Additional Assignment #3

Sir Ken Robinson: Changing Educational Paradigms

This video is one of the best videos about education that I have seen so far. It may even be my favorite. I can’t recall anything that I disagree with him about, at least not completely. I think there is a such thing as ADHD and ADD, and I do think it is caused by watching TV and playing video games along with the fact that the way students are being taught is out of date. I think if education was rejuvenated and updated students would be interested in learning because it would be more like everything else they are used to. I also liked his point about educating students in batches. I think it would be great if we could figure out a system where we could help students who need extra help and give students who have mastered certain things more advanced work. By doing this, we could help these children reach their full potential.

 I can see that some of my teachers are trying to become more up to date and incorporate technology and other things into their teaching, but I also think the whole system is still too far behind that their efforts are ineffective. It is kind of like the saying, “It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks.” I think it is our responsibility as future educators to take the initiative to start off doing the best we can to be more advanced and teach these new things to our students. I also think that we should come up with a different method for assessing students besides standardized testing. Yes, standardized testing may make certain things easier, but is it better for the students? Is it better for their future? I don’t think so. It is our job to do what is best for our students. I don’t think that teaching to these tests is doing what is best. I think it takes so much away from the students.

I would love to do a project like this. I loved the drawing as the lecture was presented. It was very interesting. I like to draw so I could be an illustrator. I could also be an author or a narrator. I would like to take part in all of it actually.

Blog Assignment 10

An Open Letter to Educators- Morgan Bayda

In Morgan’s post, she talks about the points Dan Brown makes in his video, “An Open Letter to Educators,” and she also tells us her opinion about what he says. She agreed with Dan that we as students are basically cheated out of a proper education. She also talks about how useful her PLN is.

I agree with Morgan and Dan that the education system in place is outdated. It is failing us as students. We are not receiving the education we deserve because we are not learning things we need to be learning about. Most classes you read the book, come to class for a lecture about what you have read, you “burp back” the information on the test, and then forget all about what you learned as soon as you are done. This system is useless and ineffective.

On that note, I think that teachers should encourage the use of PLN’s and have students actively engaged in learning activities where they can research things online and use all of the tools technology has to offer them.  Having students learn this way will keep them interested and involved. It is a great way to learn. It definitely beats sitting in a classroom listening to a teacher talk about something I have already read.

As a student, I appreciate a class like EDM 310, because it is not only challenging, it also introduces students to tools than can help them in the “real world.” As a future teacher, I plan to embrace technology and learn as much as I can so that I can teach my students how to be lifelong learners. I want to give them tools they can use for many different things, not just what they are doing for my class. I want to help them succeed and be assets to society. I want to make a difference to my students. 

Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!- Tim Johnson

As I read this post, I laughed at the absurd thought that children should not be allowed to take pencils home, but at the same time I was sad. How could we, as educators, ever tell a student they could not take a pencil home based on some journal article that says it lowers test scores? I mean really?! How could we have possibly gotten so far away from what is best for the students? Education should be solely based on what is best for the students, NOT based on one or two standardized test scores. What have school systems and education in general, come to? In a way it makes me want to take my passion for teaching and use it by homeschooling my daughter so that she is not forced into this mess we call education. If I did that, she might actually learn something other than answers to a few certain test questions. 

Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.

Two Questions That Can Change Your Life- Daniel Pink

In Daniel Pink’s video, “Two Questions That Can Change Your Life,” he asks:

1.) What is your sentence?

2.) Was I better today than yesterday?

If you really think about these questions and set goals then they really could change your life. If you had one main goal you wanted your life to be focused on, question one, and you strive each day to be better, question two, then you have something to motivate you to accomplish what you want to accomplish. After much thought, this is the sentence I came up with:

“I will make a difference in many children’s lives through education.”

I am sure this sentence may need revising later on, but this is what I want to do with my life.

Project 13 SMART Board Lesson

Project #11

Project #12 Skype interview

Blog Assignment 9

"What I've Learned This Year"

by: Mr. McClung

Mr. McClung's post is very insightful and helpful. It is a post that all future teachers should read. In his post, he basically told anyone who wants to be a teacher to do the following things: 

1.) Make sure students are understanding

2.) Be flexible

3.) Communicate with teachers and students

4.) Have reasonable expectations

5.) Do not be afraid of technology

6.) Listen to students

7.) Be a lifelong learner

This is great advice for all teachers. These are key things that in order to be a good teacher you should do. I will definitely remember this post if I am fortunate enough to get a teaching job one day.

