Sunday, July 24, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Project #10 Final Report
I've added a few more boxes and reorganized my PLN since I first created it. I found that there were not as many important websites that warranted a spot on my Symbaloo as I thought there were. While mine may not be completely full, it is made up of places that I consider essential. As stated in the Progress Report, I arranged my email addressees and web accounts(Blogger, Twitter, ect.) in the upper left hand corner. In the upper right corner I added sites that I often use while writing or working on School work. Thesaurus.com and Perdue OWL being the most visited ones. In the bottom right corner I added places that I've discovered through this class and plan on using as a teacher. This corner includes Wolfram Alfa, Timetoast, and TED just to name a few. Places such as PAWS, Rate My Professors, and Amazon are in the bottom left corner of my Symbaloo. These are places that I may not visit daily, but are in one way or another related to school. I haven't gotten into the habit of using my PLN every day just yet. However, I feel that as I discover more teaching tools online(and general websites to add to it) I will begin to use it daily.
Blog Post #14
For Blog Post #14 I chose to do the "e-media fast." I tried to keep myself as busy as possible throughout the day to prevent lapsing. Most of the day was surprisingly easy, but again, this is most likely because I wasn't laying around the house. I chose to try the e-media fast Saturday since I didn't work and would not come into contact with computers all day. My boyfriend, Robby, was the most helpful person around me during the media fast. Having someone to spend the day with made it less tempting for me to turn on my computer. While no one was unhelpful, keeping my phone off was the hardest part as I was worried someone would need to contact me and not be able to. After completing my e-media fast I learned how useful my cell phone is. My family doesn't have a house phone, so I was a little anxious that I would miss something important throughout the day. After the fast, I'm glad that I live in a time where I can remain in constant contact with my family and loved ones.
I think that my students will be very dependent on technology at the rate that it is advancing. I would like them to be able to experience e-media fasts in order to learn to appreciate the information available to them. Hopefully their constant access to computers at such a young age will aid them throughout their scholastic careers. I'm still trying to familiarize myself with Blogging and Google Docs(just to name a few things), but these are things that my future students may already know how to use. To me, this fast was valuable because it showed me how important and useful technology is.
I think that my students will be very dependent on technology at the rate that it is advancing. I would like them to be able to experience e-media fasts in order to learn to appreciate the information available to them. Hopefully their constant access to computers at such a young age will aid them throughout their scholastic careers. I'm still trying to familiarize myself with Blogging and Google Docs(just to name a few things), but these are things that my future students may already know how to use. To me, this fast was valuable because it showed me how important and useful technology is.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Project #3
Comments for Teachers #4
Beth Still's The Nebraska Change Agent
Twitter 101
Twitter 101
In Twitter 101 Ms.Still talks about how Twitter has most benefited her. She feels that Twitter allows her to reach out the people and knowledge that she would not have otherwise been able to access. Ms.Still also mentions that a key part of Twitter is following the right mix of people(which is what we have also learned the importance of in this class). as she puts it, "helping someone get started on Twitter, but failing to provide suggestions of who to follow is like starting out on a road trip without a map." I do think this is very true since the main part of Twitter is receiving the feed of people one follows. Who you are/are not following can determine how interesting or useful the information you receive is.
For my comment on her post I stated that since I'm still figuring out my own Twitter account, it is inspiring to see how much she has gotten out of using Twitter. I mentioned that we have also learned the importance of following people who will have useful things to our personal feeds in EDM310.
Controversy Over Grades
Controversy Over Grades
In "Controversy Over Grades" the comments are just as substantive as the actual post. Ms.Still feels that grades are somewhat necessary since they determine if a student advances to the next grade level, what type of classes they are put in, colleges they get into, ect. It would be difficult to rework this entire system without some form of learning measurement. Someone who commented on this post pointed out that every teacher has his/her own "system" for calculating grades. It is very clear to me that the grading system is in no means perfect. However, like Ms.Still, I can't seem to think of a replacement measuring system.
