EDM 310 Spring 2006 Class Blog

My Last Post!!

2006-05-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

I must say I never thought I could learn so much in such a little time. But to my surprise I did. I started the class thinking I would not learn anything and of course I learned alot. The different tasks we had to perform were interesting and I hope to take some other computer classes while I am in college. To all my classmates and Dr. Strange I hope you all have a great summer and I hope to see you soon.

The End or Is It?

2006-05-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

Well, this is our last week. I cannot honestly say that this class was enjoyable, but classes or life and learning is not always enjoyable or comfortable. I will say that I have learned quite a bit from Dr. Strange. I think that I could really take another one of his courses. He is a challenging instructor to say the least. We all need a good challenge every now and then. Thnaks, Dr. Strange!!

Technology Check

2006-04-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

As I have commented on some other posts, it is the end of the semester and it seems like we have covered a lot when it comes to technology in the classroom. We have shared websites, learning tools, and opinions that all relate to new or old technologies that we know affect the classrooms that we teach in, or will be teaching in soon. Although we feel like everything is covered, technology keeps on moving forward and if this blog was constructed again a couple a years from now, there would probably be so much more to talk about. I guess we all will see. Due to this blog I have gained more knowledge about the technology that I will face once I hit the classrooms. I think this is important for not just me, but others that are not so up-to-date on the current technologies that surround us. Even being pretty current when it comes to technology, I have learned some things. This blog was a great learning tool and I'm sure the knowledge I have gained from it will come in handy in the future.

FINALLY OVER

2006-04-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

I guess you can say that this class is finally over with. I have learned a lot in this class. Before this class I never knew what a blog was and know I have my very own. I also have my own website. I guess Im finally catching up with technology.

That's a wrap!

2006-04-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a beautiful experience, but everything has an end.Am pretty happy i have made alot of friends in this class and learned so much.All the Dr.Strange has another life not just teaching, he has a flight to catch to Europe.
Anyway i cant ask for more in this class, am just hoping my grade looks good and i willl always remember this class.See ya.

Bye Y'all!

2006-04-27T15:44:00.001-07:00

I had a lot of fun in this class and I learned a lot! Good luck on the exam and the rest of school. Have a good summer!

Technology isn't always good for the classroom

2006-04-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

I think technology in the classroom is a great way to make learning fun and easier to understand, but when the classroom is placed on the internet...it makes it way too easy to cheat. Schools are having huge problems when it comes to cheating. It is so easy to type in the topic of your essay on google and find millions of already written papers. Complete science fair projects can be found online with all the information needed, and you can even go to a math site and type in your math homework and get all of the answers. Technology can be a great learning tool, but it can also be an easy way out. Students begin to rely on these things and never actually learn what they need to learn.

Later!

2006-04-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful summer! Be careful and safe! Don't drive too much; those gas prices are horrendous!

Final Exam

2006-04-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

I hope this final exam will go well for me! I'm really hoping that everything I've learned will stick with me. I definately will continue to use spreadsheets though. I've really enjoyed learning about all these things!

Wacky Post! Later Gators!

2006-04-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ya'll have a wonderful summer. Good luck with the final exam. I hope to see ya'll in the Fall. This class has been a hoot. Dr. Strange you are funny. I hope to see you in the Fall. Have lots of fun this summer.. PS Control DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD for DOWNNNNNNNNNNNNN.

Last and Final Post of the year!!!

2006-04-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for this semester to be over with. I decided to take on 3 classes vs 2. Working full-time and going to school 4 nights a week is hard. I made it through and I hope that I can challenge myself to do it again in the fall. I am taking the summer off and enjoying every bit of it. I hope that everyone else is planning on having a fun-filled summer too. I am looking forward to my cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico in October. I can hardly wait. Well this class has been fun and interesting, but I am glad that it is over with. Hopefully everything that I learned in this class will benefit me later on down the road, when I am teaching. Have a great summer and be safe!!!

Last Post!

2006-04-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

This is my last post!!!!!

Summer!!

2006-04-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have a wonderful summer, and I hope to see you all again next semester!!!!

2006-04-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

I must say I have learned so much in this class that I will be able to take with me to the classroom. I have learned how important and beneficial technology in the classroom really is, and how to use different strategies to ensure that my students are provided with the best education. I have enjoyed working with everyone in my class...especially Melanie Wacker, who sits beside me each week, and Joy Lofton, who helps me out when I miss something!!! I hope everyone enjoyed the class this semester and I hope to see many of you again next semester!!

Just a Post

2006-04-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hey!! This is just a post...I am running out of things to talk about! The past two weeks have been so hectic, and I am just ready for the semester to be over! I hope everyone is doing great in his/her classes, and I wish you all good luck on all of your exams!!

Spreadsheet

2006-04-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

I learned how to create a spreadsheet last week. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, and I can see now how it can be beneficial in the classroom.

Computers in the Classroom

2006-04-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

Computers are a wonderful addition to learning in the classroom, but they can often be distracting if not monitored correctly. I have encountered certain classrooms in schools that did not monitor their students' access to the Internet, and some students found themselves entertained by X-rated web-sites. This is a terrible incident to occur in the classroom, and all teachers must be sure that these types of web-sites are restricted from student access. However, if used correctly, computers and the Internet can be extremely beneficial to students' learning and gaining experience with research and web-browsing.

~Audio Learning~

2006-04-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

I have always considered technology in the classroom to be very beneficial for the students as well as the teachers. Another memory I have from my high school French class is our use of the stereo for audio learning. Instead of always hearing our professor speak French to us and reading the text from the book, we were able to here actual conversations from French people through learning disks. We often took our tests in this manner as well. I found this strategy to be very helpful because not everyone is a visual learner. Many of us benefit more from audio, or from both. Therefore, this technique can be used in other classes as well--not only foreign language courses.

