Group Podcast Project #9

Blog post #8 (Collaborative)

Find some 21st Century Learning and Communicating Tools?
Tell us about them, tell us where we can find them.
Give a thorough review of at least on of them.

Collaborative Group Post:
This new millennium was brought in with a dramatic revolution of technology. We now live in a diverse, globalized, and complex, media-saturated society. Today's Kindergartner's will be retiring from their jobs in 2067. We as teachers have no idea what they world will be like in 60 years, or how technology will be. This is why future educators have to look to technology as their main teaching aids. Emerging technologies and resulting globalization also provide unlimited possibilities for exciting new discoveries and developments. During our scavenger hunt this week our group has researched and came up with three different ways we can be effective teachers in the 21st century. 

Kayla Szymanski
I have chosen a tool named animoto, this is a website you can go to and create videos. Basically this is a site where you can upload pictures and make slideshows with text. This is different from Power point or even Google presentations because the background moves while the video is playing. You have the opportunity to pic your style, music, and text. These videos allow personality and creativity. The students will be able to show what they have learned through a video presentation. In three easy steps you can have a fascinating presentation that will catch the attention of the entire class.

First thing you can when you get to animoto is choose which pictures you would like to use. The great thing about animoto is that your Facebook, Instagram, Piscasa, Flickr and any other web based albums are available. This tool is very relatable with 21st century students because most of them already have pictures uploaded to each of these sites.  Having a tool that allows you to choose pictures from web based albums will save time and make it easier for our learners. You can also insert videos from YouTube, or make your own and insert it.

Next, you will be able to customize your style. This site allows you to choose from tons of backgrounds and themes. Here is a link that will show you all of the backgrounds they allow you to use: http://animoto.com/create . During this step you can also add text or points you would like to talk about during your presentation.

Once you have finished your text, you are ready to share your presentation. This site allows you do download and embed your video to Faceboook, Youtube, Vimeo, Twiter and more.






Haley Marrs:

By now, we are well aware of the countless educational tools available to teachers.iTunes U is one tool I find exceptionally useful for educators and students. iTunes U is a free tool through Apple iTunes where any college or university can upload courses available for anyone who wants to take them at no charge. With this being said, iTunes U has a multitude of educational classroom resources available. In addition to college courses there is also a section of iTunes U that focuses on K-12 Education. This makes iTunes U the perfect tool for any teacher or student. On top of having the some of the best resources in the world, such as Harvard and Stanford Universities, this tool is easy to use. Once you have downloaded iTunes all you have to do is select iTunes U on the main toolbar. A quick search of your topic, grade, school, or subject will leave you with plenty of content to explore and choose from. The searched content could be in the form of exciting videos, educational movies, elaborate PDF's, intriguing books, or lectures from some of the top professors in the world. I would like to use iTunes U in my classroom to help my students explore all the information that is available to learn. If I wanted to do a lesson on the Solar System I could do one simple search and find enough exciting content to entertain and teach my students for weeks. Another great thing about iTunes U is that you can use it on an iPad as well.

 

 

Alyssa Sherman

In recent years many schools have added smart boards to classrooms. With this tool, teachers can set up lessons on the board in advance and while still using their computers. When I was in middle school they were first brought into my school's classrooms. They were always very useful but we students never got to use them. There was also no way for us to take the lesson on the board home. Now there is a new app for iPads called "Show Me". This tool is very much like a smart board, except students are able to download this free app and work along with the lesson. Teachers can write anything they wish to write on their show me board and save it for future use. In addition, there is a record button so that students can actually see the teacher work out a problem or write something down in order. Teachers can show this in class and instead of having to waste class time writing they can start off by showing and then answering questions and better explaining any confusing steps. Students can go home (assuming that they have access to an iPad) and see the lesson again at home. This app is also a great tool for teachers and students to use because students can also see lessons from other teachers. This is a great way for students to learn if they are having a hard time understanding a certain topic.

As an example I made a show me lesson teaching how to solve the equation 1+2. The first step was to click the record button so that students could see the step by step method. Then you just speak as if you were in a classroom and "write". When you are done with the lesson you simple save and share to your class.

Students will also be able to use this tool. It can be used in test preparation, group projects, or just to help them better understand the material. If students make a show me as if they were teaching the lesson, they will always better understand the material. Also, this app gives them a global audience to work with.

Project #13

Blog Post #7

(This is a Collaborative Group Assignment)

What can you learn from conversations with Anthony Capps? (#1-4)

While watching Part 1: Experiences of a 3rd grade teacher, Anthony Capps tells us about his latest teaching experiences. He is a third grade teacher in a Baldwin County Elementary school located in Gulf Shores, AL. Dr. Strange asks Anthony how he approaches project-based learning in his 3rd grade class and what it entails. Anthony regularly uses PBL as a method of teaching and replies that project-based learning is constantly evolving. Many teachers may use projects at the end of a teaching unit to sum up the lesson or to clarify that the students comprehend what is being taught. Anthony thinks that teachers should always use PBL as a method in which the student learns content rather than just achieving something. The project assigned should be driven by a “need to know”; meaning the student needs to know the content of the standards before creating their project. This allows them to create their own learning experience. This also allows students to discover their knowledge and become enthralled with their final presentation. He implies that it is the teacher’s responsibility to assign a project that is based on the content of the state standards. Anthony says that the goal to a good project is one that has an authentic audience; this makes the kids feel rewarded for the work that they do. It also prepares them for the future. Another goal is to make the project relatable to the student’s interest and to incorporate your local community. When Anthony creates projects they all have to meet the state standards. For example, one project included the students writing letters to our congressman; this allows for the language, history, and writing standards to be met all in one project. This project is a prime example of having an authentic audience and getting the students excited about receiving a response.

Anthony also talks about iCurio and how he has used this tool in his 3rd grade class. He states that the students are able to log in and use it as a search engine. He encourages students and teachers alike to store content that they think is valuable. Using iCurio to store valuable content allows the students and teachers to have total online organization. You can add things and create your own folders with websites, audio, videos, and images. Overall using iCurio in the classroom is a great way to teach organization virtually. Anthony speaks from experience when he says "the outcome is extraordinary". It is appropriate and safe for students because only the material the teacher allows will be on the iCurio sight. Therefore it is very child friendly which is essential in the classroom. The students can also save any work they are currently working on, so if the bell rings and it’s lunch time they can conveniently save everything they are working on and come back to it at a later time.

