January 31, 2010

This is a picture of Alvin the Chipmunk that Payton made. Payton is in Ms. Cassidy's class.

Media Literacy
I thought this video was amazing. These kids have learned so much at an early age. When I was that age I didn't know the difference between fictional and non-fictional books. These children are way smarter than I was at this age. I could barely turn a computer on much less know how to write on a blog at that age. It's incredible what kids today are learning at an early age. I can't imagine what my children will be learning and be doing at that age in school.
I Phone
This video was crazy! I can't believe a child that age could use something like the I Phone. You cant tell that he is going to be a very smart person as he gets older. I can't imagine what he will be able to do as he gets older. This video shows you how learning this type of technology at such an early age will help him as he progresses through school and life.

Podcasts
I thought most of these podcasts were very useful, but some could have been done differently. I thought that that most of the speakers were very enthusiastic about what they were talking about and were very knowledgeable as well. I liked how in some of them they used things like the use of "Batman" in one of the videos to help you relate to what their talking about.

KidsCast explained the advantages and disadvantages of video and audio podcasts. He explained how and why you would use each of these types of podcasts. I like how he didn't try to talk over your head. He explained things so anyone would be able to understand it.

The MacBreak Weekly wasn't that great. They really didn't explain what exactly the I Pad was and what was it used for. They were more concerned about the name than telling people what it's used for. If you don't know much about the IPod or ITouch then you would be lost and not know what their talking about.

This Week in Photography was different than the other podcasts. They were talking about Racism in Cameras. They didn't seem to take the topic very serious. I don't think they were trying to act that way but I think they could have went about it differently. I think most people would find this very offensive, but I could be looking at it wrong. I know their trying to explain how certain cameras work, but they could be more respectful.

When I make my Podcast I hope to combine what I've learned from these podcasts. Hopefully it will be done well where everyone that plays it will think it's interesting and enjoy it.

January 24, 2010

A Vision of Students Today
I thought this was a good video. I've experienced many of the things that were in the video. When I first started college, I attended Auburn University. The classrooms were huge and hardly any of the professors new my name unless it was in an upper level class, and that's because those classes have less students in them. At the University of South Alabama it had been very different. Most of the classes are small that I have taken and the teachers make a point to learn your name, and try to do what they can to help you.
If I were the producer of this video I would have added some commentary from the students. I would have also talked about how much students go out and party, and the use of alcohol and drugs while in school instead of staying at home studying for a test,or working on a project. I thought this video was extremely accurate.

"It's Not About the Technology"
I think Ms. Hines made some interesting points. I think the teacher does need to be willing to learn new technology to help their students in and out of the classrooms. Children are getting smarter and smarter everyday because of the advancement of technology. When I was in high school, the only computers available where in the library. Today, there is at least one computer in every classroom in the high school I attended.
I also believe she has a point if the teacher doesn't know how to use the new technology then some of your students may not completely understand what your trying to teach them and may not do as well. At the same time, if the teacher isn't sure how to operate something he or she most likely could ask one of their students how to do it. If you involve the students then both of you can learn something at the same time.

Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
I get what he's saying about technology but I don't think it's a requirement to use technology in the classroom. I think that you have to see how well your students learn from it because everyone learns differently. You may have to switch it up and go back to the old way at times so that every student can learn in their own way.
I also think before you start complaining about parents not learning how to use computers then you should ask them why don't they understand them first, or you should maybe offer a class for them so they could learn how to use then. Then the parents would be able to help their kids with their homework.

Gary Hayes Social Media Count
This really caught my attention to how much people are using the internet and computers. It seems to me that people are addicted to things on the internet like facebook and twitter, and with the advancement with cell phones access to the internet is made even easier. Severeal of my friends use their internet on their phones more than they use their computers.
As a teacher, it means I have to able to use technology in the classroom to help my students learn new things. If I'm up to date and make it interesting to them then they will want to learn new skills as well.

January 17, 2009

Mr. Winkle Wakes
This movie made me realize how far the medical technology has come along. The equipment used today is much better than in the past, but the technology in our schools still need some improving, so children will enjoy attending school,want to learn, and make good grades.
I could see how Mr. Winkle would be lost after being asleep for so long and walk into a hospital and see how things were being done now instead of how it was in the past.I would be frightened as well.

Did You Know
Before watching this video I had no idea how dramatically technology has changed over the years. It's scary to think that a computer could be made that's so advance it has more of a brain capacity than a human being. The video also made me realize how too far thing have been taken. For example, the use of Myspace is like an addiction. There's more people that are members of Myspace than there are in population in some countries.
After seeing this video, I've come to realize that the United States is way behind in everything, and if this video is correct then China is setting the bar in the education system. The leaders in the U.S. need to do something about this very soon.

Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity

I think he made some great points about the use of creativity in schools. Children need to be encouraged to think outside the box and use their creative skills. I think it will help them in the long run. Everyone learns differently and we need to find ways to help children learn the best wat possible.
I really enjoyed this video. He made his speech very interesting and entertaining throughout the speech.

Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
I think it's awesome that this teacher challenges her students to want to learn more, and they don't back down from the challenge. The students figure out for themselves how to do certain things for that class. She makes them use their brains instead of waiting for her to give them the answer.
Maybe more teachers should use this style of teaching in their classrooms. I think it's very important for everyone to learn as many new things as they can, especially when it comes to new technology.