Blog Post 6

After watching the videos assigned for this particular blog post, I can say that they have taught me a lot. Starting with the first video “Project Based Learning Part 1: Experiences of a 3rd Grade Teacher.” I learned that the main purpose of project based earning is to help ensure that the students understand the concept of every lesson. For example, you would give the students a project that they would not be able to complete unless they know the concept of the lesson. I strongly agree with this idea and concept. I believe that all students should be tested with every lesson they learn, by using a project. One that requires hands on examples and application of knowledge that they must have learned in the previous lesson.

In the video “iCurio”, we lean what iCurio is and what it can be used for. I learned that it is a very useful tool for students and teachers alike. This tool allows students to search the web through a series of search engines that have been through a proxy by the school system. Each website that the students visit has been checked for inappropriate information or paraphernalia. This means the teacher doesn’t have to worry that the students will come across something they shouldn’t. 

In the video “Discovery Ed”, we learn how students can greatly benefit from viewing pictures and videos. Discovery Ed is a tool that couples any information students may be learning with pictures and videos from experts around the world. This is a great tool because students get a chance to learn from someone other that their teacher who is also an expert on the subject. Viewing any information with pictures and videos also solidifies the knowledge in their brain much stronger than if they just read the words.

After viewing the video “Use Tech Don’t Teach It”, I have learned that we are truly immersed in it. In Dr. Stranges words, “ you would never get the right change, without technology.” This statement sure says a lot about how much we in the 21^st century rely on technology for simple tasks. I agree with Anthony when he says that, “technology should not be taught ever.” It should not be a list of things that you have to get done.

C4K #2

In Samson B's most recent post from Mr. Boylen's 8th grade class he put up a video about a common trick shot basketball group called Dude Perfect. He simply posted the video to his blog with a brief description of the video.

In my comment I simply stated how much I enjoyed the video and how I would never have seen it unless I was on his blog. So thank you Samson for introducing something very interesting to me, that I will from now on look for myself.

Blog Post # 5

PLN's or Personal Learning Networks are anything from people to tools, that you can call on as a reference or aid. These particular devices are very efficient and extremely useful.

Within the world of education and teaching, there are constant discoveries of new and better ways to educate. With a personal learning network you can stay connected and it will constantly be updated to what is new.

To create your own personal learning network as I did you can go to Symbaloo.com This website is extremely easy to use and very helpful. Once you create your account a tutorial starts to teach you how you can get the most out of this amazing tool. My favorite part of this tool is being able to change anything. You can add or delete any websites you would like.

I have finished creating my personal learning network and am very excited to get started using it. I have even made it my home screen for my Internet, so I can quickly and easily navigate anywhere. According to, Welcome to My PLE, personal learning networks are very useful in staying organized with a lot of information. With using these tools to teach students, we are encouraging them to explore on their own. Which according to Welcome to My PLE, is a big part in getting kids to actually enjoy what they are doing and learning.

Project 15 Search Engines

There is such an abundance of search engines, that no one really knows them all. One of the most common is Google. I did some research and found that Google is not the only great one out there.

Site 1. Wolframalapha - This is my first time every using this website, but as soon as it loaded through I was impressed. Immediately I noticed how you could personalize the background color of the website which I thought was really cool. You are able to upload images and or files straight into the search bar which is very useful. I also noticed that at the bottom of the website there are a huge number of links, which are actually examples of questions. So finding the information you need can be found very quick.

Site 2. Bing - This is a website that can be compared mostly with google. This search engine is used for more commonly asked questions or for things you need to find out fast. Once you ask a question or search something this site will bring up many choices that are related to what your asking.

Site 3. Yahoo - Once you load onto the yahoo home screen you are bombarded with information. This site is loaded with weather, news, entertainment and much more. It is a very useful site to use if your trying to stay connected with the rest of civilization.

Site 4. Ask - Most websites have a "launch" or "go" button once you type in what your looking for. But ask.com states simply "Find Answers," this small detail alone tells you what type of website this is. It is manly used to ask questions about anything.

