Final Report on PLN

For the final report on my PLN, I would say it is still and always will be a work in progress. The picture above is just one of the pictures of my Symbaloo. I do not have things color-coordinated, but I know where they are. On the left side is miscellaneous things like sports, games, products, travel...etc. The bottom is more-so shopping links. I'm an avid online shopper and like to keep a look out for books and such on Ebay and Amazon. The bottom right starts with Google and social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. The top is dedicated to educational findings. These links change constantly. I also have several other pages in Symbaloo where I have class links, blogs, and other interesting sites I have visited throughout the semester. Another page includes bookmarks, Wordle, picture editors, podcasts, and other projects we have worked with throughout the semester. I still stand firmly by my opinion that Twitter is the best resource for teachers. It is so quick and easy to get results, ideas, and information. For students, blogging is hands-down one of the most awesome things a teacher can do. I plan to having a blogging classroom and continue to expand my PLN.

C4T #4

During this comment for teacher assignment, I visited Dragonsinger - Learning, Unlearning, & Relearning. The 1st post was titled. "iPad in the Classroom." Allanah had been using an iPad in her classroom for a week, and her kids were very excited about it. Through Twitter, Allanah learned several ways she could use her iPad in the classroom. She was able to turn the iPad into an interactive whiteboard. She also believes the iPad could be used quite nicely for math.

In my comment, I explained how I am excited about making my first iPad purchase. I have heard many great things about it, and I believe someone finds a new way to use it in the classroom each day. I also noticed she was using her PLN to get new ideas. I am learning more and more each day how useful and resourceful Twitter can be!

Her next post was called, "Not obsessed at all." She shows a picture of her Macs and states missing from the picture is: the iPad, iTouch, and iPhone. Having so many apple products doesn't make her obsessed, or does it?

I simply love apple products. Each product just keeps getting better. Apple products are also becoming more and more useful in the classrooms. I am slowly but surely expanding my apple product collection. I have 3 iPods, an iTouch, and working on getting an iPad. 

Blog Post 14

Metaphors
1. Why did you miss the metaphor in Tom Johnson's post, or, if you "hit the nail on the head", why do you think you understood the metaphor and why do you think that others in the class missed the metaphor?


Although I somehow completely missed posting about Don't Let Them Take Pencils Home, I most definitely read it. I knew Mr. Spencer's post was about computers from the very beginning. I think it was a combination of reading post about it from previous semesters and these sentences, "Schools in low-income areas often have students who come in with a mentality that pencils are to be used for entertainment.  Their parents don't use pencils in their factory jobs and don't have experience using pencils in schools." He also mentions "networks." Surely, one would realize that their parents would have used pencils in school (right?). It would also make no sense for the students to "go on pen pal networks" if he were not referring to computers. I think anyone who did not realize he was speaking of computers simply did not read carefully.



2. What metaphors have you encountered since I asked you to create a log of them?


I have encountered many metaphors since this assignment was assigned. I believe most of us encounter and use metaphors in our daily life, we just don't realize it. Metaphors I have came across include:

• "You hit the nail on the head."
• "You're the apple of my eye." (My mom's reference to my baby brother.)
• "Don't put it on the backburner." 
• "The ball is in your court."
• "You better batten down the hatches."
• "Don't bite off more than you can chew."
• "I had to bite the bullet."
• "Blood is thicker than water."
• "I have a bone to pick with you." 
• "I'm as busy as a bee."
• "You opened a can of worms."
• "Don't put all of your eggs in one basket."
• "He's throwing gas." (My boyfriends favorite description of a baseball pitcher throwing fast.)
• "....is like a fish out of water"
• "It's as good as gold"
• "Bury the hatchet."
• "She has too many irons in the fire."
• "They jumped on the bandwagon."
• "Don't make a mountain out of a molehill." 
• "Nip it in the bud."
• "...the skin of your teeth" 

So 99% of those metaphors I heard from my mom. Most came from her lectures to my 18 year old brother. (Don't all parents just love those teenage years?) 

3. What other things can we do as educators to help our students to understand and to use metaphors?


I think teaching metaphors is like teaching a child how to ride a bicycle. We should show them how they are used, guide them through several and their true meanings. Then, have them start making up their own. Kids are good with things like, "My _____ is as big as an elephant!" Eventually, they will learn how they are used and their recognition of them will grow as their reading level improves (hopefully). We could also make metaphors mandatory in writing assignments. 



