Final Reflection

Special Metaphor Assignment-Blog Post 14

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? I thought I understood it for the most part. It came to me as we think too much on what to do and not why it's happening.

2. What metaphors have you encountered since I asked you to create a log of them?
One that I was just told, "stuck between a rock and a hard place", earlier today I heard, "always a bridesmaid, never a bride". "Can't have your cake and eat it too", "that was the icing on top of the cake" and Yesterday I was told, "blood is thicker than water". "Open a can of worms", "jump on that bandwagon", and "the final straw" are some more I hear daily.

3. What other things can we do as educators to help our students to understand and to use metaphors? It's important our students understand it's just a figure of speech and are not meant serious. The more they hear them the more they will understand and come up with their own. Teaching metaphors seems like it would be really fun and you could do a lot with it.

4. Why do we use metaphors?
I think it makes things for fun, adds some humor, gives a better understanding, and shows your personality.

PLN- Final Post

Honestly, I have not used my PLN as much as I expected I would. I am hardly ever on the computer unless it is for school. I always use my phone for everything else I do on the internet. I can see where it is very helpful and if I did use my laptop on a daily basis and actually had time to do things other than school, then yes it would be needed. I think it's a great thing to know how to do though, and I'm sure in the future I will use it more. I do have websites I go on that are on there and it is organized, it's just not as useful to me right now.

Project 16

C4T Summary Post 4

C4T 4: Click to view blog

The blog I was assigned to was Jenny's Learning Journey. Jenny is a primary school teacher in New Zealand. Her post was about an iPad 2 and my thoughts on it is included in my comment to her: "I am from Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. The video made me laugh, as well. I like that they showed what all Apple has done over the years, when it used to just be an iPod. I would be lost without my iPhone, but I have never had the urge for an iPad. Although I do think they are very cool, just have to agree with Kayla with it being pricey! Between my iPhone and MacBook, I have everything I need on those so I guess that is why I have never thought about getting an iPad. Thank you for allowing us to view and comment on your blog!
There was no reply back so I left the second comment on her blog post, Why Teachers Should Never Give Up On Any Student. It was a short video on a boy who got asked why he kept throwing starfish back into the water. He said if he didn't they would die, the man replied saying there is too many starfish out there and he can't make a difference. The boy picked up another starfish and threw it back into the water and looked at the man and told him he made a difference for that one. This video is so so true, I absolutely love it! I think teachers overuse the phrase, "I want to make a difference" and some don't really understand what they are saying so I hate to use that phrase even though it is true. I know that I won't make a difference in every student I teach, but if I know there is just one student who I impacted that's enough for me. Like this video, kids have a lot to offer and teach. We can learn more than we imagine from our students and they might make a difference in our lives, as well. People stray away from thinking about the student as an individual by thinking of making a difference for the class, which is wrong. I'm a huge believer in encouragement and hope. I already know my students will succeed because I'll never give up on them and always have hope, encouraging them to always do the best they can. I added the video below for everyone to watch!

C4K Summary Post 3

C4K 7: Click here to view blog
I was assigned to comment on a hip hop video from a ninth grader on Mr. McClung's blog. He was doing it for a talent show and I thought he did awesome! I thought all the videos were amazing. They all have such great talents and confidence and I encouraged them in my blog post to continue using them.

C4K 8: Click here to view blog
I commented on Chelsea's blog who is from Australia. She wrote about a lacrosse game her and her friends won. She also said she was allowed to take home the trophy for a night and then she asked what my favorite sport was. Well, whoever was commenting's favorite sport.
"Hi Chelsea! I am from Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. Congrats on winning! That is so cool you got to take home the trophy! I bet you loved looking at it! Alabama football is my favorite sport! I have always been a dancer and a cheerleader instead of playing sports, though. Glad you had a great time!

C4K 9: Click here to view blog
For my ninth comment I was assigned to Mrs. Yollis's class blog. I commented on the structure of her blog and the links provided. "Hi Mrs. Yollis and students! I am from Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I love how organized your blog is! Everything was so easy to find and I really like that parents are allowed to comment on here. I like the idea of different time zones of friends and the HTML links are a great idea for a link, as well. I especially enjoyed the link with the picture of the students, very cute! Thank you for allowing us to view and comment on your blog! Mary-Katelin McFerrin"

C4K 10: Click here to view blog
My last comment was to Adia on her post in Mrs. Yollis's class. Adia learned about Japan's cultures and also got to make her own sushi which I thought was really cool! She put many pictures up from that day and I thought it was great because we got a much better idea of what she actually did and actually got to see her making the sushi. I added a picture of her from her blog, she is so cute! "Hi Adia! I am from Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. You are so cute dressed up in your picture! I love that you put many pictures on your post so we can really get a feel of what you did. That is so cool you made sushi! I think it is really awesome that you are learning about different cultures. You are also doing a great job on your blog! I am very impressed! Feel free to comment on my blog as well, mcferrinmkedm310.blogspot.com Great job, Adia!"

Blog Post 13

ALEX
ALEX is Alabama Learning Exchange. It is a project designed by Alabama Department of Education sharing information about time saving materials and resources for teachers, parents, and students. The website is still in progress and will always continue to grow with new information. It includes lesson plans and web links that are linked to the Alabama Course of Study standards.
This website allows teachers to have their own personal workspace and save and upload lesson plans to share. Lesson plans are available for all subjects and grades. Even though these lesson plans are directed toward Alabama standards, anyone from other states can also benefit from this website and alter it to their own standards. They can use it mainly as a guide.
You can view the website for ALEX by clicking HERE

ACCESS
ACCESS is Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students. The vision is the state of Alabama will provide equal access to high quality instruction to improve student achievement distance learning. It is available to all Alabama public high school students giving a greater equity for students using 21st century technology, delivering quality learning opportunities, and equal access to high quality instruction. The goal is to meet objectives by providing advanced diploma courses, additional course offerings, duel credit courses, remediation resources, distance learning offerings, providing teachers with additional multimedia and tools to enhance instruction, and evaluate weaknesses and strengths to make adjustments of objectives. The program has given so far 70 grants and increased enrollment in high schools. Teachers, parents, and students all have access to this website and can log on at any time.
You can view the website for ACCESS by clicking HERE

Project 15

Blog Post 12

I have had a lot of trouble with managing my time in this class. I think a lot of that came from not knowing what to expect out of each project or blog post, especially in the beginning of the semester. I have always thought there should be a movie we watch at the beginning or someone's blog from previous semester who has example's of good, correct work, this way we could always refer to that person's blog when we needed to know how something should look. I think a link to that persons EDM 310 blog to refer back to would be extremely helpful.

