Blog Post 8

As educators, it's important to supply our students with productive resources and tools during their learning process. We want our students to be active and engaged in meaningful technology that not only enhance their communication skills, but enrich their critical thinking skills, as well. As educators, it is our duty to make sure our students receive a high quality education. We also want our students to learn how to communicate with their peers and provide meaningful feedback when necessary. I believe collaboration is important because it allows students to interact and create projects with their peers. As educators, we also want our students to be creative as well as innovative when working on their projects. Teaching and learning in the 21st century is the idea of allowing students to express their knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and opinions. After engaging in research, I found some quality communication tools I believe will be beneficial for students and resourceful across the curriculum.

I found Edmodo to be a fascinating tool to utilize inside and outside of the classroom. Edmondo allows for educators to communicate, collaborate, coordinate valuable information with their students. This tool allows for educators to post interesting topics or videos for their students. Edmondo also allows students to upload documents. The most important aspect of Edmodo is the idea of students having fun. As educators, we want to motivate and inspire our students to work hard and have fun. This tool allows for students to be active and engaged in the curriculum. Edmodo also allows educators to recognize deserving students with rewards. Another aspect of Edmodo I found to be intriguing is the idea of connecting and sharing information with parents. I believe parents are the foundation of a child's success. As educators, it's key for the parents to be active and engaged in what their child is learning. I found Edmodo to be an effective tool for educators and students to explore in the 21st century.

SlideShare is another fascinating educational tool for educators and students. SlideShare allows educators and students to discover, learn, share, and upload meaningful videos or topics like technology and education. SlideShare also allows for students to share their work to either Facebook, Twitter, etc. As educators, we want our students to connect and share information with individuals all around the word. Right now, SlideShare has more than 15 million uploads. As educators, we want ourselves to be continuous learners as well as our students. SlideShare allows students to be creative and innovative. I found SlideShare to be an effective tool for educators and students to explore in the 21st century.

While searching the internet I also found an intriguing educational website called Funbrain. Funbrain is designed for students ranging from preschool to eighth grade. It's a fun and interactive site for students to play educational games that improve students' skills in math and reading. Funbrain is also a safe site for students to browse and play educational games. Educators are encouraged to allow their students to use this learning tool during free time. As educators, we want our students to be excited about learning new skills. We want our students to practice and grow their skills, and I believe Funbrain provides them with those opportunities. I found Funbrain to be an effective learning tool for educators and students to explore in the 21st century.

Project #13 Lesson Plan

Befriend a President - Lesson Plan

In this week and a half project-based lesson plan, 5th grade students will obtain and share knowledge and information about a particular and interesting United States president that their group has been assigned. There are five groups consisting of four classmates to a group. The objectives are to research, collaborate, share important information and create Google Docs presentations. The groups will then present their presentations on the assigned day. Students are expected to use appropriate online tools including icuiro and YouTube. Our driving question is: What were some of his most successful accomplishments during his presidency, as well as fun facts about his life?

Project #9 Video Book Conversation

Blog Post 7

This is probably the second or third time I have watched Dr. Randy Pausch's inspirational lecture on achieving your childhood dreams and enabling the childhood dreams of others. Every time I watch this lecture I learn something new about how to inspire and motivate others. Dr. Pausch was a passionate and creative professor who encouraged his students to work hard and dream big. Dr. Pausch believed it was important to be honest and to treat others with respect. I learned from this lecture about the importance of allowing your students to express their creativity, as well as their knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Dr. Pausch harped on understanding your students and their abilities and to value and respect criticism when given. Dr. Pausch also stressed the importance of teamwork and innovation when describing the curriculum of the ETC or (Entertainment Technology Center) program at Carnegie Mellon University. The program reflects the ideas and methods of project-based learning. Project Based Learning allows for students to use their own knowledge, skills, and ideas to create and enhance projects. Dr. Pausch also articulated the importance of revising and reflecting on your craft, as well as the craft of your peers.

I learned from Dr. Pausch the importance of incorporating fun into the curriculum. I think it's key as educators for our students to enjoy learning while having fun in the process. If our students are excited about learning than it makes teaching a lot more enjoyable. He also talked about how the ETC program is all project based without the use of textbooks. I enjoyed the concept of not using a textbook because I don't believe they serve the skills or abilities of students. Dr. Pausch articulated the value of working in a group as well as the evaluation process of the peers in a group. I, too, think it's important for students to evaluate their peers and provide meaningful feedback to them. This allows for students to have a better knowledge and understanding of their strengths and weaknesses as well as the key areas needing improvement.

