Project #15

Final Report on PLN

My PLN is still not finished but it has everything on it that I need at this point in my life. I dont think my PLN will ever be complete because it is something that I will continue to use and continually make additions to. I have recently made a few additions to my PLN including the following: Google Maps, Yellow Pages, ESPN, Dictionary.com, and Ebay.

Progress Report On Final Project

"Our group shuffled through several ideas before we came to, what we think, is the best one. We have been meeting at the lab, emailing and texting for a couple of weeks, pulling our ideas into one. Since EDM310 is a technology class, we think that it is important to get, first hand what teachers are lacking in the classroom. By interviewing students, teachers and parents we can hear their thoughts and better prepare ourselves for what we, as educators, are about to walk into following this class. Classrooms are well equipped with computers, Smartboards and even iPads but what else can we do to help the parents stay connected to the class? Are we utilizing these products to the best of our ability to teach our students? Do teachers have knowledge on these products that are provided for them to use?" -Kaylan Sheherd(Group members Byron Brye, Kaylan Shepherd, Akeem Appleton)

Blog Post #13

Blog Post #13 was a bit of a challenge for me. I took three attempts and failed at trying not to use any electronic devices. One of the 1st things that happened to me was getting a text message from my football coach informing me of the workout –schedule. I can’t miss workouts so I definitely had to respond to each message. The 2nd encounter I had while trying not to use electronics was checking my jaguar email account. I check it every day. I was going try avoiding using it but I was waiting on a very important response from my advisor concerning registration. That’s our main way of communicating. The last encounter I had with trying not to use technology was my two other online classes, Math and Psychology. I have enough trouble trying to balance three computer-based classes so I definitely couldn’t get behind. I had to go online and do homework for math and take post tests for psychology. I never knew I depended on my cellphone or a computer so much. Media is all around us and we don’t truly appreciate it for all its worth. My students will learn that electronics and technology can be very helpful in our daily lives. They will learn to appreciate it and use it to better themselves for a great future.

C4T #4

How to Develop Public Speaking Skills Online

Angela Maiers Educational Services

Public speaking is one of the most effective ways to communicate ideas and persuade people to understand your point of view. However, if you have never spoken in public before, or just have anxiety towards doing so, you may have trouble with the idea of giving a speech to a group of people. Now you can let go of that fear because there are ways to learn how to develop public speaking skills online. One way to develop your public speaking skills is to look for an online class devoted to the topic. If there is no in-person class in your area, find an online class that teaches public speaking skills. Several colleges offer online public speaking courses, including the University of Wisconsin. Its Introduction to Public Speaking course covers speech composition, delivery and effective listening skills and can help you gather the poise and confidence to become a better public speaker. It requires you to be able to record video clips and post them online with the use of a webcam, helping you learn different methods of speaking in front of an audience. Although the course may seem basic and lacking in content, prominent programs such as traditional or online MBA programs value their students’ abilities to be able to speak in public and persuade consumers or shareholders.
If you cannot afford a college course, you can still take public speaking lessons online for free. One such site, School for Champions, offers a full spectrum of topics related to public speaking, including setting goals, preparing to speak, showing confidence in your delivery, and satisfying your audience. It even suggests ways to make money as a public speaker.
If you dislike the structure of a classroom, you can still learn to speak in public by reading as many articles as you can about the subject. Stephen M. Fournier’s website focuses on the art and science of rhetoric and how speakers use their skills effectively. In addition, his site contains pointers about body language, speech writing, vocal intonation, and how to overcome nervousness.
Most importantly, you need to practice the skills you learn in order to develop them and keep them sharp. Just as a photographer can only take better pictures through practice, you can only become good public speaker when you practice the skills you learn from one of these online sources. If you want to practice using a pre-written speech, the Internet is full of historical speeches you can use to improve your skills. The History Place offers a collection of historically significant speeches, from Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech to Winston Churchill’s “Their Finest Hour” speech to President George W. Bush’s first address to the American people after 9/11.
When you know what skills you need to speak in public effectively, you can overcome your fear of public speaking through study and practice. The Internet is a great place to gather the resources needed to start gaining the experience needed to speak in public.

I have had many problems with public speaking. I am a really quiet laid back kind of guy. Fortunately I have already taken and passed it. In the article above many great pionts were made. Practicing the skills you learn will help you become a great public speaker. You can now actually take public speaking online now. Free courses are also offered online. I would definately take advantage of that oppertunity.

You Matter

In Angela Maiers video she puts a huge emphasis on the phrase "You Matter". She tells the story of an encounter she had at the airport that shows that sometimes that people don’t get the recognition that they sometimes need. She along with many other people were in distress and a lady named Annie came along and helped them. Annie had noticed that their struggle and did whatever she could to help them. This is where Angela Maiers gets her theme for the video from. After Annie had helped Angela and the others, Angela wanted to do something to show her appreciation for her. Angela wanted to tell her supervisor of the good deeds of Annie but Annie was the supervisor. She had felt like she never got any recognition not that she expected it. As the video goes on she explains that everyone should feel significant in their lives. She states that one student would leave her classroom without feeling noticed, trusted, or depended on. Just by simply noticing someone could change their day or even their life. The main point she is trying to get across in the video is to explain that two words could change a person’s life. Each person should know that they are significant and has a calling and could possibly change the world. We should value each other. Teachers should value students. Students should value teachers. With this type of relationship the sky is the limit for educational opportunities.

Blog Post #12

Create a weekly plan for what you plan to teach your students for that week using Microsoft Excell or Google docs. I chose to create an exersise plan that consist 60 minutes a day with. This assignment well help students be able to organize and plan assignments. Great teachers are always organized and have a plan!

