I have grown to like and appreciate the new web language blogging. A blog is nothing but a web-journal. The order of the blog is kept in order just like you would a written journal. Through this course and the projects we had to do concerning others blogging, I found out that there are different types of blogs and almost everyone has a blog. Blogs are used for advertisement, information, and as a resource for students. Therefore, with all of this in mind, I will discuss the pluses and minuses of my blog and a classmate.
The blog that I chose to review was Karen Schotta. Both blogs are well up-to-date. The topics are assignments from our EDM (Educational Media Course). The templates were nice; each classmate chose a design according to their own personality. Each blog have appropriate topics for their post. The pictures that are posted are clear and some are ADA accessible. We both used links in our blog post; Karen’s blog has more links than mine and I like that. Reviewing her blog is helping me to use more links and pictures.
Wherever you have a positive there is a negative. Each person can improve to make blogging more professional. We must remember that our blogs will be reviewed over the internet; so, there are some grammatical errors that need correcting and some blog posts do not have correct sentence structure. I have some links need correcting and a picture that is not ADA accessible. All of this will be corrected before May 4, 2009. Also, some of the information on a few posts is not on the topic. We must make sure we report information concerning the assign topics.
After the audio podcast our group did on Interesting Blogs on the Internet, made me aware of how to do a blog that is attractive for the internet users. First of all, I now that we are not perfect, but we learn from participating and others that have the expertise. As we state in our audio podcast as future teachers we hope to remember to utilize this information in our classrooms. Therefore, we must remember to have great clear pictures that are ADA accessible, correct grammar, usable links and information that relates to the topics. To review our blogs from this class go to http://averittedm310spring09.blogspot.com/.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
EDM 310 Podcasts: Critique for Improvement
I listened to four podcast and the one I participated in. First of all, I would like to include that everyone did great research on their material. I believe we all did a great over all job. The assignment was given so we could critique one another for improvement. Everyone could use improvement in one way or another. The podcasts I chose to listen to were “Burp Back Education”, Source Materials for High School Teachers, Technology used in the Classroom at USA, Can Podcast be used in Classes I will Teach, and Interesting Blogs I found on the Internet (which was mine).
In all of the podcast, we could enhance vocal variety. Some of the speakers were speaking too softly even me. Some of the podcast could use more interactions among the panelist. To sell our information to the public we must first have excitement in the delivery of the topic being discussed. We want to hold the audience attention. To have a podcast more exciting also we must remember to not present it as a read along topic.
In a few podcast presentation, I heard a lot of ah’s and some pauses. When I took a speech class it was told to me that too many ah’s could ruin a speech and an audience will lose interest. Last but not least some of the moderators could have been more verbal with casual talk among the panelist. One of the major responsibilities of the moderator is to set the tone through a strong introduction. I believe that everyone has gotten over a little of stage fright and we will definitely piggy back on this experience for future references. So, when we are in our classrooms, I hope that we remember that podcasting can and is a useful tool to use in teaching.
In all of the podcast, we could enhance vocal variety. Some of the speakers were speaking too softly even me. Some of the podcast could use more interactions among the panelist. To sell our information to the public we must first have excitement in the delivery of the topic being discussed. We want to hold the audience attention. To have a podcast more exciting also we must remember to not present it as a read along topic.
In a few podcast presentation, I heard a lot of ah’s and some pauses. When I took a speech class it was told to me that too many ah’s could ruin a speech and an audience will lose interest. Last but not least some of the moderators could have been more verbal with casual talk among the panelist. One of the major responsibilities of the moderator is to set the tone through a strong introduction. I believe that everyone has gotten over a little of stage fright and we will definitely piggy back on this experience for future references. So, when we are in our classrooms, I hope that we remember that podcasting can and is a useful tool to use in teaching.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Math and Technology
Mathematics with Technology is a professional development podcast that will inspire teachers to embrace a different mind set towards technology as a resource. Judy Chandler, a math mentor and trainer expresses how some teachers have the attitude that technology will not help or they don’t have the time to integrate it their curriculum. She stresses the importance of technology as a teaching tool. Technology integrated with mathematics will engage the students with a manipulative experience, have immediate feedback and give them a visual representation with a visual experience. In other words, technology will help the students connect with the future.
