Podcast

1. It talks about filling in the gaps, so everyone can perform on the same level. By creating partnerships, using the resources available and creating good organizational techniques to help. I think everyone could always improve with the right resources and help available to them. 2. Reading rocket This podcast talks about and some even have classroom examples of ways to improve literacy in the classroom. There are authors and illustrators of children's books that are interviewed on the topic but also professionals in the area of literacy. It was interesting, but did take a long time to load. Special Education Topics I really liked this one, but of course that is my area of study. But it brought up a diverse selection of topics to choose from. Current news about things that have happened in schools because of children with special needs to basic health insurance issues for children with Autism. There were also links to other educational topics on this site.

3. pod casting is a great tool to research any current issues in the news. Students or teachers can also do their own little broadcasting system using pod casting. It could be done based on unit's in a book or set up on one main idea then branched off of there incorporating a bunch of other idea's. It should use many class subjects though. Just another way for the teacher to use PB learning in the classroom to gain student interest and parent involvement by allowing them to watch the pod cast's.

Week 6

One of the most important theories in my mind because they work best for me would be the "situated learning theory". The easiest way to show students how this works is to take them to a store and let them purchases various ounces of miscoulanious products; coke, oil, baby cough syrup (let them add up the right amout of ounces). You could also apply this to gallons or leiters and so on, by putting the students in a situation where they might actually have to use it some day it will help them to remember what they've learned. It does with me! Constructivism is another way students can learn in the classroom. Each student can come up with their own theories on how various sizes and brands of products will compare in science projects. We could test the amount of acid in name brand products and compare it to generic products or products that are in paper containers compared to those in plastic containers. Lerner's can come up with their own conclusions then compare which will encourage multiple perspectives and collaborative work in the end. Behavioral approach students can watch how much their parents are spending on gas, instead of ounce we'll use gallons. Then we can watch as a class for better prices for gas at various gas stations, think of ways to cut back on gas. In this way we will not only be learning to watch the number of gallons we use, we we will also be learning how to take control of developing a better environment.

Nashville TN, just because it's not BC! :0)

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Baby Dancing to Beyonce/ old favorite

The truth about Autism

week 5

 One of the things lacking that could have caused limited effects on instructional practices was the actual lack of instruction using them. Even though text-books and programs were installed on the computers there wasn't any instruction on how to use them. So teachers and students went right along with what they normally do not incorporating the computers. Also the lack of the teacher using it in the classroom to teach with shows students that they don't really need it, it's just a fun thing to play with. If the teacher doesn't know how to use it though she can't really incorporate the use of it in her room. How could either one grow from the use of it if they don't know what their doing.

The teachers resistance to change can affect how it is used too. If the teacher refuses to figure out the products because she just want's to instruct her own way, there won't be any improvement. Or if she does use it and still resists it the instruction being done will be of poor quality. If the teacher doesn't give feedback to the students and give them step by step instructions then they will feel overwhelmed or alone in figuring it out.

Another reason for the lack of effects from using the technology would be not installing updates or fixing the programs. If the program doesn't work effectively than how can it be used properly. There needs to be programs that are working well and are easy to follow for both teachers and students.

Ways to improve student learning with technology would be to set up a social media site so the students and teacher can share their knowledge. If the teacher gives feedback to the students they are more likely to improve too because they know they are being checked on and not alone. Also the students will be able to ask questions and receive answers to things they may be having issues with.

If the teacher were to assign tasks that are authentic, the students will be able to use them outside the classroom, then they will improve. The students will use their knowledge all the time if it is applicable to what they will use. Students could also apply the tasks being done to every day life and not feel like it is meaning less. The programs would have to be updated and easy to navigate too, so the students and teachers could grow in their use of it.

Photo Share

http://photobucket.com/friendpics14 This is some misc pictures of me with friends.       http://photobucket.com/artworkthroughtheyears This is some of my art through-out the years.

I found Photobucket to be easy to use, Flicker keep shutting down on me when I tried to start a site.