Blog Post 13

Dr. Strange assigned our class to go with out any technology other than a land line phone for 24 hours. Well,  as I first read this assignment I said to my self "I can do this." I was born in 1982. I never had a cellphone until  at least a year after I graduated from high school. I can remember taking a word processing class and a typing class on a typewriter at Murphy High School. I have only owned the original Nintendo in the late 80's - early 90's. I have got this.... Well...

As I headed out the door to take my children to school, I grabbed my iPhone and headed on my way. I ran into several times through out the day that I reached for my phone. At stop lights and store parking lots especially.I found my self wanting to call my husband or a friend. I also really missed  checking my email and checking in to see what was happening  on Facebook. I rely on my phone a lot. By the time I went to school and picked my children up from school, it was a whole lot easier. I was at home and had all kinds of things to keep me busy. I had extra time to spend with my family with out as many interruptions. 

I feel that this assignment really allowed me the opportunity to see how much we rely on technology. I have never really considered myself someone who is dependent on technology. I was WRONG! There is so much technology around us constantly, I think I have taken it for granted. I must admit, I was hard to get used to but, It was kind of nice.

Final report on PLN

I have really enjoyed using my PLN. I was really excited to use symbaloo and organize all of the sites that I visit  on a regular basis. I had been adding sites and websites to my "favorites" for years. It is so nice to have them all listed and organized. I plan to continue to use and grow my PLN even after EDM. I have told some of my friends about this and plan to teach my future students about this as well.

F-JAM PROJECT 15.m4v

Progress report on final project

I am in the group F-Jam. So far we have come up with the idea of making a video about the class. It will pretty much be a video about EDM 310 that will help to ease the minds of future classes. It will consist of many various topics. My group has been using Google doc and has been doing video chats using Google hangout.

C4K April Summary

Yes it's Easter          2:19 on April 1 2012                                 


Hi,

My name is Melissa Harrison and I am a student at University of South Alabama. I am an Elementary and Special Education major. I really enjoyed your post about Easter. My family will be attending Church on Easter morning and having a nice lunch at my grandmother’s house. Also, my two children will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Easter bunny! I sure hope they will get lots of candy. Keep up the good work in school and enjoy Easter Sunday!


On April 2nd I received a comment from Lauren and Liana :
Thankyou,
In Australia we recieve chocolate instead to candy from the Easter Bunny. Have a great Easter!
Lauren and Liana
Schools out! Scream and Shout!       8:13 on April 8, 2012
I commented:
I think it is such a neat idea to have a cupcake store to raise money for the schools end of the year graduation and dance. The cupcakes look delicious! I hope you had a wonderful Easter! I look forward to your next post!


Kony 2012 Part II        1:48 on April 12, 2012


I commented:
Thank you so much for posting this video! I hope Joseph Kony will be arrested! What a terrible thing.




All about Revival        10:17pm on April 21,2012


 I commented on Revival's video post about himself



Hi Revival,
My name is Melissa Harrison. I am a student at The University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed watching your video. Great Job! 

Creativity and Curiosity: My Thoughts - Special Post #12A

       Do schools in the United States systematically destroy (or inhibit) the development of curiosity and/or creativity in students? If yes, why does that happen? If no, how do you counter the argument of Sir Ken Robinson that schools do undermine the development of creativity in students? I feel that schools in the United States do kill curiosity and creativity in students.

Our teachers have to teach only what is required and what our students will be tested on. The teachers are assumed not to be good teachers if there students do not do acceptable on the required testing. The kids must learn, do and act exactly as the school system requires. So, with that being said YES our schools are destroying our student’s creativity and curiosity. Young children five or six years old are creative and curious to learn. By the time these children are in 5^th grade they are usually not as curious or creative. They have had the curiosity and creativity taught right out of them. Kids are not being able to use their brain in order to be creative. They are simply memorizing facts.

    Can a curriculum be developed that increases the curiosity/creativity of students? If so, what would be the key components of such a curriculum? I feel that there could be a curriculum that increases curiosity /creativity in our students.

In my opinion these two topics (curiosity and creativity) go hand in hand. The schools are trying to cram in so much that our students hardly have the time to think straight. I really think that hands on activities and projects are a great idea. Teachers should be encouraging and excited/happy to let the children try out new things. Technology in the classroom is also a great way to get the students active in hands on lessons. 

 

Can a teacher's actions increase the curiosity/creativity of students? If so, what would be those actions?

Teachers can really make or break a Child's curiosity and creativity. Sometimes, I feel that teachers are so busy trying to squeeze in all that is required to be taught that things may go overlooked. Teachers should constantly be in search of ways to promote the curiosity and creativity of their students. 

