Sunday, April 26, 2015

Blog Post #16

                                                           Final Post Summary Video 


I have learned a great deal in the way of taking my general understanding of PBL and pushing it into the 21st century through EDM 310. This is my short summary video of how this class has affected my way of thinking and how I will approach teaching.


Project #12 B

                                                       Smart Board Presentation 

C4K Summart Post #3

                                                   April Comments for Kids Summary Post
#8    Jake J.   (Mrs. L's Awesome 7th Grade Class)                                                
The link to Jake's blog is right above if you click on his name. His post was about creating his own business around Beluga Whales. They would sale stuffed animals, Beluga whale fish tanks, and your very own Beluga Whale. The following was my response to his post: 
    Hey Jake, I am a student from the University of South Alabama, I think this is an interesting business idea. I have grown up near the Gulf of Mexico, 21 years now, and whales are not something that I hear about very often. Sharks on the other hand, those are on the news it seems every other day during the tourist seasons. If this were a real restaurant I know I would personally enjoy eating at here. Great post, always keep this level of creativity as you get older.
comments4kids.blogspot.com
#9 Heaven's Blog      

Heaven posted about how many of her friends have gone out of their way to do great things for her. This is my response: 
       Heaven, my name is Tyler Herrington and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I find it amazing that you have such a great group of friends. I too have friends that will do the same for me if I ever needed. Never let those friends go. 

#10 Kyah's Blog 
This student from Australia posted about an Australian and New Zealand holiday honoring the men who served in WW1 while also thanking the women who sent non-perishable food to the Gallipoli. 

My response was hidden until reviewed, although I simply found it interesting how the citizens there supported their troops. Also, how i was a History major and have not really studied much into how Australia and New Zealand was affected by WW1 and what all they did to support the war effort. 

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Blog Post #13

                                                                   What was left out?

"Hypothetical Post"-
What are some ways to incorporate PBL (project based learning) into the classroom with out the use of blogs or video projects for your subject? List at least 3 examples and explain why these would prove beneficial for your students.

"Answer"-
The use of videos, blogs or the many other type of technological savvy ways to do have students in participate in PBL is not always viable. Imaging the monetary restraints of many schools along with those of the students family. With this in mind projects should be able to be completed with the good old fashioned books.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/40/73/a5/4073a537c5b27c5dc8f159f96111ede2.jpg1) Coke Bottle Figures-  This project requires the students to do some basic research on the childhood and life of a historical figure being studied during that particular unit. The students should create a realistic replica of that figure a present a brief paragraph on them. The point of this project is to get the students deeper into who these individuals really are. This allows the students to understand more than just what history books tall about them, i.e. where they were born and grew up, where they only children, the oldest, or the youngest, what else did they do that is note worthy outside of what the text book tells us. I have seen this project done and the students always love it. A twist on it would be allowing the students to dress up themselves to be the individual.

2) Propaganda Posters- The students would create a poster for either side of a particular dispute based on how they think it would have been done. This is a group project, allowing students to use their artistic and imaginative ideas to create a piece of history. This was done in my history class as sophomore student on the Boston Tea Party. Each group was given the choice of colonialist or British and had to create a poster reflecting their side. The class then would vote, after they were graded, on at least 6 posters they felt were the best and most creative and would hang them up around the class. This gives groups pride in their work, along with allowing other classes to see their work possibly for years to come. The students will gain a greater understanding of the events, and this is without using any knowledge outside lectures or readings.

3) Historical Board Games-  This is quite interesting since it forces the students to put a twist on the board games they grew up playing, also a group project. It requires nothing outside of a text book or possibly google. The students have the choice of creating something completely new, or simply altering an established game. For example, my group many years ago took monopoly and created "Civil Waropoly". Over the board we traced the playing surface and relabeled each of the squares to famous battles or notable people from each side. Along with the community chest and chance cards. One card might say, failed to attend the Gettysburg Address pay bank $200 or land on Bull Run and purchase it for $350. It is a way, just like the other three to encourage students to get deeper on a particular unit.

The point of any project should be to get the students more information and allow them to create some way of learning that information. Not every student will learn the same way, also for a subject that is seen to be all about multiple choice and memorization requiring students to use the lectures and any knowledge gained from the text book to create something that will embed this information in a more reliable way. Learning has to be fun for it to affect the students especially with history, a subject that can easily put someone to sleep.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

