Blog Post 15 Final Reflection

Project 16 Final Project

Final Report On PLN

A Personal Learning Network is designed for creating connections and developing a network in order to enhance professional development. My Personal Learning Network, PLN, is an efficient and convenient way to organize resources and links. My PLN has allowed me to enhance my professional development network in order to locate resources to help connect with other educators and educational material. A PLN gives an individual a variety of topics to locate which in turn will open up a wealth of information that will continue to expand.

My PLN is organized with educational information that has been convenient for me to access while I am in school. I will continue to build my PLN in this area for continued learning and professional development. Every time I explore my PLN on Symbaloo, I find other resources to pull from which allows me to expand my network. The next section of my PLN focuses on personal information that I utilize often, such as, banking, paying monthly bills, physicians, and necessary information that I refer to often. I have also designated an area of interest on my PLN. These resources are available to me for entertainment purposes. I enjoy the ease and convenience of being able to go to this site to access all of my information.

I do believe I will continue to develop my PLN on a professional level. I also believe that I will continue to extend my PLN for personal reasons. I am looking forward to devoting more time with this wonderful resource. I have only touched the surface on my PLN, but this will be an ongoing process for my educational and personal development.

C4T #4

Mrs. Hines is a kindergarten teacher from North Carolina. She posted information on her blog about Dr. Seuss', Read Across America. All schools participate in this annual event in the early elementary grades. However, Mrs. Hines took this activity to a "new level." Using Skype, she allowed her students to read across America with other elementary students throughout the country. As I read the post, I felt the excitement that her students and visiting parents felt during this day of reading. It is amazing for students to be able to experience such an outstanding activity. Students from kindergarten to sixth grade, had a wonderful opportunity to actively be involved in this project. This reading exercise that her kindergarten students were able to actively participate in was pertinent to educating children using technology. Mrs. Hines utilized the technology that is available to her and her students to make the experience relevant and exciting.

I believe that Mrs. Hines' Read Across America activity can be extended to many grade levels throughout elementary school. Upper elementary students will be able to be actively involved in this activity as well as younger students. There is no limit on this type of project. A teacher can use this activity in a school-wide project, a school system-wide project, a nation-wide project, or a world-wide project. It might be best for a teacher to begin on a smaller scale until she and her students become familiar with the technology usage. As the teacher and students progress, they can extend the project to different participants. For this type of activity, it takes preplanning and motivation on the teachers part, but the outcome of the final product is well worth the effort.

The second post that I reviewed from Mrs.Hines is titled, Reflection On A Lecture. Mrs. Hines attended a lecture on differentiated learning. The lecture was presented by Carol Ann Tomlinson, Professor of Education at the University of Virginia. After attending the lecture, Mrs. Hines felt so strongly about the issues presented, she immediately posted on her blog. The first point that Mrs. Hines comments on is that differentiation leads to self-confidence. She states that it gives students a desire to continue to learn and possess a greater understanding of the content. When teachers teach students how to learn, they are offering them the ability to take those skills and apply them in many future situations and contexts. She also states that being proactive instead of re-active will address many situation that will arise in the classroom, but this will take a significant amount of time, effort, and planning. In order for students to learn as much content as efficiently and accurately as possible, technology should be involved. Technology will help teachers organize, monitor , and track student's performance. Last, skills that the top ten percent of learners were once expected to know, are now required by all learners. Content must be designed for all learners, and all learners must be content creators.

I believe the best way to achieve this goal is to implement technology and emphasize differentiated learning. All students must be given the same opportunity to learn and development academic success. Teachers must ensure that this will happen in their classroom. The classroom is a diverse place, and student's individuality must be recognized when learning and education is occurring.

Blog Post 14

Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire, The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56
By Rafe Esquith

The author of this book is a veteran teacher who teaches in a Los Angeles public school. He states that he is no different than any other dedicated teacher. However, once his book is read, his statement shows his humble disposition regarding his success. Although he is modest about his success, he is extremely proud and pleased by his student’s achievements. The majority of his students are from low income families or families of immigrants. Most of his students do not have the advantages that many students from our country are fortunate to have.

