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Sunday, April 20, 2014

Blog post 13

When I sat down and began to think about a specific field that wasn't covered I thought of my own, coaching. As a coach I know that I won't use as much technology as every day teachers but I will still use technology. I believe maybe a day or two could have been to what coaches can use in a classroom. Other then that I didn't really see anything that wasn't addressed in class.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Blog post 12

For this blog post I chose to write this blog post based on working with blind children. As a teacher it can sometimes be difficult to deal with kids with special needs and abilitys. When working with blind children, one thing I found is screen magnification. This can help students who aren't totally blind. This can be used on the smart board. The next piece of technology is a screen reader, this is used for students can literally touch the screen and the words will be read to them. This can be very useful for students in a large class room or in a one on one basis. The next piece I found is a portable notebook. This can be used by students at any point and they are in braille and when touched the words are spoken out loud to the students. These are just a few of the many ideas that I would incorporate into my classroom in the future.
Citation: http://adaptivetech.tcnj.edu/resheet/blind.htm

Sunday, April 6, 2014

C4T Summary 3

This week I was assigned to read Mr. Jerrid Kruse's blog post, he talked about how technology is taking over the classroom. In this blog post Mr. Kruse talks about how technology has taken over the classroom and is there really a need for a teacher? While he does raise very good points, I commented that teachers will always be needed in the classroom because students will always have questions or need guidance, and have questions.
Post 2
While reading Mr. Kruse's older blog "Critical Curiosity" he talks about how his students were really shocked by how much he allowed them to use sorts of technology. He ask the students how technology can bring back traditional ways of the classroom as well as reduce the intellectual level of the classroom. This was my reply, Technology can be a good and bad thing in class rooms today. A lot of it depends on the type of students you're teaching. If students cant stay on task then they shouldn't be allowed to use the internet. But on a positive not the internet is full of endless options to be used for students who can handle the privilege.

C4K summaries

As part of my C4K I was assigned multiple students in Ms. Squires class. Each students blog was based on a different type of technology they were using in their class in different subjects. One child i was assigned showed us how they used different programs to make a story about a giraffe. I commented that it was really cool that a child that young made a story book. The next student i was assigned told me a story by way of video, on how her class took a trip to the local pool and how she had a great time. I commented that it was awesome that she had a great time and that it is too cold in Alabama for us to go swimming yet. The last blog i read and commented on was a little girl named Ana, she showed me a program that she used to solve math problems, i really like the program and commented that I would keep it in mind when i have my own class.

blog post 11

For this blog post, our group decided to have a discussion on our google doc about one of the videos Dr. Strange had us watch. Below is the link in which you can see this conversation. OMAHA

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Blog Post 10

Sir Ken Robinson is internationally recognized as a leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resource in development and education. Mr. Robinson says there is a climate crisis, he is referring to human resources. Even though this is not the same as natural resources he says this crisis should be approached in the same way. Most people live life on a day-to-day basis instead of living life to the fullest. A reason people do this is their education background. Education is being reformed every where around us, but this isn't fixing it, its like trying to fix a broken record, you eventually have to replace it. I really enjoyed this video lecture it showed me that i need to start appreciating the little things in life more and not taking days for granted just trying to get through them.

Project 12

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Blog post 9

In this weeks video we learned about what technology Ms. Cassidy's first grade class uses on a regular basis. Some of the technology the kids use in the class room blogs, Skype, and Wiki. The students are also allowed to use computers, smartboards and Nintendo DS. The students especially like blogging because they get input from anybody and everybody who gets on their page. Every time a student writes a blog their grammar improves. There was an example of a student who used Wiki, he was looking up different types of rituals and traditions. Teachers are really pushing the use of Wiki because its a safe way for students to research information on the web without their teachers or parents wondering exactly what they are looking at. The class especially liked using skype. This was a big hit with the class because the students could actually see who was commenting on their blogs and giving them feedback. Reading what someone says is one thing, but actually seeing them and hearing the sincerity in their voice is huge for kids. As a video game player i found it very interesting that the kids were able to learn using the Nintendo Ds. Kids these days play games a lot and the fact that they can now learn using this game system is truly awesome. The game mentioned being used by the students is Nintendog, it helps kids with their reading skills. As a future coach i would probably use Skype the most to talk to other coaches and hopeful prospects around the country.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Blog Post 8

