Brittany Pittman's Final Reflection

FINAL REPORT ON PLN

PLN

I developed my PLN through Symbaloo because it helps keep things organized and I like the way it is set up. I described most of my PLN plan in an early blog but have worked on it since then. I have it organized into section, what i use everyday and by what group it falls in. I have recently added the State of Alabama Education Websites. I have many of the usual like blogger, facebook, GMail and South Alabama's web page.

Special Assignment



When I read this assignment I completely missed the metaphor. I am not really sure how I missed the metaphor, maybe because I am always rushing and skipped right over it. I did as Dr. Strange said and plugged in the word computer, it was different all together, providing a better understanding. I don't think I am the best at picking out metaphors but feel much better about them now.
2. What metaphors have you encountered since I asked you to create a log of them?
I have encountered loads of them much more than I realized. You can find them everywhere movies, books, the radio. I herd one in a movie the other day which I immediately recognized because I've herd it more than once, "grabbing the bulls by the horn". Also my family sometimes tells me to not "beat around the bush".
3. What other things can we do as educators to help our students to understand and to use metaphors?
Well you can do as you did and give a lesson on it or an assignment.
Since I am going to be teaching elementary or any grade level, now that I think of it, is to incorporate metaphors in a daily use and by pointing them out. Maybe by using them often and understanding there meaning they should be able to spot them.
4. Why do we use metaphors?
I think we use metaphors to add "more" by emphasizing. Also to draw a comparison between the two meanings.

C4T #4 Summary

                                                                      

C4T #4

Post #1
I received Dr. Baggett’s , an assistant professor in the Collage of Education at the University of South Alabama, Poundering Paige blog spot titled Leading by Example and a Pointer Finger: Enriching our Lives through the Arts and Technology (high and low). This post was all about Ricky Trione, who is un able to see, and how he influence’s other people to make a difference especially when it comes to adversity and perseverance. He does this through Art by painting and using tools that involve technology. It is very inspirational and provides an Educational Message.

Response:
This was the first time I have been on Dr. Baggett’s blog spot. I found it to be very interesting and useful, as she has some really good post. The post about “Mr. Ricky” was just awesome. This was the first time I have seen or herd of “Mr. Ricky” but I found his work to be amazing,  how he works with students and uses technology. It is inspiring how he illustrates so many ways to achieve your goals with desire, perseverance, and a support system.

Post #2

Ibiyinka Alao, Nigeria's Ambassador of Art
This blog post was about Ibiyinka Alao‘s, Nigeria’s Ambassador of Art, presentation he did at the Collage of Education in the University of South Alabama. Ibiyinka is an artist that paints wonderful works of art that are full of life, color and vision from his heart. His paintings of stories has a deeper meaning including diversity and achieving peace using creativity and his expressions. It also talks about his life and achievements he has made throughout.

Response:

I loved reading this post because my goal is to teach art and incorporate artist like Ibiyinka, who speaks with his heart through his paintings.  I wish I could have been there for his presentation, it sounded like everyone had an awesome time. I find his paintings and his overall appreciation for his own work to be beautiful and inspiring. My favorite painting out of the ones you posted is Mortal Feelings because it is stunning and intense. It is amazing how he puts so much feeling and compassion into his work by using his beliefs and culture.

Final Project #16 The 9 Hour Rule

C4K #7,8,9, & 10

C4K #7

For C4K#7 I received Mr. McClung’s class blog titled Mr. McClung’s world. I found his blog to be very organized, finding my way around easily. I was assigned to the his post titled Class-Discussion-Trail of Tears which was interesting and entertaining. The video showed his students answering the question “was the removal of Native American tribes from their homeland wrong or was it necessary for expansion in the 1800s?” He did this by letting the students answerer freely and by drawing a spectrum on the board letting the students see where there views where falling under.  

Response: I just basically said hi Mr. McClung my name is Brittany and I am a Student in Dr, Strange’s EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I really liked the discussion and loved how you let your students speak freely. I thought it was a great idea to draw a spectrum on the board like he did because it let the students see where their views were similar and different.

C4K #8

The C4K # 8 was really fun to read I received a student who has a blog titled Facial Mask. I thought she did an excellent job with this blog being very creative. Facial Mask was about her and a friend trying something new by making a facial mask. The first got dirt from the garden then sifted it to remove the rocks and other stuff. Last the added water and applied it to there faces. It was a fun activity that involved her and a friend being creative.

Response: I told her my name, Brittany, and let her know that I was a student in Dr, Strange’s EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I thought she did a really good job with her blog post. I hope to try something fun like this with one of my sisters because it sounds like a lot of fun. I will look forward to reading her blog again, Great Job!

C4K # 9





C4K # 10

Was about Mrs. Y

Blog Post #13

Alabama Learning Exchange

ALEX, Alabama Learning Exchange, is a helpful website used by teachers, students, administrators, and even parents. It provides easy ways to share various types of educational materials and information. ALEX provides many resources that are incompliance with the Alabama State Education Requirements. You will find all kinds of resources on this website from lesson plans to web sources on any subject and grade level (k-12).

The webpage is very easy to understand as it is organized by links. For example you will see links such as courses of study, web resources, lesson plans,  search, personal workspace, etc.  I encourage you to click on all the tabs because each has something to offer. I found it interesting that when clicking on lesson plans and search giving a list of activities, like the Arts Education plan for k-3 titled Trust Me!. It helps students learn to work together and trust each other.