  What would help you become more creative/curious? What role would teachers and/or schools have in that process?

 You can tell when a person is passionate about something. If my teacher is showing a great interest in a particular area in which we are studying, it always sticks with me and makes me want to find out more. I am a very hand on learner. I can remember the hands on things that I learned at school as a child much more that I can remember notes that I took and things that I memorized. 

Blog Post 12

I would like for you to research on YouTube and find a video that you feel is a good example of how teaching  in the 21st century classroom should be. Once you choose your video, write a 1-2 paragraph summary.

After viewing several videos on you tube I really enjoyed Teaching for the 21st Century. It is a fun video that speaks on the importance of teaching your children for the future so to speak. Teachers are preparing our future generation to face the unknown. The world is such a rapidly changing place, who knows what our children will face in there future. Technology is changing rapidly and our children need to be prepared to face what may lie before them. We as teachers need to leave behind the old way of teaching by memorizing facts. We need to allow our students to unleash their hidden talents. A supportive/connected environment where the learning is student centered. The students can learn so much from all of the technology that is available to them. Blogging, Google, Face book &Twitter are just a handful of the wonderful resources that are available to us by the click of a mouse or the touch of a screen. This video states that the use of technology energizes students and inspires creative thinking, I could not agree more. Children are amazing! I have witnessed my own child (6 years old) sit down at my laptop and Google whatever it is she is looking to find online. If she has the opportunity to use a computer, iPad, Smart phone or any other technological device she is thrilled! Kids love the freedom that technology has to offer. They can communicate with other classrooms throughout the world. Our students need to be prepared for digital citizenship. After all, this is a very diverse world that we live in. Our students need to work with diverse groups of people of all ethnicities and cultures. What better way than through the internet! Our students also need to be able to use the tools that are essential to everyday life and in the workplace. Children need to have the knowledge to solve problems and make decisions.

Teaching for the 21st Century is a great way to sum up the way I feel about teaching. Aside from just educating, I feel that teachers must possess many other attributes as well. Teachers should be passionate about teaching and learning. They must also be sensitive yet firm. Teachers should work hard to get to know there students and their backgrounds. In being a future educator I see the many hats that a teacher in the 21st century must wear. I cannot wait to take on that challenge!

Blog Post 11

First Graders in Mrs. Cassidy's Class     

After watching this video I felt extremely excited about my future as an educator. Watching and listening to the children speaking about technology was so inspiring. I really feel the importance of the use of technology and what it has to offer. As a future educator I plan on incorporating technology into my classroom.

Ms Kathy Cassidy Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

After watching this interview one of the main things that I really liked was the fact that Ms. Cassidy worked really hard to bring technology into her classroom. She tried to learn as much as she could before her students started in her room. I am really impressed with Ms. Cassidy; I hope that one day I will be able to teach like she does. I most defiantly want to incorporate blogging into my future classroom. I also really like the different methods that she uses to help keep her students safe on the web. 

Blog Post 10

Do you teach or Do you educate? is an awesome video that really gets the point across on the importance of not just "teaching" but Educating. "Education is not the filling of a vessel, but the kindling of a flame." is one of the key points that the video suggests. A teacher teaches, shows or explains how to do something or encourages someone to accept a fact or principle. To teach is also to cause someone to learn or understand something. An educator on the other hand illuminates, enlightens, inspires or enlightens. Also, gives intellectual, moral and social instruction. They are a mentor, a trusted and experienced adviser. Which one do you want to be? 

I want to educate. I want to show my students the way. I want to be the one kindling their flame. I became an education major because I love children. I can remember being in elementary school and really wanting to be a teacher one day. In having two children of my own (6 and 4) I really enjoy kids. I love being in the school environment. I also take great pride in working with children and watching them catch on to new concepts. This is an awesome video. Without a single word it speaks so loudly! Inspiring!

Tom Johnson's blog post Don't let them take pencils home was an interesting read. I feel like the overall idea of this post is to speak on the way they that teachers mask children s creativity. Teachers often time focus so much on test scores and not enough on what the children are actually learning. Mr. Johnson states that" "Children are learning even when we don't realize It." which is so very true. I am so tired of the usual testing that we have all become accustom to. All students are not test takers. I hate that children are constantly being judged on how well they do on a test! This was a wonderful blog post and I will most defiantly be adding this to my PLN.

C4K March

On March 4, 2012 @ 9:53pm I commented on Sarah Miller's blog Evaluating Napoleon. I commented:


Hi Sarah,
I am Melissa Harrison and I am a student in EDM 310 at the University of South Alabama. I enjoyed reading your post. Although Napoleon was known to some as brilliant, in answering your question I have to go with him being a jerk! He was a dictator and addicted to power.

