My EDM 310 Blog Assignments are Now Complete

A note to my fellow classmates and Mr. Wakeman . . .

This semester was scary for me. I've been out of school for almost 20 years. I expected to be "the outcast". I expected a handicap parking space! LOL. BUT, ya'll made me feel part of the group and I really appreciate it. THANKS!

Mr. Wakeman, it's been a pleasure AND honor to take a class under a former teacher at my Alma Mater! Murphy's known to have the BEST of the BEST! Go, Panthers!

Summary of What I've Learned this Semester...

Wakeman's class was my favorite class this semester because it was fun! AND, even though I've been staring at a computer for 15 years, I began the semester with an open mind. To me, that's the best way to approach ANYTHING. Learn SOMETHING and use it to your benefit!

Blogging was a new experience for me. It's a nice "freebie" for educator's to use to keep their students and parents informed. I plan to utilize this informative resource.

In addition, up until this class, I'd never heard of a podcast. Now, I do. I've also learned that even though I talk ALOT, I don't talk LOUD enough.

As for excel, I taught myself the program about 10 or so years ago. STILL, I learned the "proper" way to format cells. I've always used the function key...there's more than one way to skin a cat!

Suggestions? When it comes to computers, there's always SOMETHING unknown. I think I would've liked to learn the difference between a jpeg and bitmap photo. Sounds strange, but those darn pictures can be aggravating!

WGBH iTunesU Podcasts

Video podcasts found on iTunesU - WGBH Teacher Domain can very useful to teachers! "Why Doesn't the Moon Fall Down?" (grades K-5) provides a creative reason why the Moon orbits Earth instead of Earth's gravity causing it to "fall". As I teacher, I could share this explanation with my class. Or, I could SHOW this video to my class!

I also checked out "Booming Sands" (grades 9-12), which is focused on the Dumont Dunes in Death Valley (located on the border of California and Nevada). A group of students from Caltech did research on the reason why dunes "sing" or "boom". As sand moves via the wind, potential energy changes to kinetic energy and again to acoustic energy. To be honest, this video was of NO INTEREST to me. BUT, in the classroom, I could utilize this video if I were a science teacher. Who knows? Maybe this video could inspire a student to pursue a career in dune exploration?!?!

WGBH also has a link to the Teacher's Domain website that, in my opinion, is MUCH easier to use vs. iTunesU. There, I found a video that teaches simple algebra by the means of shopping! It's very important to "get it" with the introduction of algebra. Some kids have trouble and give up WAY TOO SOON! This video uses something we (well, most of us) enjoy and tricks us into learning algebra! I like this concept! I've attempted to include the video below...


What I like best about the WGBH iTunesU video podcasts is that they're pretty short. The ones I checked out were no longer than 3 minutes. That's about all the time you need. Show the video to the class and follow-up with a discussion.

"Edible Schoolyard" and "A Night in the Global Village"

Edible Schoolyard is an outdoor classroom located at Martin Luther King Junior Middle School in Berkeley, CA. Students grow their own food and prepare meals in their own kitchen at school. I've worked with outdoor classrooms and they're a FUN hands-on creative project. Students you wouldn't think would be interested are actually the one's who really get involved! Kids like to "make stuff" . . . what better way than for them to actually see that THEY can grow something and then prepare a meal!

I have to be biased . . . MOBILE CO'S DOING THIS ALREADY! Booker T. Washington Middle School already had a "home economics" course, but was recently awarded grant funding for a greenhouse as an outdoor classroom. Collier Elem, Allentown Elem, Baker High, and Bryant CTC (to name a few) also have outdoor classrooms.

If I were a teacher today, I'd definitely incorporate this hands-on concept! Plus, students develop PRIDE in what THEY'RE doing!

A Night in the Global Village: Role Playing Life in Poverty is a program in Perryville, Arkansas. Students spend the night at a camp with very little resources to get them through the night. They experience what it's like if they were poverty-stricken or a refugee. On top of that, some students were given an (imaginary) ailment such as the loss of a hand or being pregnant. Kids have to build a fire and cook their food...with no McDonald's ANYWHERE!