Progress Report on Final Project

For the final project, my partner and I have already chosen a topic and have been working on thoughts and ideas for it. It is an idea we both thought would help future students in this class, since both of us had this issue.

Blog Post 11

Ms. Cassidy's First Grade Class
The first video is shown of Ms. Cassidy and her adorable first grade students using technology. I was so shocked that first graders being that young know how to blog and leave comments. I think it is great but I never knew they started that young. They were so cute talking about their grandparents and siblings who leave them comments. They knew exactly what they were doing and were able to tell about it and probably could teach someone. I was very impressed. They also use Wiki and told all about learning traditions on there. She said in the skype interview it all started when she got five computers for her classroom, which is enough to start a center.
Hopefully I will be lucky enough to have computers/laptops in my classroom for students to use as a center. Depending on the grade I teach, I would love to incorporate some sort of blogging into my classroom, even if it is just visiting a blog and making an assignment out of a post, the students will still be introduced to it. I have always wanted to teach first grade and even though this is about first graders blogging, I think personally it is a little too young to start them on their own blog. I wouldn't feel comfortable if my child that young had their own blog, just as I don't agree with having a facebook at a young age. Ms.Cassidy seems to know what she is doing and has the right intentions though and I support her in that.

Special Assignment

Mr. McClung

1. What do you know (or have you found out) about Mr. McClung that is reflected in the way he has constructed his class blog? His blog is personal, which I like. He tells a lot about himself from sports to the music he listens to. I think it is important to allow your students to know you as a person not only a teacher, just as we should know our students as a person not just a student. He keeps positive expectations and high energy in his teachings and his blog.

2. Comment on what you would say about Mr. McClung as an educator.He seems extremely dedicated to his teachings and students. He mentioned he keeps his lessons hands on and fun. I am the same way and intend to keep my lessons entertaining and educational, as I've always mentioned before. No one wants to learn if it's boring.

3. I asked above that you read Mr. McClung's "rules" and think about them. What do they say about Mr. McClung, his teaching, and his connection with his students? What is your reaction to these rules (and guides) as a student and as an aspiring teacher? His rules are as they should be, short, simple, to the point. I get the perspective that he has a great connection with his students. Meaning he stays "real" with them. My biggest thing is not raising your hand. In my classroom, we will raise our hand before we get up, speak, etc. Unless of course we are in discussion and they know they can speak out. I like his rule, "Keep your dear teacher happy".

4. What was the first thing under Everyone needs? Why do you suppose that is the first requirement? A day planner. I can tell by this he is organized like me. I would lose my head if I didn't have my planner to use daily. I will make sure my students have a planner to write down their assignments each day, as well.

5. Note the penalties for being late (under Homework). Compare them with my penalties for being late. Comment.His penalties are very clear, one day late and you drop a letter grade. Thankfully this class is not this way, I hope, but I like that he is clear and I'm sure sticks to it.

6. Read carefully his paragraph about what he hopes to accomplish with his blog. Comment and apply to your own aspirations as a teacher.He wants his students to achieve their goals. I too, will set goals for my students and allow them to set goals for themselves. I think goals are important, it gives you motivation and accomplishment but also students have to understand if they don't reach them it is okay as long as they tried their best.

7. I asked you to review at least two Useful Links in depth after reviewing all of them. Which two did you review in depth? Describe each of the two. How might each be used? Why do you think each made Mr. McClung's list. I viewed Discovery Streaming and Discovery Education. They are both a website from the Discovery Channel that the kids can learn from and have fun doing so.

8. Under Internet Safety I asked you to read carefully the rules Mr. McClung sets forth for safely using the internet. Comment on these rules. Are there any you would add or subtract.I think his rules are extremely important for the students to follow. He makes sure they are safe, which should be the number one issue with using the internet and blogs, etc., especially with this crazy world today.

9. In the C4K part of this blog I asked that you look carefully at one of the categories under which you assigned post was filed. What did you find? Select one of the posts in the category and review it for me.

10. Mr. McClung uses Edublog as his blog host. In some ways it may seem more "advanced." But Blogger has many abilities that we have not covered in EDM310. This leads to this question: Is there anything (or things) that Mr. McClung can do with his blog that you would like to do in Blogger?I am still getting used to Blogging so everything is new to me. I know there is so much more I don't know about, but as long as things are organized and easy to find, it works for me.

11. In what ways does Mr. McClung make his blog useful to parents, teachers, administrators, students like you, and others? His blog is open to everyone and safe and friendly. He has all information on it that you'd ever wonder. If it is not on there, he seems very welcoming in leaving a comment to ask.

12. How does Mr. McClung's 8th grade blog differs from other blogs you have visited including other 8th grade blogs? Why the differences do you think?I feel like he has a lot more on his, including personal things. I also like how everything is organized and easy to find for someone who isn't as blog friendly.

13. Add any additional comments you think would be useful in analyzing Mr. McClung's World in depth.In all, his blog is well put together and I like his about him section the most. I really think it's important for students, parents, whoever, to know you as a person. I think it is great that he has the rules, expectations, and safety included.

C4T Summary Post 3

C4T 1: Click here to view blog
I was assigned to Aaron Eyler's blog, Synthesizing Education. His last post was in December 2010 telling about his New Year's resolution to start blogging on his site more. Obviously, he didn't stick to that. He said he has been busy with trying to start a political commentary site and blog of current events for kids in a way they understand. My comment to him:"Hi Aaron,
My name is Mary-Katelin McFerrin, from Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. Your idea of current events and making them where kids can understand is great! It's a good way for kids to be involved in the community and what's going on around them being able to read it in a way they can relate and be apart of. Encouraging students to know current events is very important to me as a future teacher. We should all be educated on the world we live in."

