Sunday, July 12, 2015

Project #5 Final PNL post

PNL


My Symbaloo is coming together nicely. Although my PNL is small right now, I except it to grow over the course of my educational training, and career.
Thus far my favorite resource is youtube, and blogspot I am however slowly starting to understand Twitter. I even have a follower in @teach_spiration chat.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Assignment #14

teachers
1. Starting School before 5
2. Making teaching a profession
3. Better academic training
4. Seniority distractions
5. Radical change

This is an interesting article with great points. I'd like to start with the idea of kids starting school before age 5. I have to disagree with this idea, I think any younger then 5 its just to much. I do however think that pre-school options should be more readily available to children under 5. Pre-school should not only be available to children that can afford the hefty fees. It leaves many kids especially those of low incomes behind in the learning race. Next Teaching should without a doubt be one of if not the most important and respected professions today. Educators are the one's who pave the way for every other profession to exists. I believe that better education, and standards should be required. I have seen some of the work from potential future educators, and it is scary. Educational training should come with a heavy work load, and high test score standards. It is unfortunate that many people major in education because they believe it is an "easy profession". By no means should education be easy, molding the future of students should be challenging. Seniority distractions are unfair in my opinion, because there are many great teachers that can replace those who have been around longer. There is no room for inadequate educators when the future of our country depends on it.  Ones professionalism, creativity, effectiveness as a teacher should over-rule seniority. I believe teachers are under paid and should be rewarded based on performance, and knowledge . Kids in under developed communities or inner cities are at a major disadvantage, often missing out on quality education for reasons not their own. Personally growing up in the inner cities of New York I have been a victim of such educational neglect. Fortunately for my family we had the opportunity to move to a more suburban area in which I received a better education.  Every child deserves a chance to receive an exceptional education regardless of socioeconomic status.

Assignment #16 Final Reflection


Project # 12B Smart Board group 1


Thursday, July 9, 2015

C4T #4

Summary #1:Facebook is Not Ours, It's Theirs : Mr. Weinberger discusses how Facebook has become the standards for the net. He explains how blogging once was something that people took pride in as something that was ours. People are now relying on Networks such as Facebook for self expression, and networking but, its not really ours.

My Comment:I have to agree, call me an old-fashion woman I suppose but, Facebook in my opinion is hogwash compared to blogging. Personally I enjoy my blog. It's mine, and only mine. My blog was created for me so the world can enjoy not the other way around. Facebook is very much not ours. 


Summary #2: PBL to PBW This post discusses the importance of PBL in today's classrooms. Mr. Weinberger explains how PBL should involve real world lesson, rather then still incorporating to much curriculum based learning. PBL should include lesson that students have a passion, and need to know to make it in society. 



My Comment:
 Love this post! PBL is absolutely a wonderful learning tool in the 21st century classroom, but I agree it should be based on real world knowledge. Students have relied on textbooks for far to long only to go into the real world and realize they know nothing at all. PBL is without a doubt a great way to change that cycle, but educators have to take a chance in creating lesson that think outside of the box.

      Assignment #13

      What Have You Learned About Project-Based Learning? What aspects of PBL are you most excited about using in your English classroom?

      Through-out the semester we have explored the world of  Project-Based Learning through many assignments, videos, and blog posts.
      Here are some resources to look over that might help.
      Brouse through BIE English Language 
      AvatarGeneration is a great site with lots of PBL lesson for all grade levels and subjects.

      Write a blog post answering the driving questions above.


      Answer the question in a post that adheres to the standards found in the ACCRS and in Writing a Quality Blog Post.

      Before EDM310 I honestly never heard of project-based learning. It was a new approach to teaching to me, but I was intrigued to know more. We have explored PBL in many ways such as, visits from other teachers, (Mr. Capps, and Mrs. Bennett), videos, and different blogs. I realize now what an impact PBL is making on students, and teachers alike. PBL is a great way for students to brainstorm as a team,and produce better quality work. PBL allows both students and teachers to dig deeper into subjects, making teaching, and learning more effective.
      I'm most excited about having students collaborate in making an iBook. Using iMovie, and iBook are great ways for students to get creative and work with their peers. I really believe students will enjoy working together on a project where they can individually express themselves freely, yet work together to make it better. Turning a standard paper into a visual interactive story will give students a chance to think critically, and improve writing/literacy skills.

      Friday, July 3, 2015

      Assignment #11

      Teachers Learning


      Back To The Future: Wow! I absolutely love this video. Of course I shed a tear at the end, because I'm a cry baby! Where do I begin?! Mr. Crosby is an example what a teacher should be. His hands on approach to PBL is awesome. He teaches us that PBL lets kids think outside of the box, and empowers kids to become learners. We don't have to teach kids the traditional way anymore, where they have to raise their hands all at the same time, but we just don't have enough time to listen to them all. Educators can let children learn on their own with the right guidance. They are collaborating with other students around the world, sharing experiences, and work. I think the biggest lesson I got out of all video was how technology has given the opportunity for this young lady with leukemia to learn with the rest of her class. No child should be left behind, and technology gave this beautiful girl the chance to learn with her peers. Touching, and Amazing!

      Mr. Paul Andersen: This actually a very good site, and Mr. Andersen has great videos on you tube as well. I'm familiar with his work, I have to confess I used his videos many times to help me study for Biology. His video Blended Learning Cycle was a great example of PBL with the use of technology. His point of using a hook or a driving question is so important in capturing the students interest. The use of video in between lessons is also a really good idea to let them learn independently, and it allows the teacher to get some other things done at the same time. One of the biggest things I liked about his teaching style was that at the end of his "blended Learning Lesson" he would give test the old fashion way with pen and paper, But he makes sure that students aren't just giving him an answer, instead he makes sure they understand the answer.

      Making Thinking Visible: Mr. Ritchhart made some really insightful comments about changing the culture of teaching. With the world changing constantly, and our country growing in its diversity it is so important to change the way we learn and teach. This seems like a good read.

      Super Digital Citizen : What a fun video! Sam Pane created a wonderful project for his class. His project is for students to create their own digital super heroes. and give them a duty that the student thinks is important explore the internet safely. The look on the students faces were priceless. With creativity, and good planning you can create an amazing lesson for children that is fun, and touches so many important subjects.

      Project Based Learning: Through project-based Learning student engagement increases. Students begin to collaborate more as a group which will benefit everyone. Sharing ideas, resources, and information will give students a better understanding of the subject. Educators can join with other educators and makes plans that will collectively teach student a combination of subjects, this will allow more one on one time with students, and more time to make work better. When students can really understand the concept of the subject at hand, and see how other students are pushing one another it will make for better quality work that students will be proud of.

      Roosevelt Elementary's Project-Based Learning: Every video I watch on PBL gets me more excited to start planning my own projects. I've already thought of a few great projects that I would like to incorporate into my classroom one day. The in depth learning of PBL is so important in terms of real world problem solving skills. These projects are not only teaching children on an academic level, but teaching them real life lessons such as, social skills, team work, commitment, hard work, and collaboration. PBL gives children a sense of power, but everyone has their own job. A good project can integrate curriculum on all levels, which allows room to really dig dipper in terms of critical thinking.