As a teacher, we must help our students to think mathematically. The way things are now students have sequential lessons and too many are disengaged and frustrated. Judy Chandler explained that the piece that is missing is “Thinking Mathematically”. Today we do this by asking questions, but with technology it will give students hands on experiences and an alternative demonstration for learning. Technology that is integrated properly will help student explore, prove models, apply and reflect, and challenge all students to think hard. Technology will give students critical thinking experiences to prepare them for the future.
If I was a math teacher, I would definitely use technology as a resource. As I stated earlier, children have different ways of learning. Some children are visual, kinetic, and auditory learners; integrating with technology will help them reach their fullest potentials. In an earlier post, I stated that if we are going to help prepare our children to compete globally there must be some changes in how we approach technology as a resource. A teacher can hinder a student’s progress or help. I would like to share something about myself. I was not aware of the different resources that you could use as tools with technology; if I am going to help prepare children for this promising future, I need to be exposed to the latest trend in education. I am glad that I have taken this course because I see how it could help shape children for academic progress. Even though math is not my specialty, I have access to help others enhance their classrooms are use it as I tutor children who are struggling.
As a teacher, we must help our students to think mathematically. The way things are now students have sequential lessons and too many are disengaged and frustrated. Judy Chandler explained that the piece that is missing is “Thinking Mathematically”. Today we do this by asking questions, but with technology it will give students hands on experiences and an alternative demonstration for learning. Technology that is integrated properly will help student explore, prove models, apply and reflect, and challenge all students to think hard. Technology will give students critical thinking experiences to prepare them for the future.
If I was a math teacher, I would definitely use technology as a resource. As I stated earlier, children have different ways of learning. Some children are visual, kinetic, and auditory learners; integrating with technology will help them reach their fullest potentials. In an earlier post, I stated that if we are going to help prepare our children to compete globally there must be some changes in how we approach technology as a resource. A teacher can hinder a student’s progress or help. I would like to share something about myself. I was not aware of the different resources that you could use as tools with technology; if I am going to help prepare children for this promising future, I need to be exposed to the latest trend in education. I am glad that I have taken this course because I see how it could help shape children for academic progress. Even though math is not my specialty, I have access to help others enhance their classrooms are use it as I tutor children who are struggling.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Growth vs. Fixed Mindsets
In this video podcast, Carol Dweck explains the difference in the mindset of two different set of students. The title of the podcast was “Growth vs. Fixed Mindset”. Students with the fixed mindset think that their intelligence is based on a fix trade and they are concern with how they have before they start a task. Every activity they do is based on how much of their intelligence will be shown. Students with growth fixed mindsets believes that intelligence is something you can develop through education and a passion for studying. There was a statement printed on the video podcast that says in New York, fix mindset students nose dive and growth mindset students soar.
Professor Carol Dweck explains to us that they conducted a study for eight weeks. In this study they divide the students into two groups. Some students had study skills and the other had study skills with growth mindset lesson practices. The students with just the study skills had no motivation but they had good study skills. Also, their grades went down. The study proved that students with growth fixed mindsets do extremely well. Those students were taught that the brain is a muscle and it gets stronger with you and these students had a significant improvement in their grades. Even in the business world, people with growth fixed minds make mistakes, but it’s how they view that mistake that make them so successful.
This will help me as I continue on my educational journey in a lot of ways. First, I learned that to be a mentor I must admit my mistakes and learn from them. How can anyone motivate a person to excel if they never admit their own failures. Secondly, I feel that I have something to help me identify how childern mindsets may be. Once I identify this, perhaps I will be able to mold their thinkng towards a growth mindset. One of the things that Randy Pausch left with us was becoming a teacher or professor is a great position to have to help other reach their goals. So, this information will difintely be a valuable tool for me now and in the future.
Professor Carol Dweck explains to us that they conducted a study for eight weeks. In this study they divide the students into two groups. Some students had study skills and the other had study skills with growth mindset lesson practices. The students with just the study skills had no motivation but they had good study skills. Also, their grades went down. The study proved that students with growth fixed mindsets do extremely well. Those students were taught that the brain is a muscle and it gets stronger with you and these students had a significant improvement in their grades. Even in the business world, people with growth fixed minds make mistakes, but it’s how they view that mistake that make them so successful.
