My First C4T

My first C4T was for Steven Anderson. I found his blog very informative. He gave a lot of interesting thoughts, videos, slideshows, etc. There was a lot of "housekeeping" posts, but there were also some very interesting posts. One being a post from Mark Warner and Tom Barrett on "43 Interesting Ways To Use A Pocket Camera In The Classroom." I loved looking through these slides and getting ideas for the future. Not only were the posts on this blog entertaining, they were also very helpful! I really enjoyed following this teacher!

C4K 2 Class

This C4K 2 class is at Leopold Primary School. The students at this school had a reading day! I think this is such a great idea! They did various reading activities which the students loved! I think it is a great idea because not only are you breaking up the routine, but the students are learning something new and they love it! You can check out their blog Click Here.

The Ipad

Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch's attitude on life was so encouraging. He was extremely sick but did not let that get him down and depressed. That amazed me because I do not think I could have had that attitude. This video was very informative and entertaining. Randy Pausch was a very good speaker. He used a lot of pictures and power point to tell his story about his childhood dreams. Not only was he an informative speaker, he was also a motivational speaker! His determination for the things he wanted to do is contagious.
I would have loved to be in Mr. Pausch's class. He basically told his students what the assignment was, but then he left it up to them to design their project. In a way, that would be really hard, but I think that is a great way to learn. When a teacher leaves the details of the assignment up to the student to figure out, it makes the student step up and learn for themselves. Too many students are being "spoonfed" in the schools today. The beauty of the way Mr. Pausch left the details up to his students, is that they were forced to use their creative minds to design their projects. I think what makes a good teacher is one who knows how to let students think for themselves. There is no need for someone to stand up in front of the class all day and not allow the students to use their brains for themselves. I think Randy Pausch was very successful at teaching his students something that they probably would have never had the opportunity to learn. He allowed them to have fun while learning and creating something so exciting. That it what it is all about. He set his goals high and achieved them. I think that is incredibly remarkable. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video.

Timeline #2

My PLN: the beginning stages

My PLN is still being formed. I have added a couple of websites on my igoogle page that I am following. Those are 'Edutopia, Teach Web, and Edurati Review. I am also trying to find new websites that will help me in the future. I haven't found many people that should be helping to make up my PLN, but it is still a work in progress. I am searching on Delicious for new things to bookmark. It will come together eventually.

Assignment #6

This Is How We Dream: Part 1 & 2

Once again, I am blown away by another video. Richard Miller's presentation was not like any other presentation that I've ever seen! He has the vision and I believe his vision will come true. I'm not sure when it will happen, but I believe a new "world" is about to "breakthrough" and I'm so excited that I may be a part of it! I really enjoyed watching these two videos. I thought I was in good shape learning what a blog was and how to post on this blog, as well as other blogs. I was wrong. There is a whole world out there that needs to be explored.

I think Richard Miller is on the right track exploring that "new world". His idea about the new building is phenomenal. I agree with him on the fact that there is no space for this type of learning. I believe there will be with the way that the technology world is moving, but there isn't right now. It would be so interesting to be able to teach this type of material to students. If I were the teacher, I would be learning right along with my students.

There are so many different things to do on the web: projects, blogs, speeches, games, videos. It is impossible to know everything about the web and what we can do. That is the coolest part! That's why I believe that while being a teacher you are learning as well. Am I prepared to write with multimedia? Absolutely not. Am I willing to learn? Absolutely so. Will my students be able to do this? We will do this together. As I said, I will learn with my students and we will share what we learn with the world.


The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler

This video was very creative! It is amazing how the education world is changing. As of this point, I do not think I am ready to be a networked teacher. I know, I better get ready! There are so many students who know so much more about this "world" than I do. I need to catch up! I think the idea of a networked teacher is great, but I think there needs to be some sort of variation as well. I do not necessarily want to sit in front of a computer all day and have my 1st grade class do the same. I want to have a variety of different learning avenues for my students.

Don't get me wrong, I intend to incorporate the use of technology as much as possible in my classroom with different projects. I just do not really want the learning experience to be solely based on computers. I am a hands on type learner. I want to be a hands on type teacher as well.

I am beginning to understand the importance of the use of technology, especially in the classroom. I am excited about the technology that will be available when I become a teacher. As I stated earlier, I want to learn with my students. I want to be there when they have questions and be able to answer them with confidence. I believe I am working towards that goal and am excited to strive to reach the finish line.