I find ALEX to be a great website to get information and material from now as a student and later as a teacher.  I feel that their constantly updating and adding to it, providing improvement over time. It is user-friendly or easily accessible to find information and lesson plans.  It will be a great help by proving new information when I start coming up with lesson plans and projects for my students.

Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide

ACCESS, standing for Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide, states its vision which is to “provide equal access to high quality instruction to improve students achievement through distance learning opportunities…”. This gives students a chance to take courses which they would not be able to usually take. By letting students in high school take more achieving and advancing classes, it could prepare them better for college. I will say that the website it self could be a little better organized as I found it very unfriendly.

Blog Post # 12


Assignment: In this weeks post I would like you to give a detailed response to EDM 310. What I mean by response is what you like or dislike about it and how you think we could improve it, if you think it needs improved.

I really was scared of EDM 310 because I had very little computer skills and felt like I was in over my head. I later realized that these are the skills I’ll be needing to help teach my future students.  I totally agree with Dr. Strange now because I have realized that technology is the future and these are the skills they will need. In the beginning of this class I new very little about how much the computer has to offer and what it could do for my classroom. But, now I have learned to make movies, create a bolg, put modifiers on pictures, and even how to communicate with teachers/students from around the world through technology. I have to say 9 hrs a week extra is a lot but you need every bit of it to complete your assignments. I am glad I struck in there this semester in EDM 310 because it has really helped me open up to technology. I think the most important thing that has helped me is the EDM 310 lab and assistance, which was open a lot of the time with someone there to help.

Project # 16

For project # 16, we have decided to film Dr. Strange teaching how important it is to spend 9 hrs in his class. Then we are going to talk about how ridiculous 9 hrs a week is after class. Last we will film someone doing the work weekly and someone procrastinating. We finish by comparing the two grades he or she makes.

Project # 15

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT- Mr. McClung

1. What do you know (or have you found out) about Mr. McClung that is reflected in the way he has constructed his class blog? Mr. McClung is an 8^th grade teacher at Woodland Jr. High School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He teaches many subjects including social studies, History, computer applications and even coaches cross country. Currently he is getting his masters at the University of Arkansas. He is a big supporter of technology in the classroom and tries his best to incorporate it in all his lesions. For example in his class blog, he has constructed a huge learning tool involving technology because  the class blog is full of information that is useful to his students, other students, parents and teachers.

2. Comment on what you would say about Mr. McClung as an educator. I believe he is an awesome educator because he tries really hard to keep information available to students, parents and anyone else by using the newest forms of technology. These newer technologies are the ones students and parents need to learn about and how there involved in every course not just computer courses.  He is a great example of how educators can involve technology in their classroom.   

3. I asked above that you read Mr. McClung's "rules" and think about them. What do they say about Mr. McClung, his teaching, and his connection with his students? What is your reaction to these rules (and guides) as a student and as an aspiring teacher? Mr. McClung’s rules are defiantly useful and are very inspiring. I think his rules let students make choices and provide a better learning environment because he lets them communicate and participate in teaching other classmates. Even though Mr. McClung has a more open classroom he still provides structure that is usually needed in a student’s life, like when to talk and when not to.    

4. What was the first thing under Everyone needs? Why do you suppose that is the first requirement? Everyone needs a day planner. I believe this to be very important because a planner helps you keep up with assignments and due dates. A student can also use it to build a day to day schedule.

5. Note the penalties for being late (under Homework). Compare them with my penalties for being late. Comment. Penalties for being late are a letter drop for each day. I think your penalties are sort of the same because you take it very seriously and your penalties may even be worse.

6. Read carefully his paragraph about what he hopes to accomplish with his blog. Comment and apply to your own aspirations as a teacher. I hope to provide a class blog for my students as Mr. McClung has done. I want to incorporate new technology in my classroom by using a class blog to keep parents and students up to date and involved.   

7. I asked you to review at least two Useful Links in depth after reviewing all of them. Which two did you review in depth? Describe each of the two. How might each be used? Why do you think each made Mr. McClung's list. The first one I liked is Discovery Education and I believe it made his list because it goes beyond the classroom and provides answers to student’s curiosity that might not be answered in a classroom. I thought it was cool that students could check their facts they find online or anywhere with Reference Desk. I think this web site provides great help when doing research. I think I would get my students to use both of these links because each can bring something to my classroom and help students learn.

8. Under Internet Safety I asked you to read carefully the rules Mr. McClung sets forth for safely using the internet. Comment on these rules. Are there any you would add or subtract? I feel like he covered almost everything as the internet can be very dangerous. I think he is correct when saying they should not reply to threatening comments and to always keep your last name anonymous. I think some of these rules should apply to our class because I do not like giving out my information but I do anyways because Dr. Strange tells me to.

9. In the C4K part of this blog I asked that you look carefully at one of the categories under which you assigned post was filed. What did you find? Select one of the posts in the category and review it for me. I was assigned to Class Discussion- Trail of Tears.  I found that he is involving technology in his history class by videos, as he had an open discussion that had been but on a video. His question was “The removal of Native American tribes from their homeland wrong or was necessary for expansion of the US in the 1800’s?” I found that he got his students to interact with each other by creating a spectrum on the board which let students see were other students stood on the matter.   

