My EDM 310 Blog Assignments are NOW Complete

Well, ladies and Matt (gentleman) we did it!!! It was a pleasure attending class with all of you. We laughed and occasionally fussed, but all in all I would say we had a good time.

Matt, I have to say thank you for putting up with Susan, Keller and I as we shared our country bumpkin stories.

To all of you I hope you achieve all your hopes and aspirations in your task of higher education.

May God Bless YOU!!!

Access Lab Visit - Millry High School

For my access lab visit I chose Millry High School. I had two reasons for choosing Millry: 1 - I am a graduate of Millry High School and 2 - I wanted to compare the school from then (1992) until now. Wow, was I amazed at the advance in technology at the school. I remember having only one computer lab with about 15 computers max, that had the monologue screens. Now they have two computer labs equipped with 30 computers each and an ACCESS lab equipped with a laptop for each student.


I was greeted by one of my former math teachers Coach Odom, whom is now the principle at Millry High School. He escorted me to the ACCESS Lab and as I entered my jaw dropped. This technology was beyond what I had imagined. As I walked into the room I saw two huge what appeared to be plasma TVs on either end of the room, with cameras above them. It is my understanding that through this technology teachers can teach remotely and still interact with the class. In addition there is a smart board which I found to be the coolest educational technology tool I have ever witnessed. Mr. Odom then directed me to a metal box setting near the door. This box contained laptops for the students participating in the lab. He informed me that the total cost of the lab was around $87,000. However, through a state program the school only had to pay $2,000 of that amount, due to furniture expenses. At this time the lab is not being used, but beginning January 2009 it will be in full swing.



Mr. Odom and I then walked across campus to the computer lab. In the lab, students take web-based courses offered through ACCESS. I was then introduced to Ms. Pam Clarke the technology teacher at the school. She informed me that 11 students were taking courses through ACCESS, 9 students are taking psychology as an elective and 2 are taking physical science for regular credit. Ms. Clarke expressed how pleased she was about the students performance in the classes offered and was excited about being able to offer more through interaction in January 2009. Ms. Clarke herself will be trained to teach an interactive class through ACCESS.

Electronic Interaction

My electronic interaction took place on wikispaces.com on shifthappens. After being accepted into shifthappens I sent a mass e-mail to all members of shifthappens and received a reply. My reply was from Barry Jahn of Salem, OR. He is currently a professor a George Fox University where he teaches ED 556 (Pedagogy- Technology focus). He has been an educator for over 35 years, and developed an award winning technology based program for Talented and Gifted Math students in grades 4 and 5 in his school district. Mr. Jahn is presently researching Web2.0 tools and how to integrate them into F2F and eLearning environments. He was a Lead Developer and Reviewer for creating online courses that utilize these tools. He also travels around in order to do presentations and workshops at conferences and school districts around the state. Mr. Jahn has a very impressive vita, which can be viewed on his google site barryjahn.com.

During our interaction I asked Mr. Jahn "How is technology changing education?". He replied, "This is a very broad question." He then went on to inform me that if there were a simple answer he suggest the National Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators (NETS) for students, teachers and administrators. Mr. Jahn states, "I'm a firm believer in these goals and have participated on teams that helped derive them and improve them over the years". These standards are set by the International Society for Technology in Education, which has served as a road map since 1998 for improved teaching and learning by educators. These standards help to measure proficiency and set goals for knowledge, skills and attitudes need to succeed in today's Digital Age.

In Mr. Jahn's blog, Barry's E-Learning Resources he posts related materials about his research on Web2.0 Tools and links to innovative uses in education.

This contact was very beneficial to me as an educator. By knowing about this information and standards this will allow me the resources I need to actively integrate technology in the classroom.

What I learned in EDM 310.........

Well where do I begin. In the beginning I would have to say that I was thinking OMG! I just thought I knew about technology. I have used computers my whole life and never realized what I was missing until now. This class has taught me that learning is fun, no "Burp Back Education" here. It was a challenge, but as I learned the more I enjoyed. By learning the usefulness of technology through websites, web pages, databases, blogs and podcast this will enable me to be a better educator.