 

"A picture is worth a 1000 words and a video must be worth a million." -Anthony Capps

Regardless of the text article you give a child if you can pair it with visual then they will retain a lot more information. 21st century teachers always should use illustrations when teaching and Discovery Ed is the perfect place to retrieve illustrations and other resources. Discovery Ed is useful for students to find pictures and articles on specific class related topics. Anthony uses Discovery Ed to bring certain text to life. 21^st century students are “listener watchers”, which means they listen and watch much more than they read or write. Dr. Strange intelligently states “our goal as a teacher is to convert people to more of a consumer of these products and into users of these products. Or even better producers.”

#5)
Written By: Alyssa Sherman
This was a very interesting conversation to listen to. I feel like this list will become very helpful in my future teaching career. Dr. Strange and Anthony create a list of 5 different key issues that new teachers need to consider. First, teachers must be interested in learning. I feel that this idea is very important. In the past I have had teachers who had no interest in  their subject or learning more about it. These were always the teachers I disliked. They made learning miserable and boring. The other teachers I  have had were always looking for more or new information. Even teachers who had earned a PhD in their field were always eager to go look something up if a student asked them a question they did not know the answer to. The second point that Anthony and Dr. Strange made was that teachers need to be flexible. I know this point will become very useful to myself and other future teachers. In 11th and 12th grade I taught a 2nd-3rd  and 3rd-4th grade Sunday School class. Because I only had 2-3 students I had to be very creative when coming up with lessons and projects. In addition, many weeks I would only have 1 student come. This made things even more challenging. This experience really makes me agree with this part of the list. The 3rd issue on the list is that teaching is hard work. This is very true. As a student I really can only imagine the work involved in making lessons, making homework, quizzes, and tests, grading these, and engaging students, and helping any student who might need a little extra explanation. Dr. Strange and Anthony also say that teaching is rewarding. From my brief experience teaching a small Sunday School class or teaching a young Girl Scout troop a new skill, this fact is very true; why else would so many people devote their lives to teaching. All new teachers should know this so that they know what they are getting into. The 4th issue is begin any plan with an end, meaning that always know what you want the end result to be. Again, flexibility is key here. The last issue is the get students engaged. Anthony says that the goal should be 100% engagement. This may seem like a very high, unlikely number, but like Anthony mentions "no child left behind". Why teach to the whole class if you only expect half to be interested and listening. I will always keep this goal in mind while teaching. Anthony and Dr. Strange share an extra 6th issue towards the end of the video that I think is very interesting. Sharing the final product with others. Having an audience makes many students want to do better and excites them. It also provides a way for students to reflect, the 6th issue on the list. Reflecting is very important. After a project is done many students want to simply relax, have fun, and not think about the topic anymore. This, however, is not a good idea. Dr. Strange and Anthony are very right to add this onto the list. I think that all of these issues are very important and I will keep them in mind and implement them when I begin my teaching career, as I believe all other future teachers should do!

#6)Title of Video: Don't Teach Tech- Use It
Link: Anthony Capps
Written By: Kayla Szymanski
Using technology in the classroom can be one of the best approaches in the 21 century. Technology is all around our students and they use it everyday, it comes completely natural to them. A great way to incorporate technology is to introduce these tools that are available like ICurio and Discovery Ed. Anthony explains how you can use technology weekly in your classroom. The first week of class he introduces the students to their new research tools. The following week they will then be assigned a research topic, for the research part they can use ICurio. Next they will have to research for a video that relates to their topic which can be done threw Discovery Ed. The final week Anthony explains how the students are then given a research project that may requires a movie component to it. There are many technologic tools that you can use in your classroom, and these are just two example of how Anthony Capps introduces them to his 3rd graders. The benefits of using technology is that it is completely free and the students get to create and design their projects in a unique manor. Sometimes there will be a one time fee for these technological tools. But what you have to remember is that when using technology the daily classroom supplies are no longer needed. This is a great way to ensure that your students will never run out of the materials during their learning process. Also it saves time in the classroom because it is clean. Anthony mentions how you don't have to clean up markers and spills, technology is the new way of learning.

#7)
Additional Thought About Lessons
Written By: Haley Marrs

This brief video is a wonderful learning tool for future teachers. This conversation features Anthony Capps discussing the four layers of teaching lessons. He makes a nice humorous point when saying "if it's anymore than four layers I'm just going to cry". The four layers are broken down as follows:

- Yearly: When planning our lessons for the year Anthony recommends drawing out a map. We have to ask ourselves "Are you going to cover all of your content standards?"
- Unit: Learning should be stretched out to be taught over the course of the appropriate unit size. By the end of the unit students should be able to master the standards taught. A question to ask yourself is "Have you devised unit projects in a meaningful way that is connected throughout the unit?"
- Weekly: Units should be planned by weeks. Each week should require a learning goal to meet your course standards. "How can you cover material needed in one week?" Will your goal be met?
- Daily: Weeks should be planned by day. Daily lessons should focus on ways to deliver content to students in a way that will keep them engaged. It is important to measure learning each day so you know where to begin the next day.

I find it interesting that Anthony says each layer of learning is equally as important. He suggests that all layers must be done successfully to finish a lesson.

Blog Post #6

Asking Questions:
 What questions do we ask? How do we ask?

While doing this assignment I realized that asking questions is a very important part of learning. The type of questions that teachers ask their students are all planned ahead of time and serve a very important role. I found a lot of useful tips on creating questions in "Asking Questions To Improve Learning."   One tip is always wait 5 to 10 seconds after asking a question, this allows the students to think about what they are going to say and how to answer. Another great tip to never interrupt a student when they are trying to answer your questions, this allows the student to fully explain their answer. Bloom's Taxonomy chart also helped me understand the fundamentals of asking questions. The six categories that make up asking questions consist of: evaluation, synthesis, analysis, application, comprehension, and knowledge. The chart below describes each of categories in detail.

What do we need to know about asking questions to be an effective teacher?

The article "Three Ways to Ask Better Questions in the Classroom." by Maryellen Weimer, Phd. has been very helpful to me. While reading Mrs. Weimer's blog she has shown me three simple ways to improve my question asking skills. Most teachers never realize how important the question asking task really is. If you are not careful your questions can do more harm than help to your students. To make sure this never happens, always make sure you follow these three steps: prepare your questions, play with questions, and preserve the good questions.