In my comment on her post I stated that I was still on the fence about grades, but her post(and the comments below it) were very helpful and thought provoking. After reading what everyone had to say on the matter I have some ideas on how to make my grading system more personal and thorough. There were suggestions such as attaching a written evaluation of studetns' strengths and weakness to the "official" grade sheet. It was a wonderful read!
![These are various letter grades stamped in different colors.]( "philadunkia.com/?p=3835")
Beth Still's The Nebraska Change Agent
Twitter 101
Twitter 101
In Twitter 101 Ms.Still talks about how Twitter has most benefited her. She feels that Twitter allows her to reach out the people and knowledge that she would not have otherwise been able to access. Ms.Still also mentions that a key part of Twitter is following the right mix of people(which is what we have also learned the importance of in this class). as she puts it, "helping someone get started on Twitter, but failing to provide suggestions of who to follow is like starting out on a road trip without a map." I do think this is very true since the main part of Twitter is receiving the feed of people one follows. Who you are/are not following can determine how interesting or useful the information you receive is.
For my comment on her post I stated that since I'm still figuring out my own Twitter account, it is inspiring to see how much she has gotten out of using Twitter. I mentioned that we have also learned the importance of following people who will have useful things to our personal feeds in EDM310.
Controversy Over Grades
Controversy Over Grades
In "Controversy Over Grades" the comments are just as substantive as the actual post. Ms.Still feels that grades are somewhat necessary since they determine if a student advances to the next grade level, what type of classes they are put in, colleges they get into, ect. It would be difficult to rework this entire system without some form of learning measurement. Someone who commented on this post pointed out that every teacher has his/her own "system" for calculating grades. It is very clear to me that the grading system is in no means perfect. However, like Ms.Still, I can't seem to think of a replacement measuring system.
In my comment on her post I stated that I was still on the fence about grades, but her post(and the comments below it) were very helpful and thought provoking. After reading what everyone had to say on the matter I have some ideas on how to make my grading system more personal and thorough. There were suggestions such as attaching a written evaluation of studetns' strengths and weakness to the "official" grade sheet. It was a wonderful read!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Progress Report on Final Project
For my group's final project we will be filming a video about the good things in EDM310. We thought that after being warned about how time consuming or difficult the class is, new students should see how rewarding it can be at the same time. My group is throwing around video ideas and planning a script over email at this point, but I can confidently say that we have some good ideas. You'll have to wait for the video to be posted to learn more!
Blog Post #12
For Blog Post #12 we were asked to create our own assignment that would be useful in EDM310. I chose a video from TED, a website that we were asked to research for Special Assignment #2. The video is of Adora Svitak giving her speech "What Adults Can Learn from Kids." For my assignment I would like you to watch her speech and write at least one paragraph containing your thoughts on her main topic, equal learning between adults and kids.
What Adults can Learn from Kids
What Adults can Learn from Kids
In Svitak's speech she starts off by discussing the inspiring things kids have done(she cites Anne Frank and Ruby Bridges). She touches on kids' "dreams of perfection" that are not tainted with failed ideas throughout history. Svitak feels that due to kids' ability to freely dream, learning between adults and kids should be equal. In order to help kids succeed it is necessary to set their expectations high and believe in them. As Svitak states, kids love a challenge, but will "sink" to lowered expectations. In short, giving kids the respect they crave will help them to strive to accomplish more than we might have as children. By listening(and learning) from children today we can achieve the goal that Stivak has set for us: raise each generation of kids to become better adults than us. With this made possible we will produce new and better problem solvers and leaders(as stated by Svitak).