Sarah's question was do you think Napoleon was brilliant or a jerk?
So far I have not received a comment back from Sarah.

On March 25, 2012 I commented on Kaitlyn #26's blog. She is a 4th grade student in the United Kingdom.
I commented:


Hi, Kaitlyn

My name is Melissa Harrison. I am a student at the University of South Alabama which is located in Mobile Alabama. I enjoyed reading your poem. Do you write poems often? Keep up the good work!
So far I have not received a comment back from Kaitlyn.

Blog Post 9

What I have learned this year was a blog post composed by Mr. Joe McClung. Mr. McClung has posted a blog post reflecting on his year of teaching. He speaks on accomplishments and thing that he has learned. This first post that I had the pleasure to view was posted after his first year as a teacher. I loved reading this as it gave me firsthand information of different things that I may endure as a first year teacher. As he reflects on his journey as a first year teacher I can picture myself in his situation. I absolutely love to hear stories from the classroom and will take note of any advice that I can. In how to read the crowd, Mr. McClung says that sometimes teachers are so worried about pleasing the superiors that the lessons were not student centered. He speaks on the importance of being flexible. To remember “NO LESSON IS EVER PERFECT. THE LESSON YOU TEACH AND THE ONE YOU PLAN ARE ALWAYS DIFFERENT. " Communication is the key. Although that may seem simple. " communication is the pathway to building that much desired rapport with fellow teachers." People have the tendency to forget to use their communication skills.

This is just a few of the subjects that Mr. McClung speaks on. I will take heed to the message that Mr. McClung is giving us and run with it.

What I learned this year was Mr. McClung's blog entry at the end of his third complete teaching year was great reading. He spoke of his third year teaching and his second year teaching in the same school. He speaks about knowing who your boss is and how important to center your self around your students and not focus your attention on impressing the other teachers in your school. Mr. McClung also speaks on not getting to comfortable. He states that with experience his job as a teacher has gotten easier. He is more comfortable and routine. He says that it is not a good idea to fall into routine. Effective teachers are constantly changing things up. I really enjoyed reading these posts. Thanks Mr. McClung, keep them coming!

F-JAM Project 14

Blog Post 8

How do we dream Part 1 By Richard E. Miller speaks about our ability to communicate instantly and the effects that it has on our lives. With such instant access it effects how we write and research. Were we work and publish. Richard Miller also reflects on the fact that it is now possible to collaborate using networking technology to compose using text and images, film and what ever you are able to find archived on the web. We are able to collect the threads of experience and weave them into coherent documents. Mr. Miller goes on the explain that this is an incremental change not a fundamental change.


Carly Pugh speaks in her blog post #12 about a wonderfully creative idea. Carly shows a nice example of  using network technology to compose, just like Richard Miller speaks about in his videos. Carly's post was upbeat and creative. Really grabs the attention of the reader. Excellent idea Carly!

The Chipper Series was a funny way to show what not to do/think in EDM 310. Chipper was a firm believer in procrastination (Which is defiantly not a great thing in this course.) Chipper also wanted to be taught so she doesn't have to learn. Dr. Strange has spoke on these subjects since day one of this course. This video made me smile. You should defiantly check it out!
EDM 310 for Dummies was a really neat video! I can completely agree with the women at the beginning of the video. At the beginning of this course I was really worried and scared of the work, wondering if I would be able to "teach" myself. But, so far so good! I have to work hard to make sure  I keep on track with my work.
In thinking about creating my own video for EDM 310 I would like to show people my computer skills before this class and then follow up with my skills after this course. I, in no way would consider myself to be a very technological person. This course has given me the confidence to realize that even though the computer may not be my strongest point, with diligence I can do anything that I put my mind to. My video would show me after all of my hard work has paid off! I will have great knowledge that I will take with me and use in my own classroom one day!

 While visiting Discovery Educations Web 20.11 site I was to do a "Scavenger Hunt" so to say and locate the following items:

List of Things to Find
1.) Locate a tool that is similar to Twitter/Facebook and provides a social platform for teachers,
parents, and students. Create an account as a Teacher and write a paragraph or two about how
you could use this site in your classroom. I chose Ning. Ning is similar to the social networks such a Facebook. It is not as popular as Facebook so I think it would be great to use in a classroom setting. You make your own "group" of people whom you will communicate. Since a lot of students may not have Ning, I think it will make it much easier to allow the children on Ning during class time that way they are not mixing there personal stuff with class work.It would allow the student to communicate with classmates and share ideas.