 

-Prepare your questions:

Many teachers when asking questions never take the time to actually prepare. They usually go straight off impulse. Wiemer teaches us to prepare are questions ahead of time, which prevents asking questions impulsively. Preparing your questions ahead of time allows you to have plenty of time to think them through. You always want your questions to improve your students thinking, not bore them or confuse them. One way to realize if you are asking the wrong type of question is if no one attempts to answer them.

 

-Play with questions:

Questions are more powerful in the space between the question and the answer. A great successful way to play with questions is to leave the question unanswered and then come back to that same question. This gives the students time to fully think of an answer and helps them stay focused. This may also give them time to write down ideas or collaborate with other students to come up with an answer.

 

-Preserve the good questions:  

Whenever a student asks a good question you should always write it down and save it for future use.

By saving your previous students questions, this may help you answer future questions that may resemble. By bringing up previously asked questions this shows the students that their questions are in fact valued and cherished. We should always encourage students to ask questions because the only bad question there is, is the one no one ever asked.

 

 

Project #8 (Book Trailer)

Blog Post #5

How can ICurio and Discovery Ed Be Used Effectively in Your Instruction?

Discover ICurio for yourself, click here.
 (Below is contact information for the ICurio Corp.)
Contact us at 1.855.KNOVATE for more information or to get a customized quote for your school or district.

Discovery Education (Click here for more info.)

Poject #7

Project #3

Project #2

This is my Personal Learning Network that I have created according to my personal interests. I can click any of these icons and they will take me straight to where I need to go. Most of the icons I have on my PLN are for educational purposes only or just intrigue me. My Educational News icon is a personal favorite because it updates you whenever any kind of news about the local school systems are available. I also added some art icons to my network as well, I think a PLN should be consistent with your personal interests. The website I used to create my PLN is called Symbaloo. This site allows you to compact everything you like into one collage of sites. Having this organizing type site is very invigorating and makes it much easier for my learning experiences.

 

Blog Post #4

Why Podcast? How do we do a podcast?

Link:http://langwitches.org/blog/category/podcasting
Summary:
This blog is about how a first grade teacher introduced the idea of podcasting to her class. Each student was allowed to read a part of the script in their own read-aloud audio book. The teacher would make a script and then record the students reading each line. She made a book so that the students could use it to follow along while listening to their podcast. The teacher writes how she was amazed at the students because they were all engaged and ready to listen and record their voices. Podcasting is a great way to intergrade learning phonics and reading with fun and exciting new ways. The teacher then stated that the podcast was embedded onto their class blog. This truly sounds like an excited learning experience. I think we should podcast because it breaks up the monotony of reading from text book to text book. If we can show our students that they can be apart of their books by hearing their own voices in a podcast, then I believe they will be astonished and intrigued. I think that by using podcasts in the classroom the students phonemic and phonological awareness will increase rapidly.

Link: Integrating ICT into the classroom
Summary:
While watching this video is makes podcasting seem like a must have in the classroom. There are so many advantages to having this tool, most teachers can record their lectures and upload them onto a class blog. If students are sick or unable to attend class they still have all of the lecture notes where they can listen and never be behind. By using the podcast learning strategy you are allowing your students to demonstrate a higher power of thinking skills. Another great thing about podcasts is that they can be listened to anytime, anywhere and are perfect for class blogs and websites. The children we will be teaching are called millennial students, meaning they were born after 1980. These students have never experience life without technology, so why should they have to while they are in school? By teaching with effective tools, such as the podcasting system, it makes learning very relatable for 21st century learners.

Link:http://www.curriki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Coll_jpsrolls/PodcastCollection
Summary:
This blog basically shows what a podcast is. Broken down the term podcast is a cross between a broadcast and an ipod. They say that a podcast is a radio-like talk show and it may even include background music. Podcasts can be listened to on a MP3 player or a computer. Millions of people who surf the web listen to podcasts on a daily basis. It enables information to be shared sufficiently. A Podcast is a voice with music in the background. A vodcast is just like a podcast but with visuals, its basically like a slideshow.

C4C (Project #5)

C4C #13 (Last One)
Student: Anna Kern
http://kernannaedm310.blogspot.com/

Hey! your blog looks great, all of your pictures have links and your links within your blogs are working. Great job! I only saw one tiny mistake, other than this, great job!

You Said:
We all remember being little and wanting to do the things we thought would be fun such as being an artist or an astronaut.As Mr. Koyczan said, despite all we dreamed about or aspired to be, we were told to think about things more realistic.
(*There should be a space after astronaut and As.)


C4C #12
Student: Jacquelyn's Blog
Hi! Your blog looks flawless, I have proofread this blog and I did not find any mistakes. All of your links are working and you have added titles and pictures. keep up the good work!

C4C#11
Student Name & Link: Jordan Neely
HI, Jordan your blog looks really good, it is organized very well and everything is easy  to see. I noticed you have pictures in every post and it really does make your post stand out. The links are also working on each of your pictures, good job. You also incorporated links into each post that will directly take you to each article.

I did find some mistakes within your blog post #11:
You Said:
They know the rules for commenting and to not say means things in comments because it could hurt their classmate’s feelings.
*Instead of "means" it should be "mean"

This sentence doesn't flow very well:
This classroom has Nintendo DS’s as well with educational games on them, too.
*Try this:
*Mrs. Cassidy's classroom is equipped with Nintendo DS, which is a hand held gaming device that contains educational games.

C4C#10
Student Name & Link to Blog: Brylyn Cowling

Your blog looks great, your picture has the correct HTML code when you hover the mouse over it and your links are working.

I am not positive but I am pretty sure you need a comma in this sentence:
*Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who battled pancreatic cancer and is famously known for his inspirational lecture, The Last Lecture.
>>(If the highlighter does not show up I placed a comma after the lecture, The Last Lecture)

*When he stated this, I immediately thought of scenarios in my future classroom that this could apply to: What if I teach in an area where funds are lacking and the tools I would like to use in my classroom are limited?

This sentence is a little broken up, you could rephrase it like this:
>>While Randy spoke, I immediately though of...

 *From this segment I learned that it is important to make the most out of each and every opportunity and situation I am given in my career as a professional educator.
*You should say something that flows better:
>>While listening to this segment I learned:


C4C #9
Student: Briann Smith
Blog Link: Briann's Blog Post

Below are some tips to incorporate into this blog post, also the post is very lengthy. Maybe condensing the next post would be a way to entice the reader to keep reading. Other than that it looks really good, your pictures and videos are working perfectly. Keep up the good work.

This was a colaberative post, they wrote:
He described at “risk students” as students of poverty
*This should be: He describes at "risk students" as students of poverty.