C4T#3

                                                                       Learning Is Messy
                                                           
                                            High Hopes Project Explained (March 29, 2015)
Mr. Crosby has been an upper elementary teacher for many years now and has began to operate the STEM system (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). He began an engineering project with local high, middle, and elementary schools in hopes to spark interest in these subjects. The projects vary in difficulty, as you would expect, but are each as fascinating as the rest. Utilizing all four parts of STEM to be able to properly complete the project is key. I was actually envious of the students that are able to participate. It is a marvelous idea to encourage students to strive for success in education and spark their interest in very important subjects. 
My Response was as follows:
Mr. Crosby,
It is amazing the work you are doing. This is the emphasis our teacher is attempting to get across with project based learning. I am envious that these students are getting the opportunity to participate in these experiments. One can only hope that you will be allowed to continue this project and even expand upon it. Wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

                                             Online Presentation- What is STEM? (April 12, 2015)
Mr. Crosby is planning on hosting a virtual presentation on what the STEM program is and what it can do for students. As anyone who reads the previous post I commented on from Mr. Crosby can see the benefit the program can have towards students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
My response was as follows:
Mr. Crosby,
I find it quite amazing that you will be hosting a virtual conference. It would be an honor if the university could pay for our classes to observe. Yet, I have been keeping up with your blog and I am still bewildered by what you are accomplishing through the STEM program. Thank you for paving the way for my generation of teachers.
                                 
                                                         
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAYQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chateaubriand-fellowship.org%2F&ei=RQ8rVZ2UO4aHsAXh3oCgAw&psig=AFQjCNHFAO1XBkQ4ECTeJ5HbaCoqi-aQ6g&ust=1428971622638816

Blog Post #12

                                                                    Assistive Technology 

What is assistive technology and what can it do for our students? With inclusion becoming more popular, general education teachers will be teaching more and more students with some type of disability. It is important that we, as teachers, are prepared to help our students achieve to the best of their ability. These devices are to:

        1. Enhance Learning
https://www.google.com/search?q=Assistive+technology&es_sm=122&biw=1280&bih=598&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=SOgqVbXdIYqmgwTjzoGoDg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#imgrc=HfUGGhXFYCVvDM%253A%3ByKoYmCxYHAjhYM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww4.esc13.net%252Fuploads%252Fassistivetech%252Fimages%252Fat.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww4.esc13.net%252Fassistivetech%3B400%3B170
        2. Remove Barriers
        3. Push Boundaries
        4. Give Hope and Challenge the way
            we think

As I have had a special education instructor tell me, always step foot into a class with the idea that every student has a disability. The worst thing anyone can do is assume one particular student is disabled when they might just struggle in your particular subject. If one is to assume every students needs the use of basic assistance programs there is a possibility that all students will benefit.



Sunday, April 5, 2015

Blog Post #11

                          What can we learn about teaching and learning from these teachers. 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAYQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fastcodesign.com%2F1662898%2Fhow-steelcase-redesigned-the-21st-century-college-classroom&ei=m_QhVaPwJdWzyAT-m4CICg&bvm=bv.89947451,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNE9BbwUCNZIzy-1H8bCSSYKmU1u-g&ust=1428375062506887
I will answer this question by evaluating the following videos, Back to the Future by Brian Crosby, Blended Learning Cycle by Paul Anderson, Making Thinking Visible by Mark Church, Building Comics by Sam Pane, Project Based Learning by Dean Shareski, and Roosevelt Elementary PBL by the Teacher in the K-5 school.
Though out these videos, the most important theme tends to be collaboration and individualism. Each student must have an interest in what they are doing for it to truly be beneficial. Which is why so many teachers are going to projects instead of standard lectures. Students are changing, and they way they are learning is constantly changing. Teachers are required to teach students and must modify the classes to meet that requirement. The individualization of these projects is with many post, there are given a general topic to post about and they choose what is the most important of those subjects to them. Keeping some kind of individualization is key in collaboration also. For collaboration, students must have some kind of interest in the project. The more they want to participate and learn, the better the project is for them. These teachers are doing a great job in showing how PBL is growing in importance along with its benefits to the students not only in their class but around the world.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

C4K Summary #2

 Per. 8 Adonnis' blog
Adonnis did a blog post about Black History Month. He chose Walter Payton whom he admires greatly. He talks greatly about his success in sports and the way he was viewed by his fans and fellow athletes. I for one know very little about him, and was amazed by what he had said. The following is my response:
 Hello Adonnis,I am a student from the University of South Alabama and currently enrolled in EDM 310. I think it is great that you think so highly of Walter Payton. Although I am not a fan of football, I have to say he is a great person to look up to for Black History Month. His achievements and attitude on and off the field are worth noting. I enjoyed reading your blog post. 

 
http://marcguberti.com/2014/06/10-things-every-blog-post-needs-to-have-other-than-quality-content/
Chris' Blog Post
Chris did his post on a shadowing day at a nearby university. He discussed how they were given hands on experience with technology and radios, he seemed to be interested in it and made it sound as if he wanted to pursue it as a career. Which given today's environment going into technology would be a wise choice. The following is my response:
It was great that you chose to go to a University for shadowing, especially one that focuses on technology. I think it is amazing that they had time for you to create your own game and even make a radio to listen to your favorite station. You seem to have some interest in this, so this could be a possible degree program, and being a college student myself I have to agree that free pizza would have been my favorite part also.