"Edible Schoolyard" and "A Night in the Global Village" are both great examples of hands-on programs. Kids today are basically spoiled rotten! They take so many things for granted! They think clothes comes from the mall and food comes from a restaurant. These programs enlighten them first-hand about real life!

iTunes University

The BEST thing about iTunes University is that it's FREE! iTunes University is a way to research subjects as well as share your own information with the world!

As a teacher, I can search for additional material to help students better understand a lesson. For example, I'm helping my students study for the Geography CRT. The study guide includes 196 questions. The material is pretty broad and ranges from facts on Asia to China. I can gather iTunes University podcasts for information such as "When Asia Was the World" and "Landscapes of China". Students will gain more by LISTENING to something INTERESTING (that's short and sweet) vs. reading a 50-page chapter in a book. I hate to say that, but it's true.

I can also search for videos on iTunes University. Here's another example. I'm teaching probability in my math class. We all know that students learn at their own pace. Even the smartest student can have trouble with graphing functions. In order to move along with the majority of the class, I could provide students who are having trouble understanding probability with an iTunes University video "Learn Basic Math" to help them.

The disadvantage of iTunes University if that not all children have iPods. With the current economy, not all parents can afford an iPod. In addition, not all parents can afford a computer AND monthly Internet access fee.

Using iPods in Instruction

Most kids use iPods for music. However, iPods can be used for so much more!!! iPods can be a great study tool. For example, if a student didn't quite understand a portion of a lecture, they can fast-forward to that part and listen to it again for a better understanding. iPods can also be used with gathering additional materials to study.

According to an article I found at PrincipalPartnerships, iPods can aid special education students by the use of videos. Also, students who can't concentrate because of others around them talking can drown out the noise with an iPod.

iPods can also be used to "study on the go". We're all "on the go" these days. What better way to utilize the little spare time we have! For example, you can review course materials while working out or walking in-between classes.

In 2004, Duke University launched an iPod Pilot Program and distributed 1,400 iPods to all incoming Freshman. This lead to the development of Duke Digital Initiative (DDI), a website that provides resources for students. Students can also share material with other students. According to Apple Education, iPods enable students 24 hour / 7 days a week access to course material. Students can also "stay connected" through iTunes U.

Dr. Alice Christie's Website

Dr. Alice Christie was a K-12 teacher for twenty five years. She earned her PhD in Educational Technology and Language and Literacy from Arizona State University in 1995. In addition to her helpful website, she now conducts workshops nationally and internationally. Dr. Christie LOVES being an educator.

One aspect of her site is focused on GPS Technology and GeoCaching. GPS is a technology tool that's only been open for use by the public since May 1, 2000. Most people use a GPS to locate and map a destination, and track the estimated time of arrival. However, a GPS can be useful for so much more!

GeoCaching is a scavenger hunt. With a GPS, you can locate "treasures" - GeoCaching! In essence, students would learn how to use a GSP by GeoCaching. Students can have fun (via a scavenger hunt) while learning at the same time!

My ideal location within the school system would be a 6th grade math teacher. I would partner with my science or geography teacher for a group project because GPS and GeoCaching can be used for multiple subjects. Math to calculate distances and the time taken between them. Science or geography for studying the Earth.

We would hide several objects on campus. We'd give a (introductory and basic) lesson on how to use a GPS. Then, we'd announce the GeoCaching assignment and list the treasures hidden. Kids are naturally competitive, so we'd divide them into groups. We'd assist along the way because it's true -- we learn more by HANDS-ON vs. READING ABOUT IT.

Wickipedia

Wikipedia is somewhat new to me. My daughter and I have used it to help with her homework. I just thought it was simply an on-line encyclopedia. I'm actually glad we had Wikipedia as this week's blog assignment. If you google a word for it's definition, the first site would typically be the Wikipedia definition page. This week's research has taught me that Wikipedia isn't 100% reliable. I didn't know that ANYONE could modify a definition.

Wikipedia IS appropriate for obtaining the BASIC definition of a GENERAL word. For example, Wikipedia's definition of a Pomeranian is reliable because it's definition (and additional information) isn't exactly debatable.

However, Wikipedia's BASIC definition for CONTROVERSIAL words such as Republican Party or Democratic Party would only be SOMEWHAT reliable. Definitions of controversial words would be worded in positive or negative ways depending on the political views of the one who posted the revision. Numerous edits can be found for Democratic and Republican Party! In my opinion, the open ability to edit Wikipedia definitions creates a way for debate.

