My Personal Learning Network!!

When I started this class I had no idea what a personal learning network was. I began to listen to Dr. Strange and look at his PLN. I realized that I have my own personal learning network. I got to thinking that I have many ways of contacting people to get answers to questions I may have. As I go into my career I plan on explaining my PLN. I hope to meet plenty more people to go to or advice when I am having a hard time.

Project 11!

Project 11!CLick HEre

Comments for Kids!!

Comments for Kids is a wonderful idea. Through this assignment I have gotten to meet some amazing children. It amazes me that children at such a young age are learning how to blog. I remember when I was their age but I didn't even know how to use a computer. With technology moving so fast there is no telling what kids will be doing on the computer 5-10 years from now. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the other students.

GOODBYE FOR NOW EDM 310 CLASS!!

I can't believe that the semester is already ending so soon. To the students I just want to say good luck in all you do in the future, and everything you encounter. I have enjoyed the class with each and every one of you. Good luck in teaching and I wish you the best. To Dr. Strange: Thank you for everything you have taught me. I know that I don't know a lot but I know more than I did when I started the class. I have enjoyed the class and I wish you luck for future EDM classes.

GOODBYE FOR NOW!!

Completing the Semester!!

WOW, the semester is already coming to an end! AS I think back i have learned a tremendous amount of new information in this class. 1)I have learned to set up and use a blog correctly. I never knew how to add tags to anything. Now I can type a Blog and add a tag to take you to wherever I am directing my information.Example View My Blog.
I have always used power point to do a presentation and through this class I have learned use Google documents to do my presentations. The big plus of Google presentations is that you can pull it up on any computer that has internet access. I have learned how to create a personal learning network which allows me to keep tract of things that interest me and make my comments on them frequently. You tube is a whole ballgame itself. You can post any type of video to you tube, they have it set up as to where you just type in a word and brings up related movies.I have read many different post from all sorts of education sites. The post that I have read have been so helpful in giving advice about my future teaching. Twitter is something that I have somewhat learned how to use. All you hear on the radio and TV is Twitter. It is very unique that you can tweet about everything you do and wherever you go.Podcast was the most fun for me I think. You just relax and talk among others about a topic that you are interested in and invite people to give you positive feedback. The comment for kids activity was awesome. It amazes me still that we can communicate with other students at such a young age across the world. The internet has so much to offer the young students to enhance their education. I really enjoyed talking to the children as they learned how to blog for the first time, so I was really learning with them. I think Itunes University is wonderful. The thought of never having to go to a classroom is wonderful. I think this idea will work great in the future as it progresses to get better, because every child has a device that can capture the internet.I am not a Pro-professional but I am engaging in Professional acts here on campus. I am learning new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom every single day. Google forms are a really good way to send out surveys on many topics and get a result as the people take action in your form. Google Earth is very neat in my opinion. I learned how to use the site to take a virtual tour and to pin-point certain areas that I may be interested in visiting.Access and Alex are a lifesaver in my opinion. Teachers can share topics and lesson plans with other teachers, to give them different ideas on how to deliver the topics. Foliotek is such an headache. This website is so touchy, I think it could be improved by making it more user friendly.Technology literacy is a powerful word. Teachers this day in time must be technology literate. They have to keep the students engaged in activities to make learning more meaningful. I think the future of schools is scary. The thought of no books or paper is terrifying.Schools are not far from this idea now with the formation of Itunes University. I can bundle of this into one big plus for my classroom. I have learned many ways to integrate all types of technology into the classroom. 2) I think I learned way more than I was expecting when I walked into this class. 3)I don't regret learning anything, but the one thing I didn't enjoy the most was twitter. I just do not think it is very safe to let everyone know what your doing and where you are at different times of the day. 4) I enjoyed learning the different things that Google offers such as documents, forms, and presentations. I like the idea of knowing that I can pull my work up on any computer that has internet access. 5)The only thing I found challenging is not just in EDM itself, but in every education class. Foliotek. Foliotek is not easy to understand and so picky about just how things have to be done, and if not done correctly you fail. 6) There was so much to do in this class that I really can't recall a time when I was ever bored. 7)I don't think I would change anything for this course, all the information is very much needed and helpful.8)I am Medium, as far a technology literate. I still have a ways to go but, Hey I am learning and that's all that counts.9)I will continue to learn the new things that are created on the internet to enhance education. I will continue to study about the different technology and how I can use it in my own classroom.

