Starting out this assignment, I was not sure at all what to expect. Setting up the RSS feed was so simple though, I thought that I had not finished. It took me a little while to figure out that I was done. Discovering what happens when you add sites to the feed was an experience. It also took me some time to play around with it and see how it worked. Once I added all of my sites and fooled around with the Google Reader for a while, it was so simple I could not believe it. The only problem I had was how overwhelming the amount of new information was. News sites come up with a ridiculous amount of new stories every hour, and it is difficult to keep up with them. On the other hand, regular blogs are not updated as often since there is only one author and they write on a whim.
I am subscribed to Yahoo! News, The New York Times, FOXNews, and AOL's lead stories. Also, I added two blogs from blogspot, one mostly about decorating styles and architecture, and the other about food and creative recipes. Another blog I've subscribed to is the Alligator's sports blog. Harper's Journal, The New Yorker, and The Weather Channel round off my subscriptions.
In a classroom, a feed reader with news stories would be a good way to start off the day and keep students updated on what's going on in the world. It could also be extremely helpful if a student is doing an assignment and needs the most up-to-date information for their data.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
My Educational Philosophy
Most of my educational experience has been, of course, while I was in school. Based on this experience, I have come to a few conclusions about education in general and also teachers' responsibilities. I see education's biggest purpose as readying students for life after school. This is not to say that teachers should teach their students how to change light bulbs and the essentials of a clean house, but most skills that are taught should have an application that will genuinely help students in the future.
Based on this assessment, the purpose of teachers is to teach as many students as much as they can. I am not much for the idea that teachers should not move on with material until all of the students have mastered it. However, I am not saying that they should drive forward with material and just leave those struggling in the dust. Teachers serve as both an instructor and support system to their students.
I believe students learn best when the concepts they are learning are applied to a real-life example. For example, while many students dread word problems, I always thought that they were the best way to teach and test math skills. My goals for my students are for them to at least try to reach their potential. I would like them to be engaged in class. I think that all students have the capacity to learn, as long as they put forth an effort. Teachers owe their students concentration, support, and effort.
Based on this assessment, the purpose of teachers is to teach as many students as much as they can. I am not much for the idea that teachers should not move on with material until all of the students have mastered it. However, I am not saying that they should drive forward with material and just leave those struggling in the dust. Teachers serve as both an instructor and support system to their students.
I believe students learn best when the concepts they are learning are applied to a real-life example. For example, while many students dread word problems, I always thought that they were the best way to teach and test math skills. My goals for my students are for them to at least try to reach their potential. I would like them to be engaged in class. I think that all students have the capacity to learn, as long as they put forth an effort. Teachers owe their students concentration, support, and effort.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
LL1 - Questions
Going into this course, I was not quite sure what I would experience. Now, after the first class, I expect that we will learn about all of the objectives in the syllabus. I also think that it will be a lot easier to stay awake and concentrated in class than I anticipated. Three hours is a long time to focus, but this class should be stimulating enough to prevent too much daydreaming or "spacing out".
In order to keep the class stimulating, I expect my classmates to participate in group discussion and activities. I also think that it will be extremely helpful if everyone comes to class with the required work and reading done, and be fully prepared.
I think that an important aspect of this class will be the instructor. I think that Mr. Sessums' role will be not only to instruct at times, but also to facilitate discussion between the students. That would make this class very interesting and keep us focused. I would also like for him to allow us to express our thoughts and opinions without consequence, and encourage creative thought.
I know a fair amount about computers and technology, but am excited to learn about the new resources Mr. Sessums is introducing us to in this class. One problem I anticipate is getting used to Macs, since I am a PC person. Could we please have a more in-depth review of Macs, or at least be given the opportunity to explore them during one class? I was also wondering if we will be learning how to use the new technologies that are being put into classrooms, such as SmartBoards and the projecting systems.
Following my statement of expectations for Mr. Sessums, I leave you with this:
Have a wonderful day!
In order to keep the class stimulating, I expect my classmates to participate in group discussion and activities. I also think that it will be extremely helpful if everyone comes to class with the required work and reading done, and be fully prepared.
I think that an important aspect of this class will be the instructor. I think that Mr. Sessums' role will be not only to instruct at times, but also to facilitate discussion between the students. That would make this class very interesting and keep us focused. I would also like for him to allow us to express our thoughts and opinions without consequence, and encourage creative thought.
I know a fair amount about computers and technology, but am excited to learn about the new resources Mr. Sessums is introducing us to in this class. One problem I anticipate is getting used to Macs, since I am a PC person. Could we please have a more in-depth review of Macs, or at least be given the opportunity to explore them during one class? I was also wondering if we will be learning how to use the new technologies that are being put into classrooms, such as SmartBoards and the projecting systems.
Following my statement of expectations for Mr. Sessums, I leave you with this:
Have a wonderful day!
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