Final Project: Progress Report

My group has chosen to do Option C: Either as an individual or a 2 or 3 person person group, create a video of 1-2 minutes that can be used as a part of the fund raising effort surrounding the University of South Alabama’s 50th anniversary. We have already developed our theme of focus and started working on the project. Since our project requires us to take pictures, we have already taken a few pictures. Also, we have planned out dates that our video will be edited.

C4K Summary for November

Peyton is a student in Mr. Boylen's class in the 8th grade. In his post, "Miracle's Boys," Peyton offers a complete review of the book. He gives a short summary without revealing the ending. In addition, he recommends it to someone who wants a soft read. In my comment, I complimented him for giving such a great review. His review excited me to want to read the story.

Hanna is a student in Mr. Cometti's World History class at Robertsdale High. I her post, Hanna discussed internet safety and summarized what she learned from class and the library about blogging. She says that there are several rules to stay safe. Some include to not put any personal information (last name, phone number, etc.), to not put any personal pictures, to avoid using sarcasm, and to avoid posting hurtful comments. In my comment, I explained that it was great to follow these rule to stay safe. However, it is okay to to include somewhat of a biography so people know something about the blogger and the context of the blog post. It is also okay to include an email address so people can communicate with you and get across ideas and questions.

Ms. Nelson, who teaches the 4th grade at East Elementary in Daphne, posted "Poarch Creek Indian Visit". In this post, she has written that Ms. Dietra from the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation came to speak to their fourth graders. In my reply, I said that it must have been exciting to gain a first-hand experience of a Native American, rather than just reading and looking at their pictures in a textbook. I wish I was able to get such an experience.

C4T Summary for December

Mr. Bernia is the Oakview Middle School principal. In his post "Smarter Balanced Assessments, change for the better?," Mr. Bernia makes a list of the key skills that students need to succeed on assessments (make inferences, critical thinking, write, stay focused, and many others) and what educators need to do in order for their students to receive a better education (use technology, provide real world examples, teach note-taking, and many others). In my comment, I wrote how important it is for students to get their hands on technology because of the wide range of tools available on the Internet. I also agreed that it is important that students break tasks and concepts down. Last, I mentioned how educators need to move away from multiple-choice testing to assessments that require more thinking based on the knowledge acquired from technology and the pieces of each concept.

In his post "#EdcampOU, what a way to spend a Saturday," Mr. Bernia discusses the conference held at Oakland University called "EdcampOU". He said that he learned a lot about technology tools and structures but the most important takeaway for him was philosophical  He says that events like edcamps are examples that "there really is better way when it comes to learning for educators". He states that at these meetings "strong learning happens". Mr. Bernia ends by saying that educators walked away with practical tools and networks to keep learning. In response, I said that it is great that he had the opportunity to be in such a positive environment where everyone was working for the one motive of improving education. I think the most important part is to create networks. This enables educators to learn from each other and share tools that they have found valuable.

Blog Assignment 12

Dr. Strange has given us an opportunity to create a assignment for a blog post in our area of specialty. I am double majoring in Secondary General Science Education and Biology. I have always been curious about what other biology teachers are doing with their high school teachers to enhance learning because science is very complex and requires experimentation. I came upon Mr. Paul Anderson on YouTube when trying to find some lectures to use as a study tool for some of my biology classes. After some investigation, I found that Mr. Anderson is an AP Biology teacher who has been teaching at Bozeman High School for 18 years. His passion for teaching science can be reflected by how he uses technology, game mechanics, and the flipped classroom to create engagement. I have learned a lot from him, in terms of teaching strategies and science itself. I am very thankful to him.

Even though this assignment may seem short, I feel like it has given me so much. So, here is my assignment:

Mr. Paul Anderson is a high school AP Biology teacher. (Look around his blog. You may find some helpful tips and tools.) After watching the Blended Learning Cycle, summarize the strategy that Mr. Anderson uses, and explain how you feel about his strategy. Send Mr. Anderson a thank you tweet (@paulandersen). Include #edm310 in the tweet so I will see it.

Mr. Anderson says blended learning is "taking the compelling parts of online, mobile, and classroom learning and blending them together". The learning cycle, which follows the process to engage, explore, explain, and expand, is a great way to evaluate and learn science. When you intermix blended learning and the learning cycle you achieve the blended learning cycle.

The steps of the blended learning cycle are as follows:

1. Question: presenting a phenomenon that instigates curiosity and grabs attention

2. Investigation/Inquiry: using experimentation and investigations by hands-on activities

3. Video: using video podcast for teaching instead of classroom lectures

4. Elaboration: reading and solving problems to better understand concepts

5. Review: meeting individually or in small groups to find out the progress and understanding of students, who are not allowed to move on to the next step (the summary quiz) without understanding the material

6. Summary Quiz: testing students about what they learned

I believe that Mr. Anderson utilizes a great method for teaching science. His process enables students to be able to understand what science is and explain phenomenon, which is the motive of a scientist. I can't see a better way to implement technology and promote independent learning. By using the blended learning cycle, a teacher can feel more involved and get more time to reach each student individually. The technology-based learning atmosphere also provokes student attention. I can't wait to implement some version of this strategy!

