I found Dr. Christie's site to be very informative. Dr. Christie received her doctoral in Educational Technology and Language and Literacy. Prior to receiving her doctrine, she taught in the classroom. Dr. Christie create workshops and publications aimed towards teaching educators how to enhance technology within their classroom.
There were several interesting publications on the web-site. However, the one that stood out the most was "Recognizing (Almost) Invisible Gender Bias in Teacher-Student Interactions." This article was done to conduct an experiment on whether Dr. Christie was bias based on gender. The publication showed that the female students were treated different from the male student. As a teacher, I have never considered the possibility that I may be bias towards a person's gender. Now that I am aware of these findings. I'm going to pay close attention to how I treat a female student in comparison to a male student.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Blog 9
Before reading the articles, I wasn't familiar with wikipedia. However, after reading the articles I do not think they're reliable. Wikepedia was actually developed in order to provide people with information on pretty much anything. The problem is that anyone can edit or even delete information. If a person is bias towards a particular topic they can can present their opinions as if they were fact. Some major companies, such as Wal-Mart, can manipulate information to appear appealing.
It is very important for children to understand the validity of information that they found on the Internet. I often stress to my students to be cautious of giving out their information on-line. They need to be aware that just because they say that they're a 15 yr. old boy, doesn't mean they are. They could actually be a 40 yr. old man, preying on a young child. So, do I think wikipedia is reliable? Absolutely not.
It is very important for children to understand the validity of information that they found on the Internet. I often stress to my students to be cautious of giving out their information on-line. They need to be aware that just because they say that they're a 15 yr. old boy, doesn't mean they are. They could actually be a 40 yr. old man, preying on a young child. So, do I think wikipedia is reliable? Absolutely not.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Blog 8
The Fiscgbowl blog I found interesting was "180 Days." According to the presentation, schools waste about 60 days due to testing, extracurricular activities, and several other things. I do not consider those days as wasted. I agree with one comment that stated preparing students for test is considered instructional. I also believe students need the extra curriculum activities. Students must have a chance to engage in sociable events with their peers. I recall learning in a child development course, that students need to be around peers. This allows them to learn how to act in a sociable acceptable manner.
I believe there are days wasted. However, I don't believe its 60. You have to take into account that teachers are having to deal with psychological issues. Many times teachers have to devote time to helping students deal with the lost of another student or friend. As much as we hate for things of that nature happening, we have to to be sympathetic toward these children's needs. Its the motivational speaker at the assembly that sometimes changes a students outlook on life.
I believe there are days wasted. However, I don't believe its 60. You have to take into account that teachers are having to deal with psychological issues. Many times teachers have to devote time to helping students deal with the lost of another student or friend. As much as we hate for things of that nature happening, we have to to be sympathetic toward these children's needs. Its the motivational speaker at the assembly that sometimes changes a students outlook on life.
Blog 7
I agree with the blog completely. I think its very important for teachers, students, and parents to be technology literate. My mother often make the comment, "I'm not good with computers." I''m constantly telling her she needs to learn at least the basics. She feels that learning basic computer technology isn't worthwhile. However, she always asking me to type a letter or make a spreadsheet for her. Its nearly impossible for anyone to go through life without having to deal with modern technology.
I think teachers should all be technology literate. I have found that students will devote hours to chatting, emailing, and texting. However, they despise typing a report. I believe most of my students know more about computers than me. I often find myself having to ask a student to "fix my computer."
One modern technology I think is great is email. I believe emails are a great way to keep parents inform. I have a few parents that I communicate with through email. Many times I will spend a week trying to contact a parent. Either their number has changed, or the student simply won't give them the message. By emailing the parent, its fast and convenient. Eliminating the "middle man."
I think teachers should all be technology literate. I have found that students will devote hours to chatting, emailing, and texting. However, they despise typing a report. I believe most of my students know more about computers than me. I often find myself having to ask a student to "fix my computer."
One modern technology I think is great is email. I believe emails are a great way to keep parents inform. I have a few parents that I communicate with through email. Many times I will spend a week trying to contact a parent. Either their number has changed, or the student simply won't give them the message. By emailing the parent, its fast and convenient. Eliminating the "middle man."
Friday, September 26, 2008
Blog 6
One international school I found that used blog was Hiroshima International School in Japan. By viewing the school's blog, I realized that not only are they teaching math and science but they also have lessons aimed towards forming and maintaining friendships and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The blog was mainly used to inform parents of homework, meetings, and important dates. There were no comments posted for any of the blogs. I did not think their blogs were as organized as the ones I viewed in the States.
Another international blog I found was a language teacher in New England by the name of Lisa Stephens. I found the blog to be very hard to understand. Some of the blogs were in English, while others were in a foreign language. I thought there were to many blogs that were not arranged in any kind of order. I definitely would not take the time to participate in her blogs because its not well organized. I am not sure if the blog was for students or teachers.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Blog 4
The world is becoming more and more computerized everyday. After reviewing the video presentation I was able to obtain knowledgeable facts regarding human and the vast growing world of technology.
