Assignment #5


Travis Allen

Travis makes arguments for ischool, cost reductions, cost of an ischool education,
and ease on the enviornment. I do not know how much research
went into the cost analysis, however if those numbers are correct then he is
definitely on to something. Travis says it costs school systems $600 to educate
one student and $150 for the ischool. Travis also states with the reduced need
for paper and pencils, the enviornment will be helped. It was a wonderful
presentation, he even included some apps that are in use now as a basis for
his presentation.

My reaction to his presentation is, I need a more detailed plan. By more
detailed I mean, what grades whould use the ischool? Would this be left to
individual states or federally mandated? Those are just a few of the questions
that comes to mind. I do believe it is a great idea and we are 10 to 15 years
away from it being embraced.


This Use of the Internet

http://techliterateteacher.blogspot.com/2010/05/eric-whitakers-virtual-choir-lux.html

The most creative way to use the internet that I can remember. I am sure the
logistics of this project was a nightmare!


Teaching in the 21st Century

Teaching is changing. The classroom is also changing, the days of opening books
and following along as the instructor is going over the planned lesson is fading
fast. Mr. Roberts poses the question, should we focus on facts, content, or
skills? With the ever evolving classroom, teaching styles and content will have
to keep pace. I see this effecting myself, as a future educator, challenging
myself to keep my students engaged.


Flipped Classroom

I could definitely see myself using this teaching tool! I certainly would not use posters, I would use a smartboard and powerpoint presentation, I think that would make it more professional looking.

Assignment #4


Podcast

Pod-casting is a wonderful tool to reach an audience without having to write
an article. I would much rather listen to a pod cast, than to read an article on
the same subject matter. I did not know how much work went into producing a
pod cast. Judy Scharf's Pod cast collection is the most helpful to myself, as she
goes through the entire process of producing a pod cast. I think producing a
pod cast will be challenging, however I think it will also be fun and I can not wait
to get started.

Project #5 Presentation

Assignment #3

Peer Editing
Peer editing can be a "sticky situation". On one hand no one is trying to hurt
anyone's feelings or break someones spirit towards the specified classwork. On
the other hand, we must under take this task and be very professional about it.
We as students should take our feelings out of the process and look at it
objectively.

The learning that occurred after viewing the videos, include being specific in
the editing. Also, compliment, suggest, and correct when involved in peer
editing. I think the suggesting part may be the most helpful because this,
in my opinion, is where the sharing of ideas and learning occurs.


Technology in Special Education
I think it is phenomenal the way technology has changed the way special needs kids
are learning and being taught. Computers alone have changed the way course
material is being presented as well as learned. Technology has given a voice to
the voiceless.

I would definitely use tablets, smart boards, and basically anything that would
enhance and enable the learning experience in my classroom. Tablets would have
reading programs on the to read to kids. Smart boards could be used to display
power points and videos.


Apps
Read & Write: Letters, Sounds, and Combinations is the app of my choice. It
helps students to recognize letters,pronounce letter sounds, practice blend
and digraph combinations. This would help any special needs students with language
deficiencies.


Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
Great video! This is the type of learning I expect for my kids! It is very
exciting for myself to see this going on. Ms. Davis is an excellent teacher,
in my opinion, and shares the same views on learning as I do.

Ms. Davis is teaching her students, in a rural community, how to connect with
the world. They are connecting with other students around the world through
forums and blogs. Once again, this is very exciting for myself!

Project 2

Assignment #2

Did You Know?
This video is full of insightful information. Also, this information may be
concerning to us, as Americans. I find it alarming, to say the least, that India
is generalized as, for a lack of better word, smarter than us Americans.

I have a hard time believing China will have more English speaking citizens
than the United States. I understand China's population plays a huge role in
drawing this conclusion, however America's population is not at a stand still.
China is "westernizing" their society by hiring American teachers to live
in China and teach English. I would have to see it to believe it.


Mr. Winkle Wakes
This is a very interesting video! As interesting as the video is, it is also
a very real look into what could happen if one were to sleep and awaken for
same amount of time as Mr. Winkle. Technology continues to grow and advance.
The rate of advancement gets faster and faster.


Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Mr. Robinson captures my exact views on children
in respect to creativity. We as a society do not foster or nurture kids ability
to be creative, in my opinion. The fear of being wrong has overtaken the
boldness of being creative. Can one be wrong and creative at the same time?
I for one think not. There is no right way or wrong way to be creative.

I too think the arts are undervalued in our educational system. With musicians,
artists, and choreographers playing a huge role in our society, more attention
should be paid to nurturing these skills as well as our traditional reading,
writing, and arithmetic. I feel the traditional skills can be blended with
nontraditional skills to enhance the learning experience.


Think about the FUTURE
The future is exciting and unknown. We all hope to see the new technology,
but in reality we may or may not be alive to see it. Are we being taught in
preparation for the future? Are we going to be able to teach our future students
with our eye on the future?

When I think of the future, I envision a great place of new ideas and a wealth
of technological advances that is beyond my imagination. Learning will be
integrated into said technology. The classroom would be the platform for
preparing students for the brave new technical world!