Mashup Reflection

What??

I thought this was an interesting video. I was amazed at how all of the various video clips fit together to form one original music clip. It showed talent by the collaborator, to even think to assemble such a collection. It was very creative- The music was fun, and it was great to see all of the different musicians and instruments combined--yet seperate. Cool idea.



So What??

How does this clip influence teaching? By learning to collect and collaborate information from all of the various media, as educators we will be able and enhance our lessons. I thought this video helped me to see another idea, and helped me be able to see the benefit of collecting previously designed and presented ideas, and be able to adjust them to use for my needs as an educator. This would indeed save time and energy on my part when preparing for my lessons. It reminds me of the saying, "Why re-invent the wheel?" We can pick and choose the information and media we require for a lesson, and then go in and find it, adapt it to what we need, and gain the positive benefits it offers without having to spend hours preparing it.

Then What??

I would be able to use this idea in my classroom. By having my students work together on different projects, and learn to combine all of their ideas, media, and information into a group collection or "collage' ", they will be able to present a group project that still allows each individual the opportunity to shine separately.

I feel this is an important element available to teachers and would definitely benefit my class.

Internet Safety In the Classroom

Internet use in Education

What??

We live in a time of amazing technology. With the invention of the computer and the internet, we have vast amounts of information available right at our fingertips. In learning about the internet and the dangers it can pose to children, as educators we need to be aware of these dangers and help ensure that our students are educated and protected against any possible problems.
I feel that we definitely need to include the internet in education. The internet has opened up an enormous window of knowledge available to our students, ourselves, and our lessons. Obviously we need to teach our students how to use it correctly and safely. This will come through our education of the internet as educators, and how we are able to teach our students--so they will know how to use the internet to their advantage.

So What?

After going through this lesson I was impressed with all of the resources out there to help educate chidren, and also parents. Many times when children are caught in a difficult situation it's because they haven't had the benefit of a parent monitoring them. Parents need to be resposible when allowing their children to use the internet. Children need guidance, and education in order to work on the internet safely.
When evaluating web sites an educator should look at some of the following information inorder to chose sites which will best serve their class.

Internet Website Evaluation for Educators
1) Is the spelling and grammar correct within the web site and it's documents?
2) Does this site take a long time to load?
3) When was the document created?
4) Does the information seem biased in some way by the writer?
5) Does the information contradict information from another source?
6) Is the data current and up to date.
7) Does the domain on the web site include one of the following K12, edu, com, org, or gov. in it's url address?
8) Are the links clearly visible and annotated or explanartory?
There are also rules I plan to teach my students to ensure they have a good experience on the computer, and if they have a situation they can't handle that they will know to go to their parents, or me as their teacher. The following are some rules which I plan to include in their internet safety lesson.
Internet Rules for Children:
First, remember never to give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission.
Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.
Do not meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.
Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.

Then What?

The internet is an important tool for students and educators. By preparing our students through internet safety education we can help ensure they have the knowledge necessary to use the internet safely. This will help them be able to use the internet and benefit from the information resources there. By giving them opportunities to explore and have positive experiences with the internet they will build their knowledge of technology and also feel the "spirit of discovery" which will definitely help them succeed.

Internet Safety /Video

This wasn't my favorite video so far in the course, however the information it contained was definitely very important for us to consider as we are going to be working directly with children and they will be working on the Internet.

I thought it was probably more interesting to children and teens, with the music and bright colors. I do think it would have been better if the information displayed about the various rules, slowed down a bit before the next question came up. It seemed to really run through the information and I wonder if the children would be able to catch it all and understand.
Older children would probably not have a problem, but for the K-6 I feel it displayed everything too quickly.

These were very important rules that every student working on the Internet should be taught before being allowed on the computer. There are so many threats out there waiting for any opportunity to take advantage of the innocent, lets work together to ensure it's not one of our children or students. Education is definitely the key.

Video Reflection/ Sir Ken Robinson

I thought this video was dead on. I agreed with Sir Ken Robinson that we have definitely lost our appreciation of creativity in education as well as in our society. I felt that Mr Robinson gave some real facts and ideas that really helped me think about his topic.
He talked about subjects that I will keep in mind as I start teaching and what I need to include in my classroom. As an educator I hope that I will encourage them to reach, and encourage them to try--and possibly fail--but to possibly learn and accomplish something amazing.

I do agree that we have been taught over our lives that mistakes are bad, and even as an adult -I hate to make mistakes and I'm always working to achieve perfection, and I am so excited when my children bring home a straight A report card--but am I helping them?

I remembered thinking my child was amazing when she brought her picture back from challenger preschool. It was exceptional, my child was an artist....then I noticed that every other child coming from that classroom had the same picture of the frog--they all looked alike--their teacher showed them how to make a frog--every stroke, every color--giving the children absolutely no opportunity to be original, or give their view of what a frog should look like. Yes, it was amazing, but it was just assembly line art, I have learned that I like the original frogs better--now that this child is in Middle School.