Letters to France

2006-04-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

I know this probably wouldn't count as technology, but I remember in my high school French class we were required to choose a pen pal from France, and we would exchange letters each week. I found this to be extremely interesting, because not only was I learning the language in a more hands-on and fun way, but I was also building a friendship with someone from another country. Through our letters, we exchanged interesting information and answered each other's questions regarding our own countries, which allowed us to teach each other. I found this experience to be an unforgettable one, and I just thought I would share the idea, because I think it is wonderful to allow students to engage in this type of communication and learning.

Technology isn't always so great in schools

2006-04-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

There was an article on MSN.com about a sophomore in Phoenix, Oregon who was supposed to be doing homework on the internet. Instead of doing his homework in study hall like he was assigned, he was visiting banned sites like MySpace.com. He was able to visit these sites even though the school computeres filtered such sites because he had created a Web-proxy from his home that would direct requests for banned sites through a web address we created at home.

It's not like he has committed some horrible crime, but this has become another way for kids to be distracted from what they are supposed to be doing. I like the fact that students have more and more oppurtunities to learn through different ways now, but in this case, technology just seems to have been another thing to distract and take away from learning.

Finally done posting!

2006-04-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Best I can tell we were required to post to the class blog 11 times. This is number 11 for me. But while I have a captive audience I will tell you about a program that Hollingers Island 4th graders have participated in. It is called the Globe Progam. WE have the unique oppurtunity in being within walking distance of Mobile Bay. We were able to walk down to the Bay, take water samples and share information with a classroom from Russia. The students loved it! I wish every MCPSS had the same chance to enjoy this!

This was the Hardest Post

2006-04-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is the hardest post that we have had to post because we have wrote everything about technology in the classroom. I feel that technology is not only computers but telephones, ipods, and calculators are kinds of technology that children use in the classroom. Telephones can be found on millions of children. A friend of mine was observing a classroom of third graders when a telephone went off. She asked herself "I wonder who's phone that is" and one of the children pulled out a phone and began to talk. Ipods and calculators are a types of technology that children use to ask problems. I feel that calculators are used as a crutch in schools. I also feel that teacher should try to teach without the use of that kind of technology. Good Luck to everyone on the final exam and have a Great Summer.

The Dana is a great tool!

2006-04-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Many Special Ed students have horrible handwriting. My school discovered the Dana by Alpha Smart for this purpose. Occupational Therapy can only do so much for special students with disabilities that impair their motor skills. Sometimes putting things on paper that are legible becomes more of struggle than it's worth and the actual objective falls by the wayside. The Dana is awesome! It has word processing capabilities and can be downloaded into a PC for printing and editing. Check it Out!

Powerpoint.

2006-04-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

Through the years teachers have occasionally used powerpoint as a learning and teaching tool. Not only does it use technology to enhance learning, it does so in an organized manner. Students will usually pay more attention to a lecture if the lecture involves using electronic devices. With electronics being such a big part of life in today's world, it is important to incorporate such things into the classroom to modernize the way we learn. Powerpoint can help do this to the classroom. Some people may say it would take too much work to prepare a presentation for every day, but once you make it once, the next time you have to teach it, you will already have something to present.

Small Group Tutoring

2006-04-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Our school is a Title 1 school. We have many students who require intervention. We provide afterschool tutoring and transportation at no cost to parents. This website was used with our reading intervention students and was very beneficial.

Sharing Info

2006-04-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine at school shared thiswebsite with me. It is from Houghton Mifflin, who publishes textbooks and is similar to Scott Foresman's Success Net site. There is a section for reading and math and also learning games.

Making Math Fun

2006-04-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

My school uses an online intervention program for Math. Students can access it individually from their classrooms and at home. Teachers can also take class groups and teach lessons on the labs' computers. The students often ask to use the site during free time, which shows that they enjoy it, and their progress shows that they are improving from it. Scott Foresman which is a textbook and now software publisher has created this site. Check it out!

One PDA for every one student.

2006-04-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

PDAs (portable digital assistants), or handheld computers, are making their way into some schools. In the four schools used in testing, EVERY student has a PDA to call their own. These devices can help students study and do research anywhere, such as the bus ride to school, etc.
I personally don't forsee this happening in every school, but it is a good idea to always have available to every student this great resource. Check out this article to learn more:
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech083.shtml

Gradebooks

2006-04-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

I think that it is so much easier for teachers to be able to use microsoft excel to do their grades. I was able to show my mother how to set up a gradebook on her laptop. Now she doesnt have to stay at school trying to enter in her grades. It has made things alot easier for her. Now she will be able to average her grades for her report cards alot easier.

Excel

2006-04-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

This past week I learned how to use Excel. Excel is very cool and a fun tool to have. Excel can be used as a address book, grade book, or even used for writing letters. I personally find excel a very easy way to make sure you get things done

Internet a major source in classrooms!!!!

2006-04-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

If you don't already know the internet is being used everywhere in the U.S. Students now a days only have to go to the computer lab or computer in there rooms to find information fast. Internet will soon take over the role in classrooms where all the students will only need to just show up to school.

