Why should students post?

In this assignment, we were to tell why we think students should post. First of all, I think it is a great way of sharing resources with others. The example from this class that I can use for this is when we created our Personal Learning Network. This was a great learning experience of setting up the network through communicating by posting. I also gained information by reading others post. I also think posting is educational in that we can find links and audios/videos. This way we are able to transition new knowledge into our classroom. We can also further our own educational knowledge.

I also think that posting is a wonderful way of sharing students' thoughts and ideas. An example of this we have used in our class is through Comments4Kids. I have enjoyed reading their thoughts and ideas through their posting. Many kids had wonderful, bright and creative ideas. I think it gives them a chance to express their imagination. I also think they probably love receiving comments on their post. I am sure this is a huge motivating factor for many kids and encourages them in their learning experiences.

The third reason for posting is for students to be able to show off their work. The classroom blogs that we established through this class is a wonderful example of this. I actually have incorporated this into my own classroom. I give a weekly homework assignment on our classroom blog. The students log in a post their answers. I then go back and comment and they are allowed to comment on each other's post as well. Since my students have keyboarding three times a week, they are able to complete this assignment in class time. They love doing this! It has been a wonderful teaching resource that I have used for fun topics as well as topics related to my subject areas. I used www.blog.com to set this up. It is a free blogging site and is accessible through the school computers.

Comment4Kids 3

This week, in our comments for kids assignment, I read a post by A.J. His subject was on football drafting. He had several things to share about the subject. It was obvious that he enjoyed the sport and studied it well. He knew several players and just who to draft. He did a great job with his post. I enjoyed reading it and now know who to call when I get ready to draft!! (if I ever do!) If you would like to read his post and leave a comment yourself, visit http://mrsgstudent.blogspot.com.

Comments4Kids

This week in Comments4Kids, I left a comment for Culrit. He and his two friends had worked together on a project. They were building a lego robot. Culrit answered the questions while the other two did the programming and building. Once finished, they began to try out their new experiment. At first, they did not succeed at what they wanted to accomplish. However, after a few attempts and some added corrections, they where finally able to achieve success. I thought this was great that they worked together and continued to try and try again until success was indeed reached. They did not give up on themselves or each other.

The ACCESS Program

The ACCESS program stands for Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators, and Students Statewide.

This is a program designed to meet educational needs of all high school students in Alabama through distant learning. The program was first designed in November of 2004. The goal of the program is to create equity through educational offerings for all high school students. It's mission is to provide equal opportunity for all students to have learning programs. The vision of the program is to share equal access to high quality instruction that will improve student achievement.

This program provides students with courses and teachers via technology. In September of 2006, a plan was developed and presented to Governor Bob Riley. It was a 4 year plan of development with 12 objectives in mind. They are listed below.

• Objective 1: To provide access to advanced diplomas and courses which target foreign languages. To provide access to advanced courses and placement. (or double credit courses) To provide remedial and supplement resources. To use distant learning and existing resources offered. To provide teachers with multimedia and technology tools to enhance instruction. To utilize outside evaluation for accessing weaknesses and strengths of the program and make appropriate adjustments.
• Objective 2: Expanding number of students served and give equal opportunities to all High School students in Alabama.
• Objective 3: Establishing 21st century classrooms in every Alabama High School by 2010.
• Objective 4: Providing oversight to administers and management support through the State Board of Education and support centers.
• Objective 5: Providing students with additional courses and electives needed to meet individual educational goals and to provide them with a computer curriculum including 21st century skills.
• Objective 6: Developing appropriate professional development for teachers involved in ACCESS.
• Objective 7: Developing a blended model that focuses on students needs so each student had success in the classroom.
• Objective 8: Assessing technology skills at appropriate levels of students
• Objective 9: Including a program for developing a model of courses
• Objective 10: Developing a comprehensive plan for growth among students.
• Objective 11: Developing oversight and management for activities and budgets.
• Objective 12: Mobilizing stake holders to advocate and strengthen all high schools in Alabama.

In closing, this program offers so many things that can strengthen and grow our schools today. If it can reach all of these goals, our students will definitely be stronger and wiser 21st century students. For more information on this program, visit http://accessdl.state.al.us.

Alabama Learning Exchange

In this assignment, we were to research ALEX. ALEX is an organization that stands for Alabama Learning Exchange. It is a web program that is designed for teachers. Here, teachers have a huge amount of resources at their fingertips. It contains several courses of studies. You choose the subject area and grade, and several web links and lesson plans are provided for you to use within your classroom. Pod casting is also available. Here again, you simply choose your content area. Several subjects, professional development plans and technology resources are available. Power point presentations are also available for use.

