Final Report on Personal Learning Network

 My Personal Learning Network consists of pmcclulum@mosspointschool.org, yahoo, Skype, google docs, google hangout, youtube, twitter, gmail, and blogging all found in Symbaloo.

Project #2 Project Learning Network

You Tube, Twitter, gmail, and Blogging are entries to my Personal Learning Network located in Symbaloo.

Blog Post #16 Final Reflection - What Would You Change in Blog Post #1?

What would be the methods of teaching you would emphasize?
I would combine traditional teaching and technology together. I feel it is important to keep handwriting skills in existence. Technology has it’s place in education, but I will have a “no technology zone,” in the classroom.

What tools would you use?
The grades that I will teach is K-3, my tools will be the chalk and chalkboard, computers, Smartboard, iPads, and hopefully the ability to Skype.

What tools would your students use?
I would like my students to use computers, iPads, links to iCurio, links to Discovery Ed, the Smartboard, and Blogging.

Think about the learning in your classroom.
The learning that I can visualize in my classroom is where my students are interested in what they are learning. I let them know that what we are doing in the classroom, your parents will see, when they look in their computers at home. I feel this will be a motivator for my students, to want to do their best because they know others will be looking at what they are doing.

How would I change what I wrote about this subject at the beginning of the semester?

At the start of the semester I was clueless of the changes in the classrooms. The first thing I would change is the picture of the classroom I held in mind of many years ago. I would put the use of computers, Smartboards, iPads, and Blogging in my writing.

Technology has enhanced the teaching profession. The cry of, “We have got to teach differently, to reach our students,” has been answered. Thanks to the adding of technology, education is now more transparent. Parents and communities can see what happens in the classrooms.

I have grown tremendously, since the first Blog on this subject.

Project # 8 Book Trailer

Blog Post # 15 What Assistive Technology Tools Are Available to You As Teacher?

There are a list of assistive technology products located at www.typesofassistivetechnologytools.microsoft.com. A few that I have chosen is Alternative Keys- which features larger-or smaller-than standard keys or keyboards, alternative key configurations, and keyboard for use with one hand. This tool can useful for the student with a birth defect of the hand. A key- board of this kind would make it less complicated for the student to type in assignments.

The Braille embosser-is a tool that transferes generated text into embossed Braille output. Braille translation programs convert text scanned-in or generated via standard word processing programs into Braille, which can be printed on the embosser. This device give the student with vision impairment the opportunity to use the computers.

Reading tools and learning disabilities programs-these tools include software and hardware designs that make text-based material more accessible for people who have difficulty with reading. Options can include scanning, reformatting, navigating,or speaking text out loud. These programs are helpful for those who have difficulty, seeing or manipulating conventional print materials; people who are developing new literacy skills or who are learning English as a foreign language; and people who comprehend better when they hear and see text highlighted simultaneously. These tools are a must have for any teacher. They can make reading assignment more understandable. For some students, using these tools no longer make reading assignments boring.

Blog Post # 14 How can elementary teachers with grade K, use technology to make the first week easier?

To help students who had no separation time from parent prior to kindergarten, technology can be a comforting tool for the student. Using the cell phone for a few seconds to let student hear a parent's voice can be a relieving source, for student and teacher. I can relate to this very much. I had no separation time from my parents and it was tears and fears for a "very long time."

C4K Comments Summary # 3

Nirmala- Hi, My name is Edna Montgomery, I am a student in EDM 310 at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. Nirmala, the character in this story sounds very interesting.  To have disabilities, and still have a desire to help other makes Melody a hero. Your desire to make things better for Melody makes you a hero too. I enjoyed reading your blog.

Nirmala assignment is to answer several question on the story she has read. Her teacher is taking her class in the world of the disabled. Niramala blog show's she has compassion for her character. This is a positive for the classroom, letting our students know of life of the disabled.

Crusader- You are a terrific story teller. I read this story with great interest.Really interesting. For a minute I thought you were really in the rain forest. Keep up the good work.

Crusader had to tell a story about an adventure in the rain forest. He did an excellent job. I felt I was traveling with him on this thrilling trip. With work like this, he will make a good writer.
Kaydance- Red is my favorite color, when I see red it makes me happy. Your drawing represents people walking along side of a fence on a sunny day. Great job.

Kaydance drew objects that resembled people walking beside a fence. It was in reference to a math project they were doing. It was neatly done and colorful.

Kaydance-Your drawing is unique. It looks as if strong winds are blowing the grass. I guess that could represent being mad, so your drawing represents your title well. Good job!

Kaydance drew a unique picture and named it coloring mad. The work was uniformed and showing rough winds, well fitting the title.

