Blog Post #10

In this weeks blog post we were assigned the question, "What can we learn from Mrs. Cassidy?" In the first video "Little Kids… Big Potential," Mrs. Cassidy focuses on the kid's reaction to the use of technology in the classroom. In this video, the kids are very enthusiastic about their use of technology. They explain in detail what they use (like blogs, classroom webpage, wikis, Skype, and Nintendo DS) to collaborate and learn in the classroom. They also explain why they like using technology in their classroom. I think Mrs. Cassidy conducted this video to give insight into the kid's thoughts on using technology in the classroom.

The second video provided (Cassidy 13 part 1)  is a conversation between Mrs. Cassidy and Dr. Strange about how Mrs. Cassidy began her journey with the use of technology in the classroom. In this video Mrs. Cassidy also teaches us how to include classroom privacy when using the web by posting student's first names and not last, and also by posting student's pictures but not matching it with their names. Mrs. Cassidy also believes it is vital for us to teach the students of this generation with technology. She believes that "technology is not going away, technology is here to stay." Mrs. Cassidy also explains that a blog gives the students an audience, and benefits their writing skills. She discusses that this helps the students because the comments that are posted helps them improve their writing. She also encourages educators to keep up with technology, and for future educators to develop there own personal learning network.

The third video is "Cassidy 13 part 2", and it is also another conversation with Dr. Strange. In this video, Mrs. Cassidy starts off by encouraging teachers that are new to technology to start off their use of technology with "using something they like." She explains that this will help them build their knowledge and use of technology. She also talks a great deal about the positive uses of Twitter and other personal learning networks.

The fourth and final video is a continued conversation between Dr. Strange and Mrs. Cassidy (Cassidy 13 Part 3). In this video Mrs. Cassidy explains that the classroom size and year depends on how much they blog. She gives details, and she explains that with a small group she can blog at least once a week and sometimes twice a week. She also explains that in the past, she has used blogging as a small group activity when the kids break off into their guided reading groups. She then explains to the physical education student on how a blogging could be used in a physical education classroom. Mrs. Cassidy then discusses the issue of plagiarism with another student. She explains that it is up to the teacher to allow their students creative ways to express their learning, and that avoids the use of plagiarism on the web. One thing I found interesting is that Mrs. Cassidy discusses how some school systems have their students set up a separate Facebook account for school use only. Then, Mrs. Cassidy answers a question based on the issue of protection when using the web. She explains that she encourages her students to always be positive when using the web, and then she explains that it is the teachers responsibility to teach the students "safe places" on the web. She gives extensive details on how to teach the students what external links are on a website, and how to avoid them. She then explains her biggest problem is that some students tend to play games that are not educational. Mrs. Cassidy also explains how as teachers, we need to focus on balancing our work and family life.

I think I would use more than one of Mrs. Cassidy's techniques in my classroom. I particularly like the use of blogs to improve writing. This gives the opportunity for other students to reflect and peer edit my future student's work. I guess certain impediments that I would encounter would be things like parental consent and federal funding. I feel like from a small town stand point, there are very few people that accept this new style of learning. I feel like they do not understand the importance of "change." I feel like the world is changing, and education should change with it. Also in terms of federal funding, small towns face dilemmas when it comes to educational funds. Most small towns in rural areas of alabama are unable to afford the equipment needed to promote this new use of technology in the classroom. I am anticipating many benefits when using some of Mrs. Cassidy's techniques. Personally, thinking about teaching my students by using technology makes me excited. I will definitely see the use of blogs in the classroom to be very beneficial not only for my students but also for my parents. Classroom web pages can also keep parents informed and up to date with what their children is learning in the classroom.