Project #4 - Comments4Teachers

C4T#3, comment 1

I had the opportunity of reading Jennifer Brokofsky's blog post on jenniferbrokofsky.wordpress.com. The title of her most recent post is named "Three Act Math Movies- Candy Colours" posted on June 7, 2013. A synopsis of her post details an informative and insightful math lesson plan for students in grades second, fourth, and fifth. The mission of the activity is for students to connect and collaborate with their peers and understand the value of sharing. Ms. Brokofsky provides an example through a series of videos outlining concepts, including adding, subtracting, and problem-solving. The videos demonstrate these ideas by two students sharing skittles. First, one student counts to see how many skittles are in the bag. Second, the students discuss and arrange their favorite skittles colors. Third, the students demonstrate concepts of adding, subtracting, and problem solving to share the skittles. In conclusion, the students have an equal amount of skittles. I informed Ms. Brokofsky in my post about how I believed this activity to be constructive and beneficial for students. This activity teaches students the value of sharing and important math skills, as well. I articulated to Ms. Brokosfky on why I want to become a teacher. My passion is to inspire and educate students to live active and healthy lives. I also informed her that I believe it's important to emphasize math, science, and technology in our schools. It's key that we equip our students with inventive thinking skills, as well. As educators, we should empower our students to be creative and innovative in the 21st century. I also articulated to her that I believe it's important for students to express their thoughts and ideas in the classroom. Allowing students to communicate their knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes is not only productive, but efficient and effective, as well. I concluded my post by thanking her for the tools and resources she has provided me. Also, the hope that she will visit my blog.

C4T#3, comment 2

I had the opportunity of reading Jennifer Brokofsky's blog post on jenniferbrokofsky.wordpress.com. The title of her most recent post is named "It’s Been Awhile… Lessons Learned as a New Administrator" posted on March 23, 2014. A synopsis of her post details why she has not been blogging lately and the lessons she has learned from her transition as a consultant to a vice principal at an inner city school. The first lesson she has learned from her new position is the idea of understanding and addressing students' individualized learning needs. The second lesson she has learned is acknowledging every student learns differently and it's okay to spend extra time on a lesson. The third lesson she has learned is appreciating her students and understanding each student as their own knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and opinions. The fourth lesson she has learned is realizing that everything cannot be done at once and thoughts and ideas need be explored thoroughly. The fifth lesson she has learned is acknowledging that she does not have all the answers, and it's key, welcoming and embracing students and colleagues views and opinions into the equation. The sixth lesson she has learned is the overwhelming joy she receives from being able to educate and inspire students. I informed Ms. Brokofsky in my post that I am thrilled she has returned to blogging because of the positive impact it has on the learning process. I also informed her that I have learned so much through my personal learning network, which includes blogs, Skype, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. I also informed Ms. Brokofsky about the importance of knowing as educators that we do not have all answers and it's productive if we collaborate and share thoughts and ideas with our colleagues and students. I concluded my post by thanking her for the tools and resources she has provided me. Also, the hope that she will visit my blog.

Project #12 SMARTboard Part B

Project #12 SMARTboard Part A

Project #10 Interview

Blog Post 10

I learned a lot of valuable information from Sir Ken Robinson's speech titled "Bring On the Education Revolution". Mr. Robinson eloquently articulated the idea of a much-needed revolution in our school systems. The model of standardization is not constructive, and the academic communities need to institute creativity and innovation in our schools. I believe wholeheartedly in Mr. Robinson's message and the idea of allowing students to display their knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes in the classroom. I believe Mr. Robinson values the non-traditional style of teaching, as opposed to the traditional style. It's the idea that the teacher is not the sole possessor of knowledge and information in the classroom. Mr. Robinson harped on the idea of allowing students to explore and identify their skills, talents, and abilities. It's key for an educator not to inhibit a child from pursuing their hopes, dreams, or aspirations. Mr. Robinson talked about how education should be an organic process. This fascinated me because I remember as a young student not being able to display my skills and talents. I was conformed to textbooks and worksheets in the classroom, and I had no desire or energy to pursue my passions.

