Cake or Donut?

The other day I was faced with a choice. The dessert choices after a dinner meal at our jr. high camp were either cake or a donut -and we could only choose one. The cake seemed like the safer choice because the donut clearly did not have a delicious appeal to it. However, I decided to give the donut a try. Best decisions ever. That donut was so good, and filled with frosting. But I still wondered what the cake would have tasted like. We all have to make decisions everyday and each decision has a consequence, whether it's positive or negative. Lately I have found myself facing some pretty big decisions that I know will have really big consequences. Sometimes it's hard for me decide if something is what God wants me to do or if it is simply one of my own crazy desires. I want to get out of Manhattan. I have been here my entire life, can you blame me for wanting some place new? Not only that but I am ready to do something with my life. I am passionate about serving other people. I treasure the relationships that I build with others. I want to get out and meet new people, get away from this bubble that I have made myself comfortable in. What is stopping me? School. There are three things that come to mind when I think of school: overrated, way too long, expensive. I can no longer afford school. I no longer have any passion or desire for school. I am already a 5th year senior. I don't really even know if I want to teach, nor do I have a clue what I want to do with my life. So I have had all these crazy ideas in my head: transfer to Arizona, take a year off and work, study abroad, suck it up and finish... Obviously I know which one is the most logical, but what if I don't want to be logical? What if I want to be spontaneous and do something crazy that I wouldn't usually do? What if I want to go against what everyone is telling me? I am only young once, I might as well live it up right? I keep going through each of these situations in my head, knowing what I want to do, but knowing that the consequences will be great, and no matter what I choose, I will always wonder what would have happened if I chose the other decision. No matter what decision I make I will learn something, and I know that God will be there for me wherever I go, whatever I do. But is it about me, or is it about him? So what will it be, cake or donut?

Gracias Dios

Home again in Manhattan. I have only been here for 5 days but it feels so much longer. I love getting to see my family and my oldest brother Zach is getting married on Saturday so it's going to be a crazy weekend! However, I can't help but think of how much I am ready for some place new. I feel like I am ready to do something else with my life but I am stuck because I have to finish school. Does anyone else feel that school is a bit overrated? I have been trying to get my priorities straightened out in my life, but it does no good to talk about priorities because my actions show where my priorities are at. I have been learning so much this summer. I have gained so much confidence that I never had before. I have wasted so much time comparing myself to other people and beating myself up about things that don't even matter. I am now more confident in myself and who I am because I have a God who loves me unconditionally and desires to have all of my heart. There is no other love comparable to this. For that reason I can be confident in who I am knowing that as long as I seek him, he is going to use me according to his plan. I am so excited to see what he is going to do next in my life. I will continuously be working on giving up all my desires for him. I am so thankful for the people he has placed in my life and for all the opportunities he has given me. I am blessed with so many great people in my life. I pray that I am not just comfortable with where I am at but that I will have the boldness and initiative to do something big for his kingdom.

Deny Myself

It's crazy how fast these three weeks at CIY are flying by. Sunday afternoon we finally made it to the top of the mountain:success! All the CIY staff and camp teams had a cookout =lots of fun. We started a new week and it's been really great already. Even though we have to do the same tedious tasks and listen to a lot of the same messages, I learn something new each time. Today Mark Moore spoke. He minded us of the broken world that we live in and how sin has become a norm. He challenged us to do something about it. We need to be available to God so that he can speak to us and work through us. In a video we watched yesterday, we were asked, "Whose kingdom are you building? Yours or God's?" How much time do we waste striving to meet our own needs and desires? Has that ever got us anywhere? The good news is that God wants us right where we are at. It doesn't matter what I've done in my past. I don't have to fix myself before I can stand before God. God is big enough for the fear and doubt that I have. Luke 9:23 says, "If anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it". I have to deny myself. It sounds like such a simple task right? Not exactly. The world we live in has trained us that pleasing ourselves is the most important thing. But I'm ready to be done with that life. I am ready to let go for something bigger, something better. I want to take the risk of giving myself up. I want my fear to dissolve so that it doesn't ruin my passion. I am worth it. I am wanted by Jesus Christ, and in Him I have a new purpose. What in this world could possibly matter more than following and serving him with all that I am? He is the only life worth living.
Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

