Blog Post # 3

Peer Editing
Well, I just peer edited my first peer. I have to say that thanks to Paige Ellis' blog post along with the other presentations discussed below, it wasn't that bad.
The video What is Peer Editing introduced me to what peer editing was along with how to do it. It explained that there are three important rules to remember when peer editing. One, it is important to stay positive. Two, it is important to be specific about what you are correcting. Finally, it is important to complete all three steps as listed in the presentation. The three steps are: compliments, suggestions, and corrections. The presentation went into specifics about what to look for when complimenting, suggesting, and correcting your peers work. I found this presentation to be very basic. Just what I needed to familiarize me with the process of peer editing!

The second presentation Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial gave a deeper look into how to peer edit. Like the previous presentation What is Peer Editing, this presentation provided me the three rules to follow when peer editing along with the three steps. These were described in great detail. Unlike the first presentation, however, the second presentation was non audio so visually I could read all of the steps described orally in the first presentation. Also, this second presentation Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorialprovided me as the learner with examples of paragraphs that I could practice peer editing using the specific steps outlined in the presentation.

The third presentation, Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes presented the same concept in a humorous way. This video filmed elementary students using the process of peer editing. The kick, however, was that the students on the video peer edited in an incorrect way, playing their role as a "Mean Margaret" or a "Picky Patty." After watching the other two presentations that explained how to peer edit, it was fun to watch and made me laugh quite a bit.

After watching all three presentations, I think that peer editing is an easy, useful tool that could be used by my students to teach them the skill of constructive criticism. Also, I think peer editing will encourage them to look for their own mistakes in their writing as to catch them before their peers do. Before expecting my students to use this skill I would present the skill to them using both the second presentation Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial and the third presentation Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes and/or another presentation of that nature.


Adaptive Technologies

For the most part, the advancement of technology has improved the way our society functions in many ways. When added into a classroom it can instantly change the learning environment to one that is interactive and engaging. This is especially noted in Technology in Special Education, a short video created by a teacher named Lacy. In the video Lacey films her Special Education students that she is working with. One of the students, Corbin, is a student who used to have to go out into the hallway during independent reading time in order for someone else to read him his book. Now through the use of an Ipod Touch and audio book, Corbin is able to remain in the classroom with his peers. Kris, another one of her students is unable to communicate in words. He typed her a message on his laptop. It read, "I like using my computer because it helps me talk." In Lacy's classroom technology facilitated student participation and helped build relationships by connecting Lacy and her students in a whole new way. She says that she wants her students to see the "value of technology" and to "transfer those skills into their work experiences".
I enjoyed viewing this presentation. I am encouraged to continue on in this class learning new skills so that I can one day employ these skills into my own teaching experience. Some of the ways that I would like to use technology in my future classroom, especially for students with special needs, is by the use of a SmartBoard that is interactive or the use of an Ipad touch and headphones for those students who struggle like Corbin in Lacy's class. I recognize that not all students in a class learn the same way. I understand the need for technology to enhance a lesson and will strive to incorporate it accordingly.

After watching the video How the iPad works with Academics for autism, I decided to check out the Apple Store and see what kind of apps could be used in my future classroom for a student with special needs. My little girl loves elephants so I clicked on a game called alphabytes because it had a picture of an elephant next to it. This app explores the 26 letters of the alphabet along with writing, spelling, and memorization. It allows children to learn the alphabet with fully animated interactions. In the area of writing it allows kids to trace both upper and lower case letters with their finger. Children are also challenged to associate letters with words or visuals.
I could use this app in a kindergarten classroom for students who are struggling to learn their letters of the alphabet, or struggling to write them correctly. This is a visually appealing and interactive approach that would be fun for the children to use to learn.

Vicki Davis's video Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts was a video presenting technology as a way to transform the classroom from teacher focused to students learning from each other. Vickie believes that in classrooms in which only pen and paper is used, only a certain amount of students will succeed. She believes in "customizing the curriculum" through the use of technology. She wants her students to "learn how to learn," work collaboratively, and to feel comfortable using all forms of technology available. She fosters this through the use of blogs, wikis, and new vocabulary in which she encourages the students to google the meaning of the vocabulary she is using.

I agree with Vickie that our instruction within the classroom needs to be enhanced through the use of technology. I do want my students to be able to discover things on their own and become independent learners. The amount of independence my students will be able to have is dependent on their age.