4. Why do we use metaphors?


I think metaphors bring a person's thoughts to life. You are able to create an image in your head. For example, if someone says to not make a mountain out of a molehill...you understand they are saying to not make a big deal out of nothing,  

Final Project #16-Importance of Utilizing the EDM310 Lab

C4K

C4K #7

I visited Mr. McClung's World this week. Under the categories section, I was assigned Lessons Learned: One - Spring Break. I have concluded that the Lessons Learned category is more like Mr. McClung's newsletter for the day. He lets you know what's going on in class, things coming up, and so on. The last day of school before Spring Break, Mr. McClung announced that while his students are out fulfilling their exciting Spring Break plans,  he will be home working on homework for graduate school. 

While my friends were heading to the beach for Spring Break, I went home to work on school work as well. I told Mr. McClung that I like to think I'll have a life again some day. I did feel better once my work was complete knowing I did not procrastinate. I wished Mr. McClung and his class a safe and fun break!

C4K #8

For this C4K, I traveled to Ms. Pike’s Year 6 class blog at Epping Heights in Sydney, Australia. The blog was titled, "The Unicorn Blog." The student's name was Ned. The post I viewed by Ned was, "Ukulele Chords." Here, Ned shows us several different chords on the ukulele, then he plays a song. 

I commented and told Ned that I think he is a very talented young man, and thanked him for sharing it. I also watched his first video post, which also involved the ukulele and I think it was very creative how he made a song to tell about the rainforest. I hope to have students like him in my future classroom.

C4K #9

So this week, we finally got to interact with the infamous Mrs. Yollis's Classroom Blog. Her class blog is very structured and provides so much information. Meet Mrs. Yollis and her class bloggers. View Mrs. Yollis's video of how to comment.  I believe that video has helped not only myself, but many others around the world. She teaches you how to make your comments meaningful and have "quality." Learn html code is also one that has come in handy for we EDM310 students. It amazes me how quick these 3rd graders catch on. Of all the blogs I've viewed, Mrs. Yollis also incorporates family in a whole different way by dedicating a whole month to them, "Family Blogging Month." Even though I have seen that many of the parents comment fairly often anyways, I love that they are involved so heavily. What child doesn't want to impress their parents and have their parents praise their child's hard work? 

We viewed the post, "Quality Commenting During Family Blogging Month!" Here, the class had posted many different examples of quality comments from parents and students. I told Mrs. Yollis that her class  blog is awesome. She is an inspiration to me and I cannot wait to use some of her wonderful ideas in my future classroom. I have visited Mrs. Yollis's class blog many times in my learning of HTML. I also admire how she has involved the families of the students. To the students, I said that I love their quality comments. Blogging is such a wonderful way to improve writing skills and it must be very motivating to know anyone around the world can see and view your work. Also, being chocolate is my best friend, I absolutely loved the Hershey post.

C4K #10

The student's blog I commented on was Jaden, and his blog is titled, "Jaden's Awesome Blog." I read all of Jaden's post and decided to travel back in time to comment on his post, "97th Rose Bowl: My 1st Rose Bowl." In this post, Jaden tell about going to the Rose Bowl with his dad to watch Wisconsin play TCU. He gives us a run-down of the game, where TCU wins 21-13. Jaden posted a few pictures of his experience and concluded with a few questions including, "Have you ever been to a college football game? Have you ever been to a college bowl game? Have you ever been to the Rose Bowl? Have you ever been to any other type of football game? Who was playing? Who won?"

I told Jaden that I am an Alabama Crimson Tide fan and have been to several college football games, but no bowl games. There was a lot more detail in my comment, but that was the gist. I applauded him for having a blog mascot! I think that was the coolest idea. Everyone needs someone to work with and cheer you on. I also asked Jaden if he had considered a career in Broadcast Journalism. I noticed that Jaden made several posts about football games or basketball games, and he done a wonderful job of breaking the game down and communicating it. He was be a great sports reporter!