What Adults can Learn from Kids
What Adults can Learn from Kids
In Svitak's speech she starts off by discussing the inspiring things kids have done(she cites Anne Frank and Ruby Bridges). She touches on kids' "dreams of perfection" that are not tainted with failed ideas throughout history. Svitak feels that due to kids' ability to freely dream, learning between adults and kids should be equal. In order to help kids succeed it is necessary to set their expectations high and believe in them. As Svitak states, kids love a challenge, but will "sink" to lowered expectations. In short, giving kids the respect they crave will help them to strive to accomplish more than we might have as children. By listening(and learning) from children today we can achieve the goal that Stivak has set for us: raise each generation of kids to become better adults than us. With this made possible we will produce new and better problem solvers and leaders(as stated by Svitak).
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Blog Post #11
Little Kids...Big Potential and Skype Interview with Ms.Cassidy
Little Kids...Big Potential and Skype Interview with Ms.Cassidy
I've been seriously considering keeping a class blog when I am a teacher, so I very much enjoyed hearing about Ms. Cassidy's experiences with it. In order to protect her students' identities on the class blog she only used first names and did not attach pictures to their names(this was also stated by the students in "Little Kids...Big Potential"). I feel like this a clever way to keep them safe while online, and is something I will probably use as well with a class blog. Ms. Cassidy also expressed how positive blogging has been for her students. The website she uses allows students to see how many page views they have had. As seen in the video, their viewers can also comment on the blog posts. Her students have also learned comment etiquette; students know that since their comments will be viewable by everyone they should only post nice things. To me this seems like it will both boost their confidence about their blogs and teach them to constructively critique their peers. Ms. Cassidy also teaches her students where to click on websites to access the materials she wants them to(without going to an unsafe site).
Little Kids...Big Potential and Skype Interview with Ms.Cassidy
I've been seriously considering keeping a class blog when I am a teacher, so I very much enjoyed hearing about Ms. Cassidy's experiences with it. In order to protect her students' identities on the class blog she only used first names and did not attach pictures to their names(this was also stated by the students in "Little Kids...Big Potential"). I feel like this a clever way to keep them safe while online, and is something I will probably use as well with a class blog. Ms. Cassidy also expressed how positive blogging has been for her students. The website she uses allows students to see how many page views they have had. As seen in the video, their viewers can also comment on the blog posts. Her students have also learned comment etiquette; students know that since their comments will be viewable by everyone they should only post nice things. To me this seems like it will both boost their confidence about their blogs and teach them to constructively critique their peers. Ms. Cassidy also teaches her students where to click on websites to access the materials she wants them to(without going to an unsafe site).
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Blog Post #10
Do You Teach or Do You Educate?
Do You Teach or Do You Educate?
In "Do You Teach or Do You Educate?" the difference between being a teacher and an educator is compared. A teacher is someone who merely spits out facts and asks students to accept them. An educator is someone who inspires, empowers and is a mentor according to the video. I'm still in the process of learning how to become an educator, but after reading our Blog Post Assignments and Teachers' Blogs, I'm starting to get the feel of how I might go about accomplishing this.
When contemplating to how educate rather than teach, my last Teacher Blog for Project #3 comes to mind. I read Scott Kemp's Accomplishing More By Doing Less. Kemp focuses on promoting a classroom in which culture can flourish, gives feedback frequently, and answering student questions if they are truly needed. Lastly, he steps aside and lets the learning begin. I think that this same approach is the one that I will be taking when educating. I will encourage my students to learn(and want to learn) and take advantage of the PLNs we learned about earlier in the semester.
Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!
Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!
"Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!" is written in the form of a conversation that Johnson had with Gertrude. In this conversation she has recently read an article that stated children who take home pencils have lower test scores. Rather than ponder why this is, Gertrude decides to solve this by not allowing pencils to go home anymore. Johnson suggests that teachers change to mentality of pencils are toys by creating more engaging lesson plans.
Johnson makes his point by demonstrating that the key to student success(or higher the higher test scores that appeal to Gertrude) is to find innovative ways to help students enjoy learning. When it is obvious students are not enjoying lessons by their use of hangman for entertainment, Johnson comes up with ways to make the lesson more appealing. As in "Do You Teach or Do You Educate?" Johnson practices the ways of "educating." He is more interested in why students may not be as interested in learning and how to change that. This method will prove to be more effective in the long run than purely focusing on test scores.