weekend adventures

Have I said how much I love Colorado yet? The weather could not get any better and the mountains are so beautiful! Yesterday we all got to catch up on some sleep before we met up to go to lunch. We ate at an incredible BBQ restaurant. It was so delicious! Later in the afternoon a group of us decided we wanted to hike up a nearby mountain...a mountain that had no trail. After fighting our way through trees and bushes, cutting up our legs and getting eaten by demon ants, we almost made it to the top. But we couldn't go any further because the trees were too tough to get through at that point. I'm not sure I can say it was worth it, but it was a good adventure. I found out this morning that there actually is a trail that leads up to the top. So it's round 2 today, hopefully we can conquer this mountain.
This morning we were supposed to go to church but I accidentally got left here in the dorms.  I don't know exactly how that happened, but they came and picked me up afterwards for lunch. Tomorrow starts a whole new week of CIY. 2 more weeks to go, so excited, love being here. Tonight 2 more camp teamers are coming and all the CIY staff and camp teams are having a giant BBQ party. yes please. can't wait.

love costs everything

Though this first week of CIY has been amazing, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ready for the weekend. I could definitely catch up on some sleep! I am really glad we got to work with CCV this week even if it were just little tasks. I am so happy to be apart of CIY this year. There is nothing better than seeing students make decisions to change their lives for Christ. Last night we watched a movie called "Love costs everything". It showed how Christians are being persecuted around the world for following Jesus Christ. It left a powerful message and challenge for all of us. I personally felt a lot of shame. There are people in this world who are being physically beaten and killed just for believing in God and here we are worried about what other people think of us. We are so caught up in ourselves that all we care about is our appearance, success, what others think of us, or how we can be better, Selfish. We are too afraid to even tell people about God because we are scared of what they'll think of us. We should be ashamed. We don't know who God is because we only want to know about ourselves. We don't know how to live our lives because we haven't read God's Word to know what He expects of us. We need to change that.
Today I got to work in the prayer room for a couple of hours. I had some good talks today with Rene Hoover, Sheree Diehl, and Ashley Morales. The final night session for the week was a very powerful one. We were all challenged to live our lives pointing people to God and not ourselves. Many students made decisions to change their lives. Again, I am so glad to be a part of all this! So glad I got to work with CCV this week and hang out with them. I also enjoy hanging out with the other camp teamers and doing all the tedious tasks with them. I ended my night by hanging out with some of the girls in the dorms. It's now time for some much needed sleep. Tomorrow's schedule: sleep in, eat lunch, community camp team hang out. So pumped!

Another day at CIY MOVE. As bible college reps we have to do a lot of tedious jobs for the ciy staff. These includes things such as stuffing 1000 tiny envelopes and sealing them, blowing up 500 + balloons to give to students who end up popping them, attempting to open 100 large tin cans of chocolate pudding for a large group game that was an epic fail, and being in charge of "security" each night in the dorms -which really isn't security at all but is actually passing out hundreds of schedules for the following day to all the students. Though these tasks may seem like the worst jobs ever (and to us at times they do, especially at 12:30 at night) we have managed to have fun in whatever job we are doing. For example, after what seemed like hours blowing up the balloons in a tiny room that somehow fit all 12 of us, we began to sing songs together to keep us sane. Some songs included "it's a hard knock life" and "A whole new world". These are some of the memories I won't forget and it's been really fun getting to know everyone.