10. Mr. McClung uses Edublog as his blog host. In some ways it may seem more "advanced." But Blogger has many abilities that we have not covered in EDM310. This leads to this question: Is there anything (or things) that Mr. McClung can do with his blog that you would like to do in Blogger? I like the columns he provides at the top and would like to set my blog up like that. I would like to do this because I feel it will make my blog more organized and a better learning tool.

11. In what ways does Mr. McClung make his blog useful to parents, teachers, administrators, students like you, and others? Because he provides an example of how you can use your blog. He lets parents know what is expected, the rules and also helpful information on what their kids are doing in the classroom. It provides me with some useful ideas and materials that can help with my learning which I plan to add to my PLN.  

12. How does Mr. McClung's 8th grade blog differs from other blogs you have visited including other 8th grade blogs? Why the differences do you think? Other blogs I have seen do not or have very little blogging and are just the very basics most of the time. I think the difference is the way his blog is set up and his rules he applies to his classroom. I think he does this through his teaching and how he lets his students interact and communicate, much more than other students are allowed to.

13. Add any additional comments you think would be useful in analyzing Mr. McClung's World in depth. I just really liked how organized and up to date his class blog is because even though some teachers have class blogs there usually behind or do not contain all the information like Dr. McClung’s does.  

Blog Post #11

First Graders in Ms. Cassidy’s Class

     I really enjoyed watching the video “First Graders in Ms. Cassidy’s Class” because it was so interesting and provided a great example of how teachers incorporate technology in the classroom. For first graders, it is amazing how they use technology accurately. I find it inspiring because I am going to teach elementary education and hope to incorporate technology in my classroom. I have never thought about using blogs and skype in my classroom but now having that I have seen your message it makes me want to provide my students the best education by introducing technology. To do this I believe Ms. Cassidy is correct that we have to keep learning and using the latest technology available because it is a part of a student’s future. One of the methods that I would like to use in my classroom is skype because I feel it could really get the children involved in technology and communicating with other classrooms across the world. I agree with Ms. Cassidy and hope to teach many of her methods, like blogging, videos and even fun items like Nintendo DS.

Project #14

Saturday April 9, 2011
ARTS ALIVE -11AM-1PM
Ages 3-23 (any age group)


Objective: “Learning To Throw A Bowl On The Potters Wheel”

Supplies: potters wheel, towel, bucket, needle tool, straight/curved rib, wire tool, sponge, wood knife, wear board, and 1Lb ball of clay


Procedure:  (steps)

1. Smack clay ball down in the center of your  wheel .and seal to the wheel head by warping  your hands around the ball and pushing down.

2. Now that it is sealed to the wheel head wrap your hands back around it and squeeze it into a cone. By doing this it condenses the clay removing possible air pockets.

3. Bring your cone down by wrapping your left hand around your cone with your thumb up ,then place your right hand on top of your thumb and press down.  As you are pressing down your right arm should be locked into your side, and the clay should from into a donut without the whole (this is called centering).

4. The next step is opening  and you start by getting your wet sponge and pressing in the center which  opens the form into a donut ( but do not go all the way down to the wheel head) . Now we check our thickness of our bottom with the our  needle tool (around 1/4 inch thick), after checking thickness make sure your donut is on center by wrapping your wet sponge around your donut side.  When this is completed  we move on to pulling.

5.  When starting to pull the sides , have your right hand on the outside with your left hand slightly above your right but on the inside,  we don’t want to go to fast of a speed .  You should do 2 to 3 pulls maybe more if needed ,because your goal is to have an even wall thickness.  Now that you have the sides of your bowl you want to compress your lip (top of your bowl) with  your wet sponge . Getting rid of all sharp edges.

6.  Refining your form to create a better bowl. You do this by using your curved side of the rib and you gently  place it in the bowl pushing along the sides, creating a nice curved in your bowl You now have a bowl and finish it by compressing the lip.

7.   Taking your bowl of the wheel head. First use your wood knife tool to cut of excess clay around the bottom of your bowl. Now your ready for your wire tool which you use to run in between the wheel head and your bowl. Put your bowl on your wear board to take with you.

I really enjoyed teaching and participating in Arts Alive in down town Mobile Alabama. The kids and older participants where awesome as they were excited and ready to learn.   

C4T #3

C4T # 3
1.  received David Wees blog. i found his spot interesting and enjoyable. One of his most recent post was titled our words are not enough:its time for action. This blog simply goes over how many teachers don't have a voice in there work space. As their opinions and views are not taken into consideration in most schools.  He goes on to say we can change this and how an organized force or group could really break the brick wall. He also gives a list of actions we can take that are fairly easy.


Comment: Was basically that his ideas and list of actions were a great idea. I think by creating a force that will work together will defiantly make an impact compared to an individual. I believe teachers opinions are very valuable because who knows the students better than the teachers, strictly talking about in the education field.

2.What should be on a high school exit exam in mathematics?

This post by David Wees was about how exit exams are not necessarily the best way to see if a student is ready for college.  He thinks that exit exams don’t satisfy certain criteria. For example if the student is prepared for challenges that life will throw at them.  Mathematics is one of his key focuses because even though a student may pass exam like SATs, NY Regents and the IB mathematics they still are not learning how to apply mathematics to situations in life they will encounter. 

comment: Hi, My name is Brittany and I am a student in Dr. Stranges EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I think you make an excellent point. The exit exams only look at one part of a students life and doesn't address the other issues they could encounter in life. I feel like we should prepare the student and help them apply whats learned to schooling. I enjoyed reading your post and look forward to reading your blog more often.

