Blog Post #9

What I have Learned This Year

     This is the type of blogging I can really get enthused about. A real-deal self reflection, warts and all. Mr. McClung sheds some insight into his first three years of teaching. At times it is not so rosy a picture. I felt his pain and have experienced being new to a position and wanting so badly to be perfect. If only. If only it was so easy to have all the answers and experience right away. But the learning curve is quite bumpy and rarely a smooth process. Mr. McClung is a brave and honest soul and for that I am grateful. I will have my own struggles and learning curves. I will not be surprised if they closely mirror his struggles. If what does not kill you really and truly makes you stronger then he is on his way to becoming "Super Teacher." And his students become the real winners in the long run.  
Super students, perhaps!

Being flexible while learning to be less controlling and establishing lines of communication were among the first important concepts that Mr. McClung recognized as being pivotal to success. I am well aware that am not as flexible as I should be. I have known this a long time and continue to work on the 'everything has to be perfect' concept. After all, it is not about my experience as a teacher but what the student stands to gain. Mr. McClung's experiences are valuable tools for the new teacher.

     His advice on finding a 'school mom' is such a good idea. He is brave to admit to being a momma's boy. That reference really brings home the idea that the new teacher needs to find a mentor to help the adjustment period that is easily going to be the entire first school year. I have made it a point in new situations to find a trustworthy ally that knows the ropes and is willing to help be my guide. There is no reason to tackle some situations by yourself. On the other hand I really enjoy being in the position to help others on occasion. I guess that is why this profession has chosen me.

C4T with Bill Genereux

  The Light Switch Cover, March 11,2012
     For the second session in a row I have been assigned to follow the TechIntersect blog of Bill Genereux. For me this is a happy coincidence and quite convenient since I have been checking into his blog regularly for a while now. Mr. Genereux finds the most creative way to blend art and technology. He is working towards a PhD in Education and is currently an assistant professor of Computer Systems Technology at Kansas State University. I find myself drawn to his humorous tone and creativity. And this weeks post is quite fun and funky and does not necessarily involve very much technology. It is all about creativity.


     The idea behind Light Switch Cover is to redesign the switch cover so the switch is incorporated into the overall design. Form follows function and becomes art. His digital media class was instructed to place their work on light switch covers around campus. I can only imagine the amusement as they were discovered. The concepts come from two books, "Caffeine for the Creative Team" and "Caffeine for the Creative Mind" by Stephan Memaw. A totally fun project for the creator and audience! I requested a link in his blog that would show what his students produced. He response to me the next day was he had requested his students tag their work so it could be followed from the assignment website.

This American Life Retraction, March 19, 2012
     This week's TechIntersect post has a familiar ring to it. Lesson number 1: What is put on the internet is permanent and has the ability to misinform and cause chaos forever. Lesson number 2: Fabrications, non-truths, exaggerations, plagerisms, and other forms of dishonesty are traceable back to the author. Errors will eventually be discovered and revealed faster than ever before because of the immediate availability of information for fact-checking. This is exactly what Dr. Strange has been telling our EDM310 class all semester. Both Dr. Strange and Mr. Generiux also agree that the web is a public place and what is presented for public consumption should be of the very highest caliber.


     This American Life is a podcast that Mr. Generiux 's Digital Media1 class follows weekly. Unfortunately a recent podcast contained information and facts that were later proved false. The radio producers have apologized for the incorrect information that was aired and have retracted the program. The author of the program has yet to admit any wrongdoing even after his facts were proven to be misleading. The victim in this podcast is Apple and other companies who have manufacturing operations in China. This issue will be a topic of discussion in Digital Media1 as soon as they return from spring break.

C4K Summary for March

Mogtasid in Mr. McLoughlin's class
March 19, 2012

Mogtasid is a fourth grader in Mr. McLoughlin's class in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. Mogtasid blogged about a birthday celebration for the Eiffel Tower. It was part of a one hundred word challenge. He has posted several of these challenges in previous blogs and is quite colorfully creative with his word painting. I commented that the scene he created of fireworks and cheering people was just as I had seen on the news in 1989 at the tower's 100th birthday celebration. I congratulated him on his wonderful sense of self expression and asked if he had seen the Eiffel Tower in person. He has an interesting accent which can be heard in an 'teamwork' interview with Mr. Loughlin.

