Final Reflection

Wow! I don't know where to start! Maybe I should start with the first day. I did not even know I was looking at a blog when I pulled up the class blog website. I had never been to one, so I didn't know what one was. I am almost 30 years old and the only reason why I used computers before this class was just because I felt I had no choice most of the time. I did not know how to enjoy them. The neatest thing to me was to use the computer to pay bills and save the trees.

In spite of that I was one of the many students who felt that I could get away with minimum amounts of time spent on this class because of the lack of supervision that comes with it. However, I quickly found myself literally drownding and struggling to catch up within the first 3 weeks of class. In other words, I had to learn the hard way to spend some time in the lab.

This class did challenge me to the point of near insanity. But I did start college for a challenge, so I guess I can't complain too much about that. Dr. Strange and the lab associates (as they like to be called) were always there to help. They take their job seriously. At the same time they liked to cut up with me and show me how to have fun with the assignements.

The direction that Dr. Strange is taking his students in is, perhaps what is most worthy of my reflection. I had no idea the type of revolution our educational institution is in. Everything is changing and, just like everything except for drama, we are behind here in the south. Children are learning differently and we must compete. We must be able to participate in what the world is doing. Human beings have always thrived off of each other's ideas. Students today crave interaction and idea sharing - PLN's.

TEACH SOMEONE SOMETHING

I did Jamie Lynn's hair into a "topsy tail" and tried to upload the video to YouTube, but I guess it didn't work because it is not under my videos. When I was in the Lab Thursday with my son it was trying to upload. Dr. Strange said that it was taking a while because YouTube was busy. He said that if I sent it to my account then I should be able to embed it from home and just give it some time to publish. I guess it didn't go through. I will try to resolve this issue Monday.

RESULTS FROM GOOGLE DOCS SURVEY WITH COMMENTARY

FINAL REPORT ON PLN

Well, first of all, I now know what a PLN is. Second I know why it is important to me. Third and last, I know why it is important to my future students. I, as a teacher in the age of the Millineal and the Alpha generations, will be a facilitator for their use of the available technology for learning. In other words, I will have to show them how and encourage my future students to use available technology for learning what they need to learn in the classroom. My PLN has evolved from rarely checking e-mail to having a detailed blog, subscribing to various interesting blogs, participating (and enjoying) Facebook, and using the computer happily instead of grudgingly. I do not have a Twitter account but I do enjoy my YouTube account and although I have had a g-mail account for about 5 years, I had no idea how useful it can be. What potential!! I see a PLN as something that is ever changing for me as I learn new things but my view of today's technology as the ultimate learning tool is a new and welcomed view.

FINAL SUMMARY POST C4K

C4K # 11 was a girl named Madison from Louisiana that had gone on a field trip to a county fair. She was chaperoned by her mother. She was excited to mention that they took a tour bus instead of  a school bus. I told her about my big field trip to New Orleans and how my mom was the chaperone. Finally, I told her to keep up the good work on her posts.

SPECIAL YASMINE ASSNMNT. Yasmine obviously loves horses. What noble creatures. I hope she loves getting all the posts. What a bright young lady!!

C4K #10 Amy is a student from Spencer (I couldn't find which state) but the post I commented on was about her dog. She is obviously a member of a dog loving family. Their new dog was a rescue and she was so excited about the new addition to the family. I told her that her post was very well written and that she should keep it up.

C4K #9  Chelsea is a student from overseas and she is a very well rounded young lady. She sings in a choir, plays basketball, all while keeping up with her blog and her school work. Man, I need to take a hint from Chelsea!! Really, though I told her to keep ut the great work and that I was impressed.

C4K #8 Well, I couldn't find out anything about alba skunkshark (cool name), but I did see that they have a gift for photography. This student was proud of their hobby and I was a cool picture.

C4T SUMMARY #4

The teacher that I was assigned is Liz B. Davis. Although I was unable to tell her so, I have enjoyed reading her posts. She is the director of academic technology at an all boys school in Boston. She is always showing her students how to use all types of technology to their advantage. For example, many of her students are only familiar with Facebook, but after sharing the benefits of Twitter, the boys begin to use it effectively. Also, she is always posting her thoughts and discoveries as she builds her PLN.

