Final Reflection

This is my Final Reflection for EDM 310. I have really enjoyed this class and learned so much! I cannot wait to take this knowledge into my future classroom.

Final Project # 16

Smart Board Ppt



This was truly a group project. We each worked on it at different times or together. We used text messaging to correspond and work out details. I enjoyed collaborating with each person in my group and I am glad this project turned out great. I hope this presentation is helpful to future EDM 310 students.

Comments for Teachers #4

For my final teacher Dr. Strange assigned me Dragonsinger57. This teacher's name is Jo Fothergill. She lives in New Zealand. Ms. Fothergill states on her blog about being a teacher is "it’s about creating a place where kids are inspired, enthused, excited about discovery and learning ". I found that very inspiring. I hope to be a teacher like her one day that inspires my students and I make the classroom a place they want to be.

The first blog I read was about her classroom. Life in Room 12. There are three videos to watch about her classroom. You can click on the above link Life in Room 12 to read the blog and watch the videos. The videos are about the things they do daily in the classroom and the technology they are currently using too. The second blog I read by Ms. Fothergill is short and sweet to the point but my favorite. It is called Not obsessed at all. This blog is a picture of Apple computer products. I have to say that I am in the same boat with Ms. Fothergill. I love Apple too! Once you start using anything by Apple, whether it is a iPod, iPhone or computer you fall in love.

I have enjoyed reading the blogs written by teachers all over the world. It really gives you an insight into another teacher's classroom. It is also a great resource for future teachers. I hope to one day be a blogging teacher and maybe I can help someone too.

Final Report on PLN

I am happy to say that I have added more to my PLN. It now contains the ALEX page from an earlier blog and several teacher blogs. I hope it only grows more throughout my remaining college years and then as I begin my teaching career. I can see using this PLN in my classroom one day.

Comments for Kids April 2011

For Comment For Kids in April 2011 we had several blogs to read. We not only read blogs from children but the Teacher's blogs too. So below you will find comments I have posted on student's and teacher's blogs. The one that really hit home for me is the one written about right below to Mr. McClung. I also enjoyed reading Ms. Yollis' class blog by Jaden. It was very well written and I love the idea of a mascot for your blog page. Below though you will find all of my comments.

Hi, Mr. McClung. My name is Olivia Bush and I am a student in EDM 310 with Dr. Strange at the University of South Alabama. Please feel free to look at my blog http://busholiviaedm310.blogspot.com/.

I have read your blog from Lesson Three-The Quest for The Perfect T-Shirt. I cannot wait to see what design your class chooses for the Susan G Komen for the Cure t-shirt. I lost my nephew this past December to AML Leukemia. He battled this cancer for 19 months. During the 19 months though his family and friends did several fundraisers to help take care of his medical expenses and the family’s everyday expenses. The best fundraiser that was done by far was the one with the cool t-shirt. They made two and friends of Jarrod drew the designs for the shirts. The shirts had a cool picture on back and our family motto was “Jarrod Bush Beating Leukemia” on the front. These t-shirts and doing some other things raised the most money for Jarrod. It was such a blessing and I do have to say we all still wear our shirts proudly. We also did orange (the color for Leukemia cancer) rubber bracelets (they had Jarrod’s motto on them) to go with the shirts and they raised a lot of money too. That might be a class idea that you can use to go along with the t-shirts.

I can’t wait to see what your students choose and I hope your class raises the most money! I know you will with the “perfect t-shirt”.



Hi my name is Olivia Bush. I am college student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama in the United States. I am working on a degree in Elementary Education and I am taking a class called EDM 310. It is a technology class for teachers. I have a blog that you can check out at http://busholiviaedm310.blogspot.com/. I will be writing a post about your blog and some others that I have read at the end of this month.

Thank you for sharing your blog with me. I really enjoyed reading about your Trade Day. What a neat way to learn about other countries. Will you be continuing to do Trade Day in your class? I can imagine you enjoy PE and getting to play football. Football is a huge sport in the United States. My college just recently started their own football program and it is going really good.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with us on your blog page. I look forward to reading it more. I wish you the best in school.

Olivia



Hi my name is Olivia Bush. I am college student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama in the United States. I am working on a degree in Elementary Education and I am taking a class called EDM 310. It is a technology class for teachers. I have a blog that you can check out at http://busholiviaedm310.blogspot.com/. I will be writing a post about your blog and some others that I have read at the end of this month.

Thank you Jaden for sharing your mascot, Mr. California! He looks so cool and sounds like he is a very busy chipmunk. How do you keep up with him? I really like your idea of a blog mascot. I think if I decide to have a blog mascot I would use an elephant. They are my favorite animal. I think this is a great idea for my future students in my class. I can’t wait to use it!

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on your blog and your mascot. I wish you and Mr. California the best in school and all you do.

Olivia Bush



Mrs. Yollis; Classroom Blog

Mrs. Yollis is a third grade teacher in California. She has just recently finished her Master’s degree in Integrating Technology in the Classroom. What a neat degree. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Yollis is traveling and learning more to bring back to her classroom. Mrs. Yollis is a very inspiring teacher. The following is about her classroom blog and a glimpse into her classroom and all the information she is providing the world. Please feel free to click here to look at her blog first hand.

This is a great tutorial for students to learn how to use a still camera and video camera correctly. Students are always eager to use these instruments and really need some sort of training to do so. This is even great for adults.

Mrs. Yollis’ blog is very useful and informative tool for not only students but adults too. I have been really inspired by this blog to have one for my own class one day. I would love to create one that is not only useful to my students and parents but for other family members of the students, and teachers.

Blog Assignment # 13

The Alex Website

This is the first time I have been introduced to the Alex website. What a useful tool the state of Alabama has developed. It is also known as the Alabama Learning Exchange. It is a great place where teachers from all over can share ideas and exchange lesson plans. It is also opening the door for teachers to become more technologically literate by using this internet option for their classroom and their self. It has links like, Lesson Plans, Podcast, Personal Workspace and Serach Engine that can all be accessed right there on the Alex page.