Blog Assignment 11

Ms. Cassidy teaches the first grade in Canada. She strongly believes that it is important to integrate technology into a child's education. Educators are handicapping students when technology is not used. Her video showcases her students using technology. They blog, skype, use Nintendo DSs, use wiki, and use videos to share and collaborate.

One approach that I will most certainly use in my classroom is blogging. As Ms. Cassidy notes, blogs provide a great way to post assignments, changes, announcements, and information. The best part about blogging is that students will enjoy it. It is a fun way to share ideas and also learn a lot. Ms. Cassidy points out that kids are more encouraged to write to an audience rather than to their teacher. I think students will put in more effort if they know that there is an audience. Another benefit is that it can get the quieter students to speak. One problem that I see is with older students considering writing on their blogs "busy work" instead of a learning process. Any solutions? Honestly, I have yet to come up with how to address that issue. As teachers, we are motivated to teach, especially in our subject-area. However, that might not be the case for all students.

I would also consider using Skype for connectivity. My students can connect with other students, teachers, and experts. Ms. Cassidy used Skype in her classroom (as shown in the video) to communicate with a geologist for her students to learn more about rocks and to gain knowledge from a specialist in the field. I would apply a similar technique in my classroom. Students can gain a very different perspective on a topic or concept. 

C4T Summary for November

Mr. Smith is a superintendent in Tuscola, Illinois. In his blog post, "Tweeting and Texting", he says that technology is great, but students are often too young or immature to handle it. Since technology is making the world smaller, it brings caution to the parents. Mr. Smith encourages parents to check their kids' twitter accounts and cell phone texts. He even says to follow their facebook and twitter accounts. He says that if they get mad or defensive, then they are onto something. In my reply, I agreed that kids can sometimes be immature or young to handle technology. Despite this, if used positively, social networking can provide a great outlet for education. The diffusion of ideas and creativity can be a great thing. If technology is integrated into education, students will attain a range of skills that will make them better prepared for the jobs that will hold in the future, such as working in teams and problem-solving. I asked him what his thoughts were on this.

In his post, "Searching for Sanity? Turn Off Your Technology," Mr. Smith states that technology is great, but it can also be suffocating. He says that with technology you can be at work for 24 hours because of access to e-mail and social networking. He advocates both a push to use technology and a put not to use technology for administrators. He advises to take some time "off the radar". I agreed that technology can be suffocating at times. There are times when I just want to close my laptop lid because of staring at it all day and instead spend time with my family. As soon as I open my laptop, I am reminded of the tasks still awaiting me. I believe that the potential that technology has is great but I hope it doesn't take the peace from a person. Some time without it is a great stress reliever!

Special Blog Assignment

A World Where Grades Will be Left Behind
By: Mary Beth Marklein, USA TODAY

Sebastian Thrun, a Google vice president and Stanford research professor, has started up his version of learning, which is completely free, available to anyone, and fun. Udacity offers free online courses taught by the top professors of the world. As the article notes, Udacity is not the only revolutionized change in education. Many teachers have adopted the concept of a "flipped classroom," in which videos are watched at night and homework is done in the classroom by students. Charter schools in Chicago and New York City have centered their curriculum around game-playing. Thrun says that technology is giving the opportunity to educators to "personalize education and scale it up". In 30 years, he thinks that classes will include challenging exercises and quizzes directed to gain mastery of a skill or concept. There will be no limits in the number of students in a class. Furthermore, he says that grades will no longer exist and students will be given enough time to master a skill. He believes that "the Internet will democratize education".

I believe that online, free courses are a great way for providing access to education to those who do not receive it or to those that want to learn something out of his or her field. It is also great for those who are struggling. On the flip side, not being able to go to a classroom is a clear loss of learning many skills. Students may not be able to master skills such as time management, being on time, group work (person to person interaction), responsibility, respect, etc. Schools provide a ground in which students can learn such things. In 30 years, I believe that classrooms should still remain. However, in these classrooms, teachers should function as mentors, encouragers, advisors, and motivators. Students, rather than the teacher, should push the instruction forward. The Internet should unquestionably serve as a medium of learning. The article points out that failure is not an option. But, sometimes failure is a good thing. It teaches you what to avoid and how to avoid it. Moreover, it teaches you how to achieve success. 

Blog Assignment 10

I'm a Papermate. I'm a Ticonderoga.

This is a cartoon by John T. Spencer. The Papermate represents a PC, which is less costly and has several issues compared to the Mac. In contrast, the Ticonderoga represents a Mac, which is more costly but is more efficient, in terms of issues. I own a PC because a Mac is too expensive. Luckily, I have gotten to see several advantages of the Mac due to EDM310.