Blog Post 13

The Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX) is a project by the Alabama Department of Education and provides one-stop resources to meet the needs of teachers, administrators, parents, and students. ALEX is a work in progress. Things you can find on this site include:

1. Course of Studies - Here, you can click on a subject, then click on a grade level to view the course of study standards for that grade.
2. Web Links - Teacher resources, administrator resources, and student resources can all be found here. You can also search for a web resource, recommend a web resource, or report a broken link as well.
3. Lesson Plans - This part of the site is pretty cool and would be extremely useful to new teachers who need lesson plans. Here, you can create a "Workspace" and log in to create a lesson plan. You can search ALEX lesson plans by author, title, and school. You can search by subject, area of interest, or by grade levels as well.
4. Search the ALEX database - You can search the ALEX database and can narrow the search by choosing a search category such as, lesson plans and resources.
5. Personal Workspace - As I mentioned in #3, this is where you create an account to log into and create lesson plans and allows a place to store them.
6. Professional Learning - Here you can learn more about ALEX and training opportunities, view presentations, and search for grants. Visit the Alabama Department of Education Program Websites  to find professional development opportunities, teaching and learning tools, see the latest news, and much more! There is also links to other pages to help us find "tips, tricks, and tutorials on a variety of technology tools."
7. Alabama Podcast Treasury - Search for podcasts here by content. View top downloads, featured content, and the Alabama showcase. You can also find ALEX on iTunes U.
8. ALEXville - Here you can visit the ALEX communities and communicate with colleagues, keep up with the latest ALEX news, and follow various ALEX Professional Learning Communities by subscribing.

I think ALEX is a very helpful website. When I accept my first job, I believe it would be important to look up the course of study standards for that grade level. This will help me in the development of my lesson plans. The lesson plan link is amazing. I have already found several I like. As I said above, we new teachers will need lesson plans and this is a good resource. I love that this site offers information and help for technology tools. Technology is something I definitely plan to use in my classroom and I'm sure as more tools are developed, the site will be updated as well. I found the ALEXville link useful as well. This part of the site allows to to stay up-to-date with the latest news.

ACCESS Distance Learning was designed to create equity through additional educational offerings for all Alabama public high school students. It provides classroom courses and Alabama-certified teachers via technology. The Courses link includes: remediation modules for the Alabama High School Graduation Exam, 14 advanced placement courses, 10 AP exam reviews, and look up the courses offered. The Educators link includes: information for administrators wanting to expand their course offerings, brochures for information about ACCESS, information for those interested in teaching for ACCESS, professional development, information for counselors to help a student find a course, ...etc. The Resources link is very helpful. It contains links to the Alabama Virtual Library, ALEX, ChemLab, MathType, Graphmatica...and many more. There are also links for students and parents.

Project #15-The Cat in the Hat Book Trailer

Blog Post 12

Share the Knowledge

Being it is the end of the semester, you have had the chance to work with several different tools in EDM310. For this weeks blog assignment choose a tool you would like to teach someone to use. Tell us why you chose that tool, who you taught, and about the teaching experience. (Did they find it useful, catch on easily..etc)



I chose two tools to teach, Gmail and Twitter. My boyfriend Jeffry Etheridge was my student. I chose Gmail to teach him for several reasons: he only uses his school email account and will soon be graduating, he does not have Microsoft Office on his computer and is constantly needing to borrow mine, and he is always partaking in group projects. Gmail will allow him to have an email after graduation. Google Documents allows him to type papers, spreadsheets, and make presentations (without needing my computer). I also taught him how you can share your work and allow others to edit it, which is perfect for group work. He caught on fairly easily. I believe the main problem was that some of the tools in Google Docs are a little different than Word, so that is still taking some time to get use to.

I think he has been the most thankful for me introducing Twitter. We set him up an account, wrote a bio, changed his background, added a picture, then began following. He started off following people for entertainment just to get the hang of the tweeting, retweeting, replying, ..etc. He has since realized how wonderful it is to follow people in your chosen profession. He is a Chemical Engineer major, and has some of the coolest stuff to show each day that was posted to Twitter. He has also discovered how easy it is to tweet a problem or question and to quickly be flooded with responses. Skype is our next project!