They wrote:
What city do you live?, What state do you live in?, What country do you live in?, and What is your address?

*I am not positive but I do not think you need these commas. The ? mark should be the end of the sentence the commas don't really make sense. You should just list the questions and leave the commas out.

They wrote:
In his presentation he went on to ask, “why is there such a disconnect for these kids”.


*There should be a ? mark after kids?"
Example: "Why is there such a disconnection for these kids?".

They wrote:
Crosby stressed how important it is to help students who have not had many experiences and inputs to build a schema of the world.

Crosby stresses how important it is to help build a schema or knowledge of the world these children live in. Since they are poverty students, they do not have worldly experiences other students may have.
*This breaks the sentence up and makes it more understandable.



C4C #8
Student: Amanda Weller
Link:Amanda Weller's Blog
She Wrote:
After we leave EDM310 we will have to figure out where to start to learn how to use new tools that will become available in great numbers in the future.

I think this can be said better, it is confusing. You should say something like this:
*When we leave EDM310 and we are teaching in the 21st century, we will need to know how to use new technological tools to become more affective teachers.

I like the idea of having a social network poster made from "Glogster". The students will love this because you can share it and incorporate their work into their own social lives. This is a great tool I never knew existed. I will definitely be using this in my future classroom, thanks for the idea.




C4C #7
Students Name: Krista Rodden
 Link to Blog: Krista Rodden
The video was very exciting and kept my attention. The background music was perfect, it made the book come to life! Your organization of your pictures and captions from the book were very impressive, and well thought through.
The only thing I noticed was that your in between sentences were weak.
You said: And refuses more but Sam keeps trying.
You could have said something like: After Sam's friends dismiss the Green Eggs and Ham, Sam persist they try it.

C4C #6
Students Name: Hilliary Sanders
Link to blog: Hilliary Sander's Blog
She Wrote:
"However, a very simple way is to ask questions."
*You need to explain what you are trying to say a little better, you should add something to justify this sentence.
Example: "However, a very simple way to discover if your students are comprehending what you are teaching is to ask questions.
She Wrote:
I'm sure at some point we have all seen the scene "Bueller...Bueller...Bueller" from the movie Farris Bueller's Day Off.
*(I love this movie! This was a great example to put in your blog it made me laugh!)

You have great word placement and your sentences are very precise and to the point. Also all of your links work and your pictures are linked correctly. Great Job! Keep up the good work.


C4C #5
Students name: Lisa Smith
Link to blog:Lisa's Blog
She said:
"Gives students a personal learning experiences."
It should say: "Gives students a tremendous amount of learning experiences."
(..or simply just make experiences into experience.)
The assignment was to make a presentation about both ICurio and Discovery Ed, I do not see anything related to Discovery Ed.
I loved the style of your prezi, the different slide changes kept my attention.

C4C #4
Students Link: Ashley Railey
Ashley Wrote:
And if you missed school because of an illness or family emergency, you feel behind in your work.
*(Feel should be changed to fell) (Also I wouldn't start this sentence with And..)

Ashley Wrote:
Fast forward to 2013.
*(I get what your trying to say, but this sentence needs more depth..)
Example: If you will fast forward to the year 2013, our educational systems have been modified and upgraded drastically.

Ashley Wrote:
How amazing is that!
*(Again you need more depth.)

Also your picture does not have a link when your mouse is hovered over it, if you need you can look in the class blog and its shows you how to fix this. Other than these mistakes your blog post is formatted rite and your sentences are informing. I also love love love your chevron background, keep up the good work.

C4C#3
Sarah Barnett's Blog Post
I critiqued Sarah's blog post #3 about peer editing, and below are some of the comments that I left on her blog. Hopefully she will take my comments seriously and apply them to her future work.

Sarah's Sentence: Peer editing is something that is so important in school these days.
*You should explain why you think its important, don't just state this as an open opinion, have something to back it up.

Sarah's Sentence: We should and will all benefit from these examples.
*You need more depth in your sentences, without the prior sentence this makes no sense.
*Also your picture doesn't have a link, wherever you got this picture you should copy and paste the link into your blog, (Not Google..an actual website or blog) so that when your cursor hovers over the picture the link will appear.
*You also do not have any links, you should have links in every single post. You can have a link to the video we watched and embed this into your paragraph.

Other than that your blog looks really good, I would just advise you to use more depth when writing.

C4C #2
Student: Caitlin Hinton
Link:Caitlin's Blog

This is what I said:
 "Mr.Dancealot” is an exemplary video concerning how many teachers in today’s society give facts ***and/or*** opinions, expecting the student to take notes, study, and regurgitate what the student “learned” in class.

I don't think you should put a / between and/or..this is not formal writing. But I do agree completely with the sentence.

You also have this sentence:
This is applicable to any field of education.
* What is applicable? without the sentence before this makes no sense. Make sure you include precisely what you are trying to say.

Your pictures and links look great, also your paragraphs were thought out very well. I would watch out for the dashes mid sentence because it throws everything off.

C4C #1
Student: Carla Young
Blog:Carla Young's Blog

The first thing that I noticed on your blog is that you do not have working links on your post. Also you do not have your pictures correctly done either. When you hover your mouse over your pictures it should show a direct link of where you copied the picture from. The links should not be Google, it needs to be a specific sight or blog. You can also go to the class blog and see in blog post assignments it shows you step by step how to add pictures and links into your blog.

C4K (Project #6) (Summary for September)

C4K #10
link: http://pesyear1.blogspot.co.nz/2013/11/i-can-write.html
Hi Khismira, my name is Kayla Szymanski and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently taking a computer class named EDM310 and I have been assigned your blog post for this week. I think it's awesome that you can have a class blog and add personalized pictures like this. I'm sure your teacher is showing you all of the wonderful thing technology can offer you while learning. Blogging is definitely one of them, keep up the good work.


C4K: #9
Student's Link to Blog: Cyrus's Blog
Hi Cryus! My name is Kayla Szymanski and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am in a computer class named EDM310 and I have been assigned your blog for this week. It is so exciting to see you learning through your blog. I read your about me part and your classroom learning environment seems awesome. Your description of your classroom makes me want to go back in time and learn the way you get too. Your blog post/story was very interesting, did you make it up? I loved the way you incorporated the four-wheeler chasing part. I ride four-wheelers all of the time and this part made me more engaged in your story. You have great writing skills, keep up the good work.


