Project 12 Part A

Blog Post 10

What can we learn from Mrs, Cassidy?

Little People... Big Potential

    In this video, Mrs. Cassidy uses her class to explain how she uses technology in the classroom. The students explained that they prefer doing blogs over formal writing assignments. The students enjoy them because anybody from around the world can comment on their writing. Also, the students' families can comment on their posts. Some of the other sources that she uses are the class webpage, wikis, videos, Skype, and Nintendo DS. The students like using the technology, because it is something different than busy classwork.

Interview with Kathy Cassidy Part 1

    In this video, Mrs. Cassidy describes the way she uses technology in the classroom. She explains that she got funding from the federal government for professional development, in technology. Mrs. Cassidy has a classroom blog that the students use daily. She then explains that the use of video helps when teaching her students. When she uses her students' names, on the internet, she only uses their first names and mixes up their pictures where they are not by the right name. Mrs. Cassidy gave us a tip, we have to keep changing with the technology. She explains that her students' writing is better when used in a blog post, because the students know they have an audience. She also explains that Twitter is a good way to find resources. And her ending note for this video is that, as teachers, we have to always keep learning. 

Interview with Kathy Cassidy Part 2

    In this video, Mrs. Cassidy continues her points from the previous video. She explains that when making a technology plan for the classroom; start with what you love, like photography or music. Then, she explains that Personal Learning Networks are a good resource as well. Twitter is a good way to start a PLN. There are also other websites that can be used when forming a PLN.

Interview with Kathy Cassidy Part 3

    In this video, Mrs. Cassidy finishes her interview. She explains that her students blog at least once a week, in the computer lab. Some of the students blog more because they want to blog outside of class. One of the students, from the EDM 310 class, asked if there is more cheating when technology is used, and Mrs. Cassidy explained that when looking at someone else's work on the blog is not necessarily cheating, but collaboration. As stated in one of the earlier videos, Facebook, like Twitter, can also be a good resource to find educational help. She thought her students to only use their first names, do not post pictures, and never post mean comments, on the internet. And lastly, Mrs. Cassidy explained that she teaches her students to be safe on the internet, by showing them safe places to find information.

    Mrs. Cassidy likes to use technology in the classroom, because her students seem to excel when they know they have more than just her as an audience. In my future classroom, I plan to use her idea of only posting first names, for my students. I would not post any pictures of them, because it would be safer than mixing up the pictures. When using technology, in the classroom, I think one of the things that I will have to address is that my students will get off topic and play noneducational games. I would address this by speaking to the class on how important it is to stay on topic and learn as you play. I would benefit by using her approaches, because my students will be prepared for a world that uses a multitude of technology. 

C4K Summary 2

C4K #1
Jesus
    Jesus's blog post was about how he is job shadowing for a class assignment. He does not really like job shadowing. He thinks that there is no point to job shadowing. He explains that it is just like having a job, and that if he wanted one he would go out and get one himself. The only reason he is finishing it is because he needs to pass his English class.

   Hi, my name is Brandi Wescovich. I go to the University of South Alabama. Job shadowing is a good way to find out if you actually want to go into a certain job field. I know you do not like the idea of job shadowing, but some people would kill to have the opportunity. I wish I could have been able to job shadow before. Once you get through it, I am sure everything will be fine.

C4K #2
Justin
   Justin's blog post was about how first impressions are not always true. He was explaining that one time, he tried to talk to someone new, in his class, who really did not talk much. Justin thought he was mean and unfriendly. On another day, the teacher paired the two together, and they began to get to know each other. He finally realized that the boy was cool, and he was his first cousin.

    Hi, my name is Brandi Wescovich. I go to the University of South Alabama. I find it interesting that you could think that someone was mean and find out that he is your cousin. I had that happen to me once, except the girl was not as close relation to me. I find it cool how you thought he was mean and he turned out to be cool. If you would not have gotten paired with him, you would not know he was your cousin.

C4K #3
Jaxon D.
    Jaxon's blog post was about the book Left Behind. He explains that the book centers around what will happen after the rapture. This is undoubtedly a religious book. Jaxon describes the journey of the four main characters. They go through many trials and tribulations that eventually make them understand that they need to work together. I really enjoyed reading this blog post.

    Hi, my name is Brandi Wescovich. I go to the University of South Alabama. I like the book you chose to write about. I find it very interesting. You did very well in describing the book, in detail. Your description made me want to read the book. You would be good at writing the synopsis to different books. I think I will go find that book and read it.

