Media Literacy

These students are quite impressive, and I think so highly of Mrs. Cassidy for incorporating technology into her classroom. I noticed she said that the students wanted her to upload the video to their blog so they could watch it again. I think it is great how involved and excited the students are. This video obviously proves the children can understand technology and learn by using it. The students seem extremely smart, and they are more technologically literate than I am. I loved watching them interact with one another, and seeing how helpful they are. I feel like I can learn a great deal by just watching them.

I also looked at their individual blogs. I love how they blog about so many different things, and you can see the improvement in their writing. I have been learning how students are apprehensive in writing, and I believe by using blogs to introduce writing, the students will greatly benefit. It gives them an opportunity to express themselves and know that writing is not a frightening thing. If they are already achieving these things in the first grade, I cannot imagine what they will be doing in high school. I think it is great that Mrs. Cassidy is doing this with her class, and I hope I can be as beneficial and helpful to my future students.

These are two photos from Kathy Cassidy's First Grade Class in Moose Jaw, Canada. She uses different web techniques to teach her students. These photos were located on their blogs.









Click Here to view more of the students' blogs.





Little Kids... Big Potential

WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! I am so impressed with these first graders. It is absolutely amazing how the teacher has incorporated so much on the web. I think it is great that Ms. Cassidy has taught her students have to use technology, and through it, they are also learning basic skills. I am sure the students love talking to other classes, commenting on blogs, and play their Nintendo in class. I think it is important to introduce technology to young children. So many people underestimate children, but kids these days are extremely brilliant. It almost scares me a little bit. By the time I am at teacher, I feel like my students will know way more than me.

When I was in first grade, I was learning how to read. These students are writing on blogs and communicating with people all over the world. It has only been fifteen years, and first grade has already changed drastically. In second grade, I remember having a pen pal, in which we hand wrote letters to them. Now, kids are skyping and directly talking to one another. I am astounded. After watching these children, I almost feel overwhelmed. Technology is invading our world, and I have to be ready so I will not be dominated by my own students. I am still utterly amazed by this.

i Phone

I cannot believe a one year old is operating a cell phone. This young child could barely talk, yet he completely comprehended what he was doing. He was not just touching the phone. When his mom said go home, he knew exactly what to do. I have a niece who is ten months old, and although, she cannot operate a cell phone, she does have a fascination for cell phones. Any time she sees one, she instantly starts reaching for it. I have a feeling before too long, she too will be operating it. It is amazing how fast young children are learning and actually comprehending what they are doing.

I did not get a cellphone until I was 16, and I just recently got a Blackberry. I had to get help learning how to work it. My mom and other people I know still do not know how to operate cellphones. I think it is imperative that the older generation do learn, because before too long, they will not be able to live in this world. Our world is dominated with technology, and we must know how to operate it. If we refuse, our children will be controlling the world around us. That is a bit frightening in my opinion.

Podcasts

I found the six podcasts quite interesting, and I definitely learned a lot about different approaches to creating podcasts. There were many things that I liked and would use in my podcast; however, I did find some of them a little informal, and I did not enjoy listening to them. While I understand the approach depends on the audience, in my opinion, I believe it is important to sound professional. I think that it is important to keep things formal and topics appropriate, especially when so many people will be listening.

I was quite impressed with Ed Tech Talk. The speakers were all women and appeared to be teachers. While they did take a long time before actually introducing the subject, I enjoyed listening in. They instantly got my attention, and all the while, they remained formal and appropriate throughout the podcast. I liked how they had people from Australia, and they all discussed their experiences in the classroom. I really felt like I was there with them, and I could relate to them. I also enjoyed listening to David Warlick in Connect Learning, Episode 96. He involved his audience, and he asked for their opinions. He asked them questions, and he appreciated all their good ideas. I liked how it was formal, yet it felt like they were inviting me to join in on the discussion. KidCast on video podcasting was very informative, and I liked how he explained and gave reasons for choosing this method. The podcast was very appropriate for the listeners, and he was quite humorous, which got my attention. He talked about when choosing which type of podcast to use, it is important to consider the audience and the experience they will have. I thought this was excellent advice.

Macbreak Weekly did a pretty good job discussing iPad; however, I felt like there were too many people discussing it, and they used a lot of slang. I did like that they incorporated other technology, Skype, in the podcast. I was quite displeased with the SmartBoard Lesson. The man was discussing dimdim.com while ordering breakfast. While he was relaxed, I found it extremely inappropriate because he kept putting the podcast on hold so he could order. The topic was interesting and informative, but I would suggest that he be a little more professional. The one podcast that I thought was extremely inappropriate was TWIP. They were discussing racism in photography, which is actually an interesting topic. The people, however, did not seem to take the situation seriously. They were making jokes about different races and how the cameras' facial recognition setting was not picking up different races. When Asians blink, the camera does not accept the picture, and the camera does not even pick up the dark complexion of African Americans. I honestly would not use racism to describe what is taking place. When someone is racist, they believe they are superior to all other races; therefore, I would not say there is racism in photography. This podcast could have made a big impact on me; however, I thought it was ridiculous how the people reacted to the situation taking place.