Podcast

For our podcast we created a movie that showed what the world would be like if technology lost its patience with us and left. To watch the movieClick Here.

Two Most Important Things!!

One of my choices for the most important would be from New Classroom Rules. I like the idea of not just going to class but going online in your own home to attend class. I think this is important because its shows how technology is moving at a rapid pace. I think the idea of just logging on at home gives you so many opportunities to do research and spend the time needed to make your assignments worth while.
My other choice of the most important is from the list Seven Stupid Mistakes. The thought that online communication is private is STUPID. As a teacher you need to know that everything on the Internet you do can be traced back to you. As children are on the Internet we need to make sure they are doing exactly what they are supposed to do to keep them safe from any predators.

At the Teacher's Desk!

As I began to explore At the Teachers Desk, I pondered the question was is something like this important. As future educators we need a place to go and read issues that teachers are having in their classrooms. I think it is very important to blog about issues you are having so you can share your thoughts with other teachers as well. As I read many of the post I seen that many of them were about technology. Technology is one of the scary words in a teachers vocabulary in my opinion. So being able to share your thoughts and ideas with other teachers can be a big benefit. I don't think there is anything unimportant about a collaborative blog.

The Future of Whatever!!

Who can think about life as just " Whatever". In my life personally I never consider anything to be just whatever. If we cant have the attitude to strive harded and care about what we do, then how can we be teachers? We can not go day to day with a whatever attitude. The internet allows us to do so much and we dont even think about it. As I consider my future I keep reminding myself that the word whatever will not be an option. Go make a difference and break from day to day rituals and get out of the Whatever world.To View the MovieClick Here

Importance of Posting Work

The children in the video singing "landslide" was amazing. Children are a wonderful gift from god. As teachers we need to post their work every chance we get. Children can do amazing things if given the chance. Parents who work for a living need the chance to get online and view their childs work. The posting of work lets them see what goes on in the classroom. Blogging is a good way to keep the parents in touch with things in the room as well as out. If you would like to view the children singing Click Here

ACCESS!

After looking at the ACCESS website, it is amazing at the things were are doing as we excel with technology. This site brings the class to the students if they can not make it for whatever the reason may be. Through this site we are allowing students to see and do things that other wise they would not have to opportunity to do. This is a log on and work site plus you have to option to use video conference. Offering classes like this to our students only enables them to succeed at a higher level than normal.Through this site children no matter of money of location can have open access to this website. If you would like to check out the websiteclick here

Alex!

Wow, this website in my opinion is the most helpful that i have come across since I have been in the college of education. The two things i found that sets ALEX and ACCESS apart is the fact that ALEX can be used in school or at home. Parents, teachers, and students can find all sorts of useful information. Parents can find ways to help their children with homework and other class activities.Teachers can find lesson plans and different activities for days the children are stuck in the classroom all day. ACCESS is more of an in class tool, meaning all the student needs is an computer, the teacher is online. The grammar link was an useful tool that i found. The children can go and ask questions concerning grammar.To view the website Click here

Kaia!

The thing that interested me the most about these blogs are the way that kids interact with everything.I think it is wonderful that are kids are getting exposed to the Internet and that they are being allowed to do so. Yes parents should be notified before we as teachers let them just explore the Internet. Seeing these children enjoy to take pictures and tell stories through there pictures is very interesting. Safety as the father points out is an issue but no matter where you go or what you do it will always be an issue. Overall I think this is a very good approach to a new teaching style.If you would like to view the blogclick here

New Media Literacies!