Project 9

Project 9: Connecting Partnering To Current Curriculum 

Blog Post 9

   This week we were asked to answer the question "What can Teachers and Students teach us about Project Based learning?" I found this blog post to be very helpful because not only are we learning from teachers, but also the students. The students' perspective is important because they are the ones who are subjected to this type of learning. All of the resources below will help with the answering of the question.
    The Seven Essentials for Project Based Learning are important to any teacher who plans to implement this in his or her classroom. It covers the point that each student must find the project as personally meaningful. These also need to fulfill an educational purpose. When beginning a project the teacher should start with an entry event, such as a video. Then, introduce a driving question, formed from what was discussed in class. It is important that students pick the way they want to present their projects. This adds a creative touch; which will make the students more interested, in the project. Also, these projects help students build their 21st century skills, such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and use of technology. Instead of making the students just conduct research, it is better if they start with their own questions that lead them to sources. It is also important that at different points, in the project, students evaluate and critique each others work. Students need to present these projects to others. This way students feel that the project is more meaningful.
    Project Based Learning for Teachers is also a good resource to use. I liked this video because it gave insight into the many aspects of Project Based Learning. The video explains that students work for an extended period of time on a driving question. These types of projects help students with communication skills. This video also explains the how and why of Project Based Learning. This video is great for someone who doesn't quite understand Project Based Learning.
    I chose to watch PBL: What Motivates Students Today. I found this resource very helpful because it was students talking about what motivates them in the classroom. One student pointed out that he liked it when teachers tell him how well he did on a test, project, etc. Other students explained that getting good grades would help them. Each student explained which motivators were the best. Most of them described that, if they received something, like a prize, it would motivate them the most. These include things like candy, food, be able to go outside, stickers, school supplies, and brownie points. This is great to know, especially for future teachers, who have not detailed a motivator plan out yet.
    Ten Sites Supporting Digital Classroom Collaboration In Project Based Learning is also another resource I chose. There were many sites included that help students with collaboration. There were three that really stood out to me. One was Wall Wisher, because the teacher can ask students to contribute to the wall. Their thoughts are posted onto the board by individual post-it notes, so that each thought is separated from one another. The next one I chose was Google Docs, because we already use it for this class and I like to idea of more than one person working on a document at a time. And the last one I chose was Skype in Education, because the teacher can bring experts into the classroom easily.
    Two Students Solve the Case of Watery Ketchup is the last resource I chose. These two students decided to design a new ketchup bottle cap to help with watery ketchup. This was a year long project that they conducted. They used the idea of Project Based Learning coupled with the use of technology. They used the latest technology to design the new cap. I liked this resource because it was a great example of Project Based Learning at work.

Project 13

Group Leopard: We decided to do a lesson plan on making a natural disaster preparedness plan. I was in charge of sections VIII and IX in the lesson plan and I completed the lesson plan rubric.

Lesson Plan
Calendar
Rubric



                                                                                                                                                                                       

Blog Post 8

     Randy Pausch was amazing at inspiring people to achieve their childhood dreams. His last lecture video has influenced me to try and complete my own childhood dreams. Randy Pausch's childhood dreams were to be in zero gravity, play football in the NFL, author an article in the World Book Encyclopedia, be (meet) Captain Kirk, win giant stuffed animals, and be a Disney Imagineer.
    Pausch achieved all but one of his childhood dreams. He did not let this effect the way he looked at life. He achieved the dream of being in zero gravity, by winning a NASA contest with his students. He bent the rules to where he could actually join them in the zero gravity experience. He did not achieve the dream of playing football in the NFL, but he learned two very important ways to look at life. These two include, "When you are doing something wrong and nobody corrects you, that means they have given up," and "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." I plan to apply these two rules in my everyday life. Pausch also got to author an article in the World Book Encyclopedia. Pausch got to meet Captain Kirk (William Shatner); he explained that when he was younger he learned to value of being a leader from Captain Kirk. Pausch also got to become one of those guys that walk around an amusement park with gigantic stuffed animals in his arms. He brought out some of them to show proof that he actually won them, and he also let the audience take them home on a first come first served basis. Finally, the hardest of all, Pausch actually got to become a Disney Imagineer. He attained this by his persistence.

    There is a lot that can be learned from the inspirational Randy Pausch. I learned that you can not go through life as an Eeyore; you have to be a Tigger. Do not bail on something when it does not go as planned. Show gratitude to the people who get you where you are, and those who help you with the process. Do not complain, this just means you need to work harder. Look for the best in everyone; this one really needs to be practiced by everyone. And be prepared for whatever life throws at you. I hope that I can implement all of these practices into my daily life. These will make my life and other lives easier and manageable. Always remember, "Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things." 

C4T 2 Dylan Blain

    1. Sportplan Trial: In this blog post Dylan Blain explains how to use the Sportplan's coaching platform during his after school practices. He explains how you can use it on a Mac or iPad; this software works good with both. You can use this software to create drills and stretches. This software is good for anyone who is in charge of an after school athletic program or even if someone wants to make up a workout program for themselves. The only major thing about this software is that it is internet based, so it requires internet to work.
        Hi Mr. Blain, My name is Brandi Wescovich and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am enrolled in the EDM 310 course. I am in the Elementary Education Program, and I loved reading about the software you found. I am also a dance teacher after school, and I find this very helpful because I could use it with my dancers. I will also show this to the other dance teachers and see if they would use this in their classes.

