Summary Post C4T 10/30/11

This was my first post, completed last week on 10/23 at this site http://bryanjack.ca/2011/10/20/social-media-as-connective-tissue-presentation-for-bcssta/

Below is what I had to say:

Hello Bryan, my name is Jonathan Giles, I attend the University of Alabama and I’m currently enrolled in Dr. Strange EDM 310 class.

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on social media in the classroom and also using it with fellow educators. The presentation I watched above your blog was really small and hard to read at times. I’m not sure if this was by design or not but regardless it was extremely well done and the premise was sharp. As a future teacher myself, I hope you convince those who matter to start moving more toward a technological enriched future in the classroom. I can’t wait to see what you do next!


This was my second post, completed on 10/30 at the site
http://bryanjack.ca/2011/10/18/consensus-in-the-classroom/

Below is what I said...

Hello Bryan, I’m back! My name is Jonathan Giles, I attend the University of Alabama and I’m currently enrolled in Dr. Strange EDM 310 class.

I enjoyed reading this post on Consensus in the classroom. I think it is unbelievably important that we have our society and especially our student’s think outside the box and express themselves. The Occupy movement is all about accountability and encouragement to be engaged with what is going on around us. It seems our government isn’t up to the challenge, but hopefully education will be.

My summary of the two blog posts:

The first blog was more of a message to fellow educators and a plea of help. Bryan was trying to show/say how we need to get the ball rolling and get technology into the classroom ASAP. More importantly than saying it though, he presented some idea's showing HOW to do it. His slideshow/video was hard to read and I have good eye site so I think he could have done a better job but he got his point across and had it been easier to read I think it was one of the most well done and complex presentation I've ever seen.

The second blog seemed to be more about calling education out. Seeing if they had the guts to do what our government and others won't. Hold individuals accountable while also teaching them to be forward thinkers while also expressing themselves. It asked a lot of challenging questions that I would love to see some answers to.

I think Bryan is a very intelligent person who thinks outside the box as well. He has a vision. One that I share as well. He puts a lot of thought and effort into what he posts on his blog and I enjoy reading his work. He's the kind of person that changes things and gets things done.

Blog Post #10

Do You Teach or Do You Educate?

What a wonderful video. I've always said that if I become a teacher, I'll be so much more than that. A friend, a mentor, a role model, a guide, etc as well as an educator. It's WHY I got into teaching in the first place! I actually get to start that journey on Monday of next week (10/07/11) as I will get to teach a class for the first time in my life. I'll be subbing 9th grade at Foley High School (where I attended) for four consecutive days. I couldn't be more excited about it. I will do my best to be an educator not just a teacher.

The video itself spoke to me because it's something I wish I could tell the world all the time but I fear it wouldn't reach enough people. I'm already around teachers that have simply got into that routine (and have been in it for SOME TIME NOW) and they just go through the motions. While I think that is inevitable to an extent, I hope to be as different, yet effective, as I can be in the classroom. I hope my goal starts to be reached next week!


Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take the Pencils Home!

Tom Johnson is a very interesting person. This was an odd argument. Taking pencils home? I understand it was illustrating a point but still... I think his response to Gertrude was one of integrity and class. Instead of arguing about the problem, Tom tried to find a solution. He also seems like the kind of teacher I want to be. One that thinks outside the box.

Also, to me he embodies something we did in our first assignment above in Blog Post #10 and that is being an educator, not just a teacher. He's looking at the big picture of what could be best for his students, and not only worrying about test scores etc. Who knows, his method might be better for his student's than Gertrude's in all honesty. I hope I remember what I've read from Tom and be able to apply it when I start teaching!

Our Smartboard Demonstration

Blog Post #9

What I learned This Year 2009-2010 Blog Post:

Mr. Joe McClung Wrote a very informative blog post . He filled it with tons of information that I'll borrow and use myself when I start teaching. He mentioned he thought he knew it all when he started teaching and that he got a big head after his first year only to be humbled in his second. Sometimes it takes for us to get smacked up side the face before we truly realize we can be so much better. And not better for ourselves. Better for those around us. Those who truly matter. Keeping a humble attitude is huge in my opinion to be the best teacher/person we can be for our students.

He mentioned plenty of other things such as finding a school mom. I was already going to do this ha ha. It only seems smart and natural to try and form friendships with those who've been in the trenches longer than we have. It can only benefit you as a teacher to do so. He then spoke of fluid lesson plans, letting the kids be a part of everyday functions, doing all you can to make whatever subject your teaching interesting. I could go on and on, but I respect people like Joe. He wrote a wonderful blog post and seems like a great person. I would want him to teach my child.