This will help me as I continue on my educational journey in a lot of ways. First, I learned that to be a mentor I must admit my mistakes and learn from them. How can anyone motivate a person to excel if they never admit their own failures. Secondly, I feel that I have something to help me identify how childern mindsets may be. Once I identify this, perhaps I will be able to mold their thinkng towards a growth mindset. One of the things that Randy Pausch left with us was becoming a teacher or professor is a great position to have to help other reach their goals. So, this information will difintely be a valuable tool for me now and in the future.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Week 10: Video Podcasts
As I explore the different podcasts, I see more and more that podcasts are a really good tool to use for teachers, students, principals, and counselors. I reviewed several podcasts and there were two that I chose. They were Mathtrain TV and Electronic field trip Webisodes. These podcasts are a great resource for teachers to enhance the subject that is being taught. In the Mobile County Public School System, on the elementary level we have to set up educational centers in the classrooms for the students. The centers are design to increase classroom participation and to raise the students’ awareness on any topic. As an educator, I think that these two podcasts will greatly improve the students’ academics.
Mathtrain Episode 39 is a wonderful video podcast for sixth graders who are struggling with math. This podcast is done by students who have mastered the skills that are taught; sometimes students learn well from each other. In this podcast, the viewer can actually see how the problems are being solved step by step. It is great for visual learners and for parents who cannot afford to pay for tutoring. Almost, every household has a computer or have access to one.
The way the economy is going the educational budget has been cut tremendously; therefore, money for field trips has been cut. The video podcast Electronic field trip Webisodes will be a wonderful tool for teachers to use to further enlighten students on social studies topics. I presently work as an Instructional Paraprofessional and at the beginning of the school year I had to help assist the fifth grade teachers in their classrooms. Sometimes, I helped with reading and social studies. If I would have known then about this podcasts I know it would have helped those students in a powerful way. This video podcast will allow the students to go places they have never gone. For instance, it has a field trip topic on The settlers in the new frontier. The students can actually see how things were then and how things came about and they will be able to process the information through visual learning. In the future, through podcasts and other technology resources I will be able to help students develop academically.
Mathtrain Episode 39 is a wonderful video podcast for sixth graders who are struggling with math. This podcast is done by students who have mastered the skills that are taught; sometimes students learn well from each other. In this podcast, the viewer can actually see how the problems are being solved step by step. It is great for visual learners and for parents who cannot afford to pay for tutoring. Almost, every household has a computer or have access to one.
The way the economy is going the educational budget has been cut tremendously; therefore, money for field trips has been cut. The video podcast Electronic field trip Webisodes will be a wonderful tool for teachers to use to further enlighten students on social studies topics. I presently work as an Instructional Paraprofessional and at the beginning of the school year I had to help assist the fifth grade teachers in their classrooms. Sometimes, I helped with reading and social studies. If I would have known then about this podcasts I know it would have helped those students in a powerful way. This video podcast will allow the students to go places they have never gone. For instance, it has a field trip topic on The settlers in the new frontier. The students can actually see how things were then and how things came about and they will be able to process the information through visual learning. In the future, through podcasts and other technology resources I will be able to help students develop academically.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Week 8: Podcast done by Students
I listened to two podcasts from last semester’s EDM 310 classes. I must say this, they all had courage. I have the opportunity of hearing how it should be done from listening to professional podcasters and guidelines from the instructor. The students from last year were the test subjects; there were a couple of things that I would improve and implement them into my podcast to make it better. I listened to You Tube-For Education? and Possibilities for using Facebook in an Educational Setting. The information was good but the presentation of the information is what I will focus on.
In both podcasts, there were too many ah’s and um’s. When I took a speech class, it was stated that too many ah’s will ruin a great topic. I will try to keep that in mind I present my topic on March 10, 2009. Also, some of the panelists were not enthusiastic about presenting the topic. Every presenter must remember to speak with enthusiasm to keep the attention of the listeners. If the presenters are not excited about the topic the audience will not be excited either. So, on Tuesday, I will speak with enthusiasm so that the listening audience would desire more information. Last but not least, I will cite the links to the resources of the covered material. One of the podcast I listened to forgot to do that. So, with all this in mind, on next year someone will be critiquing mine for improvement.
