Project 5: Google Presentation

Project 12: Book Trailer

Blog Assignment 3

Peer Editing Video / Peer Editing Slide Show

Peer is someone that is of equal status with another person with one belonging in the same age group, grade level, or status. Editing  is when you prepare something normally a written assignment for presentation or publication. When you combine the two you get that peer editing is when someone of your same status prepares your presentation for publication. There are three steps to completing a peer edit: Compliments, suggestions, and corrections . The main thing is you need to stay positive. Always make sure whatever you say is in the positive light and not negative. Be kind. Act just how you would want to be treated. Just think about how it would feel if someone said horrible things to you about your presentations.  Start your edit with compliments. Tell the author what he or she did well, what you liked, or what proper grammar they used. Then you make suggestions. Be specific. Tell the author directly what you want them to work on and what would make their presentation better. When you make suggestions think about their word choice. Did they use words to grab your attention? Think about did they give good detail about what they were talking about. Was their paper organized and not jumbled up? Can you understand how the presentation fits together? Then check for grammatical errors. But remember to always stay positive that is the main objective.

This video and slide show on peer editing was just a refresher of what proper etiquette is. I never really realized how important staying positive truly is. I know it would be very hurtful to say suggestions in the wrong way. It is so very important to say things in a nice friendly manner. I knew before this video that peer editing was about checking for grammatical errors but i skipped over the fact to leave compliments. It gave me a new perspective on how to write to my peers.

Writing Peer Review Top Ten Mistakes


A little girl is the newscaster and she gives some examples of how not to be when you peer edit. The first one is Picky Patty who is too picky when it comes to her editing. She says, "You have too many ands". Then there is Whatever William who just does not care. He shrugs his shoulders and just sighs. Social Sammy is the one that is in every-bodies business instead of doing his own work. Jean the Generalizer does not give you details about what you did wrong or right. She says, "Um, you didn't add a period." "Where?" "Everywhere." Mean Margret is rude to you and says awful things. She is the one that calls you mean names and degrades you. Loud Larry is the one that does not know what his library voice his. Pushy Paula likes to push her ideas on you until you have no choice but to cave in. She will push her view even if she is wrong. Off-Task Oliver does not know how to keep on track. He likes to veer off topic and talk about other things then the editing. Speedy Sandy tries to get the end of the project as fast as possible without spending much time on one thing for very long. Defensive Dave takes everything too personal. He thinks whatever you say is a personal attack against him. So these are the examples of what NOT do when you peer edit.


Technology in Special Education

This  video gives you a small idea about how technology has helped special education students. Lacey Cook talks about how technology has helped her students in the classroom. She believes that it is a major factor in facilitating classroom participation. She has used technology to send assignments through email, powerpoint presentations, and set up a website for the students to access. The video gives examples about how difficult their lives were without technology and how much technology helped change their lives. Corbin used to need an aid to read aloud to him. Now he can use an ipod and have it read to him. Kris is handiable and before technology he would use a laminated piece of paper with the alphabet on it to communicate with everyone. Now with technology he can use a computer to talk for him. One student has trouble seeing small print and with technology his computer enlarges the print so that he can read it. His computer has helped him do assignments quicker as well. Lacey Cook has made technology a main objective in her classroom. She believes it helps build relationships and communications that were not in place before technology. She feels like it also helps her students stay focused and that they learn more then when just using textbooks.

I am still uncertain about using technology in the classroom. I still feel that books can provide imagination, something that television and the internet does not provide. I feel like technology can help in many ways. It can help a student talk or read. I do feel that technology is only beneficial if you are doing things like projects. I don't feel like sitting a child in front of a television or computer is going to do them any good. I love how Corbin was able to use an ipod to help him read. I find that fascinating how technology can do so much. I think technology should definitely be in the classroom to assist handiable students. The technology can be used to assist students that cannot talk by speaking for them, students that have trouble seeing by speaking aloud what the messages say and what the pictures are, and so many other ways. I think technology will be nothing but beneficial for special needs children.

Apple Education Apps

I recently looked at the Apple Apps to see which would be good for special education. I found that i liked the App FirstWords: Feelings. I feel that learning about feelings is such an important thing. I try and teach my daughter so much about how she is feeling so that she understands what is okay and what is not. I think it is important for the students to know and learn to express their feelings in healthy way. I know that a lot of students that come into my classroom will not know how to express or understand their feelings. I think this app will be a great icebreaker to get them used to what they are feeling.

