I really loved the concept behind the video A Breakthrough in social and Emotional Learning by Edutopia! The concept that Culture and Climate in school is detrimental to learning. They start the day off with goofy games to set the tone. In the beginning of the year they emphasize the importance of respect,courteousness, and tolerance of others whether is be with adults or other students. This sets the tone for the rest of the year.
The theory is that because students feel safe and cared about, they excel in their studies. There are less conflicts between students and students and teachers allowing them to focus on their academics. Working effectively with others resolves the conflicts before they happen. They believe that if a student arrives to school smiling and gets on the bus to go home smiling, their job was successful.
I love that bullying is addressed more prevalently in this school more than most. I truly believe believe that if a child feels safe and secure, they can leave their worries behind and focus on what is most important. I remember being embarrassed about how or if I would fit in. This school takes the initiative to breakdown those insecurities from the beginning. I think that has a huge impact on a child's academic performance.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Reflections for Podcast #5
I watched Welcome to the Digital Generation by Edutopia. While I really liked the way technology is described in the video, I was a little disturbed by some of the comments of the kids. "I text more than I call people, like I no one calls anyone anymore." To me this does not sound like socializing but the video stresses that the technology today creates more socializing. I personally don't agree with this statement.
However, the video makes some very good points. To quote the video, "It is more than a tool, it is an essential component of everyday life that frames their worldview." The video shows us that the technology today is more powerful than any other generation. It points out that it offers engagement, self directed learning, creativity and empowerment. I believe that these are benefits to students today. It also points out that good instructors will teach children how to stay safe online. That is something that needs to be reinforced constantly and I appreciated the reminder.
However, the video makes some very good points. To quote the video, "It is more than a tool, it is an essential component of everyday life that frames their worldview." The video shows us that the technology today is more powerful than any other generation. It points out that it offers engagement, self directed learning, creativity and empowerment. I believe that these are benefits to students today. It also points out that good instructors will teach children how to stay safe online. That is something that needs to be reinforced constantly and I appreciated the reminder.
Reflections for Podcast #4
I loved Pursuing Passions After School: After School Matters by Edutopia. Wow! This podcast outlined an after school program that the Chicago Public School's initiated. They accommodate over 25,000 teenagers after school in pursuing passions and career choices. It is funded privately so that no matter the income level, it is available to everyone.
It started out as an after school art program but has blossomed into an enormous curriculum. The curriculum includes sports, culinary, web design, science, and writing just to name a few. They teenagers involved in the program stay in school and improve their grades. Many of the students receive small stipends for their work because they can qualify for an apprenticeship. All classes are taught by professionals and help lead the kids in the right direction for an eventual career.
I grew up in Chicago and we never had anything like this available. I think this is a fantastic program that I think every Chicago High School student should take advantage of.
It started out as an after school art program but has blossomed into an enormous curriculum. The curriculum includes sports, culinary, web design, science, and writing just to name a few. They teenagers involved in the program stay in school and improve their grades. Many of the students receive small stipends for their work because they can qualify for an apprenticeship. All classes are taught by professionals and help lead the kids in the right direction for an eventual career.
I grew up in Chicago and we never had anything like this available. I think this is a fantastic program that I think every Chicago High School student should take advantage of.
Monday, September 20, 2010
reflections on podcast #3
I listened to Turning on Technology by the George Lucas Educational Foundation at edutopia.org. I chose this podcast because I thought it would be a good introduction to what other schools are doing about integrating technology. The school highlighted in this segment is the Forest Lake Elementary School in Columbia, South Carolina. They have a partnership with NASA.
While one would think that having NASA as a partner, they would be the most high tech grammar school out there. This was not the case. They had lots of technology but it did not appear to be more than most. The school felt that they used and maximized the technology that was available to them to the best of their ability. They also felt that this type of learning is what is most comfortable to the students.
The teachers had mandatory collaborative meetings each week. They feel that it is essential to work as group to educate the children. They wore NASA lab coats while teaching and I thought that looked pretty cool! To assist the teachers in evaluating students, they were provided with palm pilots. It looked to me that the school did a great job using the technology available to them! Way to go Forest Lake Elementary!
While one would think that having NASA as a partner, they would be the most high tech grammar school out there. This was not the case. They had lots of technology but it did not appear to be more than most. The school felt that they used and maximized the technology that was available to them to the best of their ability. They also felt that this type of learning is what is most comfortable to the students.
The teachers had mandatory collaborative meetings each week. They feel that it is essential to work as group to educate the children. They wore NASA lab coats while teaching and I thought that looked pretty cool! To assist the teachers in evaluating students, they were provided with palm pilots. It looked to me that the school did a great job using the technology available to them! Way to go Forest Lake Elementary!
reflections on podcast #2
I listened to Kevin Honeycutt's Driving Questions in Education with Kimberly Wright. I was interested in this podcast because she teaches over 60 4th graders in science and technology everyday. I am interested in teaching science at the middle school level so I thought this would be very beneficial. I like that while Kevin drives, he makes podcasts with different people. He asks them questions while he films himself (just a small pic in the corner) and the other person films themselves during their conversation.
I liked this podcast. It wasn't very informative but it was interesting none the less. She is a teacher in El Paso, Texas and they have been friends for many years. She did not have any intentions to teach technology, she just happened to fall into it. She said she she did not learn her technology while in school (she actually jokes about how behind her university was), but started video conferencing other teachers. She then decided that she wanted use technology to make kids motivated to learn but at the same time make administrators happy with higher test grades from the students. I'll leave you with a statement that I really liked. She said, "I am no longer limited to my mind."
I liked this podcast. It wasn't very informative but it was interesting none the less. She is a teacher in El Paso, Texas and they have been friends for many years. She did not have any intentions to teach technology, she just happened to fall into it. She said she she did not learn her technology while in school (she actually jokes about how behind her university was), but started video conferencing other teachers. She then decided that she wanted use technology to make kids motivated to learn but at the same time make administrators happy with higher test grades from the students. I'll leave you with a statement that I really liked. She said, "I am no longer limited to my mind."
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Reflections on Podcast #1: Caterpillar Hunter
Decided that the first podcast didn't go so well, so I went with a nice short (less than 9 minutes) podcast. It was titled Caterpillar Hunter. I found it in the itunes podcasts under Kevin Honeycutt. It was a video on how to draw a beetle. Not exactly what I thought it would be. He drew a beetle with pencil, colored it in with green and blue crayons, and called it a caterpillar. Not sure what that is all about.
While it was cute and not nearly as boring as the last podcast, it wasn't very useful unless you need to draw a beetle. However, I went into it not knowing what to expect. I like that he adds video to his podcasts. Using my vision and hearing kept my attention better. So if you ever need to draw a beetle, I would highly recommend watching Kevin's podcast! I wish there was more to say on it, but I don't have anything more!
While it was cute and not nearly as boring as the last podcast, it wasn't very useful unless you need to draw a beetle. However, I went into it not knowing what to expect. I like that he adds video to his podcasts. Using my vision and hearing kept my attention better. So if you ever need to draw a beetle, I would highly recommend watching Kevin's podcast! I wish there was more to say on it, but I don't have anything more!
Oops!
I didn't finish typing the title! Kids came in and I must have forgot! It is supposed to read Not Happy with Ed Tech Live!
Not happy with Ed
Attempted to listen to Steve Hargon interview and it was an awful experience. Boring, bland and long winded and I only listened to the first 5 minutes! I do not recommend. It didn't show how long it was, and it kept stopping and going back to the beginning! Waste of time! Moved on to Kevin Honeycutt! I'll let you know!
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