C4T #4

The Missing Link

Doug Patterson is an instructor at the University of Windsor who teaches Computer Studies. Patterson has taught data processing, accountant, and mathematics at the secondary level. Patterson wrote an article about why tablets are so significant and what is the big deal of tablets if you cannot do everything on a tablet. Patterson mentions when he was in high school how typing was considered computer class and beneficial, but now children have auto-text and typing is insignificant. Patterson does not dismiss the fact that tablets do come in handy and can be used for small task, but still question if tablets are considered a tool for larger task because most tablets does not have a type of word document.

After reading the post, some of Patterson's ideas were similar to my own concerns. I love tablets and find them very useful when wanting to surf the web, read a book or listen to music. However, as Patterson mentions tablets are not great devices for typing papers or blogging, so what is the big deal. If someone purchase a tablet, which I am guility of, then why not just purchase a mini laptop or netbook, that has documents for composing writing assignments or composing a lengthy blog. Tablets and iPads are great tools to use in the classroom to assist learning in the classroom, but I believe if they are going to cost as much as a laptop, then tablets should allow a person to compose documents and blog easily.

Got 20 Minutes

Three of the Most Important 21st Century Skills

Patterson shares a video by Ken Kay on how children should be critical thinkers, problem solvers, creative, and innovative. Kay explains how children in the 21st century should be able to think outside the box and given the chance to show their creativity. Kay starts his presentation by introducing each of his three children and telling a story about how his children were allowed to think outside the box. Kay believes that in the near future students will be required to think critically and apply critical thinking skills and problem solving instead of mote memorization. Kay also shares a picture of a butterfly drawn by a first grader that a teacher does not give the child any directions, but seven other students to guide the child to drawing the perfect picture of an artist. The child collaborated with the other members in his group to finish the assignment, just as students in the 21st century do with blogging and Wikis. Kay suggest that teachers, administrators, parents and the community should create a school environment that allows students to think critically, become self-directed, creative and innovative students that can communicate and collaborate with others. If children are skilled in each attribute, then they will be ready for the 21st century.

I enjoyed Kay's video and agreed with every attribute he suggest children should have to be successful in the 21st century. Most students memorize information in order to pass a test; however, memorizing information in the 21st century will not get students anywhere. In order for students to be successful in the 21st century, students must be able to think critically and solve problems instead of memorizing information. The 21st century is a world of technology where students will have to be self-directed because no one is going supervise a child all day to make sure they are doing what they are suppose to be doing. If a person cannot be self-directed or collaborate with others on a job, that person will not be employed long. Parents, administrators, teachers, and the community should work together to make sure we are preparing children to be successful in this challenging world.

Final PLN

PLN are great and is something I plan using in my own classroom. I found PLNs very helpful for school and personal uses as well.

Blog Assignment 13

A Vision of Students Today

A Vision of Students Today tells the story of a typical college student. When you walk into a university classroom, what do you see? Yes, you will see graffiti on the walls and chairs from previous students who sat there and were bored. After the first couple of meetings, you will also see empty seats from students who came the first three or four meetings to get a feel of what to expect from the teacher. Then, if you actually stay to hear the lecture what do you see with the students that actually stay in class? If the teacher were to walk around, they would see students on Facebook, twitter, texting, doodling, or even sleeping. Why is it that college students pay their money to come to class to be on social media sites, text or even sleep in class?

We live in a technology world and the mere thought of coming to class and listening to a professor lecture exactly what is a textbook, is absurd. What is the purpose of even coming to class when I can read on my own with the $200 textbook that I can download online 75% cheaper? Not only do the professors require these expensive textbooks, but also half of the professors never use them. The professor comes in and may say, "Wow, half the class decided to take a short vacation," but I wonder why. Why should I come to your class when you do not even know my name after seven meetings, but you still want me to come to your class and let you tell me what I have already read the night before? Instead of lecturing to me let me be engaged in my own education, I have been lectured to for thirteen years. However, I do not need to come to a university to pay over $5,000 per year to hear you tell me what I can read on my own or to tell me things that will be outdated by the time I graduate. Please allow me the chance to make a difference through blogging and collaborating. If I am given the chance, the product of my blogs and collaboration will speak for itself. However, as a professor, you should serve as my coach if I need help along the way.

