Monday, February 28, 2011

Summary Post C4T Teacher #2

My Teacher was Ms. Paul White, and her blog was a series of posts entitled "Reflections of the TZSTeacher." In her first blog post I commented on, she wrote about tension arising because of the state writing test being adminstered and completed through the computer alone, which is to come into affect in early March. She expressed hers as well as other teachers' concerns about it, some of which were questions like "should spellcheck be available to students?" and also "should students be able to use such things as 'bold' 'italics' etc?" I my response I answered 'no' to the first question. I expressed my opinion that an online writing test is fine, but only if it is exactly like that of a hardcopy form of the test. Therefore, students shouldn't be able to use spellcheck because, especially with a writing test, they should already know correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. Likewise, I answered 'yes' to the second question because in an ordinary hardcopy test students are permitted to use italics and other things similar to it.

In the second blog post I commented on by Ms. White, she wrote of how students have said that they don't want to simply fill in the blanks on a test or assignment. They actually want to think. She responded by saying that we as teachers should want and aim for students being passionate about learning. She then inserted a list of exceedingly thought-provoking questions, none of which could be answered at a glance and all of which required decent research to some extent. Some of these questions were "Why ISN’T Pluto a planet any longer? How can it be a planet one day and not the next? Who decided it wasn’t?" and "When is a fact a fact?"
In my response I told her of 'burp-back' education (I'm beginning to say that often, now), and how we as teachers need to not, with our questions, make our students simply recite what we just said. We need to provoke them with thoughts, and perhaps if we did this students wouldn't get so bored with school as much. They would begin to possibly enjoy it.


And I know this is supposed to be a summary, but for any of you interested, I wanted to copy and paste my somewhat lengthy response to Ms. White's post.

Hello Ms. White!
My name is Matthew Poirier and I am a student in Dr. Strange’s EDM310 class. My immediate reaction to those questions of yours was “boy, time to do some research…” which is exactly what should be the response to questions in schools nowadays. The answer shouldn't be readily available, listed somewhere in plain english for everyone to just repeat. Thought provocation is what responses should be to questions. In Dr. Strange’s class, he speaks of what is called ‘burp back’ education, which is essentially feeding your students information and having them offer it back -’burp’- in an exam, test, etc. What? What is that? Definitely not leraning. It’s recitation. It’s similar to when a student comes up with an ingenious idea, then another student raises his hand and says “yeah, um, like what he was saying, bla bla bla…” Everyone thinks “Hey buddy, you’re just repeating what the smart guy said in your own words. Close your mouth and put your hand down.” Students need to make other students think. Need to make TEACHERS think. Yes, I said it. I’ll bet any teacher in the world has his/her day made when a student says something and the teacher, after being stumped for a moment, goes “hey wait a minute… that’s excellent! Why didn’t I think of that?!” Why didn’t I think of that. It’s a question we want to hear often, and especially after we’ve said something. No more burp-backing! Let’s get some real learning out there.

Forgive me if my 'summary' seems long-winded... I just got excited about this topic.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Summary Post C4K comments 1, 2 and 3

Comment #1
This comment was for an anonymous young student in 5th grade taught by Mr L. The student wrote about their first time to the zoo. There he/she, along with his/her parents and two sisters, went first to the monkeys, followed by snakes, bats and crocodiles. They then ventured on to visit large wildcats like lions and tigers, of which the white tiger was her favorite. The student informed me that the last thing they did was attend the petting zoo.
My response to the student was that I told her that I also enjoy going to zoo, and that while I was growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana my family and I made trips to the Audubon Zoo, where we too would look at the monkeys first, for they were the funniest and most entertaining animals, especially the orangutans. Lastly, I thanked her for her post and told her that I was glad she had a good time.

