Project #10

Yesterday, as I was eating breakfast, I was watching HLN.  When I first turned it on, there was an ongoing interview about the soon to be released Google glasses.  The description sounded like a pair of glasses that stream information about your location.  The following is some highlights from an article from The New York Times.  You may read the full article by clicking on the link.  I think technology like this could be used on a field trip.  Also, students could take turns taking the glasses home overnight or through the weekend to experience information and then report back to the class some points of interest.  According to HLN, the selling price is supposed to be $1500.  This made me consider the possibility and feasibility of insuring such an item against loss, theft, or damage.

FEBRUARY 21, 2012, 6:15 PM 149 Comments

Google to Sell Heads-Up Display Glasses by Year’s End

By NICK BILTON

People who constantly reach into a pocket to check a smartphone for bits of information will soon have another option: a pair of Google-made glasses that will be able to stream information to the wearer’s eyeballs in real time.The people familiar with the Google glasses said they would be Android-based, and will include a small screen that will sit a few inches from someone’s eye. They will also have a 3G or 4G data connection and a number of sensors including motion and GPS.They will also have a unique navigation system. “The navigation system currently used is a head tilting to scroll and click,” Mr. Weintraub wrote this month. “We are told it is very quick to learn and once the user is adept at navigation, it becomes second nature and almost indistinguishable to outside users.”The glasses will have a low-resolution built-in camera that will be able to monitor the world in real time and overlay information about locations, surrounding buildings and friends who might be nearby, according to the Google employees. The glasses are not designed to be worn constantly — although Google expects some of the nerdiest users will wear them a lot — but will be more like smartphones, used when needed.One Google employee said the glasses would tap into a number of Google software products that are currently available and in use today, but will display the information in an augmented reality view, rather than as a Web browser page like those that people see on smartphones.The glasses will send data to the cloud and then use things like Google Latitude to share location, Google Goggles to search images and figure out what is being looked at, and Google Maps to show other things nearby, the Google employee said. “You will be able to check in to locations with your friends through the glasses,” they added.

Blog Post #6

Networked Student by Nancy Drexler
This video explains the process, connectivism, that "21st Learner" goes through to study a particular topic.  This process allows students to take control of their learning.  Through the Internet, "21st Century Learner" develops his personal learning network, or PLN.  For his topic, the American psyche, he uses Google Scholar and his school's library database to find information.  He uses a social bookmarking site to store his findings.  The student searches blogs on the subject while realizing many blogs post opinions versus facts.  The student posts on his own blog, also.

On his mp3 player, the student has access to iTunes U.  He listens to college lectures presented by some of the best professors in the world.  After all of the student's research, he is able to make an electronic presentation of what he has learned about the American psyche.  The student is learning information management.  His motto is:  It never hurts to ask.

Regarding the question, "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?", the video offers great answers.  The teacher teaches the student how to build a PLN, how to take advantage of learning opportunities, and gives guidance when the student gets stuck.  The teacher also teachers how to communicate properly, how to respectfully ask for help from experts, how to discern between good information and propaganda, how to check the validity of a resource, how to turn a web search into a scavenger hunt, and how to get excited when he finds that "pearl of content".  The teacher should help the student organize those mountains of information creatively and to solve the problems of the world.

All of this sounds similar to a video from a previous assignment.  Teachers are to be filters of all of this information.  What is so crucial is for a teacher to have this understanding and philosophy to be able to operate a classroom in this way.  Also, after reading a bit of Nancy Drexler's blog, I see that teachers will have to be able to teach students the in's and out's of how the Internet works, writing skills, and digital responsibility including giving credit to sources.  A teacher can not do this if the teacher is not knowledgeable about these very things.

A 7th Grader's PLE
A student explains the process of her online learning.  When she goes to class she immediately checks what she is working on and what is due.  She uses a social bookmarking site, Symbaloo, which led me to ask, "What is Symbaloo?"  It is described as "Your Person Internet Desktop" and it is called an iGoogle alternative.  Which led me to ask, "What is iGoogle?"  iGoogle will not be available after November 1, 2013 because "with modern apps that run on platforms like Chrome and Android, the need for something like iGoogle has eroded over time."

Back to the seventh grader, online learning has given her more freedom and responsibility.  She says she decides how and when, not if, she will learn and do her assignments.  I think another good descriptor is discipline.  She said because the Internet is neat, paperless, a person is hardly ever in need of a pencil.  I laughed out loud (LOL) when I heard her say this because I had a pen in my hand taking notes.

