Sunday, March 29, 2015

EDM 310 Blog Post 10

     Once again after watching these videos about Ms. Cassidy's class I learned a multitude of new things.  It seems to be a reoccurring theme throughout EDM 310 that students of all ages have the ability to not only use technology in the classroom, but are able to use it effectively.  First of all this is a major thing that we have to learn as teachers.  We can't doubt a students ability to learn and apply themselves.  Now I will get into the questions for this blog post.

Which of her tehcniques might you use in your classroom?

     In the first video I watched, First Graders in Ms. Cassidy's Class, which was a compilation of the technological use throughout her classroom, I saw the usage of blog posts by the students.  This is not the first place that I have seen students using blogs.  Throughout the course we have had to comment on various students blog posts across the country.  This would definitely be a tool I would use in my classroom.  By using a blog post I believe that it will give each of my students the ability to put their work out in the open.  They can have fellow classmates read what they think and comment back to them.  This gives students who may not have as loud a voice in the classroom a chance to be heard and let me as a teacher read what they think.  Another reason this is a good tool is that it allows for students to voice their own opinions about a specific subject.  Giving a student a voice and power engages them more, and I've learned throughout this course and others that engagement is key.


unique methods to use technology in the classroom, school wireless network design, wifi companies,


What impediments would you encounter and how would you address them?

     Obviously there are a variety of challenges that this would bring up.  For one parents and the school board may have a problem with young students being on the internet and having the risks that go along with that.  There is often a fear when students are using technology and them being online, which is easily understandable.  In her interview with Dr. Strange, Ms. Cassidy commented that this was an issue for her when she first started out using this method, with her students names and pictures being online for people to see.  The way that she prevented any real danger from happening was by sending home a slip of paper home on the first day that they would "en devour to protect student identity".  She did this by posting first name but not last name, and not coupling students names with their pictures.  I think that this is a great method for preventing any sort of dangers for her students and allowing them to use technology effectively in the classroom.

What is the benefit from this approach?

     There are great benefits not only for students by using this method, but also for parents.  Ms. Cassidy comment to Dr. Strange that by doing this parents are able to "see there child's progress through the year and see it when it is convenient for them".    This will be wonderful because parents are now becoming more involved with their child's learning than they may have been if technology was not present.  Of course students are going to love the usage of technology in the classroom.  They are able to develop technological skills at an early age, which will help them down the road.  More importantly it will bring an element of excitement into the classroom that students may otherwise be missing out on.  Giving students technology will more actively engage them in their learning and ultimately create more excited learners.



technology in the classroom, school wireless networks, wifi service providers,

C4K #2 Summary: March

First Student : Mrs. Maslowski, Period 8 Diego 

     While I agree with you that schools should focus more helping students develop ideas for their career.  You should think that the point of having students being exposed to such various types of information in high school is to help them find out what they really enjoy.  I agree with you that students drop out because of a lack of interest, but some do it because they simply don't care.  I think you have great ideas in your post and should work on developing the  ideas and also try to organize them.

     I thought that the student had great ideas in their post, but they just needed a way to voice it better.  With a little bit of help, I have no doubt that this student will have the ability to showcase their opinions and ideas better in the future.

Second Student : Mrs. Maslowski, Period 6 Kaylie

    Hello Kaylie, my name is Boston Morgan and I am studying to be a teacher at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed reading your blog post about being a freshmen in high school. I agree with you about procrastinating and that it can get you into some sticky situations. I like that you gave good advice, made note of the positive points and made the first year of high school seem much less scary. Just make sure you always keep up with school work throughout your career as a student!

     I thought that Kaylie gave good advice to upcoming freshmen in her post.  She pointed out the basics for anyone entering high school.  Overall I thought this was a quality post.

Third Student : Mrs. Maslowski, Period 2 Breanna

     Hello Breanna, my name is Boston Morgan and I am a college student at the University of South Alabama.  I am studying to become a teacher and for one of my classes I was asked to read your blog post and comment on it.  I must say you did a wonderful job here with your blog post.  The way you enlighten upcoming high school students is done well.  You make it a point to inform them to become active not only in their learning, but also in social activities as well.  I thought it was great that you mention that all they really need to do to become successful is apply themselves and not get mixed in with the wrong crowd.  You gave sound advice to any upcoming student and I think this blog post was excellent.

