Video in the Classroom Introduction

Mr. Needleman has created a great idea to get students involved in school, using video. If this idea gets around, I believe that it could impact the education world tremendously in the long run! I would love to find out more about other projects that he does with his children.

Podcasts

image by ithinked.com

Before I entered this required class, I thought I was pretty technology literate, at least enough to get me by. Boy was I wrong! Considering that I own a Zune, as opposed to an Ipod, I had some figuring out to do upon completing my assignments for this week. Itunes was a whole new world for me, as I spent a tremendous amount of time in awe of everything it provides! Podcasts are a new concept for me as well. I believe that podcasts are our future and we should embrace them with open minds.

Because I am a visual learner, the Podcasts took some time to be able to focus. The "radio-style" podcast format allowed me to break this barrier to better comprehend the subjects. Beginning with a catchy introduction and passionate speakers keeps a listener interested. The speakers engaged their audiences by releasing their passion over the air, though the subject may seem boring to the average person. For example, This Week in Photography an odd subject itself, not only brought new and innovative tips to the table, but was spoken in a way that provoked your regular perspective of life.

Podcasts are very useful to all kinds of people, especially teachers. They answer many mysterious questions, that would otherwise not have been answered. For example, Who would have thought about the difference between Firefox 3.0 and Firefox 2.0? In a podcast I listened to on my own called The Art of Storytelling, Kevin Strauss, the hosts were discussing environmental storytelling. They mentioned how storytelling impacts children, "using stories as a doorway to get students thinking about nature in new ways." Many of these podcasts shine a new light on forgotten subjects.

When I eventually create my own podcasts, I will remember these podcasts and model them slighty alike. The "radio-style" approach was the best method of drawing in one's audience. It lightens the mood, while getting the information out into the open. I have enjoyed my first Podcast experience and will continue my journey into this new trend.

Vickie Davis: Harness your students' digital smarts

Vickie Davis' classroom is the classroom paragon of the future. I believe schools are going to be taking an account of the children's love for technology and incorporating it more often in the curriculum. Though Ms. Davis seems like she is a computer teacher, many teachers can be inspired by these interactive methods of learning! Not only is she introducing her students to new ways of doing things, her main purpose is to get the students involved with hands on activities.

Instead of lecturing all the time, the teacher allows the students to walk in her footsteps and teach in front of the classroom. I love this idea because it allows the students to gain the confidence one needs to succeed.I believe technology can be imperative if it is used the right way! In my future classroom, I hope to use several types of technology to my advantage, such as blogging and pod casts.

Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity

What a joy is was to listen to Sir Ken Robinson! I found him to be very insightful and passionate about his subject. He brings up an important piece of the puzzle that has been declining in the education world, creativity. Many academic administrations harness the intellectual subjects, such as Math and Science, above all things having to do with the fine arts. I believe that the focus of schools today has hurt the children in being able to communicate and express themselves completely. Yes, it is imperative to receive a general education in order to succeed in life, but is the world counting the costs of putting creative juices on the back burner?

In today's society, the performing arts such as dance, drama, music, and art, are done in one's leisure time and is not taken seriously as a career. Children are expected to grow out of their "hobbies" in pursuit of a secure job in the future. Even funding is being cut from many performing arts programs nationwide. Don't get me wrong, in order to survive in the work field, I know that one must be proficient in Math, Science, Social studies, and English. But without creativity, the world walks around like robots performing the same tasks over and over again. School systems must nurture the thought of creativity, not dismiss it from existence.

Did you Know? 3.0 and Mr. Winkle Wakes

Did you Know? 3.0

Karl Fisch's video was very thought-provoking and interesting! Obviously change is inevitable in life, but the majority of the ideas that were presented, really put things into perspective for me. Many of the statistics impressed me, for example, America's total population is equal to the top 25% of India's population with the highest IQ. For Americans, it's simple to get used to remaining in our own little bubble of superiority and forget about the rest of the world. We are behind many of the world's countries. It's crazy to think about a world without technology!
Personally, using technology is a daily ritual for me! Throughout the day I am constantly checking my phone for text messages, listening to some music on my Zune, and researching my unanswered questions on Google. The number of Google searches that exist each day blew my mind.

The thought of building supercomputers that would be smarter than the human brain concerns me. I believe that it could be possible, but why would the world need this? As a future educator, I am aware that new technologies will be developing over my future. Yet, will it help me in the long run to learn about these new technologies, that will most likely be outdated by the time I get into my own classroom?

Mr. Winkle Wakes

I thought this was a creative approach to gaining the proper attention for the issue of technology in the world! Technology has gone from being an optional device to a full blown necessity in today's society. Times have definitely changed over the past century, as Mr. Winkle finds out in his journey. It is incorporated in everyday life, whether it be in the business world or in medical facilities.

Personally, I was fortunate enough to be able to encounter many technologies through federal funding, especially in high school. But I agree that the education system lacks the ability of incorporating technology in the classrooms. Though it might seem confusing at first, teachers should work towards being more literate and dive into the wonderful world of technology. As the world advances, the classrooms are slowly falling behind. As older teachers retire, new teachers, fresh out of college, are being taught to discover new and innovative ways to keep up with the development of education technology.

About me!

Hey my name is Samantha Sunderman and welcome to my blog! I am currently a sophomore at the University of South Alabama pursuing an elementary education degree. I am a caffeine crazy with Dr. Pepper(and a hint of espresso) flowing through my veins, a book addict who knows what she likes, and a shower singer who will probably never make her debut! :) I believe coming to South Alabama was the best decision I could have made. Though I love everything there is about Virginia, my home state, I am growing very fond of this rainy city called Mobile! Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy my blog!