Comment #2
This comment was for a student named Efilona in Ms. Squires' Room 14 5th grade class at Pt. England School in Auckland, NZ. She uploaded to her blog a picture of the aftermath of the earthquake which just recently hit Christchurch. In my comment I told her that my heart went out to everyone in New Zealand and that I hoped she won't hesitate to help any of those in need. Her blog was looking a little bare, so I asked if she could spice it up a bit so that all of us in Alabama could learn a bit more about her and her school.

Comment #3


This assignment was for a young student in Room 16, taught by Mr. Kent Somerville, of Pt. England School in New Zealand. The student, 9-year-old Senolita, had a blog post about Holloween. She spoke about how she went with her aunt and cousins while her mother stayed home to do the laundry. She described her costume as baby powder, make-up and black lipstick on, so she may have been either a ghost or a skeleton (most likely a skeleton). She said trick-or-treat at the house next door which belonged to a Mr. Burt. Senolita's friend Ashleigh opened the door and apologized, so quite possibly had no candy to offer, but she did compliment Senolita's costume.
I wrote back saying it sounded like she had a very enjoyable Holloween, and I recalled a Holloween experience of my own in which I was dressed up like Spiderman and had a lot of fun. I also acknowledged a few other details on her blog, like how she likes the rapper 50 Cent.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Blog Post #6

The Networked Student


"Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" I too have pondered about this myself when watching or reading about how technology is being integrated so often into our educational system, and is now essentially a necessity for any classroom setting. My first reaction to this video was that it was extremely well done and organized. The speaker had excellent annunciation, the visuals were thought provoking as well as entertaining, and the aforementioned question, which was presented to the viewers at the presentation's closing, was adequately answered and even put a bit of my pondering to rest. While I may not yet be prepared to fully take on the needs of a networked student, thanks to this video, I now have some clarity. I agree that a teacher needs to be a moderator for the student and not only teach the students to effectively find information, but also to differentiate adequate information from questionable information (that's why teachers so often don't recommend cites like wikipedia for research papers, projects, etc; it can be edited by virtually anybody, so much of the information found there may not have an abundance of credibility).

A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)


Wendy's Personal Learning Environment was incredible! It goes to show that any student, no matter how old or young, can appropriately and extensively utilize the offers technology brings us. In comparing her PLN to mine, I just have to say that I am jealous and hope to one day use technology as effectively as her, but with the help of Dr. Strange's EDM310 class I'm on my way. I really enjoy how she used Glogster, a digital poster (which I didn't even know existed!) to present a wonderful visual project on box jellyfish. I may just have to create a Glogster myself one day!

Why Smartboards Are A Dumb Initiative &  Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards


Both articles express negativity towards Smartboards and Interactive Whiteboards, vouching that they are a waste of money and something incorporated into schools for what apparently seems like no reason. There is not much differentiation between the two presentations, only that Michael Staton (Smartboards) says that he likes the idea of them, although they are too costly for any benefits, and Bill Ferriter (Whiteboards) says that they are 'basically useless.'

SMARTBoard Lessons and Using Animation

In this article, however, is expressed a positive view of Smartboards. The article's author explained the use of animation that can be used with a smartboard, which can be used to capture the audience's attention and captivate them. The article does warn us of the negative aspects of using animation (such as it being too distracting to students), but it insists that the benefits outweigh the costs.


Saturday, February 19, 2011

Individual Project #9a

Blog Post #5





Not only did I receive a bit of knowledge and refreshment on things like Roman history and Christopher Columbus, but I am sure that this educational opportunity was also very beneficial for the kids, not only for the kids who completed this podcast but also kids from other schools eager to learn. These young students did an excellent job explaining their subjects in their podcasts.




The Beneļ¬ts of Podcasting in the Classroom

I really like how in this video they spoke of how podcasting is a cure for when students are out sick. As I write this, my group podcast assignment is already complete, and I integrated the idea of if a student is sick, the teacher could upload an assignment onto a blog via podcast, and the student could respond with a podcast himself. That way, if a student is out of school for either a day or an expended amount of time, they will not fall behind in their work. As the video says, crisis averted!