What a great tool for future teachers like myself. It will provide me with so many resources at a click of a button. It is a page that I will add to my PLN (Personal Learning Network). I am sure I will be using this website in the very near future.

Blog Assignment # 12

BLOG POST

Watch the following video: "Community Trumps Content" By Jeff Utecht

After you have watched this video write a substantial blog about your thoughts on how students are more technologically literate now. The Education system needs to keep up with modern technology in order to keep up with the students. Also tell me something about Jeff Utecht.

This video is Jeff Utecht speaking at a teacher conference. Jeff is a International Educator and a Educational Technology Consultant. He is currently based in Bangkok Thailand.

Jeff begins his speech by discussing a revolution that is going to happen and how it is going to come from the students. Students that are being surpressed by the lack of technology in classroom. He even makes it funny by saying (which is so true) that this will happen through FaceBook. Which if you have watched the news lately you will know how true that is because Egypt is a perfect example of that concept. The students today are so technologically literate because that is all they have ever known.

He goes on to discuss when computers were invented and I can so relate to this. When I was growing up, we did not have cell phones and computers were used to type papers and play basic games. Not today though. I have two children who know about cell phones, the internet and gaming devices that have almost life like characters. They are growing up in a world like Jeff said that they have always been connected. If they need to talk to anyone they are always avaiable, whether it is by cell phone, text messages, instant message or some sort of social media. They also have the ablitity to know what is going on in the WORLD, not just their immediate world, at anytime.

Students have so many advancements now and these advancements are not being implemented in the school system. In schools teachers are still living in what students believe is the "Stone Age". Teachers are still using chalk boards and books. Students have more access to media and learning tools in the home. They can go home and with a click of a button study a subject from their class in depth more than the outdated book sitting in front of them at school.

We are going to loose students in trying to keep them in the "Stone Age" to technology because they are light years ahead of us already. We are also doing them an injustice by not bringing technology to the classroom. They are our future and their future is nothing but technology. Future teachers are even receiving degrees in Educational Technology today.

In my opinion, yes, students may eventually come in and try to take over the school system and bring it around to more technologically literate system but good luck to them. The problem is not only teachers being technologically illiterate but the schools system cannot keep up. School buildings are to old and outdated that they are not capable of holding all it takes to bring technology to classroom. (Like all the cables and wires it takes to make computers run) Also school systems are struggling financially so bad that they are just grateful to not loose teachers to budget cuts, so where is the money going to come from to provide technology? How can we as the future generation of teachers make these changes? What is it going to take to start a teacher revolution before the students beat us to it?

I really enjoyed this video. It is well worth your time to watch. Jeff has a very good point. Now we just need to find a way to bring school systems around to being technologically literate and keep up with our students. Students are growing and changing as fast as the world of technology. They deserve nothing but the best and they look at us, the Educators, to do that for them.


Note: I found this video on Twitter a while back. I really enjoyed it and even re-tweeted it and also put it on my FaceBook account for others to see. I found this tweet originally from Stephen Akins @akins14. Thank you Stephen for the great and inspiring tweet and thanks Dr. Strange for getting me into Twitter. I never thought I would be a twitter person but now I am and I like it just as much as Facebook!

Progress Report on Final Project

My group for the Final Project in EDM 310 includes Laura Bishop, Rachael Gammill and Dana Johnson. We will be posting our Final Project in the near future. We are not telling what is now though because it will be a surprise when we are all done! So stay tuned for that Final Project!

Comments for Kids # 9

Mrs. Yollis Classroom Blog

Mrs. Yollis is a third grade teacher in California. She has just recently finished her Master’s degree in Integrating Technology in the Classroom. What a neat degree. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Yollis is traveling and learning more to bring back to her classroom. Mrs. Yollis is a very inspiring teacher. The following is about her classroom blog and a glimpse into her classroom and all the information she is providing the world. Please feel free to click here to look at her blog first hand.

Meet the Bloggers!

This her class. She has twenty-two third graders. Eleven girls and eleven boys. How neat to have an even number of each! Her students have many hobbies and they list them on their page but their favorite thing is blogging!

Video: How to Comment

This is a video for Mrs. Yollis’ visitors. It teaches the readers of the classroom blog how to comment on the blog page. This is a very useful resource. There are many visitors that, this is their very first time even looking at a blog. What a great way to teach them how to navigate through the blog and leave their positive and encouraging comments for these third graders.

Learn HTML Code!

This a page full of ways to use HTML codes. Dr. Strange gave us a link to Mrs. Yollis earlier in the semester to teach us how to use HTML codes. I have to say that without Mrs. Yollis and Dr. Strange I would have no idea how to use these codes. I am still learning new ones and how to use them. They are very resourceful tools to use when blogging.

Learn About California!


This is a video about the state Mrs. Yollis’ and her students live in. The video gives you insight to the state of California. Mrs. Yollis hits all the high points. The the state’s population, information about their governer, the fact that California is the 31st state, the state flowers, birds and even an insect. She also gives the two largest tourist areas, Disneyland and Hollywood! This is a wonderful addition to the blog especially for people who do not know anything about the state of California.


Learn How to Shoot Great Digital Images

This is a great tutorial for students to learn how to use a still camera and video camera correctly. Students are always eager to use these instruments and really need some sort of training to do so. This is even great for adults.

Mrs. Yollis’ blog is very useful and informative tool for not only students but adults too. I have been really inspired by this blog to have one for my own class one day. I would love to create one that is not only useful to my students and parents but for other family members of the students and teachers.

