Blog Post #10

     In Little Kids.....Big Potential, so many cool ideas were used for technology in the classroom. Kathy Cassidy does not just bring your everyday technological resources in. I was actually quite surprised to learn she uses things such as Nintendo DS. As a future teacher I would have never thought to bring something that, in my opinion, would be a distraction to a young child into my classroom to benefit their learning. She does a great job showing us how thinking outside of the box can get outstanding results for students of all age ranges.
     In the three videos involving an interview between Dr. Strange and Ms. Cassidy (Interview Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3), I learned a lot. To put it simply, technology does not have to be complex. It can be easy and it can be beneficial, even in the simplest form such as Youtube or the blogs like we write every week. By using the technology we are already familiar with and applying it to our lessons and work in the classroom, we are already advancing our students. I took this from the interviews, it does not have to be a challenge to involve technology in the classroom. I look forward to having my own classroom and being able to apply my skills into my lessons.

C4K Summaries

Mrs. Lombard's 7th Grade
Lennon wrote about a book called Secret of the Desert Stone. She discusses the antagonists and protagonists of the store. She proceeds to give a quick overview of what the store is about in an attempt to get her readers to read the book.
I commented:
Lennon, 
I want to start off by saying I really love your name! 
Now to your post. You did an excellent job describing the book for someone like me who has never even heard of it! There were just enough details given to make me want to know more and keep me feeling curious. Maybe I will have to check this book out in the future. 
Great job! 
cobbpaytonedm310.blogspot.com
In Skye's Blog, she gave students advice on being in school. She wants to help students survive their high school years. Skye does an excellent job giving her real life examples in order to help people relate.
I commented:
Skye! I loved reading your post. I related to everything you said so much! I am currently in my third year of college and have days where I miss high school incredibly much. I am a lot like you in the sense that I would do it all over again if I could. Where’s a redo button when you need one? Take advantage of the present state and have a blast in high school and college (if you choose that path) because they can be the most memorable times of your life. Great read!
Payton
cobbpaytonedm310.blogspot.com
Kutter's Blog Post discusses a book he was currently reading, The Fourteenth Goldfish. He says he is in the middle of it and describes what is going on. At times, he seems a little unsure of the plot.
I commented:

Hi Kutter!

     It seems that the book you are reading may have challenged you a little and that is a good thing! A piece of literature that makes a person think is the best kind, in my opinion. Do not be afraid to ask questions if it ever seems that you do not understand what is happening in the story.

Good job!

Payton C

Project 9

Post Blog #9

7 Essential for Project Based Learning
1. A need to know.
2. A driving question.
3. A student voice and choice.
4. 21st Century Skills
5. Inquiry and Innovation
6. Feedback and Revision
7. Publicly Present the Project
Project Based Learning
Project based learning is very important. In this video, it asked the audience, as a teacher, are you taking advantage of all that technology has to offer. Project based learning allows students to work over a period of time to answer a driving question. As the students create products they will learn:

• Collaboration skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Career & Life skills

What is your motivation to do well in school?
It is very obvious in this video that kids love knowing that they are doing well and love getting positive reinforcement. This video made me realize that even teacher have an effect on whether a not a student loves school and how huge of an impact on life that can have. These students have goals and look forward to their futures and want to know that they are capable of reaching them. To have someone who believes in you makes a challenging task a lot less intimidating. That, in my opinion, is the role of a teacher.
High School Teachers Meet the Challenges of PBL Implementation 
Teachers are challenged to turn their regular styles of teaching into PBL styles. The teachers are up to the challenge and learn to effectively use PBL in even the more difficult subjects such as math. This allows for a more enjoyable experience not only for the teacher, but also for the student. New styles of teaching seem to provide more effective ways of learning.
Two students solve the problem of watery ketchup with new cap
This video talks of two high school boys who explain why water comes out of a ketchup bottle when you squeeze it. Their love of ketchup set them up on a successful PBL way of learning and helped them better understand and explain their results. Throughout their studies and model representations it was very clear that they loved what they were doing because they were involved in something they were curious about. This type of involvement helped them flourish as PBL learners. It was really neat to see how two high school seniors could figure something like that out.

Project #13

Is it Magnetic?

Image Source: Texas Watchdog

This project teaches students in second grade the difference between magnetic and nonmagnetic objects. This project also teaches students how to work collaboratively to complete research and writing assignments in a timely manner,

Is it Magnetic? Lesson Plan
Is it Magnetic? Lesson Calendar
Is it Magnetic? Project/Evaluation Rubrics
Is it Magnetic? Project Checklist

VIrtual Poster Sample (Included at end of Lesson Plan)

C4T Summaries

How to create Acrobat PDF File was a very informative post on how to do just what the title says. In her blog, she tells how she teaches the students in her class how to create the PDF file step-by-step in a very user friendly read.
I commented:
Mrs. Miller,
Your post on the Adobe Acrobat was very informative! I am not very familiar with the program or what a portfolio is, so hearing you talk about it and describe how you used it is very useful. I am sure that I will be learning it soon in my EDM class at South Alabama. I also believe that the program will be helpful in my future as a teacher. Thank you.
New Zealand School Visits was one of my favorite C4T's I have had thus far. I was so curious of everything she learned from traveling to another country and in turn what she taught them. She talks of the different ways in which the students learn and what content they are taught, as well as, the different styles of learning environments that they are taught in.

