Teacher G's UCB Class

California Regions

2008-10-04T14:21:00.001-07:00

Finale Blog Entry Hallelujah!!!!!

2008-10-04T12:52:00.001-07:00

As I sit exhaling the deep, deep breath I drew-in on the onset of this class
I have to admit - I am feeling like a Super Star! Now, looking back at all the surfaces I have scratched regarding incorporating Web 2.0 tools into my curriculum I am amazed, truly!

Though my brain is complete mush and I'm not exactly certain how to get back to the multitude of doors knocked on and entered though, I do know with certainty that when the confetti finally settles I will most definitely revisit a few of those doors and enter for a longer visit a deeper exploration of the Web 2.0 tools which resonated with me.

This class introduced me to the vast Universe of the World-Wide-Web. Although it is and ever-changing, ever-morphing, moment-to-moment platform, I absolutely feel clued in to the epic diversity and assortment of projects that are available to educators.

I know that when I am teaching next year I will without a doubt be using many of the Web 2.0 tools that I was introduced to in this class. For starters I love the Google presentation postcard project. I love that two people can work simultaneously on one document from two different computers.

I will also be building a new blog for my family to keep in touch with what I am doing when I make the move to my new teaching position in India next July.

I plan to incorporate Wikis into my curriculum - though I still am not sure how to do that but I plan to make that my first goal when I start to investigate Web 2.0 tools on my own.

I also loved the story books we created in shutterfly and I will use that too most definitely. I think that project will allow students with different skill sets to soar.

I was introduced to so much in this class. I think that introduction, though fast paced and quick as it was, was really the highlight for me. This class gave me a taste of what is out there and what is available and that is really what I will walk away with.

Copyright

2008-09-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

That had to be the worst read yet in terms of jargon. Why can't people write stuff that is plain, simple, concise, and written in short sentences in stead of wordy paragraphs that loose most of us mid way through? And what ever happened to bullet points???

For the most part I had some idea about copyright legalities but those really came to me from the Librarian and Technology teacher or when I produced my own photography. It was really hard for me to read, and read, and read all those sites listed without examples or a Q/A format. I'm learning that for me to understand a lot of this computer stuff I need to be in a room of people collaborating instead of by myself.

So basically what I got out of the copyright reading was this.
Keeping It Legal states: Teachers CAN make copies of an article from a magazine, newspaper or a page from a book for use in class to support teaching a concept or idea, but they CANNOT make copies of the whole book or workbook for the entire class to use. They must buy them. I agree with that!

The most confusing of all the sites was Copyright Bay - maybe it was my computer but I only seemed to bring up small pieces of information when I clicked around. I like the visual creativity to the site but I found I did not get out of it what I had hoped. The one morsel I did extract was that copyright (creative ownership) was something that people have been working to posses by law since as far back as Medieval Europe. Authors, poets, and philosophers believe that they had sole ownership (copyright) to their intellectual thoughts, prose, and written text. Indeed these were the Great Thinkers of the time.

Still trying to figure out my students can use images from the web in projects, let me have another look. Yep, they can as long as it is temporary and not published on the web or a network. That was taken from Keeping It Legal.

Wowza, I did get something out of what I read, course I had to keep going back and rereading. Still confussed about a large portion of the copyright laws but I do know where to access the informaion once I find a Lawyer to go over it with me in simple terms maybe even with pictures and examaples.

Single Best Vido out there!!

2008-09-25T01:26:00.000-07:00

This is the BEST Video: Where the Hell is Matt I've seen in a long time.
It makes me feel like a human being again and that really we are all connected in simple joys of just being together, sharing a smile and maybe even a dance.

I hope it inspires you!

Enjoy!

Podcasting in Education

2008-09-22T21:58:00.001-07:00

Before completing this homework assignment I accidentally did the next one (choose 5 podcasts to share) therefore I have already spent time scouring iTunes for podcasts before reflecting on this quesitons and you know what, I'm glad I did.

I had yet to be really exposed to the podcast. Sure been hearing about them but I had never had the desire to really go and search of one. I had no idea they could be so educational. They are wonderful listening activities and fun ways to take in information in a completly new format. That's the educational bennefit.

What I don't understand is how students can generate projects using them. In reading podcasting in education several activities for students were listed but I think I really need to see them/listen to them for complete comprehension before sharing my opinion. Right now I can't seem to formulate what kind of project a 4th-5th-6th grader could produce using that format.