Short Movie Project #11

Blog Assignment #8

                                                  



This is How We Dream, Parts 1 and 2

     Dr. Richard Miller, professor of English at Rutgers University, in his 2008 lecture paints a compelling change within the art of communication. The book, as a single print based document is easily doomed to virtual extinction and is not easily shared by a mass audience. Our forms of communication are rapidly changing but to what extent is yet to be fully realized. What was the reference book in the library is now becoming a web based document. Its original format was a print document similar to the book. But it goes a step further when sound and visuals are incorporated. Now this newer form of multimedia communication is shared instantaneously and globally and collaboratively. It can be amended as change occurs making it a living and freely shared document.

     These are the references today's students are exploring and creating. Knowledge is available at a keystroke. The student needs only access it from a computer, tablet, or notebook right at their desk. This very well could signal the end of the typical library and possibly even the dependency on pens and paper. Perhaps I am old fashioned but I see a need for these basic tools to coexist along with emerging technologies.

     With the trained and inspiring teacher's assistance the student's reach is virtually limitless. Learning to use and also create and freely share multimedia is imperative. He touched on a few still developing technologies that will soon be involved in global communication. It is going to take me a while to grasp the concept of digital composing, or using the web itself to gather data.

     Dr. Miller states that he too is struggling with this concept and where it is heading. He points out what is needed in the school system is:

"Inspiring Teachers of New Media Composition, Ubiquitous Composing Technology, Pedagogues that Inspire Collaboration and Creativity, and Spaces that Foster Collaborative Learning."

This was an impressive statement and it sent me on an online search right away. Ubiquitous means: to seem to be everywhere at once. Pedagogues means: the work of the teacher, education. And that is where my classmates and I enter into Dr. Miller's lecture. We must be prepared to inspire and guide our students into these emerging technologies some of which have yet to be created. I can see how the interest in classroom blogging will soon evolve into collaborations of shared global experiences and learning on a daily basis. This first technological step paves the way for more web based involvement and creativity. Professor Miller makes it very clear that the restrictions we face are the ones that we place on ourselves. Today's student is not apprehensive of technology. They have already embraced it for years. The teacher and student can now operate as a creative team where each one has something to give and receive.


Carly Pugh's Blog Assignment #12

    In her blog #12 Miss Pugh is instructed to create an assignment within her area of expertise that is similar to those her instructor, Dr. Strange, has been giving during the semester. She will be writing the instructions and then following them. What Miss Pugh ultimately creates could be delivered at a teacher's convention. I felt like she was speaking directly to me, not simply delivering an assignment. Her tone is witty and her goals are well thought out and clearly presented.

    Her post delivers on several points from Dr. Miller's How We Dream movie. It is a web based document composed from materials found on the web and includes value-added visual and sound clips. Miss Pugh has invested a lot of time during her semester researching and creating a playlist on YouTube what she considered to be the most interesting and relevant videos to share with her students and classmates. She has a definite plan for diversity, creativity, and entertainment through the use of her playlist. According to Dr. Miller's movie, Miss Pugh seems to be the much needed inspiring teacher using new media technologies with a plan to inspire creativity within her classroom.


Thoughts for an EDM310 video

     Two movies made for EDM310, The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies, deliver the not so subtle message that diligence, timeliness and hard work are the key to surviving the EDM310 course. Poor Chipper with her quick fixes, forecasting, and know it all attitude is an interesting character but also tragic. She wastes so much time before finally getting her head on straight. While there is still no tell-all book with all the answers for making EDM310 easier there are plenty of other resources: assistants, classmates, and acquired professionals we have followed on Twitter. So no matter how overloaded I may feel at times I am happy with the fact that I am not going to have to go it alone.

       Imagine a video series made by enthusiastic, eager, freshly self-trained EDM310 students (picture a super hero) that targets established teachers and helps them become a little more technologically literate. The teacher who is not comfortable with her whiteboard is given a few fun pointers and suddenly math and science lessons are not so boring. The teacher with classroom computers but no blogging skills has a few EDM-ites swoop in and set up a class blog and demonstrate how much fun it is to get comments on their work from people from around the world. Yet another classroom is instructed on making a podcast and publishing it to their class blog. Imagine a class being shown how to have a meaningful Skype session with another class in Australia.  Cue- "It's a Small World" music score!