C4K #8
Student's Link to blog: http://osgapusgov.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/no-justice-for-all-the-dangerous-lack-of-standardization-in-our-criminal-system-and-the-man-whose-life-is-on-the-line-because-of-it/
Hi my name is Kayla Szymanski and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently in a computer class called EDM310 and I have been assigned your blog. Wow what a great article. I am very impressed with your blog, it looks great. Also the article was very interesting, I don't think most people even think about mental illness when things like this happen. Your charts and cartoon was very powerful, you did a great job. The chart was almost unbelievable and almost sad. I see you have a very strong platform within this blog and I encourage you to stick with it. If you don't tell it or explain it, nobody will ever know about it. What a interesting read, thanks! Keep up the good work.

C4K #7
Link to student's blog: http://pespehsoa.blogspot.com/

Hi Peh! My name is Kayla Szymanski and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently in a computer class called EDM310 and I have been assigned your blog for this week. I am very impressed, your art work as your background looks wonderful. Also I love how you made a paragraph rubric, these can be very handy when writing. It is amazing that you have added pictures to your post, your blog looks just like mine. Make sure you keep up the good work, I loved reading your blog.


C4K #6
Link to class blog:Mrs.Schroeder's Class Blog
Link to Students Blog: Tyler's Blog

Hi Tyler, I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently in a computer class called EDM310 and I was assigned to your blog this week. Your post states that you would like to have a Facebook account. I think that if you let your mom put the private settings and allow her to monitor your account weekly she would have no problem with you having an account. You should tell her that she has the option to set privacy settings on your profile, and provide her with the user name and password. She shouldn't have anything against it since she can help protect you this way. Just some helpful tips, keep up the good work!


September Summary:
During the month of September I was allowed to read and comment on student's blogs of all ages. This was very interesting, instead of being the student it made me feel as if I were on the other side of things. It made me feel like one day I could really be reading these blogs as a teacher. This was amazing to be able to get this feeling and also be doing an assignment all at once. Reading these blogs I caught myself smiling, these students get to express their selves on each of their blogs and you really do get a sense of personality out of each one. Most of the time there were spelling errors and the sentences didn't quite make sense, but all in all each blog has a great meaning. I noticed that a lot of the children's books these students are being read have great meanings behind them. These students write in their blogs about what they have taken away from these books and its amazing. They are being taught humility, responsibility, and to be thankful for everything they have. These assignments each week were a breath of fresh air, I loved doing them. It is always fun to see these books and thoughts threw a child's eyes, and these C4Ks allow that. Having students blog each week is almost like the new way of a weekly writing journal. The only thing I disagree with is the writing errors, I think it would be easier to grade writing journals weekly.


C4K #5
Class Blog Link:Class Blog Link
The students were given this assignment on their class blog by Ms.Eppele:
Your blogs are all looking wonderful! Please remember to use complete sentences. Today’s challenge is to write at least FIVE sentences. I want to hear your amazing thoughts and ideas. 

1.   Right away in Chapter 7, Melody talks about how she dreams she can do anything. Think about a dream that you have had. How can you make that dream into a reality?
2.    Why do you think it is hard for teachers to stay with Melody and her class?
3.    Why do you think the episode with Mrs. Billups is important to the story as a whole?

Link to Student's Blog: Andrew Pickle

What I Wrote:
Hi Anthony! My name is Kayla Szymanski and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently in a class called EDM 310 and I have been assigned your blog this week. Your post was very interesting, I loved reading it. I think that it's safe to say that Melody has taught you a very important lesson. Always stay positive no matter what. When we look at other peoples lives and what they have to go through it can sometimes make us feel like we have the perfect life. I believe that this is what your main focus was in this blog. Keep up the good work, and remember never complain sometimes the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

C4K #4
Class Blog:MrsRippsClass
Student's Blog: Leona's Blog
I Wrote:
Hey Leona! My name is Kayla Szymanski and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently in a computer class named EDM 310 and I have been assigned your blog this week. I love the book out of my mind by Sharon Draper, it really does show us how blessed we really are to be healthy. You should also check out the club house mysteries series, its written by Sharon Draper too. Keep up the good work your blog looks great. Remember if you love a book written by a certain author most of the time you will like the other books they have written as well. It is great to have a favorite author. Thanks for letting me read your blog and maybe I will be assigned to it again.


C4K #3
Ms. King - 7th and 8th grade
Class Blog: Class Blog
Student's Blog: Anthony
Hi Anthony, my name is Kayla Szymanski and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently in a course called EDM310 and I have been assigned your blog this week. I noticed that your last two post are math related, you are very good with numbers. If you can keep your mathematical knowledge throughout your academic career it will be a main key to your success. Math is such an important subject and you should be very proud. Your blog is very impressing, and the background looks wonderful. Keep up the good work and maybe I will be assigned to your blog again.

C4K#2
Student's Blog: Juani
This is what I wrote on Juani's blog:
Hi Juani, my name is Kayla Szymanski and I am in a computer class called EDM310. I am attending the University of South Alabama and I have been assigned your blog for this week. I love your background and the colors are so pretty; they match the parrot perfect. I loved hearing about your boring mornings. I am not a morning person either, so I can relate. It's very hard for me to wake up in the mornings. I guess I am just like your little sister. If you eat a healthy breakfast each morning it helps a lot with boring mornings. Before you know it you will be wide awake. You should tell your sister about eating healthy breakfast too, and it might help her. Keep up the good work and maybe I will be assigned to your blog again.  

C4K #1
Student: Mckenna
Link: McKenna's Blog Post

This is what she wrote in her blog:
Did you know that Alberta has endangered animals?They are Bull Trout ,piping plover,woodland caribou,whooping crane ,Trumpeter swan,white pelican,swift fox,ferruginous hawk ,Burrowing owl and the northern leopard frog. contact your local wild life centre on how you can help.

This is what I wrote to her:
Hi McKenna, my name is Kayla Szymanski and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I have been assigned your blog this week and I am so excited to read all of the fun things you are writing about. I had no idea that Alberta has so many endangered animals, this is very sad. I think that the best thing about your post is that you are helping these animals just by letting people know how to help. This is such a great thing, thank you for sharing this important information and keep up the good work. 

C4T(Project #4)

C4T#5
Link: Dianne Krause's Blog
Hi, I am a University of South Alabama Student majoring in education. Your blog is awesome, I love the way your layout makes it look like an organized notebook. I am so glad my teacher assigned me to your blog, you offer so much information. Thank you so much for posting interesting blog posts that can help future and current teachers. I will definitely be saving your link for future use!