Toward a new future of Whatever: Michael Wesch

I enjoyed this video as well! I think Michael Wesch did a fabulous job of conveying this information. I would love to sit in his class and experience him as a teacher. This video was very informative as well as entertaining. Knowing that I have already put a video on Youtube and am in the process of putting another video on Youtube, I can relate to the students who are sitting there talking to a camera. It is funny to see where we were 10 years ago and how far we've come. It will be really neat to see where we will go from here.

My C4K 1 Class

My C4K 1 Class is at Pt England School, in Auckland, New Zealand. They are a Year 3 class in Room 10. There are 28 students in this class. I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting this class's blog. They have each done an animation of a volcano erupting as well as told a story about how a volcano erupts. They have also filmed short videos on Earthquakes. They are all very informative and smart students! I found it very interesting that these students are able to accomplish these tasks. It is very obvious that their teacher works hard making sure they understand what they are learning. She also makes sure they have fun while doing it! I loved watching their videos! Click here to view this class's blog. I hope you find their videos as entertaining as I did!

The Chipper Series and EDM 310 for Dummies

I thought these two videos were very informative! Yes, they were funny but they also told the truth! The possibilities for creating a video are endless! Documentaries are very informative, but I do not think they would keep the attention of a 5 year old. I could do videos on animals, nature, kid games, etc. The best thing about teaching kids is being able to be creative! There are going to be so many opportunities to involve my classroom in the things I am learning in this class. How exciting!!!

Smartboard or No Smartboard?

Since I am not a teacher at this moment, and have never used a smart board, it is really hard for me to argue these points. I understand why some people feel as though it is a waste of money, but I also see how cool it would be to have one in a classroom. I spoke with a kindergarten teacher, Lori Beth Graham, who absolutely loves using a smart board in her classroom. She states that one can use the smart board across the curriculum to teach and reinforce strategies and skills. I have watched some videos and researched some on the use of smart boards, so I would have to agree with her. The only drawback that I can see would be the cost. Here are two links I found supporting the use of smart boards.

Click Hereto view the Teachers Love Smart Boards.

Click Hereto give ideas on how to use the smart boards effectively.

Video on Smart Boards

Click Here to view more videos on Smart Boards.

My Vocaroo

My Movie Presentation

Assignment #5

Why have I not been introduced to podcasts before now? Reading and listening to these different sites opened up a whole new world for me! I think these could be so useful in the "teaching realm". The fun thing about podcasts is that you get to be creative and talk about whatever you want and you do not even have to be on video! That means you can wear your pj's and make a podcast! How fun is that??
I am excited about continuing to learn more about podcasting and all the many different things to listen to. There were several sites that I went to that really stuck out to me. I really enjoyed going to each of these sites and browsing to see what all I could find.

My favorite was "The Judy Scharf Podcast Collection". I really liked how she had the link to youtube to watch how to make your own podcast. That was very helpful to me. I also liked how she had the separate file that stated "Benefits of Podcasting in Education." I have never thought of the points that she made. One of the points she made was that the students can make up missed classes. When I was in elementary school, I became very sick and had to miss a lot of school. It was incredibly hard for me to make up all my work. Thankfully, my teacher understood the situation and helped me out. What a blessing it would have been to have a podcast that I could make up my work without falling behind.
Another point she made was that it is a cool way to have interactive communication. Having a podcast in a classroom or for a class would be the neatest way for students to communicate with each other about what they are learning. They could also compare what they are learning with other students around the world. That would be the neatest thing!


Another favorite was the Education Podcasting network. This site was very informative! I liked how they had such a wide variety of podcasts to choose from. While I was going through some of them, I realized how useful this site will be when I do become a teacher.
In a way, I hope that the school that I teach at is not very technology literate so that I can come in with fresh ideas and help those teachers explore this new world as I am doing and will continue to do. I realize that I still have a lot to learn and I'm sure there are many teachers at the school where I will end up that are technology literate, but how cool would it be to walk into somewhere new and be able to teach something to teachers? We could all learn together! I think using podcasts and this website will help us learn more about what other schools are doing so we can better our students learning.


I absolutely loved the Eagle Nest Radio website. Those kids did a fantastic job on their podcasts! I think it would be so much fun to do that with my class. The way that kids think amazes me! I'm sure some of those kids came up with what they were going to do without the teacher's help. That is amazing! I think it is really cool that the teacher thought to do it this way. It allows the students to learn and have fun while learning.
I think it is imperative that students have fun while learning. I do believe there is a time to be serious, but I also believe there is a time for kids to be kids. If they make a mess but are learning and having fun while doing it, then my job is complete. I want to encourage my students to learn and by making fun podcasts like this one, that is definitely possible.