I intend to use these technological resources in my classroom in hopes of creating a classroom environment free of "burp back".

Most of all I have built relationships with my peers. The comments on my blog really helped me. They were encouraging, while also creating good laugh now and then. It was funny, the way I kept checking to see who commented on my blog. Thanks to all that commented on my blog.

Pros and Cons of Blogs in the Classroom

I chose to read to blog of Keller Leathers. I was surprised to see that Keller had also read my blog, however this made me nervous as I began to read. Keller and I are both from rural communities and had not the foggiest idea as to what a blog was. However I found blogging to be a very interesting and helpful tool.

As I started my adventure in blogging I was very insecure. I usually posted my blogs early and found it very helpful as to the comments that I received. However, I was called a nerd a time or two. Anyway I would say that just as receiving those comments helped by insecurities it should also help students with the same insecurities. But it could also be used in a negative way, like cyber bulling. Children are so cruel today they do not understand the damage that could be done even if it is just a "joke" as they like to say. A "joke" cause a 13 year old boy to kill himself.

As educators it is important to stay a grasp to technology, but at the same time boundaries should be explained. If bulling is not accepted in the classroom, then it surely should not be accepted through a classroom blog. In order for a blog to be effective comments should be monitored. This will stop negative comments before they ever are seen.

In the view of a parent, blogs can be very helpful. How many times has a child forgot a backpack, leading to a total panic attack. It would be simple if a blog was utilized in the classroom. The blog would contain homework information, up coming events and class activities. It would eliminate the backpack panic attack.

Students could even create there own blogs. This will allow them to express their interest about different things that they learned. It would help them to develop much needed creative writing and grammar skills. However, in a low socioeconomic society blogging for students would be limited to school. However limited I say let them learn where and while they can. Students should explore and learn all they can and if school is there exploring time, let them explore. That's what it's all about, seeing that expression of "wow I didn't know that".

In conclusion, I say BLOG ON!! (It's been fun!)

Duke University

In this podcast, Tim Tyson and Tom Rankin discuss the origins of the course "The South in Black in White". They feel that this course will enlighten the history and literary content of the South.

The "Front Porch" approach of the course will allow Southern storytellers to express their own rich cultures. It will show strengthens and weaknesses while displaying who the South really is and were the South wants to go.

The course is to be held at the Hayti Heritage, which holds a rich history in itself. Topic discussed in the course will consist of: race relations in Durham, the Duke lacrosse situation and the role of public education.

I think it is important to embrace the historical value of the South, no matter how grim it may be. Many associate the South with a number of slurs, but I look at the South as a rich heritage. If you look at all historical facts you will find a little grimness to them all. It's not just white and it's not just black. It's about the South and what the South has overcame and was it to come.

Synopsis of course content from Duke University.

“The South in Black and White” is a lecture and discussion course. We will focus on the history and culture of the 20th century South, a region of the heart, the mind, and the United States where democracy has been envisioned and embattled with global consequences. We will constitute a kind of front porch on Southern history, where we will join those whom Zora Neale Hurston called “the big picture talkers” and hear their stories. Each week there will be music, poetry, film clips, and opportunities for discussion. There will be music, poetry, documents and stories every day. We will explore a history as rich and complicated, painful and delightful as the South itself.

EDM 310 Podcast

Well guys we did pretty good on these podcast. We even sounded like we knew what we were talking about. I say hats off to everyone!!!! If you would like to listen to the podcast I selected just click on the highlighted topic.

However, it is a requirement that I must critic. So, I'll start with my own. I was joined with Susan Smith and Angela Minish in a discussion about ACCESS. The podcast answered the questions, what is ACCESS, how does it work and how does it impact the classroom. The podcast was very informing, however got a little to wordy. I think it could be improved with more discussion about ACCESS among all three, a more back and forth discussion. But, we did pretty darn good!!!


I chose two other blogs from Ms. Averitt's EDM 310 class both concerning Blogging and Blogging Experiences. Kimberly, Brooke and Ashley informed us about Blogging. They explained what a blog is, how they may be used and discussed blogs they found useful. They did a great job, but again I must admit that more back and forth discussion would have made the conversation more interesting. Rachael, Keller and Joye talked about their Blogging Experiences. They were the first of the class to present their podcast and were a hard act to follow. I recall everyone looking at one another with that OMG look on their faces. There were a few bumps in the podcast, little stutters, but overall was very informative and interesting. Good job!!