PROJECT #15

Why I did not post this when I was supposed to, I honestly don't know. Nonetheless, here is our wonderful Project #15, done as a group with Lisa Ferro, Brittany Schneider, Elizabeth Flemming. Our focus was to create an advertisement for the EDM 310 course using a move/movie trailer medium. It was the most fun I have had in a long time with group and project work. Moreover, it has to be the best time I have ever had while using such technological resources. I sincerely hope everyone enjoys this as much as I do.

ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENT #5

John Spencer's use of Tom Johnson to express the thoughts of a dedicated teacher is just awesome. It's art in every sense of the word. I especially love when I read something that helps me to express myself better. "The Medium Shapes the Learning" is an especially good example of that sort of reading. Since I became a student of teaching, I have often wondered how well I would be able to do my job. This post helps to confirm  that it is not so crazy of me to  always be wondering; "hmm, how will I teach that?" Now that I have been a student for a while, I have learned that I will be part of a game and the rules will be learned as I go. I will not have an advantage in this game unless I actively speak with people who have been playing it, and most importantly, are great at it!! THAT WAS A METAPHOR. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ALREADY WATCHED THIS.

PROGRESS REPORT: FINAL PROJECT

Although my group is formed we have only brainstormed our topic for the final project. This is because we are working so diligently on our Project # 15. We will be starting our final project Wednesday or Friday of this week. Oh yeah, my group members are: Brittany Schneider, Lisa Ferro, myself and Elizabeth Flemming. Thanks for reading. Stay cool.

WHAT POST SHOULD YOU HAVE ASSIGNED? BLOG POST #12

I have learned a great deal about the mentality of myself and those I will be going to teach. I am seeing the difference in learning styles, but if I had been thinking of this difference in terms of generational ideals, the issue of a revolution in learning styles would have been more clear to me.So, I found a cool video on YouTube about the learning styles of the upcoming "Net" Generation. I hope everyone enjoys this; including you, Dr. Strange.

WATCH THE VIDEO. TELL ME WHAT GENERATION YOU BELONG TO. THEN, TELL ME IF YOU CAN ADJUST TO THE DEMANDS OF TEACHING THE NET GENERATION. THINK LONG AND HARD NOW PEOPLE!!

SUMMARY POST C4K

Well, I just love seeing what the kids are doing in the classrooms these days! I had to comment first on a little boy in New Zealand who wrote a lovely narrative about an outing to the beach with his mother and brother. I told him that his writing and his blog looked great. I also reminded him of how lucky he was to be able to ride his bike to the beach instead of having to drive a long way.
Next, I commented on a young lady's blog who had just created her blog and I had to comment on her first post. I assured her she was doing an excellent job and that her and I were in the same boat as far as blogging. I reminded her that everyone has to start somewhere and that my blog has really helped me keep track of all of my progress, so she should try and use it for that purpose.
I commented on a young man in 6th grade who loved to race dirt bikes and play video games. His blog was really detailed. I was a little blown away, but seeing such a young person with this kind of knowledge just reminds me of how much work and practicing I have to do in order to be a teacher instead of a babysitter. I love comments for kids. I can't wait for this to be part of what I do for my students.

SUMMARY POST C4T

I was assigned to comment of the blog belonging to the lovely Dr. Scott McCleoud. You all remember him. He is the person responsible for the Did You Know video that we had to comment on at the beginning of the semester. Dr. McCleoud helps to educate today's teachers on the importance of technology in the classroom. There is so much to look at an navigate through on his blog that I wind up spending much more time there than I ever plan to. This most recent visit to his blog was most entertaining. I watched about 5 YouTube videos of kids expressing their hatred for their boring teachers. I commented on these videos saying how obvious it is that these kids have a creative streak. They are suffering from a massive amount of boredom. Hating a teacher or two in one's life is sometimes just a right of passage, but as teachers we have to be doing all that we can to make learning worth their while. I enjoy Dr. McCleoud's blog "Dangerously Irrelevant". I enjoy and am thankful for knowing Dr. McCleoud's message and hope everyone checks it out on a regular basis.