It's awesome to see how God is working in this place, challenging so many people to move. I am so thankful to be a part of this ciy experience and it's only week one! Two more weeks here in Colorado. So thankful for the ciy staff and bc reps. #best3weeksever #winnersneverstop

Something Bigger

Something bigger is the theme this year for CIY, but it seems to be something I have been thinking about a lot lately. This past year has been a rough one. I have continuously been selfish and have put my desires ahead of God's. I have made poor decisions and pushed God aside. But I have been reminded that nothing is about me. I spend so much time thinking about how I can be better, successful, or accepted. I listen to all the opinions of others but don't stop to listen to the only voice that matters. God has broken me down to show me that only He satisfies. When will I finally start listening to Him? The answer is now. Right now. I want to stop living for myself. I am so thankful that God has placed me on camp team this summer even though I really didn't want to do it at first. Already after 1 week of camp and a few days at CIY, God has surrounding me with great people, and a passion to serve him. I am excited to see what happens from here. Waking up every morning to the mountains right outside my window reminds me of how big God is, and how small I am compared to him. I am so thankful that even though I continue to fall short, God still loves me, right where I am at. My journey continues. Changes have to made in my life. 2 Timothy 1:7 says that God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and self discipline. I can't do things on my own, nor do I want to anymore. There is something way bigger than me.

Classroom 2.0 Reflection

Classroom 2.0

Classroom 2.0 is a social network for those interested in web 2.0 and social media in education. This site is very helpful to educators. It offers so many tools such as virtual conferences you can access right on the site. It also has a forum on the main page where you can begin discussions or share thoughts. On the left hand side are photos to look at and helpful videos to watch. There are also special interest groups you can search through and join, or you can create your own group. Examples of there groups are “google apps for education” and “mac classroom 2.0. These allow educators to collaborate together and share their ideas. On the main page there is a list of useful technology tools that can be used in the classroom. Overall you can find a lot of great material for the classroom on this site. I suggest you dig into it for yourself!

Scenario

Twitter, Go Animate, Animoto

As a teacher my strongest attributes are that I am very caring, passionate, and relatable. Since I have been around technology my whole life and have been involved in social networking through things like Facebook and Twitter, it is easy for me to jump right in and learn to use new tools for technology. Some of my challenges are that I am a people pleaser so at times it is difficult for me to have discipline throughout the classroom, and I am not always confident in my decisions. If I had to learn how to use a new software application, like I said, I would jump right in and try it. I would also try to find other educators who have successfully used the tool in their own classroom and ask them to give me some tips. In teaching my students how to use it I know that I would still be learning how to use it as well –we would learn together.

Technology is awesome for student learning. Nowadays kids can’t go anywhere without being around some sort of technology. It is a part of our everyday lives whether we like it or not. So I think that we as educators need to learn how to use it as well as teach our students how to use it. It can be so effectively in their learning. It is great for project-based learning. Students will want to learn because they can do it interactively. Their work can be put online for others to see and they will take pride in that. It is great for visual learners. For example making a cartoon or comic to explain an idea or concept in a particular content area is way easier for them than writing a long essay. Technology tools also help students collaborate together to share their ideas and work together. They are managers of their own learning. Working with technology also forces students to be creative and think outside the box. –there are unlimited possibilities!  For me technology has given me a lot of different options for my future classroom and has pushed me to be more creative with my learning. It has helped me connect with others in a way that I never could before. I would encourage other educators in my future school to use technology because we do not want to be stuck in the past! I would show them example of tools I have used and that have helped me in my own learning. Twitter could be used to remind students of homework assignments, Animoto could be used for the students to make personal videos to get to know each other better, Go animate could be used to introduce a certain concept in the content area, the list could go on and on. Technology opens a whole new window to a whole new world. We need to take advantage of it!

My Wow Moment

Google Maps

I don’t know if I had a particular “wow-moment” but one of the biggest things I learned through this class is that you really just have to try things out in order to learn how to use them. Every time we started learning about a new tool I felt overwhelmed at first but once I started figuring out how to use it myself I was really excited to see how it worked and how I could potentially use it in my future classroom. Probably two of these moments were making my own podcast and making my going google map. I had no idea I could do something like that and make it look decent. Making my own podcast was really easy and there are so many different topics I could do a podcast over. I think it would be fun to have my own weekly podcast. The thought of making my own google map seemed super difficult, but that was really easy too. As an educator I was my students to not be afraid to use tools like these just because they might seem difficult. These tools can be a great way for project-based learning. I wouldn’t my students to miss out on something like this! It surprised me how simple it was and how useful it can be!