C4T#4
Link: Jenna Luca
Title of Blog: Lucacept intercepting the Web
What I Wrote:
Hey, I am a student at the University of South Alabama and I have been assigned your blog this week. I am taking a course named EDM310 and we use twitter as a communication tool. I loved the video with Justin Timberlake in it, it really does put in perspective how silly hashtags can be. It is absurd how this generation is so fully involved in technological trends. I fully agree that post with excess hashtags are very infuriating. For future twitter use I will definitely keep "The Hashtag Stuffer" in mind. Thanks for sharing this educational video and helping people become better twitter users.


C4T #3
Teacher: Jennifer Brokofsky
Title: Building A Culture of Wonder: Inquiry in Primary Education
Link:jennifer brokofsky's Blog

Summary:
Jennifer Brokofsky's blog had three videos: The problem, part 2 of the problem, and the solution.
During the video the small boy and young girl were both eating skittles. They both only ate certain colors and this caused an quality problem. Because the pack of skittles was unequally colored they opened a second pack to make both sides equal. This was a very simple and relatable way to interrupt equality to small children.

What I Wrote:
Hi, my name is Kayla Szymanski and I am currently in a class called EDM310. I am attending the University of South Alabama and I have been assigned your blog this week. Your videos explain equality in a simple and very relatable way. This is such a great way to show children not only math skills but also how to be kind a generous to others. I think that the videos are more powerful than just explaining it to the class because research shows that children respond to visuals. Very good work and thank you for the ideas, maybe on day I will show these videos to my future class.



C4T #2
Author:Travis Allen

Title: My Life As A 21st Century Student

Link:Travis Allen's Blog Post

This is what I posted on Travis Allen's blog post:

Hi, my name is Kayla Szymanski and I am currently in a computer course named EDM310. My professor specifically assigned your blog to me this week. I am so proud of your work with the Ischool Initiative, it is a great way for our age voices to be heard. I am so happy to hear that the University of Jyvaskyla is partnering with you also. It seems like the education system in Finland is flawless, and as a future educator I am delighted you are trying to mainstream that into our education system in the United States. One of your quotes really spoke to me, " The more responsibility you give to students at an earlier age, the more responsible they will become", I agree with this 100%. Thank you so much for all that you are doing, your are truly a blessing to our society. 

Summary:

Travis Allen is a young researcher and founder of the Ischool Initiative. the Ischool Initiative was basically set up to educate both students and teachers to become lifelong digital learners. He is researching the education system in Finland and trying to shape the U.S. in its model. He stated that in Finland the education system is very personal so it keeps the student engaged and eager to learn more. Instead of trying to teach each student the same way, this system allows you to teach yourself in your own style. I am very excited to see the changes in our school systems, and hopefully I will see them before I am an educator.


C4T #1
Author: Davis Wees
Title: Thoughts from a 21st Century Educator
Twitter: +David Wees
Blog: David Wees's Blog

David Wees is a math teacher trying to help his students learn how to double check themselves while solving math problems. He wrote in his blog about how he was trying to compile a list of questions for his students to use while problem solving. He based his list of questions off of a book named, "How to solve it?" by: George Polya.

Here are the questions you can ask yourself when solving a mathematical problems:
1. What are your assumptions?
2. How is this problem related to another problems you have done?
3. Is there another way to solve it?
4. Can you explain the solution to someone else?
5. What tools could you use to help you solve this problem?
6. How can you reflect on your problem solving process?
7. How can you justify your solution?

This is what I posted on David Wees's Blog:
Hi, my name is Kayla Szymanski and I am currently enrolled in the EDM310 course. I have been assigned your blog for this week, and by this being done I have read your current post. I think that it is a very good idea to give your students questions they can ask themselves while problem solving. As a former math student myself, sometimes just seeing a math problem will freak you out enough to where you don't even want to begin. I think by giving your students these quick questions it will ease this sensation that I repeatedly felt while taking math courses. Also just a tip I think maybe you could condense these rules into about 5 quick easy steps. This would be a great class motto or easy memorizing learning tool for each of your students. They could use it as a way to self check themselves while solving problems too. I had a teacher that once gave us a saying, and each word meant; subtract, multiply, etc.,and it worked. You will be surprised what works and sticks in your students heads.

Blog Post #3

How Can You Provide Meaningful Feedback to Your Peers?

I think that it is very important when giving feedback not to be too picky. The entire point of feedback is to help the student or colleague exceed in that specific skill. You have to be very careful not to hurt feelings, but if the truth hurts there is no light way to say it. With this being said, I have critiqued my three classmates' blog posts and would like to share with you what I have found.

I believe our blog posts are a very important tool in our teaching careers. By offering feedback, we are enabling our students to have a good portfolio for their future employers. I have learned to be more serious when writing when writing things that are posted on the internet. I realize that these writings are a personal reflection of me and can be accessed by anyone.

 

Alyssa Sherman:

One thing that I noticed in this Alyssa's blog was that she starts each paragraph with the words "first, second," and so on.   This does not strike me as a formal way of writing. 

Ex: "First and most importantly how can students learn new information..."

Ex: "A second flaw of the flipping system, as mentioned in the video..."

Overall this student has a very good grammar structure to her blog, and I believe she identified the main thesis of her argument. She also clearly stated her position in the argument.

 

Katy Mehrer:

While reading Katy's blog I could not help but notice that she needs to write more formal instead of writing like she is texting or talking to a friend. She always needs to be aware that she writes a lot of simple sentences that do not expound on the main idea of the topic. A lot of her sentences are almost pointless with no meaning.

Ex:  I don’t believe that to be completely true; however, I do feel like it is important for children to learn about computers and how to use them.

*It should sound like this:

I don't believe this to be completely true; however, I do feel that it is...

 

Simple Sentences:

Ex: Teaching in the 21^st century is a lot like it was in the 20^th century.

Ex:When I was in school, we still had computer labs, and different things to do with computers.

Ex: I know quite a few things about computers.

Ex:That is why we have computer classes in college.

(Individually these sentences do not tell the reader enough about the topic. Katy needs to be complex in her writing. )

I do not think that this blog post meets the requirements of a quality writing assignment.

 

Haley Marrs:

Haley has simple grammar mistakes regarding comma placement and a couple of run on sentences. She seems to have made her major points aware in these paragraphs and she has clearly stated her position in the argument.

 

Run on Sentence:

Vicki Davis is an outstanding IT director and teacher in rural Georgia who has used digital citizenship to teach her students about technology.