Computer Science Teacher Association

2006-04-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

CSTA announced on Apirl 13 that they will collaborate to accelerate computer science and technology skills amoung high school students. IBM and CSTA will provide more than 36,000 teachers with free access to computer science resources in an effort to improve teachers' expertise and help students acquire necessary skills for jobs in the 21 st century. The new resoures are being introduced based on a pilot program involving a half dozen high schools nationwide. With just a few clicks, teachers can access a series of lesson plans, guidebooks and topic overviews to incorporate concepts of computer programmimg and web design into everyday math and science classes.

Excel

2006-04-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

We did an address book using Excel in class last week. I just used Excel to print addresses on envelopes for my sister's baby shower. Excel is a great program for teachers to print students addresses to send letters home to parents and save time for grading papers, etc. Access is another great program for teachers to use with address books.

Internet

2006-04-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

It seems like everytime i pick up the paper or listen to the news I hear about some new kind of technology in the classroom. I was reading where a class had contact with another class over in China. They corresponded back and forth with each other. Instead of having pen pals they have internet pals. Back when i was in school we didn't have access to the internet. Now it is so much easier to write papers and find the information that you need for research. You can find just about anything on line. This seems to be the way that the world operates now. So if you dont have any experience with computers and the internet I suggest you start.

Teachers using Technology Many Ways

2006-04-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

Teachers use technology many ways. A few years ago most teachers use technology to find material to use in the classroom. Now, teachers are using technology not alone to find material but to teach from. In Mississippi teachers use computers to teach lessons. Technoogy is so advanced that now you can find videos, games, worksheets, books, and etc on the computer. The computer will teach a lesson prior to watching a video, playing a game, or working a worksheet. Most of the teachers love this technique because children learn more. Children learn more during the process of having fun. Teacher also use computer to look up books. Most of the books published now have their own web-site. Text books have their own web-site. Most of the text book web-sites have extra things for the teachers and students. If you are interested in visit the Mcgraw Hill web-site click here.

EXCEL

2006-04-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

I learned how to use Microsoft excel last week. I was actually able to help someone from another class with an assignment that she was having trouble with. The only thing that is kind of confusing is trying to remember the different codes. I guess since I had been practicing with excel I was able to help her. I guess its how the saying goes practice makes perfect. Although I wouldn't actually say that I have it down perfect.

Creating a Address Book in Excel

2006-04-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

When I started back to school this semester I really thought I knew more about computers, but let me be the first to say that I didn't know as much as I thought I did. When my class started the excel address book, I was surprised to see just how much excel can do. I never knew that you could use all of these different types of formulas and get names and addresses put in order. I am really glad that I took EDM 310 and can't wait for the next semester to begin.

Technology in Attendance

2006-04-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

Students who skip out on large lectures may find themselves caught in the act by new technology. Thanks to the Personal response system Professors from across the country are taking attendance using a remote control like instrument. Now attendance is just a click away. This wireless remote control is used to aid students in providing feedback during class and also allows teachers to take attendance to find out who was there for the lecture and who was not. I feel that this could be a great use for teachers such as professors who have very large classrooms. Instead of taking the time to call attendance they will be able to do it using this wireless remote. For more information on this system click here.

Technology in South Florida Classrooms

2006-04-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Teachers in south Florida are using the latest technology in their sign language classrooms. The students in Cheryl Zukerman's classrom at Fort Lauderdale's Dilard High School recently communicated and shared some ideas with students from Dunkrik High School near Buffalo New York. They were able to do this using a camera that was set up in the corner of their classroom. Some of the students even said that it was like they were all in the same classroom together. This student even said that she didnt even notice the camera in the classroom. This could be an incredible tool in connecting students from all over he world. For more information on this click here.

The National Education Technology Plan

2006-04-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Department of Education has a website called the National Education Technology Plan. This website covers the goals set for the relationship between schools and technology for the future. The action steps are also listed on the website. These steps are: strengthening leadership, considering innovative budgeting, improving teacher training, supporting E-learning and Virtual Schools, encouraging broadband access, moving toward visual content, and intergrating data systems. There are several things on this website that should be looked at by future and current educators so that we know what is going on and will be going on in our futures as we teach. If you would like to visit the website and browse around click here.

Teacher Technology Resource

2006-04-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

"What a goldmine the internet has brought to the teaching profession! Nothing is going to make the job simple, but, for the first time, teachers are not alone in their efforts. Teachers are sharing information and ideas. They are posting successful lesson plans as well as other things that "have worked." Because of the internet, teachers are now able to communicate and collaborate with other teachers, parents, community members, experts, and students."

This site might be a resource that you want to check out.

Hope you all have had as much fun blogging as I have.

Preschool Education

2006-04-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

The other night at work, I happened to be discussing several issues with a co-worker. During the conversation, we shifted to the subject of her three year old son. She started telling me how she placed her son in a preschool for two year olds; I had never heard of that. I knew of daycares that simply care for the children and allow them to play together and learn their manners, but I was not aware that children of such an early age were provided with such an advanced education. At age two, her son is already working with computers! I remember the first time I was introduced to a computer was in at least the second or third grade. I was just amazed that the opportunities are so much wider and more advanced now. This puts me at ease to know that my children will definitely have the chance at a better education than I have, and I have been blessed!

Educational Technology

2006-04-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

The government is restoring seven billion dollars for education and other domestic programs in the fiscal year of 2007. It is hoped that this decision will translate into greater federal funding for educational technology, a key component to enhancing education by technology. The International Society for Technology in Education is the trusted source in education technology for professional development, knowledge and advocacy. Technology is vital in education on any level and this amendment will grant more monies to be allocated to schools to further education.