FAQ:For Podcast Fans was a good "short" read explaining what this new medium is - I took in about 1/3 of it. My Geek status is already saturated.

The section "What is RSS feed" was not only overwhelming form by its length but the summary left me feeling like I had just woken up from being asleep for the 150 years only to learn that the English language had completely changed. I read it but I understood nothing! Then I got to thinking, if I come up with a podcast assignment for my students to produce I simply team up with the IT teacher at my school and they take on teaching the kids how to build it. They are the educators that are teaching thier passion IT and that is why they chose that subject to teach. I on the other hand am not an IT teacher for this reason, "It is NOT my passion!" I don't care about making my own podcast - I'm happy I have been introduced to them becasue I already have ideas bubbeling about how I can utilze them in my curriculum but I don't have any interst in making one. It's like this. I know how to drive, but in order drive I don't need to know how to build the car. There are special people with specials talents and intersts in doing just that.
Thank God!!!!

Podcast Posting

2008-09-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Below you will find 5 podcasts. I recommend them all for different reasons - which are listed. Wow... I never really had time to look into podcasts - they're becomming my new favorite thing.

Podcast Posting

2008-09-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

5. The last one couldn't be more fitting!
United Nations radio is a great podcast if you are a social studies teacher. It allows you to take your kids right into the UN talks. I just listened to a podcast, short, briefing the food shortage. This would be a great into into a discussion on that subject. They have an extensive list going of really important talks and topics. I know I'll be visiting this podcast site to educate myself.
: )

Podcast Posting

2008-09-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

4. Planet Green is a totally awesome podcast that streams in VIDEO. I just learned where bananas come from and how they get more bananna plants. Kids will love these short informational videos.
Planet Green has podcasts covering an assortment of topics and a website too!

Podcast Posting

2008-09-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

3. This week in Astrology podcast is a weekly astrology podcast that educates you on where the planets are and how they will effect your life. For me this is a wonderful site because not only do I get a more indepth understanding about how the planets will effect life on earth - but I also learn about the different planets and their characteristics, traits and what they represent.

Another site/podcast which was listed as 'other podcasts you might be interested in" is one by Jessica Adams. Her podcasts speak to the Astrology beginner (me). She covers each planet and its attributes. Cool Stuff!!!!!

Podcast Posting

2008-09-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

2. Princeton Review Vocabulary minute podcast is a podcast with short songs. Each song is 60 seconds, easy going, creatively written, and FUN! - This style makes understanding new vocabulary words easy to remember.
Each song is rated for the appropriate grade level.
Great for those kids that learn through music.
Remember School House Rocks - well this podcast is similar but like other people have commented it's FREE!!!!

Podcast Posting

2008-09-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

1. Grammar Girl - Your affect me.
I loved this short (4min) podcast explaining the difference between Affect and Effect and when to use each. GG not only explains it in s.i.m.p.l.e. terms but she also gives you a mnemonic phrase to teach the kids how to remember when to use what: I LOVE THOSE!!!

GG also has other podcasts covering just about every grammar question under the sun.
I'm a writing teacher so this site really excites me!!
She also has a website to accompany her podcasts and a book! I'll be ordering that for sure.

What a Read!!!!!

2008-09-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

The amount of reading regarding safety for this portion of our assignment today was overwhelming. I found the story about Zachery fascinating. It made me think those plain clothed predators that roam the playgrounds and online chat sites - looking for blood, fresh meat, youthful minds............ It is disgusting!!!!!

Arthur Butz, may well have been attempting to share information he had been collecting since he was in college on what he believes to be true - Now since he did not live during that time he really can not step into the shoes of either the Germans or the Jews to live a life in the day - so his beliefs are based on findings and not actual personal experiences.

In America, Freedom of Speach is defined. It is a person's right to speak freely without censorship or limitation but the simple fact is that Mr. Butz connected his "Truth" to the world-wide-web covertly, behind closed doors, hidden within text jargon, and linked it to sites that shout out far more then what his simple account of what really went down states.

And THAT, is just one of the issues I have against him. Sure I see how important it is to teach students how to critically think about what they read - but at the same time we must also give time to educating them about honesty and morals and integrity and character and teach them that those too are worth weight and validation.

If a man is going to shout from the interior of a cave, 100 feet down, under spider webs, burried by links, upon links that connect his rants and raves to the topsoill so the average 14, 25, 65, 85 year old can't hear him but not see him see then THAT is a man I say should not be trusted no matter what his words clarify, uncover, shed-light-on.

did any of that make any sense?