I learned from Dr. Pausch the importance of respecting authority. I believe it's important because it allows quality and insightful communication between a boss and an employee. I learned from Dr. Pausch about the value of learning from our students. As educators, our students bring into the classroom so much knowledge and information, so it's vital for us to allow them to express and share their thoughts and ideas. Dr. Pausch articulated the importance of helping others. As a future educator, I want to do all I can to help and inspire others. I have volunteered in the past with some charitable organizations, but ultimately I want to encourage, motivate, and help my future students achieve their dreams. Dr. Pausch articulated the analogy of whether you are a "Tigger" or an "Eeyore"? I thought this analogy was so fascinating because it made me think and explore myself, and the teacher I am going to be.

I learned from Dr. Pausch the motto of never giving up. This concept resonated with me because there have been difficult times in my life where I've wanted to quit, but my internal drive, as well as sound advice, told me to keep pressing forward. Randy Pausch also talked about the "brick walls" you will be faced with in life. I have been faced with many challenges and obstacles in my life, but I understand those difficulties were put there for a reason. Dr. Pausch also harped on the idea of being honest with people as well as apologetic when you make a mistake. The life lessons I learned from Dr. Pausch are invaluable. As a future educator, I hope to assimilate those lessons to my students because I believe it applies to not only school but life, as well. In conclusion, Randy Pausch taught me the value of why those "brick walls" are there in our lives and with hard work and determination an individual could overcome them and achieve success. Randy Pausch's lecture combined the humor as well as the inspiration into seventy-six minutes. Dr. Pausch's lecture had a profound impact on my life, and his wisdom and advice will never be forgotten.

C4KSummary for the month of February

C4KSummary for Harley H

I had the opportunity of reading Harley's blog post on Mrs. Geldes site. The title of Harley's blog post is "Super Bowl" posted on January 31, 2014. Harley asks the readers a couple questions: 1. "Have you heard of the Super Bowl?" 2. "Do you know where the Super Bowl is?" 3. "Do you know how much tickets cost to be in the front row behind the field goal?" In my post, I informed Harley that I did know about the Super Bowl and the two teams playing in it. I believe the game was played a few miles from New York City. Also, I didn't know how much tickets cost for the game. I found Harley's post to be very interesting and entertaining. Harley informed the readers about Bruno Mars performing at halftime. I told Harley that Bruno Mars was the best part of the Super Bowl. Also, that Bruno Mars is a very talented musician and entertainer.

C4KSummary for Kyle

I had the opportunity of reading Kyle's blog post on Ms. Scott Lindsay's class blog site. The title of Kyle's blog post is "I wish I was at Carolina" posted on February 8, 2014. Kyle lets the reader know that he is sick with the flu, and he can't come to school. Kyle loves his school, and he's disappointed about not being there. Kyle says he woke up with a headache, but he's feeling better now. Kyle asks the readers a question: "How have you felt when you had the flu and couldn’t go to school?" I told Kyle that I felt horrible, and it was not a pleasant experience. I also told Kyle that the best medicine is to stay home and rest so his classmates won't get sick, as well. I informed Kyle where I was from and what I am studying as well as giving him some history about the city of Mobile. I concluded my post by saying I hope you feel better.

C4KSummary for Elizabeth

I had the opportunity of reading Elizabeth's blog post on Mrs. Miller's site. The title of Elizabeth's blog post is "No Title" posted on February 5, 2014. Elizabeth asks her audience "Can money buy anyone’s happiness?" Elizabeth then informs her audience that money cannot buy happiness and that your true friends are there for you no matter how much money you have. Elizabeth then tells her audience about the time she was betrayed by one of her friends, and that she didn't forgive her when she tried to apologize. Elizabeth also talked about the time she had a crush on a boy who didn't feel the same about her. Elizabeth also talked about how the boy tried to make up with her with money and candy and she refused. In my post to Elizabeth, I informed her that I agreed with her theory that money doesn't buy happiness. I also encouraged her to continue to trust and seek advice and encouragement from your true friends and family. I told her one of the hardest things to do is to forgive somebody, so I completely understand her thoughts and ideas about forgiveness. I concluded by saying I am looking forward to reading her future blog posts and conversing with her about her educational journey.

