3 days before we go to the hospital

Well lots to tell. I'll start with Saturday night. We went to the hospital at about 11pm that night. I was not filling Taylor and yes it scared me. When we got there as soon as they put the monitor on me we heard her heart beat and we heard her moving around. I still could not fill her move but the nurse said it could be because the way she is positioned. I was so relieved. I stayed there for a while and was having contractions about 3 and 4 min. apart but since they were not strong and I had not dilated they let me go on home. We got back home around 1am and I finally felt Taylor move.

Our final Dr. apt. was Wed. We had another ultrasound to see how much Taylor had grown in a week and surprisingly she was only 6lb 15oz. The Dr. said that she thought the measurements from the last ultrasound were off and that she feels I could have a vaginal delivery instead of a c-section if I wanted. So of course I want to experience this and now we are scheduled to go to the hospital Monday night at 7pm. Around 5am Tuesday morning we will induce and start the labor process. I am nervous but very excited. Pray for Clay and I because we are clueless. (ha) The next time I post something on this we will have our little Taylor with us.

I do not use this blog anymore

This is a blog I did for class and no longer use

My EDM 310 Blog Assignments are Now Complete.

Although I did not get to talk to everyone and get to know you personally I enjoyed the Tuesday/Thursday class and 2pm. It aws very interesting at times and we had a good time. Everyone did a great job on your presentations!! I hope everyone has a great Christmas and maybe we will see each other next year. If not good luck in the future....

My Final Post

I feel that I learned alot in this class. I had a gmail account before I got into the class. After the class set one up I also learned that I could create an iGoogle page. I thought this was very cool. Now when I sign in its all the things I put there. This was probably my favorite part of the class. Another thing I learned was how to make a powerpoint from google docs. I actually had to do a powerpoint presentation in another class and this made it very easy. Instead of going through the hassle of saving the powerpoint to a jump drive all I had to do was pull up my igoogle page and there it was. I think all the things we learned with google will be the most helpful for me in the future. I also enjoyed the blogging. I had heard about blogging before but I never really understood what it was. After creating my own blog I understood it. I think we had a little to many blog post to do along with all our other classes and the projects we had to do in them. All in all I enjoyed it very much.

One thing I wish we could have learned more about is microsoft excel. I am pretty familiar with this because I use it at work but I had to teach myslef everything that I use at work. I have always wanted to know more about excel and I have never had the chance to take a class that offers that.

I really did enjoy this class. It was not to difficult but it was challenging enough to make you feel as if you accomplished something by the end of the semester.

Podcasting

Wow!! I never thought I would actually participate in a podcast. After listening to myself I started laughing. I am so country. I think we did a great job. I was very nervous because I had never done anything like this before. I wanted to do the topic about the different websites for teachers because I thought it was something I and all other teachers could get some use out of.

I think we could have went into more detail on some things. Also, I think we should have found a few more websites. If we had more websites we would have a little more to talk about and maybe not have paused so much. I had a great time doing the podcast and if I ever do another one I will know what not to do. :)

I listened to a couple of our classes podcast and it was really neat to hear them talking on the computer compared to when we listened to them actually doing their podcast. I think everyone did an excellent job. I also think most people were nervous about doing it and then when it was over it was kind of like why was I nervous about that.

I would like to do a few more podcast just to get a better feel of it. This is something that students would have such a good time doing and in order for me to let my studnets do podcast I can not be nervous.

Talking with Teachers Around the World

I talked with a teacher in New York. I actually started talking to her a while back. Her name is Cynthia Walker. She actually does blogging with her students. The students seem to like blogging. She said the main reason they like it so much is because it is something out of the ordinary. Her main focus is her students. She like me wants her students to come to class and have a good time but learn also. She likes to use different techniques to help the students learn in a fun way. She did say there are times when she will have to stop doing the fun activity and use the book because the students will start getting to loud.

I really enjoyed talking to her and seeing what and how she taught her class. It was interesting to see that she is more of a hands on learner and therefore she uses that in her classroom. She also accomidates for the students who may not leran so well hands on.