From one extreme example to the other, Wikipedia is still a GREAT on-line encyclopedia tool. The ability of editing is useful for statistics that constantly change. When I was a kid, we had a set of World Book Encyclopedia's to refer to if needed. In fact, my Mom sold them for quite some time (she still has a set, too)! Good ole reliable was great to help with projects; however, after a year, some of the information was outdated and unreliable.

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

I'm not sure where to start. I have so many thoughts regarding Dr. Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams. One of my favorite parts of his speech was his reason for becoming a professor. His mentor, Andy Van Dam, encouraged him to be a professor because he would be a great salesman of education! Great advice! True statement! A teacher should be a great education salesman!

Dr. Pausch touched the lives of so many people. He continues to touch lives everyday. He truly enjoyed his life up until the very end. Those who knew him (I'm sure) consider it a privilege. I wish I'd had the opportunity.

One program he started is Building Virtual Worlds. This program includes fifty students that are split into teams of four. Teams have two-week assignments to present a demonstration / presentation on anything they choose. This enables students to use their own ideas to create interactive projects. Thus, making learning fun. In regard to "burp back education", Dr, Pausch's approach is a perfect example of how to AVOID "burp back education"! Student's benefit more by hands-on learning vs. memorizing followed by tests.

Alice is another program Dr. Pausch helped create. This program, now under the direction of Dr. Wanda Dann, provides a way for students to learn computer programming in a 3D environment. I believe in Dr. Pausch's method of teaching. Learning CAN be fun. Even during his "lecture", he didn't "lecture". He's interesting, upbeat, and entertaining.

Throughout Dr. Pausch's lecture, I kept asking myself what were his intentions. Was he paying tribute to all the great people he's met throughout his life and career? Was it a summary of his goals and accomplishments? Was he giving final words of wisdom and advice?

My question was answered at the end of his presentation. His last presentation was created for his three young children. Wow...that's deep! Dr. Pausch was blessed with great parents all throughout his life! His Dad had only passed away a couple years ago. Dr. Pausch was only 47, and knew he wasn't going to be there for his kids like his Dad was for him. Therefore, Dr. Pausch came up with a condensed version of "life lessons" he wanted them to learn from him. In his "Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams", Dr. Pausch is a positive influence on us today as well as his children as they mature.

After watching the Final Lecture, I was still curious and kept browsing various videos. The Final Lecture is over an hour long, but trust me -- it's worth every minute. BUT, if you have time constraints, watch his super-condensed version featured on Oprah. It's not near as compelling, but you still get the message he's trying to convey. Check it out even if you've watched the whole video!

Best of the Fischbowl 2007 - 180 Days - April 13, 2007

This blog really nails the point of how short the school year and how easy time is lost. Check out this Powerpoint showing a breakdown of an average 180 school year. It's shocking to see the limited time available for teaching! Educators must manage their time wisely.

My favorite comment posted referred to a 1997 interview on PBS NewsHour featuring William Goodling, then Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee. Goodling was quoted, "you don't fatten cattle by weighing them. You don't speed up a car by putting in one more speedometer. You don't help children learn by offering one more test." Wow! Well said! Very true! As a parent, I can't keep up with the tests Hannah takes -- CRT, SAT, ARMT, Writing Assessments... The list goes on and on. I don't see how her teacher's have time to TEACH from reviewing for the next test!

Fisch's powerpoint, "180 Days", refers to the number of days lost because of school functions such as pep rallies. Personally, I feel these functions are important even though they have no educational purpose. Social skills are important, too. Fisch didn't include days lost because of field trips. Field trips are a GREAT way to make learning fun. Take a child to the Exploreum and then test them. They'll give you every detail of what they learned ... PLUS what they had for lunch, who sat by who on the bus, and who got in trouble and for what! Learning plus social skills!
Overall, the plain fact is -- time for teaching is limited. Organize lesson plans to make the most of the time available. Enjoy the fun stuff such as pep rallies and field trips. Finally, while students are testing, you might as well use it to YOUR advantage. Think positive -- catch up on email, shop eBay, or browse Fischbowl for the latest on e-stuff (i.e. 21st century learning tools, del.icio.us, twitter, or World Cafe).

