PLN Update Progress-Project #10 : EDM 310 Class Blog

PERSONAL LEARNING NETWORK

My PLN is housed on Symbaloo and Diigo. Diigo bookmarks for me if I see a quick resource, and I go back when I have time and visit the website, explore, and decide if and where I want a resource or not. I like to check closely the tiles I create; I'm still learning how to navigate Symbaloo to get the most use out of it. Building a quality PLN takes much revising, updating, organizing, rearranging, creating, and most importantly, UTILIZING to be effective.
A quick reference guide, Symbaloo allows you to personalize and set up your pages to suit your educational needs. In simpler terms, my idea of establishing an outstanding and useful PLN is to spend a short time every day reviewing bookmarked websites and resources, decide which ones and where to add to my Symbaloo PLN, and organize them accordingly. I like the idea of having two bookmarking systems; I can use one as a filter, and the Symbaloo as my main resource.
I am spending time each day to bookmark resources, explore them, and gauge their employment and value. Not every resource is viable, and the world wide web of information is always in flux. The formidable navigation of our 'cyber resource center' makes it challenging to use effectively. Fortunately, meeting that challenge also lends us an upper hand in being much better educators.

Blog Post #7: Randy Pausch's Last Lecture :EDM 310 Class Blog

The Last Lecture: Randy Pausch 

     Randy Pausch was a prolific orator and pioneering creator who seemed to live a life of profound joy, discovery and success. Even in the face of adversity when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given a finite time to have good health, he lived every day to its fullest, and embraced his continuing passion to teach others how to live an exemplar, rewarding life.

     His last lecture was poignant, but certainly not sad-he simply would not allow it. He spoke about his relationship with his students, and the adventures of discovery they all made together in the field of virtual reality. He mentioned that when he gave his first assignment, and the students turned in videos that amazed and awed him, a colleague advised him to not set the bar by letting his students know how well they did; they may become complacent, and not work harder. So he allowed the students to set the bar, by telling them that they could do better. What a great way to get students to challenge themselves, while inspiring them!

     Accepted as his professional legacy, "Alice", the project he was working on at ETC was "millions of kids having fun while learning something hard". He coined this head fake learning, where learning occurs during fun, and he emphasized that he always had fun with his students. Any great teacher understands the importance of keeping learning fun and enjoyable, as much as possible. When it gets tough, he emphasized that "experience is what you get when you don't get what you want". As hard as he worked to get his terminal degree, and have bestowed upon him the many recognitions and awards he had, he understood the discipline and determination he needed to get where he had dreamed of being for so long.

     Encouraging educators to let children do what they are compelled to do to learn, or showcase their interests and intellect, he spoke of a coach who always began with the fundamentals first, and the lessons he learned. It provides a foundation to build on, to improve, using higher skills. Along with a basics first approach, he emphasized that being self-reflective is a good trait, and helps us improve our teaching. He also listened readily to feedback from his colleagues and students. It is an effective way to communicate with your students about their learning and your teaching.

     In his classes, he indicated that he allowed his students freedom, and they participated in project-based field trips when they could. He obviously was a model teacher, caring mentor and a man with an unrivaled passion for creation and technological invention. Many of his students were still in touch with him until the end. He showed several slides of his students, and it was obvious that they had a great time learning. 

     

Project # 8 : The Virgo Podcast : EDM310 Class Blog

The Virgos - YouTube

This is our project podcast for Rafe Esquith's book, "There Are No Shortcuts". We learned a lot making it, and I cannot wait to introduce my students to such a creative tool our my classroom!

Gretchen M. McPherson
Dominique Spence
Raven Castleberry

C4K: EDM 310 Class Blog: Summary Post for September Comments

Click here to read Sam's post

Sam's post about his Avatar was short yet descriptive. He used the term "ordinary" to describe his personality traits-friendly, smart and shy. I assured him that he was unique and anything but ordinary; I entreated him to always be himself, and therefore the best version! His writing reflected good grammar and definite proofreading.