Project #16-Progress Report

For the last and final project of EDM310, I will be working with Jennifer Hackney, Kenneth Nelson, Miranda Tidikis, Jenna Baxter and Ashleigh Skelton. We are doing our project on the importance of using the EDM lab. I truely believe you must take advantage of the lab and the assistance provided by the staff in order to be successful in EDM310. Even though we do not want to give away too many details about our project, I am looking forward with working with this group and seeing how this video plays out. We are excited to make the staff "stars!"  

Special Assignment #2

Mr. McClung's World
This is an in depth examination of Mr. McClung's World.

1. Mr. McClung seems to be very organized and has all of his stuff together. Anything and everything can be found on this blog. You can learn a lot about who Mr. McClung is by clicking on Mr. McClung. He has a link for each class, one for Arkansas history, and a link leading to other useful links. You can also search his blog through archives or category. His Twitter updates can be seen, Google Translate allows for the blog to translate languages, a live traffic feed and map shows all the visitors who come to the blog, you can listen to a song of the week, and even chat with Mr. McClung. Also, after reading about Mr. McClung and viewing the razorback at the bottom of his blog, I realize he is a big sports fan like myself; however, I support that Crimson Tide!

2-3. As an educator, I think Mr. McClung is pretty inspiring to aspiring teachers, and he also seems to be a pretty straight forward guy in his classroom. I also see that he uses many different teaching styles and I think that is wonderful being we live in such a diverse world. As a student, it is very motivating knowing anyone can view your work at any time. I also think it is great parents can see their child's work, what is going on in class, or even chat or contact Mr. McClung. I hope I can form a webpage for my class as good as his. When it comes to class rules, I first would like to say I think it is a great part of classroom management to have a set of rules written out so that students know what is expected of them. Their parents can also view what is expected of their kid(s) in class. The list of rules are something similar to what I would have came up with myself. I think nearly all teachers in school has rules about raising your hand to speak or leave your seat. The last rule was my favorite, "Keep your dear teacher happy!" This should show his class that even though their is a list of rules and he is a teacher...their is still a guy in there with a sense of humor. I love his classroom expectations as well, stay positive and communicate. I honestly believe that people can control how good or bad of a day they have by choosing to be positive or negative. I hope to always have positive students, although I know that will not always be the case. I also think communication is a VERY important skill that students need to learn and progress in, and with communication comes listening skills. Collaboration with others plays a huge part in our learning.

4. Under the syllabus for Mr. McClung's class the first requirement is that everyone needs a daily planner. I think daily planners are a great way to teach organization skills. I know now days, most students have to take their daily planners home and have their parents initial it each day (I am not aware how helpful that is or is not). However, I know as an adult, I would not function from week to week without my planner. I write down everything because I WILL forget something if I don't, and I also like to see how fast dates are approaching so I can get busy.

5. Late work in Mr. McClung's class is punished by a loss of a letter grade each day it is late. In EDM310 you also make a lower grade than if your work had been submitted on time. This is a policy I cannot argue with. In real-life, their are important deadlines that you cannot put off until you decide you want to do it. I am not a person to ever submit work late, at least without a legitimate reason (although those rarely matter.) I always submit something by the deadline, even if it is not right. If it is not correct, it is because of a misunderstanding, not because I did not try. I believe this penalty in grades teaches kids responsibility and again, time management.

6. Mr. McClung uses the class blog as a newsletter to parents and to make available all other resources as well. I would love to be able to update a blog daily for parents. When there is a project, I could post links to give examples..etc. It is also better for our environment rather than printing 30 copies of several handouts on a daily basis to get lost on the way home.

7. I viewed several of the useful links Mr. McClung listed on his blog. Convince Me is one I reviewed in depth. It is basically a free website where you can either debate in groups or go head-to-head with someone. As you argue, you can add evidence and do all you can to "convince" the other party member(s) of your argument. Their are rules: no profanity, no person attacks, no racial slurs, and no threats of any sort. I believe debates are a great way to explore different opinions and to see the pros and cons of an argument from different viewpoints. In school, I hated debates, but I honestly think they allow you to make a more informed decision and that is why this website made Mr. McClung's list. Discovery Education Network is the other website I reviewed in depth. I absolutely love the discovery channel, so of course I wanted to see what all the Discovery Network has to offer. "The Discovery Educator Network (DEN) is a global community of educators passionate about teaching with digital media, sharing resources, collaborating, and networking." There are over 10,000 events that DEN holds that can be viewed. Blogs are available. There are resources for educators, parents, and teachers. Lesson plans (I cannot get enough of them) can be found, too! You can even follow DEN on Twitter and get all of the updates. I've been following them for a while and love seeing 
some of the cool stuff that is posted.

