Reflections

Image by Richard Cawood via Flickr

This is by far the best class I have ever taken at South, or any school for that matter! I learned so much is such a short period of time. The programs we used, many for the first time, will be of great use in the years to come. The techniques used and learned will also be an asset for every teacher. Even if they do not realize it now. During our final presentation, there were a few students who stated they entered this class not expecting to get much out of it. I was floored! How can you not expect to get something out of a technology class? Even if they do not use it in their class rooms (gasp!), they can use nearly everything we learned somewhere. I know I entered with great expectations, and was not disappointed. Dr. Strange was great. He never chastised you for not agreeing with him, unless of course your augment was not well researched or written. And Anthony and Jamie Lynn were always eager to help with any problem. I really liked having a fellow student helping out. Sometimes it was easier to ask them a "dumb" question rather than a instructor (no offense Dr. Strange!).
I had never used a blog of any sort before this course. Now, I think will always use one in some fashion! Several of the other programs we learned I will also continue to use. Like symbaloo, for instance. This is an awesome tool to gather and categorize all those bookmarks into one easy to use and access place. Also, I had never use a movie maker before. But now I feel like an old pro! I have always had a passion for anything to do with computers, and now I have all these valuable tools we have learned to take with me on my journey as a new teacher. Hopefully I can impart to my future students the amazing world they live in by using these tools. If there was anyone who did not think this was an amazing, and instructional, class, they might should think about a career other than teaching. Our "job" is to "coach" them and teach them how to think for themselves. They are our future, and if we fail, the world's future fails.
I am a lot more secure in my future as a teacher now that I have completed this course. The lessons are just too numerous to list. Working well with others, even the ones who are outside you comfort zone. That was a big one for me. We tend to socialize with like minded people, but this class helped me to remember that everyone is different, and I will have to interact with quite a few of them regularly!
One final thought. If anyone is just starting this class and is reading this, please listen carefully. Plan your time wisely! Develop a schedule that allows you to devote that suggested time needed, plus some! I found I was having so much fun learning, I often logged 15+ hours a week devoted only to this class. It may seem like a lot, but time flies when your having fun! Also, use the labs! Use the labs! Use the labs! Did I mention, use the labs? Anthony and Jamie Lynn are there for you. Use them to your advantage. Go everyday, even if it is for only for one hour. At the end of class, you will feel it was time wasted.
Last, but not least, I have to give all due kudos to Dr. Strange for guiding me, sometimes not so gently, along my journey. I hope we can stay in touch. You have been an inspiration, more than you know. Thank you.

God Bless Those Who Faught For Our Freedom!

Learning is Messy

Image via Wikipedia

This was a cool video. The beginning, unfortunately, was not a huge surprise to me. That is why I want to be a teacher. The kids really responded to the technology he use in the class room. The hands on stuff he did was amazing. Just goes to show what you can do if you put a little work into it. Very inspirational. And when they set up the link with Celeste, it made my heart melt. That probably meant more to that little girl than he will ever know. Any way, he was creative with his methods, and the kids responded in kind. Is not that the point?
Watch video here.

Blog Post #13

Barry Gartman's EDM310 Class Blog said...
Very nice use of the smart board. Until we (I) have more instruction on it, I can see points to the downside argument. But I can also see the potential of it. All it takes some searching for templates already made to spur the imagination! Then we are only limited by our dreams!
July 19, 2010 9:14 PM
Katie's Video

Barry Gartman's EDM310 Class Blog said...

Excellent answer to the first question! Yes, they are expensive, but put in place of whiteboards, handouts, overheards, etc. they rapidly become cost effective!
This a very good video for the smartboard! Lots of information, just wish you would have provided links to the sites you found mentioned in this post. That would have been cool!
One question...is this a podcast or a video with bad lighting?

JULY 19, 2010 9:27 PM

Tyler's Video

Barry Gartman's EDM310 Class Blog said...

I also was impressed with her knowledge. She got me hooked on Symbaloo! I use it for my PLN, also.
I like your sentence. God has a plan for each of us and He wants us to succeed in it!

July 19, 2010 9:36 PM

Kimberly's Video

Final Project

This was such a learning experience for me and my group. We learned a lot from this exercise, not to mention the rest of the class. It was such a blast! Incredibly fast paced, but manageable. Caleb's Blog is up and running, and I intend to help him keep it updated. He is already getting email from family, and is very excited.
Feel free to visit him here.

