New Classroom Rules

Welcome to the 21st century classroom! Imagine living in a world where technology creeps up in every curriculum. Would the classroom rules change? The "New Classroom Rules" was a hilarious posting. Silly as they may sound, utilzing technology in the classroom will ultimately cause these new rules to become effective. The two points I found to be quite interesting were numbers 1 and 13. At the University of South Alabama, changes are already being made to implement courses in the upcoming years that would require the elimination of lectures, but would allow for the full technology experience. Instead of attending class, the student will be able to perform the required work on his own time. What a crazy concept to grasp! On the contrary, the classroom has always been very structured for me. The thirteenth rule stated that "instead of being quiet in line or class, feel free to do whatever you want when participating in an online classroom. If that means turn up the radio and startg dancing, go ahead! Personally, I have never taken a full blown online course, but I know I would love this freedom!

Here's the link to "New Classroom Rules" Click here.

Seven Stupid Mistakes/ Seven Brilliant Things

After reading Doug Johnson's "Seven Stupid Mistakes" and "Seven Brilliant Ideas to Use Technology," I agree with the lists completely. To begin with, he begins the list with a famous quote, "Stupid is as Stupid does." He can tolerate most things but there are 7 mistakes that Mr. Johnson despises. The two most important points I found on the list was numbers 2 and 7. The first one discussed how teachers should not use the school's computer for personal business or activities. Throughout today's news, there is always an article discussing teachers getting caught doing something they should not be doing, while at work. The education administration has the authority to search any premise, under suspicion or no suspicion, they might deem necessary. I believe that these teachers are either too naive or ignorant to think about the consequences of using the school computer as a home computer. School computers should only be used for educational purposes. Next, number 7 says that it is "stupid to think that technology in school will go away." Technology has just begun to take form in the classrooms throughout the world. I believe that technology is a vital component to achieving success in today's classroom. I am not saying that society will abandon the popular pencil and paper methods, but it will be a requirement to be technologically literate.

In Mr. Johnson's second list, I found numbers 3 and 7 to be the most important. Communication between the parents and teacher is imperative in a child's life. Waiting until the parent-teacher conference will not cut it in today's society. Brilliant teachers are devoted to keeping in touch with the parents through various mediums, like email, phone, class websites, and even weekly newsletters. Secondly, there is much delight in the "discovery, the newness, and fun that technology holds." Nowadays, children are introduced to technology at very early ages. Instead of restricting technology usage, why not embrace it? It is a positive move to incorporate technology in the classroom because it takes learning to a whole new level and makes it fun for the students and the teachers.

Here's a link to Doug Johnson's lists:
Seven Brilliant Things Teachers do with Technology
Seven Stupid Mistakes Teachers Make with Technology

At The Teacher's Desk

No person can possibly know everything there is to know about a certain subject. Collaborative Professional Blogs, like "At the Teacher's Desk," create a positive environment where common professionals can exchange solutions to common questions and ponder innovative ideas. "At the Teacher's Desk" is an instrumental tool for networking amongst the education world. I discovered several posts concerning ideas teachers can use to utilize technology successfully. I found one particular post that caught my eye. It was called "The Fundred Project." This project was introduced to help eliminate the lead problem in major cities. Children across the nation are creating fundreds, their own versions of a hundred dollar bill, in exchange for federal funds. Having this Collaborative blog gets the word out quickly and efficiently about current issues as well. All in all, I have enjoyed this blog tremendously. Not only will it help me in my EDM 310 class, but also in my future classroom!

Here's the link to "At the Teacher's Desk": Click here.

Eh! Meh! Whatever!

Whatever! Whatevvvveeer! Whhhhhhaaaattttevvvveeerr! How can a simple word be transformed into an underlying definition of such a complex generation. Today's generation is a paragon of narcissism, according to Dr. Welsh. I never would have considered such an idea, but this professor makes a great point. Technology has enabled us to put our lives on the Internet, but we tend to constantly replay those mediums only for a need to see the finished product. We are labeled as the "Whatever generation," who does not care about anything. Personally, at times, I tend to go about my day careless, not really concerned about the world and it's problems. As a future professional, I can not allow my "Whatever generation" tendencies to rub off onto my class. Dr. Welsh believes that the next generation's attitude will consist of doing "whatever it takes" to encourage change throughout the world.

Here's the link to Dr. Welsh's lecture Click here.

Publishing Children's Work Using Technology

Wow, what a performance! PS 22's song was very beautiful. This is just one of the many examples of children publishing their work over the internet. I believe that in the 21st century, it is important for students to begin utilizing technology. Although the Internet can be a confusing world, I believe that students can use this as a positive experience. Not only did they receive many comments regarding their performance, Stevie Nicks, herself, gave the students a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity by allowing them to perform at her Madison Square Garden concert. The students were able to gain confidence in themselves. They were very proud, in a humbling way, of their work they placed on the Internet.



Kaia and her father is a an example of successful internet posting. The world got to see how a simple excursion created a network experience that touched the lives of many bloggers. As a viewer, I was shocked to see the comments pouring in from all realms of the world. Publishing this blog allowed networking to take form at its best. Another example of published work was Room 10's classroom blog. Not only does the parents get to see what their children is doing during the day, but Room 10 is a perfect example of how blogging can be used in the classroom. I want to incorporate a classroom blog in my own future because of watching the lives of Room 10 flourish on the Internet. Technology is bringing the world together, whether we like it or not.



A third example of publishing work through blogging is my own personal example. As a student in Dr. Strange's EDM 310 class, my blogs have caught the eye of some important figures. For example, Mr. Chamberlain responded to my blog post concerning the previously mentioned "Kaia." I thought it was great to experience somebody on the outside taking the time out of their daily lives to comment on my post. In a way, I feel a sense of accomplishment, as I complete each one of my blogs.

If you would like to watch the video of PS 22's song, Click here.

Also, here's the link to Room 10's classroom blog Click here.