Project 12 B Lesson Plan Using Smartboard

C4T Summary # 4

Interactive Quiz: Are you a good Language Learner? - By Larry Ferlazzo A survival manual with a lesson plan, plus videos, is a great tool for educators teaching language. For some students language
 is a difficult subject. These tools make this subject less difficult.

Mr. Ferlazzo is sharing his knowledge on making language understandable. He gives the name of books, locations of web-sites, and  videos as tools for helping to accomplishing this.

Comment # 2- Great Interactive: "Why are we building new walls to divide us?"- These articles gives readers a clearer picture of the kind of world we live in. I personally feel walls are necessary. We are in a world where evil minds still exist. Yes, there are walls that separate all areas of life; the one that I address is the need to protect not only our citizens, but our waterways, soil, and other important structures needed to keep our country, and other countries with wall, safe.

Mr. Ferlazzo, with the photos that he presents, is letting the world know of the many new walls that are being built. He brings to mind the time when walls were being torn down. A new evil has surfaced, these walls are needed.

Blog Post # 13 What Can We Learn From These TED Talks?

These speakers all had the same message, let’s move forward in a new  direction of educating our children. Each had a passion for the message they were speaking about, a genuine concern for the need to reform our education system. This is the main theme in just about all of these speeches. Much can be learned, examples of inexpensive ways, encouraging your students, and peers helping peers are just a few of what these speakers shared in reinventing the classrooms. Educators can think on these speeches, and walk in the classroom with the students future in mind. Hopefully, the thought will be that technology, and hands on type learning will help in fulfilling their job, of readying these students for what is present in today’s world, not yesterday’s world.

Blog Post # 12 What Can We Learn From Sir Ken Robinson?

The first thing I would love to grab from Sir Ken Robinson’s speeches, is his statement of being afraid of making mistakes. This has been a great problem for me. He points out that children are not afraid of mistakes and how this is part of their being. "Our education system, programs us and erases that born ability", he states; which is the reason so many of us are not at our height in life. This has been a blessing for me to hear this dynamic speaker; his speeches have released some of the chains from my thinking. Also, Sir Ken Robinson has given us the vision we need in helping reform education. All schools need to send representative to Finland, to take notes, for keeping our students interested in school. Schools, modeling people for the job market, is something I did not think about. The amount of useless degrees in our society is enough evidence to change this practice. The job market and economy are not in step with this practice anymore. It is time to approach our students with different methods of learning. Sir Ken Robinson has shown us the directions to start.

Project 15

Teamwork Rubric

Presentation Rubric

Project Overview

Calendar

C4T #3 Summary

Hi, my name is Edna Montgomery, I am a student in EDM 310  at the University of South Alabama. Your plea for a method to incorporate technology as a tool in helping our students to become more interested in the learning process, is a plea our administrators need to address. Technology is a part of our student's everyday life, let's bring it to the classroom.

This video is an excellent example of the impact of technology in the classroom. The students showed their interest and excitement to the world in this video.

This post could not have come at a better time. Getting this message, "The Future Starts Today Not Tomorrow," to this worried about the future world, will be a mountain climbed.

 The author gives the eyes something to relate to. Words are sometimes heard, but not comprehended. Here the post says a lot for you to think about.

Smartboard

Blog Post # 11 Ms. Cassidy

Ms. Cassidy had a vision of breaking the classroom boredom. Stepping out of the mold that most classrooms follow, Ms. Cassidy has her place in pioneering technology in the classrooms. Others not supporting her did not discourage her. She admitted there were trails and errors, but that is how she perfected her work.

The technique I would use from Ms. Cassidy's  conversation is blogging. The students interest and excitement using this form of technology  out shines the other forms of technology. One of the many concerns about technology is unruly students visiting bad websites. Notifying the principal  is the only thing legally I can think of.

I want to thank Ms. Cassidy for sharing her students and experience with us, along with the beautiful backyard of snow. Among the many benefits this pioneer has given us, hard work and caring for your students future is what that I will hold in mind.

Project #10 Interview Movie

Project # 7 This is my sentence

Project #7 This is My Passion

Project # 13

Project-Based Learning: lesson Plan # 1

PBL Lesson Plan #1 (Animal Classification) created by: Edna Montgomery and Jasmine McCall

This lesson plan addresses the Animal Classification for elementary students to understand in a simple method.

Blog Post # 10 What can we learn about teaching and learning from Randy Pauch?