Blogs in the Classroom

I read Jennifer Harris' blog. I used to sit by her in class, until that computer did not work any longer, so I thought I would look at her blog. Anyway, I really enjoyed reading all that she had to say. In her blog it seemed that she took her time in writing them. It makes me want to change mine and write a bit more on come of my blogs. (but we all know there is not enough time in the day to do that) Jennifer did very well constructing her blog. It is very easy to read and go to the different links.

We did have some different views on some things, but like she said in one of her blogs it gives you a different way of looking at something. I am sure not everyone thinks or fees the same about things and this is why I feel that these blogs are a great tool. When you surf the net reading different blogs you can not only see what other people think but you can also learn from them. It is always good to expand your mind. Kinda like the growth mindset.

This class has taught me so many new things. Blogging os one of them. I have enjoyed blogging and I actually got a comment from someone on one of mine. I thought that was neat because I tend to forget that anyone can read my blog. In some of my blogs I probably sound totally ridiculous but you got to start somewhere.

I got the cahance to read a couple of blogs from a few different people. It was so interesting to see all the different view points. There are so many times when we think we are right and that our way of thinking is the most logical. Reading these different blogs really made me think.

Acess Visit

I went to the Access Lab at Daphne High School. I went on Nov. 25, 2008. The visit was very interesting and informatonal. It was also confusing. After learning and seeing everything the access lab has to offer, it seems to be a great tool with a lot of missing links right now. I think that the vision of this is aswesome but more work needs to be done. I dont think I would want to be the teacher that is teaching in this access labs.

Mathematics with Technology

Who would have thought that today technology goes just about anywhere you want to take it? I have never used the internet as much as I have in this class but its a good thing. It has opened my eyes to various ways of learning and teaching. There are so many websites that give someone so much information in every subject. I watched a podcast about math. It told about why people do not like math, why people do and it gave different feedback about how a teacher or student could better understand. This is great because it shows me that there are different ways a student can learn outside the school. As a teacher we could give students different websites to go to for practice. Not only for math but for all subject areas.

The internet is such a great tool to use in the classroom. If you have to proper funds and such. As teachers I think we should consider letting our students use the internet in class and outside the class to grow their minds. We all need to try and learn new things right? Is this not what we teach our students. So why not let them use the internet as a learning tool. They could even do their own podcast!!

Teacher's Domain

This website was very interesting. My computer at home is full so I cannot get good access to anything like youtube, podcast etc. So I had to wait until I went home to watch all this stuff. But like I said it was worth the wait. I have found a few different places that I could use in the future as a teacher. This site for instense was very easy to access and esay to look around at.

A couple of the ones I watched was the infrared: More than the eye can see and A night in the Coral Reef. These were both great. And I would consider them both in my classroom. They were both very informational. Neither was to long. I did not get bored watching them either. I have a very short attention span so if its not interesting then I will not be paying attention. This is the same for alot of students as well.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

The video podcast fixed vs. growth mindset was not only interesting but also informational. This interview given by Carol Dweek a professor of psychology was about some research done at Stanford University. Basically there are two ways of learning, fixed and growth. "Fixed" is when an individual is set in their ways. They don't want to try new things that they are already familiar with. They want to seem intelligent by doing these things they are familiar with rather than try a new way. On the other hand "growth" mindset, is when and individual looks at new ways of doing things. They want to exercise their minds.

There were two workshops done. One workshop focused on study skills and growth mindset and the other focused on just study skills. Research showed that the individuals in the workshop with both study skills and learning about growth mindset really helped the students performance. The workshop just focusing on study skills individuals did not really benefit from it.

I think we should all as teachers show our students different ways of learning. They need to excesses their minds. I feel as if we can not benefit or learn if we stay with one way of thinking. The world is changing everyday and so do our minds.

