Blog Post 2

1. Professor Dancealot

Professor Dancealot's PowerPoint presentation gives indication that not all classroom lessons can be taught the same way. For example, a PowerPoint may be excellent for giving a lecture on history because the primary learning style the students use are auditory and visual. However, when a professor is teaching a course on formal dancing a "hands on approach" should be implemented to ensure the dance is learned correctly. Experts call this Kinesthetic Learning. Kinesthetic learners process information through practical experience. Physically doing the activity is the best way to learn in this scenario. This would ensure that technique is executed correctly and the chorography would flow smoothly.


2. Teaching in the 21st Century

Teaching in the 21 century is essential to the educator. I agree with Roberts that the virtual classroom is America's new classroom. Technology should be placed into every room to get the student familiar operating it. This will impact teachers teaching method. The classroom experience should be enhanced because of technology and the student should become a more independent learner. This new technology chance will allow students to have a better education.




3. The Networked Student
The Networked student was an information video of the power of Connectivism. The video give concrete evidence of the shift that is occurring in the 21st century. We are living in an "information age" where knowledge is power and accessible globally through the internet. The networked student still needs a teacher to serve as a facilitator and helper in terms of guiding the student to embark on new possibilities and helping the student expand their network pool further than they imagined. A teacher shows the student how to evaluate resources and ask the proper questions once that resource is attained. I agree wholeheartedly that a teacher is needed to support a student in this age however, it is proven leaning can extend outside of a classrooms walls.

4. Harness your Students Digital Smarts

Vicki Davis is operating at the cutting edge of student technology by showing her students ways to access the world through computers. From a school in rural Georgia she has broken barriers by finding ways to interact with other students globally and create a virtual classroom. I agree with her point that teachers shouldn't teach all the time. There should be time allotted for students to teach the class because teachers can learn from them and get a glimpse of how well they are teaching by the knowledge base of their students. As she explained in this video her students showed her something she didn't even know how to do. This would have never happened if she didn't give them an opportunity to teach the class.

5. Who's Ahead in the Learning Race

Who's ahead in the learning race in an informative video about the way technology is changing education. Third graders at Gulf Shores Elementary are all using MacBook Air to change the way they learn. This is shown by the various activates they are engaging in. I would argue that these elementary students are ahead of many university students because there education is all based around technology. All of the students seem "tech savvy" and enthusiastic about using computer software to further their education. I agree we should throw out the textbooks and bring in the e-books to further education. This will ensure that all students know how to functionally use technology and prepare them to be successful in the future.

6. Flipping the Classroom

Flipping the classroom is a new concept to me. I agree that the new concept should be implemented in schools nationwide. By a teaching "pre teaching" the class the night before student can come in with some foreknowledge of the lesson and have a higher chance to retain the information. The education system is already going toward the virtual classroom experience and this will make students more comfortable with virtual learning. I agree that the classroom should be flipped inside and out. We should allow our students to become more independent learners.

Blog Post 1

I have heard that EDM 310 is rigorous course from students who have went through the course. Many students have shared with me that the course in very time consuming and requires a great deal of effort to pass the course. However, these same students also expressed how rewarding this course is. The amount of knowledge they gained through this course far surpassed any other course they took at South. I don't have any fears about taking the course however, my only concern is that I remain organized and focused over the course of the semester. Although, I always do I have to constantly self-evaluate myself to make sure that I am staying on track. Comparing EDM 310 to other courses in high school or college would be like comparing oranges and apples. I believe this course will require me to be very project orientated and to work collaboratively in a group whereas, former courses were more independent based.
The most difficult thing in EDM 310 for me will probably be learning how to apply technology in the classroom. I view this as being challenging and rewarding. The best way to address this challenge is to ask as many questions as possible until I have a complete understanding of the project and how to apply this technology in the classroom.

Practice Blog Post

Outline
I. Introduction about myself
a. present location, college major, interest
b. personal information
II. Motive for becoming an educator
III. The current duties of the modern day educator
IV. YouTube video

My name is Justin Thomas and I was born and raised in Mobile, AL. My major interest are learning and enjoying life by hanging out with friends and family. I chose to attend South Alabama because I liked the direction the school was headed in during my senior year of high school. New buildings were being built and older ones were remodeled which persuaded me to attend USA. I felt as if they were building the modern college campus with cutting edge technology.
I am a huge sports fan. Watching and playing sports is one of my main hobbies. I enjoy watching football, basketball, soccer and tennis. Furthermore, I love to watch movies. My immediate family was born in Mobile also. We are a very close knit family. We always gather together on holidays by having cookouts and sharing family memories.
I choose to enter education because I have a passion for teaching. I embrace the concept of educating the future and giving back to my community. Furthermore, I come from a long line of educators. My father taught school a significant portion of his life and I've had aunts and uncles who have served as educators. In the 21st century and educators work entails not only good teaching methods but being able to incorporate technology in the lesson plans. Educators should have a thorough knowledge of computer programs and how technology can be harnessed to enhance the students ability to learn. Teachers should also be good counselors who have good listening and communication skills. Moreover, teachers should be able to collaborate with their colleagues in order to improve teaching methods. I'm passionate about educating the future because the opportunities are limitless for how far a student can go. In this video computer engineers and programmers reveal the wonder behind technology and the endless jobs that being literate in technology will bring however, it shows the gap between the numerous jobs and the limited supply of computer scientist that our universities are producing. So lets solve this and educate the future!

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