I have enjoyed taking this class with all of you. At times we all had to help each other out and with that we all became friends. I wish you all good blessings as you go into your future and I hope we will still see each other passing by.
Thank you for making my time in this class enjoyable!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
My EDM 310 Experience
I would first like to start this post by saying that I truly enjoyed my time and experience in my EDM 310 class. At times I found some material less important than others, but I realize now that I did learn a great amount about technology in the classroom. Having stated that I did learn a great amount, I would like to only pick out my favorites that appealed to me to discuss in this blog.
The first thing that I learned about was google and the ammenities that it offers. For a while, I only used google as a search engine. Now, I use its documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and how to share all of these with others. Google is so convenient and can be accessed by anyone and it truly is a great way to communicate with students. Google Earth is also easily available and shows a real view of any where in the world. This site is very interesting and entertaining and will be something educational to use in the classroom.
Another topic that I enjoyed were blogs. When we first started using blogs, I really didnt agree with the whole idea and thought the assignment was pointless. However, now, I can not express how much I have learned about how beneficial blogs are for teachers. When my future students need to get in touch with me after school hours or feel they may have missed something in class, they can just go onto my blog and look up their answers or contact me for any other answers. This is something that I definately plan on using in my future classrooms.
Last but not least, I learned about podcasts in our EDM 310 class. These podcasts were very enlightening and I would love to find ones on the subject I teach to let my students listen to. Also, doing these podcasts was not only fun but educational. I really enjoyed everything about them.
I would have liked to learn more about different programs (if there are any) that are available to teachers in general and to specific subjects. But, I understand that this may be a little more difficult than said. Overall I anjoyed this class and I feel I will walk away having learned alot.
The first thing that I learned about was google and the ammenities that it offers. For a while, I only used google as a search engine. Now, I use its documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and how to share all of these with others. Google is so convenient and can be accessed by anyone and it truly is a great way to communicate with students. Google Earth is also easily available and shows a real view of any where in the world. This site is very interesting and entertaining and will be something educational to use in the classroom.
Another topic that I enjoyed were blogs. When we first started using blogs, I really didnt agree with the whole idea and thought the assignment was pointless. However, now, I can not express how much I have learned about how beneficial blogs are for teachers. When my future students need to get in touch with me after school hours or feel they may have missed something in class, they can just go onto my blog and look up their answers or contact me for any other answers. This is something that I definately plan on using in my future classrooms.
Last but not least, I learned about podcasts in our EDM 310 class. These podcasts were very enlightening and I would love to find ones on the subject I teach to let my students listen to. Also, doing these podcasts was not only fun but educational. I really enjoyed everything about them.
I would have liked to learn more about different programs (if there are any) that are available to teachers in general and to specific subjects. But, I understand that this may be a little more difficult than said. Overall I anjoyed this class and I feel I will walk away having learned alot.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
As we began discussing and using Twitter in EDM 310, I realized I really didnt know what Twitter actually is. Instead of jumping into Twitter and trying to figure it out for myself, I researched it on google. I first pulled information from Wikipedia (even thought this source is not the most reliable) to get the general information about Twitter. Here is some of the information from Wikipedia: " a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length which are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have subscribed to them (known as followers). Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends or, by default, allow anybody to access them. Users can send and receive tweets via the Twitter website, Short Message Service (SMS) or external applications". This information can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter
After I researched Twitter, I began to use it by posting tweets, sending direct messages and finding followers. I found that instant results are not to be expected from Twitter as I would have to wait several minutes to read a direct message from someone sitting right next to me in class. I feel that Twitter is a good social networking utility, but it has several gray areas that lack in being the best social network.
As far as using Twitter in the classroom, I do not feel that this is the best way to communicate to your students. My favorite technological method of communication for my students has been blogging since they can use the blog at any time where as Twitter, they might need to wait for that tweet to be posted.
After I researched Twitter, I began to use it by posting tweets, sending direct messages and finding followers. I found that instant results are not to be expected from Twitter as I would have to wait several minutes to read a direct message from someone sitting right next to me in class. I feel that Twitter is a good social networking utility, but it has several gray areas that lack in being the best social network.
