C4#2
Flipped Coach, Jason Hahnstadt has found many technical apps to make his job easier. The most recent one "Coach Notes". Coach Hahnstadt seems to like this app over the others he's tried. Using this app allows him to communicate information to students and co-workers in a timely fashion. The application frees up time to allocate to other important things. Classroom time is valuable and its always nice when you don't have to spend it lecturing.
The use of classroom technology is definitely making it easier for you to control your teaching time. Technology such as pod casting and video's are benefits to students and teachers. One advantage for students is the students have a chance to review information early and over and over if they need to and for the teachers, more application time to practice the information is allowed. The apps available to help with this process are incredible. My preference is Drop Box. I like the versatility of this app. Video's are automatically accessed on all Ipads. Students can upload anything from documents to video. I think this is a neat feature.
The videos on flipping your classrooms are a great way to get your point across. I would like to use a flipped classroom as a teaching tool because of
the time I can engage students. I do not look forward to spending most of my time lecturing to a class. The students can learn at their own pace, allowing me time to spend with
the students who need more one on one assistance and allowing effective remediation
through technology are all reasons for using the flipped classroom approach.
The Flipped Coach made Youtube videos in about 15 minutes using his Ipad and his co-teacher for demonstrating test for their fitness program. He recorded instructions for the test and once class started he was able to show the videos with examples of each test to be performed. He was able to do this the morning of his class. Great use of technology in the classroom to enhance instruction.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
C4K #2
C4K #2
Eric's teacher, Mr. Marks divided his class into girls and boys groups. He told them to start running and Eric got really tired. He started to sweat and the class was told to start walking around the basketball court. Everyone was really tired. Eric did not win first place but he still had fun.
I told Eric it was good he had fun and I was sorry he was tired but he would feel better after he rested. I also told Eric I enjoyed reading his post.
Eric wrote his blog post about his brother Conner's birthday. His brother was turning 11 years old. Eric was excited about the gifts Conner received and he describe the food they were having for the birthday dinner. He also talked about going to McDonald's for Conner's birthday too.
Eric's teacher, Mr. Marks divided his class into girls and boys groups. He told them to start running and Eric got really tired. He started to sweat and the class was told to start walking around the basketball court. Everyone was really tired. Eric did not win first place but he still had fun.
I told Eric it was good he had fun and I was sorry he was tired but he would feel better after he rested. I also told Eric I enjoyed reading his post.
Eric wrote his blog post about his brother Conner's birthday. His brother was turning 11 years old. Eric was excited about the gifts Conner received and he describe the food they were having for the birthday dinner. He also talked about going to McDonald's for Conner's birthday too.
I said hello to Eric and wished his brother a Happy Birthday. I commented I was sure he had a great birthday and it was very thoughtful of Eric to write on his blog about his birthday. I told Eric the food he talked about sounds great. I asked if he and Conner ate a lot of the food? I told Eric I have never had Pavola and asked what is it made of? Conner got a lot of neat presents and I told Eric I knew his present to him will be a good one too. I told him to have fun at McDonald's!
C4K Summary for September
C4K #1
Today, Sept 21st was
Jordan’s last day of basketball. He was
so sad because he loves basketball. He learned lots of new skills and hated to
see it end. learning new skills. His
friend Frank had a birthday on that same day and he would be 10 years old. He did not have a present for Frank but he
did wish Frank a happy birthday. On that
day it was very cold as Jordan and his classmates walked to the basketball
court. It was so cold his trainer asked
the class to do a warm up exercise before playing basketball. Jordan said it
was so cold there was ice on the grass. Jordan seemed very proud of himself
having got the ball in the basket on the first try. When the game was over so
did their fun. They waved goodbye to
each other.