The 21st century is perfect for new media literacy in my opinion. As mentioned to be able to stay up in time you must be good technology wise. You have to know all there is to know to be able to have any clue what is going on in the world.
I posses many of these skills but I know they are not in tip top shape. All the skills are necessary even in everyday life. As citizens it is very important that we know what is going on in the world. We need to know how to use all forms of technology, whether it be a cell phone, or a computer, we still need to know. Nothing is the same as it used to be.
Every aspect of life is changing day to day, and in order to keep up we have to advance with technology. There are many videos to teach you how to be more technology literate in the 21st century. I encourage everyone to keep up with technology and never think you know everything there is to know, because its all changing everyday.To view the website please Click Here

The Networked Student!!

Where do I begin when it comes to the question do I think virtual textbooks are a good idea? Yes, I think they would be wonderful, because even today we are spending money on books that we never open in the classroom. Networking for topics can help you gain so much more knowledge than just reading a book all the time.
Networking gives the students so many more opportunities than just the book and handouts. Even though students can work easily networking on their own teachers are still needed for guidance and a support. In this video on the way this topic was presented really interested me.
Am I prepared to be a teacher of the networked student? No, I don't think i would even know where to begin at this point in time. I think this is a excellent idea. I know as we progress in technology this will happen and more than likely turn out real well.To view the website Click Here

Richard Miller!!

Wow... would you ever think someone could dream like Mr. Miller? Much of what he was saying we already see in our everyday life. We already see most of the students on campus and around town carrying a laptop, if not that they are using the web on their cell phone. We are used to using pen and paper, because we have been brought up to use them. When future kids begin school they may not even have to use pen and paper, but use the computer for all work. We all ready see this some this day in time.
Can we imagine not using pen and paper? Would we be able to function properly with out them? Just as we are learning in this class to become more knowledgeable about technology, students this day in time are learning the same thing in many places in the states.
Am I able to write multimedia? I still don't know everything I can about computers, even feeling "dumb" sometimes when it comes to the computer. I think with further training and studying I would be able to. It won't come easy, but with work I think it is possible.
To view the website Click Here

Duke's Use of ipods!

Who would have thought that ipods would ever become a learning tool?Duke University is using them. Duke University helped apple get Itunes U started up and running. The site said that in fall 2004, ipod player were distributed to all 1400 incoming freshmen. Why couldn't students at south be so lucky?
Having your lesson in the palm of your hands could actually allow you to understand it that much more. Mobility is the answer! The students having the chance to do something besides the everyday normal would give the an incentive to enjoy learning. The idea of videos and text being on the ipods in my opinion is awesome. The development of Itunes U has opened a new door to learning through technology.

iTunes U!!!

In the beginning I had no clue what itunes U was about. Just about every teenager has an ipod. Itunes U makes perfect since because this makes it easy for students to listen to their lectures and listen to their required materials. This should make students want to study more often.
This makes me think of how easy it would be to inform the parents about what is going on in and out side the classroom. I hope that South becomes active in Itunes U very soon. Students will want to study more and enjoy the learning process more that normal. Maybe even High schools and middle schools can join in soon.

Dr. Christie!!

This website is a wonderful help for teachers. This website talks about how the Internet is a world full of information for teachers. I feel the more you incorporate technology the more successful you will be at reaching out to your students. As a teacher I want to make learning fun and exciting for my students.
One good thing to do is log on to the Internet in front of my students and show them just how fun and easy the Internet can be for what ever reason you may need. Dr. Christie's Educational Portals page is full of things for students up to their senior year. With technology there is no end to what students can learn and do on the Internet.

What I Have Learned This Year!

Mr. McClung made some wonderful points in his blog about his first year of teaching. I am excited to become a teacher and want my students to learn from the way I teach. He made the point that many teachers are so caught up in making the lesson plan they forget to think if the students are going to be able to understand the material being taught. His point of always focus on your students really touched me personally.
As a teacher, yes you are there to teach, but you need to make sure that your students are learning the material. He made the point that we should make high expectations for our students, but like he said some will live up to the expectations and some will not. His blog was wonderful and very inspirational.

Wikipedia!

