What I've Learned This Year (2008-09) By Joe McClung
In this post Mr. McClung shares his first year of teaching. He explains that over the course of the year he learned a lot about teaching and being a teacher. Mr. McClung shared tons of informative tips for new inexperienced teachers. For example, the image at the top of his post says to stay positive, and that is a great attitude to have in the classroom. I enjoyed reading this blog post and learning from his first year of teaching.
Mr. McClung mentions that he was extremely worried about what his superiors thought about him. Therefore, he lost touch with his audience when teaching a lesson. Student centered lessons are what many teachers are lacking in their classroom. He explains that the delivery of the content is nowhere near as important as student comprehension. He learned in his first year of teaching to let his students drive the lesson. "NO LESSON IS EVER PERFECT. THE LESSON YOU TEACH AND THE ONE YOU PLAN ARE ALWAYS DIFFERENT." This is a statement that I plan on remembering for my future lesson plans as an educator.
Next, Mr.McClung says that we should learn to talk to one another. Communication is essential to have with co workers, students, and parents. We must be able to resolve issues by talking to one another about a problem. Also, educators often set their standards and expectations too high in the classroom. Students are going to fail and not always meet the required standards. Don't be so quick to scold them, instead encourage them to do better next time.
Always take the time to listen to your students, because you may be all they have in their life. Learn to take interest in their lives, earn their respect, and build relationships. When reading Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire the author Rafe mentions trust being the most important element in the classroom. Building trust in a classroom is essential by having compassionate and caring student and teacher relationships. A student should feel like they can count on their teacher and trust them with their education and feel like they can come to their teacher with any concern.
After four years of teaching Mr. McClung was having a hard time deciding who he was as an educator. He held a wonderful reputation with his students, but he constantly worried about what his peers thought about him as a teacher. As he thought about this long and hard he decided no matter his students are what matters. When it came down to it the kids are the reason he wakes up in the morning to go to work not his co workers. Mr. McClung was having a hard time by bringing his personal life into the classroom and that believe it or not it affects the students. His love of teaching and desire to have fun while educating them allowed him to solely strive to follow the same steps, and use the same guidelines that allowed him to become who he is today. If Mr. McClung's students are having fun and learning he is doing his job as their teacher. I think we can all learn from this post and not just as future educators. Is it really important to worry about what others think about us ? Honestly we all wonder daily what others might be saying, but deep down if you stay true to yourself then nothing else will matter.
Over the years Mr. McClung found himself teaching the same boring lesson plans and basically stuck in the same routine year to year. Building creativity is essential in the classroom, and in my opinion how can we help our students flourish if we are never changing and stepping outside of the box. Luckily, he was offered a position teaching a new AP course and he accepted the offer. He spoke of his childhood and thinking back on how much he dreaded going to school. He wanted more than anything for his students to never feel the way he did as a child. This was an opportunity for Mr. McClung to step it up and have a fresh start. He can bring new and innovative ideas to the classroom for this AP course. Children have short attention spans and lets face it mine is probably not much better. It is important to capture a student and reel them into learning and giving you a chance as their educator. It is a must to bring new ideas and concepts into their old outdated way of learning. Whether it be technology or interactive lesson plans the choice is yours as an educator. The main thing I learned from Mr. McClung is that we have one chance as a teacher, and it is important to never fail your students. Give it your all and the possibilities are endless!
My personal learning space was created using Symbaloo . I have come to absolutely love this tool, and creating my learning space was so much fun! It has helped me tremendously having all of the websites I need and use regularly right in front of me in one place. Organization is a key issue for me and Symbaloo helped me adjust my personal learning space to my desire. Personalizing my PLN and making it easy and compatible for my convenience was a simple task with Symbaloo. A great feature that Symbaloo offers is that it is completely free! Also, there is a grouping tile feature that allows you to group certain websites together like social networks and educational networks. I decided to add a group for future websites that will help me as a future educator. When I become a teacher I plan to use tools like this one to stay organized in the classroom.