Project #5

Project #3 C4T

After reviewing Mr. Dean Shareski's blog post "Great Moments in EdTech History", I realize that I am not technologically literate. In his post, Mr. Shareski was reminiscing on the different forms of technology he used in the past two decades that led up to his ability to use technology proficiently today. Among the forms of technology mentioned, the digital camera, the blog, wiki, skype chat, and podcasting stood out in my mind because I am able to relate to them since I am familiar with them. However, FTP, RSS, and Live Streaming are new to me.

In my comment to Mr. Shareski, I explained that I was very ignorant when it came to leaving a comment on an individual's blog. It is a foreign concept for me to do what I would call "eavesdrop" in on a conversation and then add my two cents--what he would call "blogging." I also noted that considering I am an individual who is in my mid-twenties, I should technically know more when it comes to technology then him because of my age. However, I feel very ignorant when it comes to technology and almost ashamed to attempt to comment on it.


After reviewing Mr. Dean Shareski's blog post How to Make Better Teachers Part 2 I am reminded of the importance of self-reflection. Mr. Shareski attended a conference in which he connected with a woman named Heather who was sharing with him her perspective on the importance of self-reflection through recording yourself. Mr. Shareski shared this view and was reflecting in his post the value of taking the time to record yourself and how you can use that to grow as an educator.

In my response to Mr. Shareski I mentioned that I agree on the importance of self-reflection. I commented that I felt that if people would take the time to reflect on their words and actions that it would allow for positive personal growth. Likewise if educators took the time to record themselves teaching, they could learn and grow professionally by watching themselves from the perspective of their students.

Blog Post #2

No, I didn't know that!

After viewing Dr. Strange's version of Did You Know? 3.0-A John Strange 2012 version, I am left with a dizzying feeling. Did I know that technology was advancing at such an exponential rate and that China and India are out to kick our tails? No, I would say that I have chosen to hide under a rock for the past 10 years taking my simple computer and my "dumb phone" with me. However, I do recognize that the advancing technology does have an effect on our society and my role as an educator. I can not continue to hide from this, nor do I plan to; I agree that as society continues to advance in a technological sense, I as an educator in order to "keep up with the Joneses" (Joneses for the sake of this blog post being India and China)must continue my studies in this area and challenge myself to learn and apply new technology in my lessons. I get that. I am a little bit excited, I admit. It is the reason why out of the few classes offered this summer I chose to take EDM310 again to renew my certification.

(Side note: Dr. Strange, I am very disappointed to find out that we will not be working with Excel to the extent that we did in 2006 as I am in desperate need of knocking out my student loan and setting up a variety of spreadsheets for my new job as CCD director. Tweeting, blogging,and You tube videos are just not going to cut it for help in those areas. Now, Google Docs? You may be on to something!)

On the other hand, I have a hard time embracing this new technological age completely even if it means that we aren't keeping up with the rest of the world. I tend to view things through a different pair of eyes then the secular thinking world at times. I tend to gravitate more towards the relational aspect of our lives as compared to how well we are advancing as a society in the realm of technology. Relationally, I believe we are falling behind.

I would agree to some extent that technology has connected people in a way that is beneficial and pretty awesome for a lack of a more educated response. We can "talk" to people who are hundreds of miles away not only via an e-mail, but through Skype--which allows us to see the person as if we were actually there. Also, I'll be the first to admit that the amount of information I can find in the short amount of time that I have through the use of Google is incredible. I just used it, actually, to find out how to correctly use the phrase "Keeping up with the Joneses." There is something missing from the "good old days" however. Talking. Having a conversation. That is, the ability of the human person to relate with another human person face to face communicating heart to heart without the use of a cellphone, computer, or other technological device. I even have an example! I was listening to 1410 AM today (I love Catholic radio!) and the host of the show and a caller were talking about how teenagers now prefer a text message over an actual conversation as the way to get a date for the prom. Really? A text message? Isabella is not going ANYWHERE with someone who doesn't have the communication skills to ask her to the prom in the "good old-fashioned way" even if the Chinese are doing it in a more technological way. I suppose those are the same teenagers I observe when my husband and I go out on a date at a restaurant who sit across from each other in silence exercising their fingers on their cellphones instead of engaging in a conversation with each other.

What are your thoughts on technology and its impact on our society? What kind of impact has technology had on your ability to relate face to face with another person?


