Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Assignment for Week #12 Due by 28 March 2010

Room 8 at Pt. England School

Great video of team 2 as they took a field trip to the Ambury Farm. Team 2 was able to spend the day visiting farm animals. The video depict a class enjoying every minute of their visit, as the students were able to touch and handle some of the animals. Take a look for yourselves.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Assignments due March 28, 2010

An Open Letter To Educators: Morgan Bayda/Dan Brown

In reading the post by Ms. Bayda and watching the video post of Dan Brown I was force to think of reasons why the presentation of education has not changed. I agree with both Bayda and Brown on their assessment of education in today's society. The idea that a higher learning institution would trade information for money has never set well with me; but through Brown's piece I can really see why I always felt that way. For example, instructors lecture's for hours at a time, then review facts for the student to memorize for an exam.

I agree with discovering innovative ways to teach today's students. I sometimes felt like Brown in a sense that I wondered what benefit is in sitting in a classroom for hours listening to a professor. Because of my status as a non-traditional student; I see teaching techniques being utilized today that was utilized when I was in middle and high school. This statement support the theory that Brown has about not changing teaching techniques from the traditional style of teaching. It appears that educational institution are not doing everything possible to transition into this new age of technology.

I appreciate the way our EDM310 class is setup; we are encouraged to share information with each other. Dr. Strange and Mr. Sullivan invite questions and dialog, which foster an environment conducive to learning. Another important fact about our class is that we are also invited to search for information, be a
detective, explore this new world of technology.


Comments4Kids

I commented on a post by Hannah on Hannah's World. This post was a project Hannah had to do as part of her class assignment. Hannah summarized the project with notes and pictures depicting her feelings. The project as a good way for Hannah to showcase her drawing skills.


Comments4Kids

My comments4Kids was on the 1st step to decorate the Easter Eggs. At each phase the egg found it to be a struggle for survival. As the eggs are place in boiling water they respond by yelling out in pain and they fake choking implying that they are drowning.






Saturday, March 27, 2010

Comments4Teacher Assignments for March 21, 2010

John Sowash: The Electric Educator

I agree with the efforts of Mr. Sowash to educate teacher utilizing modern technology. Mr. Sowash implemented a training program at his High School called "Tuesday Tech Training". His effort is to introduce teachers to other options that can be utilized in teaching. On the 1st Tuesday of each month after school from 3:30 to 4:30, in this session he would teach how effective modern technology can be in the classroom. For example, he would teach how Google Earth, Google Docs, Wiki's in the classroom, and MS PowerPoint can be used.

Comments4Teacher


John Sowash: The Electric Educator

I am very please with the level of commitment Mr. Sowash has displayed. This level of commitment speaks volumes, as it relates to the support electrical technology is receiving. I am really fun of the games created to stimulate the mind's of students and ushering them into an environment conducive to learning. Mr. Sowash idea also support learning being fun; my favorite game is "Who has the Biggest Brain". For example, on playfish the visual, logic, calculations, and memory games will prepare students for learning. Check out the games on www.playfish.com/games.

Comments4Teacher Assignment Due March 21, 2010

John Sowash - The Electric Educator

(MACUL) Conference

Mr. Sowash description of the MACUL conference prove to be a step in the right direction, as it relates to educating our children. I agree with Mr. Sowash idea of utilizing technical tools to assist in educating today's children. Mr. Sowash expected over 3,000 fellow educator's to support this conference; with presenters in several topic area's. For example, Transforming the Classroom with Google Docs forms Grand Gallery, Wiiboard: Making a Smartboard for Less Than $100., How Do You Use your Google Docs, and MI Learning on iTunes U.

I think this conference was a great start and I hope it gains support in the coming years. I wonder if perhaps we as a society loss some of our students by not being innovative?

Saturday, March 13, 2010

http://alex.state.al.us

Assignments due March 12, 2010


ALEX - Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex is a website sponsored by the State of Alabama, it provide information and resources for teachers, parents, and students. You can access the website by clicking on this link http://alex.state.al.us. On this site you will find a personal workspace which will allow you to submit and revise documents.

When you access this website you will find eight icons; these icons has a wealth of information relating to teacher's needs. For example, you will find links to lesson plans, personal workspace, professional learning development, podcast treasury, courses of study, and lesson plan. I plan to utilize these resources in my classroom to help my students. For example, in the course of study under the mathematics section there is a lesson plan for different levels of math.


ACCESS - Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide

Access is a program also provided by the State of Alabama which provide quality distance learning. Students in Alabama are provided a valuable network of quality learning via web-based courses. ACCESS also have the support of three region support centers which train, hire, and support e-teachers.

While, scanning the website I found the web base contain videoconferencing which promotes innovative learning. One of the greatest benefits of ACCESS is that it provides instructions for Advance Placement, dual enrollment, and dual credit courses.

Comments4kids
My comment was on "English with Rosa" blog "what's the weather Like"? In this video the kids used vocabulary words to describe the weather. It was a fun video where the kids drew pictures of the weather they were describing. They started by highlighting the three types of weather hot, warm, and cold. They concluded by describing the weather conditions.




Sunday, March 7, 2010

Class Assignments for March 7, 2010

Randy Pausch Lecture

Mr. Pausch really presented a good lecture with good information that I'm looking forward to implementing in my classroom. Pausch really touched on my reason for becoming a teacher; to help others. I want to give back to the children, some of the children have never experienced a trip outside of their own neighborhood. Creating an environment that fosters helping others will give the student a sense of pride and self worth.

The idea that dreaming can make a difference speaks volumes. Mr. Pausch indicated that he dreamed that he would achieve and followed his dream. I plan to utilize Pausch idea of dreaming in my classroom inspiring my students to dream, dream of achieving, dream of making something out of your life. Throughout the speech Pausch tells stories of how affective parents can be in their children lives. He use his own experience with his parents to help others see how effective good parenting can be.

Another well taking point was the desired to work as a team. Working as a team will benefit all parties involved. Setting goals and working as a team to accomplish those goals; staying focus and be patient will help you reach your goals. Pausch also motivated teacher by saying they are salesmen, they can actually sale the thought of getting an education to the students. Thus ushering the student into a mindset that learning can be fun. I will really look forward to creating an environment conducive to learning for the students.

Friday, March 5, 2010

KingLamaredm310.blogspot.com: My Personal Learning Network

KingLamaredm310.blogspot.com: My Personal Learning Network

My Personal Learning Network

My personal learning network (PLN) was started initially with students from my EDM310 class E. After getting my feet wet with followers from our class, I added students from other classes, and some school advisors. Now, I have reach out into the community to add people from the field on technology and the education profession. Stay tune.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

KingLamaredm310.blogspot.com: Comments 4Kids Asignment Week 8

KingLamaredm310.blogspot.com: Comments 4Kids Asignment Week 8

Comments 4Kids Asignment Week 8

Water Safety February 22, 2010

I really enjoyed the comments from the kids on water safety. Although, the comments were very soft, I still enjoyed them. I think every child who frequent the water whether by swimming, boating, or fishing they should have a course on water safety. Water safety awareness is grasping the attention of people around the region; For example, "less and less people are drowning because they are more educated on water safety. Sailing appears to be the least dangerous water sport because sailors have on life jackets.