Night Fishing

2006-04-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

I went fishing last Saturday night with my sister and dad. We had so much fun, besides the wind whipping on the pier. I learned one lesson for the future, even though fishing was so much fun, it was very cold. Next time I will bundle up and wear a hat. My hair was everywhere and by the time we left I was shivering. Besides being so cold, we enjoyed spending quality time together. Hopefully next time our mom will be with us to enjoy it as well. There is nothing more fun than spending time with your family. It also helps when everyone your with likes to fish. Although we had fun, we sure didn't catch anything. Maybe next time the fish will bite more!!!

Interesting and Educational

2006-04-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my web assignment with help from Richard.(thanks Richard!) I had too many table rows. My pictures were too large. I reduced them effortlessly. I learned alot in the last class Vlookup tables, absolute references,sorting, and filtering. I enjoy working with Excel.Remember don't type, click in the cell!

Assistive Technology

2006-04-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

"This module provides an overview of assistive technology (AT) used by children with disabilities ages 5-11: what it is and how it can be used to promote independent participation in elementary classrooms. As educational reforms include the application of technology to support and expand classroom curricula, assistive technology can provide both routine and customized access to the general curricula for students with disabilities.

View the areas in the sidebar to read more about the various forms of AT that are available to students with disabilities. Many have dual applications, both in the home and at school. AT helps with communication, manipulation, positioning/mobiltiy, and learning.

With the "No Child Left Behind" program being put into effect, this might be a good web site to read.

Teaching Good Citizenship

2006-04-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

It is my personal belief that teachers should demonstrate and teach attributes such as consideration and respect respect for one another, or basically, just good citizenship.

This resource has developed a wide variety of material including lesson plans, project plans, and other helps at no charge.

Let's hope that the presently crowded curriculum leaves time for such teaching.

National Geographic Help

2006-04-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Much negative publicity has been given to the fact that high school graduates are lacking in a basic knowledge of geography.

The education page of the web site of National Geographic offers lesson plans, maps and current events to help teachers with motivating and interesting students in this area.

New Teacher Tools for the Classroom!!!!!!

2006-04-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Teachers now have new technolgy they can use in their classroom to enhance their teaching. On Education World website, they have wonderful ideas for teachers. One of the ideas is called RubiStar. RubiStar is tool that teachers can use to make rubrics for projects and research assignments. This rubric can be customized by the teacher to fit any project in their classroom. You can go to this website to find out more about RubiStar, http://www.education-world.com. I think this tool can be very useful for future teachers and teachers now in the classroom.

Almost Ended!

2006-04-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! well, the semester is almost over. I honestly have learn many things from Dr. Strange class that I have always wondered how it would possible, as create a web page. I love it1 I have not finish my second web pages that have more than one picture, table, and links. but you all are welcome to view my personal presentation. Just click HERE and Enjoy! BEst of luck to everyone this semester and have a great summer.

Posting

2006-04-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

I really don't have anything to talk about, but since I have to post, I guess I can make up something. I guess I can talk about how stressed I am over this web page thing. This class along with my other classes is alot. We have a 2 test coming up in this class and boy do I have to study. I don't want to bore you so I guess I'll end now. Bye and Enjoy.

Understanding...

2006-04-15T02:45:00.000-07:00

Well, with a student's help I finally found my error in my buttons. Thanks again R. I am feeling a little more at eaze now. I am familiar somewhat w/Excel and spreadsheets. I used to be a dataentry operator years ago.

New computer technology

2006-04-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Computer science professor, Steven Zucker and mathematics professor Steven Orszag are currently working on the creation of new data collection that will make Internet searches on google.com better. This team's research improves high performance computing by integrating the storage and computing components of a computer cluster, which increases the speed of the supercomputer tremendously. This application involves solving problems from biology to chemistry and from physics to engineering. With these two parts of the computer integrated, it is more like the human brain. This will also help with input and output as well as with data mining. Data mining is any problem where you have to extract data from large data sets. This has the potential to help all search engines.

Just Posting To The Blog

2006-04-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hi. Long time no see. I completely forgot about posting to the blog. I have been so busy with school work. This class offers alot of information and I am just about lost. This class is very interesting but at the same time it is alot of work. I have learned alot in this class. I have learned how to do spreadsheets as well as grade sheets. I have also learned how to design a web page even though I haven't did mine yet. So far the class is okay.

What I learned last week

2006-04-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I took a test in Human Anatomy and physiology, it was the third test I have taken in that class this year. Human Anatomy and physiology is by far the largest class I have ever taken in terms of the amount of the amount of students taking the class. As I mentioned before, this was the third test we have taken in that class this semester, however it was the first time I have been unfortunate enough to be squeezed in between two other people during the test. The class is set in an auditorium style class room with stadium type seats equipped with a tiny desktop that swings and folds flat. This was a learning experience for me because I had to come up with new, unique ways to get comfortable enough to take my test. The only way I can see using what I learned is in a similar situation, which will undoubtedly come sooner than I like.

Site Visit to Augusta Evans

2006-04-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

For my SPE 400 class I had to visit one of several locations. I decided to attend August Evans school for my site visit. Not really wanting to go because of work, school, and not enough time to do it, I decided I might as well get it over with. When I pulled up in the parking lot I noticed how small the school was after walking inside and meeting with the Assistant principal who took me on a tour of the whole school. I realized just how big the school really is. I was amazed at just how much work those teachers do for the students. The majority of the students were either Autistic or Downs Syndrome. After evaluating many of the children and seeing each need that needs to be met, I came to the conclusion that it takes a special person to do what those teachers do for those children. I hope that I can meet the needs of my students as well. Now with inclusion going into effect next school year all students will be educated in regular classrooms. I will have to deal with what those teachers are dealing with at Augusta Evans.