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THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I TRY TO EMBED A VIDEO ON MY BLOG I WILL FIX IT IN THE LAB UNTIL THEN FOLLOW THE LINK TO THE VIDEO THIS IS JUST ONE FROM A LONG LIST OF I HATE MY TEACHER VIDEOS IT HAS STRONG LANGUAGE SO WATCH IT ALONE OR WITH ADULTS!!

BLOG POST #11

Wow! What an example of tech savvy in the classroom! To see these children so excited about learning with technology is really inspiring. I did not realize what an awesome tool that blogs can be for positive development. For the children to be able to electronically keep track of their spelling and look back over their progress goes hand in hand traditional teaching. Yet, these children are getting good at the technical part of learning that is so necessary in this day in age. Also, to become proficient in using computers and all they have to offer is an intrinsic motivator. When they do something cool in the classroom, it makes the kids feel good. I especially liked the SKYPE interview with the geologist. How neat would that have been to see and hear a scientist while doing a science lesson. No doubt this keeps the kids interested. Ms. Cassidy's class certainly is getting the education they will need to succeed. However, I worry about the rest of the kids that don't have these amenities in their classrooms. When I begin teaching, will I have the resources that Ms. Cassidy has. To have this in a classroom is unseen in the part of town that I grew up in and where I am currently doing my observations. When I do begin teaching, I am sure that I will have to ask plenty of questions, read all the time and plan way ahead so that my students will have technological opportunities that they so need.

INSTRUCTIONAL TIMELINE

BLOG POST 10

Yes, I am glad to see that Morgan commented on the most important and concise message in the Dan Brown video. She reminds us that education is not only "free", it's liberated. Knowledge doesn't necessarily cost money to have and it's everywhere!
This is most important for educators to keep in the front of their minds because students live in this fact every day. I am a student who is becoming a teacher. Yes, I want to be liberated and I want to liberate. So, I have to remember that facts are easy to come by. I, as an educator, must provide motivation and a forum for idea sharing.
Morgan says that she has felt cheated in the classroom. Well, I completely understand. I don't ever want any student of mine to feel that way. And that is why I will keep in mind that I am not just a bank of facts for students, but a healthy example of someone who is hungry for knowledge.

DON'T LET THEM TAKE...

This blog post confronts an issue that is, to me, an even bigger one than people not using technology in the classrooms. Mr. Johnson wants to speak candidly about how testing leaves certain people behind within our education system and it is like a Pandora's Box that every one avoids. If it weren't for a lack of money that the less dominate cultures and classes suffer from then they may have better access to the internet that we hold so dear. If, say, low-income societies had REGULAR access to the internet, they may be able to generate enough ideas to aviod poor test scores. I know this statement takes a little thought. And it probably won't do you much good if you have not taken "Education in a Diverse Society" (sorry, I forget the course number), but this issue of poor people suffering in the classroom is bigger than no technology in the classroo.
Don't worry reader. I do understand that fancy things in the classroom won't make things automatically better. I did read "Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards". I don't think that money is the answer. I do know that without this thought provoking thing we call regular access to the internet, low-income societies are suffering.  And, I'll say it again, they don't have it!! They don't have the money for it. The teachers don't have it. They don't have the money for it. I have one hope. Now that there is a revolution that involves the liberation of education - the liberation of knowledge, maybe there will be a real liberation of the people on this Earth; maybe people will see how access to education isn't the only thing that has been and is being hoarded by dominant cultures. It will, no doubt, be a slow one, but it might be one that is starting.

2 QUESTIONS...

A good person is summed up in one sentence? Notice the people who had sentences were already passed away. I am guessing it would be very easy to think up a sentence for someone who is no longer active. But if I am put to the challenge and it is insisted upon, then, here it goes: "I am, first a mother, second a wife, and third a student, who takes all of her roles extremely seriously, even though she likes to play." And I already ask myself on a daily basis if I had done more, got more accomplished, or feel better than the day before. So, I guess I don't have to tell ya what great advice I think that is.

