Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Blog Post #6
Wendy Drexler: The Networked Student
The 21st century student has a lot more going on than I ever thought possible when I was in high school. All the new possibilities and access points we have using the internet brings another world into the classroom. It also allows the student to have the classroom right in front of them at all times. Using technology and search engines to navigate through the internet allows the 21st century student to access people's thoughts and ideas freely.
Back when I was in high school I hardly knew how to use my Ipod, now students are being taught to do everything through the internet. It's surprising to see what good can come out of this. Using new technology allows our students to communicate with scholars and educators and people all around the world they never knew existed. Being able to access these people and their knowledge is great; we can all learn from one another.
So, why do we need teachers? Teachers guide us, whenever we as students need help with our assignments (assignments our TEACHERS have given us) we go to our educators. We look up to them for an answer. Without our educators, or learners have no one to follow, no one to look out for them and make sure what they are reading and soaking in is the right information to remember. Our educators already know what is factual and what isn't, usually. Without someone to help lead us in the right direction, how do we as students know we're going in the wrong direction?
7th Grader's PLE (PLN)
Wendy's7th grade studentsget to learn in a way I never had a chance to and that makes me feel super excited for her students! I wish I had the freedom to create and search using the web in my classes, maybe I would have liked school a little more. Obviously, Wendy's students have grown up using new technologies, so it's not a learning process for them. They already know how to use and search through the internet, easily. However, this is a learning process for me. Yes, I use social networks and I'm not totally technologically illiterate but I have never used anything like podcasting and blogging before. I'm not a composer of any sorts, either. Maybe Wendy's 7th graders could teach me a thing or two.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Blog Post #5
If I Build A School
Krissy Venosdale is a creative genius! I would absolutely love to climb in her mind and live in that treehouse she has envisioned. While reading her more than interesting idea of her own school, my thoughts began to swirl with imaginative ideas. I am; however, less creative and more playful. I think I would keep her library idea, how could you not? My classrooms would be outside. Well, maybe not outside, perhaps my classrooms would be made with class walls. The cafeteria would be one huge table, all the children and teachers would sit together. Collaborating ideas and activities would be key. Teachers would change rooms, not students. I believe the environment in which a student learns can be a huge part of their success.
I have also been hearing that play-time is being taken away from some schools. This, to me, is insane. A child needs to get out and stretch, play, and just have time to be a kid. My school would have a huge collaboration of jungle gyms coming to and from the playground surrounding the school. Every activity a teacher gave to their student would involve fun and group work. Children should work together, by working together we can learn together. Learning together is the best way for a student to get a grasp on the idea of the working world they will one day be in.
My school would be plain and boring on the outside, the windows and glass walls would be tinted so no one could see inside. Walking through the front doors, you'd see bright colors covering the hallways. Children's painting and drawings would cover the walls. My ideas may be insane, and of course this will probably never be an actual school. However, image what a different atmosphere like this would bring. More fun in education, enthusiasm, maybe even more success?
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
The idea to take 18 people's videos singing the same song and making it into a wonderful chorus is amazing. Everyone was matched up so perfectly and their style of singing, sopranos, altos, ect. was quite impressive. I couldn't imagine taking the time to make this video myself. Mr. Whitacre is an incredible composer that did a great job. The internet has so many amazing possibilities, Eric's video was only one example of everything you can do.
NPR interview with Eric Whitacre
Eric had some incredible ideas and I was really inspired. To hear about a woman who couldn't get our much because of her living situation who escaped using virtual choirs is just astounding. What a great way to give people such a fun way to get out of reality.
Teaching in the 21st Century
My eyes have been opened! This video really can make someone think, especially up and coming teachers. Technology really is taking over in this day and age. Children honestly have every way possible to research just about anything. Roberts is right saying it is no longer about entertaining in the classroom, but engaging the student. I support that because getting a child engaged and attentive in a subject and including in the classroom is the best way of learning and entertaining. By engaging the student, you have their full attention and that usually means they are willing to learn everything you're trying to teach them. Sure, they could easily learn the information on their own using the Internet, but like the video also says, teachers are merely filters. We as teachers are able to feed the children the information in the best way because we already understand the information. The video was so incredible, I wish I could download it into my blog. The world should see this video, maybe our next assignment we will learn how.