I had to listen to the "Burp Back Education" podcast, since I'm not a real big fan of it either. Ashley Denson, Sandy Presley and Robyn Terry did a great job on discussing the pros and cons of Burp Back Education. They explained that burp back is passive learning, a memorization game. I agree that students must be "inspired rather than required" as stated in the podcast. They also had a few stutters and bumps but overall did a good job. Just a little to many giggles during the podcast.

Mathematics with Technology

These podcasts are provided by Judy Chandler, technology integration specialist, mathematics teacher, and math mentor/trainer for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative. In the first podcast Ms. Chandler explores "Mathematics with Technology. She explains how technology can provide influential enhanced learning for math students. Through this technology students can apply math in an integrated multi-sensory and collaborative learning environment. However, many teachers make excuses as to why technology is not used, with also recognizing the need. Simply they do not want the take the time to implement the technology.

"Thinking Mathematically", is the title of the second podcast by Ms. Chandler. She challenges students that are unable to connect to engage in "thinking mathematically,which historically, has been a key piece in the evolution of that body of knowledge we call
mathematics. As teachers this thinking is used by questioning. This form of questioning allows the students to explore and investigate mathematics through critical thinking. These podcasts offer resources for both teacher and student that will be helpful in building knowledge in the use of technology.

Educators may use these podcast to stress the importance of "Mathematics with Technology". It is essential in this day and age that technology be used to it's maximum. With the rate of change in technology it can be useful in acceleration of mathematical concepts. Students are very up to date with technology, therefore with the integration of mathematics students will be up to date with mathematics.

It is known that the U.S. lags behind other countries in mathematics. I say if technology can enhance the critical thinking involved in understanding mathematics, then why not use it!!! Initiatives should be used through out the U.S. in order to properly integrate mathematics with technology.

"Growth" vs. "Fixed" Mindsets

Carol Dwech speaks about mindsets. She begins by explaining the "Fixed" mindset, that is the display of intelligence or to look smart. This mindset has to make the person feel smart. In contrast is the "Growth" mindset. This mindset is the application and teaching that the brain is a muscle that increases intelligible skills.

An eight session workshop involving students was established one using study skill with applications of the "Growth" mindset and the other just study skills. The students using only study skills declined in academics, while the group with "Growth" mindset excelled in academics. It was reported that teachers could indicate the students participating in the "Growth" mindset sessions.

The "Growth" mindset was tested by race car drivers in order to achieve optimal performance. Ms. Dwech explained that the difference between the winner and the loser was how they handled mistakes. The "Growth" mindset allowed the driver to remain the "zone". The drivers admitted mistakes and overcame them, which allowed for "Growth".

As an educator it is important that the "Growth" mindset be applied in the classroom. This allows students to identify mistakes while developing a solution, much like the race car driver. If the student has a "Fixed" mindset, then they only want to display intelligence not actually increase intelligence. In other words, "Fixed" mindsets leads to "burp-back education", as Dr. Strange says. Educators must teach students how to use the "Growth" mindset effectively in order to increase intelligence to optimal performance. They must understand that showing is not as important as knowing!!

Interaction Tip

I used wiki spaces for my electronic interaction. It worked, I now have a contact. It's simple just create a wiki account and add shifthappens to your Wiki Favorites, it's listed on your dashboard. However don't expect feedback until you are accepted by shifthappens. After you are accepted then you can email everyone that has shifthappens listed as a favorite. More than likely you will get a response. Hope this helps. Just click on wikispaces to start your wiki account.

K-5 Video Pod Cast - Solar Eclipses & What is a Plant?

