C4K Summary for February

C4K for: 02/12/2012
My Summary of Kane J Blog Post My Holiday By Kane J.:
For my very first C4K (Comments For Kids) Assingment, I was assigned a young man named Kane J. Whose location is Auckland, New Zealand. In the post I was assigned to read, Mr. Kane wrote about a recent sleep over "holiday" at his Papa's farm! He saw a lot of cows and "a" goat. Then they went to a beach and observed huge waves. I am under the impressiohttp://taitesblog.edublogs.org/n that he really had a wonderful time on his holiday!



C4K for 02/19/2012
My Summary of Taite B’s Post Field Trip to the Boston Science Museum by Taite B.: This blog post was actually a video presentation documentation of Taite's first field trip. She, and the rest of her class, went to the Museum of Science in Boston. They observed a bunch of cool reptiles, they went on a spacecraft, watched a dust tornado form, and even traveled back in time to visit the dinosaurs! They traveled back to the present and went to the electricity show and then went to the Omni Theatre to see another presentation. After that, they got back on the bus and headed back to school after a great day at the Museum!

C4K for 02/26/2012>
Summary for Nicholas's Blog - New years resalusions. This was a post he wrote after New Years about his resolutions for the new year, which are to spend more time watching hockey with his dad and drink more water. He was doing well at keeping up with his resolutions.

C4T #2

David Warlick is an educator, a writer, a programmer,a public speaker, and a very successful entrepreneur. One of his recognizable attributions is the Sons of Citation Machine Website and here's a link to the Citation Machine Blog Page . He has made loads of appearances all over the nation, speaking at many a conferences about many things. According to his blog post "Follow That Conference", his most resent appearance was at the Encyclomedia Conference in Oklahoma City where he delivered a presentation about self directed professional development (learning networks). While I was reading over his blog (rather, listening to a podcast while I was reading over his blog), I saw some cool gadgets and widgets, (which I have now placed on my blog page). Anyway, his blog was pretty informal. It asnwered a couple of my questions such as: “Who should I follow?” “Where can I find them?” “How often should I get on twitter?”. In his blog he said to focus on an event, a gathering, or even an issue(as a good starting point to find people to follow), rather than focusing on one person’s follow list. he continued on and suggested this technique: to search for a hastagged event, such as #edm310, and look to the people who are most frequently posting messages about the conference, linking to blog posts about the conference, or linking to resources being mentioned and demonstrated at sessions. Click to their twitter pages, and follow them. He recommended to follow #Educon and Here's a link to the Educon 2.4 website. A final quote to end this summary "It is so important to realize that a critical element of being a master learner today is the network of people you connect yourself to."

C4T #2 for David Warlick. This blog post was simple. Mr. Warlick apologized to his loyal blog readers why he hadn't posted a blog in an unusual amount of time. I thought it was fine because he's been preparing for the NCTIES Conference later in the year which is not only the ISTE affiliate for his home state but also because it is a very prevalent conference. One of his presentations will be about instructional potentials of data visualization and infographics. While he was preparing for this, he came across an article that had a quote that got him to think about the school system, yet again. His thoughts this time: "schools and libraries need to become more like learning-literacy playgrounds than managed corals." ...I'm not entirely sure what that means. Anyway, I left a comment that said reminded him I was back on his blog to look for an update and to let him know I was going to post my C4T for him. I also asked him how to get the odiogo widget to work since I can't get it to work anymore.

Project #9 a - Timetoast Timeline

Blog Post #5 -

1.) Who is Scott McLeod? He is a man who knows what he believes in, that is for sure. He argues that parents should allow there kids access to technology.

To what extent, I am unsure of. But I have at least 2 thoughts behind this: 1st There is no way on earth that I am going to grant a child free, uncontrolled access to the internet. There would be blocks and regulators and monitors to record what cites he/she goes to and how often. Parental control. 2nd, my children would only have a limited amount of "free" time on the "computer" or what ever new devise(s) they have developed a decade from now for people to sit down and be entertained by. That's just some of my position. Not all of it.
But to answer my previously asked question: "Who is Scott McLeod?" My answer to that is pretty much this: Scott McLeod is the man with the plan! He's done so many things for technology, educational leadership, he is a recognized and well respected man. Though, I had never heard of him until now, his credentials are hard to argue against: "Associate Professor. CASTLE Director. Blogger. Idea generator. Solution builder. Agitator. Catalyst....Scott McLeod, J.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He also is the Founding Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), the nation’s only academic center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators, and was a co-creator of the wildly popular video series, Did You Know? (Shift Happens). He has received numerous national awards for his technology leadership work, including recognitions from the cable industry, Phi Delta Kappa, the National School Boards Association, and the Center for Digital Education."