*She could have broken this into two sentences and it wouldn't have seemed so long.

Ex: Vicki Davis is an outstanding IT director and teacher in rural Georgia. She uses digital citizenship to teach her students about technology.

 

Run on sentence:

As stated in the video, Davis likes to call herself a “teacherprenuer,” because she customizes her curriculum according to the students she has in the classroom, based on their strengths and interests.

*This sentence could have been broken down.

Ex: As stated in the video, Davis like to call herself a "teacherprenuer". She chose this name because she customizes her own curriculum according to her students' strengths and interests

Blog Post #2

Professor Dancealot Video
By: Michael Johnson

The modern age of teaching is so outdated and this video illustrates that perfectly. The video sets the scene in a dance class, with students eager to learn the first day. The professor has put together several slide shows teaching different dances such as the rumba, swing dancing, and the fox trot. The students have to take notes while the professor acts out each dance step in front of them, some of the students try to act out the moves themselves and quickly get told that this is not acceptable. The students become bored and withdrawn by the second dance type, they are not engaged and the teacher just keeps teaching. By the end of the course the professor announces that the final exam will be in the ball room, open book, open notes. Once the teacher allows the students to dance they are lost and clueless as to what to do. This video is trying to portray that teaching from a power point each day is basically pointless and non effective. The students are not allowed to be engaged when teachers teach this way, students need to be active and learn in an exciting environment. This future of teaching is drastically different than the way I personally was taught in elementary school, and this change is great. Now days in the classroom students are blogging and learning while playing games that they are enjoying and having fun while doing. You are learning so many different skills and also collaborating in groups. This blows the power point system out of the water, more students respond to things they are familiar with, and technology is one.


The Network Student:  Network Student Video
What a simple, yet powerful video. Kevin Roberts did a great job at compiling the reasons why PLN's are such vital parts of our students educational growth. The question is asked after watching this video, why do students even need teachers anymore in the 21st century? Even though students can basically teach themselves using tools offered by PLN's today there are a few things that teachers can also offer that are beneficial as well.

Teachers are the ones who help students build their PLN's and help the students take advantage of these great learning opportunities. Without the teacher showing their students these tools they would never know they existed. Also teachers can offer their guidance when the students get stuck on a particular problem. It is so much easier when you can just ask questions and get results back, this is the teachers job.

The teachers also show the students how to communicate properly and ask respectfully for help from experts. If the students did not have teachers to show them what grammar mistakes they were making the world would be one huge error. Teachers are still needed in the 21st century even though there are plenty of teaching tools free on the web. This is why it is so crucial for teachers of the 21st century to be computer and technologically literate.

And lastly the teacher shows the students how to sort out good information and propaganda while they learn on their personal network system. Also the teacher must show the student how to turn a web search into a fun excited way to learn. Students can be self taught all day long, but they need that encouragement to keep going. This is almost the same instance as the last blog post we did. The children were teaching themselves English and other things way above there time, but yet they still needed encouragement every now and then to keep going. It is a proven and tested fact, teachers will be around in the 21st century and even after that.


By: Haley Marrs
Vicki Davis is an outstanding IT director and teacher in rural Georgia who has used digital citizenship to teach her students about technology. As stated in the video, Davis likes to call herself a “teacherprenuer” because she customizes her curriculum according to the students she has in the classroom, based on their strengths and interests. Davis is focused on teaching her students to learn how to learn, teaching them new software, how to blog and communicate effectively using online resources and how to generally be comfortable with technology as a whole.
                   She mentions several times that she is teaching her students to learn how to learn. This is evident in the video where you see the students individually interacting with technology and she is watching and participating herself by asking questions to challenge their thinking and skills. Davis has her curriculum and introduces it to her students then it is expected of the students learn how to complete the request at hand. In this particular case these high school students are learning about terraforming, which is a new term to them, and she expects them to look it up and learn to learn. This reminds me of a popular motto by Dr. Strange, “Never tell, always ask”. This is an effective way of teaching because the student has to seek the answer rather than just being told. This allows the teacher to motivate the students to think, just as I did when I personally had to Google the term terraforming for this video.
                    Not only does Mrs. Davis have these students searching for information but they also have the opportunity to teach one another and in this case they have taught the teacher. Davis justifies teachers do not always have to be educated on what they want their students to learn because it is a chance for the student to be a teacher, as this empowers them and they can share with each other. As you see in the video, the students have an opportunity to stand in front of the class and teach their peers which promotes networking skills. These students are blogging with people from around the world and really collaborating with them to learn about other cultures and ways of learning. She has proven herself to be effective by empowering them to embark outside of this rural Southern community by connecting them to the world.

By: Katy Mehrer
What does it mean to teach in the 21^st century? Teaching in the 21^st century, according to the video “Teaching in the 21^st Century”, was talking about how computers have such an impact on children of today. I don’t believe that to be completely true; however, I do feel like it is important for children to learn about computers and how to use them. What I don’t agree on is them having to use them in elementary school. Google has been a big part of looking things up for kids, but I believe that most kids that are using these tools are the children in upper schooling. Most kids learn from themselves with using computers. Teaching in the 21^st century is a lot like it was in the 20^th century. When I was in school, we still had computer labs, and different things to do with computers. I don’t believe it is a must do to teach with computers. I know quite a few things about computers. That is why we have computer classes in college. If you would like to know more about computers, than take a class. That is my opinion on the 21^st century teaching.

By:Alyssa Sherman

“Flipping the Classroom—4^th Grade STEM”

Ms. Manofo states in her video several reasons why flipping is being implemented in her school. At first glance her ideas sound fantastic; every child will get the most out of his or her education. However, while the idea of teaching students their lesions the night before class seems like a great idea, there are some major flaws that cannot be overlooked.

             First and most importantly how can students learn new information, especially in math, if they cannot ask questions while learning? In the video Ms. Manofo says that the idea behind flipping is so that students can come to class prepared having already done some problems. But what if a student does not understand? It is crucial, especially in math, for students to ask questions as soon as they do not understand something. How can a student do any practice problems if he or she does not understand how to solve the problem? While some students may feel more prepared for class after already hearing the lessons, this will not work for everyone.

            A second flaw of the flipping system, as mentioned in the video, is that not every student has a home computer. While students would be allowed to use a school computer in the morning, this plan is not very effective. Students in this situation would have a major disadvantage since they cannot do their homework the night before. Also, the main idea of flipping is to have students prepared for class lessons; this cannot be done when not every student can hear the lesson and prepare the night before.