As I began to search for topics provided by iTunesU in the Featured Provider, WGBH, K-5, Teacher Domain I discovered a couple that interest me. A clip about the Solar Eclipses was the first I chose. It explained what a solar eclipse is. An eclipse is the shadow of the moon on earth. The sun shines on both the earth and the moon, however the moon is smaller than the earth and only shadows a small portion. The areas that receive a full eclipse is referred to as the umbra. An area of a partial eclipse is referred to as a penumbra. The second explored the question, What is a Plant? In the clip the IAU definition of a plant is given. A plant must orbit a star, have enough mass to maintain gravity, must be round and must have cleared its neighborhood. This definition the was established in 2006 nullified Pluto as a plant instead it is considered a dwarf plant, because it has not cleared its neighborhood. This is due to the fact that Pluto crosses with Neptune, therefore not being cleared. However what is interesting is that Neptune has not cleared Pluto, so is Neptune a plant????Hmmmmm. Just something to ponder!

As educators information provided by these pod cast can be beneficial to both student and teacher. Through this technology students can experience enhanced learning experiences, while teachers advance their own teaching skills.

There is nothing better than the student to have the ability to actually see what is being taught. These pod cast allow the student to observe how and why. Just as the TV is influential in students so can pod casts. They desire to see instead of figuring it out. If the information is presented in a way for the them to better understand should not all educators grasp hold of such a influential tool, as pod cast and its FREE!

While doing research on these pod cast I stumbled across something interesting. You can visit www.google.com/sky click on solar system and actually see the plants as they lie in space. It's COOL!!!

Mr. Sullivan "Accessibility to All"

On October 2 Mr. Sullivan was the guest speaker of our EDM310 Class. He educated us on "Accessibility to All". It was interesting to learn the different accessibility available. He shared with us some programs and devices that are used by the blind. It diffidently opened by eyes to be more aware in my web practices. I now take that extra effort to enter in the text to be read about pictures and the sources. It was so wonderful to see an inspiration as Mr. Sullivan. His passion of educating is something that stands out.

Video Podcast: The Edible School Yard & A Night in the Global Village

The Edible School Yard

In this podcast a group of 6th graders of Martin Luther King Junior Middle School plant, harvest and eat from the garden they maintain. The founder of this project is Alice Waters. The garden serves as the center of teaching. Students learn social studies, math, science and life skills, while also including basic ecology. This enables the students to better understand environmental concerns and the value of hard work.

A Night in the Global Village

This podcast informs us of the Global Village, which is a re-creation of communities of under developed countries. Students from Denver, Colorado visit Perryville, Arkansas, where the Global Village is located. At the village student experience first hand survival in substandard living conditions. Students are split up in groups which experience re-created living conditions in Guatemala, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Urban, Appalachian and Refugee camps. All but one camp the Refugee camp is allowed one resource, like water, food, wood etc and a bucket of other usable resources. The camps must work together in order to have a successful community.

As an educator both of the above podcast can be very useful in the classroom. These cast relate to students, because they see other students involved. This allows them to understand that learning is all around you, as illustrated in the podcast. These videos were from Edutopia, a great learning resource.

So many students are under the misconception that learning is limited to a textbook. In my opinion that is the problem with the students of today. Students should be able to explore and learn, that's what makes learning FUN!!

AVL - Alabama Virtual Library

The Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) is a database of magazines, journals and newspaper articles. This information is only accessible at your local high school or college or by obtaining an AVL card and personal access code for home access. The card and code can be obtained at your local Alabama library with proof of residency and eligibility for a public library card. The code is issued in order for the researcher to access the information from remote locations. However the access is limited to only one session at a time. That is once you have accessed AVL no one else is allowed access under your code. You can search the information by age, topic, particular magazine or journal or specific database. These databases are packed full of useful information and resources about any subject.

Podcast

I have to say that I had by doubts about pod casting. I do confess that after figuring out how they work and the technology pod casting brings to the table my doubts are no more. After listening to the pod casts in the assignment I began to do a little surfing on my own. Wow, was I shocked to find all the information that is offered through pod casting. My 12 year old son even listened to a story, "Robinson Crusoe" to be exact. I was in amazement that he actually sat their with the ear phones in and actually listened.