I learned from Mr. Robinson the value of enjoying what you do in life. My passion is to educate and inspire students to live active and healthy lives. I believe I will enjoy educating students about the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and exercising for at least thirty minutes a day. As educators, I believe it's important to understand that we did not select this profession because of the money. We choose this profession because we want to make a positive difference in students' lives. As a future teacher, I want to create a climate and culture for my students not to be afraid to ask questions. I want to be open and honest with my students and communicate to them that I am not the sole possessor of knowledge and information in the classroom. As educators, it's important to understand our students come from diverse backgrounds and practice different cultures, beliefs, and traditions. It's key that we accept and embrace those traits and apply them in the curriculum.

I learned from Mr. Robinson the understanding of not living in the past. I believe the idea of textbooks and worksheets are becoming a tool of the past and educators are adopting creative and innovative techniques to teach their students. Right now in the Baldwin County school system students are learning and creating valuable information on Mac computers and iPads. This method is fascinating because it allows students to express their artistic skills as well as it allows them to investigate information about interesting topics. At the end of his talk, Mr. Robinson articulated a poem by William Butler Yeats. The message of this poem and Mr. Robinson's talk was about the idea of parents and teachers embracing an individuals hopes and dreams rather than hindering them. We should invigorate students to learn, grow, create and thrive.

Project #15 Lesson Plan

Investigating a Biome - Lesson Plan

In this project-based lesson plan, 4th grade students will obtain and share knowledge and information about a particular and interesting biome in our world. The project is an individual assignment. The objective is for the student to research and explore important information about the biome I assigned them and create a Google Docs presentation. The students will then present their presentations on the assigned day. Students are expected to use appropriate online tools including icuiro and YouTube. The timeline of this project is one week. My driving question is: I want you to imagine you are an adventurer and you're on an expedition to the biome I assigned you, what types of plants and animals would you look for and explore?

Blog Post 9

Interview with Kathy Cassidy Part 1

I learned a lot of valuable information from Mrs. Cassidy's informative and insightful discussion with Dr. Strange about meaningful, effective, and appropriate ways to apply technology in the classroom. Mrs. Cassidy articulated the importance of understanding that technology is changing how educators instruct, and it's key for educators to adapt and present technology to our students in a way that is fun and productive. I found it fascinating to learn that her first grade students are excited about mastering new skills through technology in the classroom. Mrs. Cassidy is an educator who allows her students to express their knowledge, skills, opinions, and attitudes in the classroom. Mrs. Cassidy takes a non-traditional approach to teaching. Mrs. Cassidy allows her students to express their thoughts and ideas through blogs and videos. Mrs. Cassidy talked about how her students get excited when they read comments posted on their blogs from students and educators. I also learned from Mrs. Cassidy the value of allowing students to communicate and share insightful information with other students and educators through Skype.

Interview with Kathy Cassidy Part 2

I found it fascinating to learn about Mrs. Cassidy's instructional methods when it comes to protecting and educating her students about appropriate and safe ways to browse the World Wide Web and post comments. Mrs. Cassidy informs her students not to post negative comments or a picture of themselves on their blogs. I, too, believe it's key for students to stay positive and be kind to their peers when evaluating he or she's performance. Broadly speaking, students already have vast knowledge and experience with technology so it's important for educators to provide them with some basic guidelines on how to use technology appropriately. I believe motivation is important because students get tired of paper and pencil in the classroom. Technology allows for students to embrace and share their creativity and express their knowledge, skills, and ideas. I don't see any of Mrs. Cassidy's techniques as being unproductive, but I could see Twitter as being problematic. However, if educators set guidelines for students when it comes to Twitter and monitor the individuals they follow, I could see it as being constructive.

Interview with Kathy Cassidy Part 3

As an educator, I will incorporate some of the ideas and techniques I have learned from Mrs. Cassidy into my classroom. Mrs. Cassidy harped on the importance of collaboration in the classroom. Collaboration allows for students to connect, learn, and share knowledge and information with educators and students. As an educator, I will create a Facebook account for my class. This would allow students and parents to visit the page and see exactly when assignments and projects are due as well as watching videos of the lessons. Technology is becoming a significant part of the curriculum in today's classroom, and I believe this approach will be successful, and students will benefit greatly.