Do You Teach or Do You Educate?
In "Do You Teach or Do You Educate?" the difference between being a teacher and an educator is compared. A teacher is someone who merely spits out facts and asks students to accept them. An educator is someone who inspires, empowers and is a mentor according to the video. I'm still in the process of learning how to become an educator, but after reading our Blog Post Assignments and Teachers' Blogs, I'm starting to get the feel of how I might go about accomplishing this.
When contemplating to how educate rather than teach, my last Teacher Blog for Project #3 comes to mind. I read Scott Kemp's Accomplishing More By Doing Less. Kemp focuses on promoting a classroom in which culture can flourish, gives feedback frequently, and answering student questions if they are truly needed. Lastly, he steps aside and lets the learning begin. I think that this same approach is the one that I will be taking when educating. I will encourage my students to learn(and want to learn) and take advantage of the PLNs we learned about earlier in the semester.
Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!
Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!
"Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!" is written in the form of a conversation that Johnson had with Gertrude. In this conversation she has recently read an article that stated children who take home pencils have lower test scores. Rather than ponder why this is, Gertrude decides to solve this by not allowing pencils to go home anymore. Johnson suggests that teachers change to mentality of pencils are toys by creating more engaging lesson plans.
Johnson makes his point by demonstrating that the key to student success(or higher the higher test scores that appeal to Gertrude) is to find innovative ways to help students enjoy learning. When it is obvious students are not enjoying lessons by their use of hangman for entertainment, Johnson comes up with ways to make the lesson more appealing. As in "Do You Teach or Do You Educate?" Johnson practices the ways of "educating." He is more interested in why students may not be as interested in learning and how to change that. This method will prove to be more effective in the long run than purely focusing on test scores.
Special Assignment #2
Part #1
Khan Academy
Khan Academy
Khan Academy was created by Salman Khan. He began with tutoring his relatives who were still in school by posting videos. Soon the minor tutoring blossomed into a large online community with 2,100+ videos. Videos are broken down into Math, Science, Humanities & other, and Test Prep categories. In addition to that they are categorized farther into more specific subjects such as Algebra and Biology. Khan Academy also contains as unusual sections as Banking and Money and Brain Teasers(which are claimed to be helpful during job interviews).
Kkan Academy includes statistics that remember each video a student watches and records what is learned. There is also a Knowledge Map which allows viewers to zoom in and out to work on various exercises. Sal states that he teaches in his videos the way that he wishes he was taught. He also equips the site with charts demonstrating how effective Khan Academy is. Sal strives to make Khan Academy the "first free, world-class virtual school where anyone can learn anything."
iTunes U
iTunes U
iTunes U is set up similar to iTunes so that most students will find it easy to use. Universities can set up accounts complete with information and lessons for their students to use. Some accounts are private and only students at that particular university with passwords are able to access it. Other universities can choose to make their account public and allow anyone with an iTunes account to access it.
iTunes U points out that universities who opt to make their account public will gain recognition from anyone with an iTunes account without having to spend more on advertising.The content can either be downloaded to the iPod Touch. iPad, or the iPhone. iTunes U content is not limited to just notes and lectures. Teachers can post lab demonstrations, exhibit tours, books, maps, and virtually anything else they can dream of. PDF and ePub files(such as syllabi, books, and notes) can be opened and read on any e-reader, not just the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.
TED
TED
TED stands for "Technology, Entertainment, Design" and originally began as an annual conference. These conferences were brought together so that their participants may attempt to give the speech "of their lives." These speeches are now available on TED.com. The site states that TED was created to inspire its viewers and spread knowledge(much like iTunes U and Khan Academy). The TED conference that takes place in the spring spans over four days and includes a variety of speeches(18 minutes in length or shorter) as well as music and performances. In addition to speeches, TED gives away a TED Prize each year. The prize is $100,000 to allow "One Wish to Change the World" come true.