     Breanna's post for upcoming high school students was excellent.  She was able to organize the post and give great examples of how to succeed in high school.  She also used a variety of ways to explain her ideas, which I thought made the post even better.



Sunday, March 22, 2015

EDM 310 Blog Post 9

What Can Teachers and Students Teach Us About Project Based Learning? 

     In the first article that I read, Seven Essentials For Project-Based Learning, I found that the points provided resonated well with me.  I can definitely relate to having done projects in the past as either busywork, or doing a project to showcase what I've learned and use particular skills.  I agree that all projects should be meaningful.  In the article it states that "A project is meaningful if it fulfills two criteria. First, students must perceive the work as personally meaningful, as a task that matters and that they want to do well. Second, a meaningful project fulfills an educational purpose."  We as young educators need to learn these ideas fast and be able to implement them into our classrooms.  Our projects must not only prove to teach the students something, but it should also be something that the students will care about and what to excel in.  The project should be as important to our students as it is to us.  The point I found of the seven to be vital was point number 3, student voice and choice.  If we really want to grasp out students and bring out their creativity we must give them the ability to chose when doing a project and allow for their voice to come out through the project.  This will allow the student to showcase their skills and be able to show their classmates and us how creative they really are.  I thought however that all the points provided in the article were a must for projects and if implicated properly would allow us to get the most out of project based learning.

Zulama focuses on project-based learning.

     In the second video I watched, Project-Based Learning For Teachers, the first thing I took from this video was something mentioned in the previous article.  The idea of the "driving question".  "The question is deep and requires students to complete an end product to share their learning with others."  This has to be the entire basis of why we will be doing a project like this.  It should be honing our students skills to not just write down what we as educators say to them, but to question the world around them and generate their own thoughts.  By coupling this with the a project that involves an entire classroom we are able to have all our students interact with one another to share thoughts and ideas to create a positive learning environment.  This develops skills within each student and is just another great reason to use project based learning in the classroom, if you are able to implement it correctly.


     In the third video, PBL : What motivates students today, it was really eye opening to me.  The first student who said that what motivated him was being complemented by his educator when he has done well.  Just by letting your students know that they've done well is enough to motivate them to want to succeed.  I think that this aspect gets overlooked sometimes by teachers.  You have to be personable to your students and give them a pat on the back.  Encouragement can go a long way for people and continue to motivate them.  Another thing I noted was that many students, while seeming young, are already planning about their futures.  Many students in the video said that they knew that in order to be successful in their future careers they had to do well in school.  I think educators think children are too young to think about their futures.  We need to know that they aren't incompetent and they should be treated with respect and guided so they are able to pursue their dreams.

Teacher motivating students in school class Stock Images

     In the fourth video, PBL : High School Math, from what I gathered from the teachers in the video was that the usage of PBLs had gone a long way to involve more and more students.  They faced challenges in certain courses because it was not as easy to generate ideas.  However once they figured out what to do they were able to more actively engage students.  Because I am going to become a future English teacher, I paid more attention when they spoke about not losing the study of literature in the process.  They had the students engage with the text in a different way, engage them as a writer themselves.  I took note on this and though that this would be helpful for me in the future.  I think that using PBLs in classes are great because of how the provide a voice to the student and can more actively engage them.



     In the final article I read, Two students solve the case of the watery ketchup by designing a new cap, I found how yet again project based learning is a great tool.  The first thing I noted was the teachers comments.  " I get to turn the kids loose, let them be creative and find innovative solutions to problems."  By doing this the students were able to find something that they could apply to the prompt.  Although skeptical of their idea, the teacher saw how much effort and research had been put into this idea and let the students run with it.  This interaction and faith in students was just wonderful.  This project had allowed two students to use their creative and use their ideas to create something truly wonderful.  This is why project based learning is so great.  It actively engages students because it gives them a voice and the ability to show off how truly creative they are, while learning at the same time.

Redesigned Heinz Ketchup Bottle

Sunday, March 15, 2015

EDM 310 Blog Post 8

What Can We Learn About Teaching And Learning From Randy Paush?