Teach Someone

Zemanta

Image via Wikipedia

Just found this really, really cool program called Zemanta. If you look at the bottom of my post where it says "Zemified", there is a link to it. Really makes posting unique and fun!

Blog Post 12, #2

Image by Old Shoe Woman via Flickr

This seems like a really cool program to do projects, if you were a math or geometry teacher! But, alas, I'm history, so I'm not sure how it would pertain to my chosen field. But I did watch 4 videos because I liked the program. My background is in AutoCadd!
Video #1, video #2, video #3, and Video#4

My New and Improved PLN

Image by *janine* via Flickr

I chose to use Symbaloo as a starting point for my PLN. It is a cool program to organize all your bookmarks into one easy to search and use place. I have already inserted the standard stuff from class, like my blog, class blog, Dr. Strange's blog, Anthony's Blog, and of course Mr. McClung's blog. I also have some links to technical sites dedicated to teachers. Right now it is still pretty basic, but I am adding as I feel I have reached new contacts that will broaden me intellectually. I have decided to not only add like minded contacts, but also people/teachers with a different approach then me, just so I can have a fresh look. I feel that you should always be learning, and sometimes that means listening to opposing points of view. So I am adding to my PLN semi-regularly!

Blog Post12

Barry Gartman's EDM310 Class Blog said...
You have matured a lot in the last year. I hope I do as well in my first two years. I too, am terrified about the relationships with the other teachers. How will they like me? Will they shun me for being technological literate? These and many more questions swirl in my head every day.
Good catch on the difference from middle to jr. high schools. This is a very frightful time for most young people, and we need not pile it on by giving extra grief and stress. But it is also a time where they need firm direction and a sense that you really care for them. That you have their best interest at heart.
Anyway, nice to hear from you and your first two years. I plan on following you regularly as I graduate in less than two years. Maybe by then you will have it figured out, or at least know what not to do!
July 7, 2010 9:27 AM

Questionaire

Blog Post #11

Ms. Cassidy is really cool. She seems to have a good grasp of how to use technology in the class, and her hints on how to get the administration behind you were very instructive. As I have said before, I think the biggest obstacle we will face will be the entrenched establishment. If we can navigate beyond that, the kids will respond eagerly. That has been proven to me repeatedly. Overall, a good post, like the others. Dr. Strange, or his staff, must put in a lot of time finding these people. Or, this "technological literate" teacher thing has grown more than I thought...which is a good thing!
Click here to view her class blog video.

Final C4K

This was a pretty cool video. He put in the required information, and I'm sure he's proud of it. But, and I'm not trying to be critical, but the video seemed to me to be more about him than the minerals. Which is not really a bad thing, just wondering what the assignment guidelines were. Anyway, overall, I would have given him a B or B+. The beginning of the video have sound issues and at times you could not hear the relevant conversation. Other than that, I liked it!

Click here to view his movie. It is the second one down.

My Sentence

Did I learn anything today, or did I waste it?

Blog Post #10

This a very sharp girl. The technology she uses, Symbaloo, is very cool. I have created me an account, and am trying to customize it for my own PLN. It is not as advanced by far as hers, but I am working on it!
The methods for teaching in her class seem to be very effective. You can tell she is excited about the course work, and has put a fair amount time into it. I bet not many of her other teachers can say that!
Click here to view our her movie.

C4K #3, Report

This was a short post. It was Mr. Clung asking his students to keep their eye on the ball, as the school year was about to end. So, he added a song from Cake! Going the Distance. Very appropriate for the situation. And he put a little background in about the band. Always the teacher!
Please click here to view and enjoy!

Blog Post #9

This is very damning to the dominate education establishment. But it is also right on target. The establishment better get with the program, or they will be no longer needed. Information is readily available in an instant on any subject. The days of "selling" this information and providing a pay check for it, are rapidly approaching their end date. Sadly, I am postulating the establishment will have to be drug kicking and screaming into the new realm of technological education. They will be forced back to the basics of "how" to educate, not "what" to educate. Or they will become obsolete. Is that not how it all started in the first Universities? Students gathered and exchanged ideas, and learned how to think. Now, all you do, even (especially ?) at the college level, is regurgitate the supplied information on a standardized test, and promptly forget it. Can someone please explain to me why this system cost so much?