Blog Post #10

 

An open letter to educators
by Dan Brown

Dan started out by stating that it is super important to get an education but goes into the question "what does it mean to receive an education?". This is a huge question and is very complex wen explaining it. He goes onto talk about how education has changed over time. He gives his views and opinions and states how people get a education through universities which are the launching pad, growing and changing the world.
   One of is major points is institutional education and how we basically have the same educational structures as before. e is absolutely right that this is a revolution in the information age. For example like computers, as he mentioned how most people get places now. You use to have to get an atlas but now just type it on any search engine and receive the shortest rout. He states that because of the Internet information is now free to the public.
    Another point is how people including teachers have adapted to the Internet. He goes into how teachers are basically behind and have lost sight. There is just so much educators could do because has he states in many ways facts are no longer the only thing needed in the classroom because there free and can be easily looked up, tanks to the Internet.
    I believe he is so right because it is not about the facts because you can get facts easily. We should help students conform to the world, as an educator you should motivate creativity and creative thinking. I, as an educator, hope to change with the world as Dan brown said because he is right the world is changing and you need  to as well.

Blog Post # 9

     The essay “What I’ve Learned This Year” was about what Mr. McClung had experienced and learned as a first time teacher. He begins by explaining how the lesson plan prepared by him did not connect with his audience because he was so worried about superiors and delivery of the content. The next  thing he refers to is how a lesson plan is never perfect and how you should be flexible because there will be mistakes, therefore he states we should try to better the situation.  I really like when he moved into communication because I believe things can be worked out by trying to resolve any issue through the use of communication. The next important thing he learns is to be responsible by not setting up high expectations for students because he states its are job to encourage them to try again if they don’t succeed.  He then goes into how you should not be afraid of technology because technology is our friend and is essential to living. He raps up by saying we need to listen to our students and never stop learning, as we need to grow as professional  educators.
     I think this is a good guide because I believe everything Mr. McClung has learned in his first year could help me become a better teacher.  All his major points are defiantly something to consider when teaching because what he has learned are what many teachers sometimes forget. For example how a teacher should grow as a professional educator and how technology is important to are standard of living.  He has provided me with some notes that will defiantly be useful in the teaching field.

C4K Summary 4-6

#4
Joseph is a Year 6 student at Pt England School in Auckland, NZ and in room 18. His teacher is Mr. Barks. His post just said I’m in room 18.

Comment:
Hi Joseph,
My name is Brittany Pittman and I have visited your blog. I hope you will add to your blog. I'm interested in what you may post, because I am from Mobile Alabama, living in the United States.

#5
C4K #5 was a blog post done by Henry, which attends Pt England School. Their post was about the Christ Church Earthquake. It went into detail about how sad it was, as people panicked and cried for help. There were 75 people who past away due to the Earthquake.

Comment:
I really didn’t know what to say. Just told them I am glad they shared it on their blog. I also said it was a tragedy, being very sad and how I found it scary as well.

#6
The blog post was about the final entry in the Digital Photography challenge, which took place in Melville Intermediate on March 17th 2011.

Comment:
Started by saying, Hi my name is Brittany Pittman, I attend the University of South Alabama and I am in Dr. Stranges EDM 310 class. I really enjoyed their slideshow. The pictures were taken very nicely and the music that was added made it even better. Told them good job and to keep up the good work.

Project #12 Skype Interview

Blog Post #8

1. Richard Miller: This is how we dream part 1 & 2

     Mr. Millers video made some really good suggestions when it comes to writing with multimedia. He talked about how writing has changed in the academy and culturally. This video is to show how a change in visual literacy is a good thing, I think Mr. Millers video is correct and could benefit the students tremendously. This video was about how we can share information freely and world wide.
     In the video part 1, Mr. Miller goes into detail about communicating globally and intently. He talks about incremental change, which I found interesting, working with things like your lap top and over all freely giving out information for learning. I think it was a good idea to have a class that focused mainly on producing print documents and visual documents.
      Part 2, This is how we dream, was about the digital environment and how it can be up dated instantly, by things like visual representation. The major idea he gives out in part 2 is, that it is not the goal of technology but what technology makes possible. This I find to be truthful and it would be such a good thing to get the idea of writing with multimedia in the classroom, because I think it would really benefit the student.

2. Chipper
      I enjoyed this video and found it funny. This is a good video that shows students why it is a bad idea to procrastinate, which is waiting to the last minuet to do something. I thought it was funny when she said she’ll just change the definition of procrastination. I will not lie, I have procrastinated on a couple of assignments and can tell you from experience it is never a good idea. I think especially as a teacher you should try to do your work on time and in an orderly fashion, because your expected to be responsible when it comes to turning in work.

EDM 310 For Dummies

      What a fun video and they looked like they had fun making it to. I think EDM for dummies is a great idea because it lets other people know there not the only ones struggling to keep up and understand. I found the first two to three weeks in EDM 310 scary because it just gets so overwhelming. I like how it refers to the “A” you start of with and how you can keep it. EDM 310 takes some getting use to but overall is very helpful in the log run.