DOING A SPREAD SHEET

2006-04-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last week in class we learned how to do a spread sheet. It was very interesting learning how to create a spread sheet. It was also fun learning how to add up grades on a spread sheet. This information is something I will need when I begin my career as a teacher. I also enjoyed creating a address book. I am learning so much in this class. I am glad I decided not to drop it.

Motivating Children!

2006-04-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

I have learned that you have to motivate children in the "right" ways. For instance, if you reward a child for something they do then every time they do something good, they expect a reward. When the rewards stop coming then they stop trying to do what they need to be doing. They start doing the good deed for the reward. Not for the deed itself. So when you are trying to motivate children, don't rely on rewards. They will motivate them for a while, but it will not last long. Children need to be taught to motivate themselves. They need to be taught that doing the good deed is the reward, and not a piece of candy, or a toy. Here are some good ways to motivate children.

Mobile U

2006-04-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

The Mobile U is created by IBM and it is being used right now at Wake Forest University. The Mobile U is a software that goes on mobile phones for the students to be able to carry it with them everywhere they go. The Wake Forest Mobile U program currently includes, Shuttle bus tracking the student can say to the phone "When will the next bus arrive? and the phone will respond with a voice telling them how many minutes the bus take to arrive at any given stop. Other programs on the Mobile U is parking lot monitorng, food, stores, news and many more programs to help a student out at college.

Pen Drives

2006-04-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would be using a pen drive. I thought this is not going to work and didn't even want to purchase it. But once I got into class and started using my pen drive I started to understand just exactly what it was going to be used for. I can do any kind of work and put in my pen drive and have it with me at all times. I am so new to the technologies that are out there now and can't wait to learn about more.

Apple going over to the "dark side"?

2006-04-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

"More and more people are buying and loving Macs. To make this choice simply irresistible, Apple will include technology in the next major release of Mac OS X, Leopard, that lets you install and run the Windows XP operating system on your Mac. Called Boot Camp (for now), you can download a public beta today."

To read more about this interesting change, read this page on Apple's website.

Transcript Requets

2006-04-08T04:11:00.000-07:00

Technology is all well and good, but I wish that I could request my transcripts electronically. I cannot do that. It is a big problem for me, especially when you have attended many colleges out-of-state!

New Technology in the classroom!!!!

2006-04-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

There is a new technology that teachers are using in the classroom. It is called http://www.inspiration.com. It helps students plan, organize, research and complete projects successfully. This software helps encourage students to learn in multiple ways. They can create diagrams to show that they understand the information better that the teacher is providing for them. This is a great software for teachers to use in the classroom.

What I learned tonight

2006-04-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight I learned how to make a spreadsheet. This is really can help out in sorting out materials and info. The more I get into hopefully will make me more organized person.

Religion in schools...

2006-04-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have recently learned the "rules" for Religions in schools. I think this is a good thing to remember, because we (as teachers) should know where the lines are drawn. This information could ultimatly save your job one day. Religion in school is a touchy situation, and could certainly get you fired from a teaching position. So, read up on the guidelines here ... it will help you understand what you can, and can't discuss with a child.

The Wonders of the Flashdrive

2006-04-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

I couldn't remember if anyone had blogged on this yet, but do we all truly appreciate our pen drives?
I use mine almost daily. When I do teach full time I'm sure I will continue to do so. Imagine, you're up late, can't sleep and decide to search the internet for lesson plans. Find what you need, stick in your drive, bring it to school in the morning and you're one step ahead of the game. You could also use them for correspondence to later print out at school in bulk and send home to your parents.
They hold so much more than a floppy disk and are convenient to drop down in your purse or pocket and off you go!Not to mention, there are always lots of good deals out there. Melanie Wacker

Grades go online

2006-04-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Parents in New York are now able to keep a better watch on their children's grades now. The schools are using computers to post student's grades, class and homework assignments, absences, and even notes to parents. I think that this is a great way to get parents involved in children's education. I do, however, believe that the paper report cards will not ever dissipate due to the fact that not every parent owns a computer or even knows how to navigate around the internet to find the grades. You can read the article for yourself and let me know what you think.

Teaching telling time

2006-04-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

I remember many tears being shed over learning to tell time. I never really had a concept of numbers and their value and along came that paper plate with the brad in the center and the construction paper hands.
When my son was a toddler and would ask," how much longer??" and "are we there yet??" I would answer, about one Blues Clues or whatever the favorite video was at the time. Disney has published a new magazine called Wondertimethat had an even better way to introduce concepts of time to toddlers. Their clock is bright and each hour has an animal. Numbers are in the center to introduce that each animal is an hour with a corresponding animal. So, parents and educators can say, "in fifteen minutes, or when the bear gets to the squirrel it's clean up time" and children will understand!This magazine had lots of other great ideas. Check it out! Melanie Wacker

Web Page Assignment

2006-04-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

Before actually starting this assignment I thought it was going to be very hard. I am not saying that it is easy but it gets better with practice. Now I realy understand what all those codes mean. At first I was just copying and pasting and not really thinking why did I use that code. Once I got the hang of it, I actually thought creating a website was neat. I am not totally finished yet but I feel more comfortable doing it by myself.

Computer simulations

2006-04-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

There are new computer simulations being utilized by scientists that are demonstrating the Avian Flu Virus and how it would spread in the United States. This is being done on a supercomputer to serve as a preventative model for the spread of this virus. The computer models serve as virtual laboratories where researchers can study how the disease might spread. This is done to be prepared and lessen a real outbreak should that occur. The way that the supercomputer is being utilized intrigues me as I am an Education Major with a science emphasis.

