Thursday, January 22, 2015

Blog Post #2


  • Mr. Dancealot
    • Central message
    • Case for conclusion
    • Agree
  • Teaching in the 21st Century
    • What it means
    • Argument Outline
    • Feelings about Robert's views
    • How I will be affected as an educator 
  • The Networked Student
    • Why networked students need a teacher
    • My reaction
  • Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
    • Thesis
    • My reaction to her argument
  • Who's Ahead in the Learning Race?
    • Question
    • Position in that race
  • Flipping the Classroom
    • New to me?
    • Useful to me as a teacher? Why?
I believe that Mr. Dancealot had more than one central message. In this video, I believe that the central messages were to always actively engage your students, and that practice makes perfect. The author clearly made his case for his conclusion that you must actively engage your students and practice makes perfect by showing the agony on the students faces throughout the video and showing the end result at the final exam. As seen in the video, the students were not actively engaged in their lessons. This lack of engagement made the class boring and hard for students to pay attention, making it difficult to comprehend the different styles of dance. The second message is that practice makes perfect. As shown in the video, the students never got a chance to actually practice any of the dance styles during class time. As a result, the students were struggling through the final exam that was open notes and open book because they had never practiced the dance styles. I agree with the author's conclusion that teachers should actively engage their students and to make sure to allow students to practice in order to achieve a level of perfection. The more you actively engage your students, the more they will learn. In order for students to achieve any type of skill, they must practice. The more the students practice, the better they will get at that skill.

Teaching and instruction has definitely changed in order to adapt to the fast paced lives of the 21st century. In the video Teaching in the 21st century, Mr. Roberts believes that teachers should do whatever they can to incorporate this new style of teaching. Mr. Roberts wants teachers to use technology as a whole in order to get students to be actively engaged in their lessons. Mr. Roberts has a clear understanding of the abundant amount of information that students have right at their fingertips. Mr. Roberts urges teachers to use these technological resources that are now available in order to engage our students in this 21st century style of teaching.

Outline for the Mr. Roberts argument on technology:

  • Teachers are no longer the main source of knowledge 
    • Teachers are the filter
    • Students use technology for a source of information
    • Curriculum shouldn't be focused on facts, content, or skills
  • Technology is not a distraction
    • It is a resource
    • It is a way to solve problems
    • It improves technological skills
  • Technology is not used for entertainment 
    • It is used to engage students
  • Teachers should provide meaningful and powerful engagement
    • Encourage use of technology
    • Shape lessons and instruction to fit this new style of learning
  • Incorporate technology into the classroom
    • To gather and discuss data
    • Introduce reliable resources
    • Get students to establish and evaluate work
    • Source of collaboration 
    • Beneficial for struggling students
I agree that technology is defining a new way of teaching in the 21st century. I believe that teachers should incorporate technology into the classroom in order to actively engage their students. It is evident that teachers are no longer a main source of knowledge. Teachers should teach their students how to correctly use these sources to avoid plagiarism and to know what sources are credible. I think the way that Roberts' thesis affects teachers today is that it should be the teachers responsibility to keep up with the constant advancement of technology. Teachers of the 21st century should understand that technology is a vital source in order for students to be successful learners.

A teacher is definitely needed for a networked student. Teachers help these students know how to build these networks. Teachers also show the students how to take advantage of each learning opportunity presented to them through networking. They teach students how to ask for things respectfully, and show them how to communicate properly. teachers teach these students how to properly search for information and vent sources. I think that teachers are needed in every classroom, even in classrooms that are networked. Teachers serve as a foundation for networked students. In order for networked students to succeed they must have a teacher to guide them through it.

Click here to view the "Networked Student" video

The thesis of the video Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts is that teachers should empower students to be leaders and teachers, and for them to connect with the world in order for them to enhance their learning ability. It also covered the issue that students can't learn from just using pencil and paper. I agree with this point of view. I think that teachers should learn something new from their students often. I also believe that school systems should do everything they can to incorporate collaboration and networking into the classrooms.

I think that the Elementary students are ahead in the learning race when compared with Dr. Strange's undergraduate and graduate. My position in the race would be between an elementary and undergraduate student. I own a Macbook Pro and I am good at using it, but I have never done what some of those elementary students have.

Click here to view Dr. Strange's "Whose Ahead of the Learning Race?"

Flipping the classroom is new to me. I think it is a useful tool for a teacher, but I also believe it should be used efficiently and effectively. If the teachers use flipping, then they should not make it a lengthy or time consuming assignment. Teachers should understand that some students don't have the resources available, and the parents do not have the time to make sure it gets done. Some parents have jobs that take up most of the day and large amounts of homework for kids that are not able to do homework on their own can be a handful. The positives of flipping the classroom are giving students the opportunity to prepare questions to discuss before class time and being able to listen and focus on the teacher's lesson from the comfort of the student's own home. This process will cut out distractions that are sometimes present in a classroom setting and help students stay ahead of what is going on.