"Burp Back" Education

First of all, I don’t mind giving or receiving constructive criticism; however, I do not like criticizing something I haven’t attempted. Overall, I expected both podcasts to be disorganized and pretty basic. I was wrong!

I’d never heard of the term, “Burp Back” education, so I chose this Podcast as the first of two for this week’s blog post. I realize the assignment wasn’t to comment on the subject itself, BUT I MUST! This view, “Burp Back” education, is 200% correct. YES, public school teachers are FORCED to concentrate ultimately on CRT’s scores! If class scores are inadequate, the teacher is the one to suffer! Their plates are overflowing and they sometimes find it difficult to ENJOY teaching. I could go on and on for DAYS regarding this one…ok, time to step down off my soap box.

I thought Ashley Denson, Sandy Presley, and Robyn Terry were interesting to hear. It’s always nice to hear other “southerner’s” accents! They really got involved in the topic and weren’t afraid to express their opinions, even so far to compare the public vs. private school sector. We all know deep down that public and private schools are in a silent competition.

I noticed at the beginning of this podcast, they were nervous and clearly reading straight from their paper. Honestly, I DO NOT see me changing this because I’m a “planning” type person. Of course, I’ll be MORE nervous than these young ladies. I think I’ll recite from paper, but I’ll practice over and over again before my group-podcast. Oh, and let’s just say that I’ll remember to take my meds on the day of my Podcast!

Facebook as an Educational Tool?

The second podcast I checked out was “Facebook as an Educational Tool?”. Danielle Tasker, Stephanie Ellis, and Jalisa Mobley had a plan for their podcast. They first gave an overview of Facebook, introduced the pro’s, and finally gave the con’s with using Facebook as an educational tool. This was a great approach. Unlike the first “Burp Back” Education podcast, they weren't nervous at all.

However, they kept wandering from the subject. At one point, they compared Facebook to MySpace. Another time, they ventured to comparing different age groups using Facebook. When doing a podcast, I would come up with a plan and maintain focus. Of course, I would probably have trouble because I tend to ramble.

Again, I want to stress the fact that I'm uncomfortable giving constructive criticism on something I haven’t experienced. Overall, I thought both podcasts were informative and well-organized!

Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

This blog really made me think about today's technology. I'd never really thought about whether it's ok to NOT be computer savvy. You either ARE or NOT. After reading Karl Fisch's perspective, I totally see how important it is for teachers, in particular, to not only use a computer, but to also stayed informed of technology advancements. There's simply NO EXCUSE for not being able to utilize a computer!

Fisch's comments are pretty brutal, but right on the money! "I'm not good with computers," is no longer acceptable. Sorry. If you can't keep up with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch ... and TURN IN YOUR PINK SLIP!

As a parent, I have always put teachers at the absolute top of my "respect list". After all, they are responsible for educating our FUTURE! If educators refuse to learn and adapt, what type of message are they portraying to students? In today's times, if you aren't familiar with a computer, then it's the same as saying you aren't familiar with using a pencil! Pencils and computers are on the same level.

In my opinion, those who aren't computer savvy are actually intimidated by the computer. They shouldn't be. Personally, my favorite "button" is UNDO. I use that one frequently. I would be lost without good ole UNDO.

Today's technology is an asset to educators. They should take advantage of what there is to offer and incorporate every possible avenue into their lesson plans.

Podcasts

This week's assignment, Podcasts, introduced me to a new way of e-communication. I was already familiar with iTunes and had heard of a podcast, but never played around to actually check it out. Now I know! A podcast is a way for people to share ideas, thoughts, and suggestions regarding ANYTHING.

The SmartBoard Lessons Podcast discusses all kinds of ideas including Feltron Eight (pictured to the right). Nicholas Feltron lives in New York and has basically recorded every move he makes in a day. This includes every step he takes, how fast he walks, every subway ride, cost of meals, trips to the gym, and the number of birthday parties he attends. Why? This information can be utilized as a math project for schools.

EdTechTalk Episode 25 is a podcast involving teachers from New Hampshire and New York. During the live podcast, "outsiders" could provide input through a chat room or Skyte. One topic was a recent Educon 2.1 conference. They discussed various presentations at the conference including one on The World Cafe. Teachers also discussed curriculum review boards at their schools and how some teachers are still afraid of using a computer. Being afraid of a computer today is the same as being afraid of using a pencil!