ALEX also provides teachers with a personal workplace in which you can go in a create new lesson plans. It offers a professional learning center. Here, you can download media. Special education training is available. You can chose leadership development training seminars to enhance your teaching skills. Grants are offered for your classroom. Ideas for your PDP (professional development plan) are offered along with helpful teaching tips. A helpline is also available in case you should have further questions. I personally had not heard of ALEX until this assignment, but think that it is a very useful resource for both new and experienced teachers. It is a convenient way of pulling resources for your classroom, as well as choosing training seminars to enhance your teaching skills. For more information about ALEX, visit http://alex.state.al.us/. I think you will be happy with your findings and get lots of good information!! I plan on using it myself!

Wow! What an amazing thing! This was a wonderful assignment for me and I really was touched by Kaia and her dad. I thought it was wonderful to see that they were taking everyday, ordinary experiences and turning them into unique and extraordinary ones. The pictures allowed them to openly and personally communicate with Mr. Chamberlain's class. It was a wonderful way for them to interact and engage with the students. The voice thread that Mr. Chamberlain created was so sweet and added such a personal touch for Kaia and her dad. I thought the pictures Kaia took were beautiful and I admire her dad for the quick learning of technology at such an early age. The "life lesson" he was teaching her was emphasized through looking at all things and turning them into something beautiful. It only takes a special way at looking at things. If you look at them right, then all things CAN be beautiful!! What a sweet story between a young girl and her father. I think we can all learn a life lesson from them.

This story also encouraged me to do more things like this with my own children and my classroom students. However, I do get concerned in this day and time about posting pictures on the web sites. I think it is great to implement learning beyond the walls of the classroom and follow our curiosity. I think it is great to turn those experiences into stories and then use technology to weave those stories together. However, it is a huge risk that we are taking in exploding our kid's pictures. While I think this story of Kaia and her dad was a wonderful one. I am not sure if I as a parent/teacher am that brave yet. I do commend him on a sweet and touching learning experience with his daughter. It is great to see the love he has for her and the involvement in her educational opportunities. To see this touching story for yourself, please visit http://is.gd/3WS1N.

Richard Miller: "This is How We Dream"

This assignment was based on watching the videos from Richard Miller titled "This is How We Dream." His goal in this was to help people produce multimedia and not just consume it. The videos showed how we communicate globally. It showed how the reading and writing culture has changed to a listening/watching culture. He described writing with researching without using a library. By doing this, knowledge is shared in an infident way throughout our world. The documents are free and easy to use. The documents consisted of information collected in a collaborate way and composed by using images and films. They contained visuals and sound using material taken straight from the web. In this dream, you are basically collecting experiences and weaving them into documents.

Part two of the video described how we are now in a culture that works in a digital environment The network material is forever changing all of the time. Mr. Miller states that the web ideas belong to us a culture and not as individuals. He believes that we should look at network material, use it, produce it, and distribute it globally and freely. He states that there are no limits and restrictions to doing this except for those we place on ourselves. He has a goal of teaching students to compose digitally not by using word processors. He aim is to teach them to present global issues and ideas creatively by using the web. While I think all of this wonderful ideas, I feel that we cannot loose sight of teaching our students to read and write; not just research and piece together information out there to create a publication. If you would like to see his videos, please visit http://is.gd/2cfNk.

The Networked Student: by Wendy Drexler

This assignment was about the networked student. It described networking in the 21st century. It told of various ways a student builds his network learning from scratch. It is done with no text or lecture. It is about connecting through networking using tools of technology. It places emphasis on students connecting with others through learning processes. First, the student has to build a network. He does this through using google scholar and a library database. These two are created into a bookmark for future use. Sites are shared among other students and placed into his database. Second, he checks out blogs created by other educators on the subject matter being studied. Comments are read and posted. Third, he creates a blog with his own knowledge. Last, he can log into ITunesU and hear lectures from professors from all over the globe speaking about his subject matter. He inputs his new knowledge into his newly created "virtual textbook." He can incorporate sound and video and then he is ready to share his new knowledge through wide range communication connections.