What I Learned This year 2010-2011 Blog Post:

Joe McClung seems like he's progressing nicely through the years and really becoming a successful teacher. I loved this point about not being afraid to stand out. I'm not a teacher yet but I have been working with school kids through sports and I will start subbing soon and I've personally witnessed the naysayer teachers. The ones who are always down, who tell you don't get into education, etc... I've learned not to listen to them. Like Joe said, at one point, they were truly excited and passionate about something. We just have to find a way to bring us back to that spot. It it's important enough, you'll do it.

I like how he talked about how he's getting more comfortable in his routine and everything and that it has made him a lot more effective from a time management stand point. However, he was quick to point out getting comfortable can lead to being that type of teacher we all couldn't stand when we were in school. Know that you work for the student's, not anyone else. They are the ones who truly matter. I thoroughly enjoyed the point he made about letting the kids do the work themselves instead of doing it for them. Sure, it may frustrate us that they aren't picking up the hints we've left for them, but (and I can speak from personal experience) letting them do things for themselves will make them so much more proud of themselves in the end.

Project #12 Book Trailer

Blog Post #8

This is How We Dream

I thought Dr. Miller's video was interesting. I mean, he never really said anything I haven't heard before, but he did a good job of emphasizing his points. I think it's ironic how our world has changed. My Grandmother, parents, and so many others had no idea what the future would bring. Most of those generations when they were young thought there would be flying cars, clones, and all kinds of crazy stuff. They couldn't have been more wrong.

What's so fascinating to me is "how the world has actually changed" over time. Programs built upon programs. Text messaging, the internet, being in a connected world. Those are the main ways the world has changed. Tapping into existing technology but making things faster, more fluid, more responsive, innovative, etc. And it's all happened right in front of us and many of us never realized it was happening and now technology is evolving too fast to keep up? I disagree.

We don't know how 'behind we are' because no one's even tried to start using technology in schools for the most part. For crying out loud, this is the only class i've taken in my life that puts technology at the forefront of the class. I love it. I wish my others were like this. I feel jipped. It's unbelievable that of all the classes i've taken in my life and even now at South, this is the only one that's like this. I'm going against some of the things I've said in the past, but technology is going to pass us? It can't because we haven't given it a chance to. I think it's all hypocritical. When can we expect the public school system to be tech driven when College Universities still aren't?

Blog Post #12 by: Carly Pugh

I don't know Carly but after reading that, she's earned my respect. I thought her blog post was wonderful. She has great idea's fueled by passion. She seems real. I think she would be a wonderful teacher. I thought it was interesting the point she made about how book reports and such are a thing of the past. I couldn't agree more.

Carly and Dr. Miller seem to be on the same page. I think the difference is Carly seems like she would do a better job of implementing ways to make it truly useful and exciting. The points she made about how to connect with kids on their level to make class more interesting is what teaching is all about. If you can do that you can teach them anything. I'm already working with kids at Foley High on the football team and if you can get a good relationship going and get them to trust you, it's amazing how receptive they can become. I loved all of Carly's ideas and work.

The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies Video's

These two video's got the point across. I think if I were to do a video it would be one that was definitely preaching to the choir. It would harp on procrastination. Something I may never master but I'll never stop trying. Another video I'd make is to not stress out about this class. The work you actually do isn't difficult in my opinion. It's knowing WHAT TO DO. As I said I'm preaching to myself here because I know I could a better job myself of staying connected and asking more questions to those who truly know what's going on (teacher's, aids, etc).

The central message of the Chipper series is don't make excuses and don't procrastinate. And if you do, don't blame others for it. Eventually in this life, if you haven't done it already, you're going to have to start doing things yourself. You can't rely on other people. You might as well start now. On the EDM310 is for dummies It's pretty self explanatory. Don't let it stress you out. It encourages you to read their book but I don't believe you have to. If you put in the effort you'll get the results.

Learn to Change, Change to Learn Video

This video talks about how the school system needs to change and I agree with what they all had to say. As I've said before, I think there is still a place for SOME things but overall the structure has got to be updated. I disagree with a central message, however, that almost all of these video's we've been watching in this class seem to be preaching that education is dead, that ALL the information is out there, you can Google everything so the only thing a teacher is good for is to show them how to do/operate stuff. Yeah that is largely true, but the people in these video's speak as if everything has already been done and there's no where else we can go. At least that is what I'm getting out of it.

They keep mentioning these things and I'm not sure what to think of it. I think there's still a place for original teaching as well as incorporating technology. We shouldn't be told that all we are is the gateway to show kids how to do stuff. That's not fulfilling to me. I believe they are dumbing down the future meaning of being a teacher. How long can you teach a student how to look things up, operate Word or Docs, blog, etc. They all operate similarly and aren't really difficult to learn. The school system needs to change. There is no doubt about that. I may be getting the wrong message from some of these video's, but I call it like I see it. Having said that, I'm really enjoying this class and almost all of our assignments.