I think the site "100 Ways to Use Your Ipod to Learn and Study Better" was incredibly helpful. I have an ipod, which I honestly do not use that often, but after going through this website, it makes me want to go find it and start downloading! I think it is cool that you can download a program to help you learn to speak Spanish. There are many different things on this website to go through and see what is beneficial to you.
The two tutorials were very beneficial. Like I said before, I have not been introduced to podcasts before. I knew what they were, but I have never listened to one and actually enjoyed it or paid attention. Learning how to create my own is very interesting. I am thankful that there are people out there who take the time to help those of us who are not technologically literate to become this way.


I found each of these sites very helpful and interesting. I am eager to learn more about podcasting and the many variations that are available!

My Google Presentation

My Timeline - Tate's Life

Assignment #4

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?

Scott Mcleod is an Associate Professor of Educational Administration at Iowa State University and the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education. This basically means that he knows a lot about technology and how to use it not just in everyday life but also in the classroom! I really enjoyed reading this post. I think Mr. Mcleod's use of sarcasm was hilarious. I agree with him on everything he said. I think it is really important for kids to start learning about the computer and internet early in life. By doing so, when the become adults they will be extremely technologically literate! He made some valid points but I think the last comment is what makes the post so good. People need to see the positive things about the internet and quit being such "Debbie Downers!"


The iSchool Initiative

This video was very entertaining! I think that it would be very neat to have the iSchool. By having this, it would not only teach the students, but it would also teach the teachers. I would almost be forced to keep up with technology, and I love that. It would be both challenging and fun at the same time. I think that students opinions of school would change dramatically. Which in turn, would make for a more fun learning environment.

I am all for technology in the classroom as I learn more and more about it. The things that students are doing today through the internet in the classrooms are unbelievable! I can not wait to see what comes about in the future! Knowing that I will be a part of something so neat is exciting!


The Lost Generation

Wow!!!! At first, I wanted to throw my computer across the room. ( I'm really glad I didn't). I was thinking the opposite of everything she said, so when she turned it around I was happy. I really enjoyed this video and how she presented it. It is a very effective video, not only because of what she said, but also in how she created it. The technique that was used is very cool. It definitely took a lot of time and thought. Kudos to 'metroamv' for making this video!


Eric Whitaker's Virtual Choir

This video was absolutely AMAZING!!!!! The use of the internet was extraordinary in this video! It amazes me everyday what technology and the internet allows us to do. I have already shown this video to my entire family and will continue to talk about it for days!!

Assignment #3

Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today

This video definitely captures my college experience, at least for the first few semesters. It's amazing how the class size diminishes as the semester unfolds. I never have understood how people can pay so much money and never even go to class. My first few semesters were relatively easy as far as the work load but I still went to class. I would always tell myself the professor may give bonus points! I'm not going to lie and say that going to class was and is easy, but I know how much classes cost and I feel like I'm wasting my by not going to class.

I really liked how the producers used random students in random ways to present the facts. It was incredibly interesting and I found myself anticipating the next piece of paper or laptop screen. I have never been the one to take my computer to class, so I can not relate to those who do other things on the laptop while in class. I can relate however to checking Facebook or talking on the cell phone on a regular basis. I think it is amazing how we get so attached to the new technology around us. I recently bought a new computer and I am absolutely fascinated by all the many things I can do. This video was a great representation of college life and should be mandatory for college freshman to watch.

It's Not About the Technology by Kelly Hines

While reading this post, I could not help but to think about teachers I have had over the years who did not understand the material they were trying to teach me and my classmates. I think it is so important for we as future teachers to grasp the concepts of the material before we try and teach our future students. I am not a very technology literate person but I am eager and willing to learn in hopes that one day I will be. Then I can help my students to explore the world of technology as I have done. I agree with Kelly Hines in the fact that teachers have to be learners. It is imperative that we get this before we get to the classroom.

If we, as future teachers, can understand that technology is not what makes a great teacher but that willingness, patience, and eagerness makes one, then we can use technology in the classroom to help convey what we are trying to teach. The use of technology in the classroom is going to continue to thrive. I can not wait to see what new things mankind can develop in the years to come.