Part #2
Khan Academy
What struck me most about Khan Academy was the extensive variety of math videos. Those of you who have read my previous posts know that math isn't my strong subject. What gave me the most problems when I was younger was trying to remember how to do everything while working on homework. Since neither of my parents are strong in mathematics either, they weren't able to help me with this. When I saw Khan Academy's selection of math videos I immediately thought this would be great for someone who also has a hard time with math. As a teacher I would sign myself up and ask that my students(or their parents) sign up as well and add me as their "coach." I would indicate which videos would relate to what my class would be currently learning so that even when students are away from school they will have access to tutoring for a wide variety of subjects. I would encourage parents to take a look at these videos as well so they can get an ides of what their children are learning about.
iTunes U
For iTunes U I came across surprisingly different material than what was on Khan Academy. I would use Khan Academy more for everyday use, but iTunes U has more unique videos that I would use for special occasions. For example, there is a Space SD audio podcast in which the viewer can take a virtual tour through our solar system while learning about it. There is also a Wired Study Tips audio podcast that contains 30 episodes for the college bound student to better develop study skills. I would find ways to incorporate some of the episodes through out the school year when they would be most useful(such as before a larger project or test).
TED
Similar to iTunes U, I would use TED for special occasion purposes as opposed to the everyday use of Khan Academy. TED has videos organized by theme, speakers, and "talks." Talks is broken down further into categories such as most viewed, most commented, and rated as jaw dropping. There are also persuasive, funny, informative, courageous and inspiring categories just to name a few. I would use TED as something for students to write on, or perhaps a tool to draw inspiration from for crafts or a project.
Part #3
Khan Academy
Currency Exchange Introduction
In "Currency Exchange Introduction" Khan goes over the basics of how money is converted. He uses the Chinese yuan and American Dollar as examples. The video is filmed as if he is writing on an actual chalk board. In the video he uses one person attempting to convert yuan into dollars and two people trying to convert dollars into yuan. Khan demonstrates that while the starting currency may be 10 yuan to every 1 dollar, the person with the currency in most demand(in his demonstration it was the person converting yuan into dollars) can change this depending on how badly others want it. In short, it is like an auction, or as Khan put it, you're "buying other currencies." Overall I thought the video explained very well. I wasn't necessarily expecting just a chalkboard setting with an instructional voice in the background, but it worked out well for the video. I'm a visual learner, so seeing how the money flowed made it easy for me to understand.
iTunes U
Wired Study Tips
Unlike the "Currency Exchange Introduction", this was an audio podcast. The first episode is "No Mental Marathons." The podcast begins by stating that cramming for a test is like running an extensive marathon. the narrator says one would be lucky to not "lose their lunch." It is then suggested that rather than attempting a marathon the night before, students treat school like a 8-5 job and study a little bit between classes everyday. The narrator says this plan is bound to work out as it will not interfere with weekend social activities that students "would never tell their children about." I thought the way this was taught was pretty funny and it kept my attention. I liked the Khan Academy video so much that I was a little skeptical before listening to an audio podcast, but the narrator made it enjoyable(and informative). This is also very convenient as this could be listened to in the car or between classes(really anywhere one would typically use an iPod).
TED
Joshua Walters: On Being Just Crazy Enough
This video starts off with Walters stating that he is a performer. He then informs the audience that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. During his first episode he thought he was Jesus Christ. Though before anyone has time to feel remorse for Walters, he says that no drug will get anyone as high as believing that one is Jesus Christ. He described living in a psych ward as being among people who each put on their own "one man show." He continues to address bipolar disorder with humor and argues that it may not be so bad. Walters leaves his viewers wondering how crazy is "crazy"? I actually loved this video and found myself scrolling through more like it when it was over. I don't think I would show this particular one to a class of mine, but I would take advantage of other videos available for students to view.