C4T 2:
The first comment I made to Aaron Eyler on his blog is still awaiting moderation, so I'm guessing he hasn't seen it yet. I left him another comment on the same blog for the post right under the one mentioned above. This post is entitled You Get One Shot At This and is focused on failure and students only "doing school", not learning. "I, too, was a student who "did school". I played the game of what the teacher wanted so I could pass. I never actually learned anything, I just knew their was no option of failing. I hear a lot of teachers say a student only has to pass in a couple subjects to get moved on, so they don't worry about the others. I also hear teachers say they have to pass students in certain subjects regardless if they learn it. Thanks for posting this, it is very helpful for future teachers to think about things!"

C4K Summary Post 2

C4K 4
Raihan's blog was the first one I commented on. He is from Pt England School in Mr. Barks class. He wrote about his weekend going to his cousins house and eating the fresh fruit in the gardens. He also said he played soccer with his cousin and friends and he really enjoyed it. He said him and his cousin were the best ones! You can find his blog by clicking here. My response to him was, "Hey Raihan! My name is Mary-Katelin McFerrin. I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class. It sounds like you have a close family like I do. I love hanging out with my cousins! I also love flowers, and fresh fruit is the best! You seem to have a lot of fun together, especially playing sports. Is soccer your favorite? My favorite is football! Glad you had a great weekend!"

C4K 5

The second student's blog I read was, Awhina from Pt England School. Her post was a prayer for the people affected by the earthquake. What a sweet little girl! She's got such a big heart and love for people! This is her prayer:"Dear Lord, I want to pray from the bottom of my heart, for the family of the five month old baby who passed away.I also pray for and for the people who are still trapped in the rubble and for the 175 people who had died in the churches that had collapsed. I ask you god, to please help the family of the five month baby to stop crying and to get lots of love and comfort from other people in Christchurch. To give strength to the families that have lost their love ones to help the trapped people to be safely rescued from the collapsed building. I lift my prayer up to you lord because I believe you can help them and make it come true from the bottom of my heart. Amen." I wrote her back and told her my prayers go out as well, and I can tell she has a huge heart and amazing faith in God. She also added a picture of herself, which is what I included in this post. You can read her blog by clicking here.

C4K 6
Click here to see the class blog!
Last, I left a comment on a movie post from Melville Intermediate School: Room 8. The movie I watched, Photo Option Photo Challenge, was a slideshow of pictures they were assigned to take around their school. They had pictures of students, the library, and outside around the school. They also added music to the slideshow that they chose. My comment: "Hi Team One!
My name is Mary-Katelin McFerrin. I am from Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I enjoyed watching your slideshow of pictures! My favorite were the ones taken outside, especially with the flag and sun shining through it. I like the music you added, also. Y'all did a great job taking pictures and making them into a slideshow! Nice work, team one!"

Blog Post 10

An Open Letter To Educators - Morgan Bayda
In her post, she says school was always boring and she didn't learn from sitting in two hour classes taking notes with teachers who don't know you or care about your opinions. Then, she had a professor much like Dr. Strange, who taught his class by Twitter, Blogger, videos, etc. These classes are so much more interesting and educational. I feel like I'm actually learning in this class now that I've got the hang of it. This semester I don't have any classes or teachers who absolutely bore me and don't teach to learn. I think that is mainly because I'm actually in my field of education and everyone here is passionate about learning, but I struggled tremendously making myself learn and be interested in the basics I had to take to get here and I can honestly say I don't know a single person who is not with me on that. I know there is, but no one I know of. She gives examples of ways she has used communicating outside of school, from what she learned in the class much like this one. Morgan added a video she found on Delicious of Dan Brown who dropped out of school because his schooling was interfering with his education. He makes the comment that unlike the world we live in tells us, we don't have to go to school to succeed or make something of ourselves. I do not agree with his choices, but he is very confident in his beliefs. He says the world has lost sight in what education really is. It's not about teaching facts but empowering students to change the world and make a difference. He claims the problem is we are still using the same system created hundreds of years ago called schooling, instead of educating.

Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home! - Tom Johnson
"A must read for all teachers" - Click here to view Tom Johnson's blog post showing a great example on how we focus too much on what to do and not enough on how to think. In other words, we tend to focus on what the problem is, but never how to think about why there is a problem.

Blog Post 9

What I've Learned This Year - Mr. McClung
Mr. McClung shares seven things he learned from his first year of teaching elementary school in 2009. He notes he was young and inexperienced but has grown and matured as a person as well a teacher from his experiences. As almost reaching my graduation day and entering my very own first classroom, these seven things will be held onto and remembered: read the crowd, be flexible, communicate, be reasonable, don't be afraid of technology, listen to your students, never stop learning. The picture above is from his post and to me says everything about teaching.
The first, how to read the crowd, reminds you to center your students in your lesson plans. These are not all about you and how you present them, it's the material presented and how it will effect the students learning. He says, "In order to be effective you have to be able to let your audience drive your instruction." In being flexible he gives us a reminder that can be used in everyday life, not just teaching. When things go wrong don't beat yourself up about it, instead work with it and make it better. Things won't always go our way especially with finding the right lessons and activities, but we have to believe everything will work out. He says a great quote that I know I will hold on to, "No lesson is ever perfect. The lesson you teach and the one you plan are always different." He also adds to make sure we do everything with a smile on our face. Being flexible is being positive. Although communication is the hardest skills to develop, it's the best way to resolve issues. He encourages us to build strong relationships with teachers and students to help with communicating. "Our goal as teachers is to simply pick them up after they fail, dust them off, and encourage them to try again." I think that pretty much sums up how to be reasonable. Of course, we must set goals for our students but we must also know that they may not always reach them and that's okay as long as we did everything we could. Just because they didn't reach that certain goal, I'm sure there is plenty others they did reach along the way that we have to see. We have to look for the good in every student and situation. Next he talks about technology. He says we can't be afraid of it and give up. We have to learn to use it and know it will take time. Listening to your students is big for me. Just by listening to my students at dance or that I teach while subbing, I've learned so much! They really are smart in their own way that you have nothing to do with. They know more than you can imagine so we shouldn't ever dumb them down in our heads because they are not school smart. If we listen to our students and actually hear what they are saying, it's not only a learning experience but motivation. They know you care about them because you're taking the time to hear what they have to say and that motivates them to do their best. They listen to you talk all day about things they probably don't care about but they know you do, so we should do the same to them. As he says, we owe it to our students to keep learning. We can never know enough and in order to educate kids, we have to stay educated, as well.
I absolutely love everything about this blog post he wrote. It's so simple but yet so meaningful. He definitely sent motivation and inspiration this way. I encourage all teachers to read his post by clicking here.