    2. iPad Workflow's in PE - Edmodo & Google Drive: In this blog post Dylan Blain explains how in a PE class, the use of technology is not unheard of. He explains the use of Edmodo and Google Drive. Edmodo is a great tool that can be used to save work. This work can be accessed later by students and others. Students can upload their work to Edmodo after a lesson. This is a great way to access the students later. Blain also explained the use of Google Drive. The students can upload documents easily with Google Drive. The students can also make shared folders where others in the class can contribute to the lesson.
           Mr. Blain, In my EDM 310 class, we use Google Drive regularly. I find it is a great way to share items with others for educational reasons. I have never heard of Edmodo, but I will definantly check it out. I like how all of your posts are about using technology in a PE Class.

Blog Post 7

    Technology is rapidly changing. It is important that we, as future educators, learn to use technology efficiently. The best way to actively incorporate technology in the classroom is through Project Based Learning. This allows students to participate with his or her peers and others from around the world through the use of technology. When the students work in groups they understand the importance of working with others. I know that if I were taught with the use of Project Based Learning I would not be as shy as I am today.
    Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to Project Based Learning some of my weaknesses are that I just learned about it, so PBL is a new concept I need to grasp. I also do not know everything that can be utilized when it comes to PBL. A couple of my strengths are that since I am learning PBL, as a sophomore, I have a few years to practice before I can use it in my classroom. Also, since I am in EDM 310, I get to practice by being in a PBL group and completing projects throughout the semester.
    These videos gave great insight on how classrooms are changing, for the better, with technology. The video Using iMovie and the Alabama Virtual Library in Kindergarten explains the use of iMovie and AVL to help children. These Kindergarten students used the same iMovie trailer software that we use in EDM 310. These students chose a book and made a trailer about it; this is the exact same work that is equivalent to project #8. If Kindergarten students know how to perform this task every teacher should know how to explain and execute this project. Alabama Virtual Library is a great, free, source for each child to use. AVL is a resource younger and older children can use to practice research. If I had been shown this as a child, my future research work would have been better. The video We All Become Learners explains how, with technology, everyone is a learner. Everyone in the classroom is a learner, including teachers. Students are known for teaching concepts, mostly technology, to their teachers. As a teacher, I am all for the fact that being a teacher you have to be a lifelong learner. IPads in the Classroom is about how iPads help learning, not hurt it. One of the teachers, in the video, explained that using the iPad, is like taking a virtual field trip everyday. As a teacher, I plan to utilize the use of iPads if they are available to me. Top 10 Reasons to Use Technology in Education includes the reasons why technology is great for education. Technology allows children to become eager and excited to learn. I plan to use as much constructive technology in the classroom as I can.

C4K Summary 1

C4K #1
Ethan S.
    Ethan's blog post was about how he was participating in both basketball and wrestling this year. He explained that he only wrestled before, so basketball was new to him. Ethan also explained that he picked the number 5, to be his basketball number, after his favorite player.

    Hi, my name is Brandi Wescovich. I go to the University of South Alabama. I find it cool how you chose to try something new. I did not know you could pick your own number; that must be fun. I am sure you will find more fun things about playing basketball. Keep trying new things, that will help you later in life. I hope you have fun playing basketball and wrestling.

C4K #2
Lauren G.
    Lauren's blog post was about how her mother is her biggest supporter. She explained the relationship between her and her mother. Lauren also explained the life lessons her mother has taught her. She also explained all of the things her mother did in order for Lauren to have a good life.

    Hi, my name is Brandi Wescovich. I go to the University of South Alabama. I am like you, my Mom is my biggest supporter. We also have little fights from time to time, but what mother-daughter duo doesn't. My Mom has done all she could for me and my brother and I respect her for that. I like to see other daughters who are close to their Mothers, like I am. I hope you have fun playing basketball, Good Luck!

C4K #3
Taylor
    Taylor's blog post was about the idea of someone being stranded in the wild. Taylor explained how some people could survive while others could not. Taylor also explained how the scenarios could be different depending on where the person is stranded.

    Hi, my name is Brandi Wescovich. I go to the University of South Alabama. I have always wondered what it was like to be stranded in the wild. I know that if I was stranded I would probably not make it. The single reason for that is, most people do not have the training or common knowledge of how to make it in the wilderness. I feel that people should be educated on how to survive in the wild.They need to have classes in school; just like math, science, history, etc. I enjoyed reading your take on the thought of becoming stranded.

C4K #4
Damon
    Damon's blog post was about Bob Marley. He chose to write about him because of Black History Month. Damon explained how Bob Marley helped with the problems between Whites and African Americans. He ended by saying the date, in which Bob Marley died; with a note about how people still listen to his music.

    Hi, my name is Brandi Wescovich. I go to the University of South Alabama. I like the topic you chose for this Black History Month blog. You make a good point on  how race should not matter to people. Bob Marley is a good subject for this. His music inspires so many people.