SKYPE INTERVIEW

POST #9

WHAT I'VE LEARNED THIS YEAR...
This is exactly the kind of reading that I need to do. This blog is a list of  lessons a new teacher learned about himself during his first year of teaching. I have to say that it is refreshing and encouraging to be reminded that I am not the only one with fears. I am scared to think about the possibility that I could be less than excellent to my employers and my students. I am scared of computers. I want more than anything else in the world to be a good listener, communicator and team player. Mr. McClung's blog has helped to get my perspective back in check.
He tells teachers to be focused on student comprehension and in order to do this we must be flexible with, have an open line of communication with, and have the utmost respect for all of our students. I truly believe that if this advice is not taken, teacher could do more damage than good. If we can't make changes on the fly opportunities for learning can be missed. If we don't know and respect our students how do we expect for them to know and respect and learn form us?
I felt as if he was speaking directly to me when he advised against a fear of technology. I have made it no secret that computers and other gizmos scare me. They make me wonder about the very direction of humanity (that's no joke), but I have to admit, computers and the concept of a PLN are potentially unmatched by any other methods of learning that I am aware of. This blog reminds me that this is a fear that has to be completely overcome.
Finally, and most importantly, Mr. McClung tells teachers to never stop learning. We, as, not only professionals, but people, must learn and grow. Without a fresh mind we cannot advocate our students.

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POST #8

THIS IS HOW WE DREAM 1&2

Dr. Richard Miller of Rutgers University tells the Presidential Forum about the fundamental change in the way we must teach. Today we have to be tech-savvy. As teachers and learners we are forced to share and discover ideas by way of the world wide web.
Dr. Miller refers to the web as a rich store of knowledge. This knowledge is at our finger tips. The way we compose our work and our thoughts is changing. The way people share ideas is transforming into something we can hear, see and read instead of just one or the other. And this is the way teachers and learners are, before long, going to be expected to produce their work all of the time. This way of composition is going to be the common way.
He goes on to say that it would be the common way if we only had more inspiring pedagogy and resources. But I believe there is plenty of that. He is inspiring and there is more where that came from. I just believe that since we are in the middle of a transformation, it's going to take some time for everyone to catch on. All in all, I understand that this speech is an example of the way teachers today must be thinking and doing in order to help the students of today be all that they can be. We have to offer them our imagination.

THE CHIPPER SERIES AND EDM310 FOR DUMMIES

Who knew the key to my success in EDM 310 is to watch a bunch of tutorials. I don't operate quite like that which is why you see me in the lab often. Coming to the lab plus watching the tutorial might get me through this and good enough to teach my kids.
Chipper is a perfect example of someone who has to learn the hard way that procrastination is not worth it. When a person finally realizes that taking care of business ahead of time ensures you plenty of goofing off time later, then that person will try to avoid procrastination at all costs. Although there is a difference between me and someone who has their parents paying their tuition, I don't feel that anyone should be allowed to procrastinate. However, being forgiven every once in a great, great while is different in my opinion.
I would love to create something at least as impressive as The Chipper Series or EDM 310 For Dummies (ha,ha). I think a revised version of "Dummies" would do all students some good and then require it to be watched, like, the night of the first lecture.

WHY SMARTBOARDS ARE DUMB AND WHY I HATE...
Well, there is just no end to the knowledge I gain from these blogs and videos in this class!!! I was one of those easily dazzled parents who just got into a feel good frenzy when I saw the smartboards at my daughter's school. There are just some things in this life that I don't think twice about. I didn't think of a smartboard as being almost the same as a projector or chalkboard. I am being honest when I thought it was a miracle tool. But I have never used them, so I don't know why I thought that. Just naive I guess. I will learn.
It is so sad that a teacher can't just say to an administrator: "Hey, I need some money to work on this awesome idea I have for interactive learning that doesn't involve a physical object." But something is lost there. I guess it's trust. Whatever it is, I'm sure that any determined teacher could use the abundance of information on the internet either to use their smart board more effectively, or to get around having to spend money on one in the first place. Like, both the blogs said; it's not the money but the pedagogy that matters.
When trying to find a link to something positive about smartboards, I didn't find anything that seemed as informative as an article from Educational Leadership by Robert J. Marzano called Teaching With Interactive Whiteboards. It has the point that the other two blogs are trying to make laid out in it among the good and the bad; a good teacher plans ahead and becomes familiar with the materials they use.http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov09/vol67/num03/Teaching-with-Interactive-Whiteboards.aspx I hope you find it most informative. Thanks for reading. Oh yeah, one more thing. Isn't Jamie Lynn such a good, no, wait, great actress?