Jacob's Blog Post
This weeks blog post was on their favorite sport. Jacob chose baseball, which he began playing at the age of six. He says that he enjoyed it much more than football or golf. Baseball is a national pastime
 that he is glad to take part of. The following is my response: 
Hello Jacob, 
I am a student from the University of South Alabama, it is great that you enjoy baseball. I played when i was younger and then started music, but i was still active in it playing with neighborhood friends. Baseball has always been the most interesting to watch out of the three since I actually know what is happening. If you stick to it, who knows one day you might make it to the major leagues.

Blog Post #10

                                                                        Kathy Cassidy
                                                                   Canadian Classroom

http://howard.4j.lane.edu/        Kathy Cassidy teaches 1st grade students in Canada and struggled to be successful while facing limitations at first. Mrs. Cassidy was not given a a choice but to be resourceful since the technology she was given was not allowed to install programs onto the computers. She had been working on a classroom blog, at the point of this "Skype " conversation, for 5 years. The children are making great strides in learning through technology, the ability to use devices such as Nintendo DS to help with reading or math has been very helpful with this. The students are given online time during the class, with these computers not being able have downloadable software are able to chose from an approved list of games or lessons to help with reading and math. I find it interesting the way that she introduces Wiki pages. In the video Little Kids... Big Potential, she shows how the student will use wiki pages to get information by a group larger than herself and immediate family, or even reading the definition out of a book. She had them create a Wiki page about defining traditions, each page had a place for their name, the occasion, and to describe their tradition. Not only does this teach them what a tradition is, it is also giving them international cultural experience.
         The ways Mrs. Cassidy urges the fact that to start adding technology for older students, it is best to allow them choose the way they broadcast information. Some students will enjoy writing blogs, maybe some creating videos, or even posting pictures. For students, you need to ensure that the student has interest in what they are doing. In the response for younger aged students, it is important to give them a wide variety of experience.
          Protecting students is key, especially younger students. It is important to make sure they know to only post their first name and never include a picture directly associated to their name. With that being said, ensuring that students understand not to click on ads or pop-ups and knowing that while in class, the only sites that should be visited are educational and approved by the teacher. Mrs. Cassidy is very inspiring on the use of technology in the classroom. The fact that she understands that blogging or other activities do not need to be weekly activities, but simply when they are pertinent to the lesson.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Project # 9

Topic #4 Group Conversation Video

Blog Post #9

                    What Can Teachers and Students Teach Us About Project Based Learning?

This week we were challenged to view 5 articles or videos and answer the above question. My first article was Seven Essentials for Project-Based Learning by John Lamer and John R. Mergendoller. They break down the most important aspects of PBL(project based learning). What stuck out the most to me was their third point, "Students Voice and Choice" (Lamer and Mergendoller). It is best to give students the ability to decide some aspect of the project for themselves. The students most also be able to relate the project to real life. To often students question whether or not what they are learning is applicable to real life. You must also put in 21st century forms of teaching critical thinking and use of technology. The point of projects is to give the students a way of teaching themselves about something that interest them along with educating their classmates.

PBLThis video about Project-Based Learning for Teachers by Tony Vincent approaches project-based learning the way everyone does, it is a way to take the Common Core standards and apply them in a fun and interesting way that asks How or Why. The idea that students take charge in their learning. It is up to them what they discover about a particular topic. Although I do feel that PBL can be a supplement for what is taught in the class. That the student will take a lesson and do a project that expands on what is discussed. So often teachers are restrained by time on what they are able to cover during a class period. Giving students the opportunity to delve deeper into study and discover things on their own could possibly spark an interest in that particular subject while improving critical thing, communication and team work skills. Just as above, you must ensure there is a purpose.

What Motivates Students Today?  and High School Teachers Meet the Challenges of PBL Implementation show that PBL is about the student. Why are we trying to implement PBL into all classrooms, it is to make students who would not normally be interested in a topic a reason to focus. If you give a student a reason to learn they will, which was also a point made in What Motivates Students Today? that students want something as a reward. If a student is giving prizes for completion of tasks or good grades there is a motivation to learn. That motivation can even come in the form of compliments for good test grades. Teachers must implement PBL's into their class wher they fit. They will not work for every class but it will involve all students and include the curriculum standards.
When discussing how each subject area must come up with unique ways of adding projects, in PBL's in Physical Education the teacher shows that you must think outside of the box to teach students. It was the goal of his project to have high school students create a workout plan for middle school students. In hopes that students will take the plans given to them and implement them at school as well as at home. The students who create the plans could also take what they learned and use it in their own life. Given the current health state of our students this is possibly the most important PBL i have read about.