.Gary Hayes Social Media Count

Gary Hayes created a counter that counts per second in four different categories: social, mobile, games, and heritage. It describes medians from facebook to twitter to movies to music.He put together this flash player to show exactly how active and dynamic the world is.

 I found it interesting the number of people that went to an orchestra verses how many music downloads their are. It makes me feel like the world is losing touch with its' culture. I find it saddening that people don't go to orchestras or symphonies.  I like the fact that there are still more physical books being sold versus ebooks. It shows to me that at least people are holding on to some part of the "older times".

I have many mixed emotions and ideas about the counter.The media makes me think that it is very likely that the classroom setting will very likely become more online friendly. It is still hard to believe that one day the classrooms will be fully integrated with technology but with these statistics it shows that it is still more likely.

Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today

To say I have been challenged as a future teacher is an understatement. My mind has been blown away by this video. This video is empowered by students at Kansas State University and the video was created by Michael Wesch and his anthropology class. 200 students collaborated online and made 367 edits to bring to you the findings in this video. The results were shocking. What will students say when asked directly, "what are you thinking?". They answer the idea of what are students today. I am in a massive class but only some of my teacher even know my name. I buy the textbooks required of me but I do not even open them. I barely do half of the readings given to me and only some are relevant to my life. "I will read 8 books this year. 2,300 web pages. 1,281 facebook profiles." I will write a small amount of paper for your class but i will more then quadruple that amount in the emails I will create. The average students breaks up their time by  doing "7 hours of sleep, 1.5 hours watching T.V., 3.5 hours online, 2.5 hours listening to music, 2 hours on my cellphone, 3 hours in class, 2 hours eating, working 2 hours, and 3 hours studying" which totals to "26.5 hours a day." I will be in major debt when I graduate but there are those that are less fortunate then me that barely make ends meet. Standardize tests don't get me to the job in the future and won't help me deal with the problems I face day to day. "Some have suggested that technology can save us.... I facebook through most of my classes. I bring my laptop to class but i'm not working on class stuff." This video shows where me as a student stands as a number against every other student.

As a future teacher this video changed so much for me. It went along with some of my feelings I already had and changed some of my feelings that I didn't. My belief that technology is well attended but not always the best was justified by this video. Given their own free will most of the students chose to do other things during class via their technology. Though I do feel like the students are crying out for their classes to be more alive. This breath of life comes from technology. So it really is which is the lesser of two evils. As a student I feel their pain. I have been a number in the system not a name. As an elementary school teacher I feel like I can bring so much more to the table and awaken these young minds. If I were to be a professor I would be lost in the storm. I know that I can provide life skills and memorable lessons to the table. I know I can make a difference. The issues though comes from when technology takes over, consumes you. I feel as though too much technology is just as evil as no technology. I feel that left alone and unguided it can and will pose an issue in the classroom. If students are left unguided with their computers and cellphones then they use them however they see fit. Which more and likely means facebook usage. I feel like this video brought to  my attention how the students feel. I am really grateful it was a requirement for my class.

7 Golden Rules of Using Technology

7 Golden Rules of Using Technology

I ran across this interesting article that states 7 golden rules of using technology.  One idea is do not hide technology is some far away room. When I was in school computers were in a room called the Lab. We only visited around once a  week or less. It took a lot of work for the teacher to get the room.  The teacher did not know much about them and were very little help when it came to the projects we had to do. We would type up papers or create something on paint. Even through out high school we were rarely ever allowed near a computer. I had one exception which was when I was on the school newspaper. There we had tablet PCs and used the internet for ideas and research. We didn't learn nearly as much as I am learning in my technology class at the University of South Alabama. Technology needs to be integrated into the classroom in some way or another.You have to remember most students already have access to technology. Another idea is instead of hiding cell phones away allow the students to use them. Most students have smartphones that can create apps or pull up Google. This can help where classrooms are lacking with computers and such. The one classroom that I have been in doing my field experience only had four computers but they did have a smartboard. The teacher really only used the smartboard for a projector and  used it once to play a game the whole three months I was there. Without guidance teachers are useless against technology. Once they are shown ideas they will be able to integrate it into their classrooms. They just need the lessons so they can learn.  Most schools block sites because they fear the unknown. If administrators took the time to grasp the concepts of technology then the classroom can change everything it does.  Projects on the computer can replace tests then students can be judged many different ways verses one solid way.  We have to remember that technology is not a fad it is here to stay. We have to be able to adapt to it and allow ourselves to learn its' full abilities.

Blog Assignment 2

Did you know?