            While the idea of flipping does have its bad sides, there are some benefits that were mentioned in the video. Students would have the opportunity to see and hear the lesson ahead of class. This would allow students to come to class ready to work, and, hopefully, with questions. This would allow for better use of class time. Another benefit of flipping is that students could watch the lesson as many times as necessary for them to understand. This would allow students to learn at their own pace.

            Ms. Manofo makes some very excellent points in her video about the benefits of flipping, but she does not mention some crucial aspect of this plan. For this system to work some changes need to be made in the plan. However, the idea of flipping could be very beneficial to students overall.

Blog Post #1

It is crazy to think that the future of the world could be nothing but self taught individuals.  During this video of Mr. Sugata Mitra, he basically has proven that the only element that is needed in the education process of a child's learning development is encouragement. He put computers with English information in different areas of poverty stricken countries. Then he would monitor every month or so to see if the children were learning anything. The children did not understand the English at first but then they taught their selves how to read and comprehend it. He was blown away by this because they had self-taught themselves. Basically after many months of different kinds of experiments he has proven in fact that the only thing children need is encouragement to learn. The children taught themselves with the help of a woman boosting their confidence along the way. I love the way he states, "Is knowing obsolete?" Is this the case of our future society? If this is the case, we as teachers may be jobless in the future unless we change the way of learning. There is a part of our brain called the reptilian, here this certain part shuts down the ability to learn when it senses threats. Punishment and examinations are both seen as threats, we give our children threats then we shut there brains down and make them "preform". We need to shift the threat back to pleasure.

What do you want your students to know?
I want my students to know basically how to self organize there educational experience. I want to provide the basic tools of course reading, writing, and comprehension. But I want my students to know that they can teach themselves, by doing this they learn and have fun while learning.

What do you want your students to be able to do?
I want my students to be able to sit down and figure out how to teach themselves. I want to make them be hungry for learning. If I provide the tools, for example centers and or computers I want my students to be able to take these tools and dive into a world of learning that they will love and enjoy. They will also be able to create there own blogs on blogger and we can communicate with other classes around the world. How awesome would this be especially if we were learning about different cultures or environments. Some of these children will never be able to travel across the world but by allowing the students to Skype they can have a first hand feel of other nationalities.

What will be your primary way of teaching your students what you want them to know and do?
The methods that I will take to my students will not be a passing grade on a test confirms what they have all learned. I do not agree with this method. Mostly because half of the passing grades you see the students are doing nothing but memorizing and then later forgetting the material. I want my students to learn by experience, you never forget great experiences they last lifetimes.

What Tools will you use in your classroom?
Of course this is a tricky question because the tools I would like to use are probably not in any kind of budget for the schools around my area. I would like for every student to have an ipad or Mac Book at there desk at all times. This way no student will need any pens, paper, or school supplies. There are some great learning tools on the internet as well. I went to http://www.palmbeachschools.org/learning_tools/4kids/ and they have tons of different learning activities.

What role will students play in your classroom, i.e. how will they participate in the learning process?
The students will play the mane roll in my classroom, they will be the ones that are hands on the entire time. I will basically monitor the classroom but let the children learn with their technologic tools. This is a great way to learn because the class will never be bored. They will always be interested because what they are doing is apart of their generation and its not just the teacher standing in the front of the classroom lecturing. I think that by allowing the students to become the teacher role themselves for themselves will be very rewarding in the end.

Practice Blog Post

My name is Kayla Szymanski and I am very excited to be attending the University of South Alabama. I am 22 years of age and will be 23 in October. I have my own business named Kay's Kreations, where I make custom decals and monogramming. My business has really taken off this past year, it keeps me busy, but it is also very rewarding. I still live with my parents and I have two sisters and one brother. I also have a very serious boyfriend named Brad Jones, we have been dating for three years come this September. I currently am employed by Satsuma United Methodist Church where I am the bookkeeper. I'm also employed with Lafitte Baptist Church as the custodian. I actually attend Lafitte Baptist Church where I sing in the choir and also teach Sunday school to 4th grade children weekly.

I am majoring in Elementary Education and one day I would like to teach K5. I recently got the chance to take a mission trip to Honduras. This trip was life changing and made me realize  that my purpose is to be an educator. Even though the small children could not speak English I was able to communicate with each one. A smile is universal, a wave is too, these small gestures helped me let the children know I was there to help them. I believe that my passion lies there, helping children. I want to be an educator, I feel that I would be good at this. One of our mission team members took me aside and told me that they loved watching me with the kids and also that I have a gift. This was probably the best thing I could hear. Knowing that you are doing what you are destined to do is amazing. So I'm sure it's safe to say that my passion lies with teaching.

Project #13

We have used so many types of technology in this course! We have had the best opportunities to learn about Skype, Facetime, Google Docs, SMARTboards, PLNs, YouTube, iMovie, iPhoto, iBook, blogs, and so many other collaborations. I have used Skype prior to the class and loved it from the beginning. I love how we can integrate it into our classrooms and connect with teachers and students from around the world. Facetime is one of my favorites as well. I have used Facetime prior to this class and thought it was great how you can talk to someone like they are there in person.I have used this to collaborate with my group this semester and it was very helpful. Google Docs is amazing! I love how you can share documents with anyone you want, whenever you want and it is accessible anywhere! I am so glad that tool is available for us as teachers. SMARTboards are awesome! I can't wait to learn and do more on those in the classroom. They are so interactive and engaging for children to apply their learning. I can see so many things I can do on the SMARTboard in my classroom to get the students motivated! I am also glad to have found my PLN (Personal Learning Network) and to be able to add teachers and experts to it as I find them for future references. I'm sure it will benefit me in the future when I'm teaching. YouTube is such a huge part of this class and I feel very lucky to have used it so often and see how to embed videos or share them in different programs. iMovie, iPhoto, iBook are all wonderful programs!! I have really enjoyed creating movies, videos and the iBook. I have learned so much like how to insert pictures, videos, text, charts, hyperlinks, make movies, detach audio from a recording, upload photos, import, export, edit, crop, resize photos, etc. I must say the possibilities are endless when it comes to technology! I am so fortunate to have learned so much in this course and to have all these technologies to use and get for my own classroom. The students will be so excited to start learning about them! All the blogs we had to visit and comment on were great experiences and showed me how there are so many educators out there willing to share anything you want to know. I can only hope that the school I become a teacher in has as many great technologically advanced devices to utilize as we got to learn about in this class!