Podcast Favorites

Tech Chick Tips

After listening to a lot of different podcasts I have found that my favorite is Tech Chick Tips. I really like them because they are very laid back, passionate, and joyful. They seem like two best friend just getting together and chatting about interesting topics. They also try and make a few jokes here and there to make it more humorous. The information they give about education is very helpful. One of the podcasts I really enjoyed from them was when they related working with technology to the angry birds game. They had a list of things that angry birds does that relates to learning how to use technology. For example: “You can’t beat the angry birds game unless you play” relates to the fact that in order to use technology you have to try it out! I thought this was really creative and a great analogy. Overall it is just really enjoying to listen to Ana and Helen. They keep their podcasts fun and exciting rather than long and boring.

Semester Favorites

     Glogster, ToonDoo

     Semester Favorites: It’s difficult to choose one tool or resource as a favorite. I have found so many useful resources throughout this class. I really enjoyed the podcast reflections because there are real educators who share their ideas and experiences. It was neat to see how each educator used technology in their classroom. All of the podcasts I listened to about technology in the classroom gave the advice that in order to learn how to use a certain resource you just have to dive in and learn as you go. A lot of times you will be learning with your students. Another tool I really enjoyed was making a comic on ToonDoo. If I had more time I would have experimented with this site a little more. It is perfect for the classroom because it is easy to use and time efficient. There are so many options for creating your own comic and it allows students to be really creative. Another one of my favorite tools which I have been able to use in some of my other classes as well is glogster. It is great for the classroom! Rather than spending hours cutting out things and printing things off to make a poster, students can simply make it all online in a very timely manner. Again there are unlimited options for creating your glogster and it makes to students want to learn interactively.

     Picture

Edu Techer Reflection

Edu Techer

This website gives links to resources teachers can use for their content area. I found 3 websites that are useful for my content area which is Spanish. First is www.4teachers.org . On this site teachers can make their own quizzes. There are also a lot of other tools to use such as “casa notes”. With this tool you can choose a template and then custom a design. The templates include homework, permission slips, parent teacher conferences, and a few others. Another tool to use in the classroom is “kidsvid” where students can get online and make their own video projects. I would definitely use something like this in my classroom. Another website is www.en.babbel.com . It includes a lot of interactive exercises, vocabulary training, grammar, and short phrases. These are all perfect for beginning Spanish speakers. The third website I found useful was www.conjugation.com. Conjugating verbs is one of the most important parts to learning Spanish. This website not only translates words but also conjugates all the basic Spanish words you need. These are all sites I could use in my classroom.

Kan-Ed Reflection

Kan-Ed

Kan-ed is a website dedicated to providing resources that enable its members to collaborate, educate, and enhance their information delivery services to be a part of a global technology environment. If you look around on the website you will find a huge variety of resources. It has programs for distance learning, video services, and continuing education. It has various forms of online content, explores innovative networking technology, and methods for content discovery and delivery. The main thing about Kan-ed is it’s databases which are extremely helpful for teachers and students. These databases help teachers find materials for the classroom and are helpful to continuing education opportunities in libraries, hospitals, and communities. I think it is cool that they have online conferences because this saves money because people do not have to travel, and also saves time. Databases are especially helpful to homeschooling parents and students when they are able to use them at home. The databases can provide resources for students with homework and tutors. It gives them a world of information at their fingertips. Other things it includes are college courses for high school students, virtual museum visits and tours, it enhances both teaching and learning and makes leadership more available. Overall it is basically an extension of the classroom. The list could go on and on. There are so many different resources on this website, there is even a page for personal stories of how people have found the website effective. In my own classroom I would definitely take advantage of the databases, the Net Trekker which is a search engine used to find materials for the classroom, and the powerpoints and videos. There are so many options on this site to be aware of. I hope to learn more about this site as my education career begins!