Wikipedia. Can I trust it? Why do Professors do not use it? Anytime you start a search the first thing to pop up on the web page is Wikipedia. Wikipedia is open to the public and can be changed by just about anyone who chooses to do so. People have stretched the truth slightly, but as we know technology is only getting better and easier. Everything you do just about it on the Internet can be traced back to you at some point in time. By reading this assignment i learned that there is a way that every change can be seen. I never realized how much wiki was used by people for serious matters.
In my opinion Wiki should be used as a started site to being your research on a certain topic. Through wiki giving you a list of websites, it makes it a life saver. Just remember never to use it as a source, but as a starter source.

Pausch's Last Lecture!

Personally I applaud him from being open with his cancer as he started the lecture. The fact that he could stand there and tell everyone that he only had 2-5 months of good health, really made me think highly of him, especially when he added he wanted no sympathy. Just by those few words you automatically knew this was going to be good.
He spoke of his dreams of wanting to play in the NFL, and be a Disney Imagineer was two things that stuck out to me. He states how much he wanted to achieve his goal of playing in the NFL but never achieved it. He said that he gained more by not achieving it, than he would have by playing. He stated a quote from a coach basically saying that if you do something that goes unnoticed, no one was paying attention to begin with.
Pausch wanted to help others achieve their dreams since he had achieved his own. He was telling about his classroom when he was a professor, and receiving papers and not knowing what to do. His mentor told him to go back and tell them what a good job they had done, but he knew they could do better. Through his advice the students only kept excelling.
He ended his lecture saying that if you live your life the right way, good things will happen. He said the lecture was dedicated to his three children. I hope I can take what he says and build my teaching career upon his suggestions. A man of his degree is a legend in my book and I would have been honored to meet him before he passed away.

Fischbowl!

Karl Fisch's '07 blog is very inspirational and true! In my opinion it is NOT okay to be a teacher who is "lagging" behind in world of technology! At the pace that we are developing and with the pace that our children are excelling, how can we afford to not be technologically advanced as teachers. I feel that this blog has made me look more into the fact that I need to, as a future teacher, become as technologically advanced as possible. If not, I will have nothing to be able to offer my students. Something else that is pointed out by a commenter to his blog, is that now days, our children are pretty much attending school from the time that are able to get up and get moving. If our teachers are not staying current on the offerings of our society, how are we going to be able to 1) keep up with our children, and 2) make them evolve into everything that they have the abilities too.

By staying blind to the advancing world of technology, we are stripping our children, which are the future of our world, of any and all rights that we owe them. By us building on our technological strengths, and tending to our technological weaknesses, we will be able to better prepare our students to face the world when their time comes. This blog has made me want to strive to not be one of the faculty members he refers to in the blog from '06 he has just now decided to post (due to the timing issue in his eyes,). I don't want to be one of the faculty who has to ask questions that will literally depress the tech department due to my lack of knowledge. I want to be the one who is able to keep my students advancing at a non-stop rate as a result of my technological capabilities!

Kelly Hines!!

Teachers should never stop learning. There are so many small school systems that need to be taught about technology. With many teachers i have been doing service work, the teachers had a background of the students. This allows you to know what your working with.

With teachers knowing about computer based technology, they can teach so much. Every time a child gets on the computer they have so many chances to learn new things. Teachers need to know about all the new technologies, so they can better the lives of their students.

Practice

Isn't it Cute?

The Life of Kimberly!

A Vision Of Students Today?

This really hit home with me. As teenagers we don't think about how much time we spend on social networks. I don't spend half as much time on homework and classroom projects as i should because i stay on the networks. It is amazing how long we can sit on the computer and do nothing.
If I could add to the video I would show just what time i do stay on the computer on networks such as face book. I text a lot everyday and talk on the phone the most of my time. I would add in my work to take up the most of my time. But all in all this video was true for the most part in my life.

Learning to make a podcast!

