Blog Post #8

This Is How We Dream

Richard Miller raised some interesting points in his presentation part 1. After taking EDM 310 and completing the assignments given by Dr. Strange, I now have a greater appreciation for the respect and wonder of technology. Some people feel so passionately about this, that they feel that modern tools should completely replace pencils and books in the classroom. They are all great, but no offense Mr. Miller, you're not taking my #2 away from me.

Teachers have affected every accomplished, successful person since the beginning of time. Literacy is just as important now as it has always been. It's my opinion that students will continue to succeed whether they use an ibook or a book made of paper. The difference is the effort of the student and the effectiveness of the teacher. Mr. Miller verifies the popularity of ebooks. I can't remember the last time I took my daughter to the library or had to rush out to Barnes and Nobles to buy her the next book in a series she couldn't put down. When you consider that most newspapers and magazines are now accessed online, it's not hard to imagine that books will be next.

 I agree with using technology in every way possible to enhance education; blogging, smart boards, ibooks, and you tube. Thank you Jesus for You Tube! My husband has made home repairs, and I have learned how to solve math equations thanks to the power of You Tube. I can imagine having difficulty with explaining a concept to students some day and saying "Let's see if we can find something on You Tube." Pulling it up on a Smart Board would take no time at all. The wonders of technology....

Carly Pugh: The Magic of Belief

I was not surprised to see so many wonderful suggestions in Carly's Blog Post #12! Carly has given me so many words of inspiration, motivation, helpful hints this semester. Every time she reviews one my blogs, she leaves me with something that I've come to expect; a little "Golden Nugget of Carly Wisdom". Her appreciation and belief in the use of technology is apparent in all of the suggestions she shares. After reading Carly's post, I seem to be a bit more open to writing with technology. (Maybe I just like her a little bit more than Dr. Miller) It is my hope that in time, I will find the same excitement that Carly has and pass it on to my students as she has tried to with us. Carly reminds me of Glenda the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz. We have all doubted ourselves, but Carly reminds us that we had the power all along. We only had to believe in ourselves. Now, we should all click our heels together and say "There is no grade like an A. There is no grade like an A." You're the best Carly!

EDM 310 Is Not For Dummies or Chipper Procrastinators!

I had already watched both videos, but it was so funny watching them a second time. The girls freaking out in the Dummies video had to be my favorite! When someone first begins taking this course, you definitely feel like a dummy! If you don't, Dr. Strange has a questionnaire for you to fill out to prove that you are even if you think you're not. I think both videos called attention to the stress and pressures that EDM 310 often bring, but also make you appreciate all that you learn. It's a journey, sometimes the road is bumpy, muddy, and seems like it can't be traveled. If you hang in there, put forth some effort and determination, it gets a little smoother and you know so much more when you reach your destination.

If I had the opportunity to help create a video, I think I would have to go back to the good 'ole days of School House Rock. Just imagine "Lolly, lolly, lolly get your html code here"(the adverb song) or "I'm just a blog" (I'm just a bill). I can still remember those songs from.....not telling how many years ago. My point is, if you make something cute, catchy, and add a little jingle people will remember it. Besides that, some of these young folks don't know what they've been missing with School House Rock!

Learn to change and change to Learn

I don't know how many people I've told that I am so surprised at what I have learned in this class. I expected to perfect Microsoft Word and Excel, cut instead my entire perspective of teaching has been altered. Before EDM 310, I thought I had it all figured out and just needed to get my piece of paper to get into the classroom. Since taking this class, I have learned to change and that change will help my students learn. I have had to prepare lesson plans for another education class, and I have incorporated blogs and other aspects of EDM 310 into those plans. I am already planning on how I can Flip My Classroom and use a blog to communicate with parents. I love the part of the video when someone says that "We have to accept as educators that technology is not a choice". Today's students are living in a different world. We as educators, have the responsibility of becoming part of that world in order to better communicate with our students. Thanks to 

EDM 310, I understand and look forward to the challenge. 

My Comic

Video Tool

I recently discovered the video tool Animoto for educators. It is can be used to create video presentations which will bring your lessons to life! Students will love the music and photographs you can easily incorporate by utilizing this tool. It would also be easy to share lessons with other educators or upload to your teacher blog. This user-friendly program will bring a cinematic feel to your classroom lessons. Be ready to answer questions, because all of the other teachers will want you to share this secret!  

Don't Ask If You Don't Want To Know...

Polleverywhere.com is so easy to use! I can imagine using this on my teacher blog. Students, and parents, may enjoy answering questions pertaining to class and lessons and learning the outcome of the poll.
Please respond to my first attempt at polling. It will be fun to see the results!

Check out my poll: "Who believes they have learned things they will use as teachers in EDM310?":

http://www.polleverywhere.com/free_text_polls/MTg0NDQwNTk4NA