Animoto in my Classroom

Animoto

Animoto is a website used to create videos and presentations.  It is very good in the classroom because it involves project base learning.  Students get actively interested in whatever subject is being taught.  Students are able to upload their own images, there is a great selection of music and it is time efficient.  Animoto can be used to make videos for class projects, to help students understand different concepts and helps them review the things they have learned.  Students have to use prior knowledge in a creative way.  These videos can easily be shared on Facebook and YouTube.  Animoto is a great way to get students interested and involved in learning.  

Using Twitter an an Educator

Twitter

It seems like everyone is getting a Twitter account these days. What’s the big deal with this site that only allows you 150 characters per tweet? How can this be used in classroom anyway? Well, Twitter can be used in a ton of different ways. The best thing about it is that students love it! Twitter is the cool and hip thing right now so I guarantee you most of your students will have a twitter account. Twitter is a great way to share thoughts and ideas with others such as discussing a specific topic, without having to read long and drawn out essays. It is also a great way to collaborate with other teachers. You can post sites or things that have been useful to your own teaching for other educators to get some ideas. Another possibility is that Twitter could be used for reminding the students about homework assignments especially because they can receive updates and alerts from Twitter on their cell phones. Be creative with your Twitter. The possibilities are endless. I suggest that if you don’t have an account you look into getting one!

Fun with Text Reflection

Wordle

Wordle is a great tool to use in the classroom. Not only is it free and easy to use, but kids will love it! You can use Wordle for a variety of different things. You could use it for terms/definitions, capturing key point, vocabulary –especially in Spanish, spelling lists, a list of synonyms or antonyms, or even an about me project for the students. Students can create words to describe themselves and their Wordle could be shared in class so that the students can get to know each other better. When I taught my middle school lesson I saw Wordles hung up in the hallway that had one word really big and then all the other words were words that described that one topic, kind of like a definition. Be creative! Wordle can be used in so many ways. Check it out for your classroom! 

Podcast Reflection #12: School as "Life Practice"

Driving Questions

Ginger Lewman is a teacher for 5-8^th graders in Emporia, Kansas. This school is very supportive of macs and high technology and project based learning as well as connections to the global community. Ginger wants a lot of content to be meshed together and that is exactly what the Life practice philosophy does. The life practice model is used to put an explanation to what makes their school really work. It means that the students start to look at the entire world as it really is and thinking about life beyond how they currently see life. Global Nomads is a program that they use that gives a menu of projects for an entire semester and provides lesson plans. This program connects the students because they talk about issues around the world. Ginger wants her students to be able to develop skills to “practice life”. It is not just a curriculum but it is making connections with people and their thinking. She believes that school should be life practice because you are practicing for life. Schools need to mimic the real world more. She wants students to be more actively involved through problem solving, relationships with other people, discussions, and much more. In her classroom, discussions are usually led by the students because she thinks it makes them want to learn more. Ginger’s passion for teaching her students to think outside of their bubble is very influential. Listen to some of her stories!

Podcast Reflection #11: Say YES to Wikipedia

Moving at the Speed of Creativity

This podcast is about helping students learn how Wikipedia works and how to use their research skills. Philip Cummings gives a presentation about Wikipedia and how he has used it in his classroom. Wikipedia is usually in the top 5 results in a search on the internet. Most teachers think it’s a good starting place but students need more reliable resources. But Wikipedia has all verifiable information. Cummings opens up a site and plays a video that gives details about Wikipedia and how it works. In his classroom he decided to have his students help update Wikipedia. He saw that schools were banning Wikipedia and it bothered him because there was a very negative approach to information on the web. Philip didn’t like this so he wanted his students to do some real research and publish it on the web. By doing this, it was teaching them ethical internet behavior and that what they were doing was going to be evaluated. Cummings says that the kids are really interested in this and anxious to see if they have done good work or not. What a creative way to use the web in the classroom!