The MacBreak Weekly podcast features the latest information on the "Macintosh world". I'm not familiar with Mac. This podcast would be great for Mac users as a way to stay informed of the latest news and gadgets for Mac.

I really enjoyed listening to the Kid-Cast #58 podcast. This podcast includes recommendations on how to get students not only to learn HOW to DEVELOP a podcast, but to get them involved in the TOPIC of their podcast. Students tend to be so wrapped up in learning how to make a podcast that they forget the podcast topic. To me, this applies to technology as a whole. On Kid-Cast, podcasts by both students and teachers are posted. What's cool is that each podcast is rated before they are posted, E - everyone, E+10 - everyone 10 and up, T - teens 13 and up, and T16+ - teens 16 and up.

Overall, podcasts are a great way to LISTEN (and interact) to all kinds of information ranging from education to the latest on the Wii (which is what I'm about to check out!). You listen to real people with real ideas and suggestions. The podcasts are also personable. Each one I listened to started out informal chatting about the weather or (in the case of the MacReader) the Steelers winning the Super Bowl.

International School Blog Research

Toa's Troops

Toa's Troops is a 5th grade class (18 students) at Shanghai American School, CHINA. One of the first items I noticed was the option to choose the language of the blog. One click on the French flag and BOOM - every word on the site instantly changed from English to French. I also learned that China is celebrating their New Year right now. This site features homework assignments including specific math problems. It also includes the entire Obama Inauguration Speech video as well as photos from their Open House.

What impressed me the most is that these 18 students in FIFTH GRADE each have their own individual Blog. Our class is just now learning how to blog while 5th graders in China are already blogging! To be honest, that's a little bit intimidating.

District School in Tasmania, Australia

Because I have a 7th grader, I decided to check out what other 7th graders are doing outside the US. I found a in "District school" in Tasmania, Australia that participates in a "Blog Challenge" which includes 9 countries. Students must first earn the right to create their blog. They do this by posting comments on other blogs and also by proving that they are "internet savvy".

Students must also complete a CyberQuoll course on internet safety. I feel this is super important because while we see the computer as an educational resource, others (unfortunately) see it as a predatory tool. Kids should know what information is safe to share with the world.

Elementary School Blog Research

Green Meadow Elementary School

While surfing the web, I ran across a blog site for Green Meadow Elementary School in Oshkosh, WI. It’s packed full of information for parents and students including recent events, what students are currently working on, and links to outside websites to assist with learning.

First graders at Green Meadow recently learned how to set up a powerpoint presentation! First graders! That's crazy! Forth grade students assisted the little ones with formatting and such. What a great "partnership" between students helping each other!

This blog site also offers information to parents on various events such as a Pancake Supper. As a single parent of a 7th grader, parent involvement is priority. I have typed the Causey Middle School newsletter several times. Although I have a full-time, stressful job, I still MADE the time to be Room Mother when Hannah was in the 4th and 5th grade. As Room Mother, I had the "inside scoop".

Barrett Elementary School

A blog site for Barrett Elementary School in Arlington, VA features various videos put together by students. One video highlights facts on paper recycling. My current profession is with soil and water conservation, so I could use this video while speaking to a local school group about conservation.

Another video includes 1st graders showing "HOW TO" videos -- "HOW TO" make paper airplanes and snowflakes, "HOW TO" tie shoes, "HOW TO" jump rope, "HOW TO" take a bath (of course, demonstrated by washing a Barbie doll), and even "HOW TO" make paper (from paper…didn’t quite get that one, but it was cute…).

I tried to post the video on Trees. However, if it doesn't, here's the link.

Check it out!

Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, & Students Satewide

Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide ACCESS is a valuable resource tool for students and teachers, especially in rural Alabama counties. It enables students to take courses that aren’t normally offered at their school. Classes are web-based, so the expense and time from traveling is eliminated.

Picture this -- A student from a low-income family in Marion, AL has a dream to be a doctor one day. His grades are excellent. Marion is VERY SMALL – not even a Wal-Mart! Because of his family’s limited income, he’s unable to attend Marion Military Institute, so he’s stuck in a school that has limited courses available. ACCESS offers all kinds of courses such as AP Statistics and even Chinese; therefore, this enables him a head-start with college credits...at HIS school! ACCESS makes perfect sense!