The question is asked: "Why does the network student even need a teacher?" I have asked this same question myself and wondered the answer. Through this video, I discovered the networked student needs a teacher for many reasons. He needs someone who can be a model for him in building a network and taking advantage of learning opportunities. He needs someone who can be there to answer questions, offer guidance, and distinguish between good and bad information that is received. This teacher can also instruct him and help him to organize information. They can instruct him on how to ask questions from other experts in a respectful and professional way. The main important reason is to navigate the student into a future for technology. I found this video insightful and would recommend anyone out there questioning the resourceful use of technology to watch it at http://is.gd/2cgBb.

The New Media Literacies by the NML Staff

In this assignment, we watched a video on skills needed for the new media. The skills covered were:
* judgement
* negotiation
* appropriation
* play
* transmedia navigation
* simulation
* collective intelligence
* performance
* distributed cognition
* visualization
* multitasking
These skills enable others to function both in the classroom and workplace. They are skills needed for workers and artists of the future. They are skills that are beneficial for both consumers and producers. They enable involvement in the creative expression and citizenship areas. They connect people together in a unique way as opposed to individual levels. Some of the skills were described in detail. For example, judgement was defined as finding information and determining if it is reliable. Negotiation was knowing how to entertain groups under the norm. Appropriation was defined as knowing how to sample content in a meaningful way. Play was described as having experiences with your surroundings and using these experiences as a form of problem solving.

I think these skills are necessary and can be very effective in both the classroom and workplace. They are skills we should model and instill into our students to mature them into the adults for our future generation. In this video, I found that I did assume some of these skills. It showed me where I was strong and where I was weak. I think my strengths would be visualization, judgement, negotiation and play. I think the ones I might need to work on the most are multitasking and transmedia navigation. I think that through continuous learning and practice, I can effectively acquire those skills as well. For more information on these skills,visit http://www.youtube.com/user/NMLstaff08. I think it is definitely worth your time.

New Media Literacies Project

This project is made by a group of staff members whose goal is to build upon social skills. These skills are developed through learning appropriate manners, sensory activities, sign languages and even includes lesson plans for educators. They are designed to boost the self esteem of students. By doing this, they can appreciate their social behaviors. This project has been known to change classrooms around the world. It has proven to be beneficial for all educators. It's also a tool that makes students better consumers and producers of the media.

The project emphasizes the cultural competencies needed to engage with today's cultural. It also gives direct attention to students who have IEP's in our school systems. It uses their goals and creates them into movies and scripts for students. The students then take on the role of acting out those goals. For example, they may act out appropriate and non-appropriate behavior within the classroom. The project also helps students of special needs. It has been used in homes, schools and even in therapy centers. It is used by therapists, parents,and educators. It has proven to be an effective tool in working with children who deal with autism and aspergers syndrome. For more information on this project, visit http://www.youtube.com/. (teach2talk-social skills) I think it is a very useful tool for anyone who deals with young children today.

Comments4Kids Project

I really enjoyed this assignment. Reading what all the kids had come up with using their creativity was exciting. I would encourage anyone interested to read these creative posts and leave special comments for these kids. The web link is http://www.mrgoerend.com/search/label/student%20writing. I left five posts for 5 five different kids. I left one for Olivia. She had come up a "Swing Like a Monkey" day. She got the idea all by herself while out swinging in her backyard. She took something as simple as swinging, applied it with some creativity and now has a day named for it. The second child I left a comment for was Ally. Ally was with a friend one day playing the Wii Fit game. In the process of playing, her friend stated that she looked like a robot. The two of them began to act like robots and now have declared a special day titled "Act Like a Robot Day." Again, using some everyday fun and turning it into something creative.

The third child I left comments for was Anna. Anna was sick with a sore throat. She attended her school's football game with instructions from mom to not do any yelling. In the excitement of the game, she let out a scream and found herself voiceless. Her friend told her to express her thoughts and words by using her hands. When she did, the friend said, "Hey! You look like a mime!" From that point on, a day is set aside where each student acts like a mime. I bet it is QUIET day around her school! Again, creativity was used along with taking a bad situation and turning it around for something good. The fourth child was MS5. He also took a bad situation and turned it around for good. While out walking one day, he and a friend dressed up like clowns. Some buddies of theirs began to harass them about it. However, MS5 and his friend now have a day declared "National Clown Day" at their school. The buddies are now dressing as clowns, too! The last one was Zach. Zach was a boy who had a spilled drink on him. He was quite embarrassed by it at first. He thought he looked bad and figured he smelled bad as well. He and his friend came up with a good idea of turning it into a special day at school. Everyone comes in with something spilled on them. Now, everyone including teachers participates in this fun day.