TimeToast Timeline Instruction Project #9b

PLN Project # 10

Short Movie Project #11

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C4T #2

summary of both articles:

I enjoyed both articles by Jeff. The first was interesting to me because of the personal attachment to Microsoft Word. I have grown up with it. I understand where he's coming from and in some ways he's right. Google Docs has passed Word. But there are other areas where he's a little off. Plus the new version of Word that's about to come out puts them back on par and even passes Docs in some ways.

The second article hit home with me because of personal conversations I've had with my uncle who farms for a living. I help him out constantly on the farm and he has nice equipment. Four John Deere tractors that are all fairly new and all he talks about are the new one's that have GPS and how you don't even have to steer. I think it's crazy how fast some stuff is progressing while other things aren't. I enjoyed both of his articles very much.


This was my comment on the first article "10 REASONS TO TRASH WORD FOR GOOGLE DOCS".

My name is Jonathan Giles and I’m a student at the University of South Alabama currently taking Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. I think there is a place for both right now. Google Docs has come a long way and it has many positives over Word. However, Word is still what I use for serious projects and papers and I mainly only use Docs for blogs and less important material. Plus, as you stated, Word is making a lot of changes for future versions. It may take a while, but Microsoft always catches up.

Having said that, I’m very happy Dr. Strange had us use Google Docs. The last time I fiddled around with it was a few years ago in high school and it was garbage. Now, it’s almost right there with Word and as I said, surpasses it some area’s. I thought your blog post was very professional and brought up some great points. I can’t wait to see which one is the preferred tool 5 years from now.


The second post I commented on was "WHERE WAS THIS WHEN I WAS GROWING UP?"

This was my comment:
I can definitely relate to this. I have and continue to help my Uncle Gary Underwood on his farm. He grows and sells his own pecans as well grows his own nursery. He always talks about wanting one of the new tractors that can drive itself and he is going to purchase one in the not too distant future. I really enjoyed your article. You make great points and I think this is making farming look like a lazy job (if you can afford these EXPENSIVE toys) when it has always been viewed as a job for hard workers. It’s kind of funny.

Blog Post #7

Randy Pausch Last Lecture Video

An hour plus swell spent indeed. I wish I knew more about Randy while he was alive (I was in high school). The way he operated before he found out about his health issues was admirable. How he chose to go about his day to day life after he found out is legendary. He was a one of the most unique teachers to ever live.

I watched the whole video and I got a lot from it. His techniques he used in his MIT class didn't take up a lot of the video in my mind so I'm not sure how to write 4 substantive paragraphs about it but i'll give it my best. One of the things he was highly successful at doing was getting his point across. He knew in order to be able to even teach that type of class (it had never been done before) he would have to go against the grain. The fact that he got the okay to do it, and then executed his vision was extraordinary.

Another thing I'm gonna try to take from him and this video is something I've found out is one of the most important things in life. Execution. He executed his vision. There can be nothing more fulfilling in life than that in my opinion. He had such a unique vision yet he still organized groups, let his student's work with others to create great work. It's all about working and getting along with others. It's what you have to be able to do in the workplace and I think he understood that.

Last, he took chances on student's. He could see the true potential in certain kids but he believed in all of them. He made the comment in his video to a colleague about how his class had done everything he asked them to do and blew him away while doing it. He went on to say that the class hadn't been going on that long and they had progressed so fast the he didn't know which direction to take or what to do. He listened to what his friend had to say and told the class something along the lines of "You can do better". Which they did.

In summary, I think his methods as a teacher were brilliant (and I only listed a couple). His vision of no text books all the way to how he simplified projects in his class were wonderful. I took away a lot from what he had to say but also took away something much more important that has nothing to do with school or this class and that's follow your dreams. Let nothing stop you. My dream is to help kids and be the best teacher/friend I can be. To help change lives. I'll take his advice. Nothing will get in my way.

Blog Post #6

The Networked Student Video:

This video really emphasizes what we as teacher's need to be able to do when we start teaching. "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" On this topic I sort of disagree with the idea that all teacher's will be is an aid to information already out there. I mean, if that is ALL we are going to be good for, then I might need to be looking for another job. Judging by that theory, we wouldn't need half of the teachers we currently have at schools. I mean, how many teachers does it take to just show kids what to do and aid them a long?

I know just about all the information one would need is already out there on the internet to explore, but what about an English teacher who constantly was on my back correcting me as I wrote sentences, math teachers always working with me after school constantly helping me learn new theories and ways to solve problems, etc. Those things won't change in my opinion and they are desperately needed. Also, I'm really glad I'm getting into coaching. Simply because sports are one thing technology can't touch. If you're a good coach, you can get a job. It's all about the effort displayed on the field. And I'm as tech savvy as it gets.

Project #8 Podcast

EDM 310 - Podcast - Rafe Esquith's "There Are No Shortcuts" - Ch 1,2,12, and epilogue by Isaac Evans - EDM 310