I really feel as a society and as teachers we need to focus on the whole student and on their human worth, and on their happiness, and encouraging them--in every subject they choose. This was a great video, it made me think, and it made me "rethink" some of my values and ideas--and it helped me to continue to form my opinion of what is truly important--it's the students and their future --not just making sure they know algebra and language arts-it's the whole package.

What is UEN? Part 1

What?

What in the world is UEN? This may be a question most people outside education would ask themselves. This week I learned all about UEN (Utah Education Network) and all of the information available to educators. I was again amazed by the collection and volume of sites available for educators to enrich their lessons and help give students access to the latest and most up to date information and teaching methods. As I worked within the UEN website this week I have learned so much and also have realized major differences between UEN compared to that of Google.

So What?

I am excited to go into the field and use this tool to teach. I know it will benefit me now also, as I am going into the core education program this coming fall. UEN will give me access to all of the necessary areas I will be learning about and training in. By being able to gather information and materials before I start teaching I will be more prepared to be successful in teaching. Just in working on the scavenger hunt this week, I was amazed by all of the media and information available for use. I also learned about the quality of the information on the UEN. UEN sources are based on research, and rated on learning levels so a teacher is able to chose appropriate material for each lesson, and not have to worry if there is something inappropriate for her students. I ran into this problem while working on google--while looking up a clip art picture for a project, I ran into nude pictures, just looking for Valentines. I am so glad to learn about UEN and it's sources so I don't have to worry about my students being exposed to inappropriate material.
I liked the ability it gives teachers to stay current on core curriculum and lessons plans used within the district and all over the US and world. I think by seeing all of the options, I will be able to adapt my lesson to fit my students so they can understand. I like all of the information available--amazing. I also like all of the inter actives I can download for my students to use and help them internalize the lessons and concepts I am trying to teach.
I feel like the Pioneer Library also offers students the tools to succeed and be able to research and dig into their reports and subjects and learn everything possible about anything they want to learn about. It's options are limitless.


How will this help?

I am so happy to learn about UEN and be able to be use this site to benefit my students and also help me succeed as an educator. I will be able to connect with all areas of education in Utah, and find the basic curriculum as well as connect with other teachers and collect material for my classroom. By having the UVU students learn these computer skills and learn about UEN I feel that UVU is definitely preparing it's students to be great teachers. I also like the ability it gives teachers to stay in contact with their students and parents. This helps in keeping everyone informed on assignments, what is being taught in class, and what is needed. I also feel that the open collaboration of materials is so helpful to teachers, it's free-and with all of the cuts in education during our recession, we definitely need that. I feel that UEN is a wonderful tool for everyone, students as well as educators.

President Obama's Speech to America's School Children

I loved watching this video. I hadn't had the opportunity to watch this, so I was very glad to be able to see it.

This was a very postive video, I thought it was very appropriate to talk with the school children of this country-since he is the President of the United States. I didn't feel that his talk was in any way in bad taste or negative. I can't believe how much "hype" was created over this very positive speech.

I thought it was a pity he did't speak to the entire nation and give everyone a pep talk like this. I thought it was great. I felt very encouraged to work harder, set my goals higher, and be successful.

In his speech he talks with the students about being successful. And that success doesn't come without hard work. It takes preseverance and you don't always love everything you have to do to be successful. You will have to take classes that are possibly not your favorites, you may have poor teachers at times, you may not succeed the first time you try something--you may fail sometimes, but if you don't give up, and you try harder you will eventually succeed at what you are trying to accomplish.

He discussed the fact that he didn't have the "perfect" life growing up, that he was raised by a wonderful single mother. Who provided him with a good life, but not everything his friends had. She had to work hard to support their family, but she still took the time to get up each morning at 4am and work with him on his school work, because she knew this was important to his future.

He talked about how important a college education is. That these students are going to need that education to be able to support themselves, and inorder to make this a better nation- we are counting on them -because they will lead our country eventually.

He helped them understand that he knows each person has their own challenges. He talked about several young people who had physical and personal problems which could have kept them from getting their education, but they set their goals and even when it was difficult they worked harder, and they were able to reach their goals.

He counseled them to, "Set your own goals for education, and do everything you can to meet that goal". Reaching some of these goals may be as easy as simply going to class, doing your homework, reading, serving others --all of these things will help you.

Along with that thought he told them,"Don't let your failures define you". That's great advice, we can't give up when we fail at something, we have to learn from our failures and make those failures our strengths.

I also appreciated him telling everyone that, "no one is born good at all things". Being good at something takes hard work and practice, it's not just given to you. Sometimes while you are working at learning something you will have to ask for help--he suggests to the students to ask a trusted adult for help, and learn from them.
As teachers we need to be able to step up to the plate and give our students this help when our students ask. We need to be there for them, to help them reach their goals.

He ended by asking everyone what contribution they planned to make to their country. He encouraged them to always try and never give up on themselves, and to get serious, and give their best effort. And most important he told everyone not to let their country down, their family and most importantly themselves.

Great talk! I loved it.