C4KSummary for Sierra

I had the opportunity of reading Sierra's blog post on Ms. Frahm's site. The title of Sierra's blog post is "Color Poem" posted on February 3, 2014. Sierra's post provides a link to the poem she wrote titled "Easter Basket". "Easter Basket" is a wonderful poem with a lot of imagery and personification. A synopsis of the poem is the idea of a decorative basket in hiding until Easter. I liked how Sierra used illustration and expressive words to describe the thoughts and feelings of the basket when it finally was able to be filled with jelly beans and chocolate bunnies. The end of the poem concludes with the basket, feeling happy that Easter is now over. In my post to Sierra, I informed her that I thought her poem was awesome and well-written. I also told her Easter is one of my favorite holidays because of the quality time you spend with your friends and family. In conclusion, I told her that I am excited about reading more of her poems and blog posts.

Project #8 Book Trailer

Blog Post 6

The substantive information I received from Steven Anderson's interview is the idea of connecting and sharing knowledge and information with educators all around the world. Mr. Anderson articulated the value of collaboration with fellow educators through resources and tools including twitter, Skype, and blogs. Mr. Anderson also articulated that he doesn't know everything, so it's important for him to be an active learner and thinker. A personal learning network takes a non-traditional approach to education because it allows for students to share their thoughts and ideas in the classroom. It's the idea that that the teacher is not the sole possessor of knowledge and information in the classroom. I also was immensely fascinated by the video of a 7th grade student informing the audience about her personal learning environment. I found it intriguing the idea of connecting with a scientist through email or twitter and allowing he or she to peer review the scientific work. I also learned it's key for students to be active and engaged in the learning process. The 7th grader in the video also harped on the importance of having the freedom to explore educational sites and resources for substantive information about interesting topics. I also learned from Mr. Anderson about the importance of asking questions. As educators, we should be continuous learners outside of the classroom and revise and reflect informative and insightful topics with fellow educators around the world.

Personal learning networks are formed through resources and tools such as email, twitter, Skype, and blogs. As an educator, once you connect with a fellow educator, you can express and share thoughts and ideas about interesting subjects, teaching in the 21st century, or even share recipes. I learned a lot of valuable information from Michael Fawcett's video. Mr. Fawcett articulated that he didn't personally know a few of the educators he added on twitter. Mr. Fawcett also talked about investigating, connecting, and sharing important information with fellow educators through twitter, YouTube, and class blogs. I thought it was fascinating to hear Mr. Fawcett talk about the time he sent out a question on twitter and within thirty minutes he got a reply. Mr. Fawcett challenges his audience to seek out and create their own project learning network and start investigating the amount of knowledge and information out there waiting to be shared. I am also intrigued by Symbaloo. This social service will be the Genesis of my own personal learning network. It's an excellent tool for students and teachers to connect, share, and learn about interesting and informative topics.

An area of study that I am interested in is physical education. My passion is to educate and inspire the next generation of students to live active and healthy lives. I have already browsed the World Wide Web for informative and insightful blogs and videos on the topic of physical education. I was amazed by the number of tools and resources available to create and enhance my personal learning network. I have already started to add educators of physical education on twitter. My goal is to connect and collaborate with physical education instructors. I want to hear their thoughts and ideas about proactive approaches to educating and inspiring students. Another interest of mine is coaching basketball one day. So, I have started researching and adding coaches on twitter for their thoughts and advice. Hopefully, I will be able to Skype or iChat a basketball coach in the near future and ask some informative questions. I believe it's important for an educator to build a personal learning network to connect and collaborate with educators and thinkers so an individual can share valuable knowledge and information with their students.

My Sentence Videos

My Sentence Is



My Passion Is

Blog Post 5

Project Based Learning Part 1

The substantive information I received from Anthony Capps is the idea of allowing students to express their own knowledge, skills, and opinions in the classroom. Mr. Capps articulated the importance of having a democratic classroom. Democracy in the classroom allows for students to revise and reflect on their work as well as share their thoughts and ideas to the classroom. I believe Mr. Capps' methods reflect a non-traditional approach to the classroom. It's the idea that the teacher is not the sole possessor of knowledge and information in the classroom. Mr. Capps believes it's essential for his students to be active and engaging in a project that is meaningful in their lives, as well as in the community. Mr. Capps also believes it's important for students to praised when they do solid work. As educators, I believe this is key because our job is not only to educate our students but to inspire them, as well. I have also said before that I believe motivation is another vital element to project based learning. Mr. Capps also harped on the importance of students being excited to learn and explore.

