Blog Post #13

One might think going one whole day, 24 hours, without technology or anything electronic would be an easy task. Once you are actually faced with the challenge one should really reconsider what they about to encounter. Television is an easy device to avoid because people are often not home or can sit in a different room or have their family hide the remote. Computers are probably the hardest device to stay away from. One might think your cell phone would be number one, which technically it could considering you can use the internet on your phone. Cell phones are convenient in every way possible. They are on the go, so people can call you, well most of all text you because why use your mouth when you have your fingers. Unlimited text is the majority of peoples cell phone plans because it has become easier then actually having a conversation on the phone. Texts are the best invention made for cell phones, well right along with wireless internet access.

The lesson to be learned from this exercise was quite hard to find. I think that the main thing that comes to my mind is that it is close to impossible to not use any electronics or communications device in a 24 hour period. Maybe if I was stranded for a whole day on a remote island it would be an easy task. I am sorry to say that I have failed this assignment by not being able to go without technology. The main reason is because I am a college student taking two online classes that are high demand for always doing something that involves a computer. It is impossible for me to not check my email in one whole day.
This assignment was not only challenging but fun to experience and educational in a small way. Today's generations would probably "die" if you told them to go a day without their cell phone or the computer. They will then probably through themselves in front of the television to entertain them. I think it would be close to impossible for kids today to accomplish this task simply because they are all surrounded by technology every where they go. I would like to challenge my students to attempt the assignment because it can teach everyone a different lesson.

Final PLN

Making a Symbaloo was not only fun but also helpful. I can now just go on my account and click any teacher's blog or website that I need, in just one click. It did take awhile to find who I wanted to put in my tiles and I still have room for a couple more. I like Symbaloo because it is simple to use and I can edit the tiles and move them around or change who I want or how they look. My Symbaloo is full of websites that I use daily and it is very helpful to have them all organized and in one easy spot for me to find.

Project #15 Smartboard Part 2

C4T #4

Mr. Spencer had a blog post of a picture that was Papermate versus Ticonderoga. I wasn't sure what the message was trying to say. I know that Ticonderoga pencils are more expensive but their quality is excellent. Papermate on the other hand is a more reasonable choice with the price but its quality drops with the price but can still be cheaper. Adventures in Pencil Integration is the page of this picture and if all the other post I read about pencils have a metaphor about technology, then the picture might also change your mind. I am a little convinced the picture is referring to personal computers versus Macintosh. A PC has a reasonable price and the quality is a result of what you paid for. While the prices of Macs are relatively higher, they offer more and last longer. Check out the picture here and feel free to share your opinion with me because I would love to know what you think of it.

Adventures in Pencil Integration is truly an adventure. I have been following Mr. Spencer's posts for quite some time now and I'm continuing to find humor in many of his stories. This week I got to go back and read a post from a lecture he got from his supervisor. The post is titled, Why were your kids playing games?, which basically was a post of exactly what happened in his meeting with his supervisor. John Spencer is a teacher that believes in involving his students in assignments to help them learn.

John's supervisor only feels as if the teacher needs to lecture their students and only force material into their heads so they can get good test scores. John Spencer is a good educator and I plan to follow in his methods of teaching, I just hope my supervisor can understand and support me.

Final Project Report

My groups final project hasn't been a main priority yet. My group is still working on finishing project 15, which all we need to do is is film it. The only progress I have made is looking over the instructions and starting to watch a few of the videos. Project 16 is definitely a major project and as soon as we finish the work for the prior assignments our group will need to immediately jump into the project and begin working hard.

Creativity and Curiosity: My Thoughts - Special Post #12A

Question one states, Do schools in the United States systematically destroy the development of curiosity and/or creativity in students? I think in some ways we are systematically destroying the development of creativity. A couple ways creativity is being destroyed is with uniforms. Uniforms don't allow kids that actually dress themselves show there styles and uniqueness of their minds. Also, I think rules and regulations squander the idea's of children. If we gave our students broader assignments to really explore their thoughts they can be more creative.

The second question then goes to say, Can a curriculum be developed that increases the curiosity of students? If so, what would be the key components of such a curriculum? The key component would be student input, so the curriculum could be a student made lesson that allows them to be curious in what they can make of it.

Question three says, Can a curriculum be developed that increases the creativity of students? If so, what would be the key components of such a curriculum? This question was a little tougher because it can go either way. Creativity can not be taught. Creativity is something that is already developed in a child but a curriculum can be taught to stimulate a creative side but it isn't something that can be forced.

Number four says, Can a teacher's actions increase the curiosity of students? If so, what would be those actions? This is another tough question because you can't make your students be curious but a teacher may be able to stimulate curiosity in their students by giving them questions to think on their own that aren't necessarily a right or wrong answer. Question five is the same question but it asks about the increase of creativity caused by a teacher. I think this could definitely be the case in a few situations by decorating your room. Posters and maybe a wall that the kids created or even decorating their desks can stimulate them to be creative in their own ways.