Many people would take part in agreement, that countries such as India, China, and the US, are among the richest and wealthiest in the world. The truth is that neither are. Great Britain is the riches country in the world. Great Britain is the center of the world's business & finance. They have the strongest education system among all other countries and maintains the highest standard of living. However, it is predicted that in 10 years, China will become the number one English speaking country in the world.
According to the U.S Department of Labor, 1 in 4 workers has been with their current company less than one year and 1 in 2 workers have been with their current employer less than five years. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that today's youth will have 10 to 14 jobs by their 38th birthday. College majors such as News Media, Organic Agriculture ,E-Business, Nanotechnology, and Homeland Security didn't exist 10 years ago.
Based on the video message, we are currently living in exponential times. In order to stay ahead of technology education, the world is currently preparing students for jobs and technology that don't exist. Thus parents should become even more active in learning technology. By being aware of the learning tools, teachers are able to prepare children for the 21st century. Parents should speak with the school board to obtain the learning resources need in order to prepare their children. We as U.S. citizens, need to actively take part in educating ourselves,as well as, our children in order to be successful in the 21st century.
Many people would take part in agreement, that countries such as India, China, and the US, are among the richest and wealthiest in the world. The truth is that neither are. Great Britain is the riches country in the world. Great Britain is the center of the world's business & finance. They have the strongest education system among all other countries and maintains the highest standard of living. However, it is predicted that in 10 years, China will become the number one English speaking country in the world.
According to the U.S Department of Labor, 1 in 4 workers has been with their current company less than one year and 1 in 2 workers have been with their current employer less than five years. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that today's youth will have 10 to 14 jobs by their 38th birthday. College majors such as News Media, Organic Agriculture ,E-Business, Nanotechnology, and Homeland Security didn't exist 10 years ago.
Based on the video message, we are currently living in exponential times. In order to stay ahead of technology education, the world is currently preparing students for jobs and technology that don't exist. Thus parents should become even more active in learning technology. By being aware of the learning tools, teachers are able to prepare children for the 21st century. Parents should speak with the school board to obtain the learning resources need in order to prepare their children. We as U.S. citizens, need to actively take part in educating ourselves,as well as, our children in order to be successful in the 21st century.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Blog 5
I was surprised of how much blogs are used by student, teachers, and parents. For example,Bartlett High School in Illinois, uses blogs to keep everyone informed on what's going on at school. They have links to several informative document for parents, teachers, and students. Students have easy access to the bell schedule, sporting events, and lots more. Their principal,Dr. Kelvin Skinkis,uses blogs to address students, faculty, and staff. Students can also access their different classes. Each subject area has a list of its curriculum and goals. There's also a listing of the teachers along with their email address. What I liked most about this site was a memorandum of a formal student that was killed in Iraq on September 18, 2008. I thought that was a great way for the school to acknowledge a graduate and fallen soldier.
Another school I found that used blog was Jackson High School in Jackson Alabama. Unlike Bartlett High School. Using blogs was not school-wide. there were only two teachers using blog. Ms. Kimbrough, a ninth grade English teacher, used blog in order to communicate with her students. She believes that blogging is a educative fun way to get the students involved with written expression. The second teacher was Coach Hilt. He is an history teacher. Coach Hilt uses his blog to give students short history related question that they have to email to him. After watching the video "Shift Happens." I think that's very important. It allows Coach Hilt a chance to integrate history and technology.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Blog 3
I think the website, accessdl.state.al.us/showaccess,is an excellent site for high school students. As a high school teacher, I've seen an astonishing number of students dropping out. We currently have close to 200 freshmen at our school. It is predicted that less than a 100 of those same students will complete their high school education. I find this to be very sad. With programs such as ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators & Students Statewide)students in Alabama are given access to many resources that they will need in order to gain their high school diploma.
One resource of ACCESS that I think is great is the fact that student would be able to take Advanced Placement(AP) courses. By having these courses available, it allows students to take classes that may not be given at their school. By giving students access to these courses, it also gives students in Alabama an opportunity to take part in more challenging courses that will prepare them for college.
ACCESS is also a great site for teachers and students. This site provides teachers with innovative ways to motivate their students. Many students in our schools today lack motivation. I think its a teacher's responsibility to motivate his or her student.
I would definitely recommend this site to both parents and students. Many times parents are unaware of programs such as this one. Programs such as ACCESS provides students in Alabama to reach their highest potential by providing them with the necessary resources.
One resource of ACCESS that I think is great is the fact that student would be able to take Advanced Placement(AP) courses. By having these courses available, it allows students to take classes that may not be given at their school. By giving students access to these courses, it also gives students in Alabama an opportunity to take part in more challenging courses that will prepare them for college.