I told Jordan my name, where I live and that I am a student in college. I told Jordan I enjoyed reading his post and that he expressed himself very well. I commented that I was glad the coach did a warm up exercise for them because it was so cold out on the basketball court. Jordan’s friend Frank had a birthday on the last day of their basketball class and Jordan did not have a gift for him. He wished him a happy birthday because that was important to him. I told Jordan it was very nice to wish a happy birthday to Frank and that birthday wishes always made me smile. I told Jordan I hope he will continue to post so I can hear all about what is going on in his class.
Today, I read a story Jordan wrote called The Passenger. His story was is about a bus ride home , a mean barking dog that everyone was afraid of called Buster and a talking fish sitting on the seat beside him. Some imagination...don't you think? The story was very good and funny. I was impressed. There were some misspelled words, but not many. I did not comment on the misspelled words. Jordan's story was full of imagination and creativity. I also noticed he included two hyperlinks in his story. I commented on the new skill and told him I liked his story very much. His writing improved a great deal since the first post I commented on . There were a lot less errors and his sentences were more organized.
I told Jordan my name, where I live and that I am a student in college. I told Jordan I enjoyed reading his post and that he expressed himself very well. I commented that I was glad the coach did a warm up exercise for them because it was so cold out on the basketball court. Jordan’s friend Frank had a birthday on the last day of their basketball class and Jordan did not have a gift for him. He wished him a happy birthday because that was important to him. I told Jordan it was very nice to wish a happy birthday to Frank and that birthday wishes always made me smile. I told Jordan I hope he will continue to post so I can hear all about what is going on in his class.
Today, I read a story Jordan wrote called The Passenger. His story was is about a bus ride home , a mean barking dog that everyone was afraid of called Buster and a talking fish sitting on the seat beside him. Some imagination...don't you think? The story was very good and funny. I was impressed. There were some misspelled words, but not many. I did not comment on the misspelled words. Jordan's story was full of imagination and creativity. I also noticed he included two hyperlinks in his story. I commented on the new skill and told him I liked his story very much. His writing improved a great deal since the first post I commented on . There were a lot less errors and his sentences were more organized.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Blog Post # 7
The Networked Student
Teachers are great people to have in networking programs as stated in the videoThe Networked Student. There is a grave need for teachers to be technologically literate so they are able to teach students to their full potential. If teachers don't understand technology, how can they teach our students to use it? Our world revolves around technology and teachers must understand it or our world will never catch up with the rest of the world. Networking is very important for teachers. It is a source that can actually make the lives of teachers and students easier. Networking allows teachers numerous opportunities to increase the learning of their students. Networking apps allow students the opportunity to form a close relationship with their teachers and other students. It provides many sources for research and exploring different cultures. I like to believe networking is a source that can bridge the gap between the arts and the academics of students. There are endless opportunities to hear ideas about specific subjects from so many people. Sources are available to learn what's happening today and keep our students current on new developments. Teachers can meet with parents as often as needed using a networking medium. This promotes good parent teacher relationships and that's good for the students.
The 7th grader in the video is truly impressive. I'm sure this student was trained prior to using the Symbaloo application and not left to figure it out on her own. Her teacher has done an excellent job engaging her in learning. I hope to be able to use Symbaloo as well as she does by the end of this class. I am just starting my PLN and there is no comparison at this time to what she has done.
Teachers are great people to have in networking programs as stated in the videoThe Networked Student. There is a grave need for teachers to be technologically literate so they are able to teach students to their full potential. If teachers don't understand technology, how can they teach our students to use it? Our world revolves around technology and teachers must understand it or our world will never catch up with the rest of the world. Networking is very important for teachers. It is a source that can actually make the lives of teachers and students easier. Networking allows teachers numerous opportunities to increase the learning of their students. Networking apps allow students the opportunity to form a close relationship with their teachers and other students. It provides many sources for research and exploring different cultures. I like to believe networking is a source that can bridge the gap between the arts and the academics of students. There are endless opportunities to hear ideas about specific subjects from so many people. Sources are available to learn what's happening today and keep our students current on new developments. Teachers can meet with parents as often as needed using a networking medium. This promotes good parent teacher relationships and that's good for the students.
