Thing #6

The first logo I saw after I clicked on the link was Pandora, www.pandora.com.  I absolutely LOVE Pandora.  I'm listening to it now.  It is a site the allows you to customize your own radio stations.  You just enter the name of a song or artist and Pandora will play that artist/song and songs similar to it.  You can also choose from a list of genres provided by the site.  For example, I have an Xscape (R&B girl group) station.  This station plays music R&B music, mostly from the '90s.  I have the option to like or dislike songs that are played.  If I dislike a song it will not play that song on my station again.


Unfortunately, I cannot see any uses for Pandora in the school setting.  Well, I guess you could play Pandora at a school dance and save money on a DJ.  Although some students find music calming while working, others find it highly distracting.  It would be a debate about what type of music to listen to between the students.  It's best if Pandora was not a luxury in the classroom.

Thing #5

Before reading these articles I could see how classrooms are advancing.  My younger siblings' teachers, kindergarten and second grades, communicate with my parents via email.  My mom can check the school's website to see their homework assignments and upcoming events.  She can even pay for their lunch online!  When I was in elementary, the means of communication was either through letters or a phone call.  I wrote down my homework assignments because printing was too expensive and kept them in a folder.  I was given money to pay for my lunch (or my mom packed me one). 


After reading these articles I can see how the classrooms will continue to advance.  I think School 2.0, like Web 2.0, creates a more interactive environment.  This idea of a technologically advanced classroom opens up so many doors for learning.  It creates a place where parents can be more involved in their child's education.  Pencils and paper will be a thing of the past.  NO MORE DEAD TREES! Students will take notes and do work on electronic tablets instead ( iPads).  I know I would be excited if I had this cool thing to play with and while I'm learning.  It beats listening to long drawn out lectures any day!

Thing #4 (to be continued)

I tend to talk to myself quite often and yes I do answer myself!  I don’t see anything wrong with it but most of America does.  Suddenly you’re some kind of psycho if you hold a conversation with yourself.  So, in order for a blogger not to be seen as some sort of crazy person, comments from their audience are necessary.  When someone comments on your blog they are giving you feedback.  It makes the whole blogging experience worthwhile to know that someone besides the author is reading it.

Britneydanae

Your Guide to being in Ashley’s mind

Teacher in Training 

Caitlin’s Fake blog

Gadfly

I chose these five simply because of the name of their blogs.  Most people used their first and last name.  These people actually created a unique name.

I ♥ Memphis http://ilovememphisblog.com/

I chose this because I’m from Memphis.  It gives a positive view of Memphis which is mostly seen as violent and ghetto. The author is a young Memphian who wants everyone to love Memphis as she does. 

Sweet Treats Baking Blog http://sweettreatsbakingblog.blogspot.com/

I chose this one because I love sweets and baking.  I don’t do it as often as I’d like because I’m not creative.  I like to take recipes and try them out.  That’s right, I’m a recipe thief.   

This blog will be continually updated....

Thing #3

At Austin Peay our interactive learning site is Desire to Learn (D2L).  On this site, if the teacher allows, students are able to discuss questions and concerns that they may have about the class with their peers and the instructor.  It's like a virtual student cafe.  I love it.  If I'm doing my homework and I didn't quite understand something, I can just post on the discussion board.  I think I would use the blog in this way with my classes.  Since I will be teaching high school the students would be old enough to understand how to use this.  It could also be a way of communicating with parents.  Maybe a weekly blog of what the students will learn or upcoming events at the school.  I could think of more ways to use it other content areas besides Mathematics.  This may be more useful for English and History teachers.

Thing #2

When I started making this blog in class it was somewhat frustrating.  How do I do this or that?  How do I attach this or change that?  Once I got home and had time to really tinker with it, it was fun and surprisingly easy.  Since I was frustrated and didn't really feel like thinking, I just kept my name simple.  I chose my nickname and last name.  Yes I know, boring!  I tried to create an avatar that resembles me: bright skinned, light brown eyes and hair.  I ended up choosing a facial expression with a smile.  I don't smile a lot.  I laugh a lot but not smile.  I should have made an avatar that was wild and crazy looking but I chose not to do so.  This is for class.

Thing #1

The short list of things to do to enhance your experience as a lifelong learner was quite insightful.  My favorite tip was to believe that it's never too late (or too soon) to learn something.   The easiest habit for me would be to accept responsibility for my own learning.  I don't want anything to be left up to chance when it comes to my learning experiences.  I'd rather take control myself.  The hardest habit would be to have confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner.  I have no doubt that I am an intelligent young lady but I allow some concepts to defeat me unfortunately.  It's something I'm trying to get over.