Thing #7

I had never commented on a blog before. I have always been the reader. I would have thoughts and opinions, but I would keep them to myself. Now, I know that bloggers want to know what the community that follows their blogs thinks. I understand that they write with the purpose to share and compare opinions and information. As I was commenting I was trying to make sure that I was positive and provided a valid opinion about their subject. I was a little nervous about my responses. It took me some time to think about what I was going to say and how I wanted to say it. I am still working on my commenting, but I know that it is an important part of blogging and the community that it builds.

Thing #6

The RRS is a wonderful tool to use, because the possibilities are endless. I sure hope that I am able to learn how to use it to the best of my abilities and to its fullest potential. I found so many blogs to follow.
The first blog I am following is The Fischbowl. This blog follows an algebra teacher. One of his posts includes his thoughts of course expectations. I also agree with his points and find them to be very valid. I also think that if you have set expectations students will know what to do and how to conduct. Also, all expectations should follow the mantra “Do what’s right.” Let your students know that you hope they will always follow those expectations instead of making a list of don’ts or no’s.
The second blog is students 2.0. I found this blog to have interesting perspective on art. What is creativity? Art is the list of skills with expectations to follow. Is it a novel way to use the skills? I think this blog is reflective of the artistic angst that most people have. I find myself question my definition of art and creativity.
I also added several fun blogs to my reader. I added the weather channel to my reader. I like the up to date weather information. I also have the World cup blog. I think that witnessing sports history is quite significant to me. I also enjoy films and am following a movie blog. I like to know the new movies and their actors.

Thing #5

I agree! Technology makes a big difference in the lives of our students. The three most important pieces of equipment that you need in a classroom are a computer with internet, a projector connected to the computer and a set of speakers. The computer should be fast and capable to keep up with speed. The projector will allow students to see everything from the computer at the same time. The speakers will provide students to the multimedia world. These items will foster 21st century teaching and learning. This is what should we be focusing on purchasing. This may not change instruction, however technology is essential. The world can be placed in a student’s hand and open up access to videos and other visuals. I also believe that my time is also limited, but with these tools I will take advantage to develop our instructional practices. We will motivate students to learn.

Thing #4

Blog writing seems to be very free. The people that have created blogs are writing to those that support them, share their ideas or even oppose them. However, the blogs reflect personality and individuality. Blogs are read with great ease; almost as if you were listening to someone speak. Blogs are full of emotion and convey an interest. The writing is relaxed and directed to a specific audience. When someone leaves a comment it creates a link between the reader and the writer. At that point the commenter may agree or disagree and this is where the different viewpoints are establish and discussed. Blogging is a different type of literature since there is exchange of ideas. Now, in blogging people write to share and contribute to a community of learners that share similar ideas. Blogging promotes learning, because questions may be asked and then the community responds with answers, solutions and creativity.

Thing #2

Web 2.0 is a term that I had never heard until I registered for this course. I know that my students are being raised in a time of shift and change. As a teacher I know that I have to reach the students in their own language to engage and motivate them to think. Things have changed from writing at a desk to typing, blogging and interacting at a computer. I must change also. In college I had a few classes that provided some online interaction, but nothing compared to what the students are doing now. I can provide lessons with sound, images and interaction to invite them to think with me. I want to make learning meaningful to students. I know that in their future and mine we will be using technology to learn and interact. I will be able to communicate and learn from others that share my similar interests.

Thing #1

I think that each of 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learners are qualities that I believe I have! I may not show all the habits at all times, but I am aware that they make a difference in my life. These habits are lifelong truths that should guide my life. I may not always think of the tools that I could be adding to my toolbox. That is so hard for me! Sometimes I want to set a goal and immediately achieve it without stepping back and realizing the ultimate possibilities and how I can add it to previous information. I always think that problems are challenges that will teach me something new or teach me to look at it differently. I believe myself to be lifelong learner with a positive attitude. I think the most important habit to me is attitude. I will always try my best and know that I will look at every situation in a positive way. These habits will help me achieve my goal of feeling confident in my technology skills.