Blog Post # 14 Special Assignment

I understood the metaphor that Tom Johnson used in his post regarding pencils and computers.  Mr. Johnson used a metaphor to descibe how students use their computers as a gaming or playing device rather than as a tool to improve their academic skills.  I felt I wrote a more indepth paragraph about the metaphor because Mr. Johnson also had a link to another teacher, Larry Ferlazzo.  Between to the two post, I felt the post discussed a deeper issue of not only the students using the computer for games but parents that do not have any computer skills and cannot help the student/child use the computer in any other way.  Children who use a computer at home still need guidance and direction and this cannot be achieved at home with a parent if the parent does not know how to properly use the compter.  So the computer (if there is one in the home) becomes a gaming device. 
I also do not believe that computers lower testing scores.  Even if a child is using a computer to play on, rather than using it for academics they are still learning the way around the computer and soaking up some type of knowledge that may end up being beneficial in the future classroom.  We bloggged about a teacher that used a "Virtual World" with her students and the teacher did not know how to create certian things but her students did.  The teacher learned from her students and I will take a chance and say that those students knew how to do that because they played on a computer.  So in the playing with pencils metaphor I do understand.

Here are some metaphors that I have encountered or have used myself:

"Between a rock and a hard place"
"My plate is full"
"I am on overload"
"It is so hot outside you could fry an egg on the ground"
"I'd rather shoot myself in the foot"
"They are so slow, that we will be here until next Christmas"

As educators we can give examples of metaphors to our students to intoduce them to the students.  We can also use them in the classroom and apply them to our class to see if students are understanding the concept of a metaphor.  Also have the students write some down that they have encountered like we are doing in this blog.  Have the students come up with their own and see if they make sense and work.  Maybe have the students blog about metaphors and get responses from others around the world.

Metaphors are a figuire of speech.  We use metaphors to describe a situtation that we may be in.  To give an understanding or to relay a concept to another person.

Project # 15

I choose "The Polar Express" because this is a favorite book in my family. Just a couple of years ago we went to Calera, Alabama and road on a "Real" Polar Express. It was so much fun! They read the story and we had milk and cookies. Santa also climbed on to the train to visit with the kids and give out gifts. I highly recommend this book and the trip to Calera to ride the train.

Project # 14 Teach Someone

This project was about teaching someone something that might help them in EDM 310. For me, I thought it might be helpful to put together a slide show about the FORM Document that Dr. Strange requires to go along with the SmartBoard presentation. For my group and me, when we meet and sat down to do the FORM we had no idea what Dr. Strange was even talking about. So with the help of another student (who we did not get his name but thank you so much) and Anthony Capps we discovered what Dr. Strange wanted and became more technologically literate. Thank you Laura Bishop, Rachael Gammill and Dana Johnson for working so hard with me on that project!

Blog Assignment # 11

First Graders in Ms. Cassidy's Class

Ms. Kathy Cassidy is a First Grade Teacher in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. Watching her class video (you can click on the title of this blog and watch) and listening to her Skype conversation with the EDM 310 class from last year really hit home for me. I have a son in first grade who would love to be in this class especially with the opportunity to use his DS. I am so jealous and wish we had this kind of classroom now for my children.

My son is in private school where they do have more advantages than other schools but yet they are still way behind. My son attends a computer lab but they are only teaching him about how computers work. I wish I was graduating this semester so I could be the teacher that brings this technology to the classroom now because we are not giving our students all they deserve or need by not teaching them about technology.

I cannot wait until I begin teaching and can bring technology to my classroom. I want to have a class blog like Ms. Cassidy's blog and also a classroom page. I think my future students would benefit from using the SmartBoard, blogging, Skype and using learning games on the DS. I think even parents will love the idea of being able to see what their child is doing and learning in the classroom by being able to look on the computer at anytime. What advantage that will be versus just having to either write a note or setting up a conference with the teacher.

I believe my impediments for using technology in the classroom are going to be the lack of funds to have the computers needed for each child. Also the lack of time if there are not enough computers, being able to allow each child enough time on the computer. Also there may be parents, other teachers and even administration that are either set in their "old fashion ways" or just scared of technology that might hold back on the advances that I would want pursue in my classroom.

Hopefully through with my blog now and being able to be involved in my son's school we can begin to open the door to technology. The world is changing and education has to change with it in order to give the future generations everything they need to succeed in the world. I know that is what I want for my future classroom and my own children now.

Blog Assignment # 10

An Open Letter to Educators

This blog is by Morgan Bayda. Morgan is a new teacher in Canada. She points out in the above blog that you can click on to read and watch the video by Dan Brown added to her blog (or you can just click on his name a watch the same video from here) that North America is still teaching the old fashion way. Ms. Bayda and Dan Brown both discuss how the Education system is behind in today's time. I agree with both of them. I still have classes were I sit and just take notes off of an overhead projector. Those classes are long and I have to say I need lots of caffeine to stay awake. Regardless though, the classes are still required in order for me to receive my very important diploma that I have to have in today's world in order to get a good job. The Education system from elementary to college all need to be changed and brought into the modern world. I believe that is only going to be done though by students and educators working together to make those changes and actually putting it into play. People that are already in the Education system instead of complaining on blogs should try and step up to the plate and do something. Students like Dan Brown, what good did it do him to drop out of college? I think that he is just using the "behind education system" as an excuse to not finish what he started. If he had really wanted to make a change in my opinion he would have stuck it out and tried to work with the educators and/or school board to change his classroom learning environment. If he can take the time to make a video about how bad things are why doesn't he take that time instead and do a video to petition his classmates and his college to make changes? Just saying.
So if people really have a problem with the education system today stop complaining and start doing or otherwise I just feel like they truly don't want the change and like it just the way it is.

Don't Let Them Take Pencils Home

This blog I believe is about how teachers see a problem and not a solution. It is about lower income families and schools. It is also based on a teacher's blog that I have followed during this class. Larry Ferlazzo's blog about "My Take On Home Computer Usage Can Lead to Lower Test Scores". How can sending a pencil or having a home computer at home lower test scores? I really don't see it. If anything I am sure it helps not only the student but the parent too learn how to use something or do something that they have never done before. Sometimes education is not just about the student but the student's parent(s) too. The parent may not have any idea how to help their child and the educator has to step in and help not only educate the child but the parent too. To educate goes beyond just a student sometimes but into a family or a community.