A Vision of Students Today is a video created by Kansas State University that tells a story from the student’s point of view. This video could be a tool to inform professors and the university president, that it is time for a change. For a four-year degree, students pay at least $20,000 and more than half of the students are in debt by the end of graduation. The students are expressing how they feel about buying expensive textbooks that are only used once or twice, however, some are not used at all, but they have to be purchased in order to receive a passing grade. The video could also be an outcry for teachers, professors, or presidents of universities to realize college students need as much as interaction as other students in class. College students have sat in their seats long enough, listening to lectures, but they come to college for some hands on experience in their field of study. College is a place to get students prepared for the job sector, but how are they preparing students for the job sector without the interaction; therefore, this video is a campaign for a better education and learning environment for students.

Upon graduating high school, I thought I was finish sitting in a desk five days a week listening to a teacher talk about the chapter of the week, but I was wrong. When I walked in my first college classroom, I was shocked. The classroom had desks, and the teacher stood in front of the class and lectured just like in high school. Students should not have to take out loans to pay for an education to listen to teachers read items directly from a power point, but instead pay to get hands own experiences. Colleges and universities should integrate an environment where students are learning new things through experiences and being actively involved in the learning process.

C4K for the month of November

Schylar's Post C4K #8

Schylar is an eighth grader in Mr. Boylen's class in Iowa. Schylar read The Boy Who Owned the School, which is about a boy who was left out in school, and parents shows favoritism toward his sister. The boy was considered a geek and was failing a class, so his teacher allowed him to create a play. The student creates a play of what he would do if he owned the school. From reading Schylar post, he did not enjoy the book as much as he thought he would, but he said the book was okay.

C4K #9 Ibjoseph

Joseph is a ninth grader at Robertsdale High School in Mr. Cometti world history class. Joseph wrote a post on what Veteran’s Day mean to him and who he considers his hero and why. Joseph explains that we celebrate Veteran's Day because of the past and present military men and women that risk their lives so that we can be free. Unlike most children that have cartoon figures as their hero, Joseph's heroes are veterans because they defend our country. I loved Joseph's post because it was well written and the topic is something that I hold dear to my heart.

C4K #10, Daphane Student's trip to Montgomery

Students from Daphne East Elementary in Ms. Nelson and Ms. Yim class took a trip to Montgomery to visit the Old Alabama Town, which was a reenactment of things in Alabama in early years. The students also got a chance to tour the State Capital and the State house. The students created a short movie of the things they saw. I was assigned to watch the video the students created at the Old Alabama Town. The students shared pictures of the old cotton gin, the print shop, and an old slave home. The students also shared information they learned about each place they saw. Several students were given a chance to say something and they did a great job of creating the video. The students no doubt created the video in iMovie, but showed exceptional skills by adding the music in the background and giving the video an old time feeling by using the chalkboard. I was extremely impressed with the video and pictures the students shared.

Final Project Progress

The final project is to decide from three options, 1. Gather old assignments and edit them, 2. Create a video that will help students in EDM 310, and 3. Create a video as a fundraiser for USA 50th anniversary. My group and I have decided to create option 2, where we will create a video to help students in the future in EDM 310. My group has finish writing the script and has made the props that will be used when we record. We have decided to do option B, where we inform students of EDM 310. We plan to record our video the week of November 26.

Blog Assignment 12

How will you teach me in the 21st Century?
Watch the video by Melinda Kraft a student obtaining her Master degree in Education Media and Design Technology.

Watch Engage Me. The video was made by students at Robin Hood Primary School in Birmingham. Then in a blog post answer the question from How will you teach me in the 21st Century? and explain why 21st century children should be taught differently. Keep in mind what you saw in Engage Me. Follow the requirements in Writing a Quality Blog Post

As an elementary school teacher you never know what subject you are teaching. Watch How to Use iPad in the classroom and explain how using iPad in your classroom will be beneficial as a teacher and student. You should also include at least two apps you can use in an inclusion classroom.

After commenting on the C4C that was assigned, I know understand that I was to not only construct an assignment, but I had to do the assignment. I guess I overlooked that part in the instructions, but the assignment is below. As teachers we always emphasis how important it is to read the directions fully and clearly, however, I am guilty of not reading the entire directions.

How will you teach me in the 21st Century? and Engage Me

As a teacher in the 21st century, I plan to integrate technology in the classroom because a child in 21st century world revolves around technology. I will start by teaching children the appropriate uses of technology in the classroom and teach students how important technology is in the classroom. Children need to understand that social media are not meant to degrade one another, but could be used to help them communicate effectively and become a scholar in writing. When students understand blogging, Wikis and PLN, then they will understand how important it is to collaborate and share information with others. Children will enjoy communicating globally through the tools that technology allows and collaborate with others around the world. Children see how most of the older generation welcome technology with open arms, but when the children enter the classroom they are bombarded with paper and pencil work and is not able to see how technology can be used in the class. How do we explain the elderly using technology at home, but the place where children are sent to learn cannot integrate technology in the classroom? Teachers use technology every day whether it is for emailing, looking up assignments or sending the attendance, but they refuse or never give the students the opportunity to enhance through technology. We as teachers must do better and allow student to use technology.