This week I have been challenged to find technology that will improve my students experience in a classroom. As a future PE teacher I did find this somewhat challenging. But here are a few ideas of technology that i could use in a PE class. >
Video games
My first idea that i cam across is to use video games. Yes i know when most people think of video games you think of someone sitting there staring at a screen. But with today's advances in technology kids can do so much more. For example with the Wii gaming system being completely motion controlled there is a game called Wii sports. When a child plays this game they are having to be active while playing, such as making throwing and hitting motions when playing baseball, and making shooting motions when playing basketball.
Nike Bands
Another way that i have found where technology can be used in a PE class is a rep counter. Nike has come out with multiple bands that help people track how their training is doing. As a future coach these would be very useful in the weight room for players so they don't have to keep track of exactly how many reps they have done.
Instructional Videos
Another way that i have found to bring technology into the PE class is instructional videos. When dealing with younger kids it is easier to show them what to do rather than tell them. With videos this is very easily done, not only will they enjoy watching a video but also be copying the physical activity that is being shown.

Project 9 Group Discussion

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Project #8 Book Trailer

Blog Post 6

What is a PLN? A PLN is an online source that helps one in their teaching career by exchanging information and questions within a group of people. It is very simple to start a PLN, the easiest way is using social media such as twitter or facebook. These are great sites that not only use your pln but let it grow as well. A reason social media is such a great way to form this PLN is because anybody from anywhere can access and input information at any time or ask a question. At first i had no idea what a PLN was but after learning about it I do see how this can be a very helpful piece of work in and out of the class room. Especially with the idea of using social networks because of how often they are accessed by so many people.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Blog Post 5

What do you learn from these conversations with Anthony Capps? When Mr. Capps set down with Dr. Strange they discussed project based learning. The goal of PBL is to show that students actually are learning something in the classroom and show their progress in the classroom as well. PBL is an awesome way to make students go out and look for the information they in order to be successful. This is huge for students it gives them a sense of pride in themselves because they independently went out and found exactly what they need.
In the next video iCurio, which is a search engine. Anthony explains exactly what this is, I have never heard of this before until now and it seems very useful and safe. It allows students to safely search the web and find the information they need without parents and teacher worrying about what websites they are going on to find it.
In Anthony and Dr. Strange's Tips for Teaching Part 1 they give five useful tips for teachers to succeed.
1. Be Interested in Learning Yourself - If you are not interested in learning your students will not want to learn. You as the teacher are their role model and you have to set a good example for them.
2. Hard Work - It will be hard work but let it be fun for you and your students.
3. Be Flexible - Always be ready and prepared for the unexpected.
4. Get Kids Engaged - You want the students engaged in learning, if not they will not learn.
5. Reflection - Always try and revise your work to make it better because you can always better yourself.
In our last video Don't Teach Tech Use it, basically says that as teachers we shouldn't waste our time tying to teach students how to use technology, because they most likely know more than us already.
The last video Additional Thoughts about Lessons, Anthony teaches how to make a lesson plan using four steps. The first step and most important is to make your lesson plan for the year. Then you need to break down the plan into 6 or 8 weeks. The next step is to break it down into units. Each of these steps have equal importance to being a successful teacher.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Blog Post 4

When I first saw this topic the first thing I thought of is the saying, "there are no stupid questions." This is true and after reading the pieces assigned it really hit me how kids think in a class room when it comes to asking questions in class. In Ben Johnson's "The Right Way to Ask Questions." when he asks have we ever thought how silly a teacher could be? This really got me thinking in the past no I haven't. He says as a teacher stands in front of so many different students acting like we know everything then go back and asks the students questions kind of contradicts that belief. When teachers ask "does everyone understand?" no student wants to be that one person who raises their hand and says no in front of the whole class. So as a teacher we should wait just a few seconds then pick on one at random.
In the post "Asking Questions to Improve learning Questioning styles and Strategies" I took away that it is important to not only think about the question you are about to ask but also wait until the speaker is done because you might be asking a question that is about to be answered just shortly. One also needs to make sure their questions are clear and direct. If an obscure question asked what kind of answer can one expect back honestly?
In Joanne Chelsey's YouTube video she talks about open and closed-ended questions. Chelsey says that close-ended questions are structured so that the answer can be yes or no, as where open-ended questions have to have a more in depth answer and usually requires some explanation.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Blog Post 3

