Last C4T

by: Kristi L. Jackson

Summary (ART VIEWER) 

My C4T for the month of April was incredible. His students' are extremely talented. I enjoyed it mainly because his blog is simply photographs of fine art. My C4T name is Mr. John Burrows.My comments consisted of various ways that I viewed each drawing such as, I observed the texture, the shading patterns, and other such artistic language. I am a artist at heart, so this particular C4T really captured my attention. Please visit Mr. Burrows blog!

Final PLN Report!

My PLN (Personal Learning Network) is coming along perfectly. Before we began this class this semester, I didn't know anything about PLNs. Now, I use this particular networking system for assistance frequently. My PLN helps me find pertinent information that will guide me through out my teaching career. I've learned how to really appreciate Symbaloo and Delicious. It is quite impossible to finish adding vital resources;however, I've organized my PLN accordingly and with relevance. Thanks Dr. Strange for recommending that we develop our on Personal Learning Network, it's a great way of finding, and organizing information, so that we can be the best teachers as possible.

Blog post # 13

When I was a child I carried a basketball every where I went,including church. Now, I take my lap top every where. I'll admit, I am addicted to electronics. My life revolves around my cell phone, my television, my lap top, and other devices as such. In essence, this blog post is the hardest blog that I've done so far. Essentially, I thought being without electronics was impossible to do with out afflicting myself and others. The first problem that I ran into within the twenty four hours that we were given, was with my cellular phone device. Several people, my mother, father, cousins, and friends left voice messages and wondered why wasn't I returning calls, or text.In fact, it cause so much tension that I had to literally explain our assignment this week, to each one of them.The second difficulty within the twenty four hour time frame that was given was with my television. Over time I developed a pattern of sleeping with the television on. However, for this electronic free exercise I sacrificed my grade for my sleep...so to speak. Lastly, I experienced difficulty with not being able to use my laptop and ipad freely. I maintain organization with my calendar via MacBook Air. I play music on pandora for relaxation, I use apps for exercise, and I use twitter  and facebook  for socializing (entertainment) purposes. While traveling I also love using GPS because it really saves time and gas. Without electronics, I'm sure I would be able to adapt; however, It would be significantly challenging.Overall, I learned that I depend on technology (electric devices) excessively to help navigate through this complex world. Additionally, electronics is apart of my everyday life;hence, this is the main reason why technology will be a vital asset in my classroom. In conclusion, the exercise is helpful because it is a operation that physically show you how much technology is essentially apart of our everyday life.

Post Project report on final Project # 16

Group Elite

So Far my group and I have made plans to begin thinking and working on our final project. We've been calling each other frequently, and our meeting is this Wednesday, April 25, 2012. I've been thinking about this project for about a week, and now I have many great ideas to contribute to our progress on project #16. I can't wait to show the finished results!

C4K Summary Month (April)

World Blog Challenge

I really learned from the World Blog Challenge. It really gave me an in depth understanding of what kids discuss while learning how to write better. I expressed interest to my C4Ks and I shared personal experiences.
The first comment that I was assigned to do in April was quite interesting because she wrote about Easter.Her name is Meghan. I wrote about shamrocks and my experiences as a little girl. In her blog she asked, "what was my favorite candy"? I responded and told Meghan that my favorite Easter candy are chocolate  bunnies.

The second comment  that I was assigned to do in April was incredible. Shannon is concerned about the war in Afghanistan because her sister is a soldier there. I am very empathetic about this specific topic because I have a cousin/brother in the army there, as well. She expresses in her blog about the amount of troops that were in Afghanistan. I concurred with Shannon's entire blog and I also gave her great advice to take along the way.

Finally, the last blog that I was assigned to do was appealing because it was also a video, about my favorite sport, baseball.  My final C4K name is Cameo, and he is working on his nouns. Cameo's video was great! He uses nouns appropriately on the video and he explains tee ball experiences.
Overall, my C4Ks were exciting, and I was impressed by the creative thoughts that these students came up with. These students are extremely smart and I had a good time with the World Blog Challenge.