PERSONAL TIMELINE

MY PLN

Well, I believe that I am doing well with making my PLN bigger and more efficient. I am positive that there is way more that I could be doing. I am also aware that I am behind when it comes to all of the technical issues involved with using different programs. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed the blog assignments. Especially the C4T. With this assignment I have been exposed to the type of exemplary thinking that I thrive off of. The videos are so thought provoking. This class is steering me in the right direction when it comes to developing and understanding the necessity of having a large and efficient PLN.

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C4T #2 SUMMARY

Dr. Strange, where do you find these teachers?! They are geniuses. My teacher #2 was Mr. Joe Bower of Alberta, Canada. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mr. Bower's many posts on effective, empowering teaching. I have laughed and cried each time I visited his blog. I am aware that just sounded kind of movie criticesque, but it's just the truth.
Mr. Bower shares excerpts from articles he has read on the education of today. He questions the goals of educators today. He makes us aware, rather he reminds us that there is a system in place for teachers to use and we must embellish this system little by little in order for it to empower our students.
None of that is directly quoted, but this is how my mind has wrapped around all of the information he provides. I told him thanks for sharing his thoughts because they help me make sense of my own and I will be visiting his blog for as long as I can.
I am starting to see very clearly how learning and teaching methods have changed. They run smoother this way.

POST #7

RANDY PAUSCH'S LAST LECTURE...

Wow! What a mind this guy had. He is so full of inspirational quotes and thoughtful analogies. His outlook is unmatched by any dying person that I have known; and believe me, I have known a few. He has a big positive side, but the best part is that he is not stingy with his positivity. He expresses and shares himself so well.
He obviously understands what a dad and a husband's responsibilities are and he intends to fulfill those even when he is not physically here. Pausch understands; he gets it. He tells us that we just have to live life  right and carma will take care of itself; dreams will come to you. I am living proof of this. I don't have all of my kinks worked out and some of them that I do straighten will sometimes kink back up, but I do totally understand and believe this man's philosophy. The best thing about this man is that he is not only willing but wanting to share his happiness and common sense in order to help others.
I was feeling so crappy. For what specific reason, I couldn't say. I could speculate but I really didn't know what was bothering me. Thanks to this video that feeling is gone. Well almost, maybe I should watch it again.

C4K SUMMARY

The student I was to comment on was a very well-rounded 13 year old named Wade. The first thing he wrote was an "About Me" blog. He was proud to talk about his school life, the sports and fun things in his life, as well as, his family. He seemed like such a dedicated student and someone who knew how to balance the fun with the serious parts of life. Also, Wade wrote a short story about becoming a metamorphic rock which had me hoping that I have a classroom of students with his interest in learning. I was happy to read his blogs and I told him to keep up the good work.

POST # 6

THE NETWORKED STUDENT

Well, is this an example of how paper will be used by the time I am teaching? Ha, Ha. Anywho, this video was very well put together. It surprises me that people are doing this in the classroom. I say this because when I graduated high school in 1999, there wasn't even a computer in every classroom. Really, the only person I remember having a computer at Murphy High School was the secretary. So, this is all new to me.

This does not mean that I am not up to the challenge. I am actually quite excited. I do believe that although I do not have that many technical skills or inclinations, I am learning. Also, I am ready to learn whatever I have to in order to do my best teaching. Much like the teacher in the video, my heart is in my interest in the field of teaching.

I know that as long as my heart is in my job, I will do well. Like I mentioned before, I am excited. Because of the technology available, my students and I will learn so much more than I did when I was young. It seems to me that having a networked classroom is a task that needs constant modification. I am prepared to be that kind of teacher.

