The Doc's Alter Ego

Papa J is courtesy of Louis and Clark Productions.

Reflections on My First Week of Teaching EDUC 210 Technology for Teachers

I am requiring my EDUC 210 students to write a reflection from each weeks readings and class discussion. Obviously I need to model this as well. Here is the top three things I learned from the first class:

1. I talked way too much. I need to allow time for conversations to develop, and not to dominate the group time. While it is true that I have a lot of experience (and a lot of opinions) this class is not about me. I can't get to know my students if I don't let them talk.

2. Developing a one hour a day class is much different than developing a one night a week class. I need to better anticipate difficulties my students may have. For example, when a student at school has a problem in class. We can find the solution the next day. When I have a similar problem with the night class, that student will have to wait a week for help unless we can sort it out through a call or email.

3. A group of pre-service teachers can really get me excited. Who doesn't want to talk shop with people so excited about what they want to do?

I am really excited for the next class. Now that I have the first one down and I feel much better prepared for the next one, I am ready to jump back in and share and learn together.

New Alumni

Hello fellow alumni! I had the honor (?) of taking the EDM class in the summer. Everyone said I was crazy! They all told me horror stories of the time constraints for the class, but I didn't believe them. Boy, was I wrong! My first post was "Dr. Strange must be speaking Greek!" But my second was "Woo hoo! Learning Greek!" Yes, the course was a challenge, but one I was felt I was ready for. I'm one of those people who never sees a problem, just opportunities. So, I jumped in with both feet kicking! This is my second degree. I spent 10 years in the military. I've been to third world countries. And I coach youth sports. This was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But I am so glad for it. I learned a phenomenal amount in an extremely short period. But I fought through the challenges and came to realize so much about myself and the tasks I can really do. I would like to thank the entire EDM staff for their help, guidance, and friendship. If I can ever do anything for any of you, just ask!

New EDM 310 Students

I was searching the internet for information for a paper I am writing and accidentally (maybe it was fate) came across this picture and thought about Dr. Strange and his new EDM 310 students.

I remembered how I felt when I first walked into his classroom carrying my new, shiny laptop. I was so proud of my new computer and really felt like this would be an easy class. I already knew a lot about technology. After all, I was already on Facebook and I had made LOTS of purchases online. Then Dr. Strange goes over the syllabus and explains his expectations for this class. Was he crazy? I felt like grabbing my laptop and running out of the door. Then I thought about all the challenges I will face as a teacher. Will I be able to run from them? No. So I decided to accept the challenge and I am glad I did. I learned so much from this class not only about technology, but about myself. I am now more willing to accept challenges with a grin (most likely someone in my PLN has gone through the same challenge before) and go the extra mile to create a technological footprint I will be proud of.

People talk about 'getting their feet wet' when they are learning something new. My advice to new EDM 310 students, forget about just getting your feet wet, jump in and start swimming. Trust me. The water is great!

Happy Birthday Stephen!

Special thanks to Olivia for the delicious Cake.

Congrats to All Future Teachers in EDM 310

Congratulations to all of you future teachers that have the privilege of learning under Dr. Strange. Open your minds to learning everything and more, in ways that YOU get to determine. Take in the entire EDM310 experience. Collaborate with your colleagues. Don't set the bar for yourself, just go as far as you can. If you do just that, then a top grade will be easy to earn. Even more importantly than the grade, you will be entirely satisfied with your performance. Don't focus on the A, focus on the experience of learning with few boundaries. Now, don't get the wrong idea that the recipe for success in this course includes "let it happen." Oh, no. The recipe for success includes what you put into it. Discipline, desire, and determination make this a class that you will want to take again.

Now is a great time to prepare the technology aspect of your future classroom. The next 16 weeks is a first draft. Right now, you have the time to begin outlining your technology plan and get some things in place for your professional life, without students, parents and principals demanding your time. Have Dr. Strange tell you his secrets. He has tons of them!

Don't miss out. Make it ALL count. Get ready to enjoy the ride.

An EDM310 Alumni,

Jackie Gorski

PS- Dr. Strange has had no input to this. I really wanted to share this with the new folks, since I am an oldie (but a goodie :)).

Internet Safety

I heard about this on Chicago local news, and I thought I'd share it with everyone: The Illinois Attorney General website has offered safety training modules for teachers and parents of children who access the internet regularly. Keeping children safe while instilling responsible online behavior in children are growing concerns with growing technologies. With worksheets and training for children from third grade all the way through high school, children learn everything they need to be safe and responsible online - from bullying to piracy.

Go to the Illinois Attorney General - Safeguarding Children website to learn more and access the training modules and endless links to other relevant tools.