Part #4
Khan Academy
As I mentioned earlier, teachers could use Khan Academy on a daily basis for supplemental instructional or tutoring for homework. Part of why I find it so useful it that it can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection. Parents would be able to see and understand what their children are learning. This would also become useful if any problems arise during homework. Students would have access to these videos for help at home.
iTunes U
I would take advantage of iTunes U for their unique selection of lectures. The "Wired Study Tips" audio I listened to would be more useful for older students. However, I would take the information found in the podcast and form lesson plans around it that would better cater to the younger classes I hope to teach. Teachers could experiment with the more interactive items on iTunes U and use them as additional instructions to accompany school books.
TED
As with iTunes U, I would most likely use TED for special occasions rather than on a daily basis. As stated earlier in this post, I think that the videos found on TED would be useful as inspiration for students before starting a project. Teachers could also incorporate these videos in lesson plans by asking students to write on a video, or even film their own video. TED would also be very useful to calm students before they are about to make a speech.
Part #5
I was surprised to realize that something like Khan Academy existed. I was not aware that there were so many instructional videos online(and free of charge!). Once I visited the website I was not surprised to discover the sheer volume of tutorials though. The "About" portion was very well laid out and thorough, so I was expecting the videos to meet the same standards as well. As with Khan Academy, I did not realize something such as TED existed. Though once reading up on it I was not surprised to see the amazing selection of speeches TED contains. However, I was a little surprised with iTunes U. I was not expecting very much from it because when I think iTunes I think purely music. I still wasn't very impressed after reading the information presented on the website. After listening to and audio podcast I was pleasantly surprised to find it useful and entertaining.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy
Khan Academy was created by Salman Khan. He began with tutoring his relatives who were still in school by posting videos. Soon the minor tutoring blossomed into a large online community with 2,100+ videos. Videos are broken down into Math, Science, Humanities & other, and Test Prep categories. In addition to that they are categorized farther into more specific subjects such as Algebra and Biology. Khan Academy also contains as unusual sections as Banking and Money and Brain Teasers(which are claimed to be helpful during job interviews).
Kkan Academy includes statistics that remember each video a student watches and records what is learned. There is also a Knowledge Map which allows viewers to zoom in and out to work on various exercises. Sal states that he teaches in his videos the way that he wishes he was taught. He also equips the site with charts demonstrating how effective Khan Academy is. Sal strives to make Khan Academy the "first free, world-class virtual school where anyone can learn anything."
iTunes U
iTunes U
iTunes U is set up similar to iTunes so that most students will find it easy to use. Universities can set up accounts complete with information and lessons for their students to use. Some accounts are private and only students at that particular university with passwords are able to access it. Other universities can choose to make their account public and allow anyone with an iTunes account to access it.
iTunes U points out that universities who opt to make their account public will gain recognition from anyone with an iTunes account without having to spend more on advertising.The content can either be downloaded to the iPod Touch. iPad, or the iPhone. iTunes U content is not limited to just notes and lectures. Teachers can post lab demonstrations, exhibit tours, books, maps, and virtually anything else they can dream of. PDF and ePub files(such as syllabi, books, and notes) can be opened and read on any e-reader, not just the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.
TED
TED
TED stands for "Technology, Entertainment, Design" and originally began as an annual conference. These conferences were brought together so that their participants may attempt to give the speech "of their lives." These speeches are now available on TED.com. The site states that TED was created to inspire its viewers and spread knowledge(much like iTunes U and Khan Academy). The TED conference that takes place in the spring spans over four days and includes a variety of speeches(18 minutes in length or shorter) as well as music and performances. In addition to speeches, TED gives away a TED Prize each year. The prize is $100,000 to allow "One Wish to Change the World" come true.