Sunday, March 15, 2015

Blog Post #8

                                                               Randy Pausch Last Lecture:
                                                       Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

What can we learn about learning and teaching from Randy Pausch? 
   We were required to watch a video of Professor Paush's last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University as he died on July 25, 2008. The lecture was filmed Sept. 18, 2007, Mr. Pausch is an extremely optimistic man who has an amazing outlook on life.
http://www.wisdomportal.com/RandyPausch.html
    There is a key statement that he made that goes hand in hand with teachers. When someone stops correcting you when you do something wrong, they have already given up. As teachers, we must never give up on our students. Over anything said, this is the most important idea. I feel a student can sense when a teacher has officially given up on them, this demoralizes the students. Why would a demoralized student want to try anymore? His other key statement is "Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things"(Randy Pausch). If there was no boundary and things were handed to you, why would there be a reason to try? This is also true for learning, if we allow our students who face a wall to give up, they will never succeed. They must have an initiative to drive themselves to go further. Along with pushing your students, be aware with how you say something to them. The same statement s can be said multiple ways, you must always ensure that the way you say something to always make them feel supported.
He created a project based class that forced students to bond and push themselves to create new and original content. They required themselves to create VR worlds and have them working. The students would present them in front of the class every few weeks and then switch team mates and do it again. Soon the class presentations caught the attention of friends and family. After a while he needed to move to the largest room he could book. He is all about getting rid of text books in masters programs. In masters they should have read all they need to read and should be working on practical functions or learning. This is a key goal I feel our education department has failed at. The fact that we face classes that require outrageous requirements that once upon getting your  degree and into the field you are not expected to do what you were taught. He felt that the best way to equip the students is to give them real life experience.
   Final notes on his lecture:
 Always push your children to do more than they think they can.
They are the first to give up on themselves, so do not let yourself give up on them.
Always learn from your students and work well with your bosses.
"Decide if you're a Tigger or an Eeyore"(Randy Pausch)
 Remember who you are teaching, ensure that your projects focus on what is effective for learning in your class. Do not let your projects focus too greatly on girls or boys, above or average students.

   

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Blog Post #7

                                                            How to be the Best Learner?

1)  The best way to teach is be able to learn. I feel that how project based learning is affecting teachers is how the change based on students reactions. We always discuss using technology in project learning, yet is that the best plan for students. Recently I have had the opportunity to observe three different history classes which all do projects throughout the year to use what they learn as art work. One class in particular required the students to create a model of a person they were learning about out of a drink bottle and write a short paper about his or her life and their achievement. No matter how artistic the student was, each bottle was unique and beautiful. The research they do gives the presenter along with the other students more knowledge of each person. Would it be perceived that this is a lesser form of projects because it does not require some intelligent software. As a teacher you must learn and understand what works best for your students, along with what is going to keep them entertained and give them the largest gain of information.



2)

  •    Using iMovie and the Alabama Virtual Library in Kindergarten-  Discusses how kindergarten students are creating movie trailers about books they read in class. They strive for such a level that no one would expect from someone their age. iMovie is a simple format system to create movies and add so many background images and sound effects and even music. The students fall in love and do not need further instruction on how to create videos. They also discuss how all students have access to the Alabama Virtual Library for free. This is another example to why Dr. Strange feels that Elementary aged students are more technologically advanced than collegiate students. 
  • We All Become Learners- In order to become an effective teacher you must be able to learn from other. As we introduce technology students are having to teach the teacher or teach each other simply due to the fact that so many teachers are aged and are not technologically savvy. The knowledge base for technology and educators is incredibly low, many teacher who are approaching retirement grew up with type writers or simply using pen and paper. Children who are playing on iPads and iPhones from toddler ages have a greater understanding of the devices. The discoveries may occur by accident but they it gives them a greater advantage over any other generation. 
  • iPads in the Classroom- Chicago Public Schools began incorporating iPads into the learning environment and have seen huge benefits. The classes that began using it saw improvements in overall assessments along with eagerness to learn. Granted there are some classes, like high school physics, that have not seen huge benefits simply because they have not found the right apps. The programs and apps that are developed for children are more numerous. 
  • Top 10 Reasons to use Technology in Education -  Students love technology. It leads them to want to participate and learn more. With using electronic devices teachers can cut their work time by offering online exams so there are immediate response and no longer multiple hours of grading. Apps and games are a way to increase interest in learning. Students are longing to learn more, research more so they can know more and know it quicker while working on a project or a simple assignment. 