Special Assignment

I have read and reviewed a blog by a teacher named Mr. McClung. He is an 8th grade teacher in Woodland Jr. High in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He teaches several subjects. They include social studies, Arkansas history, computer applications and cross country track. You can tell by reading Mr. McClung’s blog that he is very organized, he enjoys teaching, he is very involved with his class, school and community and is ready to grow his students in the classroom and outside the classroom.

Mr. McClung’s rules are very inspiring. They are firm yet they create an organized learning environment. My favorite part of his rules are his “Expectations”, “Stay Positive”. What a great way to start the rules. He makes it clear to the students what he expects out of them and then lays out the rules. I am a firm believer in rules. Even now when I substitute for teachers at my son’s school, I lay out my expectations and rules for the class while I am in place of their teacher. I believe in doing that you, first get the respect of the students, secondly it keeps order in their classroom and last it keeps the class in a positive environment with less stress. Without some sort of order there will be no learning.

The Day Planner! What a great tool to teach time management and how to keep up with class assignments and test dates. How can you ever live without some sort of day planner. I have always, since a very young age, keep a calender and/or day planner. I even still have some of them and it is really neat to look back and see what I accomplished, that day or even that year. Now I use one on my cell phone. (Going Green) This teaches organization and responsibility. This will greatly benefit these students for the rest of their lives.

Mr. McClung does not play when it comes to being late on an assignment. He takes off a letter grade per day. What a motivator to not be late or be a procrastinator. I know I would not want to loose a whole letter grade for being late. Glad Dr. Strange is not as hard on the students in EDM 310.

I checked out several of the links in McClung’s blog but the two that really grabbed my attention were Plagiarism Checker and Twitter Times. How useful are both of these blogs. You can click on the names of these two links and it will take you straight there to check them out.

Mr. McClung is very serious about Internet safety which is a great thing. You can not ever be too safe with children on the internet and it is our job as teachers to protect these children. His rules are very clear and precise.

I read Lesson Three- The Quest for The Perfect T-Shirt. This blog hit home with me. His class as drawn pictures to go on a t-shirt for a fundraiser for the Susan G Komen for the Cure. My family has done this same thing for my nephew who we lost this past December to AML Leukemia. My nephew Jarrod, had some friends who drew up some designs to go on the back of a t-shirt for a fundraiser for him. They helped to raise a lot of money for him and his family. So I can’t wait to see what design Mr. McClung’s class chooses from their classmates drawings and see how much money they raise.

I really like the layout at the top of the blog. I like how you can click on the different parts like “Welcome” and “Mr. McClung” and it takes you right to what you want to know. I would love to learn how to use Blogger more effectively and add more things. I hope after EDM 310 is over I will have time to sit down and set my page up with more information and different things.

Mr. McClungs blog is very useful to parents, staff and students. There is no excuse for not knowing what is going on in the classroom or what the students need. He is very organized and all the class information is there. He has ways to get in contact with him too. In fact while I was on his site, I noticed a button in the top right hand side of the page that said “chat with Joe McClung”, so when that button is green, he is available to chat right there online. He has it all covered, from what is going on in the classroom, his expectations of the students and how to get in touch with him if need be.

This blog is very different from the other student blogs I have read. This is more of a classroom blog. It is a very informative classroom blog. It is also a very community active classroom blog. This is a very busy class and you can tell that the students are being taught in a non-traditional way (which is good) and that they are applying their creativity and brains in this classroom. I believe I could use this blog as an example to one day set up my own classroom blog whether I am teaching first grade or sixth grade. This blog is very organized and informative for not only the students but staff and parents as well.

Comments for Teachers #3

The teacher I am following now is Teacher Tom. He is a pre-school teacher for ages 2-5 in Seattle Washington. His name is Tom Hobson. You can tell just by reading through his blog that this is his passion and that he loves children.

The first blog post I read was called "They Will Want To Try It Again". It was about Pendulum Painting.

This is a neat way to teach young and older students about the Laws of Physics. It looks like it is very messy but I even want to try it myself. He has lots of ideas on his page and links to click on to find out how to do his ideas.

Mr. Tom's second blog I read was titled "How to Paint a Black and Rainbow Spaceship". Once again, I really enjoyed this blog. Teacher Tom works with very young students and sometimes it is very hard to get everyone to agree. At the beginning of the school year however he states that the class had a discussion that the class gets to vote on decisions and sometimes you win some and sometimes you loose some. This worked well for the painting of the spaceship and the students came to quick decision of half black and half rainbow colored. Teacher Tom has pictures of this process throughout his blog.

Teacher Tom is a very creative and hands on teacher. He has lots of really neat ideas for students that I hope I can use in my classroom one day.

The latest blog I have read by Teacher Tom is "Let Them Teach Themselves". I love this blog! It is about allowing the students to mix different ingredients together own their own. They have shaving gel, flour, salt sand, water, vinegar and other ingredients. Teacher Tom lets them mix at their own will. No instructions, no measurements and little if no help from the teacher. Yes, I am sure this was a MESS but what it produced was a great outcome (even though it was not anything taste worthy I am sure).

Allowing the young students to do this opened up another world. The students found out on their own what mixing baking soda and vinegar created. They mixed other ingredients and discovered all kinds of things. Yet, they realized they could turn to each other for help and to discuss the different ingredients and what happened with each one. This opened up what Teacher Tom called "community". Maybe this generation of kids will realize that they can make the world a better place by communicating and working together. Instead of the "self" generation and trying to do it all alone and only for one's self. Could you even begin to imagine how things in this world would change if everyone came together and worked as a community. I know that is far fetched but we can all hope.

