C4t # 4 Summary

Comment 4.1 was actually on a blog post about commenting. This video was very helpful for me considering I am still a new blogger. I was very interested in the video. I am sure it was quite helpful for younger students as well!

I commented on the video and explained how great of a post it was! I believe any videos of this type are awesome and helpful!

The second post I commented on was a contest created for the students. It was a competition for who had the best essay. People could comment on the post and vote for their favorite essay.

I mentioned how great this type of blog assignment was. Kids love competitions! Its a great way to combine fun, blogging, and improving writing skills all into one lesson!

Blog Assignment #13

For our blog assignment this week, we were asked to try 24 hours without the use of electronics. Yes, this includes cell phones! Surprisingly, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be! I went to the beach which made this assignment very easy! That automatically eliminates the use of computers. As far as television, I don't watch it often either way. Cell phones should have been the only challenge. However, this was the first time it helped me out that my charger doesn't like to work. I believe within the 24 hours I did send around two texts just to let family know how I was while being away.

On any other given day this assignment would not have been as easy. Especially on a day full of school work. Those days I will find any excuse to get on Facebook or call a friend. People do not realize how much electronics are used until they are given a challenge such as this.

Project #15

Final Report on PLN

Although I enjoy using Symbaloo, I have not added much more to it. When I first created my symbaloo, I added several resources that I use often. In time I will learn of even more things to add. However, so far it is great for me! It is so convenient and helpful while doing school work. This is something I will be sure to recommend!

Blog Assignment #12

Youtube for Teachers

We as EDM 310 students use youtube at least on a weekly basis. Youtube is a great source to find a video on just about anything. Youtube of course is nothing new to us. However, as future teachers there is something we should all know about Youtube. There is a Youtube for teachers!! This is a great place for teachers to find educational videos. It is already categorized by grade level or subject for you. This is the best way to find educational videos which are appropriate and useful in the classroom! There is now also a Youtube for schools page. This is for schools to create their own page of useful videos.

My assignment would be for all EDM students to explore this site. and find one video which stands out to them. Then create a blog post about Youtube for teachers and the video they chose. I chose the video on the homepage of www.youtube.com/teachers which is titled Youtube for Schools. Simply because it gives a detailed explanation of why Youtube for teachers is so helpful. This is easier access for teachers to find the perfect video pertaining to their lesson.

C4K Summary for April

My first three comments were made to the same student named Andy. The first post a commented on was a short clip from Voki. It is an animation which says "Hello, My name is Andy."
Here is my comment:
Hello Andy,
I am currently a student at the University of South Alabama which is in the U.S. I am studying to become a teacher! This blog post is awesome! I recently learned how to use a website that turns a picture of someone into an animation. I have never heard of Voki. Is that a similar website? I’m going to have to look that up! Great job! I’m very eager to see your next blog post!

The next post was a few sentences about Andy. He lists a few of the things that interest him including pumpkin pie and football.
Here is the comment I left:
Hello Andy,
I also enjoy pumpkin pie! Have you ever tried sweet potato pie? That is something that is very popular here in the south. It tastes very similar to pumpkin pie! I also love football. Football is a major sport here in the U.S. My favorite sport is basketball. I am looking forward to your next blog post! Thanks for your time!

For the final comment, Andy had not posted a new blog post. Therefore I encouraged Andy to continue blogging.
Here is what I said:
Hello Andy,
Keep up the great work blogging! Thanks again for your time!

My fourth comment for April was left for a different student. This student is a first grader in Canada. The blog post was a video of a poster board created. It had drawings on it by the student and they demonstrated Rules, Responsibilities, and Relationships. For the student to only be a first grader, I thought they did a great job! The teacher questions the student about what each of the pictures represent.
I tld the student that I thought the pictures were great. I also asked if they draw often. I congratulated the student on doing such a great job!

Progress Report on Final Project

Our group is going to create a video that demonstrates the useful tools we have learned about in EDM 310. Just a few of the tools we may use are: the SmartBoard, blogging, Timetoast, and book trailer creating. One person out of our group is going to be the "teacher", while the others are "students". The "teacher" will explain to the "students" how to successfully use these tools.

Creativity and Curiosity: My Thoughts - Special Post #12A

I read Elli's blog on curiosity. She believes that asking questions is a great way to increase a student's curiosity for learning. The more questions they ask about something, the more interested they become. I believe this is a great outlook on student's curiosity! We must also consider how we get students to start asking more questions and become interested in the first place?

In my opinion, the best way for a teacher to spark curiosity within the students is: by making a lesson fun, exemplifying passion for the subject, and make it seem interesting! Recently, I observed a kindergarten class. The teacher had a passion and excitement for learning. It was evident that she enjoyed teaching which encouraged the students to be more involved. It takes a special person to be a successful teacher. Someone who truly enjoys their job and has a desire for their students to be outstanding. If I was in a classroom and my teacher was overly enthusiastic about a lesson, I would automatically become curious.Its simple, yet not all teachers remember this.

If a teachers enthusiasm is not enough to spark questioning, I would say the next step is making the lesson relative to the students. I am always more interested in something if I understand the importance. If I am learning about something I want to know how it is closely pertaining to my life and world. For example, if children are learning how to count money they will be much more interested if you encourage them to help their parents pay next time they are shopping. It is something new they are learning while at the same time getting to apply it to their lives.

The final effort to spark curiosity would be group activities and games. Games is something that always interest children. Have them play a game about the topic of study. There are many Smartboard games available or simply a trivia game. Once the students have learned a small amount about the lesson, they may become more interested!

Blog Assignment #11

Little Kids...Big Potential

This video was created by Kathy Cassidy. It is a video of her classroom and how her students learn. It is awesome the way she is teaching her kids. They will be very technologically literate students. These children are already blogging and have a good understanding of the correct way to comment. The children are learning and having fun at the same time!

