Response to Mr. McClung's Blog

Mr. McClung's blog is very encouraging. I appreciate that he took the time to write about what he learned in his first year of teaching. One of the issues that he talked about was being flexible even when things go wrong. One of my main concerns is being the "perfect teacher". Of course there's no such thing, but I want my future students to know that I care about their education. His post made me realize that even when lessons go wrong; I can still learn from those mistakes, and grow with my classroom.

His last point focused on the fact that teachers should never stop learning. I completely agree with his comments. It amazes me how I've had teachers in the past who were stuck in their own ways. They didn't want to learn anything new or be told any differently. As a teacher, it's important to always be open to new ideas and information. How can you expect students to continue to learn if you stop the learning process for yourself?

Wikipedia: Can it be Trusted?

I use Wikipedia all the time for information. In fact, there has only been one occasion where I found something that was incorrect. It's one of those times where you have to use discretion when viewing a source like Wiki. Of course, I never use it as a source for academic papers because most teachers think it is unreliable. In my experience it has been very helpful, but I understand why others are a bit hesitate to use it.

Virgil Griffith, the inventor of Wikipedia Scanner, talks about how his invention can be used to track the people who edit/change the online encyclopedia. All of the articles about this topic were very interesting. I didn't realize that so many corporations and politicians contribute to the Wiki source. My only issue with the scanner is that it doesn't seem to be dependable. It seems ironic that there is a controversy over the reliability of Wiki when the scanner isn't that much better. For example, I could go into a Starbucks coffee shop and write all these great things about the coffee. Someone like Griffith could come along, and say that it must be an employee from Starbucks trying to boost their image. By the way, I'm not an employee for Starbucks even though I do enjoy their coffee. Overall, the scanner is an interesting idea, but it's going to need more tweaks to the system.

Bottom line: When using a source like Wikipedia be mindful of what your reading, and use discretion.

Practice

Places I've Been

Did you know? 4.0

It's funny, I can't remember the last time I sat down and read a newspaper. Whenever I need to know information; I automatically run to my computer to find it. The statistics in this video is just unbelievable. It's amazing how all these networking websites have grown in such a short period of time. I'm constantly using Facebook or looking up videos on Youtube. I also have to say I'm guilty of downloading free music off of limewire.

I thought the guy who had over 200,000 texts, in one month, was just crazy. I can't imagine texting that much. Then again, I guess I'm getting "too old" for that stuff. I also thought it was interesting that Pres. Obama was able to get so much more campaign donations off the web, then Sen. McCain who attended a campaign rally. It just goes to show how much the world has connected on the web. Everything moves at a faster pace as technology advances.

Last Lecture......

Wow! Randy Pausch was truly an inspirational man. When I first read what our blog assignment was this week, I thought "Geeze, listening to this video, which is over an hour long, is going to be so boring." Well, I couldn't have been more wrong! It's one of the best videos I've watched so far. The way he has lived his life is just amazing. Even as a dying cancer patient, he was full of hope and a determination for future generations to continue to learn while achieving their dreams.

Throughout his speech, Pausch refers to a "brick wall" that everyone encounters at some point in life. The key is to not let this wall discourage you. "Brick walls let us show our dedication." His words really hit home with me because I have a few personal "brick walls" in my life right now. I've been really discouraged lately, but after watching this video I realize that I have to keep pressing on. I can't just give up because the wall has knocked me down a few times. Pausch didn't just say these words, he lived them. His whole life was about getting around those walls, and too never give up.

One of the things I noticed about his teaching style is that he loved hand's on projects. He wanted his students to actually experience what they were learning. There's a big difference in reading about something in a textbook, and actually going/experiencing first hand. Also, he encouraged collaboration between all his students. He even went as far as taking a survey on who was easier to work with. This taught the students to do some self reflection about their ability to work with others.

Pausch also focused on a "head fake"teaching style. He wanted to take subjects that are hard to learn, and turn it into something fun. It's so cool how he was able to take a computer software class, and turn it into a way of making virtual world games. The students were developing games without thinking about the fact that they were learning how to program software. Also, he never limited his student's abilities. He was constantly pushing them to be better, and do more. This encouragement lead his students to be more creative than he ever imagined possible.