Smartboard Project

Interview

"What I have learned this year"

This guy has the right attitude to be a teacher. We must not let the bumps in the road get us down, too many students depend on us. He has a lot of valuable information on what to expect, and not expect. All kids are different, as well as teachers. That is how God made us. If we stay informed, keep learning, and evolve our methods regularly, we can make the difference in many lives.
I have very high expectations for my career as a "coach" (thanks Dr. Strange) for the students because I feel I too have the right outlook to be truly successful. I'm not looking for perfect students in a perfect school. The world is not perfect. But that is not an excuse to not be active in the process of guiding our youth on a course that benefits them, as well as society in general. And anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that hardly nothing ever gets me down and I refuse to ever give up on anything! If I get stumped going one path, I just keep going till I finally get there. And I am not scared to get help if needed, which is quite often!
Man, I am so psyched right now!

Randy Paush's last Lecture

This is a truly amazing person. He is so right on many levels. I really liked the sports analogies. I also coach youth sports as a hobby, but it has become much more for me. Most of the kids I see have little if any encouragement in their life, and any I can give them, I do.
Also I am a firm believer is setting the bar very high. If you set it low, that is all you get. Poor performance with no meaningful input. If you set it over their heads, they will most always find a way to get over it. They may not be able to jump that high, but kids are very resourceful and they will usually find a way.
Also the part about if someone is not getting on to you, they have "checked out" on you is true. As a coach, and future teacher, I know this to be true. The kids may not like it now, but I have had parents come to me and say "My child says he will never play for another coach. He didn't even like football!" That is an amazing feeling.
The part about self reflection was awesome! One of the hardest things to do, let alone teach! But if we can find a way to do it respectfully, man what a gift!
My grand dad used to tell me that presentation is everything. He was right! You could tell your wife, "Honey, when I look into your eyes, time stands still." Or, you could say, "your face can stop a clock!" Both say the same thing, but presented oh so differently!
The brick wall thing was cool, too. Also, people who inspire you to climb/break/dig it! There are far too many kids today who do not have that in their life. My dad, was a good man, but he was human none the less. My mother should be nominated for sainthood. If I could provide just one child a glimpse of what God has in store for them, of how great they are supposed to be, I could repay her.

Video Post #2

Blog Post #6

This is how we dream
This video just blew me away. The technology used is amazing. Students of tomorrow (today?) will learn like this. We had better be prepared if we want to keep up as educators.
The part that stuck with me was "the only limit to the technology is us". That is so true. The pace of improvements in all technologies is breathtaking. I remember the Commador 16 where you had to input the program and it hooked to the tv set! Look at what it can do now! It is a snowball effect. The more it advances, the faster it advances.
I may not be able to write multimedia like this now, but I am willing and able to learn how. I have to be, because my students will be.
The Networked Student
This is how I see the "iSchools" of tomorrow. Sadly, I feel many in the education establishment will not be happy with the change, but change it must.
The days of going to a building and sitting in a class with a book are rapidly coming to an end. But not soon enough for me. I think learning like this will greatly improve learning for most if not all students.
Like I said earlier, I may not be ready to teach like this now, but I am willing to learn. I feel the teachers in this environment will be more of a coach (thanks Dr. Strange) than a teacher. We will help them navigate the massive amounts of information so they do not get side tracked (a very real possibility) and collect it in a meaningful way. I am so excited to get going!
Toward a new future: Michael Wesch
This dude is smart. He has obviously put a lot of thought and time into this subject. I am a little (very little!) older than most students, and I have witnessed the changes in culture he is talking about. I am interested to see how the world and culture will change by the time my kids grow up. Will they even have to "see" people to communicate? The future is very exciting indeed!

C4K 1

This was cool video about Australia! My wife and I have always wanted to visit there, and now I really want to go! And that song will stuck in my head till I do!
I am a student at University of South Alabama, USA, and am commenting for a class assignment. Feel free to Click here to view our class blog.

Link: Click here

My PLN

It took awhile for me figure out what a PLN was. For some reason, after I watched the video I was under the impression that a PLN was tangible program, like symbaloo (used in the video). But then I realized it is a network of people that I feel will help advance my knowledge of just about any subject. For this class, it will be for technology and education. Since I am very new to this, my PLN will be limited to my instructors, classmates, and assigned C4T. But I can see the benefits of having something like this, and plan to rapidly expand!