With Teachers like Teacher Tom, their is hope that children's lives can be impacted for a positive change and they (the future) can make this world a better place. Teacher Tom is so inspiring to step outside of the "Box" and teach with a style that is a "hands on" learning approach. I can't even begin to imagine how their little minds are turning as they solve problems, work together and create. This is the type of teaching that needs to be in place in every classroom, hands on and where the students are using their skills, creativity and most importantly their brains to learn.

I have really enjoyed reading Teacher Tom's blog. He is so many great ideas on his page. Yes, most of them are centered around young children but with a little imagination and creativity I believe these ideas could be applied at any age level.. I have included a link to his blog on my page. Please take the time to check it out, it is full of great ideas! I hope one day to be a creative teacher like Mr. Tom and have lots of clorox wipes on my classroom to clean up the mess later.

Project # 12 Recorded Skype Interview

This is my Recorded Skype Interview with Dana Johnson in EDM 310

Blog Assignment # 9

“What I’ve Learned This Year”

Mr. McClung really gives a new teacher and future teachers great advice. I am so glad that he shared his personal experience of being a teacher for the first time. I only have two years left and I pray that I am in his shoes one day but at least will have his advice and words of encouragement with me.

Mr. McClung begins by talking about “How to Read the Crowd.” I can already just within this short time period of college see where I can turn my future career into an “All About Me as the Teacher” mindset. He talks about how that mindset takes away from the students and is not a good way to start off your teaching career. Yes, you will have others watching you and critiquing your work as a brand new teacher but your focus must stay on the students because they are the ones that are being greatly affected by your actions.

He then goes on to talk about “Be Flexible.” I am so amazed at the teachers at my son’s school. They all live by those words in their classrooms. My son’s current teacher told me that being flexible is the only way to survive, otherwise you will drive yourself crazy trying to stay on a strict schedule and do everything perfectly. They are children and things are going to happen and other events are part of the day in the classroom. So her advice to me was “Go with the flow, you will eventually get everything in that you need too.” I believe that is what Mr. McClung learned his first year too. I think his paragraph “Be Reasonable” goes with this too.

Next is “Communicate.” I cannot even begin to stress how important communication is. I worked for many years in an environment that requires constant communication with not only other employees but customers too. It makes the biggest difference to not only lean on one another for support and to pass on advice or ideas but it makes the job so much easier. Also talking to your students is very important, that is one of the most important ways to take care of your students. Communication is one of the biggest keys to success. I believe this also falls in line with Mr. Clung's paragraph about “Listen to Your Students.”

One of the most important points in today’s world is “Don’t Be Afraid of Technology.” This is so important because students are leaving teachers behind in this aspect. The students of today will have jobs that involve technology or be all about technology by the time they enter the work force. How can educators not help these students be prepared for this life. Yes, technology is intimidating but if you just try it, the things you learn and begin to use you will love and become a huge part of your life. You will also be able to help your students and they will be better prepared for their future.

Last but not least, “Lastly....Never Stop Learning.” The title says everything to me. I am 32 years old and returning to college to finish my degree I started many years ago. I believe though that I am learning more now than I would have learned 10 plus years ago. I am so glad that I have the opportunity to return to school and finish my education but I hope that once I receive that diploma that, that is not the end of my education. I cannot wait to get in a school and learn from other teachers that have been teaching for years. I look forward to learning from my students too. I know my son who is in first grade now has come home all year long and taught me things that I did not know. So to be able to continue to learn whether it is me sitting in a classroom with an instructor or whether I am the instructor I hope to learn and grow in any way I can. I agree with Mr. McClung, “we owe it to our students”.

Comments for Kids # 2

Below are my comments on different students that I followed during the month of March. I really enjoyed reading their blogs. I could even relate to the first student who blogged about struggling in Math. These children are a pleasure to follow and I cannot wait to implement blogging in my own classroom one day.

Hi! My name is Olivia Bush. I am student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. You can check out my blog page at http://busholiviaedm310.blogspot.com/. I would love for you to follow it if you can. I will be doing a blog about your blog and some other students that I am following at the end of this month.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on math and the upcoming test you are preparing for. I have to agree with you that math is very challenging but I am inspired by your motivation to keep trying and moving forward. I struggle in math and have three big math classes to take in college. I am currently in one now and will be taking two this summer. Math can be very stressful for some people, like me, but for others, like my husband ( who is a chemist), it comes very easy. Just like you said though, with the right attitude and if you put your mind to it you can do it!

Keep up the positive attitude and it will take you far in life and math. I wish you the best on your math test and SAT test. I am sure you will do great! Please feel free to follow me and write on my page. I look forward to reading more on your blog.

(Student from Birmingham, Al, struggling with math)


Cruz at PT England School. This is an 11 year old student in year 7 at a school in New Zealand. His blog was about “Tech At Tamaki College.” This student is learning how to cook. He wanted to cook hamburgers (his favorite food) but they cooked sticky buns instead. This is what I said on his blog.

Hi! My name is Olivia Bush. I am student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. You can check out my blog page at http://busholiviaedm310.blogspot.com/. I would love for you to follow it if you can. I will be doing a blog about your blog and some other students that I am following at the end of this month.

I like your blog page set up with the red background and the Twilight characters. I have read all the books and I cannot wait to see next movie in November. Are you a big fan? Have you read the books or just watched the movies?

I enjoyed reading about your day and your new experience in learning how to cook. I like hamburgers more than sticky buns myself. Do you have a particular way to fix your hamburger? I prefer my the American style, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, pickles and ketchup with french fries on the side. In this class will you get to learn how to cook different things? How long will this class last? I hope you enjoy it and do learn a lot though it will come in handy one day. I need a class like this because I am not at all a good cook.

I wish you the best in this class and your others. Thank you for sharing you thoughts and keep up the great work on your blog. I cannot wait to read more.

Olivia


My last student blog for March is from a young man named Joshua. He is in either fourth or fifth grade. His teacher Ms. Engelhard addresses both grades in her class blog. Joshua though wrote a blog entitled "Rusty Refund". He and his Father received bad service in a restaurant and he wrote a blog about how he felt. This is what I said to Joshua.