 

Blog Assignment 8

Richard Miller: This Is How We Dream Parts 1 and 2

I found Mr. Miller’s videos to be intriguing. Before this semester, I had not really noticed how much technology actually influences our lives. I remember as a child reading books and handwriting papers. Now, students use the internet to research things and they type their papers. I can’t even begin to imagine what writing with the web, as Dr. Miller mentioned, would be like.

I love that with technology so many things are possible. You can work on a ton of different things all at the same time. You can get so much more done than you could have if you had to research things in books. I do not have anything against books, in fact I love books, but technology definitely makes things much easier.

I do believe that we need teachers who can teach these new technologies to students. Teachers need to be up to date and flexible. They need to constantly be learning new things and sharing these new things with their students. I believe the only way our future generations will be successful is if our teachers learn to teach this way.

EDM 310 is Different



The primary message of these two videos is that EDM 310 is overwhelming, but it can be done. You have to be motivated and basically just do your assignments. (In other words…grow up.)
I could see myself doing videos like these to help others with this class. I had all of those feelings in the beginning, but once you get used to it, it isn’t that bad. I have actually learned a lot of valuable things from doing the assignments Dr. Strange has assigned.

Critiques of SMART Boards

After reading Michael Staton’s "Why Smartboards are a Dumb Initiative,"
Bill Ferriter’s "Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards," and Emily Starr’s "The Reasons Why Interactive Whiteboards Are Being Attacked," I would have to say I agree with Emily. In her blog, she states things that people dislike about Interactive White Boards and then she tells us why these statements are irrelevant. Of course there are cheaper ways to do some of the basic things that IWB’s do, but at the same time, cheaper is not always better. Emily states that the problem does not lie with the IWB, but with the teacher who does not use the IWB effectively in their classroom. I think this statement best sums up the issue at hand.

Timetoast #9b

Timetoast #9a

Progress Report: PLN

As you can see, my PLN or personal learning network, is not very extravagant thus far, but it is coming along. I used Symbaloo to get started. I have added tiles for websites I visit frequently. I also joined Twitter and have added a few people to follow. I really like Symbaloo because you can have every link you need on one screen, and all you have to do is click on the tile and it takes you where you need to go. It is very useful and quick. I plan to add many more tiles as I think of them or run across them.

Additional Assignment #2

1. What do you think? If learners are motivated, can they teach themselves?

I do think that if learners are motivated they can teach themselves. My little sister would not sit still long enough to do any homework when she was in school. She got pregnant when she was 15 years old. My mother and my sister decided that she would be home-schooled. To our surprise, my sister did all of her school work without having to be asked to do so, and she made all A's. She graduated a year before her classmates, and is now attending college. My sister is one of the reasons I believe that if a child, or anyone for that matter, is motivated to do something, they will do it.

2. If those motivated learners are kids, can they teach themselves?

Yes, they most certainly can. My sister did it when she was home-schooled. She taught herself things I never even learned to do in school. It was impressive.

3. What conditions are necessary for kids to teach themselves? For anyone to teach him or herself?

I think that the person would have to be motivated and driven. Also, resources would need to be available for them to use such as a computer or books.

4. What role do computers and internet access play in the process?

I think computers and internet access play a huge role. You can learn anything you need to know from a computer that has internet access.

5. What role does motivation, a desire to learn?

I think you have to want something to actually do it. It is easier to just not do something than it is to do it. People like to take the easy way out. It is a shame because if you always take the easy way out you miss out on things, sometimes, important things.

6. What roles do a problem, a question or multiple problems or questions play in the process?

If there is a problem to be solved or a question to be answered, it gives them something to look for. It gives them a certain thing to concentrate on. If you do not give a particular problem or question, then there is no direction in whatever they do. I think children need direction and structure but also freedom to figure out the answers on their own. I know I learn a lot more if I am "forced" to find the answer on my own.

7. How do you motivate someone to learn?

I think to motivate someone to learn, you have to find something that interests them. You have to show them why it is important, and how it can benefit them.