Click here to view "Flipping the Classroom"

Kids engaged in lesson on computer, being assisted by the teacher


Click here for 11 simple ways to start using technology in your classroom







Saturday, January 17, 2015

Blog Post #1

Outline


  • Thoughts on EDM310
    • What I've heard
    • My fears
  • EDM310 Compared to my other classes
    • Project Based
    • More use of technology
  • Difficulties of EDM310
    • Video Posts
    • How I overcome
      • Be more understanding
  • Questions for EDM310
    • Assigments
    • Talking more with my teacher
      • Asking questions in class

When I attended my first class of EDM310, I did not know what to think. I've heard from former students that this class was very time consuming, but it can be done. They told me to make sure that I do my assignments on time, and I would do good in the class. I do have some fears about this class. My biggest fear in any class is not making an "A". I like to push myself to always do my best, and I feel an "A" is definitely achievable in this class. 

EDM310 is very different compared to my other courses I have taken in college. I have not taken any education course until this semester. EDM310 and other education courses are more project based than I am use too, but I like that. I am use to taking more tests and doing only a few projects. EDM310 is also a more technologically advanced class than I am use to. I have never made a blog before, so I am excited about that. I am looking forward to learning new things in this class. It is critical for educators to know the importance of using technology in the classroom. 

One difficulty I will have in EDM310 is doing the video posts and having to hear my voice. I have a very country accent, and hearing a recording of my voice makes me uncomfortable. I am not sure what I can do to fix my fear, but I could be a little more understanding about the fact that I'm not the only one that is going to be uncomfortable making these videos. I will just get over it, and do my best on all of my blog assignments. 

I am sure I will have plenty of questions regarding EDM 310, and most of them will be about the assignments. I am anxious about starting all 16 of these assignments, and I am positive that I will have a lot of questions to ask. What I need to learn to do is speak up in class more. I need to also get better about asking my teacher questions instead of asking my classmates. Going to my teachers and getting help in the lab is how I will be successful in this class. 



Nelson Mandela: Everything is Possible

Practice Assignment

Outline

  • Who am I?
    • Personal Information
      • Where I am from
      • Family 
    • Where I went to High School
    • My interests 
  • How I started attending USA
    • Location
    • The campus
  • Why I want to become an educator?
    • I love to learn
    • The Kids
    • The hours
  • Role of an educator
    • Teach
    • Role Model
  • My Passions
    • Softball
    • Helping others
    • My relationships
  • What I do
    • Best
      • Math
    • Need to work on
      • Maintaining my stress

My name is Kaley McManus. I live in a small town that is roughly 100 miles north of Mobile called Thomasville, Alabama. I am an elementary education major. I have a big family and divorced parents. I have one half sister, 2 half brothers that are twins, a stepbrother, and a stepsister. I graduated from Thomasville High School in 2012. My interests are playing any type of sport and spending time with family.
High school gradation pictures with Brett Criswell


I am a transfer student from Alabama Southern Community College. At ASCC I received my associates degree in science. I chose to attend the University of South Alabama mainly because of the location. I do not like to be far away from my family very long, and being at USA is close enough for me to go home whenever I would like. I also chose USA because of the academics and its beautiful campus.
USA Jaguar with Brett Criswell
ASCC Phi Theta Kappa team, Phi Upsilon chapter
ASCC graduation with Mom
Click here to view Alabama Southern Community College's website

I chose to become an educator because my goal in life is to make an impact on a child's life. I love kids, and I have always loved kids. I have always loved to learn and attend school. I hope to one day channel my love for learning and school to my students. I want my students to enjoy school and for them to understand the importance of getting an education. Also, the hours and vacation time that comes with this career choice is a great advantage.

Never stop learning


An educator is responsible for doing many things in his or her practice. I believe that an educator is responsible to actually teach by actively engaging their students in what they are teaching. It is impossible to teach kids by just standing in front of the classroom and lecturing information. I think a teacher is responsible for being a good role model for students. Teachers should serve as an example of appropriate behavior. Kids watch every move that adults make, and we as teachers need to be someone that they can trust and look up too. 

Teach from the heart

My passions in life are softball, helping others, and my relationships with others. Softball has been a huge part of my life. I started playing ball when I was 3 years old and didn't stop playing until I was 18 years old. I am also passionate about helping others by lending a helping hand or by just talking with someone about their problems. I am most passionate about my relationships with others. The most important people in my life are my family, boyfriend, and friends. I couldn't go through life without the love and support that they have shown me. 
Walk-off grand slam-2011
My Sister and I at the beach
My mom and I before my cousin's wedding rehearsal dinner.
My Dad and I, Christmas at grandmother's house.
My brothers, one twin showing off his awards and the other with his arms crossed.
My boyfriend and I

The thing I do best is math. Math comes easy to me, and it has always been my favorite subject. Something I am not so good at though is controlling my stress. I stress out over the least little thing, and it has really made a negative impact on my life. I try to manage my stress by singing, but I still worry about certain things.
I love math



I also wanted to share a little about my little cousin with Down syndrome. Her name is Allie Bethea and she is currently 5 years old. Allie is a blessing to everyone that she comes into contact with. She can definitely put a smile on your face in a heart beat. I love my Allie bug!
Younger Allie posing in the chair.

Allie swinging

Allie's sweet smile

Allie sliding

Allie's home made hat

Allie building a ginger bread house

Allie playing ball

Allie laughing

Allie and I at my cousins wedding rehearsal dinner.