Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Summary Post C4K

My first student that I commented on was Adrianna. She is a brilliant student from Noel Elementary School. The first post I read about was regarding herself. She is very self motivated and desiring to do well in school. She set goals for herself and is trying to achieve those goals. I let her know I thought she was quite an inspiration for everyone young
and older.

The second post was regarding Adrianna's Manifesto post. She had posted some goals that she wanted to share regarding school. She wanted to listen and learn to her teacher. She wanted to ask questions in class if she did not understand a concept. She wanted to always do her best. These were just a few of the goals she had set for herself. I commented to her to let her know I thought these were great goals and she would go far with that kind of perspective.

The last post I made was for DJ at PT England School. DJ is a young girl who was experimenting with Garage Band. She presented a video on a blog with her sharing a picture that she had drawn. I encouraged her to continue to use Garage Band and other technology for her education. DJ seemed very bright for her age and interested in today's technology.

Blog Post 6

"The Networked Student" by Wendy Drexler
This video pointed out many interesting points. Students can use so many tools available today to further their education. This video presented so many different ways to communicate with other students across the world. International communication with other students is a brilliant idea. I feel that this idea can only reinforce and further assist students.

Teachers are still needed despite twenty first century technology. Teachers are needed to assist and answer questions for students. Computers are a wonderful resource and tool, but many times only a teacher can really be of use to a student. It is important to understand that the job of a teacher should never be eliminated. The relationship that is developed and so often needed, can not be duplicated by a machine.

There were many ideas presented that were very creative and innovative. I feel that this could be the future of education. Technology has so many advances available for teachers and students. These resources should be used and processed in the classroom.

"A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment"
This video was very helpful in supporting the idea of PLN's. This concept really does create a freedom and independence for students. PLN's are very innovative and I can see them working in todays schools. It is important to create various ways of presenting subject matter.This idea of PLN's for the classroom creates a whole new avenue of studying, lecturing and presenting materiel.

"The Machine is Changing Us" by Michael Wesch
"Self centered modes of self fulfillment are leading to disengagement among today's generation of students". This statement really does captivate the time frame of todays students.This generation is very much "self focused". It is very obvious that the number one priority is so often self desires. I feel like the video does bring light to the idea of getting past yourself and focusing on working as one. Working together as a generation united for a purpose.

This idea does relate to me and to my generation. It is very easy to focus on only what you want. It is easy to "not care" about many essential facts of life. It is easy to "give up" on life. Focusing on the idea that we do have a greater purpose, and we can do so much as a united generation. Putting aside our differences and coming together.

Putting aside your differences is essential in your career. Working together is vital in a school. Teachers cannot go in various directions and expect to move forward. Academically, teachers have to prepare to come together and come up with a plan to succeed. Relating with others and creating plans of success is essential in todays classroom.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Blog Post 5

"The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom".
I felt like this video was very informative and helpful in supporting the idea of podcasting in today's classroom. I feel that podcasting would be very beneficial in aiding students. Podcasting would allow teachers to inform parents of what is really happening inside of the classroom. Students could get extra help when needed from the podcast, and parents could be more involved in their child's education.

"Eagle Nest Radio and Class Blog"
I really thought this podcast was very amazing. This was a perfect example of students and teachers using todays technology in the classroom. There are so many ways to use technology if teachers are open to the idea. These students did a wonderful job at creating this podcast and blog. I feel like the schools can only benefit if todays technology is used for educational purposes. This podcast and blog really should revolutionize how school is operated today.

"Judy Scharf Podcast Collection"
This website was very helpful. It listed so many tips and procedures to follow when making a podcast. I felt that this website really does prepare you for making a future podcast. The idea of making a podcast can be a little intimidating, however this website really breaks it down to a very simple level of understanding the process. Organizing your thoughts and ideas is very crucial to a successful podcast. I really appreciate the information provided on this website.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Blog Post 4

"Dont Teach Your Kids This Stuff Please?"
I found this article to be enlightening and challenging. I feel that technology can be used in the classroom in a positive and successful manner. Todays generation is technologically driven. In light of this fact, teachers can use this avenue of teaching to drive home success in teh classroom. Accompanied by responsible supervision and guidance, students can learn so much with the aid of todays technolgy.

Scott Mcleod is a professor at Iowa State University and Director of the UCEA CASTLE program.



"The iSchool Initiative"
I believe that the concept of the ischool would be a wonderful solution to many problems being encountered today. The money being saved would be substantial. The features that the ischool would convey is really amazing. Everything a student and teacher would need would be covered in a quick and organized manner.

I hope this idea is seriously considered. The ischool concept would be combining the idea and fact that technology can be used in todays school system. Technology can be of use and of aid to teachers and students across the world. It is up to the educators to pursue the technological resources available and incorporate them in the modern day setting.

"The Lost Generation"
I feel this video was very inspiring and challenging to this generation. I believe that this generation can make a difference when they have a passion and purpose. The way the video was presented created a unique presentation. Negative words can be turned into positive words if the individual is focused.

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
This video was amazing! I found the whole idea of a virtual choir to be a wonderful mix of todays technology. This video simply proves the point that there are so many ways an individual can be creative with technology. There are so many ways to be inventive with all the technological resources available. Wonderful video!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Blog Post 3

Michael Wesch : A Vision of Students Today:
I felt like this video was very accurate of how college life is today. Many students feel like the curriculum and the lectures presented are not relevent to their future. Technology is a huge part of college life and in people's lives in general. I feel like it is very important to incorporate new techniques using technology to present and inform current college students.