Randy Pausch "The Last Lecture"

This video was amazing. I really enjoyed listening to Randy Pausch give his last lecture. He talked about so many different things I don't really know where to start. I guess I will start with his dreams. I have never written down any dreams for myself. I pretty much live life one day at a time. I am very spontaneous I like to do things at the last minute. I am also very indecisive. Therefore, I never felt in necessary to make a list of dreams for myself. Of course I have the dreams of having a family and graduating but nothing other than that. Hearing him talk about his dreams and accomplishing all of them in a sense made me wonder why I never made dreams for myself.
I will say that when I become a teacher I will encourage all my students to set goals and dreams for themselves.

Another thing I like about his lecture was the head smart stuff. I did not really "get it" until the very end of the lecture when he talked about how this lecture was not for the audience but for his kids. I started thinking back on everything he had said and talked about and it clicked....It really was for his kids but we can learn so much from it as well.

It was amazing to see this guy, knowing he is dying, in front of all these people instead of at home spending his last days with his family. He really left a legacy. He did not care about his health he wanted to do something that his family and friends and future generations could learn from and grow with. This is why I was so amazed. He is an example that many of kids, students, teachers, administrators and so many others will remember and try to live a lot alike

Edible Schoolyard and A Night in the Global Village

My favorite of the two was A Night in the Global Village. My learning style is Kinesthetic, which is a lot like hands on. I just learn easier by hands on activities. The Global Village gave students the opportunity to visit different villages from all over the world and trade and communicate with each other. This is something I would definitely use in my classroom. I see this as an easy and fun way of learning. This is something the students can enjoy and remember for a very long time.

I also enjoyed the Edible Schoolyard. This is also something I would consider using in my classroom. Who would have thought you could find stuff like this on the internet. I think it is neat that the students not only got to plant their garden but also eat it. This is teaching math, science, and agriculture.

These are both great ideas to help students learn not only by the book. It give the students a chance to see what the "real world" is all about. Teachers should also be thinking of new and adventures ways to teach their students.

Podcasts

I listened to the Smart Boards lesson first. I really enjoyed it. This semester is the first time I have heard or gotten to use a smart board. The information Be and Joan give is very helpful. Everyone seem to like the idea of the smart board. Be and Joan have a lot of knowledge about the Smart Board and after listening to them I would recommend it to teachers who may not be as familiar with Smart Boards.

I listened to a few under Kidcast and they all seemed very entertaining. I did not listen to a lot of them just about 2 to 3 min. of some. If I had more time I would have listen to more because it seemed to give a lot of different tips that could be used in my classroom.

I also listened to EdTechtalk. This one you can ask a question and post it and it gives you feedback about your question. If someone is interested in itunes and podcast and so forth this is something they can use. I am not to familiar with itunes and stuff so it was difficult for me to find and download/subscribe all this. I'm not sure if it is something I will be doing in the future. If I had more time to learn about it then the Edtechtalk would definitely be something I used in the future.

Podcasts are a great way for people to interact. This semester has been a first for me in a lot of ways. The podcast is one of them. I enjoyed doing our podcast in class, although it was nerve racking. I think its a great tool that teacher can use in their classrooms as something fun and informative for their students.

iTunes U

With iTunes students can grab a meal, or drink even just ride around in their car while learning at the same time. It also allows students that are audio learners to learn. A student may not be a good note taker and this allows them to listen to a lecture rather than try and seat in class and take notes. iTunes provides another medium, and an alternative to learning.

I went to learnoutloud.com and it not only talks about many different techniques of learning but it also talks about the iTunes U. This site gives different insight about what it is and how it is useful. iTunes is 24/7 so its avaiable all the time. iTunes can be used on the go, it keeps students motivated and it allows the schools material to be open to the publi, alumni, and to whomever wants to learn.

At this site http://cit.duke.edu/pdf/reports/ipod_initiative_04_05.pdf
I found out some interesting insite on ipod technology. There were the pros and cons of the ipod use in classrooms.
Here are a couple of the pros:
*convenience for both faculty and students of portable digital course content, and reduced dependence on physical materials.
*Flexible-location independant access to digital and multimedia course materials, including reduced dependence on lab and library locations and hours.