     Once these little seeds of creativity are planted in various classrooms we see morale increasing, technology being implemented, teachers sharing these ideas with other teachers and students interest in technology turned on. EDM310 has now gone past it's own lab and into real classrooms and made a difference...even before we have graduated.

                                    Now what would be a good costume for the EDM-ite hero?

Learn to Change, Change to Learn

     There are times when seemingly good ideas simply do not deliver the desired results. When a concept is tried and deemed unsuccessful then it is time to pack it away and look for a better solution. As stated in this 2008 video by the Pearson Foundation  our classrooms are falling behind on producing graduates that are suited for the real world. Today's employee needs to be collaborative, multi-disciplined, multicultural, a problem solver, highly communicative, skilled at finding information, and creative. An intelligent student and employee is one dimensional and underdeveloped. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and standardized testing have not improved the quality of education nor a more well rounded high school graduate. What has been documented is an increased rate of overall failures with school standards, time-lines and goals.

     Wherever there is a more interesting, creative, communicative world it is there that the most attention and time will be focused. Right now this is not found in the typical classroom. Cell phones are off limits and computers are scarce. I agree with the speaker who stated that change needed to start with the teachers being given the technology to connect with other teachers worldwide for collaborative purposes. Social networking can be as enriching and creative inside the classroom as outside. There is more to be gained by a community than an individual.

     If this video is deemed an 'attack' on the way schools are operated then so be it. The current plan simply has not work in the long run. According to this video there are many organizations and individuals pushing for change and spearheading technology inclusion into the classroom. Where there is change there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.


Scavenger Hunt 2.0

     I began the scavenger hunt by watching the Discovery Education Web 2.0 video on Justin Cometti's blog.  The WEB 20.12 site and tool section was start of the actual hunt.

     First stop: Community Tools to look for a site similar to Twitter and Facebook that will work as a social platform for teachers, student and parents. I chose Edmodo to be my Kingdom's communication site with students and parents. We are now referred to as The Royal Realm. Here they will find classmates pictures, completed projects, homework, and news of The Royal Court. For social networking with other educators around the world I have set up The Aristocracy. Here we can share ideas and swap dragon recipes.

     Second stop: $$. Edmodo is a free social networking site which is quite convenient since so Kingdom's coffers are lacking these days. Edmodo is available in a teacher or student format.

     Third stop: Find a video tool that is new to me. I chose Prezi which can be found in Presentation Tools. A Prezi is a presentation format that is visually dynamic, active, collaborative, easy to use, and best of all it can be FREE. The free Prezi is stored in the pubic domain. For privacy concerns Prezi has a pricing scale.

     Fourth stop: Create a poll at Poll Everywhere which can be found in Mobile Tools. This site is FREE for audiences of 40 or less and has a sliding scale for larger groups. I chose an open-ended poll rather than multiple choice for a larger variety of responses This poll was placed on my Facebook and Twitter sites.

Build television sms voting polls at Poll Everywhere

Project #10

My PLN

     Prior to EDM310 I was for all practical purposes alone in my classes at USA. Granted I have an adviser, wonderful friends, a supportive family, and a patient, helpful boyfriend. But as far as I was concerned it seemed like I was swimming through semesters struggling to get by. I assumed that was the way it was supposed to be and I did the best I could. When I needed to vent there was always Facebook. But still I felt alone. Then by a small miracle I found the Khan Academy online. Sal and his team have created over 3,000 instructional videos on an impressive scale. Biology101 was at that point a breeze. Help and support is there for the finding. After a few weeks in EDM310 I now  know there is so much more support 'out there.'

     What has become apparent over the past several weeks is that I have been unconsciously setting up my PLN or Personal Learning Network through the projects, activities, and assignments of EDM310. Bookmarks on my computer have multiplied quickly and have required reorganization a few times to keep them manageable. I have found interesting, colorful educators on Twitter. I check Tweetdeck several times a day just to see what has happened. And when I reach out I have been acknowledged in record time. And now I have an iPhone. The apps are multiplying and then becoming reorganized into similar cells. I am not alone at all. Granted I am still the one responsible for my education but I definitely do not have to struggle nearly as much.