The first strategy I would use in teching my students to be web-literate is by using the lesson by Alan November. It's already laid out and right there to follow- easy:peasy! After that I'd assess thier leaning and design scavenger hunts every so often to keep skills sharp and moving toward the long-term memory files in thier brains.

The discussion on how information on the web vs. what you get from books is different would be ongoing. Continuing to analyze what ever they read, hear, watch is always up for examination today anyway so teaching studetns to question is the KEY. Take FOX news for example, need I say more.

The Teacher's Guide to evaluating web pages could be used as an investigation activity in table groups. They could answer the question about a specif webpage of information and by doing all the bullet points they would be interacting with the technology and leaning how to navigate around too.

E-Learning Library

2008-09-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, enough!
I just bought a new computer after my old one crashed and burned. The death was sudden and quick the memorial service memorable.

I can't open any of the Demos on this dude's site and really I can't seem to find out where to go or what to download where. This class is already making my brain spin in 100 different directions I can't now be expected to try to download software form somewhere out in space - every time I do my computer asks me "Do you really want to download information from an unknown source?" Heck NO!!!!!! I'm sick of having to give out all my personal information and email address simply to 'try' something out. Sure I might take a look for a few minutes, maybe even lean about something I never new existed, but 30 minutes later that information will have dissipated because it had nothing to connect to in my present life and I'll spend the next 6 months deleating emails from my gmail account because e-Learning sold my information somewhere in Uzbekistan.

Sorry comrades I ain't doing that - not for all the camel dung in???? (now if I had used that site I would surely have know where the heck Uzbekistan is right?)

Reviews

2008-09-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Just spend the better part of the afternoon reviewing and writing up my thoughts only to close the tab before publishing........................Yeowza........that hurt!
I guess that's what I get for trying to write my review and write an email to my students from last year sending them links to all the cool websites Christina posted for us to check out.

Must stay focused!Must!must!MuSt!!!!!

My top three favorites:
BrainPop great for taking the information delivered in class one step deeper. This site has information on just about every subject and it's all kid centered and creatively expressed. I loved the short film on Homophones - the visuals really drove the understanding home. This site is great for all ages (adults too) and I personally would use it in my classroom.

Syllable Factory and Language Arts and Math are both websites under the BBC umbrella. They are interactive, and Fun, fun, FuN!!!!! Great for ELL too!

Storyline is a sweet website that allows kids to have books read to them online. It is like being at the Library and having the Librarian read to you while you curl up on the couch with blanky and suck your thumb. As you are read to, the text apprears at the bottom of the page so struggeling readers can hear and see the words simultaneously; she even shows you the pictures!

All of the websites I reviewed I would use in my classroom of 4th graders - even the storyline. All of them can be mini, intro lessons to the bigger lesson or used in centers or as homework to extend the days learning.

Check -em-Out!!!!!

Technology part Two

2008-09-18T19:03:00.001-07:00

I just finished teaching 4th grade so I read the (4-6) standards and I have to say that that list of standards took the fun out of teaching the whole subject. Could they have been written any dryer? Some of them sounded so ridiculous, especially #10: Apply previous knowledge of digital technology operations to analyze and solve current hardware and software problems. (4,6)

That one made me laugh.... It seems quite obvious that the person who wrote those has never been in a computer lab full of 4th graders when something goes awry with their computer or the network. I'd like to meet the 4th graders he observed who can do that.

NETS

2008-09-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading the NETS for teachers, and I have to say that was a hard read! I found I got so lost in all the banter they were going on and on and on about that I could not keep my concentration. I'd finish one bullet point and I'd have to go back and read it 2-3 more times and it still would not sink in. Sheesh........................

So I'll just blog about my feelings toward technology in the modern classroom.

I definitely believe that educating students in technology is important and that it has a place in our curriculum and that teachers must make room for it. But the bigger question that presents itself is do public teachers have access to computers, programs, and the time needed to teach these valuable skills?

I have the luxury of teaching in the private sector and so technology is part of the weekly curriculum. Every school I have taught at has had a computer lab with the latest software. That in itself is worth its weight in gold. There is a Computer Specialist on staff who teaches lessons in technology every week, so the choice is mine as to whether I create additional projects outside of those lessons in my own classroom.