More talk about testing

2006-04-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

With transformation came talk of accountability. With accountability came more tests. Special Education students with an IQ of around 58 or more are given the age grade appropiate standardized test. Therefore a 12 year old in 5th grade who reads at pre primer level and can add or subtract with manipulatives is expected to complete the same tests as his fellow classmates. If he cannot accurately complete the test within the alotted time and additional half hour for special students, does this mean no one has taught him?
In Mobile County the list of tests continues to grow. CRT's(Criterion Reference Tests) are given quarterly in Reading, Math and Science. We are told that Social Studies will soon be added. In third quarter, 5th graders must take the Alabama Writing Assesment; a standardized test on writing in modes such as Descriptive, Narrative, and Expository. Then, intense review begins because in fourth quarter, the OLSAT,(?? Student Ability Test) ARMT (Alabama Reading and Math Test) and SAT (Stanford Achievement Test) begin and take about two weeks to administer. With so much testing, very little time is available for teaching new skills in fourth quarter.
Does more testing equal more accountability for teachers? As you can see, not necessarily so!
Melanie Wacker

Small Kids and Small Screens

2006-04-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Many people talk about small kids using technology, but how do we as educators and parents know how much is enough? This site has some helpful hints and guidelines when dealing with little people and little screens.

Mobile County State Testing

2006-04-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well here we are, beginning another week! It is time for SATs at the school where I work. I wonder will the tests ever be given to the students electronically or by way of computer?

CSS Zen Garden

2006-04-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

We have all been learning how to create web pages in EDM 310. Here is a web site that gives you the same HTML, and you create a different CSS. This really brings home the fact that it is the CSS that affects the appearance of the web page.

web page

2006-04-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight I finally figured out how to put my buttons onto my web page. i guess the best way to learn in this class is to practice. I have learned that it is easier to try and keep practicing. At first I didnt know if I should stay in this class because i didnt think that i would learn how to do all of this computer stuff. Each week though it seems to get a little easier. The best part is that there are people in the class that are willing to help. I think with this type of team work we will survive.

A website dedicated to the educator.

2006-03-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

www.education-world.com is a website that is a treasure trove of information and suggestions for anyone in the teaching community.

This site has a search engine that searches only through sites that are education related. This means that no matter what the search finds...the site will likely be beneficial to you. This eliminates the trouble of having to be picky with the results in order to find a good site to visit. Not only does it have this nifty little search feature, it has a host of lesson plans readily available. It also has news related to the "education world" and the ways other teachers are using their own creative ideas to change the way we learn. I found that this could be a very good resource for someone looking to get help especially in the first few years of teaching.

What Is The Most Ideal Classroom Technology

2006-03-31T19:19:00.000-08:00

There has been a study conducted to figure out what would be the ideal technologies in a classroom.

At Kent State University there was an Ameritech Electronic University School Classroom set up for middle school classes from two different districts to come and use for a week. In this classroom they had technologies such as 12 Windows-based networked computers with Internet access, a scanner, a printer, four video conferencing cameras connected to computers, five digital still-frame cameras, two camcorders, and a videocassette recorder. There was also a teacher station fully equipped with a computer, a VCR, and a video document camera, all of which are connected to a video projector pointed at a screen for the entire class to view. During the study everything was being viewed through a one-way mirror that ran across one of the walls in the room. This give insight to what was most useful and appealing to the teachers and the students.
After the week was up for each class, the teacher filled out a survey expressing which technologies were most ideal to have in a classroom. Of course the first on the list were the computers. The teachers involved in the research also liked having 12 computers in the class opposed to having one for each student. They expressed that this way the students were able to work in pairs which appeared more enjoyable to the students while teaching them how to share and work together. Second most desired was a printer, and third went to the digital camera.

Gaming in Daycares

2006-03-31T18:48:00.000-08:00

Technology is now reaching out to children even younger than before. More and more I am hearing and seeing gaming systems in daycares.

In daycares such as Kid Stuff here in Mobile, there are Playstation, Sega, or Super Nintendo games. Not only was I surprised to learn that such a young age group was able to use these types of systems, I also wondered why they were in the daycares. I got to thinking and realized that at the young age these children are at, they learn the most important skills, and how much they learn can be critical for their development. Motor skills are learned at this age as well as hand-eye coordination. A video game can help them learn and perfect these skills. They have to associate what they move and push on a controller to what is happening on the screen, while at the same time looking at the screen and not their hands. It is a pretty good idea to put these types of systems in daycare because it helps the children while they are having fun playing. It's almost like tricking them into learning!

Electronic Copyboards

2006-03-31T16:55:00.000-08:00

We've all done it at least once. We listen to the teacher, watch him or her write the notes on the board, and yet when we go to write those notes in our own notebooks, something gets miscomputed. It's as if the information got switched around between our brains and the pen and paper. With this new piece of technology, this problem is a thing of the past. Electronic copyyboards look and act like a regular dry erase board, the difference is that it allows the teacher to print out the notes that he or she has written directly from the board. This is good for the student in that he or she does not get the notes confused, but it's also good for the teacher because he or she does not have to type up notes and then run copies and then deliver notes on the topic during class. All that the teacher has to do is deliver the notes and print them out from the attached printer of the copyboard. It's genious! For more information, visit Electronic Whiteboards.