In both podcasts, there were too many ah’s and um’s. When I took a speech class, it was stated that too many ah’s will ruin a great topic. I will try to keep that in mind I present my topic on March 10, 2009. Also, some of the panelists were not enthusiastic about presenting the topic. Every presenter must remember to speak with enthusiasm to keep the attention of the listeners. If the presenters are not excited about the topic the audience will not be excited either. So, on Tuesday, I will speak with enthusiasm so that the listening audience would desire more information. Last but not least, I will cite the links to the resources of the covered material. One of the podcast I listened to forgot to do that. So, with all this in mind, on next year someone will be critiquing mine for improvement.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Podcasts
There is a lot of talk going on about podcasting; I just found out the meaning of the word podcasting. I have nieces and nephews who were talking about the different technology gadgets available for a Christmas present. The newest were the iPods and MP3 players. But now, I know that it is just another way of reaching the world through learning at society’s connivances. After viewing the different podcasts shows has enlighten me even more as to how all of this could fit into education. Earlier in one of my blogs I mentioned that technology will definitely help us get our students prepared for global marketing in education. I listen to all of the podcast shows given in the courses syllabus and these are my findings.
First of all, all of the podcast shows did an introduction with music. For some of the podcasts, there were several people hosting but you always had a main host that would introduce the panels. I noticed that the conversations flowed very smoothly. In other words, you must know your material that is being discussed. When we do ours, we will not have music, but we can have a main host to introduce the panel. Connect Learning and Kid Cast both of these had one host but the approach was like an interview. I listen to several Kid Cast shows and one in particular was the students themselves did the podcast on a particular topic. I would like to try that with some fifth graders where I presently work. I think that it will be good exposure and another way to make learning fun.
Secondly, Mac Break Weekly and TWIP hosts integrated some casual talk in between their topics of discussions. That is something I definitely would like to use in a podcast in the future. You must have excitement in your voice to sale the show. I do have some favorites. Connect Learning with David Warlick as the host and Education Technology Talk were the two that held my attention. Episode 91 Connect Learning was very informative. It was a podcast workshop with Library Media Specialist. The topic was about using podcast in the library with the students. The thing about technology is this it will not become alive unless teachers, administrators push hard to make it happen. I presently work around educators who are just stuck back in time. My goal and desire is to use whatever I can to help my students get to the next level.
Education Technology Talk is a good podcast that I would consider prescribing to because of the professional development topics that are being discussed. I listen to episode 19 about the responsibility of educators to be professional online as well as in the classroom. As an educator you can not loose your professionalism even though you have clock out for the day. We may not be in the classroom but our image is still important. There are certain things that we should not put in a blog if it is for educational purposes. This episode discussed online etiquettes for educators. I am glad that I have been exposed to podcasting. I must say I am having a wonderful time in the class. When I took this class I knew nothing about blogs, podcasting, Access labs and Alex and all of this I will use one way or another in my career.
First of all, all of the podcast shows did an introduction with music. For some of the podcasts, there were several people hosting but you always had a main host that would introduce the panels. I noticed that the conversations flowed very smoothly. In other words, you must know your material that is being discussed. When we do ours, we will not have music, but we can have a main host to introduce the panel. Connect Learning and Kid Cast both of these had one host but the approach was like an interview. I listen to several Kid Cast shows and one in particular was the students themselves did the podcast on a particular topic. I would like to try that with some fifth graders where I presently work. I think that it will be good exposure and another way to make learning fun.
Secondly, Mac Break Weekly and TWIP hosts integrated some casual talk in between their topics of discussions. That is something I definitely would like to use in a podcast in the future. You must have excitement in your voice to sale the show. I do have some favorites. Connect Learning with David Warlick as the host and Education Technology Talk were the two that held my attention. Episode 91 Connect Learning was very informative. It was a podcast workshop with Library Media Specialist. The topic was about using podcast in the library with the students. The thing about technology is this it will not become alive unless teachers, administrators push hard to make it happen. I presently work around educators who are just stuck back in time. My goal and desire is to use whatever I can to help my students get to the next level.
Education Technology Talk is a good podcast that I would consider prescribing to because of the professional development topics that are being discussed. I listen to episode 19 about the responsibility of educators to be professional online as well as in the classroom. As an educator you can not loose your professionalism even though you have clock out for the day. We may not be in the classroom but our image is still important. There are certain things that we should not put in a blog if it is for educational purposes. This episode discussed online etiquettes for educators. I am glad that I have been exposed to podcasting. I must say I am having a wonderful time in the class. When I took this class I knew nothing about blogs, podcasting, Access labs and Alex and all of this I will use one way or another in my career.
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