Peer reviewing and editing is crucial in a learning environment, and benefits both parties. While coming up through high school I never really understood why we would look at each others papers and edit them, now I realize how much that has helped me since I am going to be a teacher. One major instance that everyone should try and avoid when peer editing is using harsh comments, we are trying to help each other not tear some one else down because of their work. When peer editing there are three things a person should try to do suggestions, corrections, and compliments.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Blog Post 2: What will teaching in the 21st century be like?

1.) In the first video Professor Dancealot did quite a few things that caught me off guard especially if I was a student in his class. As a teacher the first thing that should have been done is to make sure that all students know what is about to happen, some probably were not expecting him to jump right into demonstrating each dance move, as well as letting the students pair up and practice together. But i do agree that it is crucial to be well organized in class.
2.) After watching Teaching in the 21st Century I feel like Robert is really pushing that each student wants to learn at his or her own pace and should be up to date with the newest technology that is available to use. He also feels that technology is a better way for students to learn as well as study, because technology now can be more interactive then the actual teacher. I also think that as an instructor i shouldn't try to fool anyone out there i don't know everything, and the internet will have more sources and information then i could give.
3.) After watching "The Network Student" I found it really interesting that the teacher somewhat let the child learn at his own pace. Now the student did require some guidance but did most of his learning on his own with technology. I believe that this is the direction that teaching is going as a profession. Where instructors will be more of an adviser rather than an instructor.
4.) After watching " Harness Your Digital Smarts", I once again see that technology is taking over the classroom. This video was very informative especially when it showed how students worked together with their technology, I honestly didn't know that different forms of technology could be used together. Group activities in a class room not only helps the students socialize with each other as well as prepare them for what they are going to do the rest of their lives by working with people
5.) After watching "Flipping the Classroom" I really like the video. This is a great idea by preparing students before class that way they are prepared and know what to expect so nothing surprises them. I also like how the videos can be accessed multiple times, I still have trouble picking up on things the first time I am told or view something. Another great feature is that the students can ask questions which is also very crucial.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Blog Post 1

My main fear of this class coming into the semester is that I would not be able to keep up with the work or find time to do all the work required for this class. The only class that is somewhat similar to this class that I have taken in the past was in high school, I took cisco and became an A+ certified technician which let me work with computer a good bit.

The most difficult part of this class this semester i feel will be keeping up with all the posts and commenting I will have to be doing. Having a job and being full time student is not easy and this class will stress me out. The only logical way for me to be able to stay sane and put in enough effort for my school work as well as my job is to say organized and don't fall behind. If i do this I will be able to maintain a good grade as well as keep my job.

As for questions about this course I can only think of one for the time being. But as we progress through the semester I'm sure it will be answered, when we comment on the teacher and student's post do we have to wait for a response back? Like I stated I'm sure we will cover this over the semester and I am excited to see where this class will take me in the future as well as prepare for my future.
class room

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Practice Blog

Hi my name is Hunter Reid, I have lived in Mobile, Alabama my whole life. I graduated from Faith Academy where I played multiple sports and eventually received a scholarship for football. This was huge for me considering sports were my entire life growing up, and to some instance still are. I have two little brothers who are 18 and 7.

I have changed my major 2 times in the past 2 years. I originally wanted to be a sports journalists because I still love sports and that would be an easy way for me to stay around the games I loved since I can't play them anymore. But after being around my little brother and helping coach his different sports teams I have come to realize that I want to be a coach, and that is why I have changed my major this final time to physical education. I love working with younger kids and helping teach them what I know.
a picture of sports balls