Sunday, September 28, 2014

C4K Summary for September


C4K #1 Sarah

Sarah is a student at Pt. England School in Auckland, New Zealand. Her Blog was on self managing. She explained that self management was important for children as they become adults. She thought that if everyone could better manage themselves they would have a greater opportunity at learning in the classroom. Some of her examples of self management were completing work on time and striving to succeed. I told Sarah I really enjoyed reading her post about self-management. And she is right, good self-management is very important in the success of young children as they become young adults. Completing tasks and striving to succeed are some great examples of what self-management looks like. Keep up the terrific work Sarah!

little girl working on a computer at school




C4K #2 William N.

William is a student in Ms. Horst's class. His post for the day was titled International Dot Day. His class read a book called "The Dot" about a girl named Vashiti. Vashiti thinks she can't draw but later learns that everyone can be awesome at art. William had a picture posted on his blog of his personal dot art inspired by the book. I told William I really enjoyed reading his post about the book called "The Dot." I had never heard of this book before reading his post, so I was able to learn something new! He did a great job on his dot art!


A picture of the dot





C4K #3 Hale H.

 Hale is a high school student in Iowa. His post talked about what he would like to change about his school. If Hale could change anything it would be homework. He thinks it would be better for students to get their work done at school so they could have more time at home for fun things.
I told Hale that I understood that he would not want to have homework when there are more fun things to do. However, there are many benefits of homework so hang in there, all of his hard work will pay off!

a boy doing his homework

Blog Post #6

What Did I Learn From Anothny Capps?


Anthony Capps is a former student at South Alabama who is now a 3rd grade teacher at Gulf Shores Elementary. One of our assignments this week was to watch a series of conversations between Anthony and our EDM 310 professor Dr. Strange. These videos gave a unique look at the personal experiences and rewards that has come along with Project Based Learning in Anthony's classroom. I have learned that not only is it a great and rewarding learning experience for students but for teachers as well.  

The first two videos I watched were Part 1 and Part 2 of "Project Based Learning: Experiences of a Third Grade Teacher." From these videos I learned that through PBL students are creating something they can be excited about which helps to motivate them in learning. I also learned that it is important to not limit the students on what they can do. If you create an opportunity for them to reach beyond what you want them to learn, you will get way more than expected. Also, a very important part of PBL is giving the students the opportunity to revise and reflect on their work. These videos also gave a great example of how teachers are also learners through PBL. By listening to his students during projects, Anthony was able to get valuable feedback on what the students like about certain projects which he could use for future ideas.

I also watched videos on iCurio and Discovery Education. iCurio is an online tool that serves a search engine. However, the unique thing about this search engine is that it is a safe but effective search engine for students. It also allows students to learn how to store content they like. It gives them practice at organizing themselves online.  I had never heard of iCurio before however, just yesterday I was able to observe in a 1st grade class and see how they use Discovery Education. Discovery Education is like an online digital textbook. Not only does it give pictures and text on a subject but it also gives another level of expertise in the classroom through videos. It enables students to compare what they are reading to what they can also see. 

Another great lesson I learned was to use technology instead of teaching it. This video showed me that teaching technology shouldn't be a part of regular curriculum but rather structured into the assignments that are being taught. Students should be allowed to use a technology tool to do research, then reflect on any issues or mistakes they had so that when the time comes they have that experience they can take on to the next tool they will learn to use. 

Lastly, I would like to mention one of the most valuable things I gained through these videos and that is the tips for teachers. The tips that stood out to me the most were to always be interested in continuing to learn myself, that teaching is very hard work but exciting and fun at the same time, to continue to find new ways of keeping students engaged and finally, to constantly reflect on my work as a teacher so that I can revise and strive to make it better.



It is possible







Project #8 Book Trailer




Saturday, September 20, 2014

Blog Post #5

PLNs What Are They?


    Before I started EDM 310 I had never heard of a Personal Learning Network (PLN). A PLN is a network of connections by which you can share and gather information that can be a vast source of learning. These connections can be made through social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook. Teachers for example can use a PLN to connect with other teachers all over the world. They can share their experiences, ideas, knowledge, etc.