Project Based Learning Part 2

Mr. Capps talked about worksheets and the idea that when his students do them, they know it's beneficial to their success. I have said before in a previous blog post that I hated worksheets when I was in school. So I was fascinated when Mr. Capps talked about conveying to his students the value of worksheets and the benefits of them. Mr. Capps also talked about the importance of having a principal that accepts and appreciates project based learning in the classroom. Mr. Capps talked about having some freedom in the classroom because his boss is so understanding. I believe the central concept to project based learning is for students to be actively engaged in the material and to investigate their own knowledge and information about the topic. I also believe it's key for students to be creative as well as open and honest with their work. Students also should feel free to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions about the subject matter.

iCurio and Discovery Ed

I was immensely intrigued by Mr. Capps and Dr. Strange's conversation about iCurio and Discovery Ed. Mr. Capps talked about iCurio being a safe internet search engine that allows students to research important topics without the possibility of going to a website that would be deemed inappropriate. I was fascinated about how iCurio allows for students to save and store their work. Mr. Capps also talked about how this resource is useful to all grade levels. iCurio serves students with physical or intellectual disabilities. For someone with an intellectual disability, iCurio will read aloud, relevant information for the student. I believe this online tool is very beneficial for students and is a valuable resource for project based learning. Discovery Ed is a valuable program in the classroom, and it's useful to project based learning. Discovery Ed supplies students with a visual illustration through a video or photo about an interesting topic they are learning about. Discovery Ed provides students the opportunity to research and investigate about an interesting topic and is just another tool to excite students about project based learning.

I learned a lot of valuable information from "The Anthony - Strange Tips for Teachers Part 1" discussion with Mr. Capps and Dr. Strange. I was intrigued by the idea that teachers have to be continuous learners. Mr. Capps articulated that learning doesn't stop when you get outside of the classroom. Learning is constant, and it's important to have educational discussions with your peers. Mr. Capps talked about teaching is hard work and enjoyable, as well. I have always been a creative and active learner, and I have a passion for educating and inspiring students. I also learned it's key to be flexible as an educator. Difficult situations are going to arise that educators have no control over, so it's essential to be flexible and adjust on the fly. Mr. Capps also talked about presenting information that is interesting and fun for students. Learning is supposed to fun, so allow students to branch out and explore and create with their own knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. I also learned from watching this video that it's key to revise and share your work. From my own personal experience, I am hesitant to share my work or have a peer revise my work out of fear of rejection. This video puts a positive spin on sharing and revising your work.

I learned a lot of valuable information from "Use Tech Don't Teach It". The first piece of information I learned from watching this video is that students are fascinated by technology. As educators, we don't have to teach technology to our students, but provide them with some basic guidelines on how to use technology appropriately. Technology is changing the way educators instruct their students. Mr. Capps talked about times when his students are teaching him about new tools or resources relating to technology. I also learned that teachers can learn from their students. This video also teaches the importance of allowing students to express creativity and apply their unique skills to technology. I also learned some valuable information from "An Additional Thought About Lessons". Mr. Capps articulated the importance of incorporating a yearly and unit plan into the curriculum. Mr. Capps also harped the importance to plan ahead and not procrastinate about getting meaningful projects done. Students need to be actively engaged in substantive material that is useful to their success. Also, the curriculum has to connect with the students and provide purpose and meaning in their lives, as well.

Project #3 Presentation

Blog Post 4

The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroom

I was immensely fascinated by this article as well as enlightened by the substantive information presented. Principal Johnson's idea that teachers are not the sole possessors of knowledge and information is completely accurate. I think it's important for students to be engaged in classroom discussion without feeling humiliated. I like the idea of a teacher randomly calling on a student and waiting three seconds for an answer. Randomly calling on students is a method I believe to be effective because it encourages and motivates all students to participate in classroom discussion. As educators, we must understand that our students bring their own knowledge, skills, and values into the classroom, and it's pivotal that we embrace those traits and use them in the curriculum. I don't like the look of a student feeling alienated from classroom discussions. So my proposal is to educate my class in a project based method. This allows me to evaluate my students' performance.

Asking Questions to Improve Learning

I learned some valuable information from this article. I like the idea of not asking a student more than one question. From my own personal experience, I prefer brainstorming my answer without the thought of being overwhelmed with another question. I also think it's important for an educator not to wait until the period is almost over to ask his or her class if they have any questions. As an educator, it's vital to plan your lessons accordingly and to be consciously aware of the time. I believe it's important to respond to your students in a way that is beneficial to them. I also like the idea of not interrupting a student before they have thoroughly answered the question. Every student learns differently, and it's key that we allow them enough time to share their thoughts and ideas. I also believe in the concept of having your students elaborate their answers and provide an illustration.