2.) Find a video tool that you have never used. Summarize some it's special features.After some research, I chose Smart Board Revolution. It is a site for teachers to share ideas, tips and lesson plans. I also really enjoyed the fact that it stated that nothing is to simple to share, since there are users of all levels on the site.It is awesome that you can "Swap" smart board" ideas and lesson plans. I think I will be using this a lot!

3.) Find a tool to create a poll anywhere and at anytime. Create your first poll and post it here. I chose Polls Everywhere. It is a really neat tool that can be used in the classroom and for personal use. I made a poll on which holiday is your favorite? Christmas or Easter? Check it out ...

Get a free sms student response system at Poll Everywhere

Project #12

Project #11

Project #9B

Copy of 3 States of Matter on Prezi

Project #10 1st progress report PLN

I will be working over the next few weeks to develop and organize my own personal learning network. I really like symbaloo. I already use Facebook as a great way to contact people. I already have some great resources and of course are looking in to others.

Blog Post 7

Networked Student By: Wendy Drexler was a interesting video. It spoke of Connectivism. Connectivism is the idea that learning occurs within a social network with ties between students. The students have a PLN (Personal learning network.) They gather information and use internet blogs and search engines to gather information and build a network of people that can help them to understand and learn. The student will in return create their own personal blog and speak on their formed opinions. 

You may ask like the video, why the networked student even needs a teacher. Well, although networked students may be doing a lot of self learning, teachers are needed to guide the students through the learning process and for communication. Not all students are ready or able to learn on there own. Teachers not only work with learning in the classroom they guide students in many other ways. I think there will always be a need for teachers in the classroom. 

I think that technology is wonderful! I feel that we as future educators should be capable to guiding our students and working to address all types of learning. After all every child learns in different ways!

C4K February

Hi Eric,

Happy belated birthday Eric! Eleven is a great age. I hope you enjoyed your birthday dinner at Famous Dave’s!


Melissa Harrison
Student – University of South Alabama
EDM 310




On Febuary 26, 2012 @ 8:36 pm I left a comment BB


Dear BB,

I really enjoyed reading your blog post about your new hobby! Skateboarding seems like it would be a lot of fun. I loved to skate as a child. I live in Mobile Alabama and one of our local skating rinks has an adult league.

Your blogging pal in Alabama,

Melissa Harrison
Student – University of South Alabama
EDM 310

Blog Post 6

Randy Pausch Last Lecture Was Excellent! What a wonderful man and an inspiration to us all. For him to be so positive and inspiring when knowing that he only has months to live is amazing. Randy was energetic and really embraced his life and was blessed beyond measure. He spoke on several topics both personal and professional. Some of the key points that Randy pointed out are things that will help us in life in general in both a personal and professional level.
Randy spoke of his childhood dreams. All of us have had dreams as children that were things that we wanted to accomplish in life. Although, sometimes things have happened to stop or detour these visions. It is never too late. He states that brick walls are there for a reason. They let us prove how badly we want something. That is something that we should all remember. We should always strive for everything that we have ever wanted. Also, a question that we should always ask our self is how we can enable the childhood dreams of others. As educators, we should always keep this in the back of our mind. No matter how big, small, silly or farfetched our student’s childhood dreams maybe we should always help them to strive for those dreams.
Randy also said that everyone "Has the chance to make other people excited and happy." Oh how true this is. I was excited and happy just watching how excited and happy he was while giving his lectures. We as teachers have the opportunity to make people happy. It all lies within our attitude. If we decide that we are going to be the "Tigger" instead of the "Eeyore" we will have the ability to be enjoyable and to make people happy and excited in our presence. I will defiantly take this with me in my attitude as a teacher and within my own day to day life. The lessons learned during this video were all things that we can all learn a lesson or two from.



• Help others. If everyone helped out others the word would be a better place.
• Respect authority while questioning it. How true is this...?
• Learn from your students. Do not ever get to the point where you feel that you know everything and have nothing to learn from others.
• Tell your students about having fun. Learning can be fun. Just because you are learning does not mean that you cannot make it fun and enjoyable.
• NEVER lose your childlike wonder. I think this is one of the greatest points that we can all learn from. As we grow older everything becomes so serious. Everything is new, fun and interesting to children. They look at the world in amazement and sometimes as adults we lose that childhood wonder.

Randy Pausch said, "Its not about how you achieve your dreams, it's how you live your life." "If you live your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself." I am completely smitten with his words! This man has a wonderful way about him. He makes people want to be more like him! For these words of wonder and encouragement I am forever grateful! In my future teaching career and throughout my life I will remember the wise words of Randy Pausch!