3.Learn to change, Change to learn
      I think the title makes a good point all by itself. It really amazes me that education is ranked at the bottom with coal mining. They talk about how technology is a world, relationship and even a community. Technology should be brought into the classroom but there putting restrictions on it, making it harder. He is right when saying jobs in today’s world involve technology. I think we should prepare the classroom for globalization and communicate with other teachers around the world.

4.Tara Watson (Fall 10) suggested two videos

The Secret powers of time
      This video was put together very well and I enjoyed how he had drawn the pictures to create a better understanding. By him drawing the pictures it kept me focused and held my attention through the entire video. He also mentioned time and the six main zones people live in. I could not believe it when he told me how many children where dropping out and I understand this a serious matter. I like how he explains how things have changed, by Revolution in time. I can relate to time because my time is packed, I am very busy all the time.
The surprising truth about what motivates us
     This video was all about motivation, which involves rewarding and punishment. He goes on to describe rewards and the three levels starting with the lowest and working to the highest. Usually in most cases the higher the reward the better the performance but in some other cases, when going beyond rudimentary skill, it is the other way. The conclusion is that money is the big motivator and without this we would be untroubled. I also like how he provided some factors that lead to better performance and personal satisfaction. I really enjoyed the video.

Project # 13 SMART BOARD Presentation

My Smartboard results have been really good so fare. The other group or audience did very well on the evaluation we sent them, by getting them all right. The evaluation we sent them covered the basic knowledge of WWII, which consisted of multiple choice and fill in the blank.
I thought that our presentation went over exactly what was on the evaluation we sent out and they both had basically the same information only in a different form. We also wrote in information throughout the presentation which also help the students do well. The audience did great, by paying attention and interacting with our lesson on WWII.
I really thought this was a good project because it taught me a little bit about the smatboard and how I can use it. Me and my partner worked good together and I hope I get to use the smartboard again.

Project #11

My short movie

C4T #2 summary

     My comments for teachers for the past two weeks has been on John T. Spencer’s blog, Tom Johnson’s adventures in Pencil Integration” he teaches, writes and lives his life and want to do them all authentically. I have really enjoyed reading and responding to his post. The first post, titled “Avoid Social Networking”, was very funny and I like how he took it to the extreme. It was about HR representatives telling teachers they must avoid any site that allows for social networking with students, but John went into what was social networking. Social networking can even be interaction at the grocery store, when bumping into your students. I believe he made his point and agree that is a little harsh, not letting teacher interact with students using social networks, because there is some education benefits that involve social networks.
     My second comment was on his newest post “ 5 Reasons for Leaving the Pencil Conference”. His post was about him leaving a day early during the pencil conference due to 5 reasons. His five reasons are: presenters are unapproachable, arrogant, speak like addicts, fail to grasp complexity, paradox and mystery and won't admit that there are some good ideas from the past. I left him a comment that said he had good reasons for leaving because of his reasons. I also told him, that by stating the reasons why he left is a good thing, because now the pencil conference knows what to work towards for the next conference.

Project #10 Progress

     My Personal learning network is coming along very well, I think. I am still working on getting use to a PLN and how to organize it, in the best way, to fit all parts of my life. I am talking about my work, schooling and extra curricular activities I participate in. I was unsure about having a PLN because I thought it would take more time than I would like it to, but in the long run it is awesome having everything together and the ability to get information from your PLN.
     I found that symbaloo is the easiest way for me to organize my personal learning network because it allows me to put stuff together, so if its for work I can block it together. For example I have all my art websites and addition learning information together, which includes the art groups I am apart of in Diigo. This section or category also includes twitter and the people I’m following on twitter, like Artknowledge and clayhappens. I also have a spot for my school work and this includes websites, like are class blog, other blogs and even the state education website. I am learning a little more every time I build on my personal learning network and hope to enhance it even more throughout the semester.
　
　
　
　
　

Blog Post #7

     Who is Randy Pausch? Randy was a professor of computer science and human computer interaction. He was an awesome speaker who gave a lecture titled “The Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”, which you can find on Youtube.com. He titled it “The Last Lecture” because he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and passed away in VA, on July 25, 2008, at age 47 leaving behind a wife and three kids.
     I absolutely love Paush last lecture because it gave me so much to think about. He does a great job by involving the audience and providing a really interesting lecture. The lecture was about himself achieving his childhood dreams and what he had learned and experienced when achieving them. He also tells about his job and how he got there which involves virtual reality .
     The first childhood dream he accomplished was being in zero gravity. He did this by breaking through the “Brick Wall” which entailed him to become a journalist so he could be a part of the team to experience zero gravity. The second dream , playing in the NFL, he never accomplished but learned the fundamentals and hard work which contributed to his accomplishments throughout his life. The most important of his childhood dreams was to a be an imaginer at WALT DISNEY WORLD, where he was able to work on Aladdin’s Virtual Reality attraction and this made him decide to teach virtual reality courses.
     His courses were made to help enable childhood dreams of others , and done this by not setting a bar anywhere (for example : he gave them a project with no standards and they exceeded his expectations, and encouraged them to do better even though he felt they all deserved A’s). His courses were created to let the student learn the program by creating movies and games. He believed you could not get there alone that you needed assistance to get there and to show gratitude for hard work given.

