After watching the video about Mr. Needleman's curriculum, I think it is very interesting how he pulls the interest of children to learning to read and write in a way that is a much more creative and fun environment. I'm sure it takes a lot of patience to capture the imaginative minds of second graders and edit it into a video, but I'm sure he has lots of fun doing it!
It's probably the funnest part of the day for those kids!!! I'm sure it would be for me if I was in second grade!!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Planet Podcast!
I personally have never really experienced the world of podcasts. I have downloaded a few inspirational speakers podcasts, but I have never explored into what is available on this web of free information. As a prospective teacher, I found this really interesting. This is free information at your fingertips! Seriously, more information than an instruction guide could hold!!!
I watched several different podcasts. The SmartBoard Lessons really interested me for several reasons. One because there are SmartBoards in the classrooms at South, and I have been wondering what they do and how they work. Secondly, I'm sure they will be arriving in the classrooms that I will soon to be teaching in, and to have such a wonderful tool, it would be ridiculous not to use it to it's capacity. I really thought it was neat how the two hosts of the show met on their lunch break via video chat/Twitter, and put this podcast together. The presentation was very clear, and it was very easy to understand. I think that is important especially in the ones that do not contain video.
I did watch another SmartBoard Lesson where the hosts actually had the SmartBoard hooked up to the computer, and were showing different ways to use it - this thing puts a dry erase board to shame!!!!
KidCast - vodcasting. I like how the host gave several perspectives on the pros and cons of doing this in the classroom. I think that this would be so neat to incorporate this in the classroom. If the school has technology to do the video casting, I think the students could learn tremendously. They wouldn't just be presenting this to the classroom, but they would have to use organizational skills to present themselves to the whole web! However, even if vodcasting is not an option, podcasting is still something that children should definitely be interested in. Just like one of the guys on the SmartBoard lesson said - kids are carrying itouch's around which is like a mini-computer. These kids are ready for technology, and I'm interested in learning how to teach them!
I am so new to this podcasting, and honestly creating one is kind of overwhelming! However, at the rate that this technology is increasing, I can't afford to be up to speed! There is too much that I'm missing out on at Planet Podcast! Let's get this show on the road!!!!!
I watched several different podcasts. The SmartBoard Lessons really interested me for several reasons. One because there are SmartBoards in the classrooms at South, and I have been wondering what they do and how they work. Secondly, I'm sure they will be arriving in the classrooms that I will soon to be teaching in, and to have such a wonderful tool, it would be ridiculous not to use it to it's capacity. I really thought it was neat how the two hosts of the show met on their lunch break via video chat/Twitter, and put this podcast together. The presentation was very clear, and it was very easy to understand. I think that is important especially in the ones that do not contain video.
I did watch another SmartBoard Lesson where the hosts actually had the SmartBoard hooked up to the computer, and were showing different ways to use it - this thing puts a dry erase board to shame!!!!
KidCast - vodcasting. I like how the host gave several perspectives on the pros and cons of doing this in the classroom. I think that this would be so neat to incorporate this in the classroom. If the school has technology to do the video casting, I think the students could learn tremendously. They wouldn't just be presenting this to the classroom, but they would have to use organizational skills to present themselves to the whole web! However, even if vodcasting is not an option, podcasting is still something that children should definitely be interested in. Just like one of the guys on the SmartBoard lesson said - kids are carrying itouch's around which is like a mini-computer. These kids are ready for technology, and I'm interested in learning how to teach them!
I am so new to this podcasting, and honestly creating one is kind of overwhelming! However, at the rate that this technology is increasing, I can't afford to be up to speed! There is too much that I'm missing out on at Planet Podcast! Let's get this show on the road!!!!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
Just as Dr. Strange said, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint are not the tools that we need to learn to be successful in the world of "technology", so the same is for pencils, crayons, and construction paper.
If you think about the people around us, children are teaching adults how to do things on computers. The age is getting younger and younger. Elementary school-age kids are getting laptops and cell phones. Pre-schoolers are getting i-pods...that was never even heard of when I was a kid!
I think it is important for the classroom to be technologically savvy. I do not think it should take the place of an actual teacher, but for these wonderful tools to be used to aid in learning and to make it fun...and to keep the students up to speed with the rest of the world - I'm all for it!!! Children are all about computers, and probably know more about them than some of us do...so why not put them to use in the classroom and let their learning soar????
If you think about the people around us, children are teaching adults how to do things on computers. The age is getting younger and younger. Elementary school-age kids are getting laptops and cell phones. Pre-schoolers are getting i-pods...that was never even heard of when I was a kid!
I think it is important for the classroom to be technologically savvy. I do not think it should take the place of an actual teacher, but for these wonderful tools to be used to aid in learning and to make it fun...and to keep the students up to speed with the rest of the world - I'm all for it!!! Children are all about computers, and probably know more about them than some of us do...so why not put them to use in the classroom and let their learning soar????