Cheni's Adventure in Paris ,
My student, Cheni, wrote about her exciting trip to Paris, France with relatives to see a game of rugby and the Eiffel Tower. A fellow traveler myself, I mentioned my ascension to the top of the tower with my family and how great it was that we both were lucky enough to travel abroad, as many people do not have that opportunity. We visited at different times during the year (she in the warmth, I in the cold!) but we both regaled the excitement of our travels and the memories that they afford us. Cheni writes well, and follows the rules of grammar resolutely. Terrific reading!

Blog #6: EDM 310 Class Blog

Wendy Drexler's The Networked Student

The video uses simple graphics to demonstrate how effectively one can use a PLN and connectivism to build one's knowledge base and continue to share with others his new learning and experience. Accordingly, the teacher may serve as a guide, helping him to: analyze, validate, and organize information; realize where and how to ask for help; build his network, communicate his findings, and share it with others to continue the idea of connectivism; and finally, how to take advantage of learning opportunities and maintain his learning network. Each student's hard work and research is housed, updated, and made available to others for the benefits of sharing.

Teachers could use this sharing to bring the best professors' lectures into their classrooms. The video referenced this advantage, and suggested finding the top experts the world has to offer. RSS feeds make it possible to stay connected, with virtual textbooks created or chosen by teachers instead of satchels full of books. The PLN can be designed to provide numerous and varied opportunities to see what other individuals have discovered in their pursuits. A 'quilt' of sorts, stitched together with the thread of discovery grows as each person adds to it. In this way, one becomes more adept at recovering, assessing and synthesizing electronic data into his personal network.

Blogs offer us each a chance to comment, and share our point of view. In my classroom, I intend to encourage students to treat their blogs as their personal to professional electronic portfolio. So easily manipulated, blogs can help students manage their intellectual development personally, learning by example, the importance of accountability throughout their school years. Captured as a kind of 'life portfolio', blogs and PLNs offer students a virtual library of their own intellect, and more importantly, of their own making. They must be meticulously maintained and updated; students will benefit from doing so the whole of their

intellectual lives.

A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment

Students today have been given a wonderful gift-the chance at 100% creative control of their personal learning environments! The amount of shared and collaborative information available is staggering; the opportunity to select and gather from such a diverse collective of human experience gives today's students an edge. Glogster replaces the conventional paper poster, incorporating graphics and interactive learning. Skype, used effectively, replaces encyclopedic-style introductions to well-known people, such as scientists, politicians and history-makers. Virtual tours and interactive libraries replace filmstrips and slides, proving invaluable when used as part of a classroom project. Podcasts, audio and video, can enrich the students' familiarity to historical people, places and events. Students who direct their own learning feel confident and curious, and with minimal monitoring, will stay on task, achieve their goals and take pride in their PLEs.

A novice Symbaloo patron, I am familiarizing myself with the nuances of finding, organizing and displaying what will begin my PLN. Mine is far from the organized, creative one presented by the student in the video; I aspire to have a vast network of professional resources, including people, websites, events and opportunities that are available to those looking to expand and enrich their teaching practices and philosophies. Information so quickly retrieved leaves the student more learning time, and the video demonstrated how easily the student navigated through her network tiles. She explained with ease how she used the application to keep her work in order and updated. She used the computer effectively to deepen her understanding of a subject and showcase her research. Peers shared their opinions and work with her, integrating what they had found and commenting on her work.

A PLN or PLE is a great way to gather and sort information to maximize usage. Its inception into the educational system marks the beginning of a shift in worldwide information exchange and sharing, and what better place than a classroom to perpetuate its utmost necessity?

My Personal TimeLine : EDM 310 Class Blog

This is my personal timeline, including picture of my family, friends and adventures. I enjoyed creating it, and hope to continue adding to it in the future. It is a very useful tool for keeping up with events, and the pictures and links only enrich the process and experience!

Click here to see My Personal Timeline

Blog #5: EDM 310 Class Blog

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please? by Dr. Scott McLeod

Dr. Scott McLeod, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky, begins his post by delineating the 'evils' of teaching students how to use the computer, citing porn, cyberbullies and predators as dangers. He also questions the need for shared online writing, programs and social applications. Towards the end, however, he challenges the reader to consider whose children will benefit most, and have a 'leg up' in a decade or so. I pointed out four concepts to validate making computers available, necessary, and a vital part of the curriculum.