Blog Post #6

1. The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler:

    I really enjoyed the video, The Networked Students. I thought it was put together very well and was easy to understand. I was unsure about what a personal learning plan was, but by watching this video it provided an insight. This video was about a student attending the 21^st Century High School. I couldn’t believe he only goes to school three days out of the week and the other two days online. He also has no text book and never has lectures.

    This shows a different kind of learning and yes in some ways make me nervous. As he had developed his own virtual textbook and personal learning plan which creates organization and new information at hand. This makes my job more intense because I have to keep up with the new tools and applications to keep my students up to date. I believe this kid of student will have an advantage when it comes to technology because he or she was exposed to it earlier.

    I am not sure if I am ready to be a teacher, let me rephrase that I am not ready to be a teacher in the 21^st century. I realized I have a lot of catching up to do and how tuff it is sometimes to keep up with technology. Still I think it is definitely worth it, because, as explained on the video, students in the 21^st century will need a teacher. They will need a teacher to show them how to build networks, communicate properly with others, to organize information that is valid and of course guidance.

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

    I really liked how organized and neat the seventh graders personal learning environment was. She organized her blocks into categories, for example class work and social networks. My personal learning network is just getting started, but is coming together very well. This is my first PLN and I am using symbaloo to keep all my information organized and up to date. I like how you can add whatever website you like to your personal learning plan and how all the information is kept together. I hope to expand my PLN and learn to use it better as time goes on.

3. Critiques of Smartboards

    Michael Staton has a couple of points when it comes to smartboards and why he does not like them. For example, he states how expensive smartboards are and how schools don’t have the money for them. He also goes into how interactive boards do not give students an adaptive learning environment and how it enables social feedback. What really caught my eye is when he stated smartboards do not reduce a teacher’s work load.

    Well I have a different opinion and agree with the k-12 Teachsters blogspot about smartboards. I agree with them, because I have seen students interact and use the smartboard in educational ways. Smartboards are great because they make information fun to learn and also get the students wanting to learn. It is not about the teachers and their workload; it is about getting your students involved in learning. The smartboard also brings technology into the classroom at younger grades, like kindergarten, which provides exposure to new tools that involve technology.

K-12 Teachsters blogspot  http://medt3401.blogspot.com/2010/06/interactive-smart-boards.html

C4K 1, 2 & 3

I have really enjoyed the comments for kids because it has given me a different perspective on teaching, when incorporating blogs in kids lives. I think it’s a great idea for them to have a class blog, as it can only benefit them in the future.


C4K #1


    My first comments for kids was someone in Mr. L’s 5th grade class. This blog was a little different because it had no information on the student or even the class. There blog was about Valentines Day and how much they love it. They talked about how Valentines Day was a special day and how their dad surprised their mom.
    I replied by stating how much I also loved valentines day. I told him or her a little bit about my Valentines Day and how I decided to get my grandpa a valentine because he has been very sick. I think there doing a great job blogging.


C4K #2


    My second C4K’s was Jordenne a student in 4th grade at Pt England School in Auckland, NZ. I think it is an awesome blog her teacher Miss King really seams to be into it. Her blog was about her first netbook. She described how much she liked using her netbook and how she got it. She was nervous at first but when she received her net book but once she started using it the nerves went away.
    I have never even herd of a net book and have never used one before. I told her it sounds awesome and how I would like to try a netbook. I also told her how I never used one in school and that I wish I had, so I would be prepared for future classes.


C4K #3


My third C4K’s was Jaylee Juliet Sifono Nouata a student at Point England School.
Her Post.
Last week was my first day at school and I was nervous at first but then I got use to it. During school I loved working with people I never worked with before. School was so cool because we got to catch up with things from last year. I wish I am a year 8 because I really want to go to university and study to get an awesome job and to have that moment of freedom away from the country. If I had 3 wishes it would be to have a family and to be an awesome teacher and to have a great experience though my life.


My response
    I introduced my self like usual. Her post was written well. I told her I liked her wishes and that my goals where almost the same; successful at work, a family of my own someday and to experience the world. I told her, I am glad you shared your first day on your blog. I also think your blog is so creative, keep up the good work.

Project 9b

Blog post #5

1. 100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better

    I found 100 ways to use your iPod to learn and study better very useful. I think this web page could really do some good because many people have ipods, iphones, and other apple equipment. This web page was all about what you could do with your ipod. For example, it gives you a category which contains a listing underneath, like applications, ipod learning support, and even podcast and more.  So what can you do with your ipod?

    I am still learning when it comes to my iphone and ipod. I feel like technology is moving so fast and that I am barely keeping up.  I learned so much from this site, for example did you know through the itunes store you can get audiobooks on any subject. I also learned that you can access information and other materials through The Education Podcast Network which could help me with my podcast.

2. Eagle Nest Radio & Class Blog    This was so creative and brilliant. The Eagle Nest Radio actually sounds like a radio station that is ran by kids. The students who are on the radio fill you in on important subjects and information. The name of their audio this week was called Roamin' with the ancient Romans, it was basically all about Rome. It gave all kinds of information including historical dates, Roman architecture, famous people like Caesar and Cleopatra.

    I am very glad I decided to listen to Eagle Nest Radio because it gave me a lot of ideas that i could use in my podcast. I learned that you can put music to the background and make it stop when someone is talking. Also I learned a new technique I could use which is having one person talk about each subject, letting everyone get a chance to participate. 