Awakening Mr. Winkle

After viewing Mr. Winkle Wakes I realize that Mr. Winkle and I could probably relate with one another. If I wasn't married already I might begin to wonder if Mr. Winkle and I had a chance at a future together. After all, I feel like after hiding under that rock for ten years I am reacting in the same manner as he did. Seeing as I learned from Did you know? 3.0 that 1 out of 8 couples in 2007 met online, I think we have a pretty good chance.
All silliness aside, though, I think the point that the creator of Mr. Winkle Wakes, Mathew Neddleman,was trying to make was that if we refuse to use the technology in our classroom that society is using outside in the "real world" (represented in this presentation by a hospital), then how can we expect our students to succeed once they have graduated and are off to pursue bigger and better things? By not running a technological literate classroom, I would be setting up my students to fail. Bummer. I guess it is time for me to jump on the technology literacy band-wagon if I ever have the intentions to return to the classroom one day. Don't worry, I'm taking Mr. Winkle with me!

The Importance of Creativity
After watching The Importance of Creativity I realize the importance of creativity being allowed in the classroom. The statement that stood out to me the most (which happens to be in typed form on the site) was "If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original." I think Sir Ken Robinson is correct in stating this. As an educator I know that it is easy to fall into the trap of following a formula in creating your learning environment. The system in a sense seems to encourage a systematic approach to educating the next generation. If you do x, y, and z, then you will get the result of that child becoming an adult who can function in the working realm of society.

I have even experienced this effect personally in the past few days while trying to re-organize the CCD program at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. (I started my job as the director of CCD yesterday.) Every time I come up with an idea, I am overcome with this sense of fear that if I try to implement the idea, it might not go over well with the others involved in the program. I get a creative idea in my head and feel a pull away from it and a desire to stick with what has been done before because of the fear that I might be wrong.

I have come to the conclusion that although I may not be in a classroom setting anytime soon in which I can focus on the advice given in Sir Ken Robinson's presentation, it is time for me to not give into the fear of being wrong. Right now as director of the CCD program at St. Ignatius Church, I can use my creativity to review the old program, flush out the old ideas that haven't worked in the past, and move forward in a whole new direction.

Disruptive Classroom
After watching the video Classroom Disruption I am left with a mixture of feelings. Don't get me wrong, the video was comical and I did enjoy watching it. However, I would say that the video portrayed two extreme examples of a classroom environment. With this said, I would like to discuss my likes and dislikes from each of the classroom environments portrayed in the video. For the purpose of this discussion we will call the high-tech classroom Classroom A and the classroom that was lacking in the technology department classroom B.

I'll start with my likes and dislikes of Classroom A.

First, I really like the enthusiasm shown by the teacher, Joe. I could tell from his body language--especially his smile--that he was excited to be there teaching and interacting with his students. I think that enthusiasm is a major factor in setting the tone for a classroom environment. Secondly, I like the resources that were available to the students not only in the classroom, but also to a certain degree, the various ways the students could access information when they returned home. Also,I liked how the teacher was involved with the students as they worked through the lesson. Finally, I liked how the teacher used technology to provide the students with examples of what he was teaching.

There are also things I didn't like about classroom A. Granted, it wasn't a video that portrayed an entire instructional day, so I'm left with my assumptions. First, I did not like how the teacher introduced himself by his first name. Just because we are introducing more technology into our classrooms doesn't mean we have to become more of the friend to the students as opposed to their teacher. I feel that by introducing himself as Joe, (Even Mr. Joe would have been better!)he put himself on the same level as his students. Secondly, I did not like how everything was computer-based. If the entire instructional day is done on the computer then when do the students learn the social skills needed for interacting face to face with one another without the use of technology? Again, I think that that is the primary downfall of our society entering more deeply into the technological age. Also, I had a concern with the way Joe used things like video chat, YouTube, Twitter, etc. to relate so freely with his students. In my opinion, the environment he was creating was too casual. Finally, although I believe creating an environment where students are encouraged to think for themselves, first and foremost I believe an elementary and middle school teacher is there to teach not to coach a child through teaching themselves. Content should be taught by a teacher as the foundation for skills to be built upon.


Now on to feelings of Classroom B.

There really wasn't much I liked about Classroom B because it was such an extreme opposite of Classroom A. The teacher in this classroom contrast to the other teacher was boring, disengaging, and rude. He lacked a connection with his students that the teacher from Classroom A possessed. His environment seemed slow, and if I were one of his students I think that I would have fallen asleep as well. I did like how the students weren't staring at a computer screen all day long, but the use of a PowerPoint presentation, Smart Board, or another interactive presentation would have gone a long way in engaging the students in learning the material. I liked how his environment was more structured then Classroom A, but again, the environments are almost too extreme to begin to compare.