Creativity and Curiosity: My Thoughts - Special Post #12A

CREATIVITY, CURIOSITY, AND EDUCATION

I am a prospective educator, I desire the absolute best for the entire educational system of the United States.Nevertheless, standardized testing does hinder our students and teachers, to some extent. The main reason why I believe standardize testing is definitely not an asset to education is because Its generally used to compare students test scores to their peers which can be detrimentally discouraging. Secondly, testing of this sort can be bias; therefore, this is an automatic disadvantage for students who are facing poverty situations. Lastly, the stressful pressures that standardized test creates is negative and can be harmful to students' well being. For instance, if a child anticipates that she has a test coming up, she might not be able to sleep because of the anxiety from being so nervous and afraid of FAILURE.Indeed she fails simply because she hasn't had the adequate amount of rest. Naturally,It takes a number of learning experiences to assess a students' true progress. This is why one or two standardized test a year shouldn't dictate whether a student is succeeding, or at risk. Failure is apart of life. It's a simple principal...if you don't fail, then you won't learn! On top of that, being afraid to fail takes away from being creative because you are so overwhelmed with the random thoughts of fear, that it literally steals your entire imagination. In fact, standardized testing has become so redundant that some educators have become obsessed with

"teaching to the test"

because even they have become overwhelmed with the likelihood of their students scoring poorly. All in all, I strongly agree with Leader,Author, Speaker Sir Ken Robinson's methods because he focuses on

"unlocking creativity".

 Sir Ken Robinson stated,

"If you are not prepared to be wrong. You'll never come up with anything original."

Overall, standardized testing is inhibiting schools in the United States because its extremely time consuming, it intimidates students and teachers, and it does not embrace creativity nor curiosity. It is hard to reach and teach a student who has lost his enthusiasm (curiosity). There can be a solution to this problem. We can implement a curriculum that keeps students entertained by learning. The key components would consist of discovering, practicing, and frequent assessments. Curiosity is said to be,

"The fuel of Development"

which is really significant, we don't want to deprive our students from this life long gift that helps us mature into successful hardworking citizens. Teachers have direct influences on students actions. For example, if a teacher is passionate about learning then the students will be.On the Contrary, if a teacher displays signs of apathy towards school, then the students will definitely reflect her behavior. In order to increase the curiosity of our students, we must be curious ourselves. As a teacher, the most important aspect of our career is to step out side of the box and figure out different ways to reach different individuals, successfully. Every individual learns at a different rate, and each person learns with different style(s). For instance, I learn by seeing (visual), hearing (auditory) and doing (kinesthetic). I might have a student who learns like I do, or I could have a student that is completely opposite. Regardless of their particular learning styles, I have to step up to the plate and build their curiosity which will lead to creativity. Hopefully, my fellow co-workers would support my decisions, and possibly adopt the techniques that I have developed to better their students capabilities.

Blog Post # 12

Blog Post # 12

Why is it important to decorate your classroom? 

Assignment:
 -Watch, Classroom decorating Ideas for Teachers from Oriental Trading and notice the theme, colors, relevance, students attitudes, creativity, and curiosity.

-Also Watch,My New Classroom by Ellie Gant. Write two paragraphs on how you would set up your classroom. What type of theme would you use and how do you think this will impact the students learning?

-This is what my heart thrives around! Please if it touches you the way it touched me write about it. Here is my favorite video on youtube: A Teacher's Prayer

 It is extremely vital that you decorate your classroom accordingly. Something as simple as decorating can make a huge impact on learning. Just imagine if you walked inside a classroom with black walls and no adequate light. It would be quite frustrating trying to learn in that type of setting. Furthermore, I've found two awesome videos to watch that are great, and involves creative ideas on how to set up a classroom, appropriately.
Classroom decorating Ideas for Teachers from Oriental Trading was extremely creative. I enjoyed the safari theme because she used light colors which convey feelings of relaxing. The students attitudes reflect the teachers attitude, they both were excited about learning.

Ellie Gant organized her classroom from point A to point Z. After Ms. Gant finished her classroom you literally notice the love and time that she dedicated. When I become a teacher my classroom will be extraordinary appealing, but not so much to where it distracts the students. I can visualize it...I would use an ocean theme because it seems peaceful and soothing. I love the sea, and I feel as though it would be an inspiring enhancement for my classroom.  I am a artist at heart, so my decorations will literally jump out in 3D to capture my students attention. I will create a classroom that engages kids to be enthused about learning.