Response to Karl Fisch's Blog

Mr. Fisch's blog made me really think about the problem with having technology illiterate teachers in the system. This is a tough subject because I agree with what he says, but I also see the other side of the argument for teachers who didn't grow up in a technologically advanced world. Change is a difficult thing to do especially when you don't know any other way. On the other hand, teachers need to be flexible and open to learning new ideas.

I think it's a little extreme to get rid of anybody in the teaching profession who is deemed "technologically illiterate" , but I do recognize that changes need to be made. Hopefully, teachers will become motivated to learn how to use technology as a tool in the classroom. The biggest issue is getting schools to make the transition. Teachers need to become more involved with preparing their students in the 21st century.

"It's Not About the Technology"

I think Ms. Hines is completely right about what teachers need to do in order to stay current in the 21st century. Technology doesn't help if teachers are not willing to learn, and inspire their students to be creative. It's important that we never stop learning. No matter how much we know; there is always room for improvement. Also, I agree that teachers need to find more creative ways to make sure students are understanding what is being taught in the classroom! What good does it do if children are staying in class for seven hours a day, but not getting anything out of it.

Teachers need to be committed to the student's learning. I've been very fortunate to have teachers in my life that cared about my schooling. They weren't going to give up on any of their students. Attitude plays a major part in the classroom. One thing I really liked about Ms. Hines' blog is that she gives examples of how you can still prepare students even if the technology is not available. It's probably going to take a long time before most school systems catch up too all of the technology out there. This blog gives hope that students can be successful in an advancing world if teachers find inventive ways to keep children learning.

Michael Wesch: A vision of students today

I think this film over exaggerated a bit. It just made college look so more depressing than it is in reality. I do agree that some of the things mentioned in the video are experiences that I have had in college. Even so, I felt this was a bias video because all it focused on was the negative. It didn't give any positives so that the viewer could make a fair assessment of today's college experiences. I realize that a majority of my classes don't use technology, but I can't say that I haven't learned anything. In fact, since I've been in college, the way I think and my perception of the world has changed. I find that the person I was when I graduated high school is completely different than I am today.

I do agree that I, just like most students, spend a lot of time on facebook and myspace. Another thing that struck a chord with me was how some students don't even bother showing up to class. I have seen that so many times. I don't know about anybody else, but I can't afford to pay all this money just to fail my classes. Overall, I have had a very good experience at South. I'm not the most computer savvy person in the world, but I don't feel like my education is a waste of time. Colleges do need revamping, but I don't believe that the whole educational system is completely flawed.

Improving Student Podcast/What I Learned

Honestly, this podcast bored me to tears(no offence). I'll first start off by saying that the video lacked any enthusiasm. In order for the audience to be interested, the people doing the podcast need to show interest in what they are talking about. Another thing that bothered me was that no one was looking at the camera. As the viewer, I almost felt excluded out of the conversation because they were all talking among themselves. No one was directing any questions or information towards the audience. Also, I didn't like that there were scripts on the table. I feel that it should flow more freely as though the person you're talking too is standing right in front of you. Of course I realize that these students were probably nervous, and this was their first podcast. I'm not trying to be over critical; I'm just giving an opinion.

The podcast should have substance while entertaining the audience. I think the music in the videocast should have been more upbeat, and maybe something that everyone listens today on the radio. It's important for the audience to be able to relate to the subject. I would like to see some humor or maybe a skit/play to get the point across.


I've learned just how much I really don't know. There is so much more for me to learn about all of the technology that is out there. I think it's so cool how you can actually download applications like spark notes to your ipod. I didn't even know that was possible. It's also amazing how many schools actually use podcasts/blogging as a means of teaching. It allows the students to show their creativity to the whole world. They are able to experience, and learn so much about the world while they're sitting in class at a computer.

I think it's great that anyone can view what the students are learning in class. It allows parents to simply go online and watch their children. Podcasting is such a wonderful tool to incorporate in the classroom, and it creates so many opportunities for the students.