In Richard Miller's This is How We Dream Part 1, he tries to make it clear to the viewer that the world is changing around us and that there is no going back. Growing up around prints and books allowed information solely from that text. Now living in a world introduced to the web and endless information prints are slowly fading. Not that books are a thing of the past, but the sources of information available are absolutely endless. The incremental changes through networking and technology are changing daily around us as educators, students, or anyone with a job in the 21st century. The collaborative workspace is now word processing and laptops, instead of pencils and paper. The information we can receive at our fingertips is the research riches of the world. Miller mentions that this time currently is the greatest change in human communication in history. I would have to agree 100 % the world is not what it was technology wise, when I was in school looking at the overhead projector. The times are changing and conforming is not an option it is a must to stay on track with 21st century ideas. Texting, emailing, Skype, and Facetime are now the communication resources we can use to stay in contact with others throughout the world. The wonderful Google doc workspace allowing people to work together, and collaborate ideas from anywhere in the world. These are all proof that communication is forever changing and is only advancing in the technology available.
Part Two
I decided to go ahead and watch all of the part one and two videos Richard Miller created.This is How We Dream Part 2was a video that I didn't really care for too much. Mainly because I have my favorites and this video just seemed somewhat boring. I am prepared to learn everything I can to write with multimedia. Will elementary students be able to write with multimedia? Well you better sit down because of course they will! Students of all ages will be writing with multimedia, and I can't wait to learn more so that I can educate my students on incorporating multimedia in their writing. I do agree with what Richard Miller is saying by our world changing rapidly, and how great it is to be a part of this 21st century experience. In part two he pushes the concept of sharing your ideas via the internet. I agree that sharing your ideas is an excellent way for others to see and possibly to learn from your work. Miller wants educators to push towards a technology based world and leave the past behind us. He wants inspiring teachers that will allow us to achieve our dream of inspiring work spaces for learning and educating. What is a Pedagogie? The definition is a method and practice of teaching, esp. as an academic subject or theoretical concept. Miller speaks of inspiring pedagogies, which will drive forward and advocate for educating others through the advances in technology.
Carly Pugh's Blog Post # 12
After reading Carly Pugh's blog post, I can not wait to create my own blog post assignment. Carly is an English major and it is very apparent when reading her writing. She is so much fun on her blog, and has inspired me to go ahead and start thinking about my future assignment. I loved her YouTube playlist that she created on and honestly watched every video. Her assignment was to create a youtube playlist thinking about our philosophies as a teacher. Taking full advantage of YouTube and all of the videos watched throughout the semester. A few of the options for the playlist include: describe the kind of teacher you would like to be, ways to improve modern education as we know it , ways to improve modern education as we know it , and show ways you can motivate your students. Your YouTube playlist must be published, and needs to be titled with your name, and EDM310 Blog post. At least five of these topics need to be included in the playlist with a minimum of ten videos. Answer the question what could you do with them in your teaching environment? Also, explain how these videos describe your own personal teaching philosophy.I absolutely loved the assignment and I honestly wish it was assigned. I enjoyed watching Carly Pugh's Playlist, and just had an awesome time thinking about what my playlist would be like for my classroom. This is such a great idea for any classroom and any group of students. Thank you so much Carly! Go check out Carly Pugh's Blog!
EDM 310 Is Different
The video The Chipper Series, is about a student named Chipper that attends the University of South Alabama. She is a procrastinator and is never on time with her work. She also never comes to class and when she does she isn't prepared to spend any time on the work. In the video she mentions that she wants to be taught, so she doesn't have to learn. Therefore, she drops out of school and opens a timeline pilot school. This school is designed for students to come to class and spend as much time as they would like on their work. Unfortunately, the school is shut down due to inadequate amounts of class time and instruction. She goes to school online and gets her degree in Education, and Dr. Strange winds up helping her land a job. Once again due to missing class and not being their for her students she loses the job. Next she hops from job to job losing each one before she has a change of heart. Chipper finally decides to go back to school and change her ways to become a better student. Her priorities have changed and she wants to spend time on her classwork, turn her assignments in on time, and actually attend class. It is unfortunate that it took Chipper so long to realize the importance of an education, and the reason why the workload is heavy is to give students the information they need to succeed in the real world at a real job.