Site 5. Web M.D. - This search engine is used mainly for questions about anything medical. There are also health tips and cooking tips located throughout the site, to help people find all of there health ideas in one place.

Site 6. AOL - This is a very easy to navigate and easy to use simple search engine. Not to much clouding up the screen and very helpful information can be displayed here.

Site 7. Dogpile - This website produces many top stories being searched right now, so you can search very quickly for up to date material. Also a very family friendly home screen with a dog, allows kids to even use the website. Without their parents worrying that their kids will read something for adults only.

Site 8. Blekko - This website has a very simple home screen with a few pictures. These pictures correlate to what is being talked about at the time in society. Very easy to use and very helpful website.

C4K Blog Post #1

After viewing Megan L's personal blog, from Mr. Boylens 7th Grade Lit. class I was very impressed with what I saw. In her post she created a short slideshow about a book that her class had read recently. It was called "Odette's Secrets." From her presentation I could tell that she enjoyed this book and really put time into her project. She included key quotes and examples of everything that she talked about. She included numerous eye catching clip arts and very intriguing fonts to keep the viewers attention.
In my comment I stated how amazing she had done on this presentation and how impressing it was. Just from watching it I felt like I had read the book myself. With only a few minor grammatical errors her presentation was excellent and very enjoyable to watch. I hope that I can view more like hers in the future.

Blog Post 4

After reading “The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroom,” I was truly astounded at how true this whole article is. When I was younger I can remember being in class and sighing when I was not called to answer a question. Thinking back on this now, it really is shocking to think about how many questions and answers I missed out on. All of that knowledge that I could have learned just gone, now I think it is equally my fault as well as the teacher. Every student should feel comfortable to ask questions at any time during the class. It is not solely up to the teacher to ensure students understand a concept; the students must also participate and be active learners.

Asking Questions to Improve Learning is essentially a guide of things that can be done to enhance the Q&A process. This is very important because to ensure that each student learns to the best of their abilities, questions must be asked and answered. I strongly agree with the strategy, Follow a “yes-or- no” question with an additional question. This technique allows the student to explain why and how they got the answer they did. Also by having other students ask questions they can express their own opinions to each other.

After viewing “Asking Better Questions in the Classroom” by Joanne Chesley I realize that there are two specific ways teachers ask questions, open and closed ended. Open-ended questions are by far the best and most efficient questions that a teacher can ask to students. These questions when asked correctly can force the students to think more in depth about the question. This in turn will ensure that they learn the concept and the information.

Questions and Answers are the basic building blocks of knowledge and learning. It is almost impossible to learn without asking questions. The sources I have previously reviewed have been very informative. They are very helpful ways to ensure teachers learn the correct way to ask students questions. To be an effective teacher you must ask open-minded questions. What this means is that your questions should force the student to think deeper about the question and then explain as to why they got that answer. It is very crucial to have an open minded relationship between teacher and student, therefore questions can be asked without the hesitation.

C4T #1 and #2

I have been following the Classroom Chronicles blog for two weeks now and it has been quite fun. She is a six year teacher from an all girls school in Sydney, Australia. She has been trying to incorporate Web 2.0 into her classroom for quite some time and loves using technology to help her students learn.

In the first post that I commented on from the Classroom Chronicles blog, she had just returned from New Zealand. After a very exciting trip visiting schools abroad, she learned how technology was being implemented in other parts of the world. In my comment I stated how amazing what she is doing for the future of education is. Going to different parts of the world to share what you know and learn from others is just great. Most importantly I wanted to thank her for what she is doing because the faster that schools can implement technology into their classrooms the faster the world can become connected.

In the second post that I commented on from the Classroom Chronicles blog she had just returned from giving a presentation on, " Ban Boring Homework Use blogging Instead," so a very appreciative audience at the ACEC2014. She stated how no one cares about doing boring homework and that we should work smarter not longer. In my comment I shared my thoughts about her post by saying how much I agreed with her. I said, " being a student who is tasked with running a blog for a grade and also having had my fair share of boring homework," I know exactly what she is talking about.

I have greatly enjoyed reading the Classroom Chronicles blog posts for these past two weeks and I look forward to reading many more of them!