Classes are also interactive, so students aren't limited to only observing their instructor talk and talk and talk. Students get to interact and ask questions through “whiteboard”. To be honest, at first, the mental picture I had regarding this program was a group of students watching a TV screen with a teacher talking for an hour…that was it. However, I was impressed with the option for students to ASK QUESTIONS regarding the course.

Nationwide, Alabama always receives a poor score with its education. Honestly, I don’t see how. We have great teachers who CARE about their students and TRULY want them to excel in their education! ACCESS is just ONE example of Alabama’s effort at broadening educational opportunities!

Did You Know? Shift Happens

WOW! That’s my reaction to the “Did you know – Shift Happens” movie found at Did You Know? . I’ve worked in an office for 15 (short) years. The mouse was introduced to me about 12 years ago. I remember part of our training to “get used to” the mouse was to play solitaire. Needless to say, I quickly mastered the mouse!

This movie really puts modern technology in perspective! I had NO IDEA of the rapid progression!!! It’s actually overwhelming. A computer is such a massive source of information. While shopping for a new cell phone recently, I was introduced to the IPhone. How is it possible to have the world at your fingertips in a CELL PHONE? I got my very first cell phone 13 years ago, only because I was pregnant and had an hour commute to work every day. It was a “bag phone”. TODAY, I can actually pay my mortgage while sitting at the red light at the intersection of Schillinger Rd. and Airport Blvd. The picture below is of the good ole' ... "bag phone".

According to the movie, “Over 70% of 4-yr-olds have used a computer.” My 12-year-old daughter, Hannah, cannot drive a car or vote, but she has a MySpace, FaceBook, YouTube, GMail, Hotmail, and Yahoo accounts. Hannah has 333 friends on MySpace. I had NO IDEA she was such a popular kid. She CLAIMS to know all these kids…yeah, right. Hannah has had a cell phone for two years now. She can type at least 50 words per minute on her phone! I’m pretty quick with texting, but I believe that she’s got me beat hands-down.

Pictured to the right is my little Drama Queen...

I definitely agree with the ending remarks of this movie. I hope we, as a society, can keep up with the ever-advancing technology! Our kids need the best education possible utilizing every resource available! The school system should continue to supply qualified teachers, BUT without ANY budget concerns! Our government should ensure adequate funding to make this happen, too! Children are our future, so we all must focus on education as top priority.

ALEX/ACCESS

Alabama Learning Exchange ALEX is a GREAT on-line tool for educators to obtain tons and tons of information to assist with lesson plans. Games, worksheets, and activities are just a few items to be found on this website. If I was a teacher TODAY, I would include the on-line games in my classroom. Kids today love their electronic games such as the GameBoy DS, so on-line (learning) games would be a great way to “trick” my students into LEARNING something instead of simply mastering Guitar Hero on their DS!

Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide ACCESS is a great website that provides additional classes for rural schools. I had never heard of this before! What a great opportunity for students in rural areas of Alabama! Schools that currently do not have the resources to provide AP courses can enroll in ACCESS. Classes are web-based. For example, students can attend class in Dothan while the instructor’s in Birmingham!

I’d never heard of either of these websites! ALEX and ACCESS would be included in my top “Favorites” if I were an educator! As a single parent of a 7th grader at Causey Middle, I am always looking for new ways to become involved in her education. I plan on using my new "tool", ALEX to encourage her to stay in learning mode even when school is not in session. With Science being her weaker subject, I began to really look on the site to see if there was any assistance that I could be receiving to help her out. To my suprise, I can log into information for Science subjects for all grades. ScienceHelp

AP classes were available at Murphy back when I was there. I did not realize how spoiled we were at Murphy to have these classes readily available. Technology has improved significantly over the past twenty years!

Tonight, January 14, 2009, was a "first" for me. After almost 20 years, I'm back in college! I believe I've made a very smart choice by taking Microcomputing Systems. I work in front of a computer all day long and then go home to play on another one. Blogging is still a little new to me, so this course will certainly help me grow in my education as well as my current profession.

I've chosen education as my major because I've ALWAYS wanted to teach. I love to see a child's face light up when he/she "get's it" when solving a frustrating math problem. I want to make a difference. I want to be a positive influence.