C4K #1

                                                                  Comments for Kids 


I began by reading a blog post by Timothy H. from Mr. Boylen's 8th grade class. His task was to write an essay about his beliefs. I found that for an 8th grader to hold the ideals he has on the big bang to be phenomenal. He would like to pursue a degree in astronomy, which i feel would be great for him. I commented saying that I find it amazing that he would understand the concept of Big Bang when I have never seen it taught in a school setting.


Marquise did an interesting post on what I perceived as an assignment about a holiday. He chose Friday the 13th. He went the simple route and listed his facts as bullet points. Some items that were included listed that there is at least one Friday the 13th while at the most three also the "Friday the 13th" franchise only released 4 out of 12 movies on the Friday the 13th. I replied that I thought it was great that he chose such an interesting topic, and that superstitions are fueled by pop culture and is a little outrageous.

Trina's blog post was the same as Marquise's. Although she chose Valentines Day. It is a beautiful day, which Trina states it is most known for hearts, chocolates, and the Roman God Cupid. She also points out that no one knows much about the origin of the holiday, it has simply been ingrained into our popular culture. I commented that it is interesting that just as there is no information about the when the holiday began, there is limited information about St. Valentine except where he was buried and that he died a martyr on February 14th.


Sunday, February 22, 2015

Blog Post #6

                                                         Project Based Learning 


1. Project Based Learning 1 and Project Based Learning are a continuous interview with Anthony Capp concerning how he has incorporated project learning into his 3rd grade class. He uses examples from his years teaching to show how he has learned to use projects to help students learn more. How he has shown that you must make the projects use the skills that you would have taught them, yet allowing them to learn those skills themselves. Also, he talks about how learning what helps the students most will make the experience more effective for them. 

2. iCurio is a neat little project. I feel for younger groups it is ideal as far as web browsing, since it filters for educational sites. As Anthony stated there are other applications and that would be something worth investigating further to see how it could be incorporated into my classroom. 

3. Discovery Education is a browser program that allows students to search and learn more about a given topic. Anthony uses the example of teaching about flowers. Since he may not be the foremost expert on flowers students can not only search for pictures, they can watch videos about that particular flower. On the other hand it is a to filter though timeline biographies. An example being you can filter for African American men from the 1950s through 60s. It would bring up only those who meet that criteria. 

4. Additional Tips and Anthony- Strange Tips helps show how to use projects to plan for your entire year or semester. The fact that you have to think about what projects you are willing to do and even more importantly when to do them. Which projects would help students learn the skills best. Also, that teachers should make learning their hobby. Every teacher should keep learning their area and even learning new ways to teach it. It is important to remember that your job does not fit in the normal eight hour work schedule. As a teacher we should always be bettering ourselves and students.

5. Don't Teach Tech- Use It is an important idea. We are allowing students to learn by teaching themselves a specific topic. Slowly build on what they should know. Do not just throw your students into a huge project using different tools they have never used. Just walk them through the processes and programs they will need to ultimately use for a final project. Allowing your students to gain knowledge on the program little by little, then combine everything they learned and push them just a little further. 


C4T #2

                   Science Experiment Video Conference Call  and Learning with Nintendo DS
                                                                        By: Jen Deyenberg
                                                                           Trails Optional
School 2.0


Jen Deyenberg has made many interesting blog post, the first of which I read was about video conference science experiments. The classes would share experiments with each other over video, they did multiple chemical reactions, and then followed them up on their own by changing them the ways they approach them. Either adding more ingredients or changing the type. I commented on how interesting it was sharing the experiments with another class. This would give the two classes an ability to discuss what occurred during the reaction and what effects certain changes would have.

The next post was on her new site Trails Optional, she discussed how she began using the Nintendo DS to assist the students with spelling and words. There are many different games that they can play, one of which removes letters at the beginning, middle, or end and requires them to use the stylist to complete the word. Another gives the student two definitions and they must write the corresponding word. The students also have a leveling task assigned to them. As they learn the game changes becoming more difficult to match their current skills. The comment feature was closed, but I would have mentioned how ingenious it is to use a game system that so many students have, also the fact that it is a handheld system. Not a bulky computer and reasonably priced. I would have never thought about using this software.


Sunday, February 15, 2015

Project #15

                                                             Search Engines 

http://www.techcrok.com/search-engines-available-on-the-net/

wolframalpha.com- This little engine is phenomenal. As far as educational searches go, this will permanently be my go to. One simple search, such as 700,012,343 feet to meters led not only to the actual conversion but also comparisons as radius... (i.e. approximately 3.5 x Saturn equatorial radius). As far as searches to advise students to use wolframalpha.com takes the gold.

bing.com- A search engine similar to Google in design. It allows you to search the web in seconds. It is not the most ideal search engine but is one to keep on the back burner if all else fails.