8. How are you motivated to learn?

I have always been motivated to learn. I enjoy learning. (It might have helped that my mother was a teacher.) My grandfather is a big reason I am motivated to learn and do well in school. I want him to be proud of me. My daughter is also another reason why I am motivated to learn. I want to be a good role model for her. I want her to be proud that I am her mother, and I want to be educated for her.

9. Can anyone who is not motivated to learn learn?

I think people learn new things all the time whether they want to or not. They may not master things someone tries to teach them, but they will learn something. I think it is just human nature.

10. Do you teach yourself? When? Why?

I teach myself all the time. I look up information I need or want to know. I recently looked up things I could start feeding my daughter now that she has teeth. If I think of something I do not know and I have the time to find the answer, I will look it up. Why wouldn't I seek information about things I need to know?

11. What role does a teacher (either answer generally or use a specific example) play in your learning?

I think teachers help give you structure. They tell you what direction to take with your learning. Teachers provide guidance, support, advice, resources, etc.

12. What is the most important idea, question or emotional response you take away with you as a result of watching this video?

The most important thing I took away with me from this video is to never under-estimate what someone is capable of, especially if they have resources to thrive.

13. What other questions or issues are raised by this video that should be considered and discussed by aspiring teachers?

How can we help provide our students with resources to thrive? How can we use technology to help students with language barriers to understand and be understood?

Summary Post C4T Teacher # 2

Teacher: Aaron Eyler

That “Let’s Do More Mentality”
Posted by Aaron Eyler on August 12, 2010

It’s in our nature to always want to “do more” to seek improvement. It isn’t our fault. It’s almost as though it’s built into our DNA. Not as educators but as a human race.

The problem with “let’s do more” is that it is based on some preconceived notion that we are doing it right in the first place.

Think, for a second, about a lot of people’s commentary when it comes to improving the current US economy. Investing in our economy to create jobs that are being outsourced already only means that when the money dries up, the jobs will too. Wouldn’t that money be better invested in new, innovative areas that will ensure a positive rate of return and keep jobs within the United States? How about looking at a field like “green energy” and finding ways that the United States can become a leading figure that brings jobs into the country.

Now, I don’t claim to be an expert on the current economic crisis (or economics at all), but if my assumptions are right, we’re doing the same thing with education in the United States. More reports, more classroom time, more, more, more without thinking about whether or not those improvements will leave any lasting results.

I see a lot of people who say “let’s do more” without really considering whether or not what they are doing is actually effective. This is the key ingredient that prevents education reform from being an even more important word: sustainable.

Doing more is good. But doing it right is even more important. Otherwise, doing more is useless.

My comment:
Teri Hampton September 21, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Hi, Mr. Eyler!
My name is Teri Hampton, and I am also a student in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. You can view our class blog at: edm310.blogspot.com and my blog at: hamptonteriedm310fall2010.blogspot.com. I will be posting a summary of your posts and my comments on October 10, 2010.
I really liked your post. I agree that more is not always better. We should step back and look at what the problems are with what we are doing now and fix those problems instead of just adding more work, reports, etc. My question for you is, what do we do to fix this problem? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this particular issue. I hope to hear more from you.

When September Ends…
Posted by Aaron Eyler on October 3, 2010

I disdain and love September at the same time.

I love it because I’m back in the classroom and working with my students to learn their personalities as well as what we need to do to have a successful school year. I love that I get a new group of young, energetic minds that are just waiting for someone to engage them in American History as well as learning, in general.

These are all positives.

What I don’t enjoy are some of the realizations that come with the month of September. Much has been written about the “summer slide” with people positioning themselves on both sides of the fence. There are those that claim there is no such phenomenon and that extending the school year or providing summer assignments does little to correct the loss of understanding from previous year’s learning and those that advocate for year-round schooling because they believe it will eliminate the deficiencies that some students (particularly low SES sub-groups) face from 2.5 months of no instruction.

Enter my conversation with Tom Whitby yesterday at the “Tri-State Educational Technology Conference”.

I’m fortunate enough to work in a district that runs numerous programs for high and low-level students to take for enrichment. They are not mandated to attend, but every year there is a waiting list and numerous instances where parents must be turned away.