100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better


It is great how industries like iPod are using their technology to help advance our education. I believe that the reason behind young students being readily willing to learn via MP3 players is because the younger generation is fond of new technology, especially the iPod. Bu utilizing that wonderful device for something more than just music, young students, because of their fondness for the devices, will be willing to learn through it. My favorite feature from the list of 100 is definitely the Free Classic AudioBooks. I love to read, and while it also provides classic novels for you, it also takes away the problem of having to pay a large sum of money for these books.







Podcast Project #8

Friday, February 11, 2011

Key Question of EDM310

Do you want your students and your children to face the future with or without "access to all of human knowledge with a few keystrokes?"

My answer to this question is most definitely 'with,' but it all depends on what we do with that knowledge. Much like what I said about Teaching in the 21st Century in Blog Post #4, it is all about how we apply that knowledge. To find information is one thing, which, if that is the limit of our abilities with this newly unique computer, I find considerably useless. To utilize that information effectively is what will make this new computer worthwhile.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Blog Post # 4

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?

Scott Mcleod is an Associate Professor in the Educational Administrative program at Iowa State University. He has recieved many awards for his extensive work with technology. His blog was a satirical rant of how overly-serious parents can become when their child is involved with the internet, and I have to agree with him. Some parents -not all, but some- are far too serious about this matter. In this day and age when technology is becoming such a natural part of our lives, children should be exposed to it early in life, much like they should be exposed at an early age to reading and writing.

The iSchool Initiative

This high-school senior's video was very organized and professional. He presented to his audience the idea of an iSchool: an entire school system stored on an iTouch system without the need for books, pencils, printers and other expensive devices. He promoted the idea that this would save tremendous amounts of money spent on precious resources.

Early into the presentation I was preapared with the following argument: With the iSchool, it will be too tempting for students to simply look up any information that they need. They won't be learning, but merely reading and then writing down what they read. My argument was stopped in its tracks, however, when he said "internet access will be limited to websites dedicated to education."

The only problem I see with this is that people will begin to lose face-to-face interaction with others, which is something that I feel is a necessity for a healthy life. If that problem can be bypassed, however, and students still maintain real interaction with others, so far I don't see any major flaws with this student's proposition.

The Lost Generation


I am always amazed by presentations like this, especially if I never expected it. I am a writer, so a good play on words always makes me admire the artist responsible. I was taken aback when first viewing the presentation, particularly upon seeing the words "In 30 years I will tell my children they are not the most important thing in my life." I am very family-oriented, so if I am ever blessed enough to raise a family, nothing on this earth will I hold in higher esteem than my spouse and children, so needless to say this statement shocked me. Nevertheless, it had a happy ending, and I heard everything I wanted to hear, rather than expected to hear. We often hear about negativity in our society. It's things like this that are so refreshing.

Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir


I am... speechless.

Now that I've composed myself as well as viewed it a second time, I feel that nothing I can say could match this particular instrumental presentation's magnitude, but I will attempt nonetheless. For one, the music itself was breathtaking, and two, the fact that all these people collaborated to make a presentation like this come to life in this manner is mind-blowing. This is an excellent use of technology, for not only is it a contemporary twist on what I believe is a classical piece, the vision of seeing each individual singer in their own home-atmospheres singing comfortably in any wardrobe gives you an opportunity to connect with the choir on an equal level, rather than deify them, which is something that we as the audience want to experience. We want to feel what they feel. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to go download this onto my iPod.