First, there are locks and password systems we can put in place to protect against the 'evils' mentioned above. Secondly, if detailed technological proficiency was made a nation-wide (but state ordered) course of study objective to be met, it would force present unwilling or apprehensive educators to 'get on or get out' of the teaching field. Thirdly, many impoverished children do not have access to 'techno toys' or electronic devices like their friends and classroom peers, so provision of them in a classroom and instruction on their use could allow lower SES students to have a chance in the global labor market and possibly break the 'cycle of poverty' that seems prevalent in certain areas of our nation.

Finally, I complimented his delivery of such an important point in an unconventional manner. Some may be taken aback, and several students' comments reflected even a misunderstanding of his meaning. A highly educated leader, he embodies the sometimes obtuse necessity of making a statement by standing out as an "in-your-face" orator; this can be a very effective way to get peoples' attention!

Don't Teach You Kids This Stuff. Please? 



The iSchool Initiative by Travis Allen 

I took some notes on this video, and looking back over them, I am amazed at this very young man's innovative, pioneering, unbelievably forward thinking and extensive research that went into this project!! These are the kind of students that technologically savvy teachers can produce-young adults with productive, workable, sustainable and oh-so creative ideas for a better environmental future, educational system, and a way to streamline thoughts, learning and sharing in a fast-paced world.

Mr. Allen pointed out that many applications are presently available that would be useful in iSchool implementation, the cost for each student would be $150 versus $600, the students and teachers would hold in their hand (literally) everything that takes place in the classroom (assignments, homework, due dates, attendance, school events, books) and the most important idea of teacher and student accountability. I agree with everything that Mr. Allen stated, and would feel inclined to participate as a teacher in the first 'experimental' classroom or school situation that incorporates iSchool as its curriculum. It is an exciting concept, and as with any new idea, there will be problems. However, with innovative thinkers like this young entrepreneur, they will not be hard to solve!

The iSchool Initiative 


ERIC WHITACRE'S VIRTUAL CHOIR
  

I am amazed....what a wonderful way to synthesize the mellifluous voices of 185 strangers! It is such a beautiful, seemingly effortless harmony. Creative genius is the only term that comes to mind for me. We have news conferences, interviews, reports, meetings, seminars, etc. on the internet, so it is only natural that someone with such vision could compose a unit of many into a voice of one. I think this is a wonderful way to showcase what we can manipulate electronic information into. Numbers and codes digitally maneuvered and captured, become art, a brilliant moment in human history; I think this video demonstrates man's potential quite well, indeed.

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 

Teaching in the 21st Century by Kevin Roberts

The comparisons that Mr. Roberts makes between using technology in the classroom to entertain versus to engage are compelling. His message is one that challenges today's educators to sidestep the conventional classroom ideologies and with a little research, collaboration and sharing, create real-world problems or questions that require students to utilize higher thinking skills to solve or answer. One advantage to a film maker's use of the written word sans the spoken word is that as you are reading it, you are hearing your own voice, instead of that of another person. This technique helps us feel more compelled to seek answers and try new things.

All of the action words he used in this video engage students in higher thinking skills. I imagine it as 'peeling' the layers of an onion; exploring every aspect of a potential problem to commandeer the most plausible solution. Every 'layer' represents a more thorough understanding of the problem or concept, and students who use these tools will have a much better view of the world and their role in it.

New teachers should have this video for quick reference, and view it often. The fresher those ideas stay in our minds, the richer we can make our classroom environments, lessons, interactions and activities. Teachers need a good study guide to keep them focused; I feel this video is a great start.

Teaching in the 21st Century

Project #3-C4T #2: Summary

Click here to see blog post

     Ms. Davis posted that she and each member of her faculty read a book* this summer that outlined the steps to making change in an organization. Incorporating the three simple concepts that affect behavior, she detailed how she planned to follow through and communicate openly to ensure success. Since everyone was familiar with the steps and willing to embrace them, she challenged her staff to work hard, diligently, and keep her informed on their progress and needs.
     A plan is necessary to be successful, and I emphasized that her plan sounded well-thought out and executed. Her "Plus One Challenge" set the tone for her faculty to strive for positive change; the group as a whole can be more productive when motivated. An organized leader, Ms. Davis models what driven team members seek as their inspiration. I wished her good luck, and a future report on the faculty's success!

