Blog Post #13

I believe that Wolfram Alpha is a great search engine.  I searched the Populations of the United States, China, and India.  To my surprise the United States ranked 3rd in the largest countries with 309 million.  India ranked 2nd with 1.2 billion, and China ranked 1st with 1.37 billion people.  I was shocked at the population amounts for those three countries.  When I first entered a search on Wolfram Alpha, I was amazed with the instant results it gave me.  I would rather use this search engine because it is quicker and I wouldn't have to spend much time finding which exact webpage to go to.  I believe that this would be a great source in a classroom.  Wolfram Alpha would make classwork that requires answers from the internet easier to grade papers.  Also, a variety of answers would not be a problem when students are asked to find information on the internet. Wolfram Alpha would be the first source I would use as an internet search engine when teaching.

Missed the Metaphor Additional Assignment!.

In this post, Dr. Strange helps us to understand metaphors.  Metaphors are used to give information without saying everything.  They also add interest to reading. I was one of the students who missed the metaphor in Blog Post #10.  I believe I missed the metaphor because I took the post too seriously.  I was more focused on the content of the post rather than the actual idea that it was trying to portray.  I was strictly thinking more inside the box rather than broadening my ideas and think outside the box.  I can say it is harder for me to find the metaphors that haven't heard regularly. However, if it was something like "she nailed it", "she's so sweet", "i'd kill for that new laptop", or "he's chickening out", I would understand those with no problem.  I think the problem with me not being able to understand those quickly is because I don't usually read information that contains a lot of metaphors.  To help upcoming students understand and use metaphors in their future life it to integrate metaphors in daily lessons to ensure that the students will be able to understand them.

Smart Board Instructional #2

Blog Post #12

If I were to create a blog post assignment, my assignment would be to create a video at the beginning of the class.  The instructions would be to create a video addressing:

1. Their views on technology

2. Are the technologically literate

3. What types of and how much technology do they use on a daily basis whether it be FB, Twitter, Skype, cell phone, computer (desktop or laptop), iPad, etc.

4.  Their assumptions about EDM310 including the rumors about the course. :-)

6. What is the purpose of EDM310.

5.  What they expect to learn from EDM310

This video would be informal and must be at least 4-5 minutes.  When completed, post to YouTube and on your blog as "Why EDM310?"

I picked this to be a blog post assignment, because I think it would get the students to express how they really feel about EDM310 and not just what Dr. Stange wants to hear.  I wish this would have been a blog post assignment for Fall 11', because it would have removed some of the tension I had when entering the course.

Skype Interview! :)

Enjoy!!!

Mrs. Yollis' Class Blog!

While browsing Mrs. Yollis' class blog, I found it quite interesting and creative.  Mrs. Yollis using her class blog very frequently.  Not only is it for her use, but it is also for the students, parents, friends, and anyone who comes in contact with the blog.  I think that is a great asset because it is very informative for the students and parents.  Mrs. Yollis uses her blog extensively daily by integrating multimedia.  There's not a day that Mrs. Yollis doesn't post to her blog.  Such as when the students did the announcements, shows their class tree, and many more.  Also, on memorial day's, she dedicates the blog to the special people for that day such as Veteran's Day.  I loves how she takes technology and embraces it so much.  Another thing that I enjoy about her blog is how she envolves "EVERYONE", and not just her students.

Progress Report!! :)

For my final project, my group and I have gathered our thoughts for the idea.  We met early this week on Wednesday to agree that our final project will be about the effects of EDM310 on non-traditional students.  We will test record next week, and if not record the final the same day, we will record the final project the week after Thanksgiving.  The members in my group are Taylor Lane and Adrienne Babb.  #TeamGryffindor

Blog Post #11

First Graders in Ms. Cassidy's Class & Skype Interview with Ms. Cassidy
These videos were interesting.  Ms. Cassidy takes many different approaches in cooperating technology in her 1st grade classroom.  I loved how the children are only in 1st grade, and know how to navigate the different ways of technology easily.  I enjoyed watching this video, because it gave me hope to know that it doesn't matter what grade the students are in, technology can be taught and understood.
Also, in the interview Ms. Cassidy explains her technique of implementing technology.  A student asked how would she recommend adding technology in the classroom.  She stated to do what best interest you first and all the other would fall in place.  She also said to check your surroundings and see what your students are capable of.  Ms Cassidy even said for using technology in Physical Education classes would be great also.  Putting the game schedule up, making changes in practice times, etc. would be a great way to incorporate tecnology.  Ms. Cassidy also talks about how she shields her students from clicking on things that are harmful to the computer and to the students eyes.  She also tells them to only use their first name for protection on the internet.  Ms. Cassidy has a great technique of teaching 1st graders on how to use technology.  No doubt, I believe her students will come out on top of other students in the real world.
Watching Ms. Cassidy have her students use technology was a big "ahhhh" to me.  This is because before watching this, I thought technology should only be taught in the upper level classes.  But by watching her implement it in her classroom, it showed me that no matter the age or level, technology can be taught in some form or fashion, even if it is just introduced a little. No doubt, I will take Ms.Cassidy's input on implementing technology in elementary classrooms with me when I become a teacher.

C4T #3

Baby Steps
This post was about a woman named Ellen Graber who lives in Mexico who is explains her experience with trying to introduce technology and promote blogging skills in her country.  She has tried teacher training classes, all the way up to writing classes.  All she got was mainly rejection and resistance.  She realized that she could not change the school immediately.  So with her knowing that, she took a "baby steps" approach to the technology issue.  I enjoyed reading this post because it made me realize that not all countries accept technology and embrace it.  
I commented and said, "Hello my name is Ashley Cohen.  I am a student in Dr. Strange's EDM310 class at the University of South Alabama.  I was assigned to read you blog posts.  Now that i've read it, I was glad he assigned me to you.  Overall, great post! I enjoyed reading it, because you made me realize not all countries embrace technology like others.  I like the fact of you taking the initiative to try and implement technology heavily in the school system.  I really like the way you're implementing it by taking "baby steps".  Great job.  And you know they do say you can't change over night, it takes time.  Job well done! Enjoyed reading the post! :)"

Effective Professional Learning (again)....
This post was about the #elemchat session on Twitter.  In this post, the behind the scenes information was discussed on how the session is directed.  I enjoyed reading this blog post, because it showed me that not all the work is done upfront and there is some behind the scenes work.  I enjoyed reading this post and will try to incorporate #elemchat in my Twitter use.  I commented and said,"Hello. My name is Ashley Cohen.  I am in Dr. Strange's EDM310 class at the University of South Alabama, and I was assigned to read your blog post.  I enjoyed reading this posts.  While I was reading this, it was all new to me.  I loved reading about what happens behind the scenes! It really informed me about what goes on behind the real picture.  I never knew this session went on on Twitter! Thanks for the useful information.. No doubt, I will tune in when I am able. Great post! Thanks alot!"