Project #6 My Sentence Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m6a4XM_yiU

Blog Post #5

If You Built a School

If I Built A School by Krissy Venosdale is a very interesting blog post.  This teacher's approach to her students' learning has a lot to do with creativity, groups, technology, out of the box activities, and freedom.  Her attitude is that every moment is valuable, as is each of her students.  I didn't have to read for very long to see her perspective on this type of learning environment versus the typical teaching of just the state standards.  Her description of her dream school involved words like creativity, innovation, passion, technology integration, and collaboration.  Her idea is to not focus on grade levels but abilities.  She envisions cozy spaces, inviting areas, brightly painted areas.  I especially thought the encouraging parking signs for each teacher was an endearing touch.  I must mention her giant treehouse in the middle of the library because she wrote about it twice.  

I am not sure how to answer the dream school question.  When I start to think about it, the negatives pop in my mind.  Where would the funding come from?  What do you do with the students who misbehave?  How do you train the teachers?  Then I rethink and realize the point of a dream is there are no limits. 

If money were no object, if all the teachers were fully skilled, and misbehavior was no issue I would include the following:  In all grade levels there would be two teachers in the class that work as a team.  Classes would travel around the school to the different subject rooms such as art, science, and music.  There would be lots of books.  Rather than rushed chaos, the lunchroom would be restaurant style with waiters so students could relax and reflect.  However, they would be responsible for the cleanup of their tables so they would take ownership of their own messes.  Things like art, music, and drama would be integrated daily into subjects.  As part of art and science, there would be school flower and vegetable gardens that the students tend.  There would also be an emphasis on learning the cultures of the world.  Perhaps each class could focus on a city in the world, meet a class in that city via Skype, and then go on a week long trip to that city at the end of the year.  Every day would have a scheduled 30 minute slot for a power nap that the teachers are also allowed to have.  

I think the most valuable point Ms. Venosdale makes is the fact that she herself is continuing to learn.  How can teachers expect their students to be excited about learning new things if teachers themselves are not willing?

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

Apparently it's a small world.  My college freshman son who is home for trimester break walked by during this video and said, "Oh, that's Lux Aurumque.  Mrs. McCormick (his high school choir teacher) wanted us to watch this video to see how it sounded, but I never did.  But Eric Whitacre is one of the best modern composers."  Before my son walked in I thought the music sounded VERY familiar and it was in fact a piece sung by Faith Academy's choir last year.  My reaction to this use of the internet:  Astounding.  

After the interview, I realize that these are videos put together.  Just watching the video it looks, like Whitacre said, a Skype of one huge choir, but it's not.

Teaching in the 2st Century

Kevin Robert presents the question "What does it mean to teach in the 21st Century?"  He makes points about the fact that information is everywhere.  Teachers will be a filter of knowledge.  The goal moves from students learning facts to students using information to solve problems.  His presentation poses questions that I call life questions.  Students need skills to evaluate information and make a judgment to proceed to solve a problem or answer a question.  

For the very young, teachers still need to teach students literacy and math skills.  These basics must be introduced before using technology as a sole source of learning.  I do not see doing away with hands on teachers on the preschool and early elementary levels.  Third grade and up must begin to be more than fact factories.  My approach to teaching is to use the skills and knowledge the student knows, ask questions, and explore to learn more.  Visually, I picture the process of connecting Legos to get to the bigger picture.

Flipped Classroom
The three videos about flipping the classroom present an approach I have never heard of.  Understandably, in the last video, Ms. Munafo said they are only using it to teach math right now.   I could definitely use this approach.  Getting up and running would require a lot of planning ahead, but after that, lessons that could be used for a few years would be at my fingertips.  I like the idea of the students being able to work together.  In the subject of math, perhaps my favorite, students sharing with other students how they solved a problem is very effective for the students who are asking for help.  Ms. Gimbar was also very adamant about not re-lecturing in the classroom as this defeats the purpose of the students preparing ahead of time as well as allowing the student to dictate to the teacher how this will go.  I also like how she allows them to catch up during homeroom or lunch or at the beginning of class.  Students want to be engaged and don't want to feel left out.  This could be used for other subjects such as science and social studies.  The students watch the lecture before class and then class time is used for group projects and experiments.  

Project #5 Presentation

C4T #1

How to Manage 3rd Party Apps Accessing Your Google Account at http://www.freetech4teachers.com/ by Richard Byrne

Mr. Byrne gives instructions for how to go into your own Google account to revoke access of a third party, even though this third party has previously had access.  Mr. Byrne addresses this issue after recommending Teaching Objects, an online lesson planning service.  This raises the question that a lot of people ask, can I revoke access if I decide I don't want to use Teaching Objects after trying it? The answer to that question is yes.