     In the Randy Pausch's last lecture, I learned a lot from the lecture that he gave.  One of the first things that I keyed in on was just his overall attitude when he was speaking.  He was speaking to them audience much like I would to a classroom.  It shows how much of an impact you can have on your audience just by simply creating a common ground.  I took notes on this as an educator.  The idea that having fun with a group shows to them not only that you are open to the room and able to speak, but also that you are human too, which  can definitely create a positive learning environment.  People are engaged and really interested in what you are saying to them.  Students can read your demeanor the moment you walk into a room and it is on us as educators to make sure they know we aren't cold blooded, we are human.





The next thing that I learned from this was there is a lot to take away from the way you speak to people.  Randy spoke back on when he was speaking to administrators and that the way they spoke defined the way that the conversation went. This is easily translatable to the classroom environment. You have to know how to speak to students in a classroom and also be able to talk to those who are your equals.  Nothing can shut down a student in a classroom faster than having a teacher give off a negative aura to them.  You have to know how to speak to them in a way that makes them feel comfortable with you.  Establishing this relationship with a student is paramount to further their learning.  We should all strive to establish a positive relationship with our students.



Good teacher.



The last thing I really took from this lecture was the "You're either a Tigger or an Eeyore".  Like I've said earlier in this post, students can read the energy you are giving off.  From watching this video it isn't really hard to see what type of person that Randy is.  I think that we should all try to be a Tigger.  The energy that you bring into the classroom will translate to your students, whether it is positive and lively or its negative and lethargic.  It is something that you have to establish before you ever walk into the room.  You yourself have to decide whether or not you're going to bring a positive or negative attitude when you go through the door.  This goes beyond the classroom into your everyday life as well. People tend to follow those who are positive throughout their life. Randy gave off this attitude from the moment he began his lecture. I want to establish this attitude in my life so that my students are able to follow my attitude and become more engaged in their learning.  Randy's lecture has many points that we should all try to show in our everyday  lives.










Sunday, March 1, 2015

Project 7, Part B : Movies as a Teacher

Parent Introduction
Student Introduction

EDM 310 Blog Post 7

     After watching the videos assigned to us for the following blog post I really found out a ton of valuable and interesting information that I had previously been unaware of.

1. Using iMovie and the Alabama Virtual Library in Kindergarten

     After watching this video I was truly blown away by the information presented first by Mrs. Michelle Bennett.  When she was discussing kindergarten students and their ability to put together book trailers using iMovie I was blown away.  I myself have struggled before using iMovie and then to find out that children from ages five to six are able to use it efficiently, it really was I opening.  I learned from her discussion that younger minds are becoming more and more technologically literate and are more capable than we have thought before. Then when Mrs. Elizabeth Davis commented on students being able to use Alabama Virtual Library in order to do safe research I found this to be even more true.  Not only are students able to learn how to use search engines safely, they are also going at it with a positive work like attitude.  This video showed me that young students are more capable than most think and they are wanting to tackle more advanced work with an eager mind.

2. We All Become Learners

     I learned from this video exactly what the title says and a bit more. Dr. Strange was quoted as saying "We all become learners and we all become teachers." and I found this to be the best way of describing this videos content. From the personal experience of Mrs. Bennett I can say for a fact that one is never at a point in which they cannot learn.  She would be able to find some new information from one of her younger students, she would be able to go along and pass this new information on to other students.  This reminded me of, and I believe they talked about these in the video, personal learning networks.  The idea behind these is that teachers can teach students, students are able to help one another learn the material and that teachers are able to learn something new from students.  I think the idea is that we are all never to old to learn something new and never to young to begin learning new things.

3. iPads In the Classroom

     I was skeptical to begin with when watching the video about iPads in the classroom.  I've always seen this as more of a distraction to student learning than a helpful tool.  Yet after watching this video my opinion has been changed a bit.  The main idea I took from the video was that the iPads created a form of engagement that had been lacking from school.  With the ability to provide one for every student and allow them to learn how to use them proficiently we are helping to develop much more active students.  They will grow up knowing how to use search engines effectively and how to be fluent with other technological devices.  I thought a huge thing is this video was the teacher discussing how her efficiency has increased due to the iPads.  If we are able to create better learners through the usage of iPads, then I for one am not against the idea of implementing them more and more.