Blog Post #11

ADAPTATION

"Give a man/women a grain and he will feed his family for a week. Give him/her the tools and he will feed his family for LIFE". ~Anonymous

It's our job to keep up with what's happing in the world as educators. In essence, I want to provide my students access to various relevant tools. My students will not be short changed! I'll ensure my classroom have computers, videos, audios, and a smart board, even if I have to invest in it.

Ms. Cassidy Does What's Best for her Students!

I watched all three parts of Ms. Kathy Cassidy's amazing videos. It inspired me a great deal, so much that I immediately tuned into her  you tube channel. Ms. Cassidy videos taught me that she is truly a extraordinary 21st century teacher. Her approach is simple. She basically takes various technology techniques and implement them effectively into the classroom in order to build independent learners. Ms. Cassidy is a wonderful teacher and mentor. She also has made an tremendous impact on the University of South Alabama, specifically course edm310, via Skype(Feb2010). Ms. Cassidy understands the importance of technology for students and teachers.

I will adopt and implement Ms. Cassidy's approach, thoroughly. University of South Alabama is shaping me to be extremely well rounded.  Furthermore, after I graduate, I will have no limitations on what I am capable of learning and or teaching. I've also been trained to address problems as they arise, accordingly. In addition, blogs, videos,audios, webpages, and smart boards will be incorporated in my class for sure. In turn, these tools will give the best learning endeavors possible for all individuals, which is ultimately my main goal.

Blog Post #10

DO YOU TEACH OR DO YOU EDUCATE?

According to the Wikipedia, to teach means to simply show, or explain to someone how to do something. In my own words, to teach means to show or demonstrate to someone various skills, and techniques, necessary for general understanding, however, not application. On the other hand, Wikipedia defines what it means to educate. To educate means, to present, or implement intellectual, moral, and social instruction to someone. On my scale, educating someone is far better, than teaching someone. As for me, I am remarkably passionate. As a future educator, I want to make a (positive) distinctive mark on my student's lives. I will certainly educate, rather than teach. In my opinion, teaching is just not enough! Our kids deserve to have instructors that are devoted. Devoted or loyal teachers are the ones who integrate lessons appropriately, especially with tangible situations. Practical examples enhance student's character. This is exactly why I want to become an elementary school teacher, because I want to catch as many little angels as possible, and demonstrate what a true educator (caring) feels , looks, and acts like. For instance,I would definitely not do this...upon entering the class, I ask my students to sit down, and I have "busy work" available on their desks, as well as no engaging activities. I just basically teach (meaningless) facts that I discuss all day. Can you say boring? In reality, I not only visualize, but I know my class will be conducted in this manner: first, I would began class everyday with a different warm up activity to get their bodies loose, and brains awake and working. Secondly, I want them to feel comfortable, so I would've prepared an educational game of around the world to get to know my students. After the first day, they would begin to tell me what they have learned the day before (writing or speaking out loud). I will also observe each student through out the day, so I'll understand what needs to be reiterated, or elaborated on (strengths/weakness). My class will not be predictable, or routine... every facet will be thoroughly thought of, and creatively established for productive learning. My two most favorite quotes from, Do You Teach or Do You Educate is...

"Intelligence plus character...that is the goal of true education"~MLK and...

"Education for the kindling of a flame not the filling of a vessel"~Socrates.

Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home

I honestly understand why Allison Kirby (summer2010) recommended this staggering post, "Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!". The general goal of educators should be to train our kids according to Blooms Taxonomy (evaluation, synthesis, analysis, application, comprehension, and knowledge). Nevertheless, some teachers actually try to manipulate their environment with false data. These heinous teachers reflect Ms. Gertrude character, perfectly. "Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencil's Home!", reveals the basic good teacher (Mr.Johnson) vs. bad teacher (Ms. Gertrude) comparison, in the sophisticated dialogue. Mr. Johnson basically dodged a confrontational argument with Ms.Gertrude. He does this with a very cool, and savvy demeanor. However, Ms. Gertrude tried her hardest to spark up the quarrel about what she read in a journal...if, students take home pencils, they have lower standardized test scores. This is completely illogical,yet Mr. Johnson comes to grip and calmly confront Ms. Gertrude, by applying a little reverse psychology. He literally altered the conversation...