Project #4 - Comments4Teachers

C4T#2, comment 1

I had the opportunity of reading Nathan Horne's blog post on iphys-ed.com. The title of his most recent post is named "Inspire Change - ECIS PE Conference 2014 - Zug & Luzern, Switzerland" posted on January 31, 2014. A synopsis of his post provides specifics about a conference in Switzerland hosted by a fellow physical educator. The topic of discussion is to "Inspire Change" and one of the keynote speakers is Jim Lawless. Mr. Lawless is a well-known writer and educator around the world, and he has a popular book out called "Taming Tigers". Mr. Lawless has had a positive impact on educators, and his message has reached people across the globe. A summary of my post to Mr. Horne consists of me introducing myself and my objectives as well as offering my thoughts on his blog post. I informed him that I was intrigued by the idea of physical education instructors coming from all across the world to be inspired and motivated about instructing physical education. One of the pre-conference workshops, teaches power yoga that I thought was fascinating. I have always wanted to learn how to perform and teach yoga. I believe it's a great way to connect with your body and the world around you. I have always been a big believer in having students connect with nature, as well. I have also heard yoga relieves a lot of stress and frustration is a person's life. I concluded my post to him by saying why I want to become a physical education teacher. My passion is to educate and inspire the youth of today to live active and healthy lives. In today's world, the obesity rates for children are at astonishing levels, and my passion is to bring those numbers down and inform students that exercising is fun. We as educators must empower and encourage our students to stay active and eat healthy, as well. I added Mr. Horne on twitter and told him I will be checking out his blog and sharing my thoughts and ideas, as well.

C4T#2, comment 2

I had the opportunity of reading Nathan Horne's blog post on iphys-ed.com. The title of his most recent post is named "What's in Your #PhysEd Bag, Mel Hamada?" posted on February 18, 2014. A synopsis of his post details a look inside of a fellow physical education instructors gym bag. The educator's name is Mel Hamada, who has a fascinating blog and is well-respected in the academic community. I learned from reading this blog post about some interesting tools and gadgets in Ms. Hamada's gym bag. The Crumpler bag, Ms. Hamada uses, is the same bag she has used for the past 18 years. Ms. Hamada's bag contains a lot of technological devices, including an iPad mini, iPad shuffle, MacBook Pro, and a USB mouse and various chords, as well. I informed Mr. Horne in my post to him about how fascinating it is to learn that a PE instructor carries around just as many technological devices as a computer instructor. I also articulated to him that I am always carrying with me my MacBook Air as well as my iPhone. As a future teacher, I am always exploring and investigating new gadgets to enrich and enhance my technological journey. The intriguing aspect I informed Mr. Horne about is the idea of educators being continuous learners and actively pursuing new methods to educate and inspire our students. Some other interesting items in Ms. Hamada's bag are notebook paper, medical stuff, and chocolate. I informed Mr. Horne in my blog post about how proactive and responsible it is for Ms. Hamada to carry with her medical stuff in case of an accident or injury. It's always smart to take preemptive measures in a gym or classroom. I found it intriguing to learn Ms. Hamada takes notes about what is going on in our classroom setting, so later on in the semester, she can refer to them for information and guidance. I also found it interesting to learn that Ms. Hamada did not carry her phone or clothes which are located in her other bag. I articulated in my post to Mr. Horne on why I want to become a physical education instructor. My passion is to inspire and motivate students to live active and healthy lives. In today's society, the obesity rates are astronomically high for kids and teens. Our mission should be to explore inventive and creative techniques to promote exercise and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. I concluded my post by thanking him for the tools and resources he has provided me and the hope that he will visit my blog.

Project #14 Lesson Plan

Exploring the Planets - Lesson Plan

In this project-based lesson plan, 3rd grade students will obtain and share knowledge and information about a particular and interesting planet in our solar system. The project is an individual assignment. The objectives are for the students to research and explore important information about the planet I assigned them and create a Google Docs presentation. The students will then present their presentations on the assigned day. Students are expected to use appropriate online tools including icuiro and YouTube. The timeline of this project is one week. My driving question is: If you were an astronaut and you had the opportunity to travel to your assigned planet, what are some exciting things you would look for and explore?