Mr. Esquith, like many teachers in the profession, at a point in his career felt frustration and questioned his teaching profession. Then, one day an event happened to change his attitude. He was intensely focused while teaching a Chemistry lesson , and did not notice that his hair was on fire! That is right, his hair was really on fire. His students began screaming and pointing, but he was so engrossed in his lesson that he did not realize that his hair was on fire. His students began hitting him on top of his head to put the fire out. From this event, his way of thinking about teaching changed and that has been his driving force for many years. He thought, if he was so tuned into teaching that he did not know that his hair was on fire, he was where he needs to be, teaching.

Mr. Esquith refers to his classroom as The Methods of Madness Inside Room 56, due in part to his unique style of teaching and his outstanding sense of humor. He is unbelievably passionate about teaching and his students. His passion shows by his tremendous dedication and commitment to teaching. He puts an extraordinary amount of personal time into making great things happen in room 56. He normally begins his day at 6:30 A.M. and ends his day around 6:00 P.M. He spends his lunch break every day of the week, as well as his weekends, providing extra teaching opportunities for his students.

Teach Like Your Hair Is On Fire, is a wonderful book that all teachers should read, and re-read. It is a great motivational book for experienced teachers who are tired and fatigued from this demanding profession. It is also a great “how to” book for teachers with little or no teaching experience. The ideas and concrete examples that Mr. Esquith provides are valuable resources for all teachers that emphasize quality teaching practices. I really like the way Mr. Esquith evaluated each subject area including art, music, and physical education.

In addition to his high standards for quality content, he places high expectations for his students while promoting character, hard work, respect for everyone, humility, and unconditional support for others. It is easy for educators to lose focus of these life long essential qualities when so many other demands are emphasized. That does not happen in Mr. Esquith’s room, or as he refers to it, room 56. This is just an example of how Mr. Esquith always puts the focus on his classroom and his students by referring to classroom 56 not by Mr. Esquith’s classroom.

The Hobart Shakespearean drama is one of Rafe Esquith’s notable accomplishments for his students. At the end of every school year his students put on a Shakespearean play that the students rehearse all year. This production has gained national praise and attention. His fifth grade students perform historical plays that are enhanced by rock and roll music. This is just one “method of madness” that room 56 creates. Room 56 also rehearses Christmas Carols from the beginning of school until December 24th when they perform at a local homeless shelter during the holidays. This community service project is so special that older students from Hobart and Hobart Alumni return to participate in.

Teach Like Your Hair Is On Fire, Methods Of Madness In Room 56 is a phenomenal book that all teachers should read and refer to time after time. This book is a great tool to motivate anyone educating children. I believe that most teachers become teachers because they are passionate about teaching children, but it is easy to get tired and frustrated with the educational system. In my opinion, teachers must keep finding excitement and zeal in their chosen profession. I will conclude with a profound statement from Rafe Esquith, he says, “Teaching takes sacrifice, mistakes, and enormous amounts of effort, after all, there are no shortcuts.

Blog Post 13

The, Top Ten Tips For Using Technology In The Classroom , reinforces everything that I have learned in EDM 310. In my opinion, I have a greater understanding and appreciation for the usage of technology in the classroom. After viewing the Top Ten Tips For Using Technology In The Classroom, I am confident that I will be able to apply the top ten list to my own classroom.

The first suggestion on the top ten list is to use streaming video, such as Youtube and Teacher TV. I have referred to Youtube many times for tutorials on how to do something, to view information to gain further knowledge on a subject, and to use it for EDM 310 in order to embed videos into my blog. I have found Youtube to be a great resource that I will continue to use. Teacher TV is another resource that I will explore in order to use it in my classroom.