4. Top 10 Reasons to Use Technology in Education: iPad, Tablet, Computer, Listening Centers

     I found this video brought some interesting points about technological usage in learning that we have already discussed prior to this assignment. The idea about the ability of technology to remove obstacles however was a fresh new idea.  Often times impairments can hinder students and they may fall behind, but with the ability to change the classroom environment with technology, we are able to prevent this very thing. However what I took most from this video was the quote at the beginning. The quote " Teachers will not be replaced by technology, but teachers who do not use technology will be replaced by those who do." (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach).  I believe this quote because the educational system is changing, shifting to a more technologically dynamic system and those teachers who are not willing to go with this are going to be replaced by a new wave of teachers.  That is why EDM 310 is so important, it is preparing us so that we are more prepared and can provide more for students.  


     From all these videos I realized that technology is becoming an important part of the educational system.  In order to be able to use technology effectively I am going to have to master much of what is provided in this course.  The whole idea behind this is to create technological skills to transfer into the classroom.  I think that by doing that and having hands on experience with all of this will begin to prepare me more and more for life as an educator.



C4K Summary 1

Comments for Student's Summary

1st Comment:


The first blog post that I was assigned to comment on was Fransico V's Blog.  In his blog post he talked about how much he liked winter weather.  I commented on this because I used to live in North Dakota and how I could relate to his liking for snow.  I liked his post because it reminded me of when I was younger and ran around having snowball fights.

2nd Comment: 

The second post that I read and commented on was about a young male student who talked about his youth league soccer team and how well they were doing.  I commented on it and talked about how I could relate to him through playing sports.  I always grew up playing sports, however I never played soccer.  Some of my best friends played soccer and I encouraged him to stay passionate about his sport and keep going.

3rd Comment :

The third and final blog I commented on was rather difficult.  The student that I was assigned to hadn't had any posts so I chose to comment on a different students.  In their post they discussed a short summary of what they had read in "The Maze Runner".  My comments pertained more to the parts in their post when they talked about relating to the main character.  I liked how the student was relating the characters that they were finding in their reading and I encouraged them to continue drawing connections in order to help their reading progress.

I know that the last two comments do not have links, I forgot to copy the link address for my summary.  I tried summarize what exactly I commented on the posts as closely as I could.


C4T 2

     For Comments for Teachers #2, I as assigned to the blog posts of John Spencer, who's topics encompassed many different aspects of a teachers life both in and out of the classroom.  John's blog (found here http://www.educationrethink.com) has offered a host of fresh new ideas to me that I believe are vital to a teacher, whether they are new or experienced.
     The first blog post of John's that I read and commented on was Why I enjoy Dressing Up For Work.  As you can imagine, the blog post discussed John's his personal belief about dressing up for work.  In his mind this is truly what makes someone an adult.  He remembers his father and how he would get ready with a suit and tie every morning and how John looked at that as maturity and adulthood.  When I commented on this post, I could definitely relate to John.  When I was growing up I can remember my father putting on is Air Force uniform and thinking that that uniform was what made him an adult.  It was all business.  I looked forward to when it would be my time to dawn my uniform and set a standard in younger minds.  I liked that John's feeling about dressing up, it helps to make you feel like an adult more so than other things and I can relate to that.  It really has no bearing on how well you teach, but its more of the ideas behind the suit that matter.



Suit and Tie


The next blog post of John's that I commented on was his Seven Surprising Things About Creativity.
When educating of course we are going to aspire to have our students be creative and with this blog post John discusses seven points about creativity that most people really don't think about.  After reading the ideas that he discussed in his post, it really shed some light on aspects of creativity that I had not previously thought about.  When I commented on I made points to talk about his seventh point, "Creativity isn't always fun."  I could relate to this because most people view a finished product and comment on how creative it is and how nice it looks, but most of the time people have no idea the agonizing amount of time you've spent in order to get to that point.  The other point that I liked was "'Consuming' is necessary for creating."  This idea encourages the idea that students must be exposed to all sorts of mediums in order to really get the creativity flowing.  I thought this blog post was insightful and found it to be a great resource as a future educator.

Creativity + Conversation

Overall I found John's blog posts to be very creative and helpful.