Use of iPods in Instruction

This assignment involved researching how iPods have been used in educational instruction. I found an article from the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. (www.isetl.org/ijtlhe) This article spoke on ways in which the iPod has been a useful source in educating students today. First of all, almost all students have access to it. Second, most students are more motivated to learn by using it. So, educators today are re-working curriculum plans to adapt to the iPod approach to better reach their audience. Last, it is a mobile device for learning in that students can use it anytime and anywhere. Therefore making it a flexible approach to learning. The article spoke on using it as a creativity device. For example, students can explore and demonstrate their creativity by recoding themselves and then watching their own experience. This is something, most students would not do in a typical classroom setting.

Duke University was a site I went to for ideas on how they incorporated the use of iPods in education. (cit.duke.edu/tools/mobile/index.html) I was shocked to see that they actually give iPods to students whose professors are actually using it as an educational device. Duke gave many examples on how they use it throughout their campus. The library is downloaded and students are able to connect with a reference catalog and use reference servers. Students have the ability to check hours of operation, availability of books and availability of computers. They also use it for customizing quizzes through iQuiz, create flashcards through Studycell and record notes or interviews for course projects through Gabcast. Classtalk is another form of use whereby it creates a 2 way network for class polling and quizzing. This allows instructors to also send feedback to students through messaging.

Through the iPod, you can post lectures and have student reviews. It can turn lessons into engaging experiences by allowing students to share photo slide shows and complete pod casts. For more information on the benefits of iPod use for instruction, visit apple.com/education/teachers-professors/mobile-learning.html.

iTunes University

This assignment was about researching iTunes University. We were to research ways in which it could be helpful to us as a student or teacher. Upon reviewing the material, I found both advantages and disadvantages to using iTunes University. Basically, it is a place where you could find and download audio and/or visual content that you may find useful in your course of study. It allows you to store tracks into a library that are reverent to your source. You can listen and learn from lectures given by professors at other universities. I think this is a great way to see what others have to offer. You log in to iTunes University, choose your category and explore the endless opportunities all at your finger tips. There is not limits to what and where you can learn.

I think this is a great source for seeking further enhancements on what you may want to learn or teach. As a teacher, I think it offers a lot for us to research and share with our students. We could also provide them with the links so that they could continue their learning to a higher level. As for students, I think it is an excellent resource for continuing education. However, I do not feel it should take the place of the actual course of lecture. When I was researching about this, I found a study that had been completed where some students actually attended a class lecture and then tested on the material. Other students listened to the lecture on podcast and took the same test. The study stated that the students who did the podcast lecture seemed to achieve a higher score than the students who actually attended class. This may be true, but I feel there is more to class attendance than just hearing the lecture. I feel that the student/teacher relationship can only be built by the personal interaction that the class itself brings. I also feel that the students bond better and learn from each other from a "group setting" rather than an individual podcast lecture. While I do think the podcast is a useful tool, I do not think it should take the place of the classroom setting. Students learn better and achieve more when they have the personal interaction between teacher and fellow students. To learn more on iTunes University and how it may benefit you as a student or teacher, visit www.slideshare.net/hopkinsdavid/itunes-u-education. David Hopkins has a wonderful slide show of what it is about and how many ways it can be of use to you.

Google Earth

For this assignment, we were instructed to look at Alice Christie's website. One part of her website that was partically captivating was the topic of Google Earth. Google Earth is a free program that helps to bring the world into a classroom. It provide useful tools needed to enhance student learning. It has the ability to motivate and challenge students in a meaningful way. It provides visual tours and maps. Some of the tours are guided tours from astronomers and educators which feature interesting places in the sky and around the world. You can simply immerse yourself into the Earth's environment.

Google Earth provides student controlled and teacher controlled lessons. The one I looked at was on space and constellations. It provided a web based program called World Wide Telescopes. This allows your computer to virtually be a telescope for your students. I thought it was very interesting and definitely one that I want to look more into for my own classroom. I think students retain more information when they can actually SEE their subject matter rather than just by reading about it. It definitely makes teaching and learning more exciting for both teacher and students. I know that I was amazed by the beauty of our Earth just by looking at the virtual tours through doing this assignment. It made me want to learn more about certain places and then bring that new knowledge to the classroom and share it with my students. For more information about google earth, visit Alice Christie's website at www.alicechristie.org.