SMARTBoard Lessons proved to be an informative pod cast. I chose to listen to lesson 146. The lesson was about clouds and cloud formation. The pod casters were Ben Hazzard, in Port Hampton, Ontario and Joan M. Badger of Lake Winnipeg. The pod casters have received many awards to include: Exemplary Educators, Microsoft Innovative Teachers and Edublog 2007 "Best Use of Audio". The cast provided additional links and information about Wordle, which makes word clouds and the Whiteboard Challenge in addition to the cast content.

In KidCast Dan Schmit provided and information way to help children be more descriptive. The lesson was titled "A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words", lesson 46. In this lesson he shared a process to help children be more in dept in their writing. A photo is used as the topic of the writing and he tells the children to generate 20 questions about the photo. These questions are used to help the children write a more descriptive narrative.

The reactions of students in San Diego about technology were discussed in the ConnectLearning pod cast. Educators meet in order to discuss how technology motivates children. It is express that technology allows children to be more personal and responsible for their own learning. Children work harder when they know their peers will be reading their work as it is posted to blogs. This in turn allows for children to have fun as they learn.

Sheryl Oates and Sheryl Neesbraum Beach, via phone discussed how to help the excitement after convention in the EdTech Talk pod cast. They expressed their concern about how teachers are motivated during and after conference, but lose the motivation after a while. Strategies of community learning were discussed. If the community is motivated then the teachers will be.



I found the first four pod cast interesting and informative but chose to use other pod cast to complete the assignment. WordSmart WordCast introduces five words of a particular theme each week. This week's theme was history. I found this pod cast helpful in that it improves vocabulary. I myself fall short of having a accelerated vocabulary and this would be helpful in improving that weakness.

Another podcast the was informative to me was Aesop's Fables, through LearnoutLoud.com. This pod cast offers children varies tales of virtuous living as written by Aesop. These tales of virtuous living could be explained to children as they relate to real life situations.

Randy Paush's "Last Lecture"

Randy Paush's "Last Lecture" brought out many valuable points about teaching and learning. He talked not only about his childhood dreams, but how to enable the childhood dreams of others. Throughout his lecture he emphasized "head fakes". A "head fake" is having fun while learning. An example of "head fake" was through "Alice". He also applied this through his teaching, by allowing students to work as a team with the freedom to express themselves. This was evident when the program became so successful that it drew interest of other college departments. As educators it is important to allow students to explore that freedom in order to achieved a successful "head fake".

Randy shared many of his life stories and what he learning from them. My favorite being the brick wall. One may think that a brick wall will stop you however, he viewed the brick wall as allowing us to prove how bad we want it that is our dedication. He believes, if you want something bad enough you just keep trying no matter the obstacle. This determination needs to be taught to our children of today. So many times children just give up, it is important that we as educators teach children to try, try, try again. As Randy said it is important to be good at something, it's what makes you valuable.

In the lecture he points out what is needed to be successful. The first being dedication, the brick wall concept. The second being "Don't Bail", that is don't give up. Thirdly, get feedback and listen to it. Don't just say okay, do something about it, also don't complain and work hard. The most important being show gratitude, always think of others and others will think of you.

In conclusion, Randy unveiled the biggest "head fake" of all. He displayed his gratitude to his wife, by having 500 people sing happy birthday to her, while also informing us that the lecture was not just any other lecture. This lecture was for his children, because he may not be around to tell them the things they need to know. That was the biggest "head fake" of all. He once again made learning FUN!

Fischbowl - "Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?"

Fisch, relays a bold statement in this blog. The statement being that, "If a teacher today is not technologically literate - and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more - it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read and write." He definitely makes a point. Just how important is technology? According to Fisch just as important as reading and writing. He then asks the reader, "Your thoughts?"

I must say that I agree with Fisch. For a teacher to be technologically illiterate in today's society is definitely the same as the teacher thirty years ago not knowing how to read and right. How are the minds of the future ever to advance without the proper knowledge and advancement of technology? In a nutshell, they won't. It's the same as if someone still used stones to start a fire rather than matches. It is through advancement that the world is what it is today and for someone to hinder that is an educational crime.

Fischbowl - "Did you know?"