Part #2
Khan Academy
What struck me most about Khan Academy was the extensive variety of math videos. Those of you who have read my previous posts know that math isn't my strong subject. What gave me the most problems when I was younger was trying to remember how to do everything while working on homework. Since neither of my parents are strong in mathematics either, they weren't able to help me with this. When I saw Khan Academy's selection of math videos I immediately thought this would be great for someone who also has a hard time with math. As a teacher I would sign myself up and ask that my students(or their parents) sign up as well and add me as their "coach." I would indicate which videos would relate to what my class would be currently learning so that even when students are away from school they will have access to tutoring for a wide variety of subjects. I would encourage parents to take a look at these videos as well so they can get an ides of what their children are learning about.
iTunes U
For iTunes U I came across surprisingly different material than what was on Khan Academy. I would use Khan Academy more for everyday use, but iTunes U has more unique videos that I would use for special occasions. For example, there is a Space SD audio podcast in which the viewer can take a virtual tour through our solar system while learning about it. There is also a Wired Study Tips audio podcast that contains 30 episodes for the college bound student to better develop study skills. I would find ways to incorporate some of the episodes through out the school year when they would be most useful(such as before a larger project or test).
Similar to iTunes U, I would use TED for special occasion purposes as opposed to the everyday use of Khan Academy. TED has videos organized by theme, speakers, and "talks." Talks is broken down further into categories such as most viewed, most commented, and rated as jaw dropping. There are also persuasive, funny, informative, courageous and inspiring categories just to name a few. I would use TED as something for students to write on, or perhaps a tool to draw inspiration from for crafts or a project.
Part #3
Khan Academy
Currency Exchange Introduction
In "Currency Exchange Introduction" Khan goes over the basics of how money is converted. He uses the Chinese yuan and American Dollar as examples. The video is filmed as if he is writing on an actual chalk board. In the video he uses one person attempting to convert yuan into dollars and two people trying to convert dollars into yuan. Khan demonstrates that while the starting currency may be 10 yuan to every 1 dollar, the person with the currency in most demand(in his demonstration it was the person converting yuan into dollars) can change this depending on how badly others want it. In short, it is like an auction, or as Khan put it, you're "buying other currencies." Overall I thought the video explained very well. I wasn't necessarily expecting just a chalkboard setting with an instructional voice in the background, but it worked out well for the video. I'm a visual learner, so seeing how the money flowed made it easy for me to understand.
iTunes U
Wired Study Tips
Unlike the "Currency Exchange Introduction", this was an audio podcast. The first episode is "No Mental Marathons." The podcast begins by stating that cramming for a test is like running an extensive marathon. the narrator says one would be lucky to not "lose their lunch." It is then suggested that rather than attempting a marathon the night before, students treat school like a 8-5 job and study a little bit between classes everyday. The narrator says this plan is bound to work out as it will not interfere with weekend social activities that students "would never tell their children about." I thought the way this was taught was pretty funny and it kept my attention. I liked the Khan Academy video so much that I was a little skeptical before listening to an audio podcast, but the narrator made it enjoyable(and informative). This is also very convenient as this could be listened to in the car or between classes(really anywhere one would typically use an iPod).
TED
Joshua Walters: On Being Just Crazy Enough
This video starts off with Walters stating that he is a performer. He then informs the audience that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. During his first episode he thought he was Jesus Christ. Though before anyone has time to feel remorse for Walters, he says that no drug will get anyone as high as believing that one is Jesus Christ. He described living in a psych ward as being among people who each put on their own "one man show." He continues to address bipolar disorder with humor and argues that it may not be so bad. Walters leaves his viewers wondering how crazy is "crazy"? I actually loved this video and found myself scrolling through more like it when it was over. I don't think I would show this particular one to a class of mine, but I would take advantage of other videos available for students to view.
Part #4
Khan Academy
As I mentioned earlier, teachers could use Khan Academy on a daily basis for supplemental instructional or tutoring for homework. Part of why I find it so useful it that it can be accessed anywhere that has an internet connection. Parents would be able to see and understand what their children are learning. This would also become useful if any problems arise during homework. Students would have access to these videos for help at home.
iTunes U
I would take advantage of iTunes U for their unique selection of lectures. The "Wired Study Tips" audio I listened to would be more useful for older students. However, I would take the information found in the podcast and form lesson plans around it that would better cater to the younger classes I hope to teach. Teachers could experiment with the more interactive items on iTunes U and use them as additional instructions to accompany school books.