Teaching in the 21st century is definitely different from what teachers is use to in early years. If someone wants to become a teacher in the 21st century, they must ask themselves if they are ready to arise to the challenge of being technology literate. Inspiring teaching has to be technology literate, but they also have to be willing to allow students to express their creativity and enhance their learning through technology. Today children live in a world that revolves around technology and in order to reach the 21st century learner, we as educators, have to integrate technology in the classroom. Teachers should not be afraid to try new things because the 21st century learner needs teachers that are willing to stand behind them and coach them when in need. Children use technology every day, and if we teach them the correct way to use the technology in the classroom, then we would be effectively educating them to express themselves through technology. Many teachers are so caught up in only using technology as a fun project, but if technology is integrated in every assignment, it is still considered learning. Learning does not have to be boring, but that is what many teachers and administrators think. Teachers and administrators think if students are using technology the entire class then they are not learning, but they are DEAD WRONG, they are learning.

How to Use iPad in the classroom
Using technology in my classroom would be beneficial as a teacher because it allows me to see how the students are thinking and if the child is learning. If I am able to monitor the students through technology, I can see where they made a mistake, and they will be able to ask a question. If a student has a question instead of having to raise their hand, the student can message me secretly and ask the question, also allowing me to see where they need to be remediated. As the videos How will you teach me in the 21st Century? and Engage Me shows, students are around technology every day, therefore, using technology in the classroom allows them to use what they know best and learn the proper way to use it in the classroom. Technology can serve as an electronic portfolio for the child, teacher, and parent to see the progress of the child’s work. However, if I was to teach an inclusion class, I would first see which subjects the child needs remediation and then I would find apps for the iPad to fit their remediation. Two apps I could use for math and language arts are Motion Math: Hungry Fish, which is an interactive math game and Word Wizard is an app that helps students with spelling.

Blog Assignment 11

Little Kids....Big Potential

Ms. Kathy Cassidy is a first grade teacher in Canada that has introduced a new way of teaching. Ms. Cassidy's first graders are using smart boards, blogging, composing wikis and communicating with children all over the world by using technology. Blogs are used to help students with reading and writing, and they are able to get feedback from others on the blogs the students post. Ms. Cassidy uses blogs as an electronic portfolio as documentation of the students progress throughout the year. The students are taught internet etiquette in which they should never say anything mean or degrading. The students are also taught how to protect themselves online by only using their first name and not posting pictures with their name. The students are also introduced to Skype as a mode of communication with others. Ms. Cassidy even allows students to use Nintendo DS in the classroom that help students with reading; however, the DS allowed first graders to use problem solving and learn how to work together.

Dr. Strange's Spring 2011 class interviewed Ms. Cassidy on Skype. Ms. Cassidy informed the class that she started using technology about ten years ago because she was given five computers. After Ms. Cassidy was given computers, she wanted to make use of the computers; therefore, she researched ways to integrate technology in her classroom. Ms. Cassidy also wrote a grant to buy other software to assist her with changing the way she taught. Technology has allowed first graders to use blogging and networking through the internet. The EDM 310 students were informed from Ms. Cassidy point of view of why teachers should be computer literate. Ms. Cassidy believes every teacher should be computer literate because technology is not going anywhere. She also suggests that teachers should develop their own network and learn different ways to integrate technology in the classroom. Ms. Cassidy also believes that educators should embrace technology and not use the same teaching methods that have worked in previous years. Teachers should use technology today because children lives revolve around technology and is an alternative to lecturing all day. According to Ms. Cassidy, teachers are handicapping students by not incorporating technology in the classroom.