My Comment:  My name is Catherine Warren, an education major at the University of South Alabama located in Mobile, Alabama.  I will be summarizing my visits to your blog with a post on my blog, http://warrencatherineedm310.blogspot.com, in approximately two weeks.  The class I am taking that is requiring this is EDM 310 with Dr. John Strange.  The class blog is http://edm310.blogspot.com.  This most recent post of yours is exactly what this class is about.  Through this class I have been introduced to the wide world of Google, beyond Google Search.  You give helpful instructions and answers to questions I did not even know have been asked because I am so unfamiliar with third party access to Google accounts.  I believe I will find the link to opening and editing Word files in Google Drive to be very helpful.

The Periodic Table of iPhones
Mr. Byrne discovered this infographic about the rare-earth minerals used in the construction of iPhones.    He proposes a chemistry lesson about rare-earth minerals in other electronic and household items.

My Comment:  Answering this question could also be applied to a geography or geology lesson. Where in the world are these minerals found? What methods are used to extract them? What is the cost of doing this? Are these minerals extracted from the item if it is turned in for recycling?

Twitter: @CesWarren

http://warrencatherineedm310.blogspot.com

Blog Post #4

Langwitches
At first I didn't get what I am supposed to be doing.  After rereading the instructions for this post, I see "it is not the technology that is being taught.  It is the skills being taught."  Langwitches is about learning new languages and the methods of immersion to use that language.  The Listening-Comprehension-Podcast blog emphasizes what the students learned through the podcast process.  The writer is sure to say that it was not about using Garage Band but about writing, comprehension, collaboration, and listening skills while studying a target language.  The use of technology is a way to excite and engage the students.  The use of technology is a method, not the goal in itself.  I'm catching on.

Flat Stanley Podcast
This was incredible.  Or should I say is because this podcast is available for listening, though it is two years old.  After reading the story about Flat Stanley, the first graders were inspired to become flat and travel to places.  Some of my favorites were about Alabama, Israel, and Tokyo.  The student who "visited" Alabama learned how to say Roll Tide after an Alabama football game.  She went hiking in the north of the state and visited the beach in the south.  The student who went to Israel visited her cousins and prayed for rain while she was there.  The boy who went to Tokyo ate sushi, saw sumo wrestlers dressed in diapers, and found a Jewish community.  As he said, "Who knew?"  The sound effects were good.  This podcast covers reading, writing, geography, social studies, and drama.  Integrated studies are very effective.

My first impression is to think first graders are too young.  However, typically when a challenge is given, students will rise to the occasion.  This class is showing me that we need to expect more out of students instead of dumbing them down and babying them along to meet a standardized requirement.  I continually fear future classroom experiences with misbehaving students.  Using these types of assignments with technology that already surrounds them may be a technique to curb bad behavior.

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom by Joe Dale
This video covers more of the idea behind doing a podcast.  It is very beneficial by the examples given in this video.  I had never heard the term vodcast before.  The teacher that used other teachers to read a story about slavery was very creative.  The students responded well.  They may have viewed it as entertaining but they also recognized that it is a lesson on American History.  The value of project based learning is something I have not given much consideration.  I don't prefer to do group projects but once I am in one I realize it is not so bad.  Also the pressures and responsibilities are spread out.  Creativity seems to flow.  Project based learning for young students can mirror real life career experiences.  Students learn through the process and produce something of lasting value.  I have learned a lot myself by visiting these sites for this Blog Post.

Special Blog Post #1

WolframAlpha Search
"Compare populations of India, China, and United States"
India | 1.21 billion people China | 1.35 billion people United States | 309 million people                 (2010 estimates)

"Compare populations of Mexico and Canada"
Mexico | 111 million people Canada | 33.9 million people (2010 estimates)

"Compare populations United States and Europe"
United States | 309 million people (world rank: 3rd) (2010 estimate) Europe | 595 million people   (2008 and 2010 estimates)


I have never heard of WolframAlpha before. I love numbers and populations and statistics if I can wrap my mind around what they mean.  "Wolfram|Alpha introduces a fundamentally new way to get knowledge and answers—not by searching the web, but by doing dynamic computations based on a vast collection of built-in data, algorithms, and methods."  Very interesting for personal use and use in a classroom.  This sight could be used for information for the whole class or for individual assignments.

Social Media Count
What does it mean for my teaching career that all these changes are happening at such an astounding rate? Well, first of all the fact that these changes are happening is one thing.  What is astounding is the fact that these changes are instantly tracked and displayed on this sight.  Many times while doing a simple task like washing my hands, I wonder how many other people in the world are doing the exact same thing at the exact same time.  The truth is there are probably thousands.  The idea that all this data is instantly tracked and compiled on one site like this is scary.