The 7th grader in the video is truly impressive. I'm sure this student was trained prior to using the Symbaloo application and not left to figure it out on her own. Her teacher has done an excellent job engaging her in learning. I hope to be able to use Symbaloo as well as she does by the end of this class. I am just starting my PLN and there is no comparison at this time to what she has done.
Blog Post #6
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
In the video Randy Pausch's Last Lecture he was very enthusiastic even as he was dying. While ill he continued lectures helping students and teachers learn more about technology,learning and teaching. He was very encouraging. He made a good point about the football coach practicing without the players touching a football. Randy knew not all players touched the football. He knew those players who did not touch the football needed skills that were just as important as those who touched the ball. Those skills were new for some not so new for others on the team.
Leadership was another skill Randy talked about. He used the example of Capt. Kirk on Star Trek and how he lead the spaceship and the crew very well. Capt. Kirk had a cool personality and used cool technology.
Randy talked about how books were becoming extinct because of all the ways available to download books on technology from many different websites. We currently have the iPhone, Ipad, Nook, Kindle, Laptops, Notebooks, and many other electronic devices to enable students to download books. It's amazing when you think of all the money saved by schools districts by not purchasing textbooks.
Lectures and student assignments are being posted on the internet. There are blended classes available where a student meets for a short period in a classroom and the remainder of the time is spent outside the classroom working independently. This is a great way to learn and can meet the needs of all of the students. It does require responsibility on the part of the student. Students who learn fast,are not held back and can work ahead at will. Some schools are talking about turning classroom labs and classrooms into virtual rooms. This is a great idea! Virtual classrooms would allow opportunity for sharing of ideas from people of different cultures and brainstorming would reach a new level with so many ideas discussed and the reasons for them.
Randy Pausch continued his quest to encourage use of technology in our schools so we ...the world would all be on the same page some day.
In the video Randy Pausch's Last Lecture he was very enthusiastic even as he was dying. While ill he continued lectures helping students and teachers learn more about technology,learning and teaching. He was very encouraging. He made a good point about the football coach practicing without the players touching a football. Randy knew not all players touched the football. He knew those players who did not touch the football needed skills that were just as important as those who touched the ball. Those skills were new for some not so new for others on the team.
Leadership was another skill Randy talked about. He used the example of Capt. Kirk on Star Trek and how he lead the spaceship and the crew very well. Capt. Kirk had a cool personality and used cool technology.
Randy talked about how books were becoming extinct because of all the ways available to download books on technology from many different websites. We currently have the iPhone, Ipad, Nook, Kindle, Laptops, Notebooks, and many other electronic devices to enable students to download books. It's amazing when you think of all the money saved by schools districts by not purchasing textbooks.
Lectures and student assignments are being posted on the internet. There are blended classes available where a student meets for a short period in a classroom and the remainder of the time is spent outside the classroom working independently. This is a great way to learn and can meet the needs of all of the students. It does require responsibility on the part of the student. Students who learn fast,are not held back and can work ahead at will. Some schools are talking about turning classroom labs and classrooms into virtual rooms. This is a great idea! Virtual classrooms would allow opportunity for sharing of ideas from people of different cultures and brainstorming would reach a new level with so many ideas discussed and the reasons for them.
Randy Pausch continued his quest to encourage use of technology in our schools so we ...the world would all be on the same page some day.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Blog Post #5
The iSchool Initiative
Travis Allen thinks all aspects of learning can be totally technology deliverable.He feels schools could save money on the cost of textbooks and teacher salaries.Travis knows the shape of our schools and the money issues today and feels he knows the solution. He is convinced the school based apps available today are the solution to the money woes of schools.