Ms. Cassidy shared some valuable information in both her article and the Skype interview with Dr. Strange's class. I was impressed how children were blogging at first grade and already knew how to create web pages. I wish every teacher would recognize the potential children could have if technology were a part of the classroom. If students blog, then teachers would not have to worry about sending graded papers home every week, instead parents could go to their child's blog to see their progress. Blogs also allow students to reflect on how well their writing has improved throughout the school year without having to keep up with all the paper assignments. At first I could not even think of children as young as first grade being able to blog until reading Ms. Cassidy's blog, watching the Skype interview, and being in EDM 310. Today's society revolves around technology so why not allow children to learn how valuable technology could be in the classroom. However, with everything that I have learned about integrating technology in the classroom, I would have never thought Nintendo DS could be used in the classroom. I had no idea some of the simplest game devices could be used in the classroom. Therefore, there should be no excuse of why teachers cannot incorporate technology in the classroom because almost every child has a kind of hand-held game device. For the children that do not have a Nintendo DS, PSP or other game, school should purchase a set instead of wasting money on textbooks that are hardly ever used in the classroom. Until schools realize the way children were taught in past is not successful for the children today, then nothing will ever change, but it is up to the educators to inform those who do not understand how powerful technology is in the class. Let's not handicap our students, but equip our students for tomorrow.

Special Blog Assignment

A world where grades will be left behind

Mary Beth Marklin, journalist from USA Today, interviewed several people to get their input of how they envision the world 30 years from today. Sebastian Thurn is forty-five year old vice president of Google, creator of Google’s ‘driverless car’, and professor at the Stanford University in California. Thurn wants to 'revolutionize education' with technology by making learning as fun as playing a video game. Thurn got the idea to change education how we know it today because of the success of his free online course on artificial intelligence, enrolling as many as 160,000 students. When asked how does he see education in 30 years, Thurn replies that he sees education involved in a more intense challenge of exercises and quizzes that will test the students on how well they understand the concepts. Thurn wants to make online classes just as affordable as a cellphone bill. Thurn also believes grades are one reason the education system is failing. However, with Thurn's plan, students will be allowed to take as much time as possible to complete and master assignments with free instructions, but a small fee may apply for certifications and exams. Thurn's vision is to reach every student not just the students that want to learn.

Listening to the next 30 years, I am amazed at how far technology has come, but am even more amazed of how others envision technology in the near future. Thurn's initiative to 'revolutionize education' is also impressive, and some of his reform on education reminds me of Randy Paucsh's ideas in the Last Lecture. Thurn’s plan is to provide a free education, but what puzzles my mind is who will pick up the expense for the free education because nothing is free. Thurn's ideas sound great because the education system is a wreck and needs to be fixed; also, the education system needs to integrate technology in the classroom. I also agree that education should be fun because most children are so bored in the classroom to the point where they begin to act out; therefore, teachers should engage the students. If the students are engaged, then they will understand the concepts and will be able to apply what they have learned. Flipping the classroom will also be a great start because it allows students to preview the lesson before class and allows the teacher to assist the lower learners while the advance learners can work on challenging lessons. The subject on grades was also unique because students would not be issued grades; therefore, allowing students all the time they need to master an assignment. However, I would like to know what approach a teacher will take if the student prolongs the assignment. Overall, I believe the next 30 years will be mind boggling, especially for the people today that still do not believe technology should be in the classroom. However, in the next 30 years, I hope everyone has jumped on the technology bandwagon and find using beneficial for our students to be successful in this competitive world.

Project 10 Green screen

C4K for the month of October

Airborne954 C4K #3

Airborne 954 is a fourth grader at Union Pleasant Elementary in Hamburg, New York. Airborne 954 wrote an essay comparing and contrasting cats and dogs. The student told the how cats are related or evolved from the saber tooth tiger and dogs are related to the wolf. The student goes on to tell how the cat and dog became domesticated animals. Airborne essay was very well written, and he stated that his favorite animal was a dog.

The Age of Exploration Blog, Group Work

The post on group work was written by a 10th grade student in Modern World History. Themcpatrick outlines how to have a better attitude when working in groups with others. When working with others you either get good or bad group members. Often, you spend most of you time wondering what each person should do and how you should tell other group members you do not like their ideas. Themcpatrick suggest 7 things that could help group projects flow smoothly.
1. Make a plan, so that you know what you are doing.
2. Don't spend a lot of time researching in beginning, find general topics.
3. Break longer assignments into smaller assignments.
4. Don't try and change personalities, check yourself for attitudes or problems, and include everyone that wants to be involved in the assignment.
5. Don't wait until someone make a decision. Waiting wastes times, you should make a decision and explain it.
6. Don't let artistic abilities be the main focus of the project.
7. Communication, communication, communication.
The most important rule wh en working together is "COMMUNICATION", because with communication the entire assignment would be a total failure.