My ideal classroom would have been somewhere in the middle. Why not create a classroom environment that has both the instructional time along with the technology. Human beings aren't robots. We are relational creatures that thrive in an environment where human interaction is taking place. Yes, technology is great but let's not center our entire instructional day on it. In order to create this ideal classroom environment I will need to continue learning about the new forms of technology I can incorporate into my classroom instruction where needed to spice things up a bit.

Am I just living in the stone-age here or does anyone else at least understand where I am coming from?

Goodnight! I think Nicholas has the right idea...

Wordle!

I like how the word teaching is pouring out all the other words onto the screen. :)
How do I make this image bigger? Any suggestions?

Blog Post #1

A Bit About Me

Hello all! My name is Brittany DeFalco. For the purpose of this class, it looks as if I will be going back in time to my pre-marriage days of being known as "Brittany Collins" because I am too lazy and not enough of a trouble maker to go through the process of changing it. I am currently enrolled in this class because I am seeking to renew my teaching certificate before it expires. I am a native to Mobile and have lived here ALL 26 years of my life.

I first attended the University of South Alabama during the years of 2004-2008, graduating with an Elementary Education degree in May of 2008. Two months later I married my husband James in July after dating for almost four years. In August of that same year I was fortunate to begin my teaching career at E.R. Dickson Elementary School as a third grade teacher. There was a hiring freeze that year, but because I had completed my student teaching at E.R. Dickson the principal at the time was able to hire me. Three months into my career, James and I were blessed with the news that we would be having our first child the following summer.

My first year of teaching was challenging due to pregnancy and inexperience in the teaching world, but it was an enjoyable learning experience that helped me to grow as a professional and prepared me for motherhood. When Isabella arrived in June of 2009 my husband and I made the decision that I would remain at home as a stay-at-home mom and would temporarily leave my teaching career behind.

Now, almost 3 years later, I have yet to return to the teaching world in the official sense, but am currently using my degree in other ways. Thanks to my hard-working husband, I am still a stay-at-home mom, loving every minute of mothering Isabella (almost three!) and my son Nicholas who was born in December of 2011. They are precious gifts from God who challenge me each day to become more of who God created me to be. Also, I am the director of the CCD program at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mobile. (For those of you who are unaware, CCD is the religious teaching program of the Catholic church used to teach Catholic school age children who are not attending Catholic schools the basic doctrines of their faith.)

As a creativity outlet, I also have begun an unofficial business called "Gifts from Above" of designing and selling diaper wreaths for moms who are expecting their own gifts from above. So, if you know a woman who is expecting, check out my website! GiftsFromAbove

After sitting through our first class this morning I realize what a challenge it is going to be for me to be a student again! I left class today with my head spinning glad to return to the mess in my kitchen, laundry on my couch to fold, Nicholas hollering for me to nurse, and my daughter Isabella refusing to eat her last bites of chicken on her plate. But, I do have a desire to teach again. If God calls me back to the world of teaching one day, I want to be ready--certified and all! So for the next few months, I'm going to suck it up, put my big girl panties on, and become a student again. With the support of my husband, my fellow classmates (the few times we meet), and a patient teacher (thanks in advance Dr. Strange!) I know that I can make it through and maybe learn a thing or two that I can apply to my future career.

Time Management

My kids and hubby are in bed and I have finally gotten a chance to get on the computer to finish my blog. (Oh, the life of being a student again.) I have a few thoughts I would like to share in regard to Dr. Pausch's video on Time Management. This is my first time ever hearing about this guy so this video is my only experience of him.

I have to say, though, I think that Dr. Pausch sounds and looks like the actor Jim Carrey. Anyone else have similar thoughts? (No, I am not a huge Jim Carrey fan.)
Also, I agree with his thoughts on the importance of time, establishing goals, and setting a plan. For instance, in order to feel accomplished at the end of the week, I set plans and goals at the beginning of each week of what I would like to get accomplished. I've learned that in order to be productive each day with two kids I rely on managing my time and not just "flying by the seat of my pants" (or however that old saying goes). Although, we do have those days too.
Time management is about making the plans and setting the goals--kind of like using an outline-- and just filling in points as you go along so as to not let time get away from you before you get anything done. I have experienced this in my friendships. I have friends who don't like to make plans because they are afraid of having to make a commitment that is set in stone. What happens? Weeks or a month passes by without contact. Time is precious, so let's make time for it.
I have a feeling that Dr. Strange was completely right when he spoke this morning on the importance of managing your time for this course. I could see how not doing so or doing so poorly wouldn't work out so well. So here's to my planner and a timer! But for now, I plan on going to bed.

Practice Post

My first post.