As I listened to Travis, it was easy to believe he was right in his thinking. He demonstrated and talked about apps I did not know existed. Interactive books and electronic formats would allow for immediate updates to curriculum for teachers and more effective learning for the students. The iSchool may very well be the way of learning in the future and would prove beneficial where money is concerned but what will happen to the quality of learning? If only everyone was as technology literate as Travis seems to be. What about the people who are not? I actually like the way he thinks, however, I see the other side of the coin also. There are different learning styles of people to keep in mind. Everyone does not learn in the same way. As teachers we must remember that when we deliver information. The educational apps are all great... but some people need face to face interaction and they should not suffer because the world is so focused on technology. Technology is a good thing and I am not knocking it,I just think everyone should be considered when making a decision to become an iSchool. I also feel very strong about calling the school an iSchool. Does that mean Apple would be the only contributor to the school as for as educational apps or pieces of technology? Would there be room for any other competitors to compete? Just my thoughts.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
This video was excellent. It was a perfect use of the internet. The idea of a virtual career is amazing. Anyone who wants to try out for the choir has the opportunity to do so. The video was inspiring and the music and voices Heavenly. The voices were beautiful and soothing to the ear. While listening to the choir, I closed my eyes and it felt as if I was inside a cathedral. This video gave me goosebumps. I loved it and it has so much potential. Imagine a worldwide virtual choir bringing us all together! The concept is phenomenal.
Teaching in the 21st Century
Teaching in the future will definitely not be so rigid and scripted as it is now. While creativity is not encouraged and included in the way academics are taught... it will be an integral part of classroom academics in the future. Creativity will be encouraged because without it discoveries will not be made. Freedom of expression will allow new ideas discussed and a freedom to learn environment. Art will be used to inspire and explore mindsets. The use of your imagination will be a part of everyday learning while making learning fun. Science will be as important as Dance. Math will be as important as Art and English will be as important as Technology. It's a small world with lots of different people and if we learn together, the world will become a better place.
Why I Flipped My Classroom and Flipped Classroom
I enjoyed watching these two videos. I really became excited watching them because I could visualize myself using the techniques in my classroom. The Flipped classroom would allow time to teach all of the students. Every classroom will have those high achievers, the middle of the road student and some who are struggling. This approach allows pre-loading the content, working ahead, self pacing, and remediation. It also allows time for more application of the content and less time delivering the content. Struggling students have more of an opportunity to get one on one instructions and there is more time to work with all groups of students. The Flipped classroom is such a wonderful approach to teaching with many benefits for the students and the teachers.
Travis Allen thinks all aspects of learning can be totally technology deliverable.He feels schools could save money on the cost of textbooks and teacher salaries.Travis knows the shape of our schools and the money issues today and feels he knows the solution. He is convinced the school based apps available today are the solution to the money woes of schools.
As I listened to Travis, it was easy to believe he was right in his thinking. He demonstrated and talked about apps I did not know existed. Interactive books and electronic formats would allow for immediate updates to curriculum for teachers and more effective learning for the students. The iSchool may very well be the way of learning in the future and would prove beneficial where money is concerned but what will happen to the quality of learning? If only everyone was as technology literate as Travis seems to be. What about the people who are not? I actually like the way he thinks, however, I see the other side of the coin also. There are different learning styles of people to keep in mind. Everyone does not learn in the same way. As teachers we must remember that when we deliver information. The educational apps are all great... but some people need face to face interaction and they should not suffer because the world is so focused on technology. Technology is a good thing and I am not knocking it,I just think everyone should be considered when making a decision to become an iSchool. I also feel very strong about calling the school an iSchool. Does that mean Apple would be the only contributor to the school as for as educational apps or pieces of technology? Would there be room for any other competitors to compete? Just my thoughts.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
This video was excellent. It was a perfect use of the internet. The idea of a virtual career is amazing. Anyone who wants to try out for the choir has the opportunity to do so. The video was inspiring and the music and voices Heavenly. The voices were beautiful and soothing to the ear. While listening to the choir, I closed my eyes and it felt as if I was inside a cathedral. This video gave me goosebumps. I loved it and it has so much potential. Imagine a worldwide virtual choir bringing us all together! The concept is phenomenal.