It isn’t that we don’t want to bring these students in. We simply don’t have the room, and some of these courses are already running at 30-35 students per class. The supply will simply never meet the demand so much so that we are toying with the idea of putting some online courses together for the coming summer in hopes that we can meet even more students’ needs.

So how does this all relate: September, the “summer slide”, and optional enrichment courses?

The question of whether or not districts should offer the courses is a waste of time. I believe we’d be hard pressed to find the district that wouldn’t run the courses if they had the money and resources to do so, correct?

I’m more interested HOW we can create opportunities for more districts to run these programs, and how we can utilize these courses to engage students in school.

Money may be the deciding factor in whether or not these course run, but I fail to believe that private entities would not be more willing to commit funding to programs over the summer than they are to programs during the school year. The cost is substantially lower given that there are far less students participating and far less teachers to employ at an hourly rate.

What interested me most about the conversation Tom and I had yesterday was that (to the best of my recollection) we didn’t waste time debating the positives and negatives of students going to school over the summer. We acknowledged that having school year-round would receive resistance from parents and teachers alike, but that offering students enrichment opportunities over the summer exists in some districts.

Here’s my point: we, as educators, need to be smart about the battles we pick. By providing students opportunities over the summer, we are offering families a chance to make decisions about the enrichment opportunities their children receive. Year-round schooling would only be logical if kids (parents, and teaches) came without the resentment that is sure to accompany such a practice. It fits nicely with what scientists know about motivation and human decision-making.

Mastery, autonomy, and purpose.

My Comment:
Teri Hampton October 11, 2010 at 12:16 am

Hi Mr. Eyler,
I think summer programs are an excellent idea. Of course it would be difficult to offer these programs everywhere, but where there is a will, there is a way. Right? If you could find a group of people that are passionate about doing something like this to help students, you could make a difference. Even if a small group of teachers volunteered at first, you would help more students than if you did not volunteer at all. You could have fundraisers, or ask for donations or sponsors. There are ways to make it happen if you are willing to put forth the effort. It may not be as big or extravagant as you would like for it to be, but with time it may grow into something huge. Just a thought.

Blog Assignment 7

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture

This lecture was inspiring to say the least. Randy Pausch seemed like a wonderful, driven person. I love the fact that he did this lecture for his children. I have a daughter, and I cannot imagine what things I would want to say to her if I were in the same situation he was in. I cannot imagine how difficult knowing that he did not have much longer to live, to see his children, his wife, etc. was for him. I am glad he had such a great positive attitude about life. He has done so much for others. He inspired me to be better and follow my dreams as I am sure he has done for many others.

One of my favorite things Mr. Pausch told us about was when he created his class at Carnegie Mellon and his students amazed him. He asked his mentor what he should do and he suggested Mr. Pausch tell his students, “That was pretty good, but I know you can do better.” I love this. It is a great technique to get children to go beyond even what you think they could be capable of doing. It makes them want to push their limits, and try to do the best that they can. I will use this teaching strategy in my classroom to help my students reach their full potential.

Another thing Mr. Pausch said that I agreed with was, “The best way to teach somebody something is to make them think they are doing something else,” otherwise known as a “head fake.” Parents do this with their children all the time when they are trying to get them to behave or do whatever it is that they want them to do. I played soccer in high school, and you really do learn so much more than just soccer when you are out there playing. You learn discipline, teamwork, critical thinking, sportsmanship, etc. Parents let children play games and do other “fun” things, and kids think they are just playing but they are really learning. This is another teaching strategy I plan to use in my classroom.

Mr. Pausch also said, “Get a feedback loop, and listen to it.” This is so important. Everyone needs someone to criticize them, give them advice, offer suggestions, support and/or help, and just basically let them know how they are doing. If you truly listen to your “feedback group,” you can improve things that need improving, or completely change whatever it is you are doing. You can also learn things that you might have overlooked without the outside view of your “feedback loop.”

“Don’t complain. Just work harder.” This is excellent advice. Most people complain when things get rough and are not going the way that they want them to go. It is hard to stay positive and motivated while being discouraged and upset. I know it is hard for me. However, even though it is hard, I believe that if you work through whatever problem(s) you are having it is that much more rewarding when you finally do figure it out. What is the lesson here? Complaining gets you nowhere. Hard work can get you anywhere. These are truly words to live by.