7TH GRADER'S PLN

This student is amazing. I was nowhere near as organized or knowledgeable as she when I was in 7th grade! I know that we are, as a people, becoming more technologically intelligent. But, her work is exemplary. I know that she had some guidance but the amount of information that this 7th grader takes in is surprising. When I was in 7th grade mostly what we did was busy work. I did go to a low-income school, but I believe that even if I had a teacher that ran herself ragged, I still wouldn't have been exposed to the amount of information that this young lady has been. I can't wait to be a part of the new classroom.

THE MACHINE IS CHANGING US

This was the most interesting video we have watched so far. As a matter of fact, am going to watch it again and maybe a third time. That's not a joke, by the way. I am only 2 years younger than  Mr. Wesch. I am so impressed with his work, the questions he is asking and the knowledge of he and his students. A lot of what he says hits home with me. I have often had these same thoughts and wanted to answer the same questions about the generations in my lifetime.

I guess this is why I want to teach multiple subjects; a little bit of everything interest me. But technology has always scared me. I never thought of it as an outlet for expressing ourselves as humans. I always thought of mass communication as taking away from our sensibility. But while worrying about what bad was going to come from this ability, I hardly ever considered what greatness can come from it.

The idea of recognition, or a new way of thinking about a thing has not ever been scary to me. On the contrary, it has always enticed me. I do not know why my thoughts about technology have been so different, but I believe that I am ready to think about this everyday and hopefully evolve into a the teacher I want to be.

BLOG POST #5

BENEFITS OF PODCASTING...

Joe Dale points out the importance of using the technology available to our advantage. Most school children use computers on a daily basis for recreation. Most students are familiar with and eager to learn with tools such as blogging and pod and vodcasting.
Yes! Project-based learning was always the best method for me. When I was encouraged to explain something in my own words, that lesson always stuck with me. Yes, exercising our creative muscles is the best way to learn and grow.

PRACTICAL PRINCIPALS

Well, it sounds like these prinicipals know what they want from their staff. It sounds like they are great leaders. As a brand new principal who was only going to be at his new job for a while, Principal Elias's attitude is impressive. He is going to improve that school by sharing his knowledge of and enthusiasm for technology.

As a parent, both of these principals impress me and motivate me to do my best. Their podcast is informative and fun for them and they both have children. It's obious that they both realize the importance of technology in the classroom because of it's place in the world.

EDUCATION PODCAST NETWORK (EPN)

This website is like a hub for sharing ideas for using technology in the classroom. People who visit are encouraged to leave their ideas and accomplishments involving new technology. There are plenty of ideas and podcasts to browse through. Since the initials ICT were familiar to me I took the link to ICT Weekly, which is a podcast from Victoria, Australia. In this podcast, two teachers update their listeners about ideas and discoveries involving new technologies in the classroom. I gues it's just a shame that I couldn't figure out how to share it with you all. Hey, maybe next time. Anyway, check out my team's podcast. I think for a first time thing we did very well. Enjoy.

Best and Worst Traits of Teachers

POST #3

Hi everyone! Sorry I'm late. I'm still learning how to keep up in this course with out physically being somwhere. Yes, that is the age of my mentality. Does that tell you how relevant these videos and posts are to me.

A VISION OF STUDENTS TODAY  This starts out with a quote that expresses the need for a more modern classroom in 1967. What this tells me is that we as teachers can never forget that the world is in a constant state of change. To serve our students we have to stay ahead of the game. Think about it; we have to stay ahead as students, so it makes sense that we need to be ahead to be effective teachers.

  At the end it suggests that technology alone can save us. At the same time, there was a quote about awarding the inventor of the system. We as people and teachers have to know how to use the systems we invent or we will not be saved.

IT IS NOT ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY  Finally, someone who has helped me put my thoughts and feelings into words. I know there is something to be beholden about today's technology. It is knowing its place in this world that is key. Most of all, knowing its place in the classroom and our everyday lives.

  The kids we are going to teach are going to be at least one step ahead of us with technology. Unless we make it our business to know and learn from them. Like she said learning and teaching are not the same thing but they do go hand in hand. We will have to constantly learn to effectively teach.