Dr. Strange created a video entitled Did you know? It gives statistics and quotes about the united states population. The first statistic states how India has more k-12 honors students then the United States has students. Then we move on to a prediction stating that by 2025 there will be more Chinese-English speaking people then all of the native English speakers in the Untied States (Gerdon Brown, UK finance minister 2005).

In one minute on YouTube 1,097,220 videos are being watched, on Google 1,393,519 searches are going off, and 11,453, 577 SMS messages are being sent. In theory you are not alone when you search, when you watch, or when you text. In one minute a ton of things are going on at once. No matter what you do you are never alone. Someone somewhere has been there too or done that right along with you.

Two years ago according to the Kaiser Family Fund 93% of 8-18 year olds had computers with 89% African American and 92% Hispanic. Two years ago 85% of 15-18 year olds had cell phones. Just imagine what those numbers would be today.

It is hard to imagine that any country would have higher number of honor students let alone more of their population being honor students then all of our students put together. I have some doubt believing that so many students have computers in their homes. I know of  many students that do not have computers but they may very well be the 7%. I find it scary to know that so many videos are being watched every minute. It scares me because i am a shy person and it terrifies me to know that someone will be seeing my videos that i will be posting later in the semester.


Mr. Winkle Wakes

Mr. Winkle Wakes is about an older man that wakes from a hundred year slumber. He wakes up to a new world full of machines and gadgets he has never seen before. He frightened and overwhelmed by this new world.  He first finds himself inside a huge skyscraper where new machines are everywhere and people are busy doing work on these machines. People are able to talk to other people on opposite sides of the world. He starts feeling sick and ends up in a hospital. There he finds people staying alive by machines. There are things called lasers and x-rays. He becomes even sicker and runs out into the street. He wonders until he finds a school.  At the school he finds only one machine that is dusty and hidden away in the back of the classroom.The teacher is lecturing and the students take notes.  He finds comfort in knowing that after a 100 years the schools have not changed.

I don't feel like this holds much truth. When I am in a classroom I see computers and a smartboard. I don't just see the teacher up at the front of the classroom solely lecturing. Although if you are in a college campus then you will see the teacher lecturing and students taking notes.  I though as a teacher will involve the students more in activities instead of just lecturing. I have recently came across the idea of student lead curriculum for the math and science subjects. I find this concept at first hard to understand but with farther explanation i find it easier to grasp and even more believable to accomplish. In student lead curriculum you basically ask them questions and guide them along to grasp a concept rather then just lecture. I feel that it is going to be harder for the younger students.

                                                                                Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity

       "Creativity is as important as literacy" Sir Ken Robinson talks about the importance of creativity "original ideas that have value".  He feels that creativity should be treated with the same importance as the core subjects. Young students show little fear to doing anything wrong, usually they wing it. By the time you become an adult you live in fear of making mistakes. You are "educated" out of creativity. Everywhere across the world holds the same hierarchy: mathematics and language are at the top of the bar and then the middle subjects such as history and science with the lowest point being the arts. Everywhere students are taught the things that will be most useful for work. Your favorite things being frowned upon. You are constantly being told do not do that because you will never get a job doing that. People that are creative do not feel as though they are such because that is how they are taught.

In my heart creativity is key in the classroom. As a teacher i am going to try my best to allow times where the students can show off their talents. I want to acknowledge that not every students heart's lie in the core subjects. They should have time to dance, draw, and sing. I realize that every student learns differently and has certain subjects that they flourish in and certain subjects where they lack confidence. As a teacher it is my job to help the students where they lack confidence and help put in place building blocks to help them throughout life.

A Vision for 21st Century Learners

The main argument is the repeating trend of students passively learning. It tells you of how we need to prepare the students for the 21st century. We need to start using technology further in the classroom.  Most students have been on a computer by the time they hit kindergarten. Yet students are still being taught through textbooks and being lectured. If we show the students further in technology then the teacher becomes more of a mentor and the student become more like teachers.

I find a hard time including some forms of technology in the classroom. I find technology rather intimidating and at times difficult to use. I am rather blind when it comes to technology I feel as though technology only helps in some ways but would be rather difficult to use as a whole. I feel as though the world is too connected to technology and would be better if it became a little unplugged. I don't allow my daughter to watch television. I feel as though reading is more beneficial and helpful. I feel like technology can at times be a hindrance. I feel like you have to pick and chose what and when you use any form of technology.