Why Were Your Kids Playing Games?

This is a post by Mr. Spencer based on a conversation between the principal and Mr. Johnson (his characters). The principal asks Mr. Johnson why his class was playing games. Mr. Johnson argues that they were not playing a game, but rather engaging in an advanced simulation. The principal tells him that he needs to focus on rote memorization skills with his class.

I still cannot believe that in this time and age we are still engaging students in pure memorization. When are our educators going to realize that it just does not work. I'm probably more harsh right now because of my frustration from pure sitting at my desk and studying for my nine chapter genetics test. I really want to learn this material. But why do I have to learn it like this? Isn't it unfair to a student who wants to learn to have to sit and memorize instead?

Your Smart Chart won't Make my Students any Smarter

In this post, Mr. Spencer highlights some very important points about this type of technology. He says that they are merely flip charts in front of a projector. They are teacher-centered and still based on the lecture-format. How will they make students smarter? He says, "The technology will drive the instruction rather than the theory driving the implementation of technology..." Teacher-centered tools will not help with student learning. I agree with Mr. Spencer. This technology can be a great tool, but the focus has to be lifted from the teacher to the students. It definitely cannot be said that the use of "Smart Charts" is a revolutionary change, just as Mr. Spencer notes. Changes are still pending before we see this change.


Don't Teach Your Kids this Stuff. Please?

Mr. Scott McLeod is currently the Director of Innovation for Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency 8 in Iowa. Also, he is serving as an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He is the Founding Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education. Mr. McLeod's blog post is oriented towards parents, teachers, administrators, and board members. In this post, he outlines the methods of technological connectivity. He uses the convincing method of sarcasm to point out that his kids are going to be ahead of everyone in a decade or two because he is using all of these methods. Mr. McLeod addresses the issue of blocking technology and its connectivity from students. Blocking it does not solve the problems. I want to emphasize how important it is for teachers to educate how to use technology. Isn't it easier to teach students to use it for the right reasons rather than watching over them all the time? I think students will be more prone to use it positively if they are taught to use it like that. One thing's for sure, technology will make them more fit and adapted for their futures.

C4K Summary for October

Reilly Thompson is a student in the 4th grade at Union Pleasant Elementary in Hamburg, NY. Reilly posted a descriptive, suspenseful story called "Flying on Wheels" about a bike ride he had with his friend Abby at a campground in New York. I thought the story was amazing. Read it for yourself! In my comments I included how great of a writer he is and how I would enjoy more of his stories. I believe he is naturally good at writing.


Olivia is a high school student taking a history course called Age of Exploration. In her post, she discusses her first impressions of the course. She had initially signed up for the course because she had heard that it was project based. Now, the course has exceeded her expectations. She is surprised by the teaching method and that she is actually enjoying a history class. Her earlier history classes were boring and tedious, filled with essays, test, and lots of memorization. In contrast, this class is laid-back and lets her work at her own pace. Not only that, it is fun! Olivia says that it has given her a way to show her creativity. She likes the fact that her open-ended assignments have given her and her classmates opportunities to show their skills and apply different ideas. Last, Olivia discusses the great student-teacher cooperation she has in her class. She says, "...giving us the task of being responsible for our learning will help us grow and mature as learners...". In my comment, I discussed how similar EDM 310 is to her class. I also agreed that being responsible for our own learning will help us grow and mature as learners. I wrote about my history courses in high school. It all came down to pure memorization in order to prepare for essay-test and other exams. I wish my class would have been more like hers. By doing projects, you can incorporate so much creativity and a variety of ideas. It is such a great way of learning! I was amazed at the fact that her post hits so many issues that a student, including myself, has with the classical way of teaching, such as stress and late-night homework.

Dylan is a 3rd grade student in Gulf Shores. In his post "The Characters of Rows and Piles of Coins", he describes the characters of the story: Saruni (the boy), Yeyo (Saruni's mother), and Murete (Saruni's father). In my reply, I complimented Dylan for such a great description. I asked him to post a summary of the story because his descriptions made me very curious about what happens next. Also, I offered Dylan a tip. I said that by using the spell-check option, he can check his spelling and learn new words. I use spell-check myself!

Anika is a student in elementary school that lives in Alberta. On October 19, 2012, she posted a slideshow:

Make your own slideshow with music at Animoto.
In my comment I wrote that I really liked her slideshow and music. I asked her which place these pictures were representing. I told her that I have been to Ontario several times, but never Alberto.

On Dr. Vitulli and Santoli's blog, I read a post by Dr. Vitulli called Dublin Bound, which was posted on October 24, before flying off to Ireland. In her short post, she says that it is time to turn off her cell phone, which will remained off throughout her trip. In addition, she says, "Listening to the Irish accents on the plane is already music to my ears." I replied by saying that it was good to be able to temporarily put away the phone and be able to tune into another world. I hoped that she had a great trip.

Project #11: A Short Green Screen Video