*The book she and her staff read was Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, by Chip & Dan Heath.

Click here to read NY Times article

Ms. Davis pointed out that in the article that the single school used as a sample to represent the whole is not a valid measure of success, because one school does not represent a whole district or state, as far as implementing technology to raise test scores. She had a valid point; the strength of research is in its unbiased and group representative nature.
I agreed with her, and stated that an article like this can negatively affect our policy-makers' and parents' view of the benefits of technology in our classrooms. In my opinion, Ms. Davis understands well that the teachers' knowledge and willingness to utilize this new technology is key to its success, and her argument reflects that viewpoint.

Blog Post #4: EDM 310 Class Blog

Eagle Nest Radio & Class Blog

I listened to three podcasts and was amazed how closely I paid attention to the information being given. The music added depth, and interest, smoothly transitioning from one subject to the next. I really like the fact that each podcast had a "Vocabulary Vault", where a related word was defined and used in sentences for better understanding. The students' voices were excited, and they seemed to really be involved and enjoy what they were doing.

Podcasts are a wonderful useful way for students to showcase their learning, and the fact that they can be accessed from any computer means that parents can access what their children are learning. The people in and facts about history 'come alive' in podcasts; they are a creative way for students to take a subject and make it exciting to research and share with others. I cannot wait to use podcasts in my classroom, and give my students creative freedom in their learning and sharing!

Eagle Nest Radio & Class Blog

Judy Scharf's Podcast Collection

I saved the website "Cirriki" and became a member after listening to the two podcasts on the page. They were entertaining, informative, and allowed students a chance to be creative when studying the digestive system and a safari project, complete with voices (some fuuny), sounds and appropriate music. A virtual field trip idea, these podcasts made learning fun and taught real facts with a touch of humor and silliness (the burp!).
With complete and detailed instructions on making your own podcasts, easy enough to be in handout form (supplied on the Curriki) so that students can become familiar with the creative process, Mrs. Scharf's in-depth analysis on podcast production is a valuable tool in any classroom curriculum. I will use her detailed how-tos in my PLN and share it with as many educators as are willing to listen and learn. I cannot wait to work on my class podcast and then introduce them to my future classroom!

Judy Scharf's Podcast Collection

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom by Joe Dale

Joe Dale presented the benefits of using podcasts in the classroom in a very simple and effective way. He pointed out that students no longer have to miss important information when absent, as any computer can be used to listen to a podcast from home. He explained how simply they can be created, showing a group of students actually recording one; and the dramatic affect of making a book reading come alive when used in unison with other teachers' voices, and enhance the drama and interest for the students.
The principal in the video also mentioned that podcasts are a great way for parents to be involved actively in what is going on in the classroom. One student mentioned that she and her family listen to podcasts in their vehicle on family trips! How wonderful that is for her learning experience and confidence in the classroom!
Mr. Dale makes a very convincing argument for the effective use of podcasts in ANY classroom. They are a useful tool to create, inform, review, entertain and dramatize educational material to make it easily accessible and more interesting to students, other classrooms and schools, and parents. I am enthusiastic about using podcasts and teaching my students how to create and use them throughout the school year.

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom

Project #6: My Sentence Video : EDU310 Class Blog

Project #7-C4K#2: EDM310 Class Blog

My student's blog was short and gave a quick synopsis about the 3rd grade book she is reading, "Junie B. First Grader Cheater Pants". She stated that she was anxious to read and find out what happened to the main character when she copied a schoolmate's homework, and she felt that what the main character did was wrong.
I encouraged her anticipation and excitement about what will happen to the main character, Junie B., and agreed with her feeling that Junie's actions were wrong. I assured her that good writing evokes feelings like hers and that I would like to know the outcome of the book.

Click here to read KA2011's blog


C4K #3: EDM 310 Class Blog

My first student's blog had was a short story about his class's activities that morning. I commented that his story was exciting to read and I thought he used descriptive words well to capture the students' actions and excitement. I reminded him to observe good grammar and make sure his writing was grammatically correct, and encouraged him to keep writing well and keep up the enthusiasm.