Here are a couple of cons:
*Significant challenges in intergrating multiple systems for content storage, access, sharing and distribution with one another and with existing technology infrastructure.
*Absence of systems of bulk purchase or licensing of commercial mp3 audio content of acedemic use.

There are many more pros and cons for the use of ipods.

I also found a site in which a gentleman by the name of Robert Craven who is a teacher says "the ipod allows you to integrate audio seamlessly into the curriculum".
I think using the ipod in the classroom is is a great idea. Students can listen to readings at their own pace and use the voice recorder to tell the story in their own words.

Dr. Christie

When I visited this site I decided to look deeper at the safety for kids. Dr. Christie gives information on different websites that are "ok" for kids use. Although the internet is a good tool for learning it can also be ddangerous and Dr. Christie is aware of this and she gives different instruction about the safety of the internet.

Dr. Christie's site is very educational and she gives good background on everything she talks about. Not only does she like the idea of technology use in the classroom and think it is a very good tool, she also backs it up with information that would help everyone understand why technology is a good tool to be used in the classroom.

Wickipedia

Very interesting! I could not believe that anyone can change things on wickipedia. Honestly I have never used it. I really never understood it either. But I have a better knowledge of it and I really dont care for it.

I chose the March post. I chose this one because my birthday is in March and I hate making decisions so this made it easier for me. The post is called 2020 Vision on DesignShare. At first he talks about how he and another gentlemen through Doc sharing collaborated and designed this video/blog and they have never met. Now the blog is showing in many different design school architects, planners and designers. Karl Fisch said "The kindergartners that started school in 2007 will graduate in the spring of 2020." He is trying to explain that we need to have 2020 vision.

As educators we have a committment to teach students and help them get into college. Therfore, we have to think of the future. The future is what Karl Fisch was trying to explain with his blog. We as in educators, architects, workers of all kind need to be prepared for the future. The world is changing fast and if we live in the past our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and so forth will not be able to make it in the "real world".

I encourage everyone to look this blog over. Its kind of lengthly but very worth while.

My Thoughts.....

After reading Karl Fisch's blog I believe I have a better understanding of why technology is so important. I agree with what was said in his blog. In today's society, technology is everywhere, the grocery store, in homes, schools, business offices, I have even seen technology in a bathroom. So if you think about it technology is a good tool for everyone to be familiar with.

Teachers on the other hand should be more intune than most. There are so many ways for students to learn by using the internet/technology that if a teacher does not know what or how then the teacher may be keeping a student from expanding their mind. When I become a teacher I hope to know more about technology than I do now. There are so many different aspects of technonlogy that one could use in the classroom and I hope to keep expanding my technological abilities to better help with student learning.

Teaching in the South Pacific

This blog is in South Africa. Mrs Hayes is the teacher that set up the blog and it was a little different. It took me a while to find this but I'm glad I came across it. I noticed she talked about God in her class. This is different because we can not around her. There is a post she did for Mother's Day about why God made moms, she wanted to hear what her students thought about their moms. There is a list of about 11 questions she ask that range from Why did God make moms? to If there was one thing you could change about your mom what would it be? The comments the students made of course are sweet and they all talk great about their moms. One of the students says he/she would put make-up on her (mom) and thats what she would change. If you want to check it out go to http://thelivesofgrade2s.teacherlingo.com/default.aspx .
She also tells how teaching in the South Pacific is different from other places.

Why Let Students Blog

Rachel Boyd is a teacher of a year 1/2 class of 5 and 6 year olds. in Nelson, New Zealand. She has set up this blog to help students interact in the classroom. She posted a video of "Why Let Students Blog" and some of the reasons are to help students communicate, share, collaborate, discuss, enpowerment, interaction, motivation, engagement, excitment, conversation, creativity, reflection, and to extend the walls of the classroom. Her site has so many different links as well as her students postings with different writing and videos that you can respond to. I e-mailed the class to find more information as to what they think about blogging and now I am waiting to see what they say. I will keep everyone posted. Her link is http://rachelboyd.blogspot.com
I wanted to put the video up on this blog but I could not figure out how to so I just put a picture of her. If you get a chance check out her blog and the video of Why Let Students Blog, let me know what you think.