Question six goes on to ask, What would help you become more creative? I have always tried to be creative but their can be different types of creative. The internet or other people just talking helps me come up with idea's and I try to run with them and make up my own ways, which seems like I am being creative. Also, What role would teachers and/or schools have in that process? Teacher can give their students projects or assignments that force their students to become a little creative. I think group activities can allow your students to become creative by putting everyone's thoughts into one assignment.

The last question then states the same thing but about being curious. I am always curious when it comes to what type of things are out there and what I could be missing out on. Schools can make assignments more interesting by including maybe a video game or a website. It doesn't even have to be about technology but something that kids use on a day to day bases but make it an educational assignment that they can learn from but also enjoy. Students are always curious to see how they can use the computer or take a video game to the next level, so even creating a website is allowing your student to be curious and creative.

Blog Post #12

Videos games are taking over our kids lives. Is this a good thing? Michael Rich is a director of the center of media and child health, watch his video about how video games affect behavior.
Write a paragraph about your thoughts of this video.

What age do you think kids should start using the internet? Watch another video from Michael Rich and his look on this question. At what age should a child use the internet? Write a brief paragraph on what age you think is appropriate and why.

Kids even at a young age are getting more involved with video games and the internet. We as future educators need to involve these technologies in our teaching lessons. If we include technology even into our elementary classrooms our students can learn to use these media's in a educational way.

Also, think about the teaching techniques your teachers used while you were in school. Did they go along with the trends of your decade. Write 2 paragraphs on an experience and what you could do differently using technology.

In some ways video games are a positive thing for young children because it teaches them strategies and a way to behave. I think kids who play video games can be more independent and more advanced. Yes, I do think the violent video games can lead to bad and aggressive behavior but the majority of kids playing games helps them advance in cognitive abilities. Often kids who play video games are better at problem solving than those who do not play. Although, I think the more active video games such as Wii fit is a great way for kids to be involved and be up and moving but it also is important that outside activities are still being done.

I think 5 is a good age to begin using the internet. They are old enough to be able to search the web, but of course there needs to be a child proof blocker to keep them from accidentally drifting to bad sites. Kids at the age of 5 want to feel a little independent and they can be capable of using a computer all by themselves and actually learn skills. My 8 month old niece is aware of bright lights such as the television, computer and cellphones. She is always curious just to look at them, so I think at even young age it seems as if they are aware of technology in some ways. Kids always wonder and want to explore so teaching them to use the internet will only help them advance in our world of technology.

While I was in school we barely used computers which made me a little behind in the world of technology. I graduated high school in 2009 so we definitely should have been using more technology in the classrooms but my school was poorly funded so we didn't have much. Although, my school never had SMARTboards, the teachers did use powerpoints and tried to use technology in their lessons. I think half of my teachers were updated with the trends of my decade or at least tried to be.
If I could go back and change my high school experience there would definitely be more computers and lessons taught with technology. Once I got to college I felt behind and out dated because I was learning everything that most kids my age were familiar with and already knew pretty well. I would like to change my English and History class because there are better ways to read poetry or learn past events to keep you interested. English was the one class I dreaded because I hated going and reading books that I couldn't understand and comprehend. History was never fun because I didn't care about past events that occurred before my time. There are multiple apps and ways to interact with the lessons that could help students comprehend and be more involved. Interaction through technology with the lessons would be a better way to learn and keep students interested in subjects such as English and History.

Final C4K for April

Week 1
Pamela is a 7th grader living on Vancouver Island, who just started blogging and is really excited about the challenges. Her last post was on March 13th and it was about creating an avatar that represents yourself. Her avatar was athletic but artistic. She had purple hair because Pamela looked up which colors represent your mood. She did a post about the colors of life and figured out that purple describes confident and relaxed, which are two good qualities to have. I encouraged Pamela to continue to keep up with the blogging challenges because there is a lot to keep learning.

Week 2
A yield sign with the word hell. Are we supposed to find humor in that? I'm not sure I understand so I commented on 18scha blog post about my feeling towards the sign. I don't feel as if our world is in hell which might be why it could be humorous. We as a nation are going through some difficult times with the economy. I do think the people who are making these decisions and causing us to fall should be going through hell. But I'm not into politics and can't possibly understand why our government is spending money we don't have. Why do we have to suffer? Or are we truly suffering or just struggling and being selfish with worldly possessions.

Week 3
This week I posted another comment on 18scha's blog page from the previous week. He is very smart and wrote a great piece about nuclear reactions vs. nuclear weapons. I thought the post was very informational with great points and descriptions. I am not very big on science so it was great to learn something new. I thought all nuclear items were hazardous but he mentioned in his blog that only if it isn't contained properly then it can be dangerous. There were many great facts and an example of a nuclear reaction that occurred in Fukushima Daiichi. I encouraged him to continue writing because his post was educational and I enjoyed reading it.

Week 4
Shaine from Ms. Cassidy's class in Canada wrote about his trip to the Art Museum. He seemed as if he had a great time. Also, they got to make tipis. His post was very hard to read because his words weren't exactly spelled correctly. It would be very helpful if Ms. Cassidy could write on the side his interpretation, so his readers can understand a little better.

Blog Post #11

Ms. Cassidy made a smart decision by making a form for the parents of her students to aware them of what they will be working on throughout the year using technology.