Blog Post 8

Richard Miller - This Is How We Dream
"I believe we are living at the moment of the greatest change in human communication in human history." How true is that! In this video, he talks about writing and the changes of writing with technology. Before, people went to libraries, check out books, wrote on paper. Now, you buy books online or download them, we use Word Processor to write, and google things we do not know instead of using a dictionary. He also talks about an article he wrote through the internet as an incremental change, not fundamental change. He didn't sit down and actually write it, he just typed it up and clicked save.
I see the good in both of these. Like I've said and my opinion hasn't and I don't think it will change, we should only use so much of technology. I think it's a great thing! I also think kids learning how to write on paper and read in a book is a great thing. We just have to know how to balance those two and incorporate both in our teachings. I can't imagine writing a long paper or book for that matter on paper, but I do know how because I was taught that. I was also taught how to type a paper and research online, as well as a library. I think it's important our future students know both ways, as well. In high school we always had to have resources from both books and internet for our papers. I couldn't agree with that more. I hate to see actual books and libraries be replaced by technology. I think we are at a balance of the two now, but it looks like technology will soon be taking over the way we learn and that's a scary thought for me. I want my students to know how to do things without a computer and I don't want them to rely on technology. We live in a great big world with tons of resources that are being ignored; for example, the use of libraries now or just being outside and learning from nature. Kids never go outside anymore, there too carried away with computers and video games. It amazes me how many cool things you can do with technology, but people forget how many cool things can be done without it, too. In all, I'm all for technology and couldn't live without my laptop, iPhone, or internet; but I know how if I had to. I know how to balance the two, use them equally, and know how important each is. I hope to teach my students the same.
In part two, he pushes technology with writing and presenting. He is right, it is fascinating and you can't not be interested in it. I believe teaching technology is a big deal and kids should be exposed, taught, and use it; as well as being exposed, taught, and use a library.
Our future is now; this is how we dream.

Chipper Series & EDM310 for Dummies
These videos give a great example of how students feel in this class at first, overwhelmed and confused! If we had an EDM 310 for Dummies book, it would be something you could keep throughout the years and rely back to, as well as using it for this class. I think some of these videos we are just now watching should be showed the first day of class or encouraged to watch before the first day of class. I had no idea what this class was and I think watching an intro of what should be done throughout the semester would have been extremely helpful.

Learn to Change, Change to Learn
I really liked this video. I agree with the lady who made the comment about kids knowing how to text, email, etc., but yet not allowed to have those things in school. Another good point made in this video was a guy saying teachers must accept technology because it is not a choice, it is a world itself. It is not here to help teach traditional subjects, but it has emerged into a new environment we must know. I see some of the points made about using twitter and facebook. Those things are a kids world and showing them they can be used educationally too, is getting them more involved with learning about technology. There is a time for this to be taught in school, but it shouldn't over power traditional learning.

The Secret Powers of Time - Philip Zambardo
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - David Pink
I've never thought about the way people view the past, present, and future like this video does. I really liked it and it gives you something to think about. He says you have to trust your decisions by knowing they will carry out in the future. I always say somewhat the same. You have to believe and have faith in what you are doing for it to matter. He made a good reason why boys drop out of school more than girls. I see how that applies, but the people I know of who dropped out was mainly from parents not pushing or caring about their child's education or the person gets in with the wrong crowd and doesn't take their education seriously. I do see where his theory is true, but I wouldn't say for every guy. I do agree that guys who play video games non-stop are less social which causes a problem in school.
The second video, he stresses on the higher the reward, the better the performance. You see this all the time in schools. Good behavior, you get a reward. A lot of teachers take advantage of this and think of it as the only way for students to behave by bribing them and that way they do not have to deal with the hard issues or even they do not know how to deal with them. Are they learning how to behave if they are only doing it for a prize? I don't think so at all. Telling a student if you behave please, I'll give you something, does not teach them anything. They do not know why they are supposed to behave, other than to get a reward. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for rewarding good behavior but a lot of people use this too much as a life saver to get through the day. Higher the reward, better the performance is certainly true, but it shouldn't be relied on. The best motivation is encouragement and being treated as an equal individual.
Both of these videos were very interesting and hard not to watch with the drawings. They are both good attention grabbers.

SmartBoard Presentation - Project 13

Secondary Mathematics: Triangles
By: Mary-Katelin McFerrin, Molly Dekin, Ashley Cousins

To view our form click here

Project 11

Blog Post 7

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

This video kept my attention the whole time, I think because his personality and the pictures he showed. I thought it was awesome and at the same time sad because I knew he didn't make it much longer after this. I thought it was awesome because he's such a great speaker and left such an impact on people just through this one speech he gave.
I wonder how many people have thought about their childhood dreams after watching this and actually tried to accomplish them or think if they have yet. I always said I wanted to be a cheerleader when I grew up and a teacher. Looks like I can check those off! I always wished I would have made a list when I was little and kept adding to it of goals I wanted to achieve. I wish someone had made me, like a teacher. I have always said because of that reason, I want my students to make a list the beginning of the year of goals in life and for the school year and then at the end of the year, go back and revise it and keep it updated over the years. I think that's a great way to keep kids motivated and it gives them something to look back on, like I wish I had now.
He said something like if he didn't get his dream, then it was because he got something more. What a great way to view things! Also, "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want". I love all these quotes he said, they really make you think in a positive way. I also like, "The brick walls are there for a reason". It reminds me of my favorite, everything happens for a reason. If things don't go as you planned, there's a reason for that. I think that's what he was trying to say to. He's such an inspirational speaker! I really liked listening to him.

