Additional Assignment #5

Ah, The Importance of Metaphors

In an earlier post, I remarked about a blog post by John Spencer (Don't Let Them Take Pencils Home). I recently learned that I completely missed the point! The post was not about PENCILS-- it was about COMPUTERS (of course, we're in EDM).

In a recent post, Mr. Spencer outlines the importance of metaphors, explaining that as confusing as they are, they may eventually lead to clarity. I think this is an interesting approach to teaching. I may have to adopt this in my own classroom. Well, I'll be an English teacher, so metaphors will be present quite often.

Blog Post #13

ALEX: Alabama Learning Exchange

This is a universally used website where teachers can come and share courses of study, lesson plans, podcasts, and other teaching tools. I took a look at some of the lesson plans and podcasts available and found them VERY useful. The ideas were so creative and relative to the students (I looked at lesson plans for 7th graders). This is definitely a site that would be useful to me.

Progress Report

My plan for my final project would probably stem from one of Dr. Strange's suggestions. I like the idea of explaining to parents why my teaching method is important to the education of their child. Unfortunately, I'm not quite cemented in a group as of now, but that issue will definitely be worked out in the coming week.

Blog Post #12

Hmmmm... so I'm creating the assignment this time? Interesting. Well, an assignment I think we probably should have had was to create a video portraying our view on this class during different points of the year--maybe beginning, middle, and end. It may be a little much for the new student of EDM310, but it would be useful for the class's future students, just to let them know what they're getting into, from the student's perspective.

Project #14

Screencasts and videos online

Blog Post 11

First Graders in Ms. Cassidy's Class: Little Kids... Big Potential



These students amazed me! I never realized how much of an effect a blog could have on a child. Other than learning basic computer skills, these kids are learning internet safety, tactfulness, and how to improve their writing. I think they know more than most adults know. The future looks bright with these children!

Kathy Cassidy Skype Conversation

What I loved most about this conversation is how Ms. Cassidy explained the benefits of blogging in her class: improvement in writing skills. I was most interested in this because I hope to become an English teacher. On paper, the students are hoping to gain feedback from their teacher, and maybe a few of their peers. With a blog, they are able to get feedback from THE WORLD. It also puts the thought in my mind that my students just may be more advanced in writing than I expect them to be, coming into my class.

I also liked her view on cheating and the Internet. A main concern regarding students and the Internet is that they my be tempted to copy ideas from others. However, a teacher can very well get creative with they way he/she wants the information presented. Blogging is definitely a tool I would consider using in my classroom.