8. I could not find "Internet Safety" anywhere and I looked everywhere! (Maybe I am blind?) So, I dug a little deeper to see how his students actually posted their work to the web. I noticed that they use their first names and only the initial of their last names. I also have not found a picture where a student's name is matched. I would assume the first name, last initial is Mr. McClung's internet safety policy. I agree with him that students should not give away their full names. Being that I did not find the safety policy, I again am just assuming that he also got the permission of the parents to allow the kids to blog and post pictures. Other things I would include (and he might have) is the no bullying policy. 

9. For the C4K assignment, I was assigned to the Lesson One of the Lessons Learned Category. This lesson actually talks about Spring Break. Mr. McClung stated how his students were planning fun trips, yet he would be staying home and working on homework for graduate school. I think the Lessons Learned Category is 
more-so the announcements section.

10. Things Mr. McClung does in his blog I would like to do with Blogger is have the chat capability, but it is a gadget that I am sure could be added to Blogger. Other than that, there is really nothing I don't think I can't do in Blogger with a little more experience at it.

11. Mr. McClung has every little thing categorized and laid out neatly so that it is easily assessable for visitors. As I said before, I think his blog is inspiring. Visitors can view students' work and comment, they can see the announcements, contact Mr. McClung, and again...their are tons of resources he has listed.

12. Mr. McClung's class blog is different for the fact that all of his students post on the same page. Nearly all other class blogs I have visited have a "Blog Roll" that contains a link to each individual student's own blog page. I like both methods myself. The individual blogs allow for students to be creative and personalize it. The  method Mr. McClung uses allows for everyone to see all of this students' work without having to click to different pages, and it does not make one student feel more/less important than another by having more/less visitors.

13. I would suggest following the links to all the different resources he has listed and bookmark them! Some are awesome!

Until next time... 

Project #14: Teach Someone Project

EASY Styrofoam Relief Printing Instructions

This week in EDU301 (Art), we are making different types of prints. I have found that relief printing  is pretty fun and easy and it could really be incorporated into many lessons. 

Materials:

• Paint
• Styrofoam (We are using old meat trays that have been cleaned, but styrofoam plates would work as well.)
• Scissors
• Pencils 
• Paper (or fabric, construction paper, old t-shirts, or any other material you wish to print on)
• Small paint rollers or brushes for applying the paint

Directions:

1. If you are using a meat tray or styrofoam plate, use the scissors to cut the edges off so that you will have a flat surface. (If your styrofoam is flat, move to step 2.)
2. Using a pencil, draw an image into the flat styrofoam. (The end of a pair of scissors will work as well.)
3. Remember, if you write letters or words, the image will appear in reverse once printed.
4. Use a paintbrush or roller and cover the surface of your styrofoam image. 
5. Press the image against your paper (or other material you chose to print on).
6. Clean up your mess while allowing for your print to dry! =)

I chose to make a spiderweb because I liked all of the lines. I will be posting pictures soon of my styrofoam image and my print. In the mean time, here are other examples I found on the web!

The white parts would be what was drew on the styrofoam.

Look how detailed!

I'm a sucker for flowers...

Blog Post 11

This week in EDM310, we journey to Moose Jaw, Canada to learn from 1st grade teacher Ms. Cassidy and her class. Ms. Cassidy made a video showing the ways she incorporates technology into her classroom. These 1st graders are precious! It also proves, they are not too young to begin learning how to use technology. She also took the time to Skype with the EDM310 class of spring 2010. She gives us insight to her techniques, opinions, how she began using technology in her classroom..etc.