During my podcast, I hope to be professional and make an impact on the people listening to me. While I want the environment to be fun and feel comfortable, I think it is extremely important to know when it is appropriate to joke. I hope to involve many people and incorporate different technology into my podcast. I think asking controversial questions is a great way to involve the audience and hear different perspectives on the topic. The main thing I hope to do is choose topics that my audience can relate to and grow from the information that is given.

Calendar for EDM 310

Click Here for Class Calendar

Social Media Count

Gary Hayes' Social Media Count is unbelievable. I could not fathom how quickly the numbers were changing. It is insane how many people are doing things on the web throughout the world. The internet absolutely amazes me. I love that I can Google anything and get an accurate answer, and that I can instantly communicate with so many different people. The internet truly makes life so much better and convenient. I honestly cannot imagine living without instant access to everything. A part of me does wish my life was not as consumed with the internet and keeping up to date with the world. While I thoroughly enjoy the entertainment it brings, I feel I have become obsessed with sending emails and checking my Facebook. By seeing this data, I question what my priorities are in life, and am I okay with this life style.

As an education major, I know the internet will definitely help my future students and what can be done in the classroom. It would be quite difficult to do research, inform the class about current events, and provide additional information concerning the curriculum. I have always used the internet to contact my professors, research topics, and use helpful websites to better understand the texts I am reading. After only being in EDM for two weeks, I can already see the benefits of this class. I am connecting with so many people world wide, using the internet to create documents to share, and using the computer to make videos and pod casts that can be used as teaching material. It amazes me how I can sit at home and be connected with the class and watch Dr. Strange as he teaches us new techniques on the computer. Although there are some disadvantages in using the internet, the endless possibilities that enhance learning far outweigh the few negative aspects.

A Vision of Students Today


While I do agree with many of the comments in this video, I must admit my college experience is not quite like the one displayed. I do spend a lot of time doing homework; however, I believe it is important and necessarily for the class. I also pay attention in class, and I do not play on the internet or my phone during a lecture. Although I did attend a small community college and now South, I always get to know my professor. I do not want to be just a face in a huge crowd of students. I want the professor to know who I am. I get involved and become a part of something at the school. I enjoy college, and now that I am out of basic courses, I extremely enjoy class and learning new things concerning English and Education.


One thing I do agree with is that most of the information we are taught we do not need in life. While the classes are teaching us new things, I honestly remember it for the test and then forget it. I am majoring in English Education, and I do not think I need Math and Science to make me a better English teacher. Yes, I am a well-rounded student, but the majority of the things I have been taught I do not remember. It would seem more beneficial to only take classes that concern the individual course of study. I think to make this video represent my experience more, I would add images portraying classes in which the instructor does not simply stand at the front lecturing, but instead, engaging the students in class discussions. I also played soccer and attended the Baptist Student Union. I am not a student that just goes to class and then disappears. My college experience has taught me better social skills, has forced me to grow as a person, and has introduced me to different ways of thinking and viewing the world. I enjoy class and learning new knowledge. I like being a diverse person.


It's Not About The Technology


The comment I mostly agree with made by Kelly Hines is that while technology is quite important, it is not the first thing we should change in the classroom. Yes, technology can greatly influence the way students learn, but basically, it is up to the teacher accommodating the students, and the students' desire to actually learn. I also strongly agree that teachers must also be learners. If we, the teachers, believe we are so much higher and above our students, how can we reach our class? I, personally, do not want to sit in a class listening to a teacher who will not give me an opportunity to speak my thoughts. We must be willing to learn from our students and teach ourselves how to use new technology. It is merely up to the teacher to learn how to work technology to improve learning. We have to learn how to teach each individual student based on their learning styles, otherwise, we have failed as teachers. We have done no good drilling information into them when they do not get it. If the teacher does not have the desire to use technology in the classroom, there is no need for the school to spend thousands of dollars. Teachers must want this improvement and be willing to learn to use the innovative tools.


Although I personally enjoy using technology, I do think it is important for instructors to be able to teach without it. I hope that when I become a teacher, I can use technology to enhance my curriculum. I do not want to rely on the technology to teach my students. I think technology can improve the classroom, but at the same time, students may not always have access. Therefore, the students will still be able to do the required work without the use of technology. I hope that as a teacher I will remain a learner, teach while keeping learning at the core, keep my students focused on learning, and incorporate technology within my classroom to improve my students' learning abilities. I want to be a 21st Century teacher without the technology.

Technologically Illiterate Teachers


"If a teacher today is not technologically literate - and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more - it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read and write." - Karl Fisch

This comment really made me think about technologically illiterate teachers, and made me question if it was okay or not. I must agree with Mr. Fisch that it is extremely important for teachers to be able to use technology in the classroom. Technology consumes our world, and it is impossible to live without knowing how to use the technology that is being created at an expeditious rate. Technology has greatly improved the way teachers bring forth new information, and it also gives the students endless opportunities to research and create. No longer do we have to hand-write and print out papers. Everything can be on a computer and shared across the world instantly. Students with hearing and seeing disabilities greatly benefit from technology. There are so many new devices that assist them in new learning styles. It amazes me how technology has made our world better, yet we still have people who are apprehensive when using it.