EDM 310 for Dummies
The video EDM 310 for Dummies, is a good example of how I felt the first few weeks of EDM 310. In the beginning of this video it shows two students that have lost their minds due to the new information and workload involved with the course. They are confused on many topics and assignments that are being assigned by Dr. Strange. Later it shows two happy students talking over their assignments and how much they are enjoying the course. All of this is thanks to the book they purchased EDM 310 for Dummies. The book contains information including how to use twitter, blogger, Audacity, Delicious, and Skype. The book allows the tools in order to make your intellectual journey a success. I enjoyed watching this video it is clear that it is fake, but the overwhelming feeling this class provides is normal to the not so technology savvy student. When watching this video it made me look forward to creating my own. In my video I would like to include tips on procrastination, and how to manage your time for this course. Also, how to access the class syllabus, manage your PLN for free, learn more on Google Docs, and how to become a successful student in EDM.
Learn to Change, Change to Learn
I couldn't agree more with this videos and the opinions the speakers have about the 21st century student. The students in the 21st century will not need standardized testing to help them reach the dream of their future jobs. The classic "vending machine learning" is a thing of the past, facts and right or wrong answers are not going to help our students succeed. We as educators and future educators can change the way students find information, validate information, collaborate, and problem solve. Welcome to the 21st century! These are skills that students will need for the real work force not just the facts. Because they need to know how to apply the facts in various situations. Creating brave students that have artistic abilities and are multicultural is essential in the 21st century. "Every turned off device, is a turned off student." This was my favorite quote of the entire video, because devices hold the key to endless imaginations, creativity, information, and technology in the classroom. Technology is essential for students to flourish and create relationships through learning. The kids love to have access to technology and they communicate through social networking and blogging. As an educator, students should never be held back from exploring through the surrounding technology.
Scavenger Hunt 2.0
3.) Find a tool to make-your-own comic strip. Create a comic. Post a picture of it in your blog.
Justin Commetti, a former EDM 310 student recommended this tool. Make Believe Comix, is a website that allows you to make your on comic strip.
My Comic Strip
4) Find a tool that you have never used before.
I found a very useful tool for the classroom it is called Puzzle Maker. There are so many fun puzzles that can be made like cryptograms, hidden messages, and even word searches. Learning can be fun! I think making puzzles for the classroom is a great way to maybe put students in groups for learning relationships. Also, the class could work together to solve the puzzles to help learn material for a test. Homework can even be engaging and fun for students with puzzles to go along with the lesson taught. I love puzzle maker and think it is a wonderful interactive tool.
5) Find a tool to create a poll anytime, anywhere.
I created a poll using Poll Everywhere
For my first C4T assignment I commented on Ms. Vicki Davis's Blog. She is a full time teacher and mother of three. She lives in Camilla, Georgia and is the author of Cool Cat Teacher Blog. October 3rd's blog post was a topic based on Daily Education and Technology news for schools. What are creative ways we can create symbiotic learning relationships between different types of learners? Vicki Davis asked this question to her readers in hopes for a response for all educators to help one another. Live Mocha is a site that uses tandem learning where each learner teaches each other a different language. She mentions in her classroom she allows her older students to teacher her younger students about computer hardware. I think that is an excellent way to build learning relationships. The learning relationships that are possible in the classroom are endless. She also gave some informative news for the reader that Google Drive has updates for iOS and Android. Google Update allows you to edit google docs simultaneously just like on the web. She asks for new ideas and opinions on flat classrooms and learning relationships. What did I think about symbiotic learning relationships? I enjoyed reading this blog post, and reading all of the comments full of informative ideas that I can apply in my future classroom. I mentioned that I remember one style of learning in my education in Mobile, Alabama and it was the same for basically every class and instructor. Either the students conformed to the learning environment or they began to slip behind. Also, EDM 310 allowed me to realize the amount of technology available for educators and students is astonishing. A flat classroom is new to me and I plan to learn what they have to offer, and how they help the students and their learning environment.