Hi! My name is Olivia Bush. I am student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. You can check out my blog page at http://busholiviaedm310.blogspot.com/. I would love for you to follow it if you can. I will be doing a blog about your blog and some other students that I am following at the end of this month.

Thank you for your honest blog on bad service in a restaurant. I agree with you so much. I have a similar story from a dinner experience I had just not to long ago. They forgot to put my order in at the kitchen, then they brought me the wrong dish and by the time they got my order straight everyone else I had been having dinner with had finished their meal and it was time to go. So, I got my meal in a to-go-box which I ate for lunch the next day. It is aggravating when those types of things happen and can make your out to eat meal not worth it.

I hope the next time you and your Dad get to go out it turns out a whole lot better. Thank you for sharing your thoughts though. Your blog looks great and I am looking forward to reading more.

Olivia

Blog Assignment # 8

This Is How We Dream by Richard Miller



Richard Miller is a Educator in the English Department at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He discuss how writing has changed and adapted to the ways of technology. He was raised in a home full of books and reading which inspired him to be an English teacher. I also was raised in a home where reading was a way life. Growing up I lived across the street from a Public Library. Every summer I joined a reading contest to see who could read the most books. I am proud to say that I did win a couple of times. We also had Encyclopedias in our home. I remember having to use those and go the library and use a card catalog to pull information to do research for a paper. Technology has changed that so much.
I now (not only for myself but my child too) reach for the laptop and do my research on the Internet. Technology has eliminated the need for pens and paper. As I write this blog, I am using my computer, where I can type words out and if I am I not happy with what is written I can delete and start over. Also, I have the joys of spell check, I do not have to pull out a dictionary.



In Part Two of Richard Miller's YouTube video, he discuss how do we incorporate technology in to today's classroom. Students no longer want to just read a piece of paper but have visual aids and audio to go along with what they are reading. This is an age where even babies are introduced to television whether it be a learning video or meaningless cartons. Then as they grow they are taught how to use computers, iPods and eReaders. Using these devices comes naturally to children. I have mentioned in previous blogs that my children use some sort of technology daily, whether it is a iPod Touch or a gaming device and they are only 3 and 7 years old. So how is a teacher going to keep their attention with just a book and paper? This a technological age. I even find myself more engaged in a subject if there is more than just words to read but visuals to go along that are engaging not just a picture. The way of teaching has changed and will not return to what it was. Educators today have no choice but to keep up with technology in order to engage their students and teach. Now to find a way to incorporate this type of learning in every classroom.

The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies

The Chipper Series is about a student that deserves an "A" for procrastination and for finding all ways possible to not do the work in EDM 310. You can not procrastinate in EDM 310 because you will fall behind quickly and even to a point that you may not recover. This is a class you have to have to graduate so go ahead and jump in with both feet and get busy.
EDM 310 for Dummies would be a great book to publish for this class but it would not stay in print to long because of the technological changes that occur in this class. At first this class does seem very overwhelming but with patience and help from Dr. Strange and the EDM staff in the lab you will get through it. You will learn more about technology than you ever thought. This class will not only help you but your future students too from the knowledge that you gained in EDM 310.
I would love to do a video on the Smart Board and the frustration I felt with that project. I still have a lot to learn about putting lessons together for the Smart Board and need to spend more time on it. I think of all the things I have learned in this class that frustrated me the most. With help from Anthony Capps though my group and I made it through. My advice in EDM 310 is to get excited about all you are going to learn and never be afraid to ask for help. Future students and other readers, I encourage you to check out our class blog and see what we are doing and what is to come in the future.


Learn to Change, Change to Learn



"Death of education, dawn of learning", this is what the last speaker on the above video says. I love that statement. I agree with this video. Students of this generation, even myself, will get more out of their education by using their minds, collaborating with other students all over the world and using the internet. Using the Internet to find out more about the subject they are studying than just using the book in front of them. Books are such a limited resource when there is so much more out there for students to learn. The students of today are more technologically advanced than the teacher standing in front of them.
As I write this blog right now, I am watching Breaking News about the earthquake in Japan and watching live videos of what is happening to that country. That is because of modern technology and the ability to know what is happening across the world. This is what needs to be used in the classroom. Students need to know what is happening now. They can leave the classroom and go home and be better informed of today's events before these events are written in books and become history that they will study years down the road. So why not go ahead and incorporate technology in the classroom and grow these students and better prepare them for their future.
In order to do this though, teachers need to become learners and be prepared to teach the students of today's technological world.

The Secret Powers of Time



This link here relates to this YouTube video too. Yes technology is great and we need it for our students and it does improve life. Yet, there should be times when we do put technology down and get back to the basics of life. Like being with your family, friends and even making time for yourself. Even though technology is there to help us there still needs to be human interaction. Technology cannot teach manners or show you how to love, respect and have morals. Those life lesson come from others, whether it be parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, co-workers or employers. People are a part of this world and they are what makes technology run. So there are are times in life, when the phone, computer and gaming systems need to be put down and quality time needs to be spent with family and friends. Technology will still be there when you come back, so take a break, the world will not come to an end, in fact it may even get better because you did take a break.

The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us


I can relate to this video. I have worked for a company that dangled an unachievable carrot in your face but not for your betterment but for their bottom dollar. I have had monetary goals set out before me but at the destruction of someone's finances for a company's bottom line. If companies and teachers would look at what will improve the employee or the student then you will go further. A student or employee will be more willing to work towards a goal if it is something that grabs their attention and interests. Monetary goals are not always a good driving force as shown in the video and have been proven. If a person feels they are making a difference and improving something for the betterment of others it will go further than any monetary goal set out before them. To be a teacher that helps students achieve that "A" because they want it not because it is something that someone else expects out of that student would be great achievement.

