This is How we Dream

I really enjoyed this assignment. Dr. Miller talks about how much has changed since he grew up. In his day, if you wanted to know something, you needed to open up a book. Now, if you want to know something, you can whip out your iphone and with the click of a button, you can get all the information you need. What goes beyond looking up the information on google, is finding a video or audio on the information. Therefore, you can either read, listen, or watch and learn simultaniously! There is pretty much nothing you can't do when it comes to technology. I also feel that Itunes U is a great idea. If you think about it, you can get ideas and information with others which can help a great deal when doing assignments for school. Also, Itunes U is available with the click of a button on your iphone. I plan to use alot of technology in my classroom. By then, who knows how much more technology will have grown!
It was kind of hard to get involved with the video by Michael Wesch. He seemed like he had a good sence of humor and was trying to be entertaining, but I'm not so sure it was working. He was discussing MTV and how different words caught on and how they changed. I really didn't pay much attention to this video to be honest. I just wasn't into it.

Alice Christie's Website

After looking at Dr. Alice Christie's Website, I found that the website design section would be the most useful to me as a teacher. I feel that as a teacher, it is important to make yourself available to your students as well as their parents. What better way to keep your class involved than a website! It makes it so easy for parents as well as your students to keep up with whats going on in the classroom. It would also help with keeping class grades up because they will always know what assignments to do as it will be posted on the website. The section in Dr. Christie's website gives tutorials and resources on how to create the website as well as great suggesions as to what you should include in the website. I definatly agree, and think that having a class website for the community is a great idea. I would recommend this website to anyone wanting to be a teacher.
After watching the video and learning about Itunes University, I was amazed! I didn't even think we were that technologically advanced yet. It is amazing to see what kind of apps you can have on your iphone or ipod touch. Now you can even learn anything all by the touch of your ipod. What I found really interesting was that some schools are using it as ways to give their lectures to their students. I remember learning when I was little by reading a book. We hardly ever got to use the computer. It amazes me to see how far education has gone and it also makes me wonder where we will be in the future.

All About Me Presentation

What I've Learned This Year

I really enjoyed this blog by Mr. McClung. He brings up many good points and valuable insight to new teachers. He tells you what to do and what not to do. It is common that before you start teaching, you have a set way of how you want things to go. Chances are they are not going to happen the way you want. The main focus is on the students and in the event plans do not go the way you want, take your students into account and fix it in a positive way. Flexibility is key!
Another thing is to not be afraid to technology. As educators, we are teaching children who love technology and rely on it heavily. It is important to keep up with technology because it could be a new and fun way to learn. Bottom line, Mr. McClung is opening our eyes to how the real world is when it comes to teaching. I would recomment this blog to anyone wanting to be a teacher!

Langwitches Blog

The website I chose to write about is the Langwitches Blog. I really found this blog site extremely interesting and insightful. A few things I enjoyed most was the fact that more and more children are becoming more familiar on podcasts, skyping, and blogs even at younger ages. When I was younger, I was cool because I knew how to work a VCR! Now children all over the work are learning to use skype, podcasts and blogs. Not only are they using them to communicate with family members (Long Distance Storytelling), but they are learning from them in their schools.
Using more technology as a learning tool is controversial. Some think it is more "up to date" and could intrigue students to learn to their fullest potential, while others think it is just something to replace the standard classroom including the teacher and the textbooks. I personally feel that technology is a great way for those hands on learners to understand the material they are learning in a better way. I don't feel that we should do away with textbooks completly, but I feel that they both can create a great learning environment for a child. Especially with all the technology we have and how it is flourishing all over the world, it would't hurt for a child to learn about it!