Karl Fisch: Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

I really enjoyed reading this post. Like I have said before, I am not technologically literate. I believe that it is imperative to be technologically literate in today's society. I liked Mr. Fisch's last comment about the comparison with not being a technologically literate teacher and a teacher of 30 years who can not read and write. I am so glad I have been given the opportunity to take this class. It has opened my eyes tremendously to the world around me.

I think Karl Fisch did a great job expressing his thoughts. I agree with him that in order to teach students how to be technologically literate, you as a teacher have to be as well. I think there is a difference in being technologically literate and knowing how to use a computer. I look forward to finding out more about how to become a technologically literate teacher!

Gary Hayes Social Media Count

This absolutely took my breath away. I could not even get past the first category: the number of blog posts. I thought to myself as I saw that number continue to rise "I just posted on 3 blogs." I was a part of that number. Before this class, I have never blogged or really knew what blogging meant. I feel as though I have been living under a rock for 23 years! This website threw me for a loop, especially the number of searches made on Google.

These numbers are a good representation of how fast our society is accepting the new technologies of today's time. This is going to effect my teaching career tremendously. As long as new computers, ipods, phones, etc. continue to come out every few weeks, technology will continue to grow. I am excited but also nervous about the future of technology. I am glad I have had my eyes opened to this "world" now before it would be too late!

Assignment #2

Did You Know

This video absolutely caught me off guard. I was not prepared for the information that came across my screen. While watching this video, my mind was too busy trying to comprehend the fact before a new one came up! The first slide that came up stated that if you are one in a million in China, there are 1,300 people that are just like you. This fact was very interesting to me because I simply never thought this deeply about how many people are actually alike as well as different in this world. I found that this one fact was something to think about for a while! I am now going to view people in an entirely different way. What if I came in contact with someone else just like me? How would I respond to this person? These are just a couple of life's mysteries.

The last few slides caught my attention for sure! I've never taken the time to think about how many babies are born just in the United States, much less the rest of the world. I was unaware of how many babies that are born in China and India. It both amazes and saddens me knowing how many of the babies are not going to be welcomed in this world. The good news is that a lot of them will be loved and cared for! Those children will hopefully grow up and produce loving families of their own. This video was very informative to me and opened my eyes to things that I need to take the time to think about more often.


Mr. Winkle Wakes

After waking from his sleep, Mr. Winkle decided to go visit different places to see what was familiar to him. The only problem was that life had changed or evolved into something that was new to him. Mr. Winkle did not know how to react to the changing world. That is a serious problem that I feel our world may be going through. Things are changing constantly around us and if we do not "jump on the wagon" we will be left behind!

Technology is rapidly changing. As I watched the video, I realized that Mr. Winkle did not appreciate the change. I feel as though we should appreciate change and learn from it. I think that change, in some cases, is a good thing. I think it is important to teach children to adapt to change and accomplish what needs to be accomplished.

Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity

This video was both entertaining and informative. I agree with the fact that creativity is a key part in life. I believe in expressing creativity especially in a classroom. The children need to see creative, colorful things so that it will "spark" something in them to be creative. I know that I learn best by "hands on" material rather than just memorizing a book. By giving the children something to make or think about will provoke them to want to learn. I know for myself if I were to walk into a room that had bare walls and no projects or fun things to do, then I would not want to stay in that room. By bringing creativity into the classroom, I think that children are apt to learn more and remember what they learned.

There are so many fun projects for students to do that would encourage them to use their creative side. It is crucial to the learning process. I think so many times creativity is cut from the classroom, which is not fair to the students. This video opened my eyes and reminded me of some things I think are important to bring into, not cut from, my future classroom.


Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts

I was absolutely amazed while watching this video. The students are learning and having fun while doing it! I loved how the teacher stated one of the "teams" was going to teach on a certain day. When I was in high school, I remember one of my teachers allowed us to "teach" for the day. I learned, understood, and remembered the material from that particular day. Yes, if the teacher would have taught on that day, I would have learned the same material but having someone that was my age teach me something helped me tremendously.

I also loved that the students used the computers to learn and teach each other. The teacher made a comment about students not learning as much when they only have a pencil and piece of paper. I agree totally with this teacher. I think it is crucial for students to learn in new ways. By using computers, the students will learn skills that they will use later in life. I wish this would have been made available when I was in high school. I believe I would be more technology literate had I been given the opportunity.

My Wordle: Beach Trip

Click here to go to the wordle main page.

A Link to My University

Click here to go to the University of South Alabama web site.

Very first blog post ever!!!!

Welcome to my blog!