As far as using Twitter in the classroom, I do not feel that this is the best way to communicate to your students. My favorite technological method of communication for my students has been blogging since they can use the blog at any time where as Twitter, they might need to wait for that tweet to be posted.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Finding Your Passion Changes Everything
The video we watched was on Sir Ken Robinson's lecture on a person's passion and how finding that passion greatly changes their life. There were several parts of this lecture that I really enjoyed and I felt that they really spoke the truth about a person's capability to find their passion.
Sir Ken stated that most adults have no idea on what they are capable of. I find this statement is so true. I feel that most people have a tendency to settle for what is put in front of them and do not push themselves to go beyond what they feel they can do. Sir Ken went on to say that people do their best when they do something they love. He says they do this because this love creates a natural capacity for what they love and they love it, which makes them happy when they do it. I find this statement even more true than the others. When we love something, or have a passion for it, we do that task with great joy and precision. We take pride in what we do which leads to accuracy.
Another statement that Sir Ken made, was that we should encourage talent, and the talent will bring forth opportunities. He made this statement because he said that people push so hard for opportunities that they often overlook the talent. To further this point, he went on to say that a lot of times, education is partly responsible for diverting children away from their passion/talents. This is because education as a whole has pushed opportunities and not talents.
Sir Ken said that one reason that most adults do not know what their passion is would be because they haven't come upon their talent yet. In other words, they haven't found it yet. One problem that Sir Ken discussed was that education has been depersonalized and has been treating the mixture and not the child. He goes on to say that education should encourage personal growth, human flourishing, and culture.
I strongly agree with the statements that Sir Ken Robinson made and I do believe that finding your passion truly does change everything.
Sir Ken stated that most adults have no idea on what they are capable of. I find this statement is so true. I feel that most people have a tendency to settle for what is put in front of them and do not push themselves to go beyond what they feel they can do. Sir Ken went on to say that people do their best when they do something they love. He says they do this because this love creates a natural capacity for what they love and they love it, which makes them happy when they do it. I find this statement even more true than the others. When we love something, or have a passion for it, we do that task with great joy and precision. We take pride in what we do which leads to accuracy.
Another statement that Sir Ken made, was that we should encourage talent, and the talent will bring forth opportunities. He made this statement because he said that people push so hard for opportunities that they often overlook the talent. To further this point, he went on to say that a lot of times, education is partly responsible for diverting children away from their passion/talents. This is because education as a whole has pushed opportunities and not talents.
Sir Ken said that one reason that most adults do not know what their passion is would be because they haven't come upon their talent yet. In other words, they haven't found it yet. One problem that Sir Ken discussed was that education has been depersonalized and has been treating the mixture and not the child. He goes on to say that education should encourage personal growth, human flourishing, and culture.
I strongly agree with the statements that Sir Ken Robinson made and I do believe that finding your passion truly does change everything.
Monday, April 20, 2009
EDM 310 Podcasts
Our podcast project this semester was one that truly enlightened me. Not only did each of the podcasts I listed to enlighten me, but also the process of going through this project itself. I did not know what a podcast was before this semester, so this project opened my mind to what a great resource this could be in education and in any other workplace. The four podcasts I listened to were:
Access-Distant Learning in Alabama High Schools
Technology in the Classrooms at the University of South Alabama
EdTechTalk
Facebook: It's In Class! But Can it Be Useful In Class?
As a whole, these podcasts were educational and entertaining; however, there were some areas for improvement in each. One of the things I noticed in these podcasts was the rustle of papers in the background. I wasn't aware of how sensitive the microphone was when my group did our podcast, but this was an issue in our podcast and in others. This extra noise provides a distratction to the listener and should be avoided by keeping notes to a minimum of one page.
Another issue that I noticed in some of the podcasts were conversation fillers such as "um". These fillers put a break in the conversation and suggest that the topic is not well understood. In other words, these words sound unprofessional. These fillers can be avoided by practicing more and becoming more confident with the topic.