Blekko.com- Blekko seems to be a safer search provider. They strive to eliminate what they call "content farms". Assuming that means that you will receive a more reliable search parameter. They are a fairly new company, one that i hope will become more popular in time.

 Education.iseek.com- This engine is targeted for students and educators. A simple vague search of history brings up the definition of history itself, along with websites for state history websites even the Smithsonian. It even allows you to narrow your searches though folder tabs on the left hand side of the screen that show the searches and groups them into similarities. These tabs can be and will show only the selected topics or grade levels.

refseek.com- refseek allows you to both search the web but also serves as a research engine. A simple search of a research topic for one of my classes "1918 Soviet Constitution" brings 109,000 results, of the ones on the first page, only two are wiki pages. All of the other sources are university sites, political science forums or blogs, and even the marxists website itself.
For teachers and students alike this is an ideal engine.

sweetsearch.com- Sweet search targets students. They provide multiple sites that help with teaching students research skills, helping students learn something new every day, and biographies for 1,000 significant people. They survey every site that the engine browses through, and ensures that they are credible sites. For the up and coming researcher, I feel this will be an asset for both the teachers but also the students.

Federal Registry for Educational Excellence -  The federal registry uses government databases along will bringing up special organizations. Using a simple search of "history", it brings up similar responses as many other engines, yet adds all government sources. Once result was an oral history of the U.S. Congress. These increased resources are targeted for education. Also, another benefit was not having to see Wikipedia in the results.

 Virtual Learning Resources Center- VLRC is describes themselves as "Index(ing) thousands of the best academic information websites, selected by teachers and library professionals worldwide, in order to provide to students and teachers current, valid information for school and university academic projects." Just another search database to add to a "PLN" in assisting students in their scholarly research.

Each of these are great resources to be added to everyone's "PLN" simply as an alternative to the uncontrollable size of Google.

Blog Post #5

What are Personal Learning Networks? 

They are "virtual locker rooms" as stated in an article by Vicky Davis. Personal Learning Networks are also known as "PLN" for short. They are the ways you can set up people and places to assist you in learning in this high tech century. In this day and age, when students are going to Google, YouTube, or even Wiki to find out information, physical visits to libraries are becoming a thing of the past. Just as the days of searching catalog were replaced by online databases. A PLN is a group of networks that will assist you in furthering your knowledge in life.

How can PLN's help you as a teacher. 

They will always be updating. As you grow as a teacher you will meet other educators and explore more resources from which to learn from. As a teacher, these resources may be websites that may help your students in learning a subject, or allowing you to explore more interactive ways of teaching. The possibilities are endless and will continue to expand as technology changes.

Who will be your first additions to your PLN? 

I will begin by adding the staff of EDM 310, in addition of faculty from my department and blogs and websites that focus on history.

http://www.onlinedegrees.org/wp-content/uploads/pln.jpg

Here is my PLN, 

Since this is my first interaction with setting up my PLN's I have my Facebook, which is access to current teachers i stay in touch with, with areas to expand with blogs that are on my area.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Project 7a

                                                                My Sentence Is...







https://img0.etsystatic.com/009/1/5291827/il_570xN.450903152_8ter.jpg



                                                                  My Passion Is...

Sunday, February 8, 2015

C4T #1

                                                               Comments for Teachers
Recently I was assigned Mr. Jeff Delp, the pricipal of Willis Junior High School in Chandler, Arizona. His blog is composed of post from his life and and reflections upon what he has learned, molehill out of mountains has become his outlet to reach others through the power of the internet. The two blog post I read were "I Am... Thoughts of a Learning Disabled Student" and "A Little Help for Haiti, Please...".
"I Am" was a fictional piece composed from statements taken from actual learning disabled students. He took there statements and organized them into one persons struggles to possibly show educators and anyone else who would care to read the real life struggles that are facing these students. In my response I commented that as educators our job should be to provide the best learning experience and environment for all students, not just the ones that we may consider normal. To understand which students struggle with which subjects or even just with which concepts and finding ways to assist them and keep them caught up with the entire class without letting the class fall behind as a whole.

In "A Little Help" Mr. Delp discusses an orphanage in Haiti that each year must obtain supplies and clothing to send the children there to school. He asking the readers to send what ever school supplies to the missions United States office so that they could be sent directly to the orphanage to provide the children with a learning experience. I commented on how amazing this project was, the fact that he so  strongly pushes for supporting this organization is amazing. I will be posting the information onto my public media sites as the summer comes to an end, along with sending items myself, with hopes that friends and family will support them also.