Podcast Reflection #10: From little tech use to leading the way!

Driving Questions

Stacy Williams was asked to be the 6^th grade tech teacher at her school and didn’t have much experience, actually she had no training at all. She now teaches art classes through technology. The first project her students do is an Ipages brochure. The students create introductions about themselves so that they can learn about each other. The Google sketch up house project seems to be the students’ favorite project. Students create their dream home based on certain criteria they have to meet. Stacy usually demos the program and gives examples before allowing the students to do it themselves. Currently her students are working on creating a commercial or a full movie. Students work together and write their own script. At the end all the movies are played for the class and they choose which one is their favorite. These activities allow for limitless amounts of creativity and working together.

Stacy’s advice on technology is just to jump in and learn as you go. She was thrown into it this way and thinks that it is the best way to do it!

Podcast Reflection #9: Learning in Hand-iPods: Classroom Do's and Don'ts

Tony's Podcasts

Tony Vincent gives a list of Do’s and Don’t while using ipods in your classroom.

Do’s:

* Sinc all ipods to one computer. Use a mac if you can.

*Name the ipods.

*Set ipods to automatic sinc so that everything automatically transfers when you press the sinc button

*Make playlists- organize what you want students to access.

*Delete content. Delete from itunes when you no longer have a need for it so it doesn’t take up space.

*Label or engrave ipods so students can identify their ipod. It might help to use a variety of colors

*Set up an itunes account to the school computer

*You can authorize more than one account on a computer

*Use a flashdrive to transfer apps between computers

*Have a place to lock up the ipods when they aren’t being used

*Have procedures for passing out and collecting the ipods

*Have ear buds for each student

*Use a URL shortener

*Create a usage contract to communicate how and when an ipod can be used. Have parents as well as students sign it

*Set up email.

Don’t’s:

*Don’t give the students the account password

*Don’t sinc ipods with any other computer

*Don’t sinc ipods everyday

*Don’t spend too much on ipods

*Don’t mistreat the batteries

*Don’t stick with just free apps

*Don’t use liquids to clean the screen

*Don’t forget about professional development

These are all great tips to remember if you are thinking about using ipods in your classroom. See what else Tony has to say about ipods!

Podcast Reflection #8: By the Numbers

Tech Chicks

Ana and Helen share three websites that can be used in the classroom. The first is Doodle for Google which is a competition for K-12 students to use artistic abilities. The theme for the competition is “If I could do anything I would…” The contestants have to answer this question by creating their own doodle and they have to execute their ideas really well. I think this is great because even if you are not really an artist you can compete because the computer doodles for you, you just have to design it. There will be 40 finalists to choose from and this is something teachers should encourage their students to enter.

The second website they share is about the science of winter Olympics which was constructed by the national science foundation. This websites shows the science and physics behind a lot of events such as bobsledding, snowboarding, skiing, etc. There are a lot of video links throughout the page to show how things work. There are also interviews with some of the athletes that give share a lot of behind-the-scenes information. This is a great site for kids, especially kids who like sports because it proves that math and science are extremely important in everyday life.

One other website that Ana and Helen share is doink.com which is an animation software. On this website you can create animations, discuss others’ work, and share your own work. Each of us has our own talents, and animation is a great way to express these talents.

The tech chicks have more resources to take a look at. Check it out!

Podcast Reflection #7: Create the Future: Think, Learn, Create!