ACCESS is also a great site for teachers and students. This site provides teachers with innovative ways to motivate their students. Many students in our schools today lack motivation. I think its a teacher's responsibility to motivate his or her student.
I would definitely recommend this site to both parents and students. Many times parents are unaware of programs such as this one. Programs such as ACCESS provides students in Alabama to reach their highest potential by providing them with the necessary resources.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Week 2
I found the website http://alex.state.al.us to be very informative. There are many resources that would be beneficial to teachers. The information I found to be the most beneficial were the "Alabama Course of Study," the lesson plans, and the professional learning site.
My first year teaching, I learned the most important thing is the "Alabama Course of Study." I was given an "Alabama Course of Study" book that was a little bit overwhelming. There was too much information coming at you at one time. However, this site provides the same information, in a much more simpler way. It gives you the option of choosing a subject, as well as, a grade level. I like this a whole lot better than reading through the book. I would much rather read the information online, rather than "looking for" a book.
I also found the lesson plans to be very helpful. My first year, I had a very hard time devising a lesson plan. I had absolutely no idea of how to organize a lesson plan. I would often spend an entire week working on the following week's lesson plan. Whereas, veteran teachers where devising lesson plans overnight. This site contains lesson plan on everything from Physical Education to Science. You simply find a subject and topic of your choice. I will definitely be using this site to help me create my lesson plan.
Another useful tool was the site designated for professional opportunities. This site provides all the information you need to know about the AMSTI program, a math and science initiative program. It even provides a list of school that participates in the AMSTI program. The professional development provides teachers with all the critical information need to become successful teachers. I think having a site where there are numerous of grants in one location is very time consuming. It avoids spending time hunting for grants.
I would highly recommend this site to every teacher. It provides everything you need to know in one convient place. It saves time on locating information. Its also very east to comprehend!
My first year teaching, I learned the most important thing is the "Alabama Course of Study." I was given an "Alabama Course of Study" book that was a little bit overwhelming. There was too much information coming at you at one time. However, this site provides the same information, in a much more simpler way. It gives you the option of choosing a subject, as well as, a grade level. I like this a whole lot better than reading through the book. I would much rather read the information online, rather than "looking for" a book.
I also found the lesson plans to be very helpful. My first year, I had a very hard time devising a lesson plan. I had absolutely no idea of how to organize a lesson plan. I would often spend an entire week working on the following week's lesson plan. Whereas, veteran teachers where devising lesson plans overnight. This site contains lesson plan on everything from Physical Education to Science. You simply find a subject and topic of your choice. I will definitely be using this site to help me create my lesson plan.
Another useful tool was the site designated for professional opportunities. This site provides all the information you need to know about the AMSTI program, a math and science initiative program. It even provides a list of school that participates in the AMSTI program. The professional development provides teachers with all the critical information need to become successful teachers. I think having a site where there are numerous of grants in one location is very time consuming. It avoids spending time hunting for grants.
I would highly recommend this site to every teacher. It provides everything you need to know in one convient place. It saves time on locating information. Its also very east to comprehend!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Getting To Know Me
Hello! My name is LaTonya King. I am a very friendly outgoing female. I am single with no kids. I received my BS degree from Alabama State Ubiversity. I am currently working towards my teacher certification at the University of South Alabama. I am currently employed with the Monroe County Board of Education as a high school teacher. I think teaching is one of the most rewarding careers. Teachers provide the foundation for the doctors and lawyers that are out there today.
In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I can read a good book in two days. My favorite book is "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie. I absolutely hate romance novels. I think they're overrated.
I often spend my weekends visiting my family in Birmingham. Montgomery, and Atlanta. My family is very close. My mom has 9 sisters and 4 brothers, so my family is pretty large. However, I only have one brother. We only see each other 3-4 times a year. He lives in Phoenix Arizona. He played in the NFL. However, he's on the injured reserve right now.
I look forward to learning as much as I can about computers this semester in class. I have to integrate technology in my classroom. We use a computer program called STI to keep up with students grades, attendance, and many other things. It gets to be very frustrating saying on track when you have no idea of what your doing.
In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I can read a good book in two days. My favorite book is "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie. I absolutely hate romance novels. I think they're overrated.
I often spend my weekends visiting my family in Birmingham. Montgomery, and Atlanta. My family is very close. My mom has 9 sisters and 4 brothers, so my family is pretty large. However, I only have one brother. We only see each other 3-4 times a year. He lives in Phoenix Arizona. He played in the NFL. However, he's on the injured reserve right now.
I look forward to learning as much as I can about computers this semester in class. I have to integrate technology in my classroom. We use a computer program called STI to keep up with students grades, attendance, and many other things. It gets to be very frustrating saying on track when you have no idea of what your doing.
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