3. Judy Scharf Podcast Collection

    This web page filled me in on what a podcast is, because to be truthful I really did not know the definition. Do you? Well a podcast is a radio styled talk show which puts out information about any subject. She provides a couple things you can do with your podcast, like adding music. The good thing about podcast is that it can be listened to in two different forms on the computer or mp3. A podcast is a good way to interact with a lot of people and provides something for people to come back to if they need.  

    I watched the video How To Create A Podcast on youtube which provided the step by step information you need to create your own podcast. I found out that you will need a microphone, a computer, and software, which you can find on the internet to download for free. I really found the video helpful and would recommend it to anyone.

Project #8 Podcast

Click here to listen to our download.

Project #9a

Blog Post #4

1. Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please? by Scott McLeod.
    Dr. Scott McLeod is an Associate Professor in the Educational Administration program and the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education. He has received numerous national awards for his technology leadership work and blogs regularly about technology leadership issues.
    I enjoyed his blog post Don’t teach your kids this stuff. Please? I found it interesting and true. I think you learn more when you actually participate in the activity or process. I think he makes his point that we need to teach are children about new technology because its just as important today as the essentials.

2. The iSchool Initiative (5:42) by a high school senior
    The argument the high school senor makes is about the Ischool. He believes the Ischool would change the entire schooling system and I believe it would. There would be no expensive copy machines, paper, pencils and ect to cost the schools money.
    I am not sure about the Ischool, because we are combining students personal live with school. Not saying that’s bad but with the Ischool teachers can contact there students anytime, I guess there is a lot of responsibility that comes with the Ischool. I also don’t know how it would fit into Elementary schools. I guess parents could print the coloring pictures their children did in school that day.

3. Watch The Lost Generation.
    The Lost Generation was very inspiring. I thought it was fantastic how she turned it around and started readying it backwards or from bottom up. I believe she is right happiness doesn’t come from money but from within and your family. If you have not watched the video The Lost Generation I advise you to its awesome.

4. Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir
    Eric Whitacre’s virtual choirs is awesome. It sounds so rich and beautiful. I think this is a great way to use the internet. By using the internet in this way it is very creative and I love it. It reminds me of YouTubes internet symphony, which I enjoyed tremendously.

5. Teaching in the 21st Century.
    This was a great video it addressed every question that involves teaching in the 21^st century. It mainly speaks to teachers and the ways they can teach. It even goes into extra circular activities like ART and P.E. This video makes me think about how I will teach in the 21^st century and the many things that involve teaching in the 21^st.

So will computers take over the world?

   

   

    That is a good question and I am not sure on my reply. Do I think we will destroy ourselves, yes and it will probably involve computers. I think merging computers with humans is scary. If many people today our not technology literate, how do you think they will be in the future? In reality many will still be behind, trying to understand new technology from years ago. So I guess I do think computers will take over the world, because people our going to solely reply on computers and obtain little knowledge on their own. I mean you heard it from inventor Ray Kurzeil, there already putting computers into humans, giving them the ability to know things that they are not having to learn.

    So look how far we have fallen, we will go through all the trouble to install a computer in our brain so instead of us having to think and do for ourselves we will be told by the computer what to do. Here is a question for you who is in charge of the main computer? This also leads to another question why go through all the trouble of learning something when you can easily download it?

Project #6 My Sentence

Project # 5

Blog Post 3

1. Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today (4:45)
    I like the film a Vision of Students Today by Michael Wesch. This video showed what students are really doing in the classroom and what evolves their lives. My life at college is not exactly like that but kind of close.
    I spend a lot of time sitting in a classroom, especially my first two years which consisted of long lectures. It sad to say but in college many teachers don’t know anything about their students or their interests. I never use my computer in class but definitely understand why students spend so much time e-mailing, face booking, and using other ways of communication. This video makes me think about my college experience and ways I could make it much more educational for my benefit.

2. Read the post "It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
    I found the post, It’s Not About The Technology by Kelly Hines interesting and in many cases true. She talks about technology and what it brings to the future and how teaching is highly evolved. Hines gives examples of the technology tools we use today and provides a list of things teachers must recognize to be effective in teaching.
    First on the list is teachers should be learners, I agree, this is very important because if teachers are not updated with the new tools and trends how can they relate to their students and teach something they don’t understand. She also gives three more ways teachers must recognize to be better educators. If you have not read Kelly Hines post, I think you should it is very interesting and beneficial.

3. Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
    Karl Fisch’s post, “Is it okay to be a technologically illiterate teacher?”, made me wonder if it is OK? I would say no, you need to be at least somewhat knowledgeable. What is a technology literate teacher ? I cannot answer this for I do not know. This brings me to Karl Fisch who gives a list of standards that he believes educators should know.
    This is one mans opinion and I will take it into consideration when teaching my students. I agree with his first standard, that all educators should achieve a basic level of technology capability. You have to know this to be able to teach it. Times are changing, and more, and more classrooms are becoming involved in technology. How will you be able to assist if you do not know the fundamentals of technology. Believe me I am not an expert on the subject, far from it, but I am learning as well.

4. Gary Hayes Social Media Count
    What do they mean for your professional career as a teacher? Gary Hayes social media counts shows how active and dynamic the social web, mobile industry, and gaming business is. This has a big impact on my professional career as a teacher because this is what I have to look forward to when I teach. This will impact the way I communicate with my students and their parents. I have to know all the new social networks and media available to better my teaching experience.