Schools Killing Creativity
This video was a very big eye opener for me. I completely agree with what Mr. Robinson was saying. I remember in my elementary years of us having art, music, etc and that was my favorite time of the day. I enjoyed doing crafts, and using my imagination to create something that no one else could. I enjoyed participating in the school plays and thought it was really fun.
Are we, as educators, killing the human mind? I was astounded by his final quote about if all humans perished, that insects and the rest of the population would flourish. Do we kill "each other" by our view of what a "structured" education should be? I am not saying that the essential parts of education are not important - math, science, history - all of these things are HUGE in education. But I wonder why art, music, dance, etc, are at the bottom of the list.
Everyone remembers School House Rock, right? That was MUSIC!! It wasn't about the wind blowing through the trees or some other deep thought - it was simple songs to help you remember key things in the classroom! How many of us remembered one of those songs on a test? I remember my teacher giving us little poems to help us remember the order of the planets, or the order to do the math problems (remember Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally?)
Being who you are sometimes doesn't fit in to the "puzzle" of society. Just like Mr. Robinson said, at this day in age, if you gather information or have to do something different to "think", then they try to put you on medicine, or send you through counseling so that you fit in to what the world views as a "normal" human. What about looking a little bit deeper and finding out about who that person is? Just like the little girl, her possibilities were endless!!! (I am not degrading counselors, pychologists, or any type of therapy - I am working towards a career in that field myself...but I believe that these type of people can help bring the person into being who they want rather than making them meet the status quo)
I want to be an effective teacher, who can educate students to use their minds - in every aspect...not just 1+1=2.
Are we, as educators, killing the human mind? I was astounded by his final quote about if all humans perished, that insects and the rest of the population would flourish. Do we kill "each other" by our view of what a "structured" education should be? I am not saying that the essential parts of education are not important - math, science, history - all of these things are HUGE in education. But I wonder why art, music, dance, etc, are at the bottom of the list.
Everyone remembers School House Rock, right? That was MUSIC!! It wasn't about the wind blowing through the trees or some other deep thought - it was simple songs to help you remember key things in the classroom! How many of us remembered one of those songs on a test? I remember my teacher giving us little poems to help us remember the order of the planets, or the order to do the math problems (remember Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally?)
Being who you are sometimes doesn't fit in to the "puzzle" of society. Just like Mr. Robinson said, at this day in age, if you gather information or have to do something different to "think", then they try to put you on medicine, or send you through counseling so that you fit in to what the world views as a "normal" human. What about looking a little bit deeper and finding out about who that person is? Just like the little girl, her possibilities were endless!!! (I am not degrading counselors, pychologists, or any type of therapy - I am working towards a career in that field myself...but I believe that these type of people can help bring the person into being who they want rather than making them meet the status quo)
I want to be an effective teacher, who can educate students to use their minds - in every aspect...not just 1+1=2.
Did You Know 3.0??? and Mr. Winkle Wakes
Wow!!!!!! That video was absolutely shocking!!!
While I was watching this video, it made me feel like the world was running on a treadmill and the speed was increasing faster than the world on it! Within one blink of an eye, things are changing so rapidly and just as inventions are being invented to outsmart the human brain - technology is growing so fast the human mind cannot comprehend it.
I know that in my "world," I like to take things "one day at a time" in order to stay sane! I do plan for the things that are ahead, and I do have goals that I am working to reach - but my philosophy is that I can't get to tomorrow without getting through today. However, technology works the COMPLETE opposite. It seems as though technology looks 10 years ahead to better our world today...and it's only getting faster.
Did I know? I had no idea.
Mr. Winkle? Waking up from just 100 years ago to see where technology has taken us could be quite frightening. As I was watching this video, and it got to the hospital part, I was thinking to myself "thank God they have advanced!!!" However, when it got to the classroom setting, I was quite puzzled. Education is an important factor in creating smart "inventors", correct? I completely agree with the traditional classroom, with lectures and focusing on student learning, but if the world outside the classroom is moving at a much faster rate than the classroom itself, then are we fulfilling our purpose? Just like in the "Did You Know" video, in just one year information learned is outdated.
I think that the classroom should not be left behind in the updating process. If we are moving to a world at our fingertip society, then the classroom needs to portray that as well. A laptop should not be shoved under the cabinet never to be seen in a classroom...if so, then we are sheltering the students from the madness going on everyday.
I couldn't help but wonder exactly how Mr. Winkle would feel if he came back in another 100 years. It would possibly send him in to brain overload, because of the rate technology is increasing now...there is absolutely NO telling where we will be in ten years. If it took 38 years to reach 50 million people with a radio, but only 2 years to reach the same number of people on Facebook...then how quick will the next social network take????