Watching this film from this gifted man, has left a great impact on my life. He was not bound by any rules. A serious minded person with a clear vision that he has shared with anyone interested, in exploring a new route to teach our students. This authors openness on Project Base Learning has meanings for me now. I have learned from him that when in the classroom, make learning a project. When students interest is high, they get others excited about what's going on in the classroom. Teaching your students the importance of honesty, humbleness, and having a free spirit when learning, are some of the things he emphasis. What I learned in watching this film, will be a powerful tool that I take to my students, to help them fulfill their dreams.

C4K Summary # 2

Michael, helping others is a kind thing to do. I agree with you a baby might make her a little sad, but in time she will love the  baby. Learning about people with disabilities in the classroom, makes me happy.

The teacher here is giving the students an assignment that makes them think about others. To write a summary gives them a clearer picture of  what life is like for the disabled.

Adain, my name is Edna Montgomery, I am a student a the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I enjoyed reading your ideal of making your area a green city. Improving transportation is getting better, and bicycles are getting better too. I agree with you, there need to be more entertainment for children; your playground ideal is a good suggestion. I enjoyed reading your blog.

Adian teacher has given him an assignment to write on the topic green city, improving transportation, and better culture and entertainment centers for his city. He gives his thoughts on how to accomplish this. He has some bright ideals.  

Blog Post # 9 What can we learn about teaching and learn from these teachers?

What I learned from these teachers is to know you will have students from all backgrounds. For some, there may be a disconnect to what is really going on in life. Teacher will have to be the initiator of imagination and creativeness in the classroom. Having an outside visitor to be part of a project can make things much better too. Keeping in mind of standards that need to be met, teachers must take the time with students to be sure they are comprehending what is being done in the classroom. Blending of technology and classroom materials are also a start of what sparks a students interest, as one teacher points out.

Videos and blog post are standout tools because of the involvement of others outside the classrooms. Student are highly motivated to do a good job on assignments because of this.

Watching these films with the students really excited about what they are learning, is  causing my interest in technology and classrooms partnering to grow.

Project #9 Podcast

Utrillo Project

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C4K Comments Summary

bamaboy98 - Thank you for informing about construction workers. When I see a construction worker now, I will think of how life is better because of their work.

Jong Won- Minecrafters Voyage is a good title for your writing. The brothers with their miners job, were really interesting.  You wrote your story is to be continued, "I'll be waiting".

Quziyah - Hi my name is Edna Montgomery. I am a freshman here at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I like your Spider Web Decimal. I had to look at it for a few seconds , but I understand it. Great job.

 I had some interesting kids to comment on, wanting the world to know what respect construction workers deserves, mind teasing math problems, and the mind taking voyages. I enjoyed this.

C4T #2 Summary

Thank you for the advice. Now that I am studying this field, this is a busy field.

 Well said. The ability to become involved in what you are reading is a wonderful experience.

The advice this instructor gives helps ease the jitters that new teachers experience. I will hold in memory the , "don't fall apart when things do not line up" advice that was given. How important reading is was another strong point that was made too. Many thanks for sharing your information.  

Assignment # 7 What Can You Learn From These Conversations With Anthony Capps?

The first thing I want  to say is, “Thank You Anthony Capps,” for sharing your experience

as a new teacher and  giving advice to future teacher. The conversations are powerful!

Setting goals for the students, parents not satisfied with Project Base Learning, and

information about iCurio are just some of his experiences Capps share with us.

I enjoyed these conversations and will reflect on them when I enter the classroom.

Jasmine Mccall  and Edna Montgomery

Capps stress of letting the students learn technology, one at a time, is a method of retaining a new skills and information. The tips for teachers is a extra bonus he gives us. I’m really listening

when he points out that teaching is hard work.

Blog Post Assignment 6 Asking questions: What questions do we ask?

I enjoyed Ben Johnson's article for how teacher ask question and the remedy he gave for improvement. The remedy I will hold in memory, when in the classroom,  ask a question, pause for three seconds then say a student name to answer the question. Johnson's points out this will make the other students think and have a better learning attitude because I've shown I may call anyone.

Composed specific questions are what educators should ask also. These questions should be what you want to know the student comprehended from a subject or what you think the student might ask you. Ask good questions.

Finally ask opened questions and questions where class participation is required in answering the question.

Blog Assignment # 5 How Can iCurio Be Used Effectively in Your Instruction?

iCurio narrows one's search for digital content. It has easier save and open access for content that has been collected. Folders can be created to better manage collected material.

Sharing and collaborating work can also be used in iCurio. Your work can be shared with a teacher or a school district. Using the tools offered in iCurio can make instructing easier for the teacher; students easily finding information will be more attentive as well.