Project # 11 Short Movie

Project # 13 Smart Board Presentation

1st Progress Report of PLN Project # 10

I started my own Personal Learning Network (PLN). I am using Symbaloo. I have my Google e-mail, EDM 310 class blog, Blogger, CNN, FaceBook, Twitter and YouTube accounts for starters. It is a very useful Internet tool. I do like having all of the website I check on a daily basis right in front of me on one page. I can see using this site in my future Education classes to keep up with different sites that I will use in class for different projects or research papers.

Blog Assignment # 7

This blog is about Randy Pausch. Please take the the time to watch this You Tube Video and then follow his website HERE. His website will take you to several personal sites and give you more insight into his life.

First of all I have to say this man was truly remarkable. He had such a passion and a vision for teaching that was amazing. Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" is very inspiring for teachers and everyone in general. This man believed in empowering students with knowledge that was applied and used not only in the classroom but in life. He took a hold of his dreams and creativity and used it to help others not only his self.

I have to paraphrase what he said an assistant football coach said to him. "When you are screwing up and nobody is saying anything to you anymore, that means they gave up." That saying can be applied in education. I believe he used this in his teaching career in assisting his students. When did that teacher give up on the child that was always screwing up? When did that parent, the Sunday school teacher, the boss do that? I have been so blessed to be surrounded by family, friends, teachers, co-workers and employers that cared enough about me to tell me when I did something wrong and helped me correct the problem. That is the kind of wife, mother, friend and teacher I want to be. I want to strive in my life and classroom to never give up on someone but be there to encourage and help guide them in the correct way. The kind of teacher that does not look for the easy way out for a child but finds a way to help that child succeed and grow. If my family, friends, teachers and even past employers had given up on me, I would not be here right now fulfilling my dream of being a teacher. I hope to pass on that same drive and desire.

Randy Pausch was a leader! He showed leadership in the classroom by stepping up and bringing ideas to the classroom that had never been done before. To teach is to experiment and find things that make the classroom a better learning environment. I believe if you want something bad enough you will step up and be the leader and get things done. In being a leader you show what he brought up about a brick wall. That brick wall is there for a reason. The brick wall will either stop you or show your dedication to achieve your dream or desire. Along the way you will become a stronger leader because of the experiences you will go through while getting past the brick wall. You might also be the one that opens a door for another. You might even bring a new idea to the table that will benefit many. So don't be afraid to be a leader and open up doors and knock down brick walls for yourself, another person or a student.

Also I believe Randy Pausch knew the meaning of FUN. To be a great, teacher, leader or visionary, I believe you have to see the positive in all you do and make it an enjoyment rather than a burden. This is what he did with not only his life but his classroom. I have always said "if you have to be there you might as well make the best of it and your time". So why not make getting an education fun. You will grab a child's attention that way and open up their world of creativity. Then education will be a blessing rather than a burden. So are you "Tigger or Eeyore?" in Randy's words.  Open the doors of fun and creativity in the classroom and watch a student grow.

And last but not least, he touched on loyalty. Being loyal, telling the truth, being earnest, being willing to admit when you are wrong, and always putting your best foot forward will take you far. This is how I was raised and I believe in these principals. They have taken me far and opened up many doors for me. Just like Randy Pausch believed, hard work, leadership and having fun in the process will take you far in life and bring many joys. These things combined will make a great teacher and a student will be beyond blessed to have that teacher. Teachers like Randy Pausch can change the ways of education for the better and bring the classroom to life.

Comments for Teachers #2

The teacher I am following is Larry Ferlazzo. Mr. Ferlazzo’s blog is about different websites that he benefits from and feels he should share with others. I had to do a little research on Mr. Ferlazzo to find out more about him. Mr. Ferlazzo teaches Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced English Language to high school students. He teaches at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, California. He has been doing this for the past 5 years. Before teaching he worked as a community organizer. He is originally from New York. Mr. Ferlazzo has a personal drive to help people in impoverished communities and to work with young students.

Mr. Ferlazzo’s blog I read today is about a website called “Little Bird Tales” (littlebirdtales.com). It is a website he discovered through Richard Byrne. This website is currently free but Mr. Ferlazzo was not sure if this site would remain free. This site allows you to make slide shows by drawing pictures, uploading pictures and adding text. The site grabbed his attention because you can use audio narration for English Language Learners. It is a neat site, something that might interest all teachers and benefit students. As well as students with disabilities that require audio. Teachers and future teachers need to check this website out (click HERE).

Mr. Ferlazzo's blog post that I just read this week was an informative blog. In his blog he list the "Most Popular Post of the Month." These are the blog post in which his readers have clicked on the most. Click HERE to view his blog. Mr. Ferlazzo's blog is very informative and I have enjoyed reading his post. He has many sites to go to and get information that is very useful for the classroom. Also, he is very up to date on the teacher debate going on in Wisconsin at this very moment. Please take the time to view Mr. Ferlazzo's blog, you will enjoy it.

Project 9b

This is small time line about how Apple Computers came about and what they have brought to modern technology today.

Blog Assignment # 6

The Networked Student


I like the idea of a networked student.  A student’s knowledge of a subject has no boundaries in growing if they are connected to the Internet and using a Personal Learning Network. It is amazing to think students, as young as middle school age, could have such a broad access to learning. The networked student is no longer reading and being lectured from a book but has an abundance of resources to become more knowledgeable in a subject.


Yet, networked students still need a teacher. Even though a student may know a lot about the Internet they still need guidance. A student, is just that, a student. A person who needs guidance and help, to grow, learn and go farther. The teacher of a networked student will show that student how to better navigate all the resources on the Internet to achieve a great Personal Learning Network. This network will be a great resource not only to that student in the future but others who may need it also. The Internet is so vast that is easy to find something that is not legitimate and that is where a teacher is needed to discern those types of sites. Even though books can be eliminated teachers cannot be eliminated. At every age there is a need for guidance and a person that knows more and can help someone else.