The last issue I noticed was the lack of conversation in some of the podcasts. I believe that conversation makes the podcasts easy to listen to and enjoy at the same time. There should never be one dominant speaker, instead, the whole group should be involved and create a story line with their conversation that provides as much information on the topic as possible.
Access-Distant Learning in Alabama High Schools
Technology in the Classrooms at the University of South Alabama
EdTechTalk
Facebook: It's In Class! But Can it Be Useful In Class?
As a whole, these podcasts were educational and entertaining; however, there were some areas for improvement in each. One of the things I noticed in these podcasts was the rustle of papers in the background. I wasn't aware of how sensitive the microphone was when my group did our podcast, but this was an issue in our podcast and in others. This extra noise provides a distratction to the listener and should be avoided by keeping notes to a minimum of one page.
Another issue that I noticed in some of the podcasts were conversation fillers such as "um". These fillers put a break in the conversation and suggest that the topic is not well understood. In other words, these words sound unprofessional. These fillers can be avoided by practicing more and becoming more confident with the topic.
The last issue I noticed was the lack of conversation in some of the podcasts. I believe that conversation makes the podcasts easy to listen to and enjoy at the same time. There should never be one dominant speaker, instead, the whole group should be involved and create a story line with their conversation that provides as much information on the topic as possible.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
BLOGS~Pros and Cons
After readind Jessica Prestage's blog, I realized that we had some of the same experiences with this whole "blog project". At first, I did feel that this blog would be time consuming and difficult to do. However, as I go through the last few blogs left for this semester, I have realized what a useful resource a blog can be. With that being said, I would not use blogging for a personal use, but it is a great resource for the education feild.
One of the pros of blogging (in education) is that a teacher can keep the class up to date with everything that is going on in the classroom. If a student misses a day of class, all he/she has to do is look on the blog and see what was discussed in class that day.
Another Pro of blogging is that it gives the students one more way to get in touch with their teacher with any question they might have on the class topics. I have been a student for a long time now, and any resource I can use to better connect with my teacher has been a huge help.
One of my only cons to blogging is that it is not mandatory. In other words, a teacher can require students to use it, but that doesnt mean anything. Students must actually use the blog in order for it to help them.
One of the pros of blogging (in education) is that a teacher can keep the class up to date with everything that is going on in the classroom. If a student misses a day of class, all he/she has to do is look on the blog and see what was discussed in class that day.
Another Pro of blogging is that it gives the students one more way to get in touch with their teacher with any question they might have on the class topics. I have been a student for a long time now, and any resource I can use to better connect with my teacher has been a huge help.
One of my only cons to blogging is that it is not mandatory. In other words, a teacher can require students to use it, but that doesnt mean anything. Students must actually use the blog in order for it to help them.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
"Growth" vs. "Fixed" Minds
In this podcast, a child's "fixed" mindset it discussed. It states that children go into school and feel that he/she is as smart as he can be or will ever get. I especially believe children feel this way more in this day and time than students did several years ago. With all the technology that is available to students, I can see where they would get the idea that they know all they need to know. I also believe that this is not true. As an educator, I need to do my best to make sure that a students mind is always growing and not staying in that fixed mindset. The podcast also talked about how doing things that help students learn will lead to them operating at their best potential.
I believe that this mind set of students is a growing epidemic and should be in the minds of all educators. As an educator, we must keep our students active in learning and make sure their mind is never stagnate or fixed. By keeping them busy with learning objectives and activities, we will keep them learning.
I believe that this mind set of students is a growing epidemic and should be in the minds of all educators. As an educator, we must keep our students active in learning and make sure their mind is never stagnate or fixed. By keeping them busy with learning objectives and activities, we will keep them learning.