Project #3 Summary C4T #1

    
     My C4T the past 2 weeks has been Joe Dale, who is an expert on technology and language learning, his blog is titled Integrating ICE into the MFL. The most recent post on 12-19-2010 is titled celebrating ICT links into language, it is about him putting together an awesome event called ICT links into languages conference. The ICT links into languages conference takes place on the 12th and 13th of February at South Hampton University and consists of program seminars and hands-on workshops.
     I think ICT links into languages conference is a wonderful idea, because it gets you to try new things like blogs, winkis, digital voice recorders and much more.It kind of reminds me of my EDM 310 class and a conference like this could help benefit this class.

     My 2nd comment was on an earlier post (12-12- 2010) entitled Happy Days  Are Here Again For Languages. This blog was about how singing a  song could help you with vocabulary, reinforcing sentence structure, and hooking young people into language learning. He provided a couple of videos from his class that show how his students benefited by singing their foreign language to their favorite tunes.
     I think this a wonderful idea because it looks like a good teaching strategy I can use in my class room. I never thought about getting my students to sing their favorite tunes but I could see how it could help not only with vocabulary but memory too. This looks like a fun activity and I am sure the students would enjoy doing it.

Special Post Assignment #1

Who is Dina Tillman?
She is a student or possible teacher who wants to cahllenge and engage her students by presenting old materials in new creative ways. Like in the video, she wants to make things fun so she will have more participation in class.


Who sponsors the Fun Theory web site?
VolksWagon


Where did this post get published?
This post was published on UTube first and later put on the USA EDM 310 Alumni Blog.

Blog Assignment-#2

1. Did You Know?
     The video Did You Know was put together very well and gives a lot of important facts in a short period of time without you loosing interest. It provided information and facts about all areas and regions around the world. For Example: I learned that India has more honor students than the U.S. has kids.
     The message that the video is sending I believe to be a good one. This is true because computers and the internet are the future not only in the classroom but in every aspect of life. I really enjoyed this video and would recommend it to everyone.


2. Mr. Winkle Wakes
       The video Mr. Winkle Wakes is exactly how I feel. I am one of the lucky generations that had the advantage of a computer and the internet, but feel like technology is advancing way faster than I can keep up with.
       This brings me to the older generations and how hard it might be for them. If you viewed the video completely you already know something’s never change and there is room in this world for both old and new.


3. Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
     This speech by Sir Ken Robinson is his view on the importance of creativity and teaching. He feels that creativity has been taken out of the classroom. I think Robinson is trying to make a point that creativity is not at the top of the list but is just as important as literacy. He explains how students loose there creativity due to the stipulations that are being put on them in the classroom early on in there education.
      I think this video pointed out relevant information and obtains some truth. I am one of those students that have been told you cannot make a career as an artist, but things change along with technology. Teachers should use creativity in the classroom and try to inspire their students to be creative.


4. Cecelia Gault
     The interview and intro by Cecelia Gault makes me wonder what the U.S. is not using unlike Finland. When educating my classroom I will teach my students that it is ok to make mistakes, be creative, and use technology like Cecelia Gault.


5. Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
    This video was about a teacher named Vicki Davis and how she went out of the box to educate her class. How she used technology to interact with her students so that may be comfortable using technology. Her students also educated her as well, creating a win win situation.
     Her idea involves new technology like blogs, podcasts, and other digital tools needed to succeed. This gets students involved with other students from around the world and shares cultural experiences with one another. This is a great idea to get students connected to the world through the use of technology.

Project #2

Blog Assignment 1

Hello, my name is Brittany Jean Pittman. I started South Alabama in 2007 and have changed my major more than a couple times. I am now an Elementary Education major and a full time student this semester. I intend to further my education and get my Masters in Art education. I am planning to teach the small ones like first grade and then later, after getting my Masters, get a job in the Art field of teaching.
I also work part time as a Bookkeeper for a small convenient store in Grand Bay called Kountry Korner. This is a family business that my dad has had for the last 25 years or so. It is great because I have the opportunity to schedule my own hours; this helps me to work around school and other activities that involve school.
The other activities and hobbies I like involve art. I like to consider myself an artist, I took a ceramics class here at South and found I have the skills to be an artist. So from that point on I have been taking at least one ceramic class a semester and recently moved into the glass field this semester. I really enjoy the ceramic classes and hope that I get to explore more in the art department at South.
This could not be done without family. I live with my dad, Rory and little sister Becca who is 20. I also have another sister Kimberly who is 24. I have two nephews, Tyler 6 and Trevor 1, they are my heart and I love to spend time with them. My mom Brenda and step dad Jr. also help me with school and keep me in line whenever I need it. My biggest supporter is my grandma Carol who motivates me not only in school but out of school too. I have a boyfriend named Luke, who is a little older than me that I have been dating for almost a year and a half; he gives me the other support my family can’t provide. I am very lucky to live on a 750 acre farm and am blessed with the advantages of having opportunities that many don’t have, like taking a walk through the woods and around the lake.
I am looking forward to this semester because I have a lot going for me. I recently invested in a house, which I made into a rental, and have my first tenants that are great. I have always been interested in rental houses, so I’m excited I finally get a chance to have one of my own. This semester I also, for the first time, get to do field experience and am looking forward to it.

Practice Post

My first post.