PLN-Project 10

I just started creating my personal learning network through Symbaloo. The main websites I go to are facebook, twitter, aol mail, and anything to do with school such as the school website, gmail, and my blog. It took me forever to figure out how to delete certain things on there that I wouldn't use. It was easy to add things though. I just have a few things on there right now, but I think overall it is coming together pretty good. I'm sure it won't take long to fill up.

C4T Summary Post 2

C4T2 - Click here: Pondering Paige
For my second teacher comment, I was assigned to Dr. Baggett.
The first comment I left her was on her post about Ibiyinka Alao, Nigeria's Ambassador of Art. He came to the University of South Alabama to show and talk about his paintings on African life. I love art and I especially loved his because it had so much meaning and life. She posted many pictures of his visit and artwork. The picture I posted on this blog post is my favorite painting of his, that I mention below. I left a comment saying, "Hi Dr. Baggett, I'm in Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class. I loved reading and looking at the pictures you posted. It looks like you all had a great time meeting and talking to him about his paintings. My favorite is the acrylic, Grace: That Even the World can Pass through It. It is so colorful and full of life. I also enjoyed the captions below the pictures; they say so much about Ibiyinka and his passion." Dr. Baggett's response: "I'm so glad you visited my blog post on Ibiyinka's visit. He is fabulous in so many ways: educational, inspirational, and an advocate for the POWER of the arts! I hope to get a video of his presentation posted soon so everyone can benefit from his words of wisdom."

The second comment I left was also on her post, "Leading by Example and a Pointer Finger: Enriching our Lives through the Arts and Technology (high and low)". It is about Ricky Trione and how he uses his disability of being blind to send inspirational and educational messages through creating his artwork. By using both technology and his fingers, he shows the kids at Booth Elementary School more than just different ways to paint. Other than showing the obvious ways technology can be used educationally through art and how to use your fingers to paint pictures; it gives a lesson on how people make things too complicated sometimes, when really all you need is what's in front of you. He shows by not having much, you can still go far, as long as you believe in what you're doing. I am amazed at Mr. Ricky and his ability to achieve his goals no matter what life has given him. He is showing desire, belief, and attitude in reaching every goal, no matter how unachievable they may sound. My response was, "Hi again, Dr. Baggett! So many things I love about this post! First, how awesome that "Mr. Ricky" doesn't allow his disability to get in the way with his talent and passion. This alone shows a great example to kids by teaching them to not be discouraged or give up in any situation. I find it very cool that he does incorporate technology with his art, giving kids another example of how it can be used educationally. The thing I like best is he also keeps it simple by just using paint and his fingers to create artwork. I needed to be reminded as well, of the simple message to choose your battles. I enjoyed reading your post; it gives you a lot to think about!"

Blog Post 6

The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler
I didn't think this video would keep my interest for very long when it first started but then I couldn't stop watching because I wanted to know what picture would come up next. Also, the guy speaking had personality and interest in this topic so it was hard not to listen to him. When it first started I kept thinking isn't this what I'm doing right now? By the end of the video, I knew for sure it is describing classes such as this one. I like that he said, "The tools provided are not as important as the connections provided by them". That is true in many reasons. Teaching does not depend on what you have, it's how you use what you have. Just by having more materials for something does not mean you will get more out of it than the person with barely any materials. It depends on the way it is taught and how students make connections to it. I learn more from this class just by using the internet and figuring things out on my own than I have in most classes with textbooks, lectures, handouts and notes. Teachers can give you all those things but what good does it do if you don't connect to it and learn how to use and apply it, just as this classes teaches. In all, I think this video is a great overview of this class and maybe should be shown at the beginning of the semester to help students understand more of what they can do with technology and will be doing throughout the class. If I would have saw this video when this class started, it would have cleared up some confusion and I know I would have understood what the point in a lot of this was. Assignments probably would have been easier to understand why I was doing it, as well because this video shows all the cool things technology can do. Now after each assignment, I seem to always think how cool it is that I know how to make a YouTube video or that I can talk to people across the world. And I had no idea kids were using all this technology in classrooms already! It did become more clear after each assignment, which I believe is the point, and now I totally understand and think students should be exposed as early as possible to this type of technology and how it can be used educationally.

A 7th Grader's PLN
This is a video of a Personal Learning Network made by a 7th grade student. The first thing I thought was wow, she's super organized and really smart to know how to do all this, especially being in the 7th grade. Even the way she talked on the video did not sound like her age, she sounded very mature and professional. She also said having this PLN gives her more freedom of how to do her assignments, which I agree. It helps students to learn in a way that's best for them. I also liked that they blocked out her name and school. That's one of the things I have wondered about, if parents realize their child is all over the internet with these blogs and videos. I'm assuming they had to have their permission, but I liked the fact that this girl kept her information private. It seems from watching this that creating a PLN takes a lot of time, even though in the end it looks like easy access to everything you use daily. I guess I'll see when I create my own!

Critique's of Smartboards
Both of these articles are bashing Smart Boards in a classroom. Mainly saying they are a waste of money for what they are talked up to be. Especially in the first article, the cons she listed, I seemed to have a pro for each. In other words, I could find an easy argument off the top of my head for the points she was trying to make. She mentioned things like it doesn't help teacher planning, the kids get bored still, etc. From my experience in a classroom so far, the kids love it! They love it because they are involved in it, being they can write on it and play games with each other. Teachers even use it as a center for the students to go to. It also is used as a DVD player, which is great because everyone can see the screen and it cuts back on a TV taking up space in your classroom. Teachers also use it as a whiteboard by writing assignments on it or teaching new lessons, instead of a chalkboard or white board, and having to stock up on markers and chalk. They are expensive but once you have it, it's one of those things you won't need to keep spending money on. Of course, I'm not a real teacher in my own classroom yet, so I'm not getting the experience of using one everyday, but as much as I'm in classrooms teaching from them (which is almost everyday), I can say they are positive for both teachers and students. I found this article backing up some of my points: Click here.

