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!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
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!"
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 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 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
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
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.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
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!"
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."
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!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)