Paige Ellis' Blog Assignment #12
After watching/reviewing Paige Ellis' "Blog Assignment #12", "What is Peer Editing", "Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial", and "Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes" I have learned that peer editing should be fun if you know exactly what it means and how to practice it correctly. I also learned that even though I believed there should not be anything new that I should really learn from these videos, I was sadly wrong. I did not know that with peer editing there were 3 steps, per se, and in order those 3 steps are compliments, suggestions, and corrections.
Another thing that I believed I learned (just because I guess I didn't really think about it) was that during the suggestion step you should make sure that you are being specific. Instead of being a "Jean the Generalizer" and being very broad with the comments and suggestions to my peers writings I need to say exactly what I have noticed needs to be changed, why and what I think it needs to be changed to because this will ultimately help his or her writing to improve and that is the goal.
Assistive Technologies
"The Mountbatten" on YouTube posted by fsdbvideos is a video describing and introducing me (and whoever else watches) to the Mountbatten, an electronic device used to write braille specifically developed for the blind, but can be used by anyone. It gives immediate feedback both audio and tactile-its like a printer for braille. In my career in the education field I would use the Mountbatten as a professional resource because of its ability to help develop an awareness of Braille symbols and characters both for myself and the students. We can use it to convert whatever we are talking about into braille and then discuss what we have learned. It would also be a great resource for me because of wanting to be a counselor due to all the conversations I will be able to start from the Mountbatten alone.
I watched several videos on the assistive technologies subject and they were as follows: "The Mountbatten" created by The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, FL, "Teaching Math to the Blind" created by Art Karshmer at The University of San Francisco, "iPad Usage for the Blind" demonstrated by Wesley Majerus, and "Teaching Mom What Her Deaf/Blind Child Is Learning On the iPad" by Denise Robinson. The videos had both a positive and negative effect on me. It was positive on myself because I learned new things like the issues that both the blind and or deaf people have with learning different skills (example: Math) and how technology is developed and then used to help the blind/deaf. I learned from watching the video "The Mountbatten" that a Mountbatten is an excellent resource for both students and teachers because of its' ability to give immediate feedback both by audio and tactile. It basically is an electronic machine that converts speech to/from braille. Its like a printer for braille. The Mountbatten would be beneficial in any classroom environment, especially for the blind due to its' ability to allow those students to participate and feel included because they could be. The other positive for me that I enjoyed learning about was that there are groups of people who dedicate their time just to find new technologies for the blind like as in "Teaching Math to the Blind". This video really helped for me to see and understand the problems and issues that arise when blind students are trying to learn math. Mathematics is hard enough as it is to learn with vision, but I learned from this video that being a blind student the simplest of math problems are even more extremely difficult due to the 2 dimensionality and using braille for learning math is complicated with too many troubles because it is linear in nature. However, Art Karchmer and his group came up with a way for blind students to do math as seeing people would horizontally on paper using small blocks, a scanner to scan the numbers on the blocks, and an electronic grid to place the blocks. All of which is in both visible and in braille.
When watching the videos about iPad usage for the blind I did appreciate and enjoy the fact that Apple has products that can configure many accessibility features such as VoiceOver, however, I felt as if the audio spoke too quickly and unnatural and I did not quite like it at all. I learned that ibooks was very important for blind people because it was a "mainstream e-reader that is accessible to blind people right out of the box" where other devices are not. The iPad is very easily used for both blind and deaf people once they do configure the accessibility feature(s) of their choice.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Blog Post #2
Did You Know? 3.0 - A John Strange 2012 Version
This video "Did You Know? 3.0 - A John Strange 2012 Version" by John Strange, a revision originally developed by Karl Kisch and Scott McLeod, makes you truly think, as the title would suggest. The video is full of facts as well as questions to help you tap into that thinking process which the author has clearly done for that purpose.
Nothing really surprised me at the beginning of the video, like the fact that in India students have high IQs or the prediction that by 2025 there will likely be more English speaking Chinese than native English speakers in the rest of the world. What finally grab my attention was learning just how many people watch YouTube...a lot! Data from June 2012 states that in one minute 1,398,148 YouTube videos are watched and that's up 300,000 from August 2011. I seldom, literally, watch YouTube videos and do not have an account, but I have read that that is about to change along with many other technological devices/programs I am about to have to immerse myself into with which I am not comfortable. I guess I might be a little old school or old fashion or just plain old, but it's difficult to teach yourself new technologies in short time periods. I do understand and agree, as the video states, that the top jobs 10 years from now do not yet exist and will use technologies that have not yet been invented and it will be the teachers role to prepare the students for those jobs. I think though that preparation doesn't necessarily mean the actual skill, but can mean preparing for the fact that things change and you always have to keep learning, never stalling.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
"Mr. Winkle Wakes" by Mathew Needleman is a short little satire video showing the differences between technology today in everyday life, but mainly in the work place environment compared to probably most schools in the United States. The author is basically saying that schools have not changed much over the years, even if having the resources to do so. He thinks schools are not keeping up with the technology that is happening all around us, specifically in the occupations that the students will be entering.