While I am boggled by the numbers flashing before my eyes regarding technology usage, I find it interesting that the money made from selling physical books in the U.S. is far outpacing the money made from selling eBooks in the U.S.  All this computer stuff has it's place but apparently there are some people out there like me that still love the feel of a book in their hands.  As far as what all this means for a teacher, I don't know if I can keep up with technology, but I must be willing to try.

Blog Post #3

Paige Ellis's Blog Assignment #12

The beginning of the definition of peer editing made me laugh.  According to the video, peer is someone your own age.  I am one of the oldest people in this class so that is not quite true. However, we are peers because we are fellow classmates.  In the realm of K-12 education, hopefully every one considered peers are relatively the same age.

I enjoyed learning the 3 steps of peer-editing:  compliment, suggest, and correct.  Throughout the process it is important to stay positive and be specific.  This could be considered the Golden Rule of peer-editing.  Peer-edit unto others as you would have them peer-edit unto you.

The best part of this assignment was the video Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes.  I love that there was not a single adult.  These students were so funny yet they perfectly conveyed the "do's and don't's" of peer-editing.  They not only showed how not to do the criticizing but how not to be defensive or unreceptive.  So far the classmates' blog posts I have read have been good.  What is funny is that I think my comment on peer-editing for my classmate may need some editing. Fragment sentences may be my downfall.

Assistive Technologies

When the first video, Assistive Technologies for Vision and Hearing Impaired Children, began, I turned up the sound.  Then I realized there was no sound.  And it was a perfect thing to experience because it was dead silent in my house as well.  I am continually curious about how a deaf person goes about their day in absolute silence.  It is easy to wear a blindfold, but I have never found a pair of earplugs that completely block out noise.  The video gave statistics for "sensory impaired" (I like that term) children in Australia.  It was a good video for awareness.

The next short video, The Mountbatten, is also the name of a special Braille writer.  It saves files, as well as transfers and receives files from a computer.  When a student "types" on the Braille writer, a voice also speaks what letter has been entered.  This machine has endless possibilities.  It would be so useful to a teacher that doesn't know how to read Braille.  The student's work can be saved on the machine as well as sent to a computer for the teacher's use.  The teacher could also send the student things like notes and assignments for use at home.  When I was in high school, there was a blind student named Brad.  I remember him lugging around a Braille writer to each class.  The Mountbatten would have made his experience so much better.  I wonder what path his life has taken and what  technology he has access to.

The next video, Teaching Math to the Blind, was my favorite.  I did not know the limitations of a Braille writer regarding math in that the machine only writes left to right.  Much of math must be computed top to bottom, right to left, because of our base ten number system.  These blocks and grid would revolutionize a blind student's understanding of math.  I have a fear of special education because I usually picture mentally challenged students.  However, I would love to teach math all day to blind students with a tool like this electronic grid.  This is so fascinating.

The last video, iPad Usage for the Blind, drove me nuts.  I suppose if I were blind I would love what an  iPad could do for me.  Right off the bat the electronic voice that spoke unnaturally fast and choppy made me want to climb the walls.  The video right after that, Teaching Mom What Her Deaf/Blind Child is Learning on the iPad, gave me a similar feeling, so I immediately turned it off when the person using it was supposed to drag all four fingers across the screen but wasn't doing it right.  The only way I would allow that in my classroom is if the student had earphones.

Because I am not geared toward special education, yet I know there is a lot of mainstreaming now, I know I need a lot of training in this area.  At this point, I do not know how to balance the needs of a special needs student with the needs of the rest of the class.

Vicki Davis is harnessing her students' digital smarts.

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts, is a good video to me, but not just in regard to teaching technology but rather Davis' methods.  It looked like her students are in middle school or older.  I expect to teach fourth or fifth grade.  Regardless of the subject matter, I think she is an effective teacher because she has assessed her students' interests and engaged the students.  They want to learn.  She does not spoon feed them.  She has empowered them to find the answers to their questions.  Similar to math, it is not just the answer but how you arrive at the answer.  She asks open ended questions to make her students explore a little further.  This is the same way I help my own children with their homework, which is not often because they have developed skills to figure it out.

Davis is not only a good teacher, but also a continual learner.  On the day of filming the video, her students taught her something new she did not know.  It was about technology, the very subject she is teaching.  I have no interest in ever teaching a technology class like Vicki Davis, however she is the type of teacher I would love to imitate.