Monday, March 9, 2009
iTunes University
In order for me to find out about iTunes U, I decided to look at examples of colleges who have used or are currently using this program as an aid to their students. One of the examples that I found was the University of Wisconsin-Madison. UW launched their iTunes page in order to allow students and other iTunes users to access content produces by the faculty, administration and other members of the UW community. The article went on to say "The page is a part of iTunes U, which allows colleges across the United States to post content for the greater public. UW’s page includes lectures, video content, addresses made by Chancellor Biddy Martin and much more." The article can be found at: http://badgerherald.com/news/2009/04/17/uw_launches_programs.php
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
iPods in Education
According to the article I read recently, apparantly Duke University gave their students iPods in order for the students to download educational lectures. By downloading these lectures, a student was able to listen to the lecture as many times as needed and learn and take notes at his/her own pace. The article also went on to state that the students who listened to these lectures actually performed better on the tests/quizzes on the lectures. The article can be found at: http://www.online-artikel.de/article/learning-podcast-for-students-at-the-university-16483-1.html
I believe that a student's ability to download lectures and listen to them at their own pace will be extremely helpful in improving grades. However, I feel that any teacher that uses this method should still make attendance required as some students may feel they can skip class since the lectures are available for download.
I believe that a student's ability to download lectures and listen to them at their own pace will be extremely helpful in improving grades. However, I feel that any teacher that uses this method should still make attendance required as some students may feel they can skip class since the lectures are available for download.
Dr. Alice Christie's site
The portion of Dr. Christie's website that I chose to learn about was her constructive learning resources. Dr. Christie explaines that constructivism is a learning theory that supports the following principles:
-Learning is an active process facilitated by an environment that encourages: risk-taking, creative thinking, and critical thinking.
-Teachers create such environments to: facilitate learning and provide opportunities for self-reflection and self-evaluation
-Learning is social and is fostered by collaboration.
-Learners learn by doing within a specific context.
-Learning is reflective and incorporates feedback from teachers (co-learners) and peers.
-Students and teachers learn through their mistakes
-Technology is a tool to facilitate learning and is NOT the focus of learning.
After reading about consturctivism, I strongly agree with this idea. These principles depict what a teacher should do in order to allow their students learn the maximum amount of material without overwhelming the student. I believe all of these principles are correct and each educator should follow them in the classroom.
-Learning is an active process facilitated by an environment that encourages: risk-taking, creative thinking, and critical thinking.
-Teachers create such environments to: facilitate learning and provide opportunities for self-reflection and self-evaluation
-Learning is social and is fostered by collaboration.
-Learners learn by doing within a specific context.
-Learning is reflective and incorporates feedback from teachers (co-learners) and peers.
-Students and teachers learn through their mistakes
-Technology is a tool to facilitate learning and is NOT the focus of learning.
After reading about consturctivism, I strongly agree with this idea. These principles depict what a teacher should do in order to allow their students learn the maximum amount of material without overwhelming the student. I believe all of these principles are correct and each educator should follow them in the classroom.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wikipedia
Wikipedia seems to be the most popular source to go to for information. While some information may be correct, other information may not have been checked for accuracy. According to NPR, "It isn't illegal. The whole point of the online encyclopedia is that it is collaborative and multi-sourced. Wikipedia calls itself "the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit," which is another way of saying it is not fact-checked."
While in highschool, I always believed Wikipedia to be a trustworthy and reliable source. However, when I reached college, I found out from many of my professors didnt like Wikipedia as a source because of its easiness to alter without checking to see if the facts were true. I do not use it as a source now, nor will I allow my future students to use it in my assignments.
While in highschool, I always believed Wikipedia to be a trustworthy and reliable source. However, when I reached college, I found out from many of my professors didnt like Wikipedia as a source because of its easiness to alter without checking to see if the facts were true. I do not use it as a source now, nor will I allow my future students to use it in my assignments.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
I enjoyed Randy's theory on the Brick walls. We all have so many "brick walls" in our lives that we have to learn how to overcome them. Whatever way we choose to overcome these walls defines our character. Pausch says that these walls are there to make you find out how bad you want whatever it is. This is very true. We sometimes take things for granted that we do not have to work for, but these walls make us realize just how bad we want some thing. When we have to work for something, we never take it for granted.
One of my favorite parts of the lecture was his comment about Moses. He said that like Moses he would only see the Promise Land, not set foot in it, but that was OK because at least he would get to see it. He was talking about the legacy he was leaving in all the students he had taught and all the programs he had started and built.
