talk to experts through the use of Skype. All of these resources helped engaged the students, while making learning fun and successful.
Interview with Kathy Cassidy
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
One can learn many things from Mrs. Cassidy. I really found it interesting when Mrs. Cassidy mentioned how she started using technology in the classroom. Ten years ago, Cassidy explains, there were five computers set up in her classroom that only allowed internet access. Nothing could be downloaded onto these computers, so Cassidy had to find resources available online for her students to use. I find it very important that we find ways to use our available resources as educators. Cassidy mentions that technology is not going away, it is here to stay. I completely agree with her statement. I also agree with her that we can not teach students the same way we did twenty years ago, or even five years ago because the world has changed and we need to change with it. Promoting online resources, Cassidy includes that allowing students to to use the tools available online allows for collaborating and connecting to learn from others. Blogs are really stressed because it allows students to share with the world, rather than just their teacher. Students can display what they have learned through out the year in different subjects. By not allowing students to take advantage of technology you are handicapping your students, agrees Cassidy. I agree with this statement because students should always be introduced to new resources if it engages them in learning. Teachers should find ways to keep up with technology and share their new knowledge with their students.
How will I use this in My Classroom?
When I begin teaching, I want to incorporate as much technology as possible. I really liked how Mrs. Cassidy had a web page that includes links for students to navigate to "safe places". I definitely want to set up a webpage for my students that keeps them safe from viewing anything unwanted. Blogs are awesome. This year is the first time I have ever been engaged in blogging. My future students will be required to blog because I believe blogging is a great way to keep tabs on progress in the classroom, as well as personal growth. I hope to use technology as a way to better my student's future and success inside and outside the classroom.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Blog Post #9
What Can Teachers and Students Teach Us About Project Based Learning?
By reading the required articles and watching the videos posted on our blog assignment, I was able to gather a better understanding of PBL. When done correctly, PBL is very rewarding and effective for learners and the teacher as well. Buck Institute for Education has created a list of seven essential elements of meaningful projects. It is recommended that these seven elements are applied to PBL. The article makes an interesting point explaining that PBL will help students build real world skills. Teacher will
benefit their students by preparing them for beyond the classroom.
Essential Elements of Meaningful Projects
1. Need to know
2. Driving question
3. Student voice and choice
4. 21st century skills
5. Inquiry and innovation
6. Feedback and revision
7. Publicly presented project
This video does a good job explaining the main focuses and goals for PBL. One important key factor mentioned in the video is to focus on a driving question. The question should be specific and requires students to think and gather information. The end product should answer this driving question and students should be able to share what they have learned with others. I really liked how the video mentioned that Common Core is the "what" and PBL is the "how". I agree that choosing PBL to learn Common Core is the way to go. PBL allows students to take charge of their learning.
This blog post explains that PBL is useful in a PE class. Using PBL in a PE class brings relevance into the course. Miller writes, "PBL gives students a relevant and authentic task—a problem or challenge—that they, as a team and as individuals, must explore and solve." What I gather from this is that students should be given projects that they care about and want to explore the content. Students that are interested in projects typically tend to learn the material.
I find it important that teachers learn from their students just as much as teachers teach their students. This video displays students explaining why they want to learn and what encourages them to learn. As a future teacher I hope that I can find ways to encourage my students to learn. One student in the video mentioned that when his teacher points out when he does something well it encourages him to learn. Just something as little as giving a student a compliment can make a world of difference to that student.
This video exemplifies just how cool and successful PBL can be. These students were really excited about their project. Who knows the students may even be able to sell their design to a ketchup manufacturer? When students are excited about learning the possibilities of learning new material is at a high rate. Students should have projects they look forward to completing.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
C4T #2
Teacher's Blog
This week the teacher I was assigned discussed the benefits of using Twiiter. I commented on her blog agreeing. I explained that Dr. Strange spoke highly of twitter and encouraged that we use it. I also mentioned that one of our required assignments was to create a Twitter account. The blog spoke highly of Twitter and promoted that it is a great tool for educators. Through the use of Twitter, educators are able to discuss and connect on important matters.
