What I Have Learned in this Class

Wow where do I start with all the many things I have learned in this class. First I learned A LOT about Google. I did not even know that Google pages existed and how handy it is. Also I learned how to create my very own blog. I believe I can use my knowledge about Google and blogs in my future classroom. I really enjoyed creating my own website. Before this class I wouldn't know even where to start to create a website. Also Picasa was very interesting. I take a lot of pictures and I am glad I learned how to use Picasa because it is something I will keep in the future. I have really enjoyed this class and it gave me lots of tools that I will be able to use in the future.

Best Blog in 2007

The blog I chose to review was the second since my birthday is in February. The blog about teach learners with special needs was very interesting. There were resources there for teachers as well as parents. The different blog entries I think would be helpful for teachers because it provides You-tube videos,and also different equipment used for special students. It also provided links to different websites for helpful ideas, such as free picture flashcards.

Itunes University

Itunes University is a service for University students and professors. Itunes allows instructors to provide educational audio to students. This is a free service for students and professors as well. I think that incorporating Itunes in the curriculum is a great communication tool for students and professors. The class lectures are available for students by Itunes.

I think that Itunes are better used in the upper levels of education, not so much in the elementary level. They could be helpful with phonics for the young children but that is really the only way I could see this as being helpful to the younger students. If the Itunes were available to me as a teacher I would try to incorporate it into the curriculum as best I could.

Duke University's use of I pods

I found that how Duke University uses I pods was very interesting. The iPods enhance communication and education at duke. Each student receives an iPod and each of their teachers can download their lectures on the student's iPod. I think this is a big help to students, because some might have and emergency and miss class. However, with their iPod they are not behind because there teachers lecture for that day is right at their fingertips!

Disney

This was Mrs. Griffen's trip to Disney.

My Picture Change to Sepia

My picture with Sepia tone. Don't like this one too much.

My Picture Change to Black and White in Picasa

My picture in black and white. I actually like it!!

Using Blogs in Classrooms Around the World

My first class blog comes from an American teacher who teaches at a Technical High School in Italy. Her class blog is entitled bridging the gap. Her students use their weblog to discuss different topics and to familiarize themselves with other parts of the world. (hints the name "bridging the gap".
"Bridging the Gap

Paper's Future,Alas,Is Not Carved in Stone

I thought this article was very interesting and showed the change in education today. The author made humor in the discovery of the library being closed and all the students were pouring over computers. I believe it is true that books have been replaced by the Internet. Also any book that ever existed can be found on the Internet by the click of the mouse. I agree with the article in the fact that the world of print will be gone much sooner than later.
In reality it is hard to believe it could be a great possibility that within the next 10 years it will be very difficult to find a newspaper at your front door or magazine on the shelf's of wal-mart. The only way we will be able to find them is by electronic devices. I also agreed with the author when he stated that the Internet can not replace literature, and people do not want to sit at the computer for long-term relaxing reading.

Using Blogs in the Classroom around the world/ Part 2

The second blog I found was a informational source for teachers about using music to enhance the learning experience. The teacher,Caroline Molyneux, from the Balshaw's Church of England High School using music in her science class to help her students remember important concepts.
ScienceandMusic

Using Blogs in the classroom/part 2

The second blog I found was developed by a Senior English teacher at Mountain Brook High School, in Birmingham Alabama. The one thing I have found by doing this assignment is that teachers all over the United States use blogs in thier classroom. This teacher, Mrs. Caldwell, used her blogs as a way for the students to recieve thier daily assignments/homework. Most of the assignments were written. Website: http://mrs.caldwell0.edublogs/org/

Using Blogs in the Classroom

The first blog I found was Meriwether Lewis Elementary School's blog page, which was not just used in the classroom but the whole school. The school blog included a calender, upcoming events for the school, and each teachers classroom notes. The different blogs on the page varied from the events of the first day of school, to the community care day held in their town of Portland, Oregon. This schools blog is very helpful to keep the parents informed about what is going on in their children's school.

How I would use Alex

One reason why Alex would be helpful in my classroom is by giving me ideas of lesson plans and activities I could do. Also the web links provided by Alex can also help with my lesson plans. Since I plan to be an elementary teacher, the web links can help with each subject that I will be teaching.
I can also use the distance learning for my students who would like to take electives not available to them at school. Also, the professional learning section of Alex could be very helpful with grant ideas, learning tools, and even tips and tricks of teaching.

Alex

Alex is a website with many teacher resources and helpful tips. Alex provides teachers with web links and online lesson plans. Alex also has a wide range of studies in school from English Language arts and Science to Health Education and Physical Education.
Along with different lesson plans, Alex also provides many web links for teachers. It is split up by subjects and the links are found below whichever subject you choose. Alex also provides Distance Learning which allows the students statewide to take Advanced Placement, electives, and other courses not available to them in some schools.

Statewide Access Program

Access provides teachers with advanced diploma course and also additional course offerings. Another course provided by access is advanced placement or dual enrollment credit courses. Multimedia and technology tools for enhancement in instruction are other things access provides. Access delivers virtual online courses and a unique blend to teaching and learning about 21st century equipment.

The grant includes 85,000 for the purchase of equipment, training tools, and support. The distance learning courses include web-based, interactive videoconferencing and a combination of delivery methods.

My Weekend

My labor day weekend was a lot of fun. I spent most of my time laying out by the pool since summer is almost over. :( I also did a lot of shopping which i didn't really need to do. I also spent time with my family. Since I moved to mobile and started going to school I haven't really been able to see them.

My Stressful Day

Today I went straight from school to work. I work at a Daycare Center and I am in charge of the Pre K class. The kids were Terrible!! It was a nasty raining day and we had to stay inside. I kept running out of ideas to keep the kids busy. Needless to say the kids were like animals!

Rush and First week of school

These last two weeks have been very busy for me!! I had rush the week before school started. I rushed Kappa Delta, and I LOVE it. After the long week of rush.. School started. I feel like I had NO time to rest. The first week of school went great and I love all of my classes.