Symbaloo has a format for organizing a PLN that is interesting and easy to plan and use. One stop shopping, so to speak. On my PLN I am organizing all my interests, even including my banking. I am creating a living document that changes as my needs change. Bookmarks clogging up my computer screen are heading the way of the dinosaur it seems.


I am not alone.
I am becoming a more engaged member of the 21st century.

 Finally.

Blog Post #7

The Networked Student

     Dr. Wendy Drexler posted a video on her Teach Web 2.0 blog that puts the concept of the networked student and the new and expanded role of the teacher into a clear perspective. While the video itself is not high tech and fancy the message is clear. Today's student literally has the world at their fingertips. The amount of information is limitless since it can change on a daily basis. The teacher for this student is not the all-knowing, one dimensional lecturer. Today's teacher wears many more hats than when I was in school.

      Building a solid learning foundation is crucial and depends on many ideas. The networking student still needs advice and guidance through grey areas and around misleading content sites. Separating propaganda from useful information is an important skill to hone. Like the teacher of the 20th century the modern teacher is still needed as a grammar coach. Proper communication skills are a must when one is plugged in and networking around the world. Self taught courses as well as those that do not depend on a traditional classroom lecture format are becoming more predominant and ask a lot of the student. Time management is also a skill to be focused on. As always the teacher is the student's personal cheerleader at the end of the day. There are always large victories to be celebrated and small hurdles that need to be acknowledged.
                                                          
     In a post from her blog dated February 27, 2011, Dr. Drexler recalls an analogy of Kristin Hokanson. She states that the traditional college classroom is similar to a walled garden in that the perspective is predominantly one-sided. In that type of classroom there is the lecturer and audience. By being networked and in communication with other classrooms the content would surely change and quite possible positively impact the quality of the course for all that are included within the network. Other changes were alluded to but left for the reader to ponder.


     Dr. Drexler is also a fellow Geocacher. She and her son have gone on several adventures: hiding and seeking. She has a site devoted to their excursions. I like that idea. My Geocaching pictures are on Facebook. This is exactly the type of highly engaged and outgoing person I need in my PLN!


A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)

     What an amazing production this 7th grader has put together. Her speech alone is most impressive, but add what she has learned through her PLN and I am just speechless. Today's student has the ability to do, create, and simply work with so many new and classroom-friendly tools. Her PLN is so much more efficient than a planner and puts her informational, organizational, and personal interests all in one spot. Simple. Efficient. Effective. Glog?-I have something to investigate.

C4T with Bill Genereux

How Do You Ed Parkour? 

     To even remotely understand Bill Genereux's lastest blog one must do a little research back to a previous blog on February 4th. Who is Ed Parkour? Ed is simply a random name assigned to what seems to be the surname Parkour. In reality "Par-Kour" is a French term meaning to maneuver over and around obstacles quickly and fluidly. Picture extreme running and you will understand the concept.
     Bill throws out the question to todays teachers: "How do you Ed Parkour?" Meaning what are you doing to get around the obstacles within your classroom environment? He believes himself to be a free thinking, agile "Parkour Practitioner." He suggests we ignore other instructors styles and philosophies and go with our own personal strengths. If our own personal style 'works' for us then it will be a success. This reminded me of the phrase,"There is more than one way to skin a cat."
     He tells a story of a 'musical match-game' he used in his college technology course. His students worked together matching terms while music played. When the music stopped the two partners explained to the class what their terms meant when used together. Here is a college technology class with no desks to sit in for that day, music playing instead of a lecture, and the students are actively teaching each other terms and concepts. "Parkour" indeed. The video is amusing because the students do not seem to be comfortable quite yet with this new assignment. I understand their reluctance. And I understand the concept and freedom that Mr. Genereux is setting up.
     As future educators we should be "traceurs" of Ed Parkour. Whatever the issue in our way may be we should aim to rebound and readjust without missing a beat. The trick is to make it look easy and most of all interesting and meaningful for our students.