IS IT OK TO BE...  This post was very insightful and very well said. I have to admit, I went for the longest time thinking that I could get away with not knowing. I was comfortable without an e-mail address. I was comfortable using an encyclopedia instead of Google (I'm not kidding). Since I started school in 2007, that has all changed and it is always changing.

  I love learning. I do believe that is why I love to teach. There is constant stimulation and I believe it is healthy for everyone. In order to teach we must do.

SOCIAL MEDIA COUNTER  Wow!! This is unreal! To look at this is to get a feeling of how huge this world is and how many people inhabit it. On the other hand, when you think about this anomolie we call the Internet, it really shrinks the world. Almost everything is tracked.

  As a teacher, I will remember my place in this huge world. That is, getting todays youth ready for society and life. Also, I will need to know how to use these powerful tools to our advantage.

C4T SUMMARY #1

English teacher Larry Ferlazzo's blog is packed with interesting links and information. He really keeps an eye on helpful tools for his English learning students. He is truly a student advocate. He is definitely aware of the relevancy of his student's individual cultures and their transition to American culture.

  I commented on his post about the "gracelessness of Michelle Rhee". Basically when the people in charge of public services are unwilling to work on the same projects, communities are in danger. These are the issues that all people especially teachers should be paying attention to. Also, I let Mr. Ferlazzo know that I think his method of addressing tardies is perfect. Some students will respond better to playfulness and sarcasm before they will any other method.

POST #4

DON'T TEACH YOUR KIDS...
In this post, Dr. Mcleoud has a very facetious way of expressing the fear of technology that most parents (including myself) experience today. But he has a serious point. Just because you may be scared as a parent to venture into the unknown, doesn't mean that you should deprive your kids a learning experience. Not only that you may learn something if you hang around and look over their shoulder.

My opinion is that us parents should be right there learning with our children. Us aunts and uncles should be happy to teach the young people in our lives. Technology is too huge a part of our society for anyone to ignore.

Did you know that Dr. McLeoud is the guy that made the "Did You Know?" video? Wow, what a mouth full. I have to say that I am glad to get to know about this person and I will be visiting his blog regularly.

iSCHOOL INITIATIVE

It is my belief that there is nothing like teaching and learning with actual human beings. To have a school that requires no human contact whatsoever is kinda sci-fi for me. It is scary to think about how close things are to being this way.

On the other hand, the green aspect of it is awesome. We at least need to have classes that are all web enhanced to significantly reduce the waste of resources.

LOST GENERATION...

This was cool. Thanks for this. The symbolism here is just awesome and unmatched. It is just that easy to turn your life around. Encouragement and support does have to come from somewhere but once a person is determined to do their best, it seems as if life's path reverses just as smoothly as this poem did.

VIRTUAL CHOIR

This was just weird. Since I am a live music hog, my opinion is biased but this was just too inorganic. I love to hear harmonizing but there was a slight electric buzz in the background that made it hard to listen to. No, it wasn't my speakers, it's just because those voices were intersected by too much technology before they made their way to my ears.

I have no doubt that this took careful organization and a particular ear. The idea of bringing so many voices together that way is cool enough. I just couldn't get into it.

ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENT #1

Well, I must say that the educational implications of these two search engines are that there is even less to complain about when having to do research. What I mean is that the information being sought after is already organized, so there is absolutely no excuse now for poor organization. When I was a child and I asked my mom or dad about how to spell something or what something meant, they would simply say "look it up". I knew how to use a dictionary, thesaurus, and encyclopedia like nobody's business, but I can't say that I didn't love Google when it came along. Now, you don't have to do a thing to find what you're looking for; it's just awesome. I didn't know anything about either of these. I'm glad I do now. I toyed around with each of them for quite a while. I especially like Wolfram Alpha. I didn't know I was 10,615 days old and that there was no holidays or observances on my birthday. It's just fun!

At first, the Did You Know? video had me mystified, but when I started thinking about the sources of information I had my doubts about the accuracy. It is true, when you consider the populations and geographical size of certain places perspectives change. I do feel that the U.S. could do better with it's educational and technological progress.