K-12 Online Conference

Kim Cofino and Julie Lindsay share about the “Create the Future” workshop where teachers can learn things as they go. The purpose of the workshop is to create a collaborative project the teachers can use in their classroom. Teachers have group, team, and individual help. They learn about the required skills to create the project. Sessons are offered for things like Twitter, Wiki, blogs, and more. These provide structure and focus for their own projects. The most critical component of the workshop is that teachers work collaboratively with teacher from other schools to design their group project. Teachers are asked to create their own groups based on  the needs in their own classrooms. Having a common goal helped build lasting relationships. Anytime a new tool was introduced, the participants were allowed to use that tool for their project so they could learn right away how to use it. Teams presented their ideas with other groups. Kim and Julie say that allowing teachers to create together allows a better depth of knowledge. They also used integration of virtual participants so the teachers could use the technology tools they learned about. This promotes more virtual participation for education. Kim and Julie share that the 7 key components of the workshop are:

*Kick start your thinking: how technology is shaping society

*Group Project

*Breakout Sessions: teachers actually work with the technology

*Team Pitch: ideas are verbalized and analyzed with the group

*Teamwork Time

*Speed Geeking: kind of like speed dating, but teachers share successful ideas and strategies that have worked for them

*Team Presentation: teachers can actually use the project in their own classroom

This podcast is great because it motivates teachers to work together with technology projects in the classroom.

Podcast Reflection #6: Cartooning Around in Language Arts

Moving at the Speed of Creativity

Wesley Fryer in his podcast “Cartooning Around in Lanuage Arts” sits through a presentation by Malia Triggs. Malia Triggs is a 5^th grade language Arts teacher that has been using the Go Animate website in her classroom. Go animate is a website that allows students to make a cartoon with an educational purpose. It is impossible to teach all the standards if we try to teach them separately so why not mix them together? Malia thinks that go animate is a great way to do this. She explains that reading and grading 800 papers is nearly impossible and very stressful. Kids are bored of writing papers and bored of video narratives. Go animate fixes this problem. Mrs. Triggs first establishes a plan and makes a storyboard. She also creates a rubric for the project. Once the students start the project, they are not aloud to get online to make a cartoon until they have met all the guidelines and made their storyboard. Having these strict rules makes the students listen and follow the rules and rubric. Then the students are free to get on goanimate.com and create their cartoon. The teacher can monitor their progress as the go on and create. The website is easy for the kids to follow and they absolutely love it!

Podcast Reflection #5: Project Based Learning

Tony's Podcasts

Tony Vincent explains the benefits of technology in his classroom. His 5^th graders  received palm handhelds a few years ago and he has been nothing but pleased with the results. The students’ favorite applications were ones that they created something to share with others. Palm handhelds along with Itouch and ipad are great ways of mobile learning. This learning can happen anywhere. But Tony stresses that the portability is not as important as the ability of the learner to connect and create using tools that are readily available. Applications, podcasts, and websites provide options for personalization of learning. Readily available tools are the best way for project learning, Tony gives an example of a 5-min project he made himself that helped him learn how to use a lot of the applications. Then he also gives tips for developing driving questions. Project based learning is great for planning, research, and presentation of projects. Instead of lecturing on a topic, Tony explains that these devices allow students to figure things out on their own. He shares a variety of apps he has used and shows how they can be effective. Project based learning makes students managers of their own learning. They learn to work collaboratively on projects and communicate their work with others. In order for this to be effective in the classroom teachers must review standards, craft driving questions, design rubrics, and create examples. Tony points out that although it may be a lot of work to prepare, teachers are leading the students to create quality projects that reflect great learning. 

Podcast Reflection #4: Carpool with Amanda Marrinan

Kevin Honeycutt

In this podcast, Kevin Honeycutt skypes Amanda Marrinan from Australia about her Youtube class. Amanda describes the natural disaster that has taken place in Morton bay leaving the entire area flooded badly. She says that  80% of Queensland is completely flooded. Families have had to deal with losing there belongings and all sorts of other troubles. Amanda’s youtube class allows students to be in class without actually being in the classroom. She explains that the kids are the center of the room. Some parents are nervous about their child’s faces being online. But Amanda argues that her class keeps things safe. She says that the outcomes of the youtube class are nothing but positive. Students who had trouble writing their thoughts were able to truly shine when they could verbal express their feelings through the technology. The class uses document cameras, and Amanda says she has to gradually convince parents that nothing bad is going to happen. Some teachers won’t try something new until they know everything about it. Amanda says she’s not afraid to make mistakes. She say’s “If your not making mistakes you’re not learning.” She has the children make blogs and allows the students help each other. By doing this, everyone learns together, even her herself. Together they are also learning to use Skype. The main thing she stresses is that we can learn more from failure than success. Check out more about her classroom and how it works! 

