My EDM 310 Blog Assignments Are Now Complete!!!!

Classmates,
Although I did not get to know many of you, all I can think to say is WE MADE IT!!! Many started with us, but we are the true WINNERS because we completed this course!! So, Good Luck and Best Wishes in the Future!

What I Have Learned in EDM 310

In EDM310, I have learned a mass amount of things about technology through Google. Even though I was not expecting to use this program, I have a new respect for Google. My favorite thing I learned was Picasa and the way you can create things free while in the comfort of your own home. The spreadsheets were a job at times, but they weren't the roughest ever. The website at times made me scream, but once I understood after getting instructions time and time again, I understood the main idea. Also, I enjoyed the PowerPoint Presentations and getting to know my classmates a little bit better through pictures of their family and friends. I know I will use the information in this class in the future.

Best Blog of 2007

I believe the best blog that was nominated was Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs. This site has many resourceful activities and links for parents and teachers. Not only does this blog provide useful information, it takes learning to another level of understanding. Also, there is a post about the Donors Choose Challenge, which provides students with essential resources public schools many times lack. Here is a link to the blog Learners with Special Needs

iTunes University

The development of iTunes University was a great idea. It can be used as an essential tool for communication for teachers and students. Lectures and other pertinent information can be transmitted through iTunes. Classrooms today are using and finding that iTunes University is a great success.
I believe that iTunes will be useful to me as a teacher and student. Students can not only use this device for entertainment purposes, but also for effective teaching and learning. iTunes does not confine the student to the classroom, or college campus it is accessible anywhere. iTunes is the best way of teacher student communication for the new age student. Check out the site: iTunesU

Picture #3 from Picasa

A snapshot of my mother and I at the Oridinal Dragon's Ball.

iPods in the Classroom

At Duke University, iPods seem to be an extension to student's bodies much like cellular phones. In selected courses students are given an iPod for educational purposes. Students are able to record lectures, take oral notes, and have language-training recordings. The faculty reported there was a greater interest in lectures,field research, and independent research projects with the iPods being provided for students.
I believe that iPods will be an essential tool in my classroom. They will make learning fun and more interesting for the students. Not only will the students be able to capture academics on the iPod, but also music and videos they enjoy in their spare time. The most impressive and necessary tool I believe is the oral note taking. This feature will create a review of the daily lessons for students, and they can listen to it while they are doing chores, or even riding the bus.

Picasa on the Same Post

A pose before the Black and White Ball.









My friend Roland and I.

Picture #2 from Picasa

My cake from the Original Dragon's Ball '07.

Picture #1 from Picasa

Demetria, Latangula, and I at the Black and White Ball.

Disney Snap Shots

Magic Kingdom at night.

Beauty of Beauty and the Beast.

Cultural Revolution Article

I have indeed changed my thoughts about the previous article. With the facts stated in the article, "A Cultural Revolution: From Books to Silver Discs," I have now realized that books and other paper made resources will soon phase out. Today's society is more technologically advanced than in previous times. Having things on disks makes learning easier, fun, and more reliable in the educational aspect. The article really gives you food for thought about where we are going in future centuries.

My Picture Changed to Sepia Tone in Picasa

 

My Picture Changed to Black and White in Picasa

 

Seymour Papert

During the sixties, Seymour Papert spoke about children using computers for learning and creativity. Although many people laughed, his lab was the first a child had the opportunity to write and make graphics. He is said to be an expert on technology embracing learning. Aside from being a mathematician and computer scientist, Papert serves as an educator.
Today, Papert works with the MIT Media Lab, where the future is not imagined, but lived. In its third decade of operation, the lab is now focusing on "human adaptability." These are things concerning Alzheimer's Disease, depression, and robots which are able to monitor the health care of the elderly and children. Although, Seymour Paper is a professor emeritus his name resides on the faculty list. Currently, I believe Mr. Papert is thinking of innovative ways to continue to promote technology in the lives of children. Wesite link: Seymour Papert

Newspaper Article

In reference to the article, I really do not agree with the author. Paper is and continues to be the key element in many things in the educational and societal arenas. I am not a very avid newspaper or magazine reader myself, but I do believe it is better to read the actual printed document instead of any other way. Personally, I am both a reader and listener. It is important to expose students to the reading and listening elements to help prepare for standardized testing. As a future educator, it is my duty and privilege to help further children's education. So, if it takes reading on tape or reading aloud to promote literacy, I am up for the challenge.