Project 9b-Timetoast Timeline

C4K Summary Post 1

C4K 1: View Blog
I was assigned to Dairon, a boy in Ms. Naugle's 5th period Math class. His blog was about measurements and the three types they learned in class: capacity, weight, and length. He gave examples of what you measure with these three types. He also added a picture of a tape measure. I commented on his blog saying,"Hi Dairon! My name is Mary-Katelin. I'm from Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I'm majoring in Elementary Education. That's great how much you know about measurements, they come in handy everyday! I like your picture you added on here. I also think it's wonderful you get to have a blog for school! Keep up the good work!"

C4K 2: View Blog
For my second comment, I listened to a podcast while watching a video that two boys, Kade and Matthew, created. They are from New Zealand and attend Pt England School. The blog is called Korero Pt England: KPE Episode 334: "The Witches". The story was based on a theme of a little boy who runs into some real life witches. I thought the boys did an awesome job. It showed so much personality and enthusiasm.
My comment to them: "How cute, boys! My name is Mary-Katelin, I am a student in Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I think it is great how you are already learning how to make podcast and videos. This will come in handy for your future! Great job, guys! I enjoyed watching and listening to you both!" I also left them the link to my blog.

C4K 3: View Blog
Last, I commented on a short story written by Silas at Pt England School in New Zealand. He wrote two paragraphs on a boy called, Super Kid, which is also the title of his blog. In his story, the boy woke up with super powers and used them to rescue people from evil villains. The story ended with Super Kid killing the villain, 'Doctor Evil'. He added a picture of a cartoon guy standing in flames who I'm assuming is Super Kid. I left him a comment telling who I was. I told him he had a great imagination and I enjoyed reading his story.

Blog Post 5

Eagle's Nest
I think it's awesome that these little kids are already using podcast and all the things we are learning now. I also think it's great we can leave them comments on their post. I know if I was their age and college students were commenting on my post telling me how great I was doing, it would make my day! These kids doing these videos and podcast have so much enthusiasm. You can really tell they like using technology, especially knowing everyone around the world can listen or watch! I guess any kid would though, it beats sitting in a desk all day!

Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom
This video tells you different ways you can use podcasting in the classroom. Podcasting allows for creativity and focuses on Bloom's taxonomy. It also tells us how it can be used for the teacher, student, and parents, either in the classroom or outside class. Meaning, if a student is absent, they can always listen to the podcast of lectures from that day to see what they missed. Using podcast in classrooms can be very educational and meaningful and it keeps the students involved.

The Education Podcast Network
ESP is a network that allows teachers to post podcast of teaching ideas and topics for other teachers around the world. It gives ideas for podcast topics you can use in the classroom for student activities. I was once told, "You're not a good teacher unless you steal and give." Meaning, take other teachers ideas and give out your own. We're all doing this for the kids, so why be selfish with our ideas? The more I'm in schools and getting into the education program, the more it seems I hear this phrase!

Project 9a-Timetoast Timeline

Podcast

ACCESS- Program for Distant Learning for High School Students

Click here to listen

My Sentence Movie

Blog Post 4

Don’t teach your kids this stuff. Please? -Scott McLeod
To find out who Scott McLeod was, I went to scottmcleod.net/bio and found out he sure is a lot of things! So, before I mistakenly rewrote something about him, here’s a little of his bio found on the website, “Scott McLeod, J.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Educational Administration program at Iowa State University. He also is the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), the nation’s only academic center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators, and was a co-creator of the wildly popular video, Did You Know? (Shift Happens). …widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading academic experts on K-12 school technology leadership issues.” Check out that website for more info on him!
Like everyone else it seems, I too, had to read this several times. I think that might be the point? When I finally understood it, I thought, “Wow! He is so right!” He wasn’t bashing technology, he is all for it. Just as he says, he allows his own kids to use it. What he is saying by this sarcastic, truthful, funny post, was what those against technology say as their excuse for not allowing their children to use it and he nailed it! Those are exactly the reasons parents don’t allow their child to use the internet. They say there are stalkers, predators, porn, and cheating that go on when using the internet. Well yes, but that stuff is everywhere. Which is why they make privacy settings. Do they think there children won’t get online at friends houses or school?
They don’t realize how educational it can be and that’s why so much of it is used in classrooms today. Technology is advancing so extremely fast, if you don’t expose children to it, they will be completely lost and miss out on opportunities in the future, such as jobs. Of course, I wouldn’t allow my 8 year old to have their own Facebook or twitter, but what is wrong with the educational or even just fun games and things for them to do online? If you have control of what your children are doing on the internet and looking at, you shouldn’t have to worry. Bad images are everywhere!! You can’t not allow your children to do things in life because they might run into something bad or dangerous. They need to learn and be exposed to such things. Blocking the internet or other technology because you’re afraid, is the same as taking away educational learning. I loved Dr. McLeod’s attitude throughout his post.

iSchool
iSchool is a YouTube video made by a 17 year old named Travis, from Georgia. He believes he has a solution to America’s education problem. He talks about budget cuts, larger classes, and ask the famous question, “Does technology belong in our classrooms?” His short five-minute video is very interesting and well put together. The way he makes it sound, there will be no need for schools and classrooms in the future. Everything we need is on phones and computers. Very scary to us future educators! The upside is we would save a ton of money and the environment. Which to those of us who “go green”, this is a plus. I saw a comment on this video from someone in Utah saying their school is starting this iSchool program already. Wow! Travis says in the video, “Together we can and will make the iSchool a reality.” I’m all for technology but when it comes to having school through a phone, computer, etc., it scares me. These children need to be at school to learn and teachers need to be there to teach them.