TED
As with iTunes U, I would most likely use TED for special occasions rather than on a daily basis. As stated earlier in this post, I think that the videos found on TED would be useful as inspiration for students before starting a project. Teachers could also incorporate these videos in lesson plans by asking students to write on a video, or even film their own video. TED would also be very useful to calm students before they are about to make a speech.
Part #5
I was surprised to realize that something like Khan Academy existed. I was not aware that there were so many instructional videos online(and free of charge!). Once I visited the website I was not surprised to discover the sheer volume of tutorials though. The "About" portion was very well laid out and thorough, so I was expecting the videos to meet the same standards as well. As with Khan Academy, I did not realize something such as TED existed. Though once reading up on it I was not surprised to see the amazing selection of speeches TED contains. However, I was a little surprised with iTunes U. I was not expecting very much from it because when I think iTunes I think purely music. I still wasn't very impressed after reading the information presented on the website. After listening to and audio podcast I was pleasantly surprised to find it useful and entertaining.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Project #3
Comments for Teachers #3
Scott Kemp's The Radical Tactical Shift
What We Can Do vs. What We Do Do
In this post Mr.Kemp address things that teachers might strive to do, but not always complete fully. He talks about connecting our classrooms digitally and educating teachers about how to achieve the maximum use through technology available today. Mr.Kemp also makes a point of stating that as teachers we should focus on how much students are actually learning, rather than attempt to assign numerical values(such as test scores) to the amount learned. This was something I addressed in my comment on "What We Can Do vs. What We Do Do." I completely agree that as teachers we should not only worry about raising test scores, but about helping students to learn and discover more than what is just required(to pass a test).
Accomplishing More By Doing Less
Mr.Kemp states that he is in favor of "student-centered learning" such as the hands on type learning we experience in EDM 310. He suggests that rather than trying to accomplish everything possible, we as teachers learn to step aside and encourage this type of learning. Kemp provides his four classroom priorities that aid him in student-centered learning. The first is "building relationships and culture," then "feedback, constant and constructive," "answering student questions, if deep inquiry" is next, and last is "get out of the way." In earlier Blog Assignments we were asked how we would go about teaching a networked student, and I was left unsure how to do this. "Accomplishing More By Doing Less" sounds like it could be the answer to my dilemma. In my comment I stated that I found this post very helpful and thought it could be the answer to teaching a networked student.
Scott Kemp's The Radical Tactical Shift
What We Can Do vs. What We Do Do
In this post Mr.Kemp address things that teachers might strive to do, but not always complete fully. He talks about connecting our classrooms digitally and educating teachers about how to achieve the maximum use through technology available today. Mr.Kemp also makes a point of stating that as teachers we should focus on how much students are actually learning, rather than attempt to assign numerical values(such as test scores) to the amount learned. This was something I addressed in my comment on "What We Can Do vs. What We Do Do." I completely agree that as teachers we should not only worry about raising test scores, but about helping students to learn and discover more than what is just required(to pass a test).
Mr.Kemp states that he is in favor of "student-centered learning" such as the hands on type learning we experience in EDM 310. He suggests that rather than trying to accomplish everything possible, we as teachers learn to step aside and encourage this type of learning. Kemp provides his four classroom priorities that aid him in student-centered learning. The first is "building relationships and culture," then "feedback, constant and constructive," "answering student questions, if deep inquiry" is next, and last is "get out of the way." In earlier Blog Assignments we were asked how we would go about teaching a networked student, and I was left unsure how to do this. "Accomplishing More By Doing Less" sounds like it could be the answer to my dilemma. In my comment I stated that I found this post very helpful and thought it could be the answer to teaching a networked student.
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