Teaching in the 21st Century
Teaching in the future will definitely not be so rigid and scripted as it is now. While creativity is not encouraged and included in the way academics are taught... it will be an integral part of classroom academics in the future. Creativity will be encouraged because without it discoveries will not be made. Freedom of expression will allow new ideas discussed and a freedom to learn environment. Art will be used to inspire and explore mindsets. The use of your imagination will be a part of everyday learning while making learning fun. Science will be as important as Dance. Math will be as important as Art and English will be as important as Technology. It's a small world with lots of different people and if we learn together, the world will become a better place.
Why I Flipped My Classroom and Flipped Classroom
I enjoyed watching these two videos. I really became excited watching them because I could visualize myself using the techniques in my classroom. The Flipped classroom would allow time to teach all of the students. Every classroom will have those high achievers, the middle of the road student and some who are struggling. This approach allows pre-loading the content, working ahead, self pacing, and remediation. It also allows time for more application of the content and less time delivering the content. Struggling students have more of an opportunity to get one on one instructions and there is more time to work with all groups of students. The Flipped classroom is such a wonderful approach to teaching with many benefits for the students and the teachers.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Blog Post # 4
Ms. Tolisano talked about the podcasts she made with her class. In the podcast Podcasting with First Graders, she talks about the class creating a podcast about the book they were reading. They discussed questions to ask the main characters in the book as if they were going to interview them. Ms. Tolisano used the questions and answers to create a script for the children to use in the podcast. Students took turns recording specific parts of the script.
This was a great exercise.The students enjoyed listening to their voices on the podcast.The students learned new skills and improved skills they already had. Continuous learning was certainly taking place in this activity. The students were unaware of the sills they were learning new like voice acting, oral fluency and media technology. I can see how easy it would be to incorporate this activity into any of their subjects. I believe this activity would cause students to want to participate and knock out boredom in a classroom. I love this!
The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
Joe Dale talked about the benefits of podcasts in the classroom. In his video Benefits of Podcasts in the Classroom he talked about many benefits and gave examples. Creating podcasts helps students become excited about learning subjects that may otherwise be a source of boredom. There is quick access for students who may miss a class or two. Learning becomes fun. Parents also have the opportunity to communicate and hear what their children are learning.
Judy Scharf's Podcast Collection
The Podcast Collection describes a podcast as a"radio style" talk show. She discusses using podcasts in the classroom and how they are a benefit. In the post you will find instructions for creating a podcast. There are many teacher resources on making podcast included within this post. This post is very beneficial to teachers who would like to include podcasts as part of their class. I will refer to this post often as I prepare to make my podcast.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
C4T #1 SUMMARY
Summary:
Mr. Jabiz is a teacher struggling with how to connect with his students at the beginning of the school year. He is feeling all the anxiety that most teachers feel during that time of year. It has been a very long week for him. He wants to get to know his students, learn their names, understand their needs and explore their personalities. He’s ready to find his groove with his class. He’s trying new things and using words that inspire and empower. He has begun using ideas from other teachers and encourages others to share.
Response: Young children are very smart. They know when adults don’t want to be around them. I advised the teacher to talk, listen and observe the students. Try walking in the students’ shoes to connect to them. Talk openly about what you observe and hear. Allow students to express how they feel and this should help you connect. This could possibly be an ongoing activity.
Response to another viewer on this blog. Students know when you are real or fake with them. It may not not be anything you’ve said or done. A child’s inner spirit kicks in when they are around adults. They instinctively know when adults don’t want to be around them. I believe you can reach all children, some sooner than others. Try getting to know the world they live in through conversation with the children. Talk, listen, observe as much as you can. Listen and observe more than you talk. Talk openly about what you observed or heard. Allow them to express how they feel about what you have observed and heard. Take a walk in their shoes and you will connect on some level. Unconditional acceptance is the key.