Implications and Teaching Opportunities for Camera Use in Teaching and Learning
To be honest, personally I match every single one of the six statistics mentioned on the class blog. I use my smartphone for EVERTHING. My smart phone is my camera, my alarm clock, my GPS, and my computer. It is sad to admit this, but I could not imagine not having my smartphone in my life. Resources are so readily available at your fingertips with smartphones. The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is check my phone and normally checking my phone is the last thing I do before I fall asleep. It seems so crazy, but I think many people are guilty if this habit.
Without the use of smartphones, I do not believe communication would be as quick and covenient as it is today. I can easily pick up my smartphone and send an email or log onto Facebook to communicate with someone who is miles away. Technology is not necessarily a bad thing when it can be used as a resource to gain knowledge. I remember getting my first cell phone in the seventh grade. It was nowhere near what we would consider now a "smartphone". Phones have advanved tremendously over a short amount of time. My first cell phone did not even have a camera. Most kids today have never been without a smartphone.
So how can we as educators use these smartphones to our students' advantage? When I was in high school students were not allowed to have any technological devices in the classroom whatsoever. Smartphones and tablets were considered to be a distraction from learning, but now I am convinved otherwise. Teachers can incorporate smartphones and/or tablets into the classroom as learning tools. There are many apps available that serve as learning resources. Using technology resources in the classroom can make learning fun for students.
Uses for camera:
1. Recording important audio/video during lectures.
2. Students can take pictures of progress achieved to post on blogs.
3. Students can use facetime to work collaboratively from home if needed.
4. Students can send pictures via text message if needed.
Blog Post #8
What Can We Learn About Teaching and Learning From Randy Pausch?
Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" is truly inspiring. This lecture highlights the importance of having childhood dreams. I find it important to have your own personal dreams. Without dreams, many things would not exist today. Randy also found it important to be inspiring to others. It is very obvious that many people were inspired by Randy Pausch. Through his career he touched many lives and helped others achieve their dreams. One of my favorite things I gained from this lecture was when Pausch mentions that "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." This lecture helped me have an overall more optimistic outlook on life. Pausch stressed that we should always look for the best in others and that we can not achieve things in life alone. Helping others is what we should live for, according to Pausch. We should always cherish the feedback we receive from others. Pausch believes that we are in trouble when others stop critiquing us because that shows they no longer care. Do not complain, just work harder, stresses Pausch. I am a firm believer in karma just as Pausch is. At the end of the lecture, Pausch states "Lead your life the right way, karma will finish it." I love that statement. Lastly, Pausch says the most importnat thing about learning is to never stop having fun. Basically, everything mentioned in this video can be applied to anything in life. All of our lives we are constantly learning and we should never take for granted the opportunities to learn. I hope teaching others will bring as much joy to my life as it did to Randy Pausch's life.
Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" is truly inspiring. This lecture highlights the importance of having childhood dreams. I find it important to have your own personal dreams. Without dreams, many things would not exist today. Randy also found it important to be inspiring to others. It is very obvious that many people were inspired by Randy Pausch. Through his career he touched many lives and helped others achieve their dreams. One of my favorite things I gained from this lecture was when Pausch mentions that "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." This lecture helped me have an overall more optimistic outlook on life. Pausch stressed that we should always look for the best in others and that we can not achieve things in life alone. Helping others is what we should live for, according to Pausch. We should always cherish the feedback we receive from others. Pausch believes that we are in trouble when others stop critiquing us because that shows they no longer care. Do not complain, just work harder, stresses Pausch. I am a firm believer in karma just as Pausch is. At the end of the lecture, Pausch states "Lead your life the right way, karma will finish it." I love that statement. Lastly, Pausch says the most importnat thing about learning is to never stop having fun. Basically, everything mentioned in this video can be applied to anything in life. All of our lives we are constantly learning and we should never take for granted the opportunities to learn. I hope teaching others will bring as much joy to my life as it did to Randy Pausch's life.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Project 7-Part B Two Movies As a Teacher
Video for Parents
Video for Students
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