Ms. Cassidy claims technology was not always a part of her classroom; however, about 11 years ago, she had 5 computers placed in it. I think that is wonderful! Two computers is the most I have ever seen in a public school classroom. Even though her class had internet access, programs could not be placed on the computers. Ms. Cassidy began learning how to blog and make web pages because she wanted to make the computers useful. I applaud her for taking the time to learn and having the patience to teach it to 1st graders. Things these students do involving technology include: blogging, teaching others how to get on the internet, using flip cameras, giving tips for keeping identify safe, Skyping with other classrooms and professionals, broadcasting their work (online portfolio)...etc. I did not learn the majority of those things until I was a junior in high school. That year, my class made a web page for the school where we posted announcements,  assignments, staff directory, sports page, a club page, interviews, outstanding work, and so on. It was a really fun process even for we juniors, and being that anyone could access it, we wanted it to look good. I believe for a 1st grader, knowing anyone can view your work would be very motivating! Not only can visitors view their work, but they can also comment on it and motivate the students even further!

Ms. Cassidy has had a webpage for approximately 11 years. She has been blogging with her students approximately 6 years, and she has been making annual videos for the past 3 years. Ms. Cassidy has a wonderful Technology Coordinator at her school that has done all he can to help. Her administration  has not necessarily been interested in the technology, but they have not tried to discourage her from using it in her classroom. I guess everyone can't be blessed with an administration who wants a change, but maybe in years to come, others will follow Ms. Cassidy's lead.

Forms are sent home to parents at the beginning of the school year, asking for permission for students to even get on a computer. In the form they also state the students' work will be posted online and identity will be protected by only using 1st names and never posting a name with a picture. Ms. Cassidy claims most parents like it; they can get online at any time and see their child's work and how their work and writing skills are progressing. Not only do the parents love it, the kids do as well. "Technology is not going away and we cannot use the tools that worked 20 years ago or even 5 years ago to teach them. We have to change because the world has changed." Well said, Ms. Cassidy. I would think getting the parents permission would be the hardest part. Some adults are closed minded a refuse to see the world around them changing. (That is not my business though.)

Another tip Ms. Cassidy gives in the incorporation of technology into your classroom, is to begin with things you love. If you like writing, blogging may be your thing to begin with. If you like taking pictures, allow the students to begin using Flickr. If making videos is your thing, use flip cameras and make a YouTube account. She also (like every other educator I have came into contact with recently) states that Twitter is one of her main tools used for finding resources.

“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity - not a threat.”

C4T #3

Kelly Hines is the teacher I was assigned to this go around, and her blog is called, Keeping Kids First. Kelly is a 4th grade teacher in Washington, North Carolina. Her latest post is titled, "Read Across America Day." For those who don't know (maybe you do), each year in the U.S. we celebrate Dr. Seuss on March 2. This day dedicated to Dr. Seuss is call Read Across America Day. In Kelly's post, she explains that she thought it would be a great idea for her students to actually read across America. A few weeks before this day, she made a post to Twitter and Facebook (her PLN networks) asking if any teachers would like to have their classrooms collaborate via Skype. Kelly states that she was "overwhelmed" with the amount of responses she received. Chats were scheduled in 30 minute intervals. Kelly helped her students prepare for their conversations and invited all parents to visit the classroom on March 2 to witness the first "read in." On Read Across America Day, the students called the classrooms using Skype, then they read stories to one-another. Using Google Maps, Kelly also charted the "visits" with other classrooms so that the students could see how far they were reaching.

I thank Kelly for her post because I now have a new idea for Dr. Seuss Day! This collaboration could be used for many things, but I think it fits the title of "Read Across America" perfectly. I also think it is wonderful she is keeping her students engaged and trying new things with them. I am sure her students will never forget that experience.

Since Kelly has not made another post recently, I went back in time a bit and read her post, "The Sum of the Parts." Kelly writes about how she was disconnected from her PLN for a few weeks. She states, "The value of the whole is greater than the sum of the parts." Too explain this statement a little further she says, "Have you ever noticed that you can eat way more of those mini-candy bars than you would if it were just one regular sized one? It’s the same idea." (I just love that analogy because I can totally relate!) Even though Kelly was not participating in the conversations of her PLN network, she still had a few teachers contact her personally. Although she usually engaged in conversation with these people daily, something didn't feel right when they contacted her individually. She realized, the power of the group wasn't in the individuals that made it up; it was in the collaboration that stemmed from the group interaction. 

Honestly, a puzzle is the first thing that comes to mind one reading this post. The individual parts seems "meaningless" until they are put together to form a whole. I am a little more eager to continue expanding my PLN. The more ideas, opinions, and experiences I can learn from...the better teacher I will be for my students.