2.) In the YouTube video The iSchool initiative (Mobile Learning), Mr. Travis Allen goes over a plan that could very easily revolutionize public school systems by use of Apples iTouch devise. There are apps that could help students learn more effectively and there are so many things that can be done with the use of an iTouch. He has apps including: email (for teachers, students, and parents to keep tabs on assignments and due dates), Chemical Touch (an in depth periodic table of elements), US Constitution, World Wiki (for geography), Star Walk, Formulae (formulas for all mathematics and sciences), scientific and graphing calculator apps, Notes (teachers can make and send to students, students can receive copy and use, etc.), Calendar (for use by teachers, students, and parents to schedule and track attendance, appointments, due dates, and even school events), and iHomework.
All of these applications can be used to create a near perfect schooling system that is interactive and holds people accountable. it also would virtually eliminate the mining of precious resources, such as trees, for school purposes and would help the planet stay healthier. I was schocked at how well this plan was initially put together. Since it was originally created, I can almost bet that it has been under construction to make it as flawless as possible.


3.) The video" Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir - 'Lux Aurumque' "was pretty cool. I bet they spent countless hours trying to get that just right.

It was pretty cool though, I liked it. I saw something very similar once before, a church used nothing but iPhones, iPads, iPods in there iBand and created very good music!North Point's iBand It's pretty cool stuff!


4.) Teaching 21st Century Students by Kevin Roberts. I think Mr. Roberts thinks teaching in the 21st Century means not teaching facts and stuff, but teaching students how to be professional, teaching them skills, how to teach themselves, pretty much to not be lazy with there own education. And I, personally, agree with his presentation because this country could be so much better than what it is right now if people were so nonchalant about the opportunities they can take hold of and utilize for the betterment of not just themselves but there future family.

5.) Reading Rockets Website

Blog Post #4 - Podcast Reviews

Judy Scharf Podcast Collection: So what exactly is a podcast? "The term 'podcast' is a cross between “broadcast” and “iPod.” A podcast is a “radio-style” talk show. It may include music as well. It may be listened to on the computer or an MP3 player, and may be downloaded from iTunes or a podcast hosting service. Podcasting enables information to be shared with millions of people via the internet." -Judy Scharf
If something can be recorded, than it can become a "podcast" from education (i.e. step by step instructions on how to do synthetic divisions) to learning quicker ways to memorize the Periodic table of Elements to memorizing the correct reads a quarterback needs to make on every play.

In 1st Graders Create Their Own Read-Along Audiobook: I read about a project that a substitute teacher did with the students of a class she was directing, they were reading a book (in small groups). And while the students were reading this book, the teacher took groups out of the class to record them reading the book to an audio aid (podcast). "The students were eager to re-record if it didn't sound just right." That sounds pretty exciting to me! A year later, the first grade teacher took back over, and now had the ability to play an audio aid that the students could read along with while they were reading that book. That is a pretty darn good idea to me, I know I'd be much more interested in reading if all books could come with podcasts, that's for sure!

Listening-Comprehension-Podcasting: Explains how podcasts can help students study and learn effectively: "Recording a podcast and the EDITING of the podcast is a great tool, especially for language learners to play with the mechanics of the language. It gives the learners the opportunity to see their voices, read the sounds, manipulate the sequence of sentences, sounds can be deleted, edited, emphasized and re-arranged similar than a word processing program can do this with the written word." There is no doubt in my mind that this application will work, for what ever purposes one would use such an app for. Literature, storytelling, vocabulary, reading, writing, etc. "The tool (Garageband) allowed us to manipulate sounds, re-listen, think critically and logically about the best way to present the story- all in the target language. The genre (Podcast) allowed us to share our work, amplify our reach, gain an authentic audience and motivate students to create and be creative." I couldn't say it better myself, so I had to quote. I am finally starting to realize how much time I spent in a public school system getting taught facts, in stead of how to learn. It's actually kind of bothersome. They put together a pretty good podcast too. Very wonderful piece :)

Flat Stanley Podcast: These skills are interesting. I can't quite grasp what it actually is like to do what these kids did because I wasn't assigned such an assignment at such a young age. I was thinking about it, though, and perhaps that some of these podcasts aren't educational assignments that students are using for tools, but for fun thus not getting anything out of it. It is possible.

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom: explains ways of how podcasts can be effective educational tools. I think that incoporation of podcasts into the education system would do wonders, and provide even more ways for students to success, virtually eliminating almost every excuse a student has to not studying or knowing material.