I commented:
I am extremely amazed at the things you have been able to do as a teacher, and honestly quite jealous. You appear to be so passionate about finding the best ways to teach your students, as well as, finding the best ways they learn. I am inspired to follow down a similar path when I become a teacher of my own class. I find it so important to stay updated and on top of the newest technology and teaching methods, even from places like New Zealand. Wow! I look forward to reading more from you.

Blog Post 8

     In Randy Pausch's Video Lecture, I was able to learn many valuable lessons for my future career as a teacher. It seems as though Mr. Pausch is trying to make the audience realize that teachers are not the only one's in a classroom that teach, just like students are not the only ones who learn. He made me realize that in order to be a great teacher, a person must first realize that learning does not end when you graduate college. Each and every day can be a learning experience for not only the students, but also the teacher and in more than just one way. Teaching styles differ from person to person and new ones can be developed over the course of a teaching career. Students have a large impact on the way a teacher may implement a lesson or discuss a course. It is important to note that in order to teach, you must be willing to let your guard down and learn. Rewarding things are rarely easy, but are always worth it in the end.
     Mr. Pausch also discussed a concept which he referred to as "head fake." This seemed a little off to me when he first said it, but after he explained it, made such a difference in my thought process. To me, learning something new can be so much more exciting if you do not look at it as a chore or hassle, but rather something exciting and fun! Convince your mind that what you are doing is beyond just some boring learning exercise and turn it into some exciting thing that makes you forget that you are even learning. The idea is so simple, but could impact the way a person can perceive learning something different or challenging.
     I was inspired by this video lecture to change the way I perceive teaching and learning. I want to take a whole to perspective on what it means to teach and the different ways that I, as an educator, can inspire, grow, and most importantly, LEARN.

Blog Post 7

     In today's classroom, it is so very evident how important technology is and how quickly it is becoming a daily teaching tool. With the rapid growth, I have realized how necessary it is, as an upcoming teacher, to be well-rounded in that area of teaching. It has been proven that students respond better when technology is present and seem to retain information more when they have a hands-on form of learning. I know as a future teacher I could be more knowledgeable of technology, which is why I feel this class is so important for me. Another weakness of mine would be my organization. Lets face it, I am SO unorganized and it could pose a problem when I am trying to plan something out or find an important paper. A strength of mine is patience and energy. I love being around children and can always keep a smile on my face so naturally when I am around a child. This is so important because children respond so much better to a smile than a frown.

     We All Become Learners points out a very true, but not always obvious, fact: we are constantly learning ourselves, even as teachers. Each person brings to the table something they can teach each other. By teaching each other we can in turn teach students and help them to grow. Using IMovie and Alabama Virtual Library With Kindergarten discusses how introducing such technology to students is actually beneficial and successful to the younger children. Some of these students are doing exactly what we have done in my college course here at the University of South Alabama. I am beyond impressed! I feel challenged to do the same with the younger students I will teach in the future.

     Technology is such a vital aspect of teaching in this century. The videos I watch inspire me to include technology heavily in my classroom and to challenge my students, young or old, to use their technology in daily activities. There are so many ways to learn, and with the right guidance my students can be extremely successful in it.

C4K Summary

I previously summarized my two other C4K, so I here is a summary of my most recent reads.



Zachary:
Zachary's Post talked about a mythological book he was reading called The Throne of Fire, which he seemed to have some interest in. He talked about different characters and his least favorite one, a god who wears a speedo all the time, which weirded Zachary out.
I commented:
Hi Zachary!
Great job with your summary. It sounds like you’re reading quite the book. I cannot wait to hear more about that god who wears the speedo all the time. That sounds so strange! Keep up the good work. 
Ava:
Ava's Post was extremely descriptive. She did a wonderful job summarizing part 2 of Lemony Snicket and keeping the audiences attention. In her summary, she includes many character such as Cleo and Theodora, among others. She gives her opinion on certain situations and major plot events.
I commented:
Ava,
I love how descriptive you are with your writing! You make reading your post so much fun! You have me wondering what’s going to happen in part 3. I will have to read up on your next post. Great job!
Payton C
Kutter:
Kutter's Blog post discussed a book, The Fourteenth Goldfish, in which he expressed an interested in. He did seem somewhat confused on what was going on and left details out in order to make the reader interested in reading the book he discussed. He mentioned one incident in the book involving three characters.
I commented:
Hi Kutter!
     It seems that the book you are reading may have challenged you a little and that is a good thing! A piece of literature that makes a person think is the best kind, in my opinion. Do not be afraid to ask questions if it ever seems that you do not understand what is happening in the story.
Good job!
Payton C
Riley:

Riley's Blog Post talked about what he believed to be the norm for daily life. His writing touched on how when he was little, he thought a child was supposed to do the same job as their parents. He mentions how he will not rush into trying to find out what his future has in store for him, but that he believes it will all work out. He realizes he is young and is capable of doing whatever he sets his mind to.
I commented:
Hey Riley!
     Great work on your belief essay! Being a college student, I have changed my major more than once because deciding a life-long career is not easy. I love how you said that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. How true that is! Some people never realize how simple it is. I bet your hard work and dedication to whatever you decide to do in the future will result in much success for you. Good luck with the rest of your school year and keep up the good work.
Payton C.

Project 7B