Around the World Multiplication

This video shows students playing "Around the World" with multiplication. This is a flash card drill game where students compete to travel around the circle. To start the game two students race to answer the multiplication (or any other kind of flash card) problem. The winner moves to the next student around the circle and race them. When the winner loses they sit in the new winner's seat. The game continues going around the circle until one student ends up at the seat they started at. The students seemed to really enjoy the game.

In case you were wondering how USA teacher preparation was graded by the Alabama Department of Education...

This is a link I came across this morning when browsing the Alabama Department of Education website for certification information. We did well. All A's! Dr. Strange - I don't mean to focus on the grade. :)

Jackie

Click on this link.

EDM310: A History, Flowchart

Here are a few images of the flowchart Jamie Lynn and I have created to document the order of which assignments, contacts, tools and resources have been added to the course-- if you see any revisions that need to be made, or have any additions that should be included, please leave a comment and we will add it asap. Flowchart.com is what we have been using with great success; unfortunately, it is still in the beginnings stage and it is being problematic when it comes to publishing to PDF. However, we will keep trying... so be sure to check back and suggest changes!

Kindergarten teachers hold a huge responsibility!

Kindergarten teachers worth $320,000!

I read this article posted on Yahoo's home page, and it verifies my beliefs that kindergarten teachers have an enormous influence on children's futures. As my five-year-old little sister enters kindergarten this fall, I can only hope that her teacher instills strong values and learning habits in her, just as I have been trying to do her entire life.

I personally think good teachers are worth millions, but a six-figure income doing what I love sounds great to me!

William Chamberlain Prize Fund Established. First Recipients Announced

The William Chamberlain Prize Fund has been established at the University of South Alabama. Annual awards will be given to one or more students in the College of Education who have demonstrated an unusual interest in and ability to use technology in learning.

Mr. Chamberlain announced the first winners of the prize in a ceremony Saturday July 24. They are:
Poppy Bednorz
Anthony Capps
Paula Casallo
Jackie Gorski
Jamie Lynn Miller


Each prize winner was awarded $ 150.

Congratulations to all the winners.









Bill Chamberlain, Jamie Lynn Miller, Jackie Gorski, Anthony Capps, Poppy Bednorz, John Strange. Paula Casallo not pictured.

You're Invited!

We need EDM's best students to help us out, and if you are still perusing the Alumni Blog, you are likely the perfect candidate. This is the kind of project the WILL change lives and give Mobile schools an upgrade-- don't let this opportunity pass you by. Contact Anthony Capps or Jamie Lynn Miller for when, how's, and why's at awc802@gmail.com or jamielynn519@gmail.com

When considering this project, think to yourself-- "What would Randy do?"

Join Mr. Chamberlain for a Conversation and Lunch

Mr. Bill Chamberlain will meet with students Friday from 9- 1 in the EDM310 Lab. Come talk with a master teachers who has contributed so much to EDM310.

If you are present at 1:00 pm I'll take you to lunch at my expense.
John Strange

Amazing TedX Denver Talk By Brian Crosby

Mr. McClung is back! Check out his year 2 reflection!

Mr. McClung has posted his reflection from his second year of teaching on the summer semester EDM310 blog. Check out his reflection.

Our PLN continues to evolve.

Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Jackie

How Would You Use A Smart Phone in the Classroom?

from Wikipedia.com

I will be buying my first smart phone on Thursday. Dr. Strange don't be too shocked but I will be getting the Droid X from Verizon. I chose this phone because I don't have 3G coverage with AT&T so the iPhone makes no sense and because the X has a very large screen. (I must be spoiled with my iPad;)

I plan on using the smart phone in my classroom and school and will soon be writing a post about how I will be using it. I would really like for a few of you to think about how you might use one in your classroom. Assume you have permission to use it from your administration and parents.

A Life Without Limbs: Nick Vujicic

Today I was viewing Shelly Terrell's blog, and I came across a video she had posted. This video is extremely moving, and I think it could really minister to anyone. I think it is especially great for teachers because we will have students like the man in the movie. Our influence as teachers will have a huge impact on our students' lives. This video shows how one man's encouragement and belief can change another man's life.
To View The Butterfly Circus

Nick Vujicic's Website: Life Without Limbs

Forget Blogging... Start Glogging with Glogster.

Hey everyone! I stumbled over this website after watching a video about a twelve year old girl's PLE. Glogster is similar to blogging, but it is way more interactive. You can add backgrounds, pictures, videos, sounds, and movement to your glog. A glog looks like a virtual poster/ad. I found this one glog below, and I realized how great it would be for classes. This is one I could use in an English class, but the possibilities are endless. Glogster is a great tool to use for anything! I hope you enjoy!