The Lost Generation

I LOVE this video! It showed how just reversing things, like your attitude, can change everything.
People get so carried away with what the future will be, and how important their work is. Most don’t stop to live in the present, or to take a day off to be with your family. Your employer should know your family is first and it shouldn’t be a hassle to take off work for a short time to see your kid’s school play, etc. I understand all jobs don’t work this way but if people made their family their number one priority and not work and money, it would be.
I don’t like the way people view our (my) generation. As this video said, they think of us destructing the environment. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people say, “This generation with all their technology will ruin the world”.
I understand the assumptions with families that don’t stay together these days, but what about the families that do? This goes back to my point of making your family first in your life. I think it’s so expected to get divorced, people think it’s the only option and quit trying, because they listen to the media and the rest of the world talking about divorce rates.
I do believe technology plays a big role in losing our generation. Although I’m for it, I do think there’s a fine line to be drawn. For example, iSchool. No one communicates in person anymore; it’s all done through text and email. I can’t stand seeing someone in person who you talk to online, and not saying a word to each other, acting like you don’t know one another. I also hate when you know your going to see someone, so why send them an email or message and expect them to respond when you don’t say a word to them in person?!


Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir
I think it’s really neat they were able to take that many people and combine them just by using technology to make the choir! When I first found out a lot of singers who do songs together have never meet, I was amazed! This is similar, but of course much more intense. You have to really know what you’re doing to be able to put that many people’s voices and director together and make it sound as good as it did.

Teaching in the 21st Century
Of course, teaching is different now and will be different when I start teaching on my own shortly. It seems like it’s advancing each year. Kids have no idea what projectors are or what it’s like to not have a smart board or computers in the classroom. I hope that teaching doesn’t come to involve so much technology that kids are not using books and pencils and paper. I don’t understand how you expect them to learn to write if they’re only writing on smart boards and typing on computers. It’s not near the same as writing on paper. Like I keep saying, I’m all for technology especially in classrooms, but when it gets to the point of no books, etc. is when I turn against it. I think people are getting carried away with all it can do and forgetting to add in the basics of learning, such as writing and hands on activities. You have to know how to combine the two equally. I believe there is a strong need for both in classes.

Google Presentation

Blog Post 3

Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
I couldn’t agree more with this video. When I first started college, I was overwhelmed with class sizes, schedules, and times of classes. I didn’t take college serious at first, which was a big mistake. I never understood why I had to take all those basics. Even now I don’t remember anything about the class so why did I take them then? I wasn’t into learning something I didn’t need to know, so I didn’t try my best. I just wanted to skip all that and get to where I’m at now in the Education Department. Of course now, I know that everything I do matters. I take college more serious because I’m so ready to be done and start teaching. Also, because it’s way more interesting to me than those classes I was required to take. I mean, this is what I want to do with my life, so of course I’m more interested and motivated in school now. But before, I’m on the same page with the people in the video. It definitely captures college life.
At the end when the teacher wrote on the board about what good a chalkboard does, I think the same thing. We need technology in classrooms, it is essential to learning. Most classrooms now have smart boards which to me are the greatest things. When I’m subbing, I can see that the kids love being able to have carpet time and do work and activities on the smart board. It’s entertaining and educational. There behavior is always much better during carpet time because they are doing what they like to do, it’s very hands on. Sitting down in a desk and doing workbook pages makes them bored and cause behavior problems. In a lot of classrooms now, they have eliminated chalkboards and whiteboards by covering them up with charts and making them some what bulletin boards. Some say if they have a smart board in their classroom, they don’t need anything else.

“It’s Not About the Technology” by Kelly Hines
Kelly Hines says if a student hasn’t learned, the teacher hasn’t taught. She also makes the same point as I have before; teachers must also be learners. We have to learn from our students, as well as them learning from us. We also have to know our students, and know how they learn best as an individual. I know I learn something better and faster when it is taught one on one, or if I can see it visually, as in using pictures. I’ve noticed students in my classes being the same way and since I learn like they do, it was easy for me to teach them because I understood where they were coming from and what makes sense to them and they understand it. I love the feeling when a student gets something because you taught it, they understand it from you.
I strongly agree that teachers must be educated in technology to teach it. Like Kelly Hines said, if not, it goes to waste. Without this EDM 310 class, I wouldn’t know half of what I’ve learned already. Without subbing and being in schools so much, I would walk into my first day of school not knowing how to work a smart board. I haven’t been taught how to use a smart board, but after playing around with it, it’s pretty self-explanatory. The problem is some teachers, mostly older ones, aren’t in to this technology stuff so it does go to waste. Having technology in a classroom can be good or bad, depending on the teacher and how well the teacher is educated in using it.

Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
Like I just said, I think all teachers should know technology and how to use it, especially or even if it’s just for the classroom, such as computers and smart boards. I do think it is ridiculous that kids so young have cell phones, their own laptops and what not. I think technology is taking over kids’ youth, but I do think in a classroom it is essential for learning.
I like this comment he made, “If a teacher today is not technologically literate - and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more - it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read and write.” It says a lot about how technology has grown and is now equivalent to reading and writing. It is kind of harsh, but in today’s society I think it’s very relevant because that’s how most young people view technology today. Although I say technology is very important in a classroom, which it is, but hands on activities can sometimes be even more important.

Gary Hayes Social Media Count
This social media count shows just how much technology is increasing over every second. That’s part of the reason I say every teacher should be educated on technology because in a few years, it seems like that’s all people will depend on. It’s kind of sad to see that no one uses books or CDs anymore, there’s all these iPads and iPhones that are used instead. I know it seems like I’m bashing this new technology or I sound hypocritical, because I have an iPhone and MacBook and all that too, but I still like the real books and magazines, I don’t want to read them on a computer type deal, I like having the book. It amazes me that all these young kids have all this technology and know how to use it better than I do.