Response: Young children are very smart. They know when adults don’t want to be around them. I advised the teacher to talk, listen and observe the students. Try walking in the students’ shoes to connect to them. Talk openly about what you observe and hear. Allow students to express how they feel and this should help you connect. This could possibly be an ongoing activity.
Response to another viewer on this blog. Students know when you are real or fake with them. It may not not be anything you’ve said or done. A child’s inner spirit kicks in when they are around adults. They instinctively know when adults don’t want to be around them. I believe you can reach all children, some sooner than others. Try getting to know the world they live in through conversation with the children. Talk, listen, observe as much as you can. Listen and observe more than you talk. Talk openly about what you observed or heard. Allow them to express how they feel about what you have observed and heard. Take a walk in their shoes and you will connect on some level. Unconditional acceptance is the key.
Blog Post # 3
PEER EDITING
What is peer editing? Peer editing means working with someone in this case, in a classroom to help improve, revise, and edit his or her writing. There are three important steps to remember when you are peer editing. I call the steps the sandwich process. The steps are compliment, suggest, and correct. It is important to remember to be specific and stay positive. Remember you're helping to change a person's work and you don't need to be nasty to do so. It's always important to start with a compliment. Next , offer specific ideas on how to improve his or her writing . If your suggestions are too broad or general in nature, the suggestions may be interpreted in an entirely different way. Once you have complimented and offered suggestions, look for words spelled incorrectly, grammatical errors, wrong or missing punctuation, and incomplete or run on sentences.
Some good examples of starters to use when peer editing are: (a) The writing style is ______. (b) My favorite part was _______ because _____. (c) A suggestion I can offer for improvement is __________. (d) A description of ________ would help me to imagine him or her book better.
There are common mistakes that we often make when editing someone's writings. In the video,Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes ,these mistakes are demonstrated. Criticism should be constructive... what's in it for the person you're editing? Criticism should never be hurtful! Negative comments do not encourage... they discourage. If you have no interest in editing the writing, do yourself and the person you're editing a favor and find someone else to do the editing. Be specific and not insulting. Editing is not about you, leave the control freak in you at the door. If you're the one being edited, don't take it personal... it's just business.
This is a very funny video. It made the points clear in a humorous way. I will probably review this video many more times for help with editing.
Technology in Special Education
Technology helps to facilitate student participation in the classroom. For students that are blind, unable to read, have no movement in their arms or hands, or some who cannot speak, there is a way with the use of technology for them to participate.
Their are useful pieces of technology like the IPOD, IPAD, HEADPHONES, and all kinds of applications for use to aid in the participation of the special education student. Ipods aid in participation for those who cannot see. Computers are used for those who cannot talk. Technology captivates their attention. Computers also build relationships with students as well as helps them to write assignments and spell.
How the IPAD works with Academics and Autism
There are so many apps out to9day and more being made daily to help with children with Autism. The apps are used to help motivate children to participate. The apps capture the attention of the children and invites them to participate. It is very hard for an Autistic child to remain focused for long periods of time and so the IPad had apps that are colorful, musical, and busy enough to keep the attention span. All sorts of apps are available to help with counting, sight words, writing, phonics,you name it and it can be found. One app I would use in my classroom is the writing app called Kids Write Pad by Apple. I like this app because it focuses on fine motor skills which all children need help with mastering. It's an app that can be used in a group setting with children who are autistic and those who are not.
Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts Technology
Technology can be used to connect students to focus on learning how to use new software. They can become comfortable with any technology. Students can use search engines like Google to research terms they don't understand. Teachers don't need to know everything in order to teach something new. Students can do their own research and teach the teacher on some occasions. This allows teachers to observe strengths and interest of students. Teachers no longer need to define everything for students... they can look it up. Students feel empowered when they figure things out on their own. They have the opportunity to learn about trends and cultures all over the world.
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