Music is powerful! I believe that music is an essential asset to integrate into the curriculum. Music is a great motivator for young students as well as teenagers. In elementary school music is instrumental in teaching concepts and ideas for young students, however, I believe that teachers have a tendency to eliminate music in the curriculum as students get older. Technology has made it easier than ever to use music to strengthen and enhance the curriculum. Music can motivate, enhance information, and set a mood or tone for learning. Music can also teach students about other cultures world-wide, and teaching different genres of music will broaden a students world. I believe music is important to incorporate into the classroom, and technology makes it very convenient.

Teleconferencing using Skype can help students communicate worldwide. I believe it is also important for students to use Skype to communicate with people nation-wide . I believe students need to be able to communicate with students in their own country, and even their own state. Some students never have an opportunity to travel or visit other parts of the country or state, therefore, Skype will help students better understand the country and the community in which they live.

Interactive exercises tailored to a student's strengths and weaknesses have been the focus in creating curriculum in education for quite some time. Technology makes it possible and easier to accomplish this goal. Individualized instruction is challenging and time consuming, but technology allows a teacher to plan the curriculum using this approach. I believe that can be incorporated into interactive whiteboards. Students need to be comfortable using whiteboards for daily learning. In order for students to utilize whiteboards, teachers must be trained and proficient in using them . I believe using whiteboards will be a great motivator for teachers and students.

Podcast, blogs, Wikis, and internet tools will definitely add a new dimension to learning. After EDM 310, I am pleased to admit, that I feel strongly about utilizing these elements of technology in the classroom. These educational tools are essential for all types of learners, and they will really allow individualized instruction to thrive. When students and teachers are motivated to learn, the realm of possibilities are endless.

Social Networks, such as Facebook, and student Gadgets can also be an important tool to use in the classroom. Although Facebook is controversial, it is a useful form of communication to closed groups. Making the most of student's gadgets will allow learning to take place with technology that is already available to your students.

The final thought emphasized on the video, is to only use technology when it helps you achieve your lesson objective. This should be the principle applied with any teaching strategy in the classroom. It should always come down to your teaching objective!

Progress Report On Final Project

I am in a group with Ouida McDaniel and Bobbi Jo Nelson for the final project. We have decided to make a movie on the prior EDM 310 project on Google Forms. We are planning to do a movie presenting how to use Google forms. Our group will also place emphasis on standards and expectations for upcoming students in EDM 310. Our group is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, July 12th to begin our project.

Project 15 Book Trailer

Blog Post 12

Watch Rethinking Education For The 21st Century: The Jefferson Parish Public School Story.



The Jefferson Parish Public School System seized an opportunity to rebuild an educational system for the 21st century. How would you convince your local school system to restructure the current educational system to meet the needs of the 21st century?

Watch Teaching For The 21st Century By Anitabenton. Think about the message in the video. Now, answer the question above. Write two or more paragraphs following the requirements in Writing A Quality Blog Post.

After completing your blog post, find a video or any multi-media resource to support your position on teaching for the 21st century. Then embed it into your blog.


The Jefferson Parish Public School System had an opportunity after the unfortunate and tragic event in their community to rebuild a dynamic educational program with technology being the foundation. After Hurricane Katrina, the school system evaluated their vision for the future in education. The community and the leaders in the community decided to rebuild the school with technology being the focus of education. The video is extremely powerful to think that in such a dismal time, so much insight was put into rebuilding the local school system.

Although no one would ever want such a horrific disaster to impact a community or its individuals, a change in the educational procedures in most school systems are a top priority. If more school systems could revamp their current outdated systems and replace them with a strong emphasis in technology, students would benefit from a world class-education.

I believe the greatest impact to create change for our current educational systems is through parent and community education. Investing in education is vital for all communities and our society as a nation. All members of society want a great return on their investment, but that is not occurring with the present system that is in place. An aggressive campaign needs to be implemented in order to reshape the current educational practices.