I both agree and disagree with the author's point of view. I agree to the fact that most schools probably are not helping the students keep up with the technological advances around us, but also probably for several reasons two of which I believe to be funding and the teacher is behind in technology as well. Maybe if teachers had to have more CEU hours on these advances or the schools had more funding for technology less people would feel as Mr. Needleman.
In my own experience I see my seven year old daughter doing and knowing almost 75% of what I know on the computer. She goes to Gulf Shores Elementary School and uses the iPads there on a daily basis as well as the computers and next year will be receiving an Apple Notebook to complete assignments and do work/projects. Therefore, that's why I believe that maybe probably most schools in the U.S., due to several reasons, are unable to help their students keep up with the technology around them.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
After watching "Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity" a video of Sir Ken Robinson speaking at a conference I realized that I had just listened to a very humorous man arguing his position for more creativity in our education system. He considered himself a person that has a big interest in education as well as believed that our education system was too stringent. He talked about how children, even if they do not know, take chances, that they are not worried about being wrong and that we educate our children out of their creativity.
I think that maybe he took this creativity thing a little too far. I believe that yes, younger children aren't afraid to answer questions or make mistakes and as they get older they become a little more timid in responding due to frightfulness, but I do not necessarily agree that that is because they are educated out of it rather than just the fact that they don't want to be wrong. Younger children are also a lot more innocent and free with their responses and think a lot less before answering due to their age, I believe.
Pinterest: Using Available Resources
I have discovered something really great today...Pinterest! What a wonderfully neat resource sight that could be truly inspirational for anyone, anywhere, and of any occupation. I certainly see its use in the education field, know that I will use it, and feel like anyone who would not take advantage of this site would be losing out, especially for the inspirational aspect (the sharing of ideas, lesson plans, etc.) not to mention organization (huge for me).
After reading "The 20 Best Pinterest Boards About Education Technology" I chose to follow Eric Sheninger- Twitter Resources Apps and Tools. I did this for several reasons, one being the fact that I know nothing about Twitter and during this semester of school that is going to have to change. Another reason for following Eric Sheninger on Pinterest is because I have had no interest at all in Twitter and his page states that Twitter is "one of the most powerful social media tools available to educators" and I would like to learn how and why this is possible and I will, for I have already begun my start.
I will use Pinterest whether I am counseling, as I hope to do, or teaching in a classroom. Pinterest is very interesting to me due to its organizational aspects as well as its inspirational aspects. I like the fact that sharing an idea is so easy and I will learn a tremendous just from that alone.
This video "Did You Know? 3.0 - A John Strange 2012 Version" by John Strange, a revision originally developed by Karl Kisch and Scott McLeod, makes you truly think, as the title would suggest. The video is full of facts as well as questions to help you tap into that thinking process which the author has clearly done for that purpose.
Nothing really surprised me at the beginning of the video, like the fact that in India students have high IQs or the prediction that by 2025 there will likely be more English speaking Chinese than native English speakers in the rest of the world. What finally grab my attention was learning just how many people watch YouTube...a lot! Data from June 2012 states that in one minute 1,398,148 YouTube videos are watched and that's up 300,000 from August 2011. I seldom, literally, watch YouTube videos and do not have an account, but I have read that that is about to change along with many other technological devices/programs I am about to have to immerse myself into with which I am not comfortable. I guess I might be a little old school or old fashion or just plain old, but it's difficult to teach yourself new technologies in short time periods. I do understand and agree, as the video states, that the top jobs 10 years from now do not yet exist and will use technologies that have not yet been invented and it will be the teachers role to prepare the students for those jobs. I think though that preparation doesn't necessarily mean the actual skill, but can mean preparing for the fact that things change and you always have to keep learning, never stalling.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
"Mr. Winkle Wakes" by Mathew Needleman is a short little satire video showing the differences between technology today in everyday life, but mainly in the work place environment compared to probably most schools in the United States. The author is basically saying that schools have not changed much over the years, even if having the resources to do so. He thinks schools are not keeping up with the technology that is happening all around us, specifically in the occupations that the students will be entering.