1st grade students are at a young age and it is important to include the parents to monitor at home or get involved with what the kids are learning and participating with in the classroom. Elementary students need to be informed of the risks and privacy aspects of the internet. Also, an effective way to use this method would be including the parents and using it at home. Ms. Cassidy takes a great approach into the technological world by experimenting with her students and trying to learn how to communicate and write on computers through their blogs. I would definitely use the technique of making a form and including the parents as much as possible to encourage the blogging and computer use as a way of learning and educating the kids.


The students had great questions that each of us may think time to time. Ms. Cassidy spends her time wisely doing positive research on the computers to improve her technology skills. One of the most important things that I am continuing to hear over and over is that teaching does not stop in the classroom. Your job as an educator does not stop when the dismiss bell rings. Teachers are constantly trying to improve their lessons or finding new methods and techniques to improve their classroom. My favorite thing about her Skype interview was when she said, "Technology isn't going away it's here to stay." As a future educator I can not be intimidated by technology. I need to embrace the wonderful aspect of the computers and find ways to benefit my classroom by using them.

Project Report

So far on my group project #15 we have gathered together through Google hangout. We selected a learning objective from the Mobile Pacing Guide. Also we assigned a section for each person to do some research and put together a short lesson using the SMARTboard. I plan on finishing up my research and putting that lesson together this week. Our group is most likely going to meet one more time through Google hangout before our final project of filming. The purpose of one more gathering will be to make sure we are all on the right track and accomplishing our goals.

Blog Post #10

Do You Teach or Do You Educate
One of the main reasons why I decided to become a teacher is because I feel as if I can educate my students in a unique way. I am caring and observant so as an educator I will make sure all my students are learning and enjoying what they are learning. I intend to educate rather than teach by using methods that will benefit the kids in the long run. I want my students to want to listen and constantly want to learn more. I think a great way to get your students attention would be to listen to them and be a mentor that they can always come to.

In school I was taught many things but I can not remember anything that was taught. The reason for that was because I was only lectured to or talked to. The only time I ever learned anything was when I had to make a project or explain in a speech how something is done. Students can try to memorize all they want but if they don't put any of that information to use it will just get lost or thrown away. So, as an educator I plan on allowing my students to learn by teaching me what they have put to use. I want to inspire my students to think for themselves and strive to succeed.


Tom Johnson's Don't Let Then Take the Pencils Home!
Pencils! I couldn't help but continue to wonder how pencils could be such a big issue. The post seemed a bit humorous because as I read more pencil post they all were in the same context. To me the academic specialist needs to get her head on straight and understand that test scores are not the most important thing in schools. Even if our students got amazing test scores did they learn anything that they can put to use. Can we improve our kids test scores by not just teaching material but actually educating them with games that can stimulate their minds.

Pencils may be taken as a toy or a useless writing utensil but the objective of the post was that pencils can be used for more then just writing. In Tom's eyes the kids were from a low income family where they wouldn't find pencils at home or their parents using a pencil. The kids think of pencils as a toy because it has not been used as a tool in their environment.

Adventures in Pencil Intregration was an interesting post that made me think about what they were actually wanting to say without maybe saying it. Rather than focusing on just the thought of a pencil I think the post was talking about a broader topic. Pencils as we are referring to can not be the only tool used to teach our students. Making good test scores shouldn't be our main priority. Educating students so they can retain that knowledge and use it in life to better themselves should be our goal. It would be challenging to work at a school with an administrative leader that isn't concerned with the overall impression of the students. So, what do you think? Is the problem really about pencils?

Project #13 SMARTboard

Blog Post #9

Mr. McClung did a wonderful thing by summarizing everything he has gone through and learned in a year. It is important to look back at everything you have done and learn from it and make adjustments if necessary. I loved the paragraph, "Don't be afraid of technology."

I find it quite often that grown adults are literally afraid of computers and stay away from them. If only they could understand and learn that technology is truly our friend. Computers are changing this world and we need to start teaching our kids the importance and the wonders of technology.

Student comprehension was also a good topic to discuss because I found this to be a constant problem in my education growing up. I couldn't tell you how many times a teacher might have thought their lesson was flawless and there was no way they would change it. But each class is different and it may take longer or different methods in order for us to comprehend. I think this may be the most difficult concept in my first year of teaching but Mr. McClung is right it is more important center your lessons around your students instead of trying to impress your superiors.

Passion is definitely a good choice in a word. We, as teachers need to be passionate about our work because after all if the students think we don't enjoy what we are saying then why should they. Mr. McClung on his second year of teaching had many problems but found ways to revise them. Another key point that I will take to heart is to find the school mom. It is a great idea to find someone that you can turn to when you have a problem or a question. What better person to ask then someone who has experience and has been there before.

It would be hard to not plan where your class is heading. But the students opinions are important in learning and moving forward. It would be a little challenging for me to have an open discussion in elementary but it could be a good start for them to develop an opinion and not just say what they think the teacher wants to hear. Most of all I learned from Mr. McClung that confidence is key and to never give up. Continue to add onto your strengths and don't be afraid of your flaws.