One part that made the lecture personal was when he brought out a cake for his wife's birthday. This was part of his thinking of others and not hisself. In the midst of a lecture, cancer, and chemo he was still thinking of ways to make his wife smile. Another way that made the lecture so personal was when he asked if we had figured out that this lecture wasn't for us after all. It was really for his three children. This put a whole different level of emotion in the lecture for me.
One of my favorite parts of the lecture was his comment about Moses. He said that like Moses he would only see the Promise Land, not set foot in it, but that was OK because at least he would get to see it. He was talking about the legacy he was leaving in all the students he had taught and all the programs he had started and built.
One part that made the lecture personal was when he brought out a cake for his wife's birthday. This was part of his thinking of others and not hisself. In the midst of a lecture, cancer, and chemo he was still thinking of ways to make his wife smile. Another way that made the lecture so personal was when he asked if we had figured out that this lecture wasn't for us after all. It was really for his three children. This put a whole different level of emotion in the lecture for me.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Fall '08 Podcast Review
The first podcast I listened to was "Blogging and Teaching". It was a good podcast, but there were some areas that I would suggest imporvements on. The first problem I noticed was that the word "um" was used too often. I view this word as a filler in conversations, and when a conversation should be organized and planned, there should be no need for filler words such as "um". I feel a way to keep this word from being used is to practice the dialogue more often. The use of this word made the podcast feel unprofessional. The second issue I noticed was that the females seemed to do more of the talking. As natural as this sounds, the females should have asked the male more questions to get him more involved in the conversation.
The second podcast I listened to was "How Technology is used in the Classes at South Alabama". The main issue that should have been corrected was the lack of conversation. In my opinion, in order for the podcast to be entertaining, it should hold a conversation where all of them members are involved.
The second podcast I listened to was "How Technology is used in the Classes at South Alabama". The main issue that should have been corrected was the lack of conversation. In my opinion, in order for the podcast to be entertaining, it should hold a conversation where all of them members are involved.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Podcasts
The first podcast I explored was EdTechtalk #92. This was very easy to lisen to because the podcast was right on the page for easy listening. I liked this one because it was very upbeat and sounded like a radio talkshow. The hosts had a special guest named Liz Davis who was a head person in an independent school. The hosts asked her about her self and what accomplishes her school has made over the years. I really enjoyed listening to this podcast.
The next podcast I explored was This Week In Photograpy. I loved this one! It was very visual and supplied pictures and a step by step process that was easy to follow. The basic principle was to learn how to brighten up pictures by using Photoshop. I liked listening to this one because mom loves photography and taking her own pictures, so I was able to show her what I learned from this podcast.
The final podcast I listened to was SmartBoard Lessons Podcast. This was not that interesting to me. It was in a conversation manner between two people. I guess i was not interested in the subject but if I was, they did a good job explaining smart boards.
Throughout this assignment, I was enlightened by each podcast. I feel that podcasts are a great way to provide information on a particular topic and should be used more often.
The next podcast I explored was This Week In Photograpy. I loved this one! It was very visual and supplied pictures and a step by step process that was easy to follow. The basic principle was to learn how to brighten up pictures by using Photoshop. I liked listening to this one because mom loves photography and taking her own pictures, so I was able to show her what I learned from this podcast.
The final podcast I listened to was SmartBoard Lessons Podcast. This was not that interesting to me. It was in a conversation manner between two people. I guess i was not interested in the subject but if I was, they did a good job explaining smart boards.