Technology for Special Youth

2006-03-31T16:18:00.000-08:00

Of all the uses of technology in the classroom, the most useful must be that which helps exceptional children. The technology which is used to help these children is important in that helps these kids stay on track with their enabled peers.
For children which have small motor skills disablilities, there is a program which is used, Dragon Naturally Speaking, which allows them to speak to the computer to complete work. There are also special keyboards with voice recorders, this allows the student to complete work through a computer-based system as well. For students that are visually impaired, there are programs that read material, special magnifiers, reading pens which scan words, and CDs with text information which the student can play. There are so many options out there to help these kids learn at a normal pace. For more information, please visit Education-World.

Online Book Purchasing

2006-03-31T15:57:00.000-08:00

I do not know who many people purchase their books online, but wow it is cost effective. This semester alone I saved over $200. I normally find my books on E-Bay. A helpful hint is to start as early as you can. Once you have gotten your classes for the next semester, you can get the best deals around the middle of the semester -people that have dropped a class- and about two to three weeks after the semester starts -most people have already bought their books. If you wait till the 2 weeks prior to ANY semester or first week of classes, competition is fierce. I always go to the book store and write down 1) the price of new and used book and 2)the ISDN number. E-Bay makes it very easy to just enter the ISDN number to search. Also, there have been three books that I bought online and then sold to the bookstore FOR MORE THAN I PAID FOR THEM!!!

No Mess Boards?

2006-03-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of a Digital Whiteboard? These are new computer based applications that allow communication over the internet or network by more than just text.

These boards allow teachers and students to communicate via the internet. They have also brought forth a huge realm of online tutoring for almost all subjects - especially math. I myself have used the online tutor on these boards and they are GREAT! They allow one on one tutoring or group activities as well. Publishers that have these sites will often give a free trial with new books, but subscriptions are also available. To learn more about tutoring, visit this search.

High School and College Classrooms

2006-03-31T08:36:00.000-08:00

We always talk about technology in the classroom but what kind of classroom? I know that the older we get, the more techonology we have to use. In high school I used the computer a lot. Not just for socializing but for research. The computer has web-sites that can find anything. I can remember writing papers and going to the library to find books on my topic. There are computers at the library. The catalog for the library is on the computer. A sense of knowledge for the computer is something that we all need. In college assignments get harder. The computer will make the assignment easier. There are also online classes. I have taken a few of those and I'm pretty sure that most of you have too. To achieve certain goals you must go over the line. And taking an online class is stepping into that territory. One of my favorite web-sites is 37.com. If you are interested in checking out 37.com clickhere.

Creating a Trifold Brochure

2006-03-30T18:53:00.000-08:00

When I first read about the trifold brochures I was terrified. I said to myself I could never figure out how to design the brochure. To my disbelief I was able to do this assignment all by myself. I showed several of my co-workers what I had learned about the brochure and they were impressed. I feel like my knowledge now of the brochure will help me out in the years to come.

Technology for Toddlers

2006-03-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

I found an article that talked about children ages 2-4 using the computer! I can see a 6 year old being able to understand a computer, but any younger is kind of scary. The article also stated that children this young should not be allowed to play on the computer too long because it interferes with more important developmental activities and materials such as art, blocks, sand, water, books, exploration with writing materials, and dramatic play. If you'd like to read this article, click here.

Children and laptops in school

2006-03-30T17:05:00.000-08:00

I was watching the news the other day and a woman was suing her child's elementary school because she did not have a laptop for her son. All the 3rd graders at this particular school must have laptops as a requirement. It is a shame our children cannot be as technically advanced.

New Computers

2006-03-30T16:53:00.000-08:00

I was reading an aricle where a public school system purchased updated computers for all of the schools in their school system. The money was raised from taxes plus the community helped out. The schools also had fundraisers that helped them raise money. They made a large enough profit to be able to purchase the computers. The schools put the computers into labs so that the students are able to use them at their convience. They commented that their next step would be to upgrade the computers that are in the classrooms. I think that this is a good idea for the schools. It seems that the community really is in involved.

New Technology Educators Love!!!

2006-03-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

There is a new technology being used around the world in teacher's classrooms.They have found new software to use with thier students in the classroom also. ArtRage is a new software they help students create self portraits of themselves and they can use realistic paint tools. Another software id RapidWeaver, this software helps students create webpages, design templates and etc.... Apple Software is iLife '06. this software helps students make music and video games and etc....

♥My Website♥

2006-03-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally finished my website, most of which I owe to Cody....so thank you!!! For the longest time, I had no clue what I was doing, but I finally got the hang of it. From then on, it was actually kind of fun! I never realized how difficult it was to create a website, but I actually enjoyed learning how. Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great week so far, and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well!!
~Lindsay♥

Teaching method in Rochester, Minnesota

2006-03-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

A teacher in Minnesota has a unique set of rules, and I think he has a good idea. He allows students to get up and stretch or move around the classroom whenever they need to. He says he does this because it helps keep the students focused. There are also laptop computers, wireless internet and ipods that the children use everyday. He says that using these things keeps the children interested. There is no datat about the success of his classroom compared with the other classes in the school, but the teacher and school superintendent say the students seem more focused and motivated than the other students. To read more go to CNN.com.

MCT in Mississippi

2006-03-30T10:11:00.000-08:00

The state of Mississippi gives a Curriculum Test that debates the levels of the school's learning. I worked in Laurel School District for four years. Two of those four I was tutoring students in Math to prepare they for the MCT. The school I worked for was a level one school on the verge of being shut down. The staff and student of that school worked so hard to achieve the goal of pulling up test scores. The state sent practice test booklets to help the children be more prepared. We also logged on to the web and gave practice work and test from web-sites. The children enjoying working on the web. They found it so interesting that they would go home and log on to web-sites that we gave the children and do the work for homework. It was remarkable. When the state sent test scores, the school moved from a level one to a level five. We all couldn't believe the scores. But with all the hard work and all the internet use, the children and staff achieve their goal. If you are interested in Learning about the Mississippi Curriculum Test click here.