I both agree and disagree with the author's point of view. I agree to the fact that most schools probably are not helping the students keep up with the technological advances around us, but also probably for several reasons two of which I believe to be funding and the teacher is behind in technology as well. Maybe if teachers had to have more CEU hours on these advances or the schools had more funding for technology less people would feel as Mr. Needleman.
In my own experience I see my seven year old daughter doing and knowing almost 75% of what I know on the computer. She goes to Gulf Shores Elementary School and uses the iPads there on a daily basis as well as the computers and next year will be receiving an Apple Notebook to complete assignments and do work/projects. Therefore, that's why I believe that maybe probably most schools in the U.S., due to several reasons, are unable to help their students keep up with the technology around them.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
After watching "Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity" a video of Sir Ken Robinson speaking at a conference I realized that I had just listened to a very humorous man arguing his position for more creativity in our education system. He considered himself a person that has a big interest in education as well as believed that our education system was too stringent. He talked about how children, even if they do not know, take chances, that they are not worried about being wrong and that we educate our children out of their creativity.
I think that maybe he took this creativity thing a little too far. I believe that yes, younger children aren't afraid to answer questions or make mistakes and as they get older they become a little more timid in responding due to frightfulness, but I do not necessarily agree that that is because they are educated out of it rather than just the fact that they don't want to be wrong. Younger children are also a lot more innocent and free with their responses and think a lot less before answering due to their age, I believe.
Pinterest: Using Available Resources
I have discovered something really great today...Pinterest! What a wonderfully neat resource sight that could be truly inspirational for anyone, anywhere, and of any occupation. I certainly see its use in the education field, know that I will use it, and feel like anyone who would not take advantage of this site would be losing out, especially for the inspirational aspect (the sharing of ideas, lesson plans, etc.) not to mention organization (huge for me).
After reading "The 20 Best Pinterest Boards About Education Technology" I chose to follow Eric Sheninger- Twitter Resources Apps and Tools. I did this for several reasons, one being the fact that I know nothing about Twitter and during this semester of school that is going to have to change. Another reason for following Eric Sheninger on Pinterest is because I have had no interest at all in Twitter and his page states that Twitter is "one of the most powerful social media tools available to educators" and I would like to learn how and why this is possible and I will, for I have already begun my start.
I will use Pinterest whether I am counseling, as I hope to do, or teaching in a classroom. Pinterest is very interesting to me due to its organizational aspects as well as its inspirational aspects. I like the fact that sharing an idea is so easy and I will learn a tremendous just from that alone.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Blog Post 1
About Me
My name is Jennifer Peyer and I am 33 years old. I live in Gulf Shores, Alabama with my husband Matt and 7 year old daughter Makayla. I am also currently pregnant and due the beginning of June. I'm taking classes this semester for my recertification due to not keeping it up to date. I graduated from USA in 2003 and did teach until realizing that I'd rather stay home with my daughter and not only watch her grow up, but be an active part of her growing up on a hourly basis. At the time, I thought she just might be my only child and I refused to miss a single thing; they really do grow up fast and they are only little once!
As you can see already, I hope, my daughter is my world, but my husband Matt is a huge part of it as well, for he is my rock. The three of us are very, very close and I'm glad to say we are an open and honest family who do everything together. We enjoy paddle boarding together, bike riding and just all out exploring everywhere we go.
My Classroom
I'm really hoping that once I get reinstated I can go for my masters and counsel at the high school level. I feel that if anyone could help these children today, it's me and there's clearly nobody better. I've not only seen it all, but have done it all or been put through it all and though I am not proud or happy of most of my past I feel like I had to be put here on earth for a reason. A reason where I can share and help others from my crazy experience of existance here on this planet. I think back to a statement I know is so true by Dr. Pausch from his video on time management, "when things aren't going well, you're learning" and it'll "get better"; well, I have really learned a lot and it does get better and this is what I would like to share with children and help them to understand.
My classroom will not only be in my office, but it will be throughout the whole entire school. I'm hoping I will be able to reach students through many different avenues, one-on-one, small groups and large groups, using my own experiences as a major tool.