International Blogs #2

On Mr. Hide's Class Blog at Colegio Jorge Washington School in Columbia, he provides the students with a variety of posts and activities. Also, he provides links to previous class blogs and and online dictionary. To reinforce curriculum at home, there is a link for practice quizzes. Mr. Hide provides the students with a link to their blogs from his blog. The site has many useful resources for each student and parent.Here is a link to the site Mr. Hide's Class

International Blogs #1

On the Talimi Haq School Blog in India, the students learned differently than many United States Schools. The students ranged from ages 3-12. On the blog, each student had a short biography and a post following. The teachers were trained volunteers from the community. Talimi Haq promotes service and academics to all students. Here is a link to the school TalimiHaq

Classrooms in the United States Using Blogs #2

At Branford High School in Branford, CT, Mr. Miller's tenth grade English students are quite familiar with blogging. At the top of the class blog there is a very powerful statement about the class blog which says, "We read, We think, We discuss... We post." Mr. Miller utilizes his classroom blog for classwork, homework, and other assignments . Also, there are other useful resources on the blog which encourage learning. The post with the vocabulary assignment will defiantly be used in my classroom. Here is a link to Mr. Miller's Class: BHS Miller's English 10

Classrooms in the United States Using Blogs #1

In Mrs. Myrmel's classroom at Bauer Elementary in Hudsonville, Michigan blogs are a very essential tool. During this week, Mrs. Myrmel has posted activities her class has done such as: A Fury Visitor, Learning to Read Nonfiction, Chrysalis Changes, Science experiments, Butterflies to Mexico, and Chocolate Math. There are also links to students submissions, which is incorporating technology in the classroom. Also, there is a calendar of special events located on the blog. Mrs. Myrmel also provided web links to games and music conducive to the educational process. Here is the link to Mrs. Myrmel's class: Mrs.Myrmel's Class

Picture of Littleton High School

Adding Links and Pictures

First we will review the methods for creating a link. Our link will be to The Fischbowl , a blog for technology training used at Arapahoe High School in Littleto, CO.

ACCESS

Access stands for Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators,and Students Statewide. According to the website, ACCESS provides equal access to high quality instruction, quality learning opportunities, and greater equity for all Alabama public high school students through the 21st century technology. Also, it blends web based courses taught by highly qualified teachers; three regional support centers to hire, evaluate, train, and support teachers; statewide coordination, scheduling, support for distance learning; and a technical infrastructure to deliver approved web based courses and connect IVC labs via a statewide network. ACCESS enables students to learn using hands on opportunities and multimedia resources; incorporates 21st century skills and technology to foster student creativity; and provides five remediation modules(science, math, reading comprehension, social studies, and language) to assist students in passing the Alabama High School Graduation Exam.
ACCESS will serve as an essential tool in my classroom because of its many amenities. As a future high school teacher, the Alabama High School Graduation Exam guidelines will serve as a second course of study for me. Also, this site will provide reinforcement of the objectives presented in class. ACCESS is a great website for the secondary teacher.

Using ALEX in the Classroom

As a future educator, I know that preparation is the most important element of my career. When a teacher is not fully prepared for the instructional day this causes strife to both the student and the teacher. As technology vastly changes, many of the teacher resources are found online, one of which is ALEX. While surfing ALEX,I found many useful and resourceful items.
The attention grabbers were the word searches, crosswords, and matching. These activities could be use as Standardized Achievement Preparation or daily lessons. To hold student's interests, many of the items had different sports themes on them. Also, I found a list of suggested readings for grades six through twelve. I am definitely going to go back to ALEX when I am an educator.

Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX)

The Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX) provides essential tools for all educators. This site offers instructional and professional links for persons in the education arena. ALEX supplies educators with the Alabama Course of Study, which serves as a "Bible" for all teachers. This site not only has links for teachers and administrators, but also for students. These links provide students with extra activities and preparation for forthcoming skills.
On the ALEX website under Professional Development, there were many interesting links which included: Alabama Leadership Development, Alabama Math, Science, and Technology (AMSTI), Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI), Professional Education Personnel Education (PEPE), and Technology in Motion (TIM). On the Alabama Leadership Development site, the mission is to enhance school leadership among administrators in improving academic achievement for all students. AMSTI's purpose is to improve student achievement in math and science statewide. ARI states, the goal of the Alabama Reading Initiative is to significantly improve reading instruction and ultimately achieve 100% literacy among public school students. PEPE provides the basis for all evaluations of educators. TIM enhances the use of the latest technology for students, teachers, and administrators in all public schools in Alabama. The resources listed above seem to be very informative and useful for all educators through out the state of Alabama.

You Tube Movie

After watching the movie on the you tube blog, I was completely in shocked. The facts were simply amazing. It made me really begin to think of how the world has changed and is continuing to change daily. The movie truly gave me food for thought, which I am not going to forget. One of the most interesting facts was from your first year in college to your third year things are totally changed. At the end, I began to think of the saying, "Time waits for no one."

All About Me

I am a 20 year old native of Mobile who is the only child of Clyde and Doris Riley. Also, I am a 2005 graduate of John L. LeFlore High School and a 2007 graduate of Bishop State Community College. Currently, I am employed at Kohl's Department Store were I am a cashier and sales associate. While attending the University of South Alabama, I plan to obtain a degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Language Arts. Upon completion of the that degree, I plan to obtain a Master's Degree in Communications from Auburn University.

Hello

I am a transfer student, and this is my first semester at South. I am a graduate of LeFlore High School and Bishop State Community College.