Web Sites

2006-03-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

I know that this has been said a thousand times but I will say it again... There are some great web sites that are geared towards education and kids! There I said it... Now I want to tell you about a few, first there is a site that is a kid friendly search engine called Dibdabdoo. Check it out if you get a chance. Also there are tons of web sites dedicated to lesson plans and helping teachers. Check these out...
Cyber Bee
Braille Bug The Braille Bug Web site for children was developed by the American Foundation for the Blind with the hope that children will not only learn about Braille but also increase their understanding of people with disabilities.
Education World This site has tons of information and lists of good web sites.

Tecnology and special education

2006-03-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

Am a special education major student and lately i have kept my eyes wide open since i started this computer class. You will never believe how much technology has helped this kids in special ed. Those kids who are in schools which are advanced in this technology are doing very well,their achievement has shown alot of differences compared to those who dont have technology at all.
When you think about the deaf or hearing impaired kids,the hearing aids they use are all technology related.Most of these kids depend on this technology in almost all areas of disabilities and am really glad to be in this class.

Are Teachers Being Replaced by Techology????

2006-03-29T15:36:00.001-08:00

As a elementary education major, I constantly think that one day teachers are going to be replace by techology. The children will not have to come to school. They could be home taught. All the parent have to do is buy the level program (i.e. First grade student buys the first grade program) the child needs. Every month or quarter the child is tested on the studied material. Scary isn't it???? But really, to what extend can educational techology help?? Will the educational techology replace the teachers??

Are Teachers Being Replaced by Techology????

2006-03-29T15:36:00.000-08:00

As a elementary education major, I constantly think that one day teachers are going to be replace by techology. The children will not have to come to school. They could be home taught. All the parent have to do is buy the level program (i.e. First grade student buys the first grade program) the child needs. Every month or quarter the child is tested on the studied material. Scary isn't it???? But really, to what extend can educational techology help in school..at least to close the gaps (levels)between schools (public vs. private)?

Designing a tri-fold brochure

2006-03-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

Just recently we learned how to design a tri-fold brochure. It was an intresting thing to learn because it opened up new ways to use Microsoft Word. I can see this being prety helpful in the future especially in a job or even just to make some money by myself.

Human anatomy and Physiology

2006-03-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

One on my classes this semester is Human anatomy and Physiology, which is a class that is required for my major. When I first registered for this class I thought I was going to learn about human anatomy on a more topical level, however it has been a lot harder than I imagined. This week, like most previous weeks I learned about the micro processes that take place within the human body and what effect they have on the body. So far I have been very surprised at the intricacy of even the tiniest aspect of the human body. I would recommend this class to anyone who like to learn more about everything regarding the processes of the human body.

Georgia

2006-03-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

This isn't really an issue about educational media, but I just found Georgia's department of education job site. Check it out, they have alot of openings and links to each district's site. Most of them have salary schedules posted (and some of them look really good, lol)

teachgeorgia.org

"Best of the Education Blog" Awards

2006-03-29T10:33:00.000-08:00

Awards are now being given to students and educators for their blogs.
This article discusses the affects of blogging for educators and students. This is extremely relevant to what we are doing in this class. Read about it here.

The Silent Epidemic

2006-03-29T05:04:00.000-08:00

"Why do a third of American high school students leave school without a diploma? What might help keep them in school, engaged and learning?"

Read on to learn some interesting facts on this topic. It might surprise you.

EDM 310 Spring 2006 Class Blog

My Last Post!!

The End or Is It?

Technology Check

FINALLY OVER

That's a wrap!

Bye Y'all!

Technology isn't always good for the classroom

Later!

Final Exam

Wacky Post! Later Gators!

Last and Final Post of the year!!!

Last Post!

Summer!!

Just a Post

*Spreadsheet*

*Computers in the Classroom*

~Audio Learning~

*Letters to France*

Technology isn't always so great in schools

Finally done posting!

This was the Hardest Post

The Dana is a great tool!

Powerpoint.

Small Group Tutoring

Sharing Info

Making Math Fun

One PDA for every one student.

Gradebooks

Excel

Internet a major source in classrooms!!!!

Computer Science Teacher Association

Excel

Internet

Teachers using Technology Many Ways

EXCEL

Creating a Address Book in Excel

Technology in Attendance

Technology in South Florida Classrooms

The National Education Technology Plan

Teacher Technology Resource

Preschool Education

Educational Technology

Night Fishing

Interesting and Educational

Assistive Technology

Teaching Good Citizenship

National Geographic Help

New Teacher Tools for the Classroom!!!!!!

Almost Ended!

Posting

Understanding...

New computer technology

Just Posting To The Blog

What I learned last week

Site Visit to Augusta Evans

DOING A SPREAD SHEET

Motivating Children!

Mobile U

Pen Drives

Apple going over to the "dark side"?

Transcript Requets

New Technology in the classroom!!!!

What I learned tonight

Religion in schools...

The Wonders of the Flashdrive

Grades go online

Teaching telling time

Web Page Assignment

Computer simulations

More talk about testing

Small Kids and Small Screens

Mobile County State Testing

CSS Zen Garden

web page

A website dedicated to the educator.

What Is The Most Ideal Classroom Technology

Gaming in Daycares

Electronic Copyboards

Technology for Special Youth

Spreadsheet

Computers in the Classroom

Letters to France