Vicki Davis:Harness you Students' Digital Smarts

This video shares the idea that every student has the ability to learn. The problem comes into place when you use only one form of teaching. As a teacher you need to broaden your teaching tool box and provide an assortment of teaching styles. One way to hit home with the students is by providing the use of technology in the classroom.  She has the suggestion to provide new terminology and not define it for the students. Instead have them look up the word via Google. That you should be teaching to make any type of technology comfortable with the students. She has the idea that as a teacher you don't need to know everything in order to teach it. You learn right along with the students. They feel empowerment when they figure something out on their own. Vicki Davis created two environments Digiteen an environment for students all across the world to collaborate together and  Flat Classroom Project a project designed to expand the idea of the typical classroom setting.

I feel as though the amount of technology used in the classroom depends on the grade level. The video shows high school students using in my opinion pretty advanced skills. They are creating a terraform which is basically a digital world. I don't feel this is appropriate for elementary students. In the classroom i did my field experience and my classroom only had four computers. So that in itself makes it difficult to use as a main source of teaching. I feel like as time grows then more and more computers will be placed in the classroom and new teaching styles will be put in place. For as it stands right now that will be difficult for many classrooms.
                 

Suicide

I have recently came across a discussion on facebook from one of my near and dear friends about suicide. I believe as a friend, a spouse, a parent, and even a teacher you need to be on the look out for symptoms.  Symptoms of suicide. Is a link that provides a checklist of symptoms that are warning signs for suicide. If you or anyone you know has ANY of the symptoms on the checklist you need to seek help. International Suicide Prevention Wiki offers tons of places to go for help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. One call can make a world of difference. Never be afraid to ask for help, you are not a burden you are our loved ones and no matter what you may think someone somewhere cares deeply and truly for you. You are never alone. The statistics show exactly how serious this truly is. Don't be afraid to stand up if you feel someone is in danger of hurting themselves. You speaking out could save a life.

Blog Assignment 1

I just watched the youtube video of Randy Pausch on Time Management
His video is on planning, goals, and to do lists. He says it is very important to plan that "failing to plan is planning to fail" -unknown. He mentions that you can always change your plans you just have to have them in place. Being afraid of change will get you no where, you need to plan things out. Plan out your day, your weeks, your months, and etc. When you think about doing something (goals) you also need to think of why am i doing this. It is very crucial to ask why so you get an understanding of what you are about to do. It is important to do the right things verses doing the wrong things in a right way. "Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." Experiences come to those that are patient enough to wait on time.  With to do lists you need to break down the pieces into small forms. Do the thing you dread doing first. These are all tips from his youtube video. I think all of the tips he provided are smart and accurate. I create to do lists regularly but I always leave the worst thing still on my list and neglect it. I fail to make plans because I am scared things are just going to fall through. I got some good information from this video and I found it insightful.

When, Where, and Why

                  My name is Ash. I currently live in Semmes, Alabama. I was born in Kansas and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I have  moved throughout Alabama with Grand Bay being the longest place i have lived. I went to school at W.P. Davidson and Alma Bryant High School. I have a wonderful husband that is super supportive in everything i do. He has been there for me at my worst and best times. He is such an amazing soul that is so very kind and gentle. He gives his heart out to those in need. We have a beautiful baby girl named Leyna Anne. She is 18 months old. She is the love of my life and the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me. She is crazy and goofy. She can laugh at the silliest things and just make you day turn bright. I love to write, read, scrapbook, and do arts and crafts. I love being creative and i feel as though that is a wonderful trait i am going to bring into the classroom. I am highly passionate about animals. I used to foster with the Animal Rescue Foundation here in Mobile.I stopped fostering after i had my daughter and i am waiting for my daughter to be a little bit older to where she understands we cannot keep the babies. I worked at Petsmart for two years as a bather and Customer Representative .If anyone ever has any questions about dogs please feel free to ask it. I love helping pet owners with all sorts of questions.

                   I decided to be a teacher when i was in third grade in Mrs. Edgars class at Memorial Park Elementary School in Jasper, Alabama. She is an amazing women that went above and beyond to help me in my subjects. She worked very hard to get me a mentor to help me with my subjects and provide me with an appropriate role model. Then in fifth grade i did safety patrol at Alba Elementary School in Bayou La Batre where i watched kindergartners. I helped them in the classroom and watched them after school while they waited on their bus. In high school at Alma Bryant i was a part of the Big Brother Big Sister program. I just fell in love with helping children. I want to watch them grow and have fun. I want to be able to make a difference in their lives just like that teacher made a difference in mine.  I want to be able to instill good moral values and provide them with a safety net.