I viewed Langwitches Blog. This blog I learned a few ways to make a podcast. I learned that you don't have to spend all day making a podcast. You have to choose a topic appropriate for the age level that will be viewing.
You want to make sure that you keep it fun. In a podcast that I listened to witch sounds were used. Those sounds really grabbed by attention. You have to make sure that you sound excited and that you enjoy what you are talking about. After watching this I'm excited to begin my own podcast.

PODCAST IMPROVMENTS

Having never done a podcast this is all new to me. I guess i would start by choosing a topic that was interesting to everyone. I would also want to choose a good location, where there are no interruptions. I would make sure that whatever topic i chose would be appropriate for the audience that would be viewing.
I would make it short as possible but still hitting all the important points that needed to be made. I would use music or different sounds through out to keep attention. I would try to choose something that was entertaining to everyone, in order to make it enjoyable.

Matthew Needleman

What Matthew has done using video is wonderful. We know technology is changing, but when you create something that captures a young child's attention, in my opinion that is accomplishing something. To see second grades getting the opportunity to learn this way is amazing. I hope that we all can take what we have seen and use it to help better our students education.

Podcast

I used to think that I was up to date with technology. I always played around on the net when I had the extra time. It has amazed me how much and how fast technology has spread around the United States. When I heard the word podcast I had no clue what they were or how to do them .
I had seen Itunes on the Internet but never took the time to play around with what they had to offer. The podcast are very educational. Podcast are fun and entertaining for all ages in the spectrum. They are a very educational way of showcasing how technology is changing from day to day.
The podcast are not just another boring movie, they are something to keep you focused. As young adults we look for something to keep us wanting more out of what were watching. Podcast are not like a boring lecture. They are minutes to hours filled of people who talk about what they love and enjoy.
I really enjoyed the podcast. They remind me of a favorite TV talk show that you just cant walk away from. All the information and the music in the podcast are a few reasons why they are so eye catching. I really can't wait to begin our podcast, so i can be a part of it and not a viewer.

Harness Your Students Digital Smarts

Viki Davis is the teacher I wish I always had in school. She is the so called "Cool" teacher. Allowing your students to use technology to learn gets there attention and brings things into the real world. The more you relate to your students, you better the chances of them striving to do their best.
There is so many ways to use technology that I did not know was out there. This class itself is going to be a wonderful way for me to better myself and learn new ways to use technology. As a teacher you want fun, new ways to get your students more interactive in the lessons. By relating to them and allowing them to use all the technologies, they will strive that much harder to do their best.

Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity.

Sir Ken Robinson has wonderful way of getting your attention. Creativity is a gift that should always be used. As a teacher one of the best ways to get to know your students is to allow them to be creative every once in a while.
Making your classroom fun and inviting will make your students want to learn and enjoy what they learn at the same time. I can remember classrooms where I was bored and just ready to get out. Kids can explore themselves and find out who they really are and they want by having the chance to be creative. This video has given me so many ideas to make my classroom a place where my students will look forward to coming each and everyday.

Did You Know; Mr. Winkle Wakes...

The movie, Did you Know, was very interesting in my opinion. It is amazing at the amount of people in the US that uses the Internet. We never know what can happen next in the instance of new technologies.
The point of the how many babies are being born as we speak is amazing. I never knew that there were so many people using different networks on the web. Another interesting fact was the number of people that met using online dating services.

Mr. Winkle Wakes brought everything to reality. As the years have progressed everything has changed. I can remember when i was younger I didn't have a computer until I was in the 6th . There was just never a need for one. As time progressed teachers started wanting papers typed and printed out.
I can see the shock he would have went through seeing all the technology. We take all of it for granted when our grandparents and older family members didn't have then things we do know. I can only imagine what will come in the future in means of technology.

Who Am I?

Hi, my name is Kimberly Gilley. I have just recently turned 21. I commute to South from Chatom, which is in Washington County. I am attending South to become an elementary school teacher. As a younger child i grew a love for small children and with every class i take the love only grows. I enjoy singing and spending time with my family. I work full time at O'reilly Auto Parts in Jackson, Alabama, as the third key holder. After i work and go to school i barely have time to get anything else accomplished.