EDM310 Comment 1 for C4T and Comment 2

The memories of seventh grade! I enjoyed how the teacher took us through a special time in his life that mirrored a lot of us. The pictures helped visualize the moment. I appreciate the sharing of his ideal to relate to your grade for a moment.

 This is the grade, changes start in a student life. Leaving silly things behind and start growing into a young adult. I like the ideal, "here's a poster of me in the seventh grade.


I can  see a few hours a week of BOYD, for the learning experience, but no more. These devices can be a problem for the class room. I agree these devices can be a good learning tool, but he did specify the thin line on the use of BOYD in the class room.

BOYD in the classroom is something that should be limited.

Blog Assignment #4 Why Podcasts? How do we do a podcast?

I am one of those grandparents Langwitches spoke about of the reluctance of technology combined with reading, writing, and arithmetic. After reading the grade students experience in podcast, I have changed my mind.

These students are learning the three R's and a lot of  other skills. Technology came in swiftly on my generation; we are having difficulties understanding it's usefulness. Langwitches is helping those of us with little knowledge of technology to understand it better.  Technology in education is a plus.

Thanks to Langwitches sharing information on Podcast, I understand what it is and how Podcast can make reading  more exciting. The information will be of great use when I make my first Podcast. I now have motivation because of the experience of those first graders use of Podcasts.

Blog Assignments #3 How Can You Provide Meaningful Feedback to Your Peers?

The peer editing instructions that were given are good foundations to critique others writing. The thought, "This could be my work," applied with the instructions , make the process an easier task. When someone writing has a lot of errors, words softly and kindly spoken can ease into a environment of correcting the writing. Critiquing others with a positive attitude is the key factor for acceptance to what you are trying to do. The writings of my group reflect a lot of positive views. Examples were given, so readers of the writing understood what was written. Very few grammar errors and maybe two words were wrong. I would e-mail my members to view the critiquing I've done.

EDM310ClassPostAssignment#3 What will teaching be like in the Twenty-First Century

Utrillo Project One word describes Mr. Dancealot, boring. I laughed a lot. His teaching methods was unreal. He was the only one interested in his dancing instruction. Mr. Roberts thoughts on teaching in the 21 century, focuses on technology making the classroom an interesting place. I feel his thoughts of technology is great because of the ability to involve the students in learning more about the world. As a educator, interested in learning would mean a lot to me. I was assigned the video, “ Harness Your Students’ Digital Smarts” by Vicki Davis. This video can be found on the Edutopia website. The video is a great example of how to implement technology into the classroom and step outside traditional teaching methods. Vicki Davis’ students were sharing their thoughts and work with students all over the world! She has created a website called “Digi Teen” where students and teachers can comminucate through blog posts and share their ideas. They also have assigned topics they post their research and writings, that other students from around the world can comment on and pull information from. In addition, students can not only critique and comment on each other's work, but they can also collaborate on assignments together, even though they are thousands of miles from each other. Davis also includes her students in the teaching process. She allows them to stand in front of the classroom to share their work and not only instruct each other, but Ms. Davis herself. For example, in the video she says that her students taught her how to use Tetherraform, which she was unaware of how to use until her students showed her that day. Davis utilizes technology in her classroom on a daily basis. Wendy Drexler: The Networked Student Wendy Drexler is an instructor at the University of Florida. She designed the university’s first blended Moodle course. Moodle can be used as a platform to construct fully online classes. Ms. Drexler also facilitated students in developing their perThe video explains what it means for students be 21st century learners. The male in the video explains how connectivism, “the theory that presumes that learning occurs as part of a social network of many diverse connections and ties made possible through various tools of technology”, empowers and enables students to be in control of their personal learning environment. Students are allowed to make connections with others who will help these students in strengthening their learning process. sonal learning environment, demonstrated in the youtube video ‘The Networked Student’. An important question proposed in the video is “Why does the networkedHe was the only one interested in his dancing instruction. student even need a teacher?”. This question is pretty much answered in the video, while a networked student is allowed to be in control of their learning process and is an independent learner, he or she would still need guidance from their instructors. As described in the video a teacher is a ‘learning architect’ and is their to aide students in building their personal learning network and to take advantage of learning opportunities presented to them. The teacher should also help students get excited and motivated about new information that they find. Teachers also offer guidance and assistance when a student becomes stuck or needs to effectively communicate with others.

Blog Assignment # 2 What My School Would Look Like

My school would be small. The rooms would consist of a learning area, male restroom, female restroom, and a dining area. I must have a large playground area and enough parking area for parents when visiting my school.

This world of technology

The last six months, I have taken introduction to computers classes. Unexpectly, I had a crash course on using the smarthphone. I know taking this class will enlighten me more on this swift method of communication. 

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