School systems throughout the nation should investigate other school systems that are using technology as the building block for learning. There are many systems that could be used as a model for educating students for a future in technology. The Hawaii Technology Academy is an exemplary model for public educational systems throughout our country. (Below is the Youtube video, Hawaii Technology Academy, The Future Of Education!!Glee!)

Project 14 Teach Someone Something

Blog Post 11

The First Graders in Ms. Cassidy’s Class , were remarkable! The title, Little Kid’s Big Potential, is an accurate assessment to the character of all young children. Children are naturally eager to learn and try new concepts and ideas. They are risk takers without knowing it. They explore new situations with enthusiasm and ease. As was demonstrated in Ms. Cassidy’s first grade classroom, the students were excited to blog everyday and even at home. Ms. Cassidy’s students were comfortable using technology during their learning endeavors in first grade. Her students approach blogs, wikis, videos, and Skype in the classroom to enhance learning with the confidence and skill that some adults do not possess. Ms. Cassidy has done a tremendous job educating her students on proper usages of technology in their classroom. She has addressed safety issues when using the internet. She has also informed students how to be productive learners in their classroom. Furthermore, she has taught her students the appropriate and positive aspects to respond to other student's comments.

I am delighted to see these practices taking place in a first grade classroom. It undoubtedly proves the point, if it is working with first graders, just think how successful it will be for students to build this knowledge base year after year. In addition, Ms. Cassidy’s students were really involved in their learning, and they were having a great time in the process. It is phenomenal to see such great “work” in progress in Ms. Cassidy’s First Grade Classroom.

In the Skype interview with Ms. Cassidy, it fascinated me to hear her remarks on technology in the classroom. The first response that intrigued me was the fact that she has been using technology in the classroom for about 10 years, and that her students have been blogging for about 5 years. WOW! That is amazing to me, because I did not realize that these are not new ideas.

Ms. Cassidy’s point of view on technology is right on the mark! Technology is not going away, it is here to stay. Technology has caused the world to change rapidly, and the rate at which it is changing is sensational. Ms. Cassidy says, teachers who are not utilizing technology in their classroom are handicapping their students and themselves. Therefore, it came as no surprise to me when Ms. Cassidy strongly stated that all teachers should be technologically literate. She also emphasized that teachers who refer to being technologically literate by using word processing and spreadsheets were 20 years behind.

Although some teachers are fearful or challenged by the use of technology, students are quite comfortable with it. Ms. Cassidy states that technology is not strange to them at all. Technology is the world that they live in today. It is also the world that all of us as individuals live in today. This is why it is imperative for teachers to educate students, and to prepare them for a world in technology.

I really like Ms. Cassidy’s thoughts on blogging. She says that one reason she likes blogging is because it gives her students an audience. I believe that this is so important during the writing process. Students were taking pride in their writing, and they were eager to read comments from others pertaining to their work. Blogging is also an ongoing portfolio of the child’s work which will allow the teacher, student, and parent to track the growth and progress of the student.

Blogging is just one example of good technology usage in the classroom. Ms. Cassidy briefly mentioned podcast and Reader’s Theatre. I am interested in learning a great deal more about incorporating these techniques into my classroom. Ms. Cassidy’s students were also accomplished in Skyping and video production which allows them to communicate with Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 students. Reading buddies on Skype is an outstanding additional form of technology in order to communicate and collaborate with anyone throughout the world.

The question presented to Ms. Cassidy was, How do you get started using technology in the classroom? Her recommendation was to develop a PLN. She says Twitter is a wonderful way to build your PLN. She says it will take time, but perseverance is key while creating your PLN. A PLN will help teachers gain knowledge and resources that will allow them to build a foundation in technology in the classroom. She also says to begin in an area of technology that interest you.

I believe that no matter where you begin, the answer is just "begin" making fundamental steps to integrate technology in the classroom.

Project 13 Smartboard Presentation