I happen to use technology in my classroom and curriculum all the time - from simple tasks of having kids look up unknown words on Dictionary.com when we come across them in whole class reading or discussions to students designing their own PowerPoint presentations on topics of their choosing. I use technology to enhance my teaching and student learning but I have the resources to do that. I can't help but wonder how the State of California can put out the NETS with a clear conscience knowing that a good majority of the schools out there don't have the resources to begin to even take on the task of teaching technology. It sort of like when P.E. teachers care supposed to teach without any equipment.

Essential Question

2008-09-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

Are GMO foods helpful or hurtful?

Find out where you stand! Teacher G's Webpage today!

Rants and Raves

2008-09-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

My solution of how to “fix” the multitude of problems that the U.S. has with education would be, first and foremost, for the people in office to actually start listening to the people on the front lines, the ones that actually walk-the-walk: US….The Teachers!!!!

If things are ever going to change for the better, WE, the teachers need to be respected for what we do and that means that WE must be respected for our experience and knowledge of educating children and what WE know works best in our classrooms.

For change to occur educators need to be valued for what they know. They need to be validated for their experience. They need to be supported by the system and paid fairly. They need to have funding to keep their classrooms stocked, supplied, and outfitted with the best and latest equipment available to teach to the present day “global classroom” of this new age. The focus has to be on educating the “whole child”. The public system needs to bring back the programs that were cut from so many schools: science, art, technology, P.E, and music. It is true, education is a system, just like any other, and when parts of that system are missing the system does not become stronger, it becomes weaker.

The type of professional development that works best for me is hands-on, activity based workshops/classes. As an educator I have come to realize how I learn best. Activity based classes that are student centered and creative allows me to learn at my own pace while keeping me inspired through creative culminating projects. As an independent, private school educator, I have been lucky in that I have had the privilege and liberty of personal choice when looking into professional development.

Top Ten Resources to be The Best Teacher I can be:

1. State of the art equipment
2. Art supplies
3. School supplies
4. Money for awesome field trips
5. Supportive Administration
6. Supportive Parents
7. Colleagues who believe that collaboration is good
8. Time
9. Fair wages
10. And the Number #10 resource needed to be the BEST….. Freedom with curriculum

The California standards, in my opinion, provide a structure to follow across the board for the most part. Some of them however, should be reevaluated for content and authenticity and impact in today’s world (4th grade Native Americans and the Mission period in particular). However, I like the structure that the standards provide; yet I prefer personal choice with how I execute the information.

My take on the NO Child Left Behind policy is that Yes, it is important to meet the needs of every child, however if the U.S. really wants to stand behind what they preach than they need to provide the funding for the children who need the individual support. The U.S. needs to be accountable for the aftermath that this policy mandates.

Smaller class size allows me to build closer relationships with all my students. It affords me the space and time necessary to get to know them on an individual basis and to see where their needs and strengths are. It allows for 1:1 teaching on a more consistent basis.

I fell into the world of teaching at 14. It was my first after school job and although later I majored in child psychology, I was resistant toward becoming a teacher. Then one day I found myself in Japan teaching ESL. The school I went through in San Francisco “New World Teachers” taught me to “as a teacher think outside the box” with regards to lesson planning. They emphasized a philosophy that transformed education, as I knew it to be; lessons that were activity based, student centered, engaging, and fun. I had never been a student with a teacher teaching in this manner and to find myself now a teacher executing this type of lesson was overwhelming. I was hooked!

I was really surprised at my emotional response to discussion on the KQED radio podcast. During my listening, I found myself taking all kinds of notes about who I am as an educator, what inspires me, why I chose this profession, and most importantly I realized that my natural ability to be successful in my field because teaching IS my craft and one that enjoy and am extremely proud of. This podcast helped me to put words to how I feel about being a teacher 'at present' and 'where I want to go with it in the future' (words that I have been something I’ve been struggeling to string together for the past few months.) This podcast left me feeling empowered and that my choice was a good one.

Since entering the field of education I have always been working at private, independent schools (except for my one year student teaching assignments). My choice is based on my desire to work in a supportive environment that allows its faculty to be autonomous, creativity, freedom, flexibility, personal choice, and professional growth opportunities. directed toward fulfilling a My experience has shown me that reason for this choice is because the independent, private sector retains a philosophy and mission toward providing the best possible environment for its faculty and students within the parameters of leaning and growth.

Native Americans storm Ocean Beach

2008-09-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

If you haven't made it to Ocean Beach lately you really should! The tribe of Native Americans standing out there in front of the surf with Buffalo Bill leading this procession, is equally moving and breathtaking. Truly, a moment from history to behold.