A Powerpoint About Me!

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture.

This lecture is one of the most heart touching things I have ever watched. It reminds me of the television show Extreme Home Makeover; Because like that show by the end of Randy Pausch's lecture you can not help but to feel so much love and sympathy for this man, just like I ALWAYS feel for the family's on the television show. Watching this lecture made me cry. It is always very hard for me to watch such good people like Mr. Pausch die. I hate cancer it is not fair and definitely should not be allowed to take such good people out of this world.

You can tell that this man had a lot of hopes and dreams as a child, as he goes over many of them in his lecture. It is sad to think that he is dying and that he did not get to accomplish all of the things he wanted to in his life. Although, my personal opinion is that he got to accomplish much more. I mean, all of the people that knew him, and so many million of others that didn't can listen to his inspirational words even now that he is gone. I think that if you can make an impact on somebody's life than you have accomplished more than most people would in 80 years.

I think that he knew this too. He goes over who can impact a person's life the most, especially a child's/student's, and tells how to do that efficiently. He knew the impact of influence adults have on children and how anyone that holds that title should embrace it. As a future educator I will take his words into account and do the best I can to help children achieve their dreams.

Just from this one lecture, even though I previously knew nothing about the man, he has inspired me so much. I feel so terrible that he died at an early age, and had to leave his small children behind. The worst part of this entire lecture was at the end when he said that this was for his children. That seriously broke my heart. But hopefully his children will help carry out their father's dream, and I hope that many others, especially teachers will too.

"Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?"

This is a very strongly put, opinionated post. However, even though I was somewhat offended when I first started reading it, by the time I finished I felt that I could really relate to what the author was saying. Even though his approach probably turns most readers off from the very beginning he makes a very good point.
If technology is a part of the teaching field, then teachers need to be technologically literate. All work fields require in service training, why should teaching be any different? Veteran teachers can not teach the same things the same way for the entire twenty years they are teachers. Simply playing dumb to technological advances is not OK, especially not in a field where learning is so important.

"It's Not About The Technology"

This is a great post. I wish there was more people in the teaching profession that shared Mrs. Hines passion. Knowing that teaching comes from so many different aspects is something that every teacher needs to be completely aware of. A teacher can not simply rely on technology to do their job for them. And the teachers need to keep in mind the basics of teaching that were intact long before there were so many technological advances.
Mrs. Hines makes four excellent points that every teacher needs to remember:
1. Teachers must be learners
2. Learning and Teaching Are Not The Same Thing
3. Technology is Useless Without Good Teaching
4. Be a 21st Century Teacher without the technology.

Although there are many others these four points are essential to good teaching and every teacher (new or old) needs to always keep them in mind.

"A Vision Of Students Today"

I really liked this video! At first I was not sure what to think of the way the video was produced, but once I started watching it I actually really enjoyed it. I would changed a few things like in the beginning a some of the images were blurry and hard to read. I think that the students holding up the images that related to them had a strong impact.
I feel like this video relates very closely to my college experience. Between classes, and driving to class, on top of studying and doing homework it leaves very little time for anything else. Being twenty one years old and trying to have fun and grow up all at the same time there are a lot of other things going on in my life that I need time for. I also found it very interesting how much time is used on technology compared to class time. This video really gives you a lot to think about.

Producing A Podcast

This link was extremely helpful! It was very clear and straight to the point which is definitely a preference of mine. I know when it is my turn to make a podcast I will be using this link. It looks like it tells you everything you need to know to critique your own podcast before posting it; even if you are not a professional.
I also like this post because I feel like the dislikes I had in the videocast produced by Dr. Strange's previous students are all things he listed in his blog. He tells you how to focus your thoughts and how to animate your voice. That was one of the main things I failed to see in the videocast I watched. Also I love that he put in examples from his own students. What is even more amazing is that his students are kindergartners! Who would have thought that five year-olds could be so smart!

Videocast of The Technoligically Literate Teacher

I hated this! Seriously, I waited over twenty minutes and watched maybe a minute and a half of the video and that was all I could take. It would not load right, maybe it is my computer or maybe it is the operator, I am not sure but I could not handle anymore! It would stop and I would press play and it would play five seconds then stop again, so I would press play and it would start over! Then I decided not to press play and just wait and nothing happened at all then!
Now I got that out of my system, from what I did see of the video I was not very impressed. The music at the beginning was very boring and did not capture my attention at all. Then once the people in the video started talking they were very lifeless and not enthusiastic. No one was even looking at the camera, granted that it was a discussion but the camera would hence an audience and this audience was very bored.

Comments 4 Kids

I really like this project! It is so interesting to see what teachers are doing in the classroom and how students are responding to their teaching methods! It seems like letting kids do a lot of different activities on the computer is a great way to keep them motivated and participating actively in school.

Comment On Video In The Classroom...

I think this video shares a lot of information. I completely agree that children who are falling behind need the most help. It is great that educators are coming up with multiple ways to help these kids. I would not have thought that videos could help so much!