"Let me finish. Schools in low-income areas often have students who come in with a mentality that pencils are to be used for entertainment. Their parents don't use pencils in their factory jobs and don't have experience using pencils in schools. Because the poor are often marginalized, clever marketers tailor pencil use in poor areas toward entertainment. So, they come into my class thinking, 'Cool, this is a toy.' But we can change the paradigm."

In essence, Mr. Johnson resolved the circumstance by addressing the solution, instead of the problem, like a scientist would. Mr. Johnson utilized the scientific method: he asked a question, incorporated background, he constructed a hypothesis, test the experiment, analyzed the results, and then shared them with Ms Gertrude, GENIUS!

This is EVIDENCE of the POWER of TECHNOLOGY!!!!

My niece is engaging her little brother (2 months) with a "free" app!!!!

Blog Post #9

(May 27, 2009) What I've Learned This Year (2008-09) by Joe McClung are pointers that I will utilize as I go in to my first year of teaching. Mr. McClung's experiences will definitely foster me in my teaching career. For example, Mr. McClung wrote about topics, in particular, which I feel that are all essential. At the Teacher's Desk, the main focus is to get the reader to understand just how critical it is to bring positive energy around students. I also learned from this topic, in order to become experienced, it will be extremely time-consuming. The paragraph, How to Read the Crowd is very important,as well. To know your audience will make it easier to relate and teach successfully. Mr. McClung reminds us to not have the lesson centered around us,teachers, but rather the students. He made a wise suggestion that I will hold on to,"Let the audience drive the instructor". It takes common sense to want your audience/students to be able to easily follow you, and can ask questions, to get caught up in case they miss interpret a section. The next paragraph explains how Mr. McClung had to learn how to be flexible through experience. He also elaborates on how there is no such thing as a perfect lesson plan. This simply mean that your audience will be different, and in essence you can never predict the time limit or sequence of events, perfectly. Your lesson plan is simply a guide, and not necessary to stress over, if there is mistakes. The most important concept to grasp as a teacher is to know how to improvise well, and know how to stay on track. In addition, Mr. McClung expresses his reactions on communication in his first year. He states, "communication is the hardest skill to develop". I actually agree with this quote because sometimes as a student, it is difficult to ask questions openly, first I'm extremely shy, secondly I don't want to interrupt, and lastly I attempt to ask well thought of questions. However, I have developed and evolved into a professional inquirer, because now I know how important it is to ask questions. The other topics discussed were quite significant as well, Don't Be Afraid of Technology, and Listen to your students. In summary, Mr. McClung's quest is definitely a learning experience that can help all teachers...in fact, I will incorporate some of his skills, and apply it in to my teaching. There were two comments that were especially distinctive. Threatt and Amanda's comments were inspirational. Amanda wrote Mr. McClung about the importance of adapting to your environment which was exceptional, considering what would happen that next year.

From 2009 to 2010 Mr. McClung posted, June 15, 2010 What I Learned This Year (2009-10). In 09' he describes that year as a success. Contrary, in the year 2010 he remained focused on his students, but he had many problems with the school administration. However, Mr. McClung did not let this distract him, in turn he adapted to his challenges. He also explained how he felt as though he step out of his comfort zone. My favorite quote, "Change makes you better". This is true! Facing difficult situations help you grow. Mr.McClung also elaborates on how to check your ego at the door. This simply means do what ever it takes to get your student's to learn (engaged)...that means if you have to act like a clown, don't be afraid of looking silly. The point is showing your students you are eager to teach, and learn, and you want them to be the same. Don't be a control freak, is another one of Mr.McClung's various topics. This paragraph is so critical,in my opinion, because no child can learn in a manipulating environment. I certainly learned a lot of pertinent information from Mr. McClung's posts, from year to year. In fact, his post motivated me to read more teachers' blogs,in general. I admire that he took his mistakes,turned them in to positive learning experiences, and shared them with the world.