C4T Summary Post 1

Post 1
I was assigned to post on Mr. Chamberlain's blog:Reflections on Teaching 2.0
The last thing he posted was a short SNL video about two minutes long, about politics. I don't watch SNL, so I don't know much about the videos, etc., but I did think it was funny and relevant for politics today.
He replied on another post: "Dear students, I know you have been assigned to leave a comment on this blog. Unfortunately I rarely post to it. If you would like to find newer posts to comment on you should try:
At the Teacher's Desk or Education Debate
Sorry about the inconvenience, I just don't use this forum that often.
Wm Chamberlain"

Post 2
I commented on At the Teacher's Desk: Can We Adopt a Master/Apprentice Approach to Learning? for my second post.
He makes three assumptions of becoming a master teacher. The third assumption was my favorite, "Assumption three: You model learning to your students." It's important that the teacher is learning as well. He talks about how it would be ideal for classrooms to become smaller. I agree, students would have more one-on-one and receive more attention. It would also benefit the teacher from spending more time with each student because they would learn more and it would help the process of becoming a master teacher. He questions if teachers of master learners can create master learners from their apprentices. I think they can. As we teach, we are modeling learning and encouraging to follow by example, as he says.

Blog Post 2

Did You Know?
Technology is taking over! This can be a good thing and a bad thing. If you have your iPhone with you, you pretty much have everything you need. It’s amazing what technology has led to over the years. I couldn’t imagine having to grow up without internet or cell phones. It’s always been around and it looks if it always will be. I would have never thought you can do so much on a cell phone. I can’t imagine what they will do to cell phones or computers in the next few years. It seems like there is nothing left for them to add since they now have everything on them.
I found this video amazing! I liked everything about it. Some interesting facts that I didn't know that one out of eight people have meet and are now married through the internet. Also, Myspace could be its own country falling 5th largest in the world. That's insane. I never would have thought Bermuda being number one in Broadband Internet either. I can’t believe the US is 19!
I find it crazy that in just four years, google has gone to 2.7 billion searches to 31 billion a month! I do believe, however, that the text messages sent a day are over the population of a planet. It’s amazing how much we text in just a day.

Mr. Winkle Wakes
This video is about Rip Van Winkle awakening after 100 years. I found the video itself kind of strange, although I really liked the point they were making. It was very creative the way they thought to show the changes over 100 years by using Rip Van Winkle. I thought using a hospital was a great idea for a technology example, since 100 years ago, none of that stuff existed. I liked that they showed the school and how most of it was still the same, although, most of it is different too.
The main purpose of school still remains, like the classrooms and lectures. How cool would it be if in 100 years we were able to see the changes and how far technology has gone. If we could, it would mean a lot, just as it did to Rip Van Winkle, to reminisce on the things that haven’t changed or are still around, like school, in the video.

The Importance of Creativity
Sir Ken Robinson gave around a twenty minute speech about kids today. He also said it's scary that we have no idea what technology will come to over the years and that's what we're supose to be teaching our students. He claims kids aren't afraid to be wrong. I find that partially true.
I personally think no one should be afraid to be wrong and make mistakes. That’s how you figure out who you are. Plus no one likes someone who’s right all the time or acts like they’re right. That makes life boring. I do think, only because I’m around kid’s everyday, that some kids are afraid to be wrong. I see it everyday that kids answer a question and get upset or embarrassed because they answered wrong.
He used the example of the kid saying the part in a play. I think that could go both ways. The kid wasn’t afraid to be wrong in his example, and most kids aren’t. They say whatever they feel. In front of a classroom or audience is when a lot of kids are afraid of being wrong. All children should know its okay to be wrong and make mistakes; they shouldn’t be laughed at or get embarrassed.

Scholastic Kids
First, I’m amazed at this little girl. How awesome that she did and wrote this. I strongly agree that you can teach someone to become creative. Everyone has a little creativity somewhere in them. I think it’s very important for us as teacher to teach this to our students. They need to know how to think outside the box and use their imagination.
They said traveling increases cultural intelligence; I also think field trips in school do the same. It’s very important that kids see and experience places that are important to where they live. They most likely won’t like going there but when they get older they will appreciate it. They would much rather go to the zoo, than an educational play, or see some “boring” building downtown, but who wouldn’t right? I do think it is very important that students learn about different cultures, whether going on field trips or just talking about them in class. Especially in public schools where their classroom is filled with culture.

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
Vicki Davis focuses on teaching her students how to use technology in everyway possible. Much like this class does. She teaches her students culture lessons too, by connecting through other people around the world by internet. This goes back to what I just wrote above, field trips are a great experience to becoming culturally intellgent, but not necessary. Using websites such as Twitter and Blogger can also connect you throughout the world.
Her class seems very fun and educational. Just as I want mine to one day be and just how every class should be. It's good for the kids that she allows them to teach the class sometimes. That's really what learning is about. You know you know something when you can teach it. She also said they teach her things all the time too. I think all teachers should also be learning from their students as well.

Wordle

Blog Post 1

Hey everyone! I’m Mary-Katelin McFerrin. I was born and raised here in Mobile, Alabama. I attended Cottage Hill Christian Academy until my freshman year in high school when I transferred to Davidson High and graduated in 2008. I am a junior in elementary education and could not be more ready to be in my own classroom! I chose South because it was close to home and the majority of my friends were also staying home and attending South. It was an easy choice for me. I have also always heard that South has a great education program.
I have danced since I was two years old and have been teaching dance for the past five years. I also was a cheerleader in high school. I love boat rides, fishing, weekends at the beach house and going to our hunting camp.
Even at five years old when you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer has always been a teacher. I have never imagined me doing anything else. Teaching is my passion and I love every minute of it. Being able to teach dance has truly opened my eyes to how much I love children. I am also a substitute teacher almost everyday. It amazes me how much teachers take off! When I am not subbing, I work with my mom at her job for an oil company. It’s a family business and I love being there. I worked there everyday throughout high school, and now just when I have time. I also keep a baby boy, who is like family, when I am not subbing. He comes first in all my jobs though.
I hope to graduate in the next year and start working on my masters degree. I would love more than anything to be at the school of my choice and to teach first grade. I believe if you feel good about yourself and believe what you do matters, you will succeed in it, especially knowing you could be making a difference in a child's life.

Practice Post

My first blog