Blog Post #8

Richard Miller "This is How We Dream"

Richard Miller discusses in depth the changes that are taking place in the world of reading and writing. We now have the ability to communicate instantly, globally. 

Some incremental changes have happened, which have brought about these changes. In the past, we used pencils and papers and libraries, while now we are able to research globally and instantly without stepping foot in a library. In the past books would go out of print, while now the material placed on the web is available infinitely.

Dr. Miller’s observations mirror my observations. These changes are a welcomed change. The resources and availability are limitless as well as beneficial and educational.  I personally have gone from writing with pen and paper, and pounding the keys of a type writer after spending grueling hours in a library, to now, finding information in the privacy and comfort of my own home.

In the final video, Dr. Miller talks about a fundamental change that will not be as easily available. This material that is available with visual representation of information. This information is shared freely and should be shared freely.  While the visual information is a good way to educate others, it is not as easy to learn as the earlier methods of sharing and research. 

Learn To Change, Change To Learn

This video discusses schools today and the lack of technology being used in schools.  They quote some eye opening statistics, "The US Department of Commerce ranked fifty-five industry sectors by their level of IT intensiveness.  Education was ranked number 55, the lowest, below coal mining."  How do we expect students to excel in society when they don't have the tools they need?  One statement made in the video says, "We have a classroom system when we could have a community system."  That is so true.  We have banned these things "technology" from school.  Children live in a nearly now space. Students are not pressured and are able to reflect.  It's about better preparing students for life.

Carly Pugh: Blog Post #12

Wow! Carly's blog was very thought provoking. She had so many good ideas on how to inspire students. I like the idea to let kids think different. Let them inspire to be the next Steve Jobs or Einstein. Let them know they don't have to think big to be different. Her ideas of including technology and exploring different ideas went along with Dr. Millers ideas. 

The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies

In the Chipper series, Chipper is like numerous students I've seen in my classes. They think they are the exception to the rules. No one has really held them accountable and they've always gotten by with little effort. Chipper always thought she could get by and thought she could out smart the system. Dr. Strange tried to tell her procrastination was not going to help her in life, but she insisted it didn't matter. She soon found out it was an important to be on time and dependable. Chipper need to learn how to be responsible for her actions. EDM310 for dummies shows students who are overwhelmed. I felt overwhelmed at first, but with time it made sense. Once I learned what was expected and how to find the information it became easier. I actually enjoy EDM310. It has given me a different view of how people learn. The traditional way of teaching, which is teacher centered, is beginning to change. The idea of student centered is slowly becoming the new norm. I can see how student centered teaching is better. Students actually are allowed to be creative. EDM310 has been a lot of work, but it has been worth it.

Scavenger Hunt WEB2.0

Prezi is a presentation tool. It gives you templates and a metaphor to go along with your presentation. It is similar to PowerPoint, but has more visual effects. You can actually import your PowerPoint into Prezi.

 Make Beliefs Comix

Wikispaces is a place where teachers and students can collaborate.Wikispaces allows you to  post student assignments, create project based learning,  create student online learning, students make  portfolios, and teachers fabricate curriculum planning. This would be very useful in the classroom. It would allow students to be more creative.