Fizz Flipping the Classroom
I love this idea! Watching videos of a classroom lesson plan the night before while you're at home is a wonderful new technology. If a teacher posts what is going to happen and basically teaches the lesson ahead of time the children will be fully prepared for what is to come. If a student is struggling in class, it gives them a chance to catch up or review. Parents could also help children at home because the parents would actually be able to see exactly what their child is learning. When I was in school I was always having trouble with certain things that my parents just couldn't help with because they didn't know what I was doing in the classroom. "Flipping the classroom" could help the parents refresh their minds and get involved with their child's schoolwork. This is one of the most innovative and useful sources we have seen so far! For sure!
Krissy Venosdale is a creative genius! I would absolutely love to climb in her mind and live in that treehouse she has envisioned. While reading her more than interesting idea of her own school, my thoughts began to swirl with imaginative ideas. I am; however, less creative and more playful. I think I would keep her library idea, how could you not? My classrooms would be outside. Well, maybe not outside, perhaps my classrooms would be made with class walls. The cafeteria would be one huge table, all the children and teachers would sit together. Collaborating ideas and activities would be key. Teachers would change rooms, not students. I believe the environment in which a student learns can be a huge part of their success.
I have also been hearing that play-time is being taken away from some schools. This, to me, is insane. A child needs to get out and stretch, play, and just have time to be a kid. My school would have a huge collaboration of jungle gyms coming to and from the playground surrounding the school. Every activity a teacher gave to their student would involve fun and group work. Children should work together, by working together we can learn together. Learning together is the best way for a student to get a grasp on the idea of the working world they will one day be in.
My school would be plain and boring on the outside, the windows and glass walls would be tinted so no one could see inside. Walking through the front doors, you'd see bright colors covering the hallways. Children's painting and drawings would cover the walls. My ideas may be insane, and of course this will probably never be an actual school. However, image what a different atmosphere like this would bring. More fun in education, enthusiasm, maybe even more success?
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
The idea to take 18 people's videos singing the same song and making it into a wonderful chorus is amazing. Everyone was matched up so perfectly and their style of singing, sopranos, altos, ect. was quite impressive. I couldn't imagine taking the time to make this video myself. Mr. Whitacre is an incredible composer that did a great job. The internet has so many amazing possibilities, Eric's video was only one example of everything you can do.
NPR interview with Eric Whitacre
Eric had some incredible ideas and I was really inspired. To hear about a woman who couldn't get our much because of her living situation who escaped using virtual choirs is just astounding. What a great way to give people such a fun way to get out of reality.
Teaching in the 21st Century
My eyes have been opened! This video really can make someone think, especially up and coming teachers. Technology really is taking over in this day and age. Children honestly have every way possible to research just about anything. Roberts is right saying it is no longer about entertaining in the classroom, but engaging the student. I support that because getting a child engaged and attentive in a subject and including in the classroom is the best way of learning and entertaining. By engaging the student, you have their full attention and that usually means they are willing to learn everything you're trying to teach them. Sure, they could easily learn the information on their own using the Internet, but like the video also says, teachers are merely filters. We as teachers are able to feed the children the information in the best way because we already understand the information. The video was so incredible, I wish I could download it into my blog. The world should see this video, maybe our next assignment we will learn how.
Fizz Flipping the Classroom
I love this idea! Watching videos of a classroom lesson plan the night before while you're at home is a wonderful new technology. If a teacher posts what is going to happen and basically teaches the lesson ahead of time the children will be fully prepared for what is to come. If a student is struggling in class, it gives them a chance to catch up or review. Parents could also help children at home because the parents would actually be able to see exactly what their child is learning. When I was in school I was always having trouble with certain things that my parents just couldn't help with because they didn't know what I was doing in the classroom. "Flipping the classroom" could help the parents refresh their minds and get involved with their child's schoolwork. This is one of the most innovative and useful sources we have seen so far! For sure!
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