Blog Post #5

This was a really cute movie that highlights a very real problem with the population at large today. Social norms now dictate you do not have to put in much effort for success and if you fail, no worries. The government will take care of you. I liked how "Chipper" went through all the phases, and finally realized if you want something in life, you will have to work for it.
The "EDM310 for Dummies" was another cute movie. Is this for real?
How about a movie about using the lab times more often? I am usually one only 3-5 students in there on Mondays and Wednesdays. Could this be some of the problems of those behind?

Blog Post #5 (Question #1)

I read both of these articles, and had a hard time containing my usually awesome demeanor! The first guy was not even a teacher! How can he bash something he has little if any knowledge of? But after reading more, I could see some of his point...some. I started to form the basis of a theory for their adversity the more I read. By the time I had finished the second, I had confirmed my suspicions.

So, I turned to my trusted Goggle, and guess what? I immediately found my counter argument, with a verified study to back it up, no less! Now that's cool. Click here for the full article. If the "teacher" does not use the whiteboard effectively, it will not be effective. This study backed article proved my suspicions, which are also backed by Dr. Strange. The "teacher" must be an interactive "coach" to the ones doing the learning, not force feeding the information so it can be "burped backed" on the standardized tests.

Video Post #1

Blog Post #4

After review the required articles on pod casting, I can definitely see the benefits of using this fairly new and ever improving technology. There does not seem to be a limit, that I can see, to the uses in an educational environment. If a student has to miss class for any reason, it is no longer a major hassle to arrange for makeup help, or making sure the student gets the information missed in a timely manner. The student can just listen to the podcast! How cool is that?
Also, if the students are involved in the production of the podcast, they will absorb the information more easily, and retain it much better. All students learn better if the material is interactive, and fun! This is a proven fact from more than one source. And they will get that awesome feeling of accomplishment, something many of them will have for the first time.
Curriki
This was probably the best source of info for me, next to the YouTube video. The site was full of information, and all of it was written for the new user, but still technical enough to make sure you got everything you need to create a very nice podcast.
I liked it so much I added it to my bookmarks!
Eagle Nest Radio & Class Blog You can just see the excitement on their little faces! There is no doubt that most, if not all, will remember this class assignment for a very long time. I can remember being in History class in the third grade, and how boring it was. And I had an excellent teacher! But with this new (to me) technology called podcast, the students are now "living" the subject. This they will relate too.
It is easy to see why the students are so enamored with this, and the teacher need a "cu dos" for originality in making learning fun!
Landwitche's Blog
I can already see the "look" talked about, the one you get from parents and administrators whenever the subject of technology comes up. I plan to incorporate as much technology into my curriculum as will be allowed.
Having this information on how to explain to the "brass" (school administrators) and the "customer" (parents) the phenomenal benefits of using this, and any, technology will be of much use!
Wise Women (The Best Article Everyday)
This too was a very helpful post with many links to show how to effectively use a podcast. I have never done anything like this before. I was a little intimidated at first, but after reading this, I felt like I could give it a go. The article starts with the basic stuff, and moves all the way up to the more advanced podcast.
I'm kinda glad we are restricted by time during this summer semester, but this is one thing I wish we could have left in. I think it would have better than "timetoast"!

My Children's Life

Don't Teach Your kids This Stuff. Please?
Very nice post that brings out the argument of classroom technology in a sarcastic manner. I, too, believe that kids need all the technology instruction they can get. This means they will also have to be taught about the pros and cons of the net. We cannot keep their head in the sand, and they will learn it without us. My children were taught from a young age that the world is full of good, and bad, people. That does not mean I keep them at home under lock and key.
The iSchool Initiative
This is a very good argument, and even better presentation, from a young man who has obviously put a lot of thought and work into it. He makes a good case for replacing the traditional school with an ischool. Yes, as presented, it would save bundles of money, something most school systems need. But I don't think class material is the root of the school systems money problems. The outrageous perks of upper management is. Try to name any business model that has the layers and layers of management of the school systems and is also fiscally sound.
Also, one aspect of the traditional schools is totally overlooked, one which is crucial to proper development of our youth...the social skills learned.
The Lost Generation
The presenter makes a good argument, from the the perspective of youth. I also have a lot more faith in the youth of today than the "experts." The values that made this the greatest country the world has ever witnessed were taught at home, by the parents (dad and mom), and reinforced in the schools. There is a movement here today to return to this proven method. If only our government would get out of the way!
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
WOW! The major obstacle to any great choir was getting all the participants in the same place at the same time. This process can be time consuming and expensive. Eric's brilliant use of the Internet fixes this problem nicely. The possibilities are endless!

