Sunday, August 30, 2009

Podcasts!

Technology never seizes to amaze me! I have always considered myself to be pretty in touch with the ever changing world of technology, and very good with computers; however I am finding out more and more that technology is so much more advanced than I am. I guess I was only on the surface of technology, exploring iTunes more thoroughly and experiencing what all it has to offer is incredible!
Podcasts are such an excellent resource tool. Who would have thought there was so much useful information offered all in one place? I know I didn’t! Exploring podcasts further made it very clear to see how teachers who are knowledgeable in the field of technology can help advance their students very easily as well. Podcasts are very easy to use, and since the KidCast post made it easy to see that most children are more technologically advanced than the majority of adults, podcasts could also be an excellent tool for them as well.
Also by watching the KidCast post it made it easier to see why teachers need to keep up with technology. If children understand it and use it on a daily basis then teachers need to be able to relate to that. Educators have a responsibility to better their students in every way they can. Using tools such as smartboards in the classrooms is a proficient way to help not only the students but also the teacher at the same time.
Having the ability to use the internet gives a person access to information all over the world. If you simply download programs such as iTunes than the information that is already so easily available nearly triples in extent. It is amazing the things a person can learn just by the simple click of the mouse. I feel very privileged to be able to access programs such as podcast to further my intelligence in so many different ways.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Digital Smarts

This video is my favorite of them all. I am an optimistic person and I really enjoy seeing the positive side of things. I think it is really eye opening to see the many possibilities that can be done with computers, internet, and technology in general. It is truly amazing to see students in everyday classrooms connecting with people all the way on the other side of the world. If every school system had this type of funding and was staffed with teachers that are so well qualified to teach these types of programs the opportunities would be unfathomable.
It does make a person slightly uneasy not knowing what the advancements in technology will contribute to the future, but it is somewhat comforting to see the good that is coming out of technological developments. Through this video it is easy to see how much more educators could be furnishing their students with. It is almost every teacher’s objective to offer as much to their students as they possibly can. Technology has the ability to give students a much deeper understanding of the world around them.

CrEaTiViTy

In the talk “The Importance of Creativity” it is apparent that there are more significant elements to the school system than just learning math, science, and language arts. There are many facets that make up the learning process. For educators to only focus on a few main components would be absurd. It is vitally important to develop all parts of the human brain; so it only makes sense that school subjects would consist of more than just science and math.
It has been said multiple times that it is a respected quality in a person to be well-rounded. Educators should provide their students with a more pertinent well-rounded education as well. Creativity in the classrooms should be something that is brought into a better focus. Without teaching students’ personality and bringing into light what they actually are made of; what are we really offering to them?

Did You Know?

From the “Did You Know 3.0” presentation it was easy to see that the world is changing at an incredibly fast rate. Technology is advancing at so fast a pace that humans can not keep up with it. The world is becoming so technologically advanced that mankind does not stand a chance. If technology is so advanced that humans do not have the brain capacity to operate it what good does it do?
The economy is decreasing in value and worth everyday. If technology is progressing faster than humans, then sooner or later there will not be any need for real employees at all. Technology is replacing more and more jobs each year. If this evolution keeps evolving what hope does that give anybody? There are millions of students working towards technical degrees; yet the information they gain is outdated before they even get close to graduation. Could it be that technology is to blame for the economical recession?
At the same time, the school system stays just as far behind in the technical advances of the world as it always has. In the presentation “Mr. Winkle Wakes” it is illustrated that the world has changed dramatically in the past one hundred years; yet the school is exactly the same. This is a problem in more than one way. It is a challenge keeping up with technology, but what happens when we fall completely behind?
If schools are not providing the adequate information in the technology department then how are they preparing students for the real world? Although it does not always appear that technology is the best advancement in the real world for the human race; what happens if humans fall completely behind? It is very important that the school systems stay in touch with technology and technological advances. Part of providing an education is preparing students for the real world; if students are not technologically developed then it is evident they will have difficulty succeeding.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

All About Tiffany :)

Hi! I’m Tiffany. I am from Foley, Alabama where I was born and still live today. Yes, I drive two hours every Monday through Friday to Mobile so that I can attend South. I am a secondary education/ language arts major. This is my sixth semester of college and I am pretty sure I still have four more left after this one. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. Honestly, I want to be a teacher because it is the only thing I can see myself waking up and doing everyday. Of course I have heard that I might change my mind once I actually become a teacher but we shall see. I love children and I enjoy helping others so the classroom seems like the place for me.
In my free time I like to go bowling with my friends and my boyfriend. I love the beach and flip flops. I love to dance; it always makes me feel good. I love spending time with my family; they literally mean the world to me. I love babies, although I do not think I have the patience for them all of the time. I think I appear to be a girl who would always be with her four best friends, but I actually prefer to be by myself. I really enjoy my “me time”.