   In researching PLNs this week I realized that I already had a type of PLN through sharing with and learning from my friends and family. However, online collaboration through the web can really build up and expand your PLN! The first step in creating a PLN would be getting connected on a social media site like Twitter. I have recently joined twitter and I am also using Facebook and Pinterest. On twitter I have began following a few resources that I believe will be valuable to me now and when I begin teaching. My favorite social network right now is Pinterest. Pinterest is like a visual bookmark where you can search for projects and ideas and "pin" those that you like to board where you can go back and reference them later.

   Another useful tool I learned about this week is called Symbaloo. Symbaloo is like an "internet desktop" that allows you to search the web and assemble your favorite sites all on one page. I just began learning how to personalize and use Symbaloo but so far I think it is going to be very helpful to me now and in the future.

PLN begins with you

Friday, September 19, 2014

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Blog Post #4

Asking Questions: What questions do we ask? How do we ask?



What do we need to know about asking questions to be an effective teacher?

When a teacher asks questions in class it can help her to know if the students understand the subject being taught. Asking questions also helps to encourage class participation.  Putting some time into thinking about how questions will be asked can in turn help the students to develop a deeper level of thinking. In the article Three Ways to Ask Better Questions in the Classroom by Maryellen Wiemer, I learned there are three recommendations she has for improving the questions teachers ask.

1.) Prepare Questions - taking time to write down and evaluate the questions you will ask can help you to know if it will be the right question at the right time. It will also help you to make sure the question is clear to the students. Also make sure to ask the questions in a way that leads the students to give more detailed and specific answers rather than just a "yes" or "no."

2.) Play with Questions - if a question is left unanswered for a few moments you can take that opportunity to include some tactics that would help motivate the students to think about it. Perhaps even give the students the opportunity to write down their answers as well as discuss it with classmates. 

3.) Preserve good Questions - teachers can keep records of the questions they asked as well the responses from previous students and use it to help current and future students.


However, regardless of the time and thought a teacher gives to the questions she will ask in class, there will be students who choose not to participate in answering questions because they do not know the answer or don't care. The article  The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroom  by Ben Johnson gives a beneficial approach to this issue. By asking a question and giving a brief pause the teacher can give the students a few moments to reflect on the question asked. Then the teacher can call out a name at random to give an answer. The teacher can also make it known that if a name is called once it CAN be called again. If a student knows their name can be called at random and more than once, it would hopefully motivate them to better study their class material to be more prepared if they are asked a question.

I have learned that in asking questions in class I can be a more effective teacher in remembering to do the following: prepare my questions before class time, make sure I ask questions that leave room for discussion to help encourage deeper thinking, ask my questions clearly and in a way that is not confusing to the students, and call on students at random rather than asking for a raised hand to ensure everyone an attempt at participating. 


Students raising hands to answer a question



C4T #1

I was assigned to read the blog of Dean Shareski. Dean is the Community Manager for Discovery Education Canada. He was also a teacher and technology consultant for 24 years in Moose Jaw, SK, Canada.


Post #1

And What Do You Mean by.... discussed certain words and phrases like accountability, data driven, student achievement, etc., and how they are used by leaders when concerning education.  While these words in themselves may not be especially offending, this post suggest that when is comes to education reform, these words and phrases can send understated or blatant messages to students and teachers. Shareski goes on to give a brief explanation or argument as to why he believes these words can at times sound oppressive. 

In my comment to this post I stated that I agreed with several of the points he made in particular to those relating to "data driven" and "student achievement." I stated that it seemed to me there was an overemphasis on standardized testing in school systems. I also said that i have heard from several teachers that they don't get to teach the way they want because they are either prepping for tests or are drowning in paperwork. As a result I can see the way these terms can seem "oppressive" to teachers and students.

The weight of standardized testing on student who just want to learn.



Post #2


Put the Laptops Away discusses the use of technology devices in class. It raises the question if using devices like laptops can be more positive or negative for the student. It also mentions identifying the lesson being taught and considering whether incorporating technology could make the lesson stronger or, weaken it. 

In my comment to this second post I stated that in a K-12 perspective, I think the use of a device can encourage the students to become more engaged with what is being taught in class. However, what can help to engage some can be a distraction for others. In regards to this I told him that I liked his idea of considering the class, assignments and students before thinking of not using technology in the classroom.