C4K on Kyah

Kyah is a fifth grader in Mrs. Goerends's class. Kyah is a new soccer player at Vision Soccer Academy. Kyah is on the select soccer team and her soccer coaches are Victor and Ashley. Soccer is a favorite sport of Kyah's and she likes to be competitive with Zea.

C4K on Kara

Kara is a fourth grader in Danielle Spencer's class in Canada. Kara shares an animoto she has created of pictures in Canada. Kara shares some beautiful pictures of the animals and landforms of Canada. Below is the animoto that Kara made. Canadian Shield

Special Edition C4k Trinity College and Book of Kells

The Trinity College and Book of Kells blog are from two professors Dr.Vitulli and Dr. Santolli from the University of Alabama in Ireland on an international conference in education. Dr. Vitulli added pictures of Trinity College, which was founded by Queen Elizabeth because she wanted the Protestant men to have a better education. Dr. Vitulli also added a picture of Ireland's library where they have the Book of Kells manuscripts and one of the manuscripts was written in calfskin, which is known as vellum. From answering the questions in Dr. Vitulli’s post, I learned that author Jonathon Swift and journalist Robert Fisch attended Trinity College. I enjoyed the pictures and educational facts Dr. Vitulli shared and I am looking forward to looking at the other post by Dr. Vitulli and Dr. Santolli.

Blog Assignment 10

I'm a Papermate. I'm a Ticonderoga

The cartoon by John T. Spencer is imitating a PC and Mac commercial. The papermate, which represents a PC, is stating, even though a PC is always breaking it is still cheaper. The Mac slogan is saying it is expensive, but is the best purchase a person can make and is represented by the Ticonderoga. After using a Mac in the lab, I see the benefits of the Mac and shortcomings of a PC, but overall I like PC. However, the Mac does have some advantages, for example, does not require virus software and other wonderful programs such as iMovie; therefore that goes to show that something with a better quality will cost the most.

Why were your kids playing games?

John Spencer's post "Why were your kids playing games" is about a principal bringing a teacher in because he observed her students playing games. The principal brought in professional developers the beginning of the year to inform teachers of techniques to help students with rote memorization skills. However, the teacher has been using advance simulators that required students to read, draw conclusions, but the principal does not consider the simulators as learning. The principal goes on to compare technology in the classroom to "Hang Man Fiasco of 1895" which he calls, a 'stretch' because anything fun and involves technology is not learning. The principal suggest the teacher uses 'intervention worksheets' or 'fill out algorithms' as another alternative to engage students.

The principal in Spencer’s post does not want the teacher to use any type of technology because he assumes if paper and pencils are not being used, then the students are not learning. Boy is he wrong, if paper and pencils are not being used then the children are using their critical thinking skills and are actually applying themselves to the lesson that has been taught. Many principals are willing to embrace the era of technology; however many old school principals are not willing to learn how beneficial technology can be or allow teachers to use it in the classroom. For the principal to think simulators where students have to use critical thinking, reading, and is engaged in the learning process not learning, then he should consider retiring. Technology has introduced a new way of teaching that does not require students to use pencil and paper to learn; however, pencil and paper can still be used in the classroom. Today teachers are teaching children that main source of entertainment is computers and video games; therefore, if teachers want to reach the new millennium students that are dependent on technology, they must use technology in the classroom to educate students.

Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please?

Dr. Scott McLeod is the founding director of Center for Advance Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), which is a program that shows schools how beneficial technology is in the classroom. McLeod is also one of the authors of the Did You Know video that Dr. Strange assigned the beginning of the semester. McLeod post is a warning to parents, teachers, administrators and school districts about allowing children to use technology. McLeod states there is no need to encourage students to blog or use social media to communicate because paper and pencil is not going anywhere. McLeod post states that anything that requires students to use technology or cell phones is evil. Children using technology cannot be trusted because they abuse technology for bullying and porn; however, he lets his children use it. Oh by they way, did I fail to mention McLeod's post was meant to be sarcastic.

However, I do agree that children use technology to bully, look up porn or other forbidden sites, but most children have not been taught to use it correctly. In today's society, children know how to work the latest technology, but they have not been trained on how to use it properly because some parents are not technology literate. If parents and teachers show children the importance and the proper use of technology, we would not have as many children abusing technology as we do today. Of course, I agree technology can be harmful, but everything has its pros and cons, but again students need to know the proper use from the beginning. Technology can be a powerful tool for all because it is always introducing something new. Technology is critical for the children of today's society because they are dependent on it from birth and we are preparing them for jobs that do not exist yet; therefore, we should allow children to learn all they can now.