On October 18th I commented on Ms. Davis's particular blog post for my C4T#2. The post was titled "Advice to presenters and teachers: All You Have is Enough." Ms. Davis is blogging about her trip she took to speak at a conference for educators. She spoke to a room of about twenty individuals, but she made it clear that twenty or five thousand makes no difference. As long as you change one person's life you have done a job well done. Did I give it my all? Did I help my listeners, and give them enough validating information? Is it enough ? That is the question for all educators whether it be the last day of school or leaving a conference puzzled. Yes, giving your all is all one can do and that is enough. Vicki Davis says, "If you give all you have that YOU have given enough. YOU MATTER very much. Don't let self doubt keep you from doing it again." All educators need to read this post. For an educator realizing that if you gave 100 % then that is a job well done is important. This post really hit home with me with an issue I often wonder about how I might handle. Dr. Strange commented on one of my post and told me that sometimes giving up on a student is not what we want to do, but if the student doesn't do any work then there is nothing else you can do. This post really allowed me to sit back and realize if you give all that you can that will be enough. If the student doesn't do any work then in a way they have up on you as an instructor, because the work given is to help them succeed in the course. So by not doing any work is basically saying I'm giving up on you and what you are teaching me. I enjoy reading Vicki Davis's blog post. She is an inspiring individual.
Wendy Drexler's video is based on the 21st century networked student. The simplicity of the video allowed the viewer to realize how easy it is to "get connected". The 21st century student is enrolled in an American Psychology course online. He attends class three days a week and two online with no textbook or lectures. Sounds like my kind of class! What makes this class different is due to the fact the instructor is teaching on a 21st century level. She is constructing a class using connectivism, which is when learning occurs as part of a social network of many connections or ties. She pushes her students to connect with other students and networks in hopes that they may learn from one another. The networked student may use tools such as blogging or podcasting to reach networks.
Why does the networked student even need a teacher?
In my opinion, many teachers are the backbone of their classroom and make all learning environments stable. I think the 21st century teacher would allow his or her students to explore and navigate to their own extent and ability. Also, students need a teacher to help with validating and assessing information. Teachers are important in a student's life and need to be there to give guidance and instruction when needed. Looking back on a former blog post, I noticed how much information students can receive from various sources. Teachers are important to help students and at the same time allow room for learning on their own as well.
Am I Ready To Be A Networked Teacher?
Honestly, over the past few weeks I have not been sure if I am ready or not. When beginning in EDM 310 I was like most other students believing I was technology savvy. When actually I knew very little about networking or the importance of technology. I noticed in the last mandatory class meeting the Google Doc's assignment, and how we could all work together as a class. I thought that was really neat and is such a great tool for any classroom. Since I have started my own blog I can not wait to have a running blog for my own future class. I never knew so many elementary age students were capable of maintaining their own blogs. What an interesting way to engage students and allow them to network. Now I feel that I am ready to be a networked teacher, and allow my students to grow in the 21st century as well.
Welcome to My PLE is a video based on the Personal Learning Environment of a 7th grade student. In many ways our personal learning environment is very similar. I check the EDM 310 class blog daily as a routine to see what is going on in my class. I also have my blog and many social networks such as facebook and twitter. The fact that every student can have their own PLE is a great tool for learning. The student can choose to network in many different ways and personalize their environment between social networking and educational networking. Lastly, Evernote which is a note taking program would be extremely useful for any student.
