It's a Big Small World

So many big things start out with little intentions. The idea that Kaia's Blog was never intended to turn into the teaching tool that it has goes to show how all things can be used for teaching. The simple idea of the beauty in everything and the process of photo documentation can lead to so many possibilities. When Mr. Chamberlain's class commented on her blog, her dad saw what was happening. The contact between Mr Chamberlain and her father, Mr. Raisdana would show just how important it is to have this type of contact with people all over the world.

Sure, it was scary for the students to reach out to Kaia, and although Kaia is young her father realizes the implications of her exposure on the internet. In this case as in many , the benefits out weigh the risk. Kaia is learning about blogging even before she can read, she is getting the chance to see the world from a point of view that may will never experience. As for the people who read her blog, they are able to see things and experience things in a place they will never get to visit. Mr. Chamberlain's class had a virtual field trip with an excellent tour guide! It is because of people like Kaia's dad and their willingness to share with the world. And teachers like Mr. Chamberlain, who show the next generation of teachers the possibilities on the world wide web.

Timetoast

Here is a Timetoast timeline of my spring break.I got to spend the week in Denver, CO. Timetoast will allow the user to create a timeline with their own pictures on any topic they choose.

Personal Touch

My Vocaroo message to Dina Tillman, a response to her message to me! This is such a neat tool, voice mail on the internet. Kind of a personal touch in the digital world. Try out Vocaroo, it is fun and easy!

Comments 4 Kids

Jennifer shows in her blog post that education is universal, every child has something to learn. It is not always about math and science. In her case she is learning the art of her native language, and preserving the culture of the Māori.

Revolution of the Mind

Why should information cost anything? If you ask me a question and I give you an answer there should be no cost. A debate or discussion should be a source of mental stimulation, not a steady income. Morgan Bayda has blogged about this very question. How much time is wasted or how much money is spent to obtain an education when so much of what we need to learn is right here on the world wide web!

I have recently decided to change my major. I will always embrace education and be an advocate for learning. The one thing that I find to be most distressful is the idea that prior knowledge and experience counts as very little if your lucky enough to have it count as anything at all! It is if we play a game, classes/hours are cards, and we have to collect the right ones, in the right order, to finish and do the thing that we think we are called to do. There is endless information available to everyone on practically every subject, all that has to be done is a search. I do see a revolution happening in education, I also miss some of the traditional ways of blackboards and erasers, but I am adapting. With this revolution must come the change of the system, the students will liberate themselves from the books. We as educators must help them find the way to incorporate this into the knowledge base.

Comments4Teachers

Jenny's Learning Journey was my next stop for comments4teachers. Jenny shares her thoughts and the journey she is taking in education. She has posted a wonderful Christmas movie, it not only shows what the kids can accomplish, but what she has taught yourself to do! She did an awesome job!

The second post is about social networking. There is a lot to be said about real connections verses the ferndships created on social networking sites. I am a Facebook user, and friended Jenny. I did this so I could watch and learn. I also have friends on Facebook that have been by my side for years and years, who really KNOW who I am. I think the most important thing any internet networking person should ever do, is be yourself, and never ever lie. The truth always comes out in the wash! There us much that can be learned from distant friends. Jenny is fun to follow on Facebook, she must be a great teacher, her students are lucky to have her!

Comments4Kids

Check out this blog! Kids who are thinking for themself and developing their own opinions about the world. Another great example of blogging in the class room.

Comments 4 Kids

This week I visited Mr. McClung's Blog. Topic Google Earth, he uses this platform in social studies, having his students create tours. Very easy directions to follow, on his blog there is a student demonstrating his tour. Do not forget we have one of these to do in EDM 310!

Education is Everywhere ( Look For It)

There is a virtual toolbox for education, available to anyone who can find it and is willing to use it. ALEX, or the Alabama Learning Exchange is a great website to find just about anything that can get a lesson started. From English, to P.E. they have the subjects covered. There is an area for professional development, and you can even submit your lesson plans to be posted on the site. Can not forget about the podcast section.

ALEX is very easy to use for lesson plans, you simply pick the subject(click),
and then pick the grade you wish to see the lesson plans. When this opens, it will list the skill areas that have lesson plans and related websites. What a great resource,this is a great site to compliment any teachers collection of sites!

While on the subject of what Alabama has developed to help educators, it can not be forgotten these programs are there to help the student,too!ACCESSDistance Learning is a program that Alabama has started to use to bring a variety of educational experiences to students all over the state. With the help of technology, students are able to receive instruction on course work that may not have been available other wise.

The students have virtual class, with a real teacher that is certified in the area that is being taught. Through video conferencing/ web-based education the students learn the material. The feedback is very positive from both student and teacher. The enrollment continues to increase, this really shows why and how technology will be important to us as teachers!

Comments 4 Kids

The Bet by Michala
How awesome is it, Michala can write her poetry and thoughts and gets to post them to the class blog! I see this as an incentive to write well, because she now has an audience.