Facebook, Twitter, blogs, all can be used for educational purposes. This concept of social networking in the classroom requires creativity. Creativity connects with students resulting in better learning and comprehension.Students can be effective in the future workplace if the desire to be educated is a strong motivation in their life.


"It's Not About the Technology" By Kelly Hines
Ms.Hines did make a good point in the article. Technology is not everything when you are trying to teach. There are important methods of teaching that must never be replaced. It is very important that problem solving skills be sharpened in the classroom. This is one of the many skills that need to be reinforced in the classroom.

Teachers need to be inventive and aware of the latest developments in teaching styles and methods with or without technology. There are some skills a computer is not the best resource. Teachers are definetely still needed today in the classroom. Technology is a great resource for todays classroom, however a teacher needs to be sensitive to the best avenue of teaching in his own environment.



Karl Fisch: "Is it Okay to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?"
It is not ok to be illiterate in any way as a teacher. I feel like it is crucial for a teacher to be educated in all areas. When a teacher is misinformed about technology or ignorant, the teacher is preventing the students from reaching their full potential.

Teachers have an abundance of knowledge that can be used to benefit students. Technology can assist teachers in a significant way. However, teachers must not be overly technologically driven. Meaning, using technology to do all the work in the classroom. Students need their teachers. Technology can only do so much and then the teacher must step up and fill in the gap.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Summary of C4T #1

The first post I commented on was by WM Chamberlain titled "I had Cancer". This post was in regards to Mr. Chamberlain having a case of melanoma. Thankfully he was able to receive treatment and make a full healthy recovery. Mr. Chamberlain explained in the post how this was a very difficult and stressful time initially because he thought that this issue was going to stop him from teaching this year. Thankfully, all melanoma was removed and he is makeing a full recovery. My comment consisted of commending Mr. Chamberlain of his strength and courage to get through this situation as I can only imagine the stress it was to overcome.

The second post was titled "Online High School" by Joe Mcclung.This post was talking about the issue of offering a high school program offered completely through the computer. The concept of a classroom setting would be labeled as obsolete. My comment about this post related my concern about this idea. I feel that online high school would not be the best option. Motivation,social interaction and discipline are a few of the issues I see arising. Many students need assistance with current subjects
that are being taught in the school systems today. If students were to study and perform curriculum excercises at home the assistance needed may not be available. However, this is a very interesting idea and concept and it will be interesting to see if anything does develop in the future.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Blog Post 2

Did You Know? By Karl Fisch

I found this video to be very informative of how technology has taken over the modern world. We are surrounded with new innovations everywhere we turn. Simple everyday conviences such as a cell phone, computer and internet are taken for granted. These electronics and tools are so beneficial and constantly changing.

Social networking has completely revolutionzed the world. The very idea of being able to see and speak to someone through a computer half way across the world is simply mind blowing. As teachers we can use this technology as a very valuable aid. The internet provides endless opportunities of education. Technology is constantly changing and it is our responsibility as teachers to utilize these avenues and teach others the benefits of educating your mind.


Mr. Winkle Wakes by Mathew Needleman

This video points out the various changes in technology and way of business in todays major establishments such as hospitals. The video insinuated that todays schools are not involving the latest technology in the classrooms. Based on what I have observed in the local Mobile County Elementary Schools, I do not agree with this video. I feel like technology is being used and it is very effective.

Smartboards are great inventions. I believe this resource is a huge success among teachers and students. Also, the schools I have observed, computers are stationed in the classroom and are being utilized. Technology may not be used in all areas of the world, but in some school systems it is successfully being incorporated.


The Importance of Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson

This idea presented in this film is very crucial in todays society. Intelligence so often is based on educational status. I believe the underlying concept presented is that everyone has different abilities and skills. Not everyone is an Einstein. Creativity should not be limited to just test taking skills.

Diverse, Dynamic, Distinct, three words that can easily define creativity. As teachers, it is our responsibilty to realize and help develop our students strengths. This task is very vital in todays classroom. Many students are discouraged about their academic performance and are not encouraged about other areas of success in their life. It takes many different types of proffessions to help create stability in our world today.Creativity is very essential in todays classroom and should always be a priority for todays teacher.


Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts by Vicki Davis

This idea of allowing students to exert their creativity and knowledege of technology in the classroom can only be beneficial. This concept connects with the current generation. Students are so technologically driven incorporating educational concepts amidst blogs and social networking can only reinforce success. I think allowing students to teach at times can be very beneficial.

Any way a teacher can get a student to think outside of the box is welcome. Educating students on using current technology to reach other students across the world is genius. This idea is an endless resource for new learning.When applying these concepts a teacher is creating an atmosphere of learning.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Blog Post 1

My name is Aaron Griffin and I was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan. At age thirteen I moved here to Mobile. I am currently a junior pursueing Elementary Education. I have attended Faulkner State Community College and University of Mobile before transfering to USA. I want to study Elementary Education because I have a passion for reaching out and helping youth. I desire to make a difference in the lives of young people.

My family consists of my father (Ron), my mother (Faye) my brother (Colby), and my sister (Leigha). I am the youngest of my siblings. Both my brother and sister are married. My sister has three kids. I currently live in Theodore near Serenity Funeral Home. My sister lives in Chickasaw and my brother lives in west mobile. I am very active at my church which is First Baptist Irvington. I am very passionate about music and my relationship with Jesus Christ. I play piano at church and love every moment of it. I love to read and constantly learn. One of my life's goals is to never stop learning. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to go to college and further my education.