Blog Post #4

                                                                         Questions!
Questions


Everyone has questions. The important part of this is what kind of question we are asking as teachers. What are we trying to accomplish through questions? There are many times where the questions we ask are trying to reinforce a previous idea. This is when multiple choice questions are okay. Yet, think of questions that there is no one answer, something that will push the students to dive further into the idea or subject to come up with a strong argument. With history, I had a professor simply put up a topographical map of the United States. There are no roads and no state divisions shown, he simply posed the thought how we became the United States we know today.
Topographical map of United States
Simply stated, this question takes our knowledge of the history of the United States and making us think about how our geography shaped how we branched out. Even where humans were able to thrive and why it took so long to populate the western United States. This is the type of question we should be seeking as teachers. Not a question that can be answered by a simple yes or no, nor one that has just one answer. It should be one that is requiring students to voice their ideas and allow other students to use their peer's ideas to develop another possible solution. In this question about shaping our development, you must look at the mountain ranges, where the major rivers were, even which countries were in certain areas.

A question, in my opinion, should force students to think more deeply on the idea or subject. There does not necessarily have to be a right or wrong answer. Just simply that there is a deeper train of thought then that of yes or no.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Blog Post #3

                                                      Peer Editing, an Informational 

https://harmoniaphilosophica.wordpress.com/2015/01/23/peer-review-by-patients-understanding-the-universe/



1) Compliments 
        What did the students do right? What was their strongest point. Point these out first to give positive reinforcement.

2) Suggestions 
        What can they do better? Stay positive with everything you say. Where their grammar issues, or was the wording awkward? Think of these things and polite ways to let them know about them.

3) Corrections 
        How can they fix these problems, do not rush through and try to finish early. Take time to explain how they can fix particular problems, and specifically how they can avoid this issues in the future.  
                                                               STAY POSITIVE!!!
Peer Editing is exactly what it sounds like. Defining who your peer is, in my case that is a college student preferably in the same class. Editing is giving compliments, comments, and suggestions all in a positive manner. The best way to approach peer editing is to understand the assignment, see if they are following the guidelines. With this class having all assignments completed online you must be concise to avoid rambling on. Get to the point and be effective while also being polite about it. You should always approach reviewing a blog post by making sure they follow "Writing A Quality Blog Post".  Also that they attack each topic of discussion and they did not just put something down for a grade. Important always be positive. Positive criticism and comments are key.

I feel that for this class it is easier for peer review, especially if we use the groups or even use the same person we are suppose to comment on already. This will provide immediate comments for the writer of the blog to make changes on their next one, or simply go and edit the most recent blog post. It would be better for a student in the EDM 310 to catch the mistake before a teacher or student from somewhere else in the world to catch the mistake and point it out. Having peers edit our content, if down correctly, can also keep the teachers and lab assistants from having to grade and make extensive comments on how to correct them for every single week. This is all granted that peer review is done correctly and all parties involved are taking advantage of this resource.


Sunday, January 25, 2015

Blog Post #2

                                              What will teaching in the 21st Century be like?

                                                                       





21st Century Skills Project


1. Mr.Dancealot 
   I feel the instructor does understand how to dance, yet he feels that the knowledge needed to actually dance can be obtained strictly through a presentation and lectures. The central theme I feel he is trying to convey is that not every class can be taught the same way, much less every student can not learn the same way. To better push this point across, one student tries to stand up and see the teachers feet while he was demonstrating a dance move along with having other students show their frustration with him not giving them time to practice. This is a very correct assessment. With some classes the teacher can lecture while giving students chances to interject and comment between themselves, while other classes must be hands on. Without practical application all knowledge learned would be completely useless as shown during the final exam on the video. Even though it was open book, not one student knew how to translate their notes practically.

2. Teaching in the 21st Century  
     

  •      Teaching with technology:     
    • Enhancing team work 
    • Group based learning
    •  Engage students with the teachers
  •       Filter for knowledge
    • Instruct students how to use technology 
    • Show students the benefits of technology in the class
    • Educators are not the source      
  •    Lesson plans 
    • Must be relevant, challenging and ENGAGING
    • Entertainment is not engagement 
    • Be meaningful and powerful 
  •    Where to start 
    • Research what available 
    • Start small
    • Collaborate 
    • Take a risk
    Kevin Roberts, the author of the Prezi slide show, has a valid point, education and technology are changing. Teaching should be more on having the students actively involved in all aspects of learning, not only in regurgitation. All to often teachers fall prey to teaching students only what is required for a particular exam. By equipping students with the sources and ability to research and discover knowledge on their own, it would seem very likely that students would memorize a greater amount given that they personally spent time finding the websites and reading the sources and documents then engaging other students in a discussion about that topic. 
I feel that incorporating technology into learning will allow the teacher to get out of the front of the class, walk around and interact, with broad discussions being held online that would open up a door for a more concise discussion in the classroom with the hopes of creating other trains of thought opening more doors and creating more interest. Engaging and keeping students interested in a subject could increase their ability to retain knowledge. 