Throughout this assignment, I was enlightened by each podcast. I feel that podcasts are a great way to provide information on a particular topic and should be used more often.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Blogs used in the classrooms part 2
The second website I found which deals with classrooms using blogs is a college classroom where the doctor has chosen to use blogging to reach her students. Dr. Blackmon says that she uses blogs because "students get the opportunity to write about the texts that we read and to see and respond to what others in the class are writing". She has links to other classes of the same subject and also several links to various helpful sites. The blog can be accessed by clicking here: Dr. B's Blog
As I researched blogs used in the classrooms, I also found blogs that were used in schools outside of the United States. The first international school blog that I found was created for the Traill International School. The blog is a place for students and teachers to share their work and achievements. This blog has useful websites listed, photos from the classroom, and archives to look through for past information. To visit this blog, please visit the following link: The All New Traill Blog Campus Site
The second international classroom blog I found was for the International School of Bangkok. This blog has several different locations within the site which discuss everything from the schools mission statement to class times and alumni information. I believe that this blog does a very good job at creating an easy way to learn about the school itself. To visit this site, please click the following link:
ISB site
Blogs used in the classrooms part 1
The first classroom blog that I found was from right here in Alabama. It is a senior English class from Springville, Alabama. Ms. Caldwell, the english teacher, requires her students to post two comments on the blog each week which are relevant to their current topics and/or their assignments. You can find this classblog at the following site: CLICK HERE
Thursday, January 29, 2009
ACCESS
Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide, otherwise known as ACCESS, is a state wide learning program that allows schools to connect with other schools and help each other with various levels of educative courses. ACCESS offers advances level courses and electives that may or may not be available to certain schools. The program offers web bases courses and video conferencing courses that allow student to participate with other educational programs and experience education in a more diverse way.
ACCESS offers a variety of options for schools that participate in this program. Some of these options include advanced diplomas, additional courses, advanced placement and supplemental resources. These courses are taught at school during a regular school day and are provided free to
As I watched the "Shift Happens" movie on the fischbowl blogspot, I could not help but to wonder what the same presentation would look like today in 2009. The movie was made in 2006 and stated many facts about education and its future.
The fisch bowl education movie stated what countries were doing to develop students who are prepared for education. It stated that we currently are creating degrees for jobs that do not exist yet to solve problems that have not occurred yet. The movie went on to discuss the way technology has developed over the years and how mankind cannot begin to predict the limitless future for technology.
This movie was a real eye opener that expanded my thoughts on not only technology, but education as well.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
ALEX~What is it all about?
The Alabama Learning Exchange, also known as ALEX, is a website which connects teachers, students, parents and administrators throughout Alabama. ALEX provides support for each of these groups of people by providing links for lesson plans, courses of study, web links for various subjects and topics, and also allows for curriculums to be more similiar.
ALEX benifits teachers by posting various lesson plans for every subject from veteran teachers. This allows teachers to see how others are teaching that particular subject, and again, creates a more similiar curriculum with that teacher. The website also benefits the parents and students by having seperate web links for each group to interact in. Further more, administrators can accex ALEX and see what other schools are doing and can gain fresh perspectives on how to create a better learning environment for students.
ALEX is a great one-stop resource for everyone involved in the education process and should be encouraged at every level of education.
ALEX benifits teachers by posting various lesson plans for every subject from veteran teachers. This allows teachers to see how others are teaching that particular subject, and again, creates a more similiar curriculum with that teacher. The website also benefits the parents and students by having seperate web links for each group to interact in. Further more, administrators can accex ALEX and see what other schools are doing and can gain fresh perspectives on how to create a better learning environment for students.
ALEX is a great one-stop resource for everyone involved in the education process and should be encouraged at every level of education.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
About Me
My name is Peyton Ivey. I am 20 years old and I am a Math major and a Secondary Education major with a minor in Business. I am at south finishing my degree because I want to teach High School math. I enjoy math and kids, so I decided secondary education was the degree for me.
I love to cook and I am addicted to Food Network. That probably makes me a nerd, but we all have something special about us. I also like to travel with my family and go to different beaches where ever the water is blue.
I love to spend time with my family, especially my three sisters. They are Caroline (11), Molly Grace (4), and Libby (3). These girls are full of life and always keep me going.
I love to cook and I am addicted to Food Network. That probably makes me a nerd, but we all have something special about us. I also like to travel with my family and go to different beaches where ever the water is blue.
I love to spend time with my family, especially my three sisters. They are Caroline (11), Molly Grace (4), and Libby (3). These girls are full of life and always keep me going.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
First day of class
Hello, My name is Peyton Ivey. I am a Math major with a double major in Secondary Education.
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