I must admit that I was not excited about taking the EDM 310 class because I did not think it was relevant for an education major. I was quite naive in having this perspective, and I never really thought about how much technology effects our world, especially in the classroom. While I am still wondering the importance for Skype and Twitter, I can see how Google Docs, pod casts, and videos will improve the classroom. My attitude towards the class has changed, and I am looking forward to becoming a more technologically literate teacher. I want my future students to have numerous possibilities for learning, and I do not want to deprive them of an education that is meaningful and beneficial for life.

Did You Know?

This video was extremely interesting. I had no idea that technology effected the world so drastically. I am amazed that China will soon be the #1 English speaking country in the world. All of the information given makes me really think about how the world is changing. It is quite unbelievable that just a few years ago the world did not have touch screen phones and other technological devices. I, myself, have a laptop, Zune, and Blackberry phone. Now that I own these things, I cannot live without them. It is almost impossible to live in this world and not know how to use technology; we are practically forced to succumb to this way of living.

My mother still has trouble with her cellphone and the Internet. It makes her life much more difficult. I love all the new technology because I understand how to use it. On the other hand, I do sympathize with the older generations. They learned how to work with their hands, while now we are being taught how to use our minds more. Yes, we are advanced and hold great improvements; however, my only concern is when times get bad, and as a country, we cannot provide for ourselves because we only know how to operate technology. While the world is changing and tremendously growing, I do agree that everyone needs to be able to operate these new devices to live an easier life. It is amazing how so many countries have made these great accomplishments, and the brilliance that penetrates from the people.

Mr. Winkle

"It was comforting to know, that even after 100 years, some things still remain the same." While this comment is quite true, we all know that the world around us is not the same. There are many great changes that have definitely made the world a better place to live. With new technology in business, people are able to communicate better and work more efficiently. There is no denying that the technology in hospitals have increased health care. A hundred years ago, people were dying from simply fevers and viruses. Now, we have medicine that instantly rids these nuisances from our body, and we can even detect health problems in the mother's womb. It is amazing how much better the world is because of these innovations.

One disturbing thing the video mentioned, however, is that the school was the one thing that had remained the same. Like the rest of the world, the school should be introducing technology and teaching the students how to operate the devices. While the basic curriculum will most likely be similar, the way teachers instruct and deliver the information can be better. I came from a high school that had computers, dry erase boards, and maybe two smart-boards. I then proceeded to go to a community college where some of the classrooms had smart-boards; however, many of the rooms also had simple chalk boards. The library did have computers with Internet access. I am now attending USA, and I was quite surprised to find that all the classrooms have chalk boards, and hardly any have smart-boards. While education, like all other fields, is changing immensely, technology should be promoted and used to better enhance the learning environment. If the school, which is the foundation, remains the same, how will any of us truly grow and experience the great discoveries of the world?

Creativity in Schools

Ken Robinson makes an extremely strong and valid point about the education system. I completely agree with his theory, and knowing that creativity is being destroyed in school, I also believe the Arts should flourish once more. I think it is quite degrading to artists when the education world views them as inferior to the "normal" students. Without creative minds, the world would be a very dull, mundane place to live. Although art is required in the school, I believe students should be given more opportunities to grow in their gifts. From a young age, art, dance, and music should all be integrated into the typical daily schedule. These type of classes cause the students to think for themselves and go beyond the set curriculum; they allow the students to discover their own abilities and enable creativity to emerge.

I loved the example given about Jillian, the choreographer. There are so many children like Jillian who have learning disabilities; however, they succeed in music, art, dance, and even sports. Not all children learn the same way, and each child should be given an equal opportunity to explore the endless possibilities of learning. I, myself, was told that I had a learning disability in the first grade. I now excel in soccer and love art. While I do enjoy the basic core classes, I always look forward in using my creativity to enhance school projects and create new things, whether it is through words or art. I hope that the school goes back to incorporating more art into the curriculum and allow students to embrace their creativity.

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

I think Vicki Davis has done an amazing job incorporating technology in the rural area of Georgia. I, myself, came from a small town, and it is difficult when we do not get to experience new technology. I had no idea that schools were so connected with the web. It amazes me that young students are learning for themselves and even teaching the instructor new things. My computer courses in middle and high school simply taught basic computer knowledge. I have already been learning many new things, and this video has given me hope for the future.

When I see young people interacting on the web, I want to become more technologically literate as well. I hope that when I become a teacher, I can use the web and technology to instruct my students and give them more ways to learn. I appreciate the hard work Mrs. Davis has done, and I have been inspired to consider new ways of teaching to make a bigger impact on my future students. I appreciate her hard work and the many websites she has created.