THE REAL POST #2

OK. Obviously, I watched the wrong videos for my second post assignment. I am so sorry to whomever is supposed to comment on me. Wait, you probably got a good laugh out of it.

DID YOU KNOW?
Well, actually, I didn't know. And I'm not sure I wanted to know because all of these BIG facts scare me. These technological issues involving the speed at which information travels and all of the different ways of gathering intimidate me.
I know that, as a teacher, I will have to be part of this information revolution and I have to be aware of my place in this world. I have to be aware to better serve my students.

MR. WINKLE WAKES
This is the very reason that I am attracted to being a teacher and a student. There will always be a need for instruction and there is always something to be learned. The classroom is a comforting and nostalgic place for everyone.
But, I doubt I will be so lucky as to have a classroom with no computer to speak of. I say lucky because I am very proficient and confident in the "old school" way of teaching and learning. This video is a testament to these "old school" fundamentals. I know that I will have to be contantly learning about the new ways of gathering knowledge.

IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY
No one should forget the importance of the arts. My philosophy is that without the allowance of creative release our happiness is what escapes us; and what good are we to the world as sad, unmotivated souls.
I believe that in an attempt to manage the rapid population growth schools have become more like machines producing little business men and women. There is hardly any room for individual expression in the world of business.
The story of the dancer is just one example of how schools today, of how society today, can hold us back as individuals. I do not claim to be a mastermind on any subject, but I am certain that individual creativity is ignored these days.

HARNESSING STUDENTS DIGITAL SMARTS
Well I hope that this class will harness my digital smarts. I do know the importance of this, but I am just uneducated when it comes to the digital world.
The most important part for me of this video is the reassurance. The techer said to not come into the teaching profession feeling like you have to know everything. Be willing to learn especially from your students.

Wordle - Mary's Wordle

Wordle - Mary's Wordle: ""

POST #2 I'M ON THE RIGHT TRACK RIGHT?

EDM 310 IS DIFFERENT

It certainly is!! I have to say the live version of this lecture was way better!! But, that is true for anything live, right? I guess that is why I am so intimidated by this class. Communication today is so impersonal. Everyone is always texting and tweeting. Man, whatever happened to calling someone? Anyway, professionalism, good attitude, creativity; I have all of those covered on my own. The 9 hours a week I have to spend on activities, on the other hand, will be spent as close to someone who knows what they're doing as possible. I scare myself because ,yes, I do believe teachers must be technologically advanced. Teaching is one of the few professions in which a person has to stay informed of and open-minded to new things. Educators who do not make it their business to learn and evlove as much as possible are not student advocates.
No, I am not technologically advanced, but I do want to learn. I love to learn. I have already learned a little and I'm ready for more!

WILL I PASS THE 3RD GRADE?

Yes, I will. And I have to say that all the punctuation errors is one problem that I have with technology today. I can't stand texting. It's slop. I won't be embarrasing you guys with bad grammar; at least I don't think I will. I've been using it for 3 years straight and you know what they say, "If ya don't use it ya loose it." Also, I am quite, quite fond of the spell check technology so, I won't be forgetting to use it.

Blog # 1 About Mary!!

Hi, everyone!! As you know by now my name is Mary Mauceri. I love my married last name because it is exotic. My maiden name (Hughes) is boring, often mispronounced and was a constant source of embarassment while growing up. Teachers would pronounce it as "huge" and since I have alwas been big every kid would just have a ball at my expense. When I think about it, though, that is probably the one reason why I am able to laugh in situations like that.

Anyway, I'm 29 years old and I have two lovely babies. My girl is six and knows more than I ever did at that age. My son is four months and is already flirting with women. I mean it; no joke. Russell, my husband, works at Wintzell's downtown and when all his pretty co-workers come to ogle over him he just puts on his most appealingly bashful face. I love my babies more than anything.

I am a student of education because I have a natural talent for teaching. I hope that one day I will be able to make a living doing something that I enjoy and something that matters a little more to me than scanning groceries. I started in 2007 and took a break after last fall to focus on my pregnancy and the first few months of my son's life. Now I'm trying to get back in the groove of balancing school and home.