Barry's Awesome Presentation!

Class Blog #2

Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
Students today are really plugged in to the information highway, in more ways than one. The tools we are learning in this EDM310 class will show us how to connect with them on a level they are accustomed to. They already have the skills, they just have have to shown how to apply it to learning.
The part about American kids having so much in relation to other parts of the world is so true. I have been to several foreign countries during my time in the military, mostly third world. The kids in the film acknowledged this fact, but I'm not sure they truly understood. Unless you have seen the plight of a third world nation, you really can not grasp their situation. I have seen children trying to learn, 20-30 per book, no building, untrained instructors. But they do the best they can with what they have. I have yet to hear a plausible explanation as to why we do not lead the world in education with the wide spread technology readily available here.
I could relate to the part about text books being required and not being used.
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher? This post I really enjoyed. I too have had my share of technological illiterate teachers. In today's world, this is a must. Students now are using this stuff all the time and vary good at it. Why teachers are not using it more is beyond me. It seems a natural course of action.
There was a post to this blog that caught my eye by Kern Kelly. It talks about using students to help the teachers to over come technological questions. That's teaching! Nice!
Gary Hayes Social Media Count
What does this mean to me as a new teacher? If I (every new incoming teacher) does not get with the program, we will be left behind. Kids are probably 75% + of the increases. We must adapt this to a learning environment they will comprehend, and embrace. My eight year old son knows as much as I do about computers, and I label myself literate! They get it SO fast!

c4t #1, 2, & 3

I enjoyed reading your blog on this subject. I am a college student training to be a teacher, and this is very valuable information to have. I have two really smart children who would benefit from this system. I believe each child should have the maximum learning opportunity, not be left in an under preforming class to "raise their score".
Click here to view our class blog.

Barry Gartman says:

June 20, 2010 at 01:49

Very nice article on using your brain to solve a problem. I am a student at the University of South Alabama, and an aspiring teacher. I hope to one day use techniques like this to solve problems within the field of education. Feel free to Click here to view our class blog.

Barry Gartman says:

June 23, 2010 at 18:24

Wow! Sad I missed this! I am new to the idea of PLN’s, and from from what I gather, it is not supposed to be a cheer leading group for me. How can I improve my craft if we are all the same. We all learn valuable lessons from opposing views. That is the true beauty of a PLN. Andy and Nick could learn a lot from each other if they just stepped back, took a deep breath, and really listened.

Weekly Post #1

Did You Know? 3.0
I could not help but to think that we must be getting close to end times as stated in the Bible. The global flow of information, and explosion of it, was written about over three thousand years ago.
It also seems to me that the USA better get away from its dumbed down, Union dominated school curriculum, and get with the program! During the Industrial Revolution, we were the Gold Standard. Sadly, that does not seem to be case anymore.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
Mr. Winkle must of been amazed at the all the new inventions! The more technology advances, the faster it improves. I remember when computers did not have hard drives...you hat to input your program, then run it. If you shut it off, the program was gone! Any one remember "bag phones"?
One hundred years from now, the world will not be recognizable to any of us!
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
WOW! Ken is SO on target, it is scary! This is the sole reason I am joining the education field. I truly believe schools today "teach the test" in order not to lose federal funding. How is this beneficial to the children? To society?
My eight year old son, Caleb, has consistently tested in the top 98 percentile...and every year his teachers want us to have him tested for ADHD! Incredible! (We refuse, of course.) We encourage his creativity and enrolled him in a private school that DOES NOT stifle it.
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
This is so how I feel. Teachers should not be telling students what to think, but rather "coaching" ( to borrow Dr. Stranges' term) young developing minds how to think.
If the education establishment in this country was serious about "teaching", they would all be in this camp, and the USA would once again be the Gold Standard!

WHOOOO HOOOO! Learning Greek!

I am so lost right now...Dr. Strange seems to be speaking greek!

First blog ever!