Podcast Reflection #3: The Chicks at the Chick (fil-a)

Tech Chick Tips
This is a podcast by the tech chicks Ana and Helen. They share a list of things CIO’s can learn from the game angry birds and how these things can also relate to teachers, students, administrators, and many others.  They share first that the only way to defeat angry birds is to play the game. This is the same with technology. If we don’t engage in resent technology and allow people to use it in the context of actual work, no one will learn its limitations, its risks, or the opportunities it presents. Ana Helen stress that the more you keep trying and failing, the more you learn. Learning about technology takes baby steps. In angry birds there is more than one way to win. A tip for technology is that you can never do the same thing exactly the same way. You can have a perfect class with technology but the next class might not do it the same way. If you aren’t doing well in the angry birds game, it is usually smart to just start the level over. Same thing with technology in the classroom -if you are trying and the students aren’t getting it or its not going well, its ok to start over or try a different way. Another good tip Ana and Helen gave is that people succeed best when their unique talents are recognized (this is why there are different angry birds in the game). Students can help each other when they have different talents with technology. Overall the tech chicks give some really good tips and advice for using technology in the classroom. You should check it out!

Reflection 2-CDK's Education Technology Place

After reviewing Cyndi Danner-Kuhn’s website, I have noticed a lot of helpful hints on how to create an attractive and effective website of my own. On her page she includes various links to click on that relate to her, such as her twitter, helpful pages about technology, and links to the K-State website. Also throughout the page, are numerous videos based on teaching and learning and other topics that she is passionate about and wants to provide for potential teachers and educators. There is also a column that shows all the blogs that she is subscribed to as well as the different groups she is a member of.  Her website has a creative title and an appealing quote at the top of the page. The page is very colorful and very organized. These are all good examples for making my own website. Since I am majoring in Secondary education with Spanish I can have links and videos that relate to Spanish or teaching. Also I would like to get my ESL so I can put resources that stress the importance of this topic. These are just a few ideas on how to get started with my own website. One of the main things I can gain from viewing her page is that the reason for her making her website was not about herself, but about using her passions to provide tools and resources for other people. The purpose of making a website is so that other people can read it! http://www.cyndidannerkuhn.info/CDK/Home.html

Reflection 1-Technology Bits Bytes Nibbles-School requires iPad

I think that it is crazy that technology has changed so much that iPads are now being used in class. I do not know a lot about them but maybe these are a good way to relate to students technologically. It might make them more excited to learn. Usually more technology in the schools like this gives the students and perhaps even the teachers a sense of “coolness” about learning and teaching.  This article in particular is about a school in Tennessee who has decided to provide every student with an iPad because they believe it will enhance students’ learning. I agree! Not only will students and teachers be able to work well together with these new devices, but they will be much easier to carry around rather than a bunch of textbooks. Our world is changing and technology is a big reason for it. As a future teacher I want to be up-to-date with technology and be aware of how it is changing so that I can relate with my students and encourage creative learning. iPads are just one example of how I can do that!technologybitsbytesnibbles, http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=13880126

Reflection 1: Technology Bits, Bytes, and Nibbles- Angry Birds

technologybitsbytesnibbles, Angry Birds.This is an article and video that show just how much technology has affected our world. I can’t believe that so many people can be addicted to a game that costs 79 cents! Not only that but the company that makes angry birds puts so much time and effort trying to make every detail perfect. They keep coming out with ways to keep the game attractive and fresh. Angry birds is accessible in a lot of places such as the iPhone and iTouch. As a teacher I need to be aware of the fact that a lot of my students might have one of these devices. Perhaps there are educational games or applications that I might be able to use for my classroom! Until then maybe I should check out angry birds for myself!