   
  I feel the video on the networked student by Wendy Drexler to be a little pushing. Yes, students should be doing research on their own, finding credible sources that they could research on a specific topic. Yet, when you think about the idea of collectivism, that is the teacher almost allowing the students to teach themselves and having others teaching them. That might be a slippery slope, but I feel that having students going out to find information on their own on what ever topic that they wish is doing just that. Although, there is a great point brought to light, why have a teacher? The teacher is required to keep the student on track, to help when he or she becomes stuck, and to differentiate between opinions and fact. I will have to say that this train of thought and teaching should be set aside for the older students along with those more advanced. 


  Vicky Davis, a teacher, emphasizes that teachers do not have to know how to do an activity to teach it. It is possible for the students to teach as the semester progresses. That allowing students with specific strengths instruct students on how they figured out their particular task. With this type of teaching, she is able to be engaged with the students observing the strengths and weaknesses of each students and creating ways to combat any obstacles that may face a student. And I agree with Mrs. Davis, her program is a great way to keep the students involved and increase learning, although I would be critical of the practicality in every classroom. 


  Clearly the Gulf Shores Elementary School is currently ahead. Let us think about this though, psychology will tell you that it is easier to learn new things at a younger age, which is why learning a second language is easier at the age of four than twenty-four. So when Dr. Strange brings up the fact that these young students were so eager to teach him how to use a Macbook and his college aged student was having problems that becomes easier to understand. How many years has that elementary student spent using a PC. How many programs have they taught their selves to master on a PC and then immediately have to learn a completely different operating system. These children have the advantage of not having extensive experience with Microsoft systems. So should the question be who is ahead, or why are they ahead. Its the simple fact that college students did not have this advanced technology while in elementary school. In my case, I did not receive a phone until seventh grade and all i have the capability of doing was sms and phone calls. Of course these young students are ahead. 


  This is my first encounter with flipping. I have had professors in the past that would give us reading and research that would be discussed during the following week along with points to consider as we read. In my opinion that is a low tech version of what flipping is trying to do. I have also seen something similar to this done by a high school chemistry teacher, where she would record podcast of lessons. This would give students another chance to do practice problems, hear something they may have missed, or simply see if there was something they missed. I do not feel as a teacher that I would flip my classroom. Yes, I might take ideas presented but a total flip would not seem ideal. Having students learning the bulk is great but in addition to that i would keep them as group and create discussions. Have students interact with each other, or even create a handful of groups and have the groups decide on a specific stance on some event in history and argue against other groups as to why they are correct. 



   

Friday, January 16, 2015

Blog Post #1





Through my time at south, the past four years, I have heard a lot about EDM 310. Everyone I told about being enrolled in EDM 310 gave me warning and grandiose ideas of the struggle I was about to undertake. As daunting as it may have seen when i first signed up for the class, I soon realized that everything asked of this class is completely feasible. This class only differs with its goal of using technology in more inventive ways. My other university courses involve writing papers on what I have learned and my thoughts, either objective or subjective. I feel the most difficult will be having to use programs that are not readily available on a PC portable computer. The only solution to that is utilizing the iMac's in the EDM 310 computer lab along with the lab assistants. Dr. Strange has set this class up in a way that would not leave any place for questions. Also any questions that any student would have, not only myself, would just need to access the assignments attachment or the syllabus.


Thursday, January 15, 2015

Practice Blog Post

Outline:
A. Who am I?
    1. Introduction of myself
    2. Reasons for coming to South Alabama
    3. Family
B. Why I want to teach
C. Teaching in the 21st century
D. My Passions



A Little About Me

My name is Tyler Seth Herrington, I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. I also lived in Lucedale, Mississippi, while in secondary school before moving back to Mobile for college. My main interest is the reason why I am in school. History has consumed my time, to me there is too much to be learned for history to be ignored. I stumbled across South Alabama due to its close proximity to home. I grew up attending Jaguar basketball games and visiting campus. To me it was the logical choice to stay near family and friends while receiving a quality education. I am the youngest of five children, two of which recently graduated with degrees in nursing and electrical engineering.

Teaching has always been something i have felt led to do. I love working with people teaching them new things and seeing their interest being peaked. Giving students a new outlook on history besides the one people have that it is completely about memorization. Being a teacher in this new century has its challenges and disadvantages. Having the advent of the internet means information is at the finger tips of the searcher, although it also mean that students could simply Google search the answers for homework or even test.

My passions are history and music. I spend most of my free time watching history documentaries, specifically 19th and 20th centuries. Imperialism and European monarchs grab the majority of my attention, since this time period holds the fall of their reigns. I also play euphonium, which is a small tuba. I would love to get better at performing euphonium. Oddly, I have a greater fear of performing in front of people than speaking in front of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIzApqzlP3Q