Project #6 - This Is My Sentence Video

Project #5 - Google Presentation

Project #3 - C4T #1

C4T Blog Post #1:
Do I Dare Disturb the Universe? With Your Host, Scott Elias - PhocuseD 3: I'm Doing this, why?
And this is my personal summary of his blog. 1st off, his title corresponded well with his post. Title being "I'm doing this why?" post was about pushing through the rough tough path that college gives us. He talks about getting to the point where he began to question himself and why he was even going to school to earn a PhD. in teaching, something he loves to do as well as learn new things. But by the end of his post he comes to the conclusion that people can ALWAYS find reasons of why not to do something, but to be successful, you have to stay focused on why you started your journey. Taking online classes and even brakes from school to rejuvenate are some techniques he suggested.
C4T Blog Post #2:
Do I Dare Disturb the Universe? With Your Host, Scott Elias - Convening a Professional Study Group
PhD recipient Scott Elias is a principle (of a high school I assume) and I read that in his newest article: "Convening a Professional Study Group." In this blog he discusses the vision he has for his school. to turn it from sub-par to above average. His approach is to get the staff into meetings every Monday in a "Professional Study Group" to discuss about things they can provide to the students that will give them the best chances for success. He is also developing a blue-print for his vision but he and he alone is the creator of it and its entirety. No other teachers, just him. He doesn't know how it will go yet, but he is eager to find out, I have a feeling that because he wants to be successful so bad that he will be successful.

Blog Post #3

Part 1.
Tutorial Peer Editing

View more PowerPoint from Adriana Zardini

">Peer Editing Tutorial

Part 2. Technology In Special Education
Technology In Special Education
In my opinion, Special Education Teacher Lacy Cook, has done a very good job at incorporating technology in her classroom to help her students in learning and in accomplishing their assignments more efficiently. I think what she has been doing is a truly wonderful thing! Technology can be used in so so many ways to help so many people with specials needs of all kinds. Properly programmed computers and devices can help ALL students (NOT JUST SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS) perform tasks that they find challenging, weather these tasks are the basic fundamentals such as reading and writing, or more complex things.
Technology can be applied in the classroom for practically anything. Reading, writing, drawing, coloring, mathematics and history are just a few areas that computers and similar devices can not only enhance the learning ability, but create a fun and exciting atmosphere in which students actually would want to go and learn and spend time. I know one thing for sure: I hate going to boring old lectures having to listen to the professor talk and talk and talk about things. I mean it's great that there is a PROfessor that is there to guide us in our educational journey, but it's pretty much the same old same old every other day in class. I like change, I like to do new things and learn things differently. The use of technology is the key to success in the classroom.

How the iPad Works with Academics for Autism
How the iPad Works with Academics for Autism In this video, I watched a father help his son (who has autism) learn using an iPad. That's pretty good stuff right there! If I were going to be a Special Ed Teacher, I would most definitely put a lot of time and energy into researching as much about apps and technology and computer programs and Apple Software to download to make the learning process as easy and fun as possible for all the students in the classroom. I went to and skimmed through a few apps that I might could use in such an environment and there were a few that I read about that got my attention. I would probably incorporate the apps of "Super Why!" and "SpellBoard. Super Why:

> because I know basic vocabulary would be important in communicating ideas and thoughts. Depending on what level of Special ED I am assigned to and how far along a students is, I would have to use several spelling/writing apps.

I would use apps such as SpellBoard

because I think that the more fun it is for one to learn the more motivated one will be to learn meaning a good end result, right? Some video games can be very educational and beneficial in the learning process, I have seen over and over. The app "SpellBoard"





Garyy Hayes' Social Media Count">, Garry Hayes. Garry Hayes built and coded an app that tells social media statistics based on key data points of his own research. At least that's what I got out of the article under his social media count app. It counts (or estimates) statistics such as items spent on facebook, hours uploaded to youtube, $ spent on virtual goods in the U.S., tweets on twitter, videos watched on youtube, that kind of stuff.
I'm supposed to write 2 or more paragraphs about this...counter....but I honestly don't see how I can do that. It's just a bunch of numbers to me, they don't have much meaning yet. Anybody want to explain to me why they're so important?

Part 4. A Vision of Students Today, Michael Wesch
A vision of Students Today, Michael Wesch">, This video enlightened me. When I got done watching it I realized how obsolete today's classroom is compared to how it could and should be. The lack of technology is negatively affecting the students of America. But that brings me to a question: with the economy the way it is right now and all the public school budget cuts, HOW IN THE WORLD ARE WE GOING TO UPGRADE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM from old fashioned textbooks and lectures to the new age computers and technologically superior methods? Just was wondering about that.
I think that there are many important points made in this video such as the information and opportunities people have at there disposal that they take for granted. Yes, it is true, most people that call themselves teachers are just educators. They program kids to learn certain material and they do not teach them how to think (if that makes any sense to you). I think that it's not just the instructors fault that the kids aren't learning, I think that the students are at fault as well. We pay our way through college, we have seemingly unlimited opportunities to fully engross ourselves in information, all we need to do is successfully apply ourselves. There was one part in the movie that said that these students do things that take up 26.5 hours in a 24 hour day so they multitask. Multitasking is a very good tool to have, but I think that when people are in (at least) the classroom, they should be focused on the material being discussed not Facebook or music. there are so many ways to go about fixing the problem(s) the video presents.