My second student's blog was a short synopsis of the book she is reading. I commented that her feeling about the main character's action was admirable, and that the book sounded exciting. I also said that her anticipation of what will happen to the main character is a sign of good writing; I encouraged her to keep reading, and stated that I would love to know what happened (to the book's main character) in a future blog myself.

Smithsonian Institute Archives: EDM 310 Class Blog

This website offers virtual tours, lesson plans, stories, and a host of exhibits. It could be used in a multitude of classes, and give students a chance to "cyber explore" historical documents, important places and people, and see many contributions to keep history alive! I highly recommend it!




See the Archives Here

Resources for Teachers-Larry Ferlazzo:EDM310 Class Blog

Larry Ferlazzo is a published author and inner-city high school teacher in Sacramento, CA who offers some good resources re: English language learners, engaging parents in their children's learning and helping students motivate themselves. Very useful, especially for first-year educators!


Click here to go to resource page

Project #3 - C4T Summary: Russ Goerend's Blog Post(s): EDM310 Class Blog

Read Mr. Goerend's Blogs Here

In Mr. Goerend's first blog, he discussed a thought about who is accountable for students' learning, when the what is given but we as teachers must discover the how. He compared how we teach ourselves as adults to how we determine (as educators) to teach children.
I commented that we as teachers can use self-reflection in the classroom during and after instruction by keeping a mental log of the students' participation in activities and learning to know which modes(s) work best for each individual student. That will help make the learning interesting and facilitate lifelong learning.

In his second blog, where Mr. Goerend and some friends were at a HS football game, he commented on the different types of dads he saw, and the characteristics of each. He then mentioned his father and the relationship they had, reflecting that he would embody the sport-fanatic spirit he wants to share with his son as they watch games together.
Never having played sports, I mentioned my participation in other activities where my father was present and always encouraging. He was a proud dad, although not outspoken about it. I stated that now that Mr. Goerend was a dad, he had the chance to stand at the fence and cheer his son in the future the way his father had done in the past.

Tom Barrett's Google Forms for The Classroom:EDM310 Class Blog

These are some forms teachers can use in their classrooms to assess and get to know their students. They could especially be useful in the beginning of school.

Tom Barrett's Google Docs for the Classroom

Kreb's Class Blogs: EDM 310 Class Blogs

Amazing classroom blogging, how-tos about blogging, and good examples of use of technology in communicative ways.

Kreb's Class Blogs Click Here

Jim Trelease's Home Page: EDM 310 Class Blog

This website features author Jim Trelease's books, including the Read Aloud Handbook. Great resource for early childhood reading activities and teachers.

Read Aloud Handbook Website

Games Puzzles Brainteasers:EDM310 Class Blog

This website features games, illusions, puzzles, etc., that can be used in the classroom. Some of them could be used for language arts activities, and to familiarize students with navigating electronic media into graphic representations (crosswords done on the computer) and many fun learning opportunities that meet several course of study objectives. The students would have fun while they were learning and be challenged! I can't wait to try more of them out!

Challenge Your Brain:Click Here

Do You Teach or Do You Educate?: EDM310 Class Blog

Josh Stumpenhorst posted this video from You Tube on Twitter, and it is thought-provoking. It made me feel inspired in a profession that can sometimes seem dismal in its practices. I think every education major should watch it. Thanks!

Do You Teach or Do You Educate?

Project #4-C4C #2 for Deena Martin:EDM 310 Class Blog

In reading Deena's Martin's C4C #1, her reaction was short, but not very detailed. I would have to go to the original source (Taylor Lane's Post) to get a better idea of what he stated if it was available. It is important to point out specific ideas or statements when summarizing or reacting to another's writing; if perhaps Deena had quoted the 'descriptive and informative words' she alluded to in Taylor's writing, I would have gotten a deeper understanding of his meaning.
Since we are not in a group setting other than online, detail is what we depend on to share ideas and responses to others' insights and reactions. I think a few more details in Deena's C4C comments will better showcase her feelings, thoughts and opinions. She has a good overall understanding of classmates' comments, but could benefit from a more detailed interview of the material.