Three Ways to Ask Better Questions in the Classroom

I was very intrigued by this article and the concept of playing with questions. As an educator, it's important for us to challenge our students to explore their creative thinking. I am fascinated by the idea of presenting a challenging question before the lesson begins. This allows students to ponder the question throughout the lesson, so it allows students ample time to explore ideas and opinions on the topic. From my own personal experience, I didn't like when teachers would just bloviate or pontificate the entire class period without once asking a challenging question. I have already expressed by distaste for worksheets in a previous blog post.

Asking better questions in the classroom

Ms. Joanne did an excellent job of articulating the difference between an open-ended question, as opposed to a closed-ended question. As educators, we should be asking productive types of questions to our students. A closed-ended question does not invite the student to engage in meaningful discussion. The answers given usually are "yes", "no", or "I think so". An open-ended question allows a student to open up their closed minds. This also allows a student to express their thoughts and ideas in a meaningful discussion. It's essential for students to spend some time in thought and reflection. As educators, we want our students to come into the classroom with an observant mindset, as opposed to an obstinate mindset.

Questioning Styles and Strategies

This particular video captivated my attention and provided me with some clear and concise techniques to use inside of the classroom. The instructor talked to the class about the book Bridge to Terabithia. One method in particular I enjoyed was when the instructor randomly called on a student and instructed him to demonstrate the movements of the creature. I believe it's imperative for a teacher to engage their students in discussion. I also enjoyed when the instructor gave meaningful feedback to one of the students. This technique is valuable because it encourages the student as well as makes them feel appreciated. One technique the instructor presented was for the students to draw the city of Terabithia. This method is very productive because it allows students to express their artistic skills. It also gives students the ability to explore their imagination, as well as their creative thinking.

Project #4 - Comments4Teachers

C4T#1, comment 1

I had the opportunity of reading Jarrod Robinson's blog post on thepegeek.com. The title of his most recent post is named "PE, Literacy & The Arts" posted on December 22, 2013. A synopsis of his post gives details of his new app called 'Active Kids Coloring'. This app allows for students to be active as well as develop their art and literacy skills. Basically, the students color a particular animal and then the animal encourages the students to engage in physical activity. The whole idea allows for students to have fun while engaging in physical exercise. Motivation is another key because some students are not up to exercising when they get home, and this app allows exercise to be an enjoyable experience. I believe as teachers it's important not only to teach our students, but to motivate them, as well. Another responsibility as an educator is that we allow our students to express their creativity as well as their own knowledge, skills, values, and opinions. His post gave me some insight about how technology is changing the way educators instruct. A summary of my post to Coach Robinson consists of me introducing myself and my objectives as well as offering my thoughts on his blog post. I shared with him my thoughts about how technology is a way for teachers to educate and motivate their students about learning and staying active. I was immensely intrigued by the app he and his team created. It not only improves literacy skills, but it encourages students to partake in physical activity. I also informed him about how I love how the app uses animals to develop students' artistic skills. I also opined about why I decided to pursue the profession of becoming a teacher. My passion is to educate as well as inspire the youth of today to live active and healthy lives. I concluded by saying I thought this app is both productive and fun and that I would share it with my future students.

C4T#1, comment 2

I had the opportunity of reading Jarrod Robinson's blog post on thepegeek.com. The title of his most recent post is named "iPads in PE Workshop in Thailand" posted on January 31, 2014. A synopsis of his post gives details about a workshop he is hosting in Thailand. The purpose of this workshop is to educate current physical education instructors about the benefits of using technology in the classroom or gym. One of the resources mentioned in his post is the use of an iPad. From my own personal experience of using an iPad, I found many apps centered around encouraging and motivating students to engage in physical activity. I also believe it's important for educators to articulate to their students about the importance of eating healthy. Technology is changing how educators instruct in the 21st century. As educators, we must inspire as well as teach our students in a way that is beneficial to them. As an educator, I will incorporate technology into my curriculum through the use of an iPad or iPod. Educators who attend this workshop will engage in hands-on experience with technological devices as well as improve their knowledge and understanding of what it means to be an instructor in the 21st century. A summary of my post to Coach Robinson consists of me introducing myself and my objectives as well as offering my thoughts on his blog post. I was very intrigued by the idea of him hosting a workshop dedicated to instructing educators about using new ways of technology in the classroom. The idea of the workshop taking place in Thailand is fascinating. I also complimented him about educating educators about new ways of technology in the classroom through hands-on experience. I thanked for the many resources he has provided me and the hope that he will check out my blog.