Wow, this presentation is great. I must say that I did not know! I was impressed that the presentation used graphics, however they were not overwhelming. It seemed to keep the watcher interested. The presentation explained the importance of technology not only in the U.S., but around the world. It is scary to comprehend such technological advancements, but realistically it's closer than one may think. As educators we must understand that the future of educating children will rely on these technological advancements. It is our job to familiarize ourselves with these advancements in order to better prepare the future minds of the world.

International School Blogs

The first international school blog that I found is located in Bangkok, Thailand. This blog offers information to both parents and students, while also offering other links. A survey had been taken about how the parents feel their children are being educated and the results posted to the blog. It was interesting to see the parents opinions. The blog is maintained by the head of the school, Bill Gerritz. In the picture, Bill is to the left.
To view this blog CLICK HERE.



The second international school blog is located in Tsukuba, Japan. This blog also offers information for both parents and students. It displays happenings in the school, a school calender and up coming events. I found this blog interesting because it took some research on my behalf. I was unaware of what country Tsukuba was located in, but now I know.
The picture is of students in a special music lesson. They are learning to play the spoons.
To view this blog CLICK HERE.

Cool High School Blog

This is a really cool blog. It is a high school in Pittsburgh, PA. It has information about everything concerning the school. It looks like it is maintained on a daily basis. All I can say about this one is..... check it out!CLICK HERE

Elementary School Blog

I have found an elementary school in Oregon that utilities blogs. The name of the school is Antonia Crater Elementary School. The blog is being used by teachers to post pictures of activities, while also including a monthly newsletter and calender. This blog is very informative and would be helpful to parents on keeping up with what is going on in the school. The picture is of a kindergarten class on the 100th day of school celebration. To visit the blog CLICK HERE

ACCESS

ACCESS stands for Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, & Students Statewide. This allows students of rural low-income schools to take additional courses via the Internet in order to receive a more advanced education and diploma. This vision of ACCESS is to provide high quality instruction to students through distant learning. The State of Alabama has provided the technology to these schools, which allow the students to have access to the technology required. It offers a blended learning setting with both web-based and videoconferencing. Through this technology students have the opportunity to take more advanced course electives, which therefore prepare them for higher education. It also allows students the ability to review a lesson that they might not completely understand the first time. The review allows them to understand the content of the lesson more clearly.

ACCESS is a great way for students to expand their knowledge. This allows them to not only take advantage of more course electives, but also familiarize themselves with the use of the computer and web technology. Students learn to have more responsibility, since progress is solely at their fingertips. They have a sense of control.

Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX)

ALEX is a resource that is provided to teachers, parents and students through the Alabama Department of Education. ALEX is designed to index and share many types of educational materials. The materials include lesson plans, professional developement, links to grant oppuritunities and professional organizations. Teachers can also post and share their own lesson plans. The design benefits teachers by being a one-stop resource center.
ALEX can be very useful to teachers by allowing them access to many resources. For one website to offer lesson plans, professional developement and links to grant and professional organizations can be helpful. This allows the teacher to focus more on the student.

My Google Presentation

The presentation that I will present is all about me. I will include items that tell you a little about me, to include my likes, dislikes and what is important to me. My family, friends, church and co-workers will be a large part of my presentation as those are the people that are involved in my life. You will also discover that I have a strong faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. I hope through this presentation that you will learn why my faith is so important to me. May you have a blessed day!!

Welcome

Hello, all. I would like to welcome you to my blog. This is something new to me, but it seems to be pretty neat. I am looking forward to getting to know you. I am a full-time worker, student and mom. I have a 12 year old son, which is a big reason why I'm at USA. I being a single mom am not able to always get the extras that a 12 year old may want. I also want to be an example to him, in that an education is important. It will only be a few years before he will have to make his educational decision and I hope that I will encourage him to pursue a higher education. As you can tell my interest is my family. I want to be the best provider that I can be, that being both emotionally and financially. I hope to obtain a degree in Elementary Education in order to share my passion of learning with children. I believe if you are passionate about what you do, then surely you will influence children in a positive way in order for them to make better decisions in life. My belief is that "All things are through the Lord, Jesus Christ"! It has been through the help of the Lord that I am where I stand today. I have been through many trials in my life, but God has always been there. I hope that you know that the trials you may encounter can be handled with the best of care through Christ. May God Bless YOU!