Teaching in the 21st Century


To teach in the 21st century does not mean what Dr. Strange calls "Burp-back education,' a system in which teachers say a bunch of facts and the students recite (burp) them back. In our society this kind of education simply will no longer do. As I have thought, and what Terri Hampton advocates, is that teachers should not just unload information onto their students -as the video presented, any information can be found anywhere. What we as teachers need to do is show children how they can apply that information, because for what other reason would all that information be useful? No more burping. Time for learning.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Blog Post #3

A Vision of Students Today

This is kind of scary. It goes to show that a great deal of things go into our educations, but the question is, what exactly are we getting out of them? I am a sophomore in college and already I have grown weary of what I believe is one of the biggest scams of college education: Textbook prices. Every semester I will pay one-hundred-plus dollars for a textbook that I will rarely, if ever, open, and the funny thing is, that has happened to me in classes -where I have not needed my textbook- where I have done absolutely fine in. If the textbook is not absolutely necessary, why is it that we are paying hundreds of dollars for them? Furthermore, I must mention the fact that nearly every semester a new addition of a textbook comes out, when in actuality it is barely a new addition at all; they have only changed a few sentences, page numbers, or paragraphs around. It is not a new addition. The ones responsible just want a new paycheck. I am a relatively calm and understanding person, but all I have to say is I have had enough, my siblings have had enough, and others have had enough. It is time for foundations involved with education to ask themselves: what really matters? Our extensive paychecks... or the future of these kids, who might possibly, with the right and affordable education, turn around our world's ecomical situation?

"It's Not about the Technology"


My response to Mrs. Hines post was that I had to agree with her statement that teaching is not about the technology. In instances like these, where we see technology getting the best of us, I tell myself something: 'For countless years we have performed well with both teaching and learning without the technology.' The question remains, however, 'why now are they pushing technology on us?' It is only because we have it. We don't need it. We never needed it. People should look at the past and see the great strides humans have made without ever needing a computer or an ipod or a blog. Did Benjamin Franklin have a laptop when he flew his kite? Did Thomas Edison get inspiration for his lightbulb while listening to music on his ipod? Now, this isn't to say that technology is a bad thing -it's done wonders for us, of that there is no doubt-, but when it comes to teaching, we should keep it to a minimum.
I must add that I really do believe that technology should be incorporated into our schools. It is a way of life now, one which we must embrace. Notwithstanding, technology is not what we should concentrate on.

Is It Okay to Be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

Mr. Karl Fisch is a very bold man indeed, but I can relate a bit to what he said in his blog. I, like Mr. Fisch, have witnessed parents saying to their children "well don't worry, dear; I wasn't very good at math myself," as if insinuating that thier [the parent's] ignorance about the subject is sufficient enough of a reason for their child to not be good at it, and perhaps even reject it. The same principle does apply when people seem proud that they cannot use the internet adequately. While I do agree with everything aforementioned, I must say that, while Mr. Fisch's bold statement does have a point, I do not agree with it. Firstly, though, I must mention what constitutes a necessary skill. You need English. If you are to teach English, that is. You need math. If you are going to be a mathematician. And unless you are going to be a computer engineer or something of that nature that involves the extensive use of technology, you do not need it. To say that now if someone is technologically illiterate is the same as someone 30 years ago not knowing how to read and write is far too bold of a statement.
Then again, one must think in terms of the questions 'is this a bold statement now?' and 'will my oppinion change over time?' See, years ago people became offended when others looked down on them for not being able to read and write (and many people did not know how to read and write), but now, nearly everyone knows how to do these two things. Will history repeat itself? In 30 years will nearly everyone know how to use technology extensively? Only time will tell. Mr. Fisch is on to something, though, no doubt about that.

Gary Hayes Social Media Count


Things involved with technology are forever changing and I believe that, as a future teacher, it is something I must embrace, for it is unavoidable. I do not say that in a bad way, merely that technology, whether we like it or not, is always going to be there and is never going to stay the same. This media count, while possibly overwhelming to some, simply reflects something that has been going on for ages: everything changes. Do you see horse-drawn carriages? Men in top hats? No. The fact of the matter is that everything from fashion to transportation has changed and will always be changing. It is something we must not only accept, but use to our advantage.