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

I believe that most schools in the United States indeed do systematically destroy the development of curiosity and creativity in students. It happens because school systems refuse to change. They want to keep things traditional. Tradition is good but when it has an effect on the world around us something must be done. In my experiences at school, I have been limited to creativity in many aspects of education. Many simple tasks that are assigned at school can easily be altered to destroying creativity. For example: A teacher gives a student an english paper assignment and gives them a specific topic to write about. This limits their creativity by not allowing them to explore and choose a topic that intrest them. Instead they are forced to write a paper on a boring topic making their paper boring. I believe a curriculum can be developed to increase the creativity and curiosity of students. I think school systems should take polls and surveys that indicate the students interest and alter the curriculum to best fit them. School systems could make school alot more interesting in many simple ways. They could add classes that students are actually interested in and enjoy talking about. They could add more physical activities instead of sitting in the classroom all day. With that said, I believe a teacher's actions can help increase the creativity and curiosity of students. The way a teacher teaches has alot to do with the way students learn. When teachers are energetic and excited about their job students tend to be more interested in what the teacher is saying, creating a better learning environment. Everyone has experienced a boring seminar or has had to sit through a boring teaching lesson. I'm sure you found yourself day dreaming or doing something other than paying attentin to pass the time. An example that perfectly protrays this idea is watching Randy Paush's Last Lecture. I was completely intrigued with the way he delivered his message. Watching him inspired me to become a teacher that students are going to enjoy having. Having experiencing a boring teacher and an energetic teacher, I can see the affects of learning. Teachers should strive to be the best they can. They should love their job and understand the impact that they have on students. School systems should strive to hire teachers who have a special passion for education and helping students succeed.

C4K Summary (April)

Have you read the Hunger Games? Ask me about the book. The Hunger Games: Book 1

The book involves Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen year old girl, who volunteers for her sister Prim to challenge herself in the event The Hunger Games. Her friend Peeta also was chosen for the games. She visits the capitol and it is time to start the games. Read the book to find out what happens next! The book was written by Suzanne Collins and so far she is my favorite author. The movie is out go ahead an see it.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire-Book 2 The 2nd part of the trilogy The Hunger Games is fantastic. The book involves the same characters , Katniss Everdeen, and her “boyfriend” Peeta. They have to go back in the games together and fight to the death. Peeta, Katniss, Mags, and Finnick ally each other.( Mags and Finnick are from distric 4 and need Katniss and Peeta to survive).They find water and live through all the pain. The terrain is a type of shoreline in the middle of the ocean. The Book is written by the same author and to me is better than the first. The movie is in the making and I can’t wait to see it! Read the book to find out more interesting facts about Katniss and Peeta.

My first C4K student posted a blog about " The Hunger Games", a book written by Suzanne Collins. Above is his post containing a small summay and other information about the book. The book seems really interesting, especially after reading his blog post. I was inspired to read the book but I'm not much of a reader so I decided to watch the movie instead. And I must say if the book is anything like the movie it was fantastic.

My second C4K was for Shelly, a young girl in Mrs. Jenny's class. Shelly posted a video telling about her experience at camp. It sounds like Shelly had loads of fun at camp. She seen many tents. Is was nice to see that young children are already starting to use technology like this. When I was Shelly's age I didn't know what a computer was. I hope students across the world are already using this technology for the better.

Blog Post #11

Mrs.Cassidy's Class

This was a very interesting, yet exciting video to watch. My first impression after watching the video was “Wow!!! Look at those little geniuses!" All the kids seemed interested and in-tune with the technology they were using. I was surprised that they had so much knowledge with using the computers. They demonstrated their skills well. I know that I wasn't half as involved with technology at that age. I was really impressed with Mrs.Cassidy's class and her teaching methods. I would like to use the same type of set up as she used in the aspect of blogging. She made it easy for the children to comprehend and understand how to use the technology. One problem that I may encounter with this teaching style is children not receiving comments from others and getting discouraged. By the time I become a teacher I think the world should be up to date with the latest teaching tools and teaching methods. Therefore, I shouldn't have to deal with that issue. If I do encounter this problem I will arrange a way that each student receives a comment by arranging many options for each student. I agree with Mrs. Cassidy when she says teachers should be technologically literate. They should because when using technology to educate others, especially young children, you need to know more than just the basics. Teachers should be aware and comfortable with the teaching tools so that the students will learn proficiently.

Blog Post #10

The video for blog post #10 is enlightening. It differenciates a teacher and an educator. Anyone can be a teacher, but it takes true passion to be an educator. As educators, we must not only teach students but also guide them in the right path to sucess. I plan on being a great educator by developing realationships with my students. I want them to feel comfortable in the classroom. Getting to know your students is a great way to become a mentor in their lives. I want to be able to give my students advice on anything they may be troubled with. I want my students to be able to talk to me about anything beause I will try to help them in the best professional way possible.

As educators we must support our students. Getting involved in their lives may help them in the classroom. There are many personal situations that occur in the homes of students. Some students may feel trapped in that they have no one to talk to about their problems. That's where students should be able to confront a teacher and let them know whats going on so they can get help. It is our duty to help students suceed in any way possible.


Don't Let Them Take Pencils Home

This post was a bit confusing to me at first, but I reread it for better comprehension. The point that I got out of this blog post was that teachers shouldn't become so caught up in statistics that may or may not matter. In this case, statistics that don't matter. As explained in the article, the lady tells us that using pencils causes students to score lower on standardized test. She rants on about how something needs to be done about this problem that she makes seem enormous. Tom believes that students using pencils isn't a bad thing, in fact it may be a good thing. Students may be learning things that the teachers may be unaware of. I would have to side with Tom on this issue. Teachers should focus more on helping the students in the classroom by getting involved, supporting, and encouraging rather than worring about the effects of pencils.