Sixth Grade English Class Blog

http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=17192

This is a 6th grade Language Arts class tacught by Julia Osteen at Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross, GA. This is her 21st year and she truly believes in her students having a greeat knowledge of technology. This blog allows her students to write summaries on books or articles they have read and post them. She really tries to reach out to her students and encourages them to use technology because it is a part of everyday life. At the top is a picture of her class.

Green Stream

This blog I found is a 9th grade class, I'm not sure where or what school it is but I really thought this class clog was very interesting. Anne Davis works in the Instructional Technology Center in the College of Education at Georgia State University. This blog was created to explore how ninth graders can use blogging to improve their literacies. The name of the ninth grade class blog is Green Stream. The class blog is mostly about going green and different things in the environment. It shows every students different blog entry and allows other people to come in and comment. I encourage everyone to take a closer look at this blog. http://itc.blogs.com/greenstream/

Shift Happens

When I was reading the blog topic for this week I did not know what to expect. After watching the video I was in awe. To see how much things have changed and seeing how many people use technology is to me mindblowing. Of course change happens everyday but to see how much change has accured of a few years really does make me wonder what the next generation will be like. Also, watching this video makes me want to explore the internet more and be "more intune" with the world of technology.

At first my view of the internet was very secluded because of all the "bad" things that are there. When I think about myself teaching in a couple of years, I always thought I would use the internet but not very much. After watching this video my thinking has changed. Although I will monitor what students explore on the internet, I will now encourage the use of the internet in my classroom.

ACCESS

ACCESS is a program meaning Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide. This site gives students the opportunity to take classes that may not be available in their schools and it also gives students the chance to take AP, Advanced Placement, classes. Students are able to take these classes along with the classes that they are taking at school. Not only does ACCESS give students a chance to take classes that may not be offered to them at school but ACCESS is internet based so it gives students a chance to get familiar with technology. Technology is changing everyday and it is good for students and teachers to have some knowledge of today's technology.

ACCESS has 24 Pilot Sites in Alabama and is still growing. The classes offered are classes that students will not already have access to and are taught by certified teachers. ACCESS is a great way for students and teachers to connect in another way other than in the classroom. ACCESS has web-based courses and video. ACCESS is an amazing website and is keeping students and teachers aware of the latest technology.

ALEX

ALEX is an acronym for Alabama Learning Exchange. ALEX is a website designed to enable teachers to prepare a more efficient and comprehensive lesson plan. It allows for an exchange of ideas pertaining to what works and what does not work for educators in the academic field.

ALEX allows students and administrators to participate in the learning process. Students can access web links that enable them to become better prepared for class. Administrators are able to learn how to develop and implement better management strategies for teachers and students. ALEX is beneficial to teachers, students, and administrators alike. ALEX creates a more structured and efficient educational system.

ALEX enables me to share and exchange ideas with other educators. ALEX also allows me to understand the needs and demands of students and administrators. ALEX allows me to be a better informed educator, which results in a more efficient and thorough education for students.

My first blog !!!

Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoy this. Its my first time, so try not to get to bored. I moved to Daphne AL, last July, it was one of those spur of the moment things. I met my husband not even a year ago and we got married May 10th (like they say once you know you know). At the end of Sept., I will have known my husband for a year. His name is Clay. We went to Jamaica on our honeymoon. It was amazing. We have a dog whose name is tucker and he is the cutest dog ever.

I'm an elementary education major. I hope to graduate in 2010. I was first a nursing major but I worked in a hospital one summer and said, "no more for me". So my "deddy" talked me into teaching and I love it.