Randy Pausch’s last lecture was very valuable. It is hard to follow your dreams and get through the “brick walls” that life throws at you. I plan to start trying to do some of the things that Mr. Pausch mentioned in his lecture because I believe it would be incredibly beneficial to do so. I was truly touched by Mr. Pausch, and I think everyone should watch this video. (Thanks, Dr. Strange.)

Blog Assignment 6

Blog Assignment # 6

The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler



This is a very interesting video. Before this class (EDM 310), I really did not realize how much you can actually learn online. I also did not realize how much more advanced schools and classrooms are than when I was in school only a few years ago. It amazes me. There are computers in classrooms that students actually use. Teachers have smart boards and other technology they use. I had never even seen a smart board until this year. I had heard about them but never seen them, and now they are everywhere.
I have been doing service hours in a 3rd grade classroom. These kids know how to create wordles. I just learned how to create a wordle in this class. I honestly had never even heard of a wordle until this class. They also have a moodle. (A moodle is basically the same thing as USA Online and Blackboard.) I had my first online class my first year of college, and these kids are in the 3rd grade!
As of right now, I am not prepared to be a teacher of a networked student. I am still learning some of the basics. I am getting better though, and I hope by the time I finish this class I will be more confident. I am not only willing to learn, but also eager. I will be prepared by the time I graduate, because I now know where to start to learn the things I need to know to teach a networked student.

A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)



I am impressed and amazed. There is so much you can do on computers that I had no idea about. I also feel a little ashamed that this 7th grader is more advanced than I am. It motivates me to keep learning and exploring as much as I can. My PLN is nothing like this 7th grader’s. I hope that mine will eventually become as detailed and expansive as this one.

The Machine is Changing Us by Michael Wesch



I really enjoyed watching this video. It was very entertaining. I loved the hand messages and the free hugs. I personally don’t use YouTube very often, but I have watched some of the more popular videos. I do think that people use YouTube to come out of their shells and really open up to others. There are some crazy videos out there. I think sites like YouTube help individuals to be heard and just share experiences with other human beings. I am all for unity whether it is in person or through a website. As long as people are connecting positively, that is all that matters.

Comments 4 Kids Summary of #1 & #2

Blancap’s About Me

Well my name is Blanca I am 14 years old I was born Texas in a town called Maccllen. When I was 4 years old i moved to Missouri in a town called Noel I lived in a little yellow house. I am half Indian and Mexican and white my dad is Indian and White my mom is Mexican. I been to 10 states well thats me so byy.

My Comment on 9/13/10

Hi Blanca!
My name is Teri Hampton. I am in Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I look forward to getting to know you. I have a few questions. How do you like living in Noel, Missouri? What states have you been to? What things did you see in the ten states you have visited? I have been to over half of the states in the U.S. I have also been to Canada and Mexico. I love traveling to new places and seeing new things. I have been to Yellowstone National Park, Washington D.C., Mount Rushmore, Niagra Falls, Disney World, and a ton of other places. If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I really want to go to Australia. What are some of your hobbies? Do you play any sports? I don't want to overload you with questions, so I will stop now. I hope to hear back from you soon. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Blanca’s Manifesto

* This year I promise to respect my teachers. I will give them my full intention and i will not try to talk because I have a big mouth and i will talk but this year i won't talk. Know what they say better listener the more samarter you are.

* I promise to study harder and right down notes and do all my homework for I could be 100% ready for the high school and have a good grades.

* This year I promise to accomplish my my goals my goals for this year is to show a good inspiration for the upcoming 8th grade and to show them how to be a leader and set an example.
* This year my peers will respect me because I will respect them they have full confident on me if they need me they know all always be there for them no mater what they can count on me and so can my teachers.
* This is my biggest one because I hate reading AR books but I Blanca.P promise to read at least 15 books in one school year I have never read this many books but I will accomplish this goal and if I don't then u could sap me up side of my head but if I do my teachers will be HAPPY.

My comment on 9-23-10

I also think you have great goals for this year. Listening is very important. Taking notes, studying, and doing homework are also important. Hailey's suggestion about studying a little at a time is a very good bit of advice. If you break it down it does not seem as overwhelming. I think it is great that you plan to read fifteen AR books. Reading can be really fun if you find books that you are interested in. I hope you meet all of your goals Blanca!