Randy Pausch On Time Management
Dr. Pausch's four minute video was on how to set goals and avoid wasting time. He states in the video that "we waste our time" and that we are "bad with time as a commodity". I like the fact that he says time and money are very equatable. This is something that I use to hear a lot growing up, therefore it is something ingrained within my brain and in which I firmly believe.
In Dr. Pausch's video, he used two slides to get his points across. The first was titled "Goals, Priorities, and Planning" where he said always ask yourself "why". Dr. Pausch also stated that "failing to plan is planning to fail" and that every morning when one awakes one should have a plan. That plan just might have to change at some point and that's normal, but only if there's a plan in place.
The second was titled "To Do List" where you break things down in small steps. I learned here that you should always do "the ugliest thing first", which I think is truly brilliant. I will forever remember this and do this throughout my daily life.
Dr. Randy Pausch was a very remarkable man who did many great things during his short time here on earth. He was a husband and father of three, two boys and a girl. He had a bachelor's degree in computer science and a Ph.D. in computer science. He was a professor of computer science, human-computer interaction, and design at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He is the creator and founder of the "Alice Software Project" which is a revolutionary software that teaches computer programming and also provides a certain type of environment for virtual reality and interactive 3D graphics. He is also known for his virtual reality research with Disney Imagineers. After he died, July 2008 at age 47, The Walt Disney Company honored his memory by dedicating a tribute plaque near the "Mad Tea Party" attraction at Walt Disney World with a quote by Dr. Pausch's that reads "Be good at something; It makes you valuable ... Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome."
My name is Jennifer Peyer and I am 33 years old. I live in Gulf Shores, Alabama with my husband Matt and 7 year old daughter Makayla. I am also currently pregnant and due the beginning of June. I'm taking classes this semester for my recertification due to not keeping it up to date. I graduated from USA in 2003 and did teach until realizing that I'd rather stay home with my daughter and not only watch her grow up, but be an active part of her growing up on a hourly basis. At the time, I thought she just might be my only child and I refused to miss a single thing; they really do grow up fast and they are only little once!
As you can see already, I hope, my daughter is my world, but my husband Matt is a huge part of it as well, for he is my rock. The three of us are very, very close and I'm glad to say we are an open and honest family who do everything together. We enjoy paddle boarding together, bike riding and just all out exploring everywhere we go.
My Classroom
I'm really hoping that once I get reinstated I can go for my masters and counsel at the high school level. I feel that if anyone could help these children today, it's me and there's clearly nobody better. I've not only seen it all, but have done it all or been put through it all and though I am not proud or happy of most of my past I feel like I had to be put here on earth for a reason. A reason where I can share and help others from my crazy experience of existance here on this planet. I think back to a statement I know is so true by Dr. Pausch from his video on time management, "when things aren't going well, you're learning" and it'll "get better"; well, I have really learned a lot and it does get better and this is what I would like to share with children and help them to understand.
My classroom will not only be in my office, but it will be throughout the whole entire school. I'm hoping I will be able to reach students through many different avenues, one-on-one, small groups and large groups, using my own experiences as a major tool.
Randy Pausch On Time Management
Dr. Pausch's four minute video was on how to set goals and avoid wasting time. He states in the video that "we waste our time" and that we are "bad with time as a commodity". I like the fact that he says time and money are very equatable. This is something that I use to hear a lot growing up, therefore it is something ingrained within my brain and in which I firmly believe.
In Dr. Pausch's video, he used two slides to get his points across. The first was titled "Goals, Priorities, and Planning" where he said always ask yourself "why". Dr. Pausch also stated that "failing to plan is planning to fail" and that every morning when one awakes one should have a plan. That plan just might have to change at some point and that's normal, but only if there's a plan in place.
The second was titled "To Do List" where you break things down in small steps. I learned here that you should always do "the ugliest thing first", which I think is truly brilliant. I will forever remember this and do this throughout my daily life.
Dr. Randy Pausch was a very remarkable man who did many great things during his short time here on earth. He was a husband and father of three, two boys and a girl. He had a bachelor's degree in computer science and a Ph.D. in computer science. He was a professor of computer science, human-computer interaction, and design at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He is the creator and founder of the "Alice Software Project" which is a revolutionary software that teaches computer programming and also provides a certain type of environment for virtual reality and interactive 3D graphics. He is also known for his virtual reality research with Disney Imagineers. After he died, July 2008 at age 47, The Walt Disney Company honored his memory by dedicating a tribute plaque near the "Mad Tea Party" attraction at Walt Disney World with a quote by Dr. Pausch's that reads "Be good at something; It makes you valuable ... Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome."
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
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