Week 3

Today was the first time that I've ever listened to podcasts I found it to be every interesting and informative. I had no idea that there was so many podcasts with such a wide range of subjects and information levels. If these are used right I believe that they can serve as a valuable tool for teachers and students alike.
All of these podcasts seemed like they could be very useful. In the SmartBoard Lessons podcast that I listened too the creators discussed how to use technology, and how to wrap up a school year. This seemed like a good way for teachers to connect with other teachers by the spreading of ideas. In the Kidscast they discussed the usefulness of podcasts and video podcasts. Also they discussed how students learn from scaffold learning, by saying that teachers need to teach before field trips to make them more interactive.
The EdTech Talk and the Connect Learning podcasts were equally as helpful if not more. In Connect Learning episode 90 the creators were talking about connecting the teachers, students, and community through the podcast. I thought this was a great idea, because it allows students to use technology for help, and allows kids to respond through technology. In EDTech Talk they were answering questions that a girl had about Skype and helped her fix her problem. There are many advantages for teachers and students alike if podcasts were incorporated more into schools.
In the Mac Break Weekly and This Week in Photography podcasts also seemed really useful to people just not educators. The Mac Break Weekly talks about new technologies and their benefit and use from what I heard. This Week in Photography connects people of similar interests and addresses issues and questions of interest.
What I discovered that podcasts can be very useful to students and teachers alike if used properly. Also there are podcasts for any of your interests.

In the video Media Literacy in the First Grade, I was blown away at the level at which they used the computer and Internet. It just goes to show you how fast technology is growing and how easy it is for kids to learn how to use it. I believe that by using the computer, that these kids are learning in new ways that are fun and exciting and will make them learn faster and more efficient.
In response to Here's What's Coming, once again I was blown away at what such a young age children are learning how to use technology, in this case an i-phone. I'm not even sure if this kid had even began walking and talking yet, but was able navigate through the i-phone with ease. This just stresses the importance of the teachers of tomorrow to be technology literate, because your students will be.

Week 2

Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
I thought this was a very interesting way to describe the life of students today. As you can tell from this video, the computer has became very important to students. The computer is important now because of the social networking and entertainment of it.
As a student I also feel the stress of not having enough time to do all of the homework that I have. In most parts I know exactly where all those students were coming from in the video, but I have to say when I have to get homework done I do not allow the computer, or cell phone to distract me.


"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
I thought this article was great. I totally agree that the use of modern technology can be a very productive tool, but not with teachers who cannot use it in ways to produce learning from students. Another brilliant point is that teachers need to be life long learners who work on their profession. This includes using whatever tool necessary to make the students critically think and learn valuable life skills.
I'm not sure what the classroom is going to look like in twenty years, but I believe that if you have passionate teachers who are professionals that challenge students, then students will continue to learn.


Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
Like it or not technology has became a huge part of life now. It is not good it has taken so long for technology to enter the classroom. I do not believe that you should be an technology illiterate teacher, but I do understand why teachers are behind. In the last few years there has been a boom in the use of technology and its resourcefulness to one's life. The key is for teachers to be life-long learners that try to do there best to be up to date and current with materials and teachings.
In today's world it is acceptable to be technology illiterate, but this should not include the teaching profession. I do not believe that they should be fired on the spot, but I believe that the teachers that take pride in their jobs are working on incorporating technology into the classroom for the students and the new skills it can provide.


Gary Hayes Social Media Count
When I saw how fast the numbers were growing I just watched in amazement, but when I thought about it these numbers made sense. In fact these numbers just reinforce my belief on how important technology is becoming in today's world.
As a future teacher these numbers mean that we need to prepare our students for a world where the use of technology, and being skilled in these technologies is a must. Also I realize that these numbers are probably going to grow even more before I make it into a classroom.

Week 1 Post

Did You Know? 3.0
This video was very informative on how fast technology is growing today. It made several comments that were amazing. And just think this video was made two years ago. I would love to see some of those numbers now and see how much they have grown.
With technology growing at such a fast rate it is important that future educators stay up to date with the ever-changing technology because our students are going to be very interested in this and will probably affect what jobs and professions they will pursue.

Mr. Winkle Wakes
This video was a humorous way to state a serious problem with today's education system. The world is changing rapidly, and the education system is not keeping up with the rest of the world. With today's technology there are countless ways to learn that students in the past did not get the opportunity to use and wish they did.
With all of this new technology future teachers should use every resource that this new technology has to offer for the education of students. Computers should be used in every facet of education, not just in one or two classes. Using the technology should be a priority it teaching future students.

Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
I believed that this was an awesome speech about how and were today's current education system has faults and needs to change. I believe that school systems are not helping students be as creative as they should or could be. Sir Ken Robinson said that we are educationing our kids out of their creativity.
I also liked what he said that all kids have talents and intelligences. Just because they are not intrigued or talented in a certain area does not make them any less smart than the next kid. I just means that they are different and learn different. Also with the way that technology is growing, it is our jobs to prepare them for an uncertain future.

Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students Digital Smarts
I believe that Vicki Davis's class is really paving the way for the future in the class room. In her class students are learning by using this modern technology. By using this modern technology the students appeared to be very interested and willing to adventure and learn.
I believe that every high school should have a class like this one where students learn how to use modern technologies by using them hands on. I believe that it benefits the students and prepares them for future jobs. Also they can use them in their personal lives and teach their parents how to use them.

First Post

This is my first post.