Combining Science and Art in "Evolution"

     In this installment of TechIntersect Bill posts a stunning animation "Evolution" from the drawing of young school children that comes complete with their voices and a driving musical accompaniment. Art has a place in every lesson plan and can enhance the concepts being taught to further a complete grasp of knowledge. STEM (science, technology, science and math) converts into STEAM once art is incorporated. The animator, Tyler Rhodes, has an interesting blog that describes how the video was created. It was worth the time to read through it. Afterwards I had the distinct feeling that I, too, could possibly create a project, albeit on a small scale, and make a drawing come to life!

     And if that wasn't interesting enough- imagine making your photos a 3-D moving presentation! The program is Adobe AfterEffects (think Photoshop for video) and it is way cool! Bill's example uses his family pictures from a Rocky Mountain vacation. Yet another way to capture attention and add another interesting layer to a classroom project.
Limited school resources should not rob the teacher or student of a creative and innovative pursuit. These two examples are yet another layer to be added into the teacher's arsenal of knowledge ammunition.
     Bill Genereux has a wonderfully creative site. He will be included into my PLN.

Project 9b- Instructional

Blog Assignment #6

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: 
              "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"

     Dr. Pausch delivered his September 18, 2007 lecture,                        "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"
a mere ten months before he passed away. His speech is a 'how to' to achieve personal and professional goals. Spoiler alert: this lecture is not about achieving goals or dreams of any particular kind. His is a lecture on the simple mechanics of how to lead your life. In all honesty it really is very simple to follow his direction. Spoiler alert #2: this talk, while being presented to the academia of Carnegie Mellon University, is not presented for their or our benefit. His is a permanent, personal testament delivered to his three children. Powerful. Dynamic. Amusing. Thoughtful. Instructive. Personal. Dr. Pausch creates a living legacy that blesses everyone who chooses to listen, absorb, and follow his life lessons. He makes a compelling point: achieving goals is not an accidental gain or luck of a draw, but a carefully planned and executed life-plan.


     Dr Pausch explains that sooner or later karma will introduce the 'brick wall.' Overcoming this barrier is not easy and takes drive, determination, dedication, and most of all a plan. For over twenty years I have thought about returning to school. Thinking is not doing, it is dreaming. Last Spring, with a lot of encouragement from family and my best friend Brian, I enrolled at USA. My first quarter was not easy but it was rewarding. Each subsequent semester has yielded more success and moved me closer to my goal of graduating with an Elementary Education degree. I have been given a second chance and I have taken that bull by the horns this time. As a teacher I must sense the 'wall' facing my students and prepare and encourage each one individually to scale it through their own hard work and drive.

It is said that no man is an island and for that reason it is important to find a network that will help out when faced with 'walls' of various kinds. A support network, an advice channel, or a cheering squad can be an invaluable bolster to the psyche. I have found many such people within my social network and at South Alabama. I am surprised at the amount of assistance that can be mined from simply mentioning the need for help. As an elementary teacher I believe it is valuable to develop a rapport with the student so they will feel comfortable confiding their needs. There will always be 'walls' and there will always be a need for assistance somewhere down the line.

     Once advice is requested and received the hard part starts. Feedback alone is useless. It becomes valuable once it is accepted and acted upon. Positive (continue on the same track) and negative (time to rethink, regroup) feedback messages are necessary and a valuable tool for achieving goals. Plan to not only ask for advice but follow up, cherish and act on feedback from a respected source. Two heads are better than one and a good support network can be amazingly beneficial. A teacher is given feedback every minute without even soliciting. Body language of the class speaks volumes. A savvy teacher will know when to change gears and recapture lost attention. Awareness to what excites and motivates an individual or class and the willingness to use novel tactics should ensure an active learning atmosphere with fewer down times. For the teacher and student: when in doubt, ask. I have had many occasions in the past year to ask for feedback and it has made a positive difference in my direction.

     Show gratitude whenever possible. Small displays and grand ones mean so much to the receiver. I have a friend, Deb, who goes out of her way to thank everyone who crosses her path. Her forum is Facebook and it is quite endearing.  Needless to say a lot of people cross her path and no-one is overlooked. If only everyone could execute a well intended show of gratitude whenever possible. What a warm and fuzzy place for example, the classroom, office, home, or grocery store would be.  Thank you, Deborah, for continually showing me how to be appreciative for even the little gems. Thank you, Dr. Pausch, for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.

                                                    
                                                           SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!

Project #8 Podcast