I personally am learning right now how to be a teacher for a networked student. I do not have my own Personal Learning Network right now but with the help of Dr. Strange and EDM 310 I will have one by the end of the semester. I am excited to learn and cannot wait to share this information with other teachers and students. In the world today a teacher nor a student can afford to be technologically literate.

A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)


This 7th grader has done a great job with her Personal Learning Environment (PLE).  I have just recently started my own Personal Learning Network (PLN).  I have a lot of work to do to become as proficient as this student.  I really liked how she has her school and play (such as Facebook) separated from one another.  As I use mine, I hope to find the right balance of sorting my tiles of networks.  Using a PLN is a great way to store all of the information that one is using to study.  It is very easy to organize and see where everything is stored.  It is great to be able to stay on one web page and pull all the information you need.  It is also a great tool for others looking for more specific information in regards to a topic.  


One can learn a lot from this 7th grade student.  This student makes it easy to set up and begin use of your own Personal Learning Network.  I hope to be able to use this for not only myself but introduce this to my students as well.  Now, to go become more proficient in my own Personal Learning Network!

Smartboards


I have not ever used a Smartboard before and I have just recently learned about them because of my son's teacher at his school.  My son's school is interested in using the Smartboards.  After reading theses two blogs http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/ and http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2010/01/27/tln_ferriter_whiteboards/, I began to have my own doubts about the Smartboards.  I questioned my 12 year old niece about Smartboards in her school.  She stated that she only has one class, English, that has a Smartboard.  She said her teacher uses it but not in elaborate ways.  The students do get to use the Smartboard and she personally enjoys using it.  So after reading these blogs and listening to a student that has one in the classroom, I began to have some serious doubts about this expensive piece of equipment.


Then I found another blog that loves the SmartBoard.  It is http://www.whiteboardblog.co.uk/ by Danny Nicholson.  He loves the Smartboad.  After looking through his blog and seeing all the different options and uses for the Smartboard it got me interested more in this expensive piece of equipment.  I began to wonder if it is just a matter of technological literacy.  The Smartboard seems to have many great features that could enhance the classroom and a student's education.


I personally cannot wait to try out the Smartboard.  Until I use it myself though I am not going to agree one way or another.  I would love to be well trained though and continue to educate myself on the Smartboard if given the opportunity to have one in my classroom.  

Project # 7 Comments for Kids

For my Comments for Kids, I had a student in Canada, one in Auckland, New Zealand and a student in New York. It was very interesting to see how each teacher has the students doing different blogs.

My first student lives in Canada. This student's blog was about a story the class is reading. This is what I posted on the student's blog.




Hi! My name is Olivia Bush and I am a college student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I am studying to become an Elementary Teacher.
I have heard how beautiful Canada is and would love to come visit one day. Do you like living in Canada? I live by the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. I love living by the water and in a warm climate.
Thank you so much for sharing part of this story. I have enjoyed reading your blog. You have intrigued my interest to discover what will happen next. My son is in the first grade and I think he might enjoy this book too. Please send me more information about this book. My blog site is http://busholiviaedm310.blogspot.com. I am looking forward to reading more of your blog in the future. I wish you the best in school!






My second student lives in New York. This class watched this video,



I watched the video and then made this comment on the student's blog.


Hi Mike! My name is Olivia Bush and I am a college student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I am studying to become an Elementary Teacher. My graduation present to myself will be a trip to New York. Maybe, I can come by and visit your school when I graduate.
I watched the “Million Dollar Project.” What a neat song and fun ideas to do with a million dollars. It would be so neat to have a million dollars to help others. I like your idea of giving every student a lap top. That would be wonderful! Just think of the knowledge and advantages those students would have if you gave them a lap top. Do you enjoy being able to have computers in your classroom? I cannot imagine life without computers. I have been using them since I was your age, maybe even younger, and use them everyday now.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on using a million dollars. I think that is a great idea! If you would like, please feel free to follow my blog site too while I am in school. Its is http://busholiviaedm310.blogspot.com. I look forward to reading your blog more and wish you the best in school!


My third student was from Aukland, New Zealand. This student had a drawing on his blog of a car driving down the road. This is what I posted on his blog.


Hello Jeryco! My name is Olivia Bush. I am a college student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama in the United States of America. I am studying to be an elementary teacher.
I looked up information about your country on the Internet and it is a beautiful country. Do you live near the beach? I live just a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico and love going to the beach in the summer.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful picture. You are a wonderful artist. Is there a story behind your art? I would love to know more about your picture, please feel free to visit my blog http://busholiviaedm310.blogspot.com/. Thank you again for sharing your work and I wish you the best in your education and future.

Project # 9a

Blog Assignment # 5

I have listened to Podcasts before, they are done by my Pastor at First Baptist North Mobile, and I enjoy the connivence of being able to hear his sermon when I am not able to attend church. I had not ever thought about using it in the classroom. What a great idea! When used correctly and appropriately Podcast can be a great resource for teachers, students and parents.


I like the idea of using Podcast in the classroom for many reasons. It is a great way to get students thinking and using creativity skills. This is something that they can carry with them through life. Also, how convenient for parents and teachers, if a students has to miss school for whatever reason, that student can stay caught up and the parent will know exactly what is going on in the classroom. Linking the Podcast to a class blog would be great use of the Podcast tool. There would be an audio and visual aid for students and parents. This would also benefit the teacher because the parent and teacher could directly correspond on the blog.  What a great use of modern technology in the classroom.


I personally, along with my group, learned how to use the different applications on my Mac computer.  Doing a podcast is easy on the Mac.  The use of the Garage Band (which is a voice or music recorder) application and then adding a slide show was simple with iMovie.   I know as a parent I would love this option of hearing what is going on in the classroom because this gives you the ability to be involved in your child’s education. I hope to use this feature in my classroom one day.  This technology would relieve the stress between teachers, students and parents because everyone involved would know what is going on in the classroom.