Mr. Winkle, beware!
While I was watching this video, it made me feel like the world was running on a treadmill and the speed was increasing faster than the world on it! Within one blink of an eye, things are changing so rapidly and just as inventions are being invented to outsmart the human brain - technology is growing so fast the human mind cannot comprehend it.
I know that in my "world," I like to take things "one day at a time" in order to stay sane! I do plan for the things that are ahead, and I do have goals that I am working to reach - but my philosophy is that I can't get to tomorrow without getting through today. However, technology works the COMPLETE opposite. It seems as though technology looks 10 years ahead to better our world today...and it's only getting faster.
Did I know? I had no idea.
Mr. Winkle? Waking up from just 100 years ago to see where technology has taken us could be quite frightening. As I was watching this video, and it got to the hospital part, I was thinking to myself "thank God they have advanced!!!" However, when it got to the classroom setting, I was quite puzzled. Education is an important factor in creating smart "inventors", correct? I completely agree with the traditional classroom, with lectures and focusing on student learning, but if the world outside the classroom is moving at a much faster rate than the classroom itself, then are we fulfilling our purpose? Just like in the "Did You Know" video, in just one year information learned is outdated.
I think that the classroom should not be left behind in the updating process. If we are moving to a world at our fingertip society, then the classroom needs to portray that as well. A laptop should not be shoved under the cabinet never to be seen in a classroom...if so, then we are sheltering the students from the madness going on everyday.
I couldn't help but wonder exactly how Mr. Winkle would feel if he came back in another 100 years. It would possibly send him in to brain overload, because of the rate technology is increasing now...there is absolutely NO telling where we will be in ten years. If it took 38 years to reach 50 million people with a radio, but only 2 years to reach the same number of people on Facebook...then how quick will the next social network take????
Mr. Winkle, beware!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Welcome!!!!!!
I have to say that I have several friends that have an online blog, and I think they are very interesting to read; however, I have never ventured out beyond Facebook, so this is all new to me!!!!
My name is Sabrina McAnally. I'm a junior at the University of South Alabama majoring in Secondary Education/Social Science. Most people think I'm crazy for wanting to work with teenagers on a daily basis, but I'm quite excited about it! I think I can handle the challenging task and make it fun for all of us!
I work at Capital Insurance & Financial Services as an insurance agent. Basically, I sell automobile insurance, car warranties, motor club contracts, etc. I consider it a one-stop-shop because we are constantly adding things to present to our customers.
I enjoy fitness and health, which I never thought I would get a grip on, ha! I run local races here in Mobile just for fun - nothing competitive. Running is a huge stress relief for me, but sometimes it can stress me out as well! Putting on my Nike's and hitting the concrete is a great feeling because in that moment, nothing else matters but you and the air around you! I have a love/hate relationship with the gym, mainly because it kicks my tail, yet benefits me at the same time! I love to find new healthy ways to eat, and learning about nutrition is a NEVER-ENDING process!
When I am not at work or school, I enjoy relaxing in my apartment, going to the beach, shopping (I love sales!), cooking, spending time with my friends, and whatever else comes along they way! I enjoy traveling (short-term), and I'm currently planning a trip to Orlando in October!
I believe there is always something new to learn, always a way to reach your goals, and there is never, never, NEVER a dull moment in life! Believe in yourself, and it will get you far!!!!
My name is Sabrina McAnally. I'm a junior at the University of South Alabama majoring in Secondary Education/Social Science. Most people think I'm crazy for wanting to work with teenagers on a daily basis, but I'm quite excited about it! I think I can handle the challenging task and make it fun for all of us!
I work at Capital Insurance & Financial Services as an insurance agent. Basically, I sell automobile insurance, car warranties, motor club contracts, etc. I consider it a one-stop-shop because we are constantly adding things to present to our customers.
I enjoy fitness and health, which I never thought I would get a grip on, ha! I run local races here in Mobile just for fun - nothing competitive. Running is a huge stress relief for me, but sometimes it can stress me out as well! Putting on my Nike's and hitting the concrete is a great feeling because in that moment, nothing else matters but you and the air around you! I have a love/hate relationship with the gym, mainly because it kicks my tail, yet benefits me at the same time! I love to find new healthy ways to eat, and learning about nutrition is a NEVER-ENDING process!
When I am not at work or school, I enjoy relaxing in my apartment, going to the beach, shopping (I love sales!), cooking, spending time with my friends, and whatever else comes along they way! I enjoy traveling (short-term), and I'm currently planning a trip to Orlando in October!
I believe there is always something new to learn, always a way to reach your goals, and there is never, never, NEVER a dull moment in life! Believe in yourself, and it will get you far!!!!
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