Skype is also a great tool used in their classroom. Mrs. Cassidy's class will skype with other classrooms to make learning more fun. They also have the opportunity to skype with experts in certain field areas. In this video they are skyping with a geologist named Dr.Gregg. Something I found very interesting was their use of the Nintendo DS. I did not realize the Nintendo D.S. could be used as a learning tool! This is something that I would love to incorporate into the classroom! There will always be a slight problem with keeping kids on educational games and not diverting their attention to other non-educational games. However there are ways to monitor the classroom and keep their goals classroom oriented! I think it is always better to have fun while learning! I believe students would agree!

Blog Assignment 10

Do you Teach or Do you Educate?

This video describes the kind of teacher that I want to be. It is a great way to help upcoming teachers understand the difference between teaching and educating. A great teacher is someone that knows how to educate, inspire, love, and encourage. We all want to be that teacher. The teacher that a child will remember for the rest of their life.

I recently had the privilege of observing at an elementary school. I was very inspired by the kindergarten teacher. She genuinely loved her job! She did not just teach her students. She was an inspiration. Each child looked up to her and knew that she loved them. She is concerned about each of her student's futures. Not just what they learn that year. I am even more excited about becoming a teacher now!

Don't Let Them Take Pencils Home

"Don't Let Them Take Pencils Home" is a blog post that gives a good message. It is about a teacher who wants to allow his students to take pencils home. The school curriculum instructional interventionist academic specialist did not want to allow it. She believed that students who took pencils home had lower test scores. She thought they would just be a distraction and children would want to play games such as hang man.

The teacher stood strong about his beliefs. Even if some students became distracted, it is still a great opportunity for those who want to learn. Some games such as hangman can be very educational without realizing it. Teachers should stand by their beliefs and try new ways of learning.

Blog Assignment #9

Joe McClung is a teacher of three years. At the end of each year, he has summarized his teachings of the year. Joe McClung's first year was a great post. I am very anxious to see how my first year as a teacher will go. There is a lot of pressure on first year teachers. Joe McClung seemed to enjoy his first year and gave some great advice. I loved his last point which was never stop learning. Teachers should always have an open mind and be prepared to learn new things. He mentioned that many teachers are scared of the developing technology. We should never be afraid of learning new things even if it includes technology. Technology is a useful tool for learning and teaching. We should be willing to embrace any tool that will help educate. Mr.McClung also mentions that teachers should not stress over a lesson plan turning out as it should. We should always expect bumps in the road and be prepared to work around them.

I thought it would be interesting to also include how his third year turned out. Joe McClung seems to be enjoying every second as a teacher. I love how he realizes that your student's are always the number one priority. Many teachers get so caught up in paper work and responsibilities that they forget the main purpose. I also loved the comment he mentioned about "never touch the keyboard." Through EDM 310 I have learned that this is very true! Although we have lab assistants, a great deal of the work is figured out on our own. Which is not a bad thing. Students need to try every option before having help. I have found that this gives me a much better understanding of the task at hand!

C4T #3 Summary

St.Elmo Explorers
My third C4K was St.Elmo Explorers. It is a blog created by Anthony Capps and his students.
comment #1
The first post I commented on was about the branches of government. It was also about whether "it is ethical to sentence a juvenile to life in prison without parole." There was an assignment included in the post which I think is a great idea!
Comment #2
The second post I commented on was "From Judicial to Legislative." This was an assignment based on the Bill of Rights. The assignment was to "choose one of the ten amendments to explicate, and translate the main idea." I commented on how great these assignments are! It is awesome that the teacher is able to incorporate history and blogging into assignments.

C4K Summary for March

C4K#4
Ice Man's Blog
My fourth comments for kids was left on March 4th. The student's blog is "Ice Man." Ice Man's blog post was about the game Mash. He had recently played it on his sister's i-Pod. He discussed what his dreams were and the outcome. I found this post to be so interesting because I played this game as a child. I can remember sitting down with two of my cousins playing this game! It brings back awesome memories!
Here is the comment I left:
Hi,
My name is Michelle Nix and I am currently a student at the University of South Alabama. I am studying to become an elementary teacher. When I was younger I used to always play Mash with my friends! However, that was before iPhones and iPods existed! We would play on a piece of paper. I have recently tried the iPhone version and it is still fun! Was this your first time playing? This is also a fun game to play at school! It helps you think about your future! Do you have goals set already?
C4K#6
Class 12's blog
The sixth comments for kids I made was left on a class blog. All students leave their posts on one page. I commented on the post titled "The Wasp's Nest." I wasn't quite sure if it was a short story or describing a story. Either way, it is evident this student is a great writer!
Here is the comment I left:
Hello Dylan,
I am currently a student at the University of South Alabama. It is a college in the United States. I am studying to become a teacher and found your blog post very interesting! I was very anxious to read the outcome! I can tell you are a great writer. You helped the story sound exciting! Do you write often? It is awesome that your classroom blogs! This is a great way to practice writing skills. Thanks for your time!
C4K#7
Andy's Blog
The seventh comments for kids I left was my most recent comments. I commented on Andy's blog. He recently added a clip of an animated character. The clip is very short. The character states "Hello, My name is Andy." I thought this was interesting considering we were recently assigned to look at a website that creates animations.
Here is the comment I left:
Hello Andy,
I am currently a student at the University of South Alabama which is in the U.S. I am studying to become a teacher! This blog post is awesome! I recently learned how to use a website that turns a picture of someone into an animation. I have never heard of Voki. Is that a similar website? I’m going to have to look that up! Great job! I’m very eager to see your next blog post!

Project #14