Students using tablets in the classroom




Project #15 Search Engines

Search Engines

A search engine is a web-based program that searches for information based on specific key words. In this post I will be reviewing and evaluating 8 different search engines.

1.) WolframAlpha

     In researching WolframAlpha I discovered that it is actually more of an "answer engine" than a search engine in that it is better used when looking for specific information rather than a general search.  For instance, I chose to look up the speed of light. Rather than giving me a bunch of websites related to the topic, it gave me the exact value. It also went a step further and broke the value down by meters, kilometers, and miles. If you are looking for a quick, specific answer then WolframAlpha is a great tool to help accomplish that goal.

2.) Webopedia

    Webopedia is a search engine most specifically used in defining technology and computer related terms. It offers several resources like a term of the day, quick reference links, and did you know articles to help keep you informed on the latest technology. Their definitions are very easy to understand for those whose knowledge of computers is limited. Whether you know little or have a more advanced knowledge of technology, this is a great site to use.

3.) Indeed

    Indeed is a job based search engine that lets you search for many types of jobs all over the U.S. A great feature of this site is that it can send you emails when a job you may be interested in becomes available. It will also allow you to save your resume to apply for future jobs.

4.) DuckDuckGo

    DuckDuckGo is a general search engine like Google, but what makes it a little more unique is the fact that it does not store and share web searches. When searching for something in DuckDuckGo I learned that it actually pulls information from other sources like Wikipedia and WolframAlpha. It also uses what is called a crawler. I had never heard of this term before so I went back to webopedia for a quick vocabulary lesson! A crawler is also referred to as a spider which is a program that retrieves web pages and sends them to search engines. I find it easier to search for what you are looking for because its as simple as scrolling up or down rather than searching through hundreds of numbered pages.

5.) blekko

    The unique thing about this search engine is that it uses what is called "slashtags." Blekko defines slashtags as "a tool used to filter search results and helps you to search only high quality sites without spam." If you wanted to search for information on the common cold, you would enter "common cold /health." Adding the slashtag will return websites with better quality health information.

6.) Archive.org (WayBackMachine)

    WayBackMachine is an archive search engine that will allow you to look at the history of different websites. Wikipedia calls it "a digital archive of the world wide web." It allows you to see how different web pages have evolved over time. I chose to search aol.com. I was able to view different screen shots of AOL going all the way back to 1996. It was neat getting to take a little walk back through time to see how certain sites like AOL have changed through the years.

7.) Bing

    Bing is a search engine created by Microsoft and is likely Google's and Yahoo's top competitor.  I really like the changing of the background images on the homepage. I think it is definitely an attention grabbing feature. The images also contain facts about the pictures being shown. Bing allows you to search for information related to shopping, news, travel, videos, etc.

8.) Yahoo

    Yahoo is also one of the most popular search engines on the internet.  Its search results don't seem to be as specific as other search engines. However, it does have shortcuts to help you get more from your search. Yahoo also offers other information such as news, maps, weather, real estate, sports, etc.


search google bing yahoo





 
 

 

 

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Blog Post #3

How Can You Provide Meaningful Feedback to Your Peers?

 
What is Peer Editing?

    This Prezi presentation defines peer editing as working with classmates to help improve one another's writing skills. It is broken down into a three step action plan:
  1. Compliments - tell them what they did well.
  2. Suggestions - give them some suggestions about the choice of words they used.
  3. Corrections - make corrections on their spelling, grammar, etc. in a positive manner.
Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial

   The Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial goes a bit further in providing some great examples of how to give quality compliments, suggestions and corrections. I believe you can give meaningful feedback to your peers by giving kind, thoughtful suggestions for improvement. A good thing to remember while editing your peers work is to remain positive. I hope that by providing positive feedback to my peers, I would help to boost their performance.

The video Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes by Tim Bedley gives great examples of the types of negative feedback that you would want to avoid while evaluating your peers work. I think that giving negative, judgmental feedback could potentially cause someone to have a poor opinion of themselves and possibly loose their motivation. On the flip side, I hope that when a fellow peer is editing my work, I can keep an open mind and  be receptive to their suggestions and/or corrections. I think a good rule to follow while peer editing would be to treat others work with the respect and care that you would want your own to be treated with.

Editing a Paper With a Red Pen