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).