Mohammed is a year five student in Miss. Ouano's class. He is in room 14 Pt. England's school in Auckland, New Zealand. Mohammed's post was about swimming and Michael Phelps. He gave many interesting facts about throughout his video. The movie that he posted was thirty three seconds long, and his voice was loud and clear. In the movie he told when swimming was invented, and also how many gold medals Michael Phelps won. He shared many photos in his movie of a Michael Phelp's poster, a swimming pool, and even Michael winning a gold medal. I commented and told him how much I enjoyed having the opportunity to watch his movie. I also mentioned what a great job he did adding all of the interesting facts and pictures. Lastly, I ended my comment with a question asking Mohammed if he likes to go swimming.
C4K # 2
My second comment for September was on a student's blog post about homecoming week. I can not recall his name or even find their blog. He spoke of all of the different activities going on at his school leading up to the dance. Each day of the week the students in the grades were allowed to wear assigned colors. They had a lot of fun way to involve the students in the homecoming week activities. He said that on the last day they would all go to find out the homecoming queen and king. I commented by saying I remember my homecoming week in high school, and we always had a homecoming parade. Each grade would make a float and in the end the seniors always won the best float. I decided to ask him who won the homecoming queen and king for this school year.
Let me start of by saying Randy Pausch is amazing and his videos are so inspirational. His last lecture begins by sharing with the audience three of his current brain scans, and due to cancer his days are numbered. He mentions that "We can not help the cards that we are dealt, it's how we play them." He lives true to this statement in his life and how he speaks about death. When you watch him speak you can see how passionate he is about his students and education. All I can say is what an amazing man, friend, mentor, educator, and just all of the above example to live by.
I learned many different things from Randy Pausch to use in my classroom. I loved how Randy Pausch painted on his bedroom walls as a child. I think allowing children to express their creativity is important in the classroom. As a future educator I never want to give up on a child. When no one says anything to you anymore, then they have given up. I believe that no student of mine will ever be have to worry about me giving up. He truly embraced his childhood dreams, even though they may not all have come true. Experience is what allows us to chase our dreams, and make certain the important dreams be fulfilled and come true. I never would have thought a childhood dream of Mr. Pausch's would have been to join the NFL. He might not have achieved them all, but he focused and achieved the dreams that came to him by working hard. Fundamentals are necessary or nothing else will ever work was a statement that I know personally is a necessity in life. I struggled in math for many years, until I met a tutor that taught me the correct basics and fundamentals. Without the basics how can you advance and learn more? Well it is impossible the fundamentals are where you start and how one grows.
The fact that Carnegie-Mellon and Brown University both denied Randy Pausch for admission blew my mind. " Brick walls let us prove how badly we want things, and stop the ones who don't want it badly enough." I thought this showed through in this video. If he had given up and stopped pushing himself he would have never attended Carnegie-Mellon. One of The childhood dreams that he had was to be in zero gravity. When his students gained the opportunity to go into the "Vomit Comet", an aircraft that allows one to experience zero gravity. Randy later found out this was an opportunity for students only and not the instructor. That did not stop Mr. Pausch he found an alternative way to climb aboard the creation by NASA. He was not going to allow a little brick wall to stop him, because he kept pushing and achieved another childhood dream. He taught a class for ten years called, Building Virtual Worlds. The class was filled with group work, and mainly working with the left and right side of the brain. The class consisted of fifty students creating virtual worlds using the technology available.
Becoming a teacher was not always a dream of mine as a child. Now, I can not see myself doing anything else besides educating others. It took experience throughout my life so far to realize what dreams to let go of. Certain dreams I wanted for the wrong reasons, I originally always dreamed of being a nurse. I think one of the main reasons I never pushed towards education was due to the lack of funding and the salary teachers receive. My childhood dreams have been altered, but I don't think I could be happier with the goals I am working towards achieving. Experience is what you get when you do not get what you want. Without certain things happening in my life I may not have ever ended up in this class or achieving a degree in Elementary Education. I thought Randy Pausch's video on achieving your childhood dreams was so empowering. I am so glad I took the time out of my day to watch this video from start to finish. In the end, I was literally in tears at how strong he is for all that he has done and continued to do throughout the days he had left.
