Personal Learning Reflection

One little thing I learned is the value of three minute videos. There were so many little videos but I learned something from all of them. They actually made me want to learn more about the subject. I will have to utilize YouTube videos in my classroom discussions. I show longer videos but these teaser videos are attention getters.
The Elmo is something I really want to utilize in my classroom. I realize that I will have to write a grant to get this but with the help of my fellow classmates in 811, I have the courage to do it. Thank you!
I have so much to learn from the internet. I know how to Google topics now to more efficiently find things to use in my classroom. I really wish it wasn’t so time consuming though. I will continue to keep my ears and blogs open for suggestions from my colleagues. I would really like to find inexpensive cloud sites that I could integrate. Hopefully, through grants, I can find hands-on sites that will be exciting for my students. I really have to get computers in my classroom. I sure hope the state doesn’t cut too much money from our state budgets.
I really enjoyed doing our SIG proposal and presentation. I learned and will continue learning from it. I felt lucky to work with two other people who worked in alternative schools. I learned every time we met through these people and will miss interacting with them. I found I was overlooking good websites and grants available to help me become a better and more efficient teacher. I am eager to view the other SIG presentations now
I have met most of my technology goals. I am integrating technology in my classroom more and still looking for new ways. I have not met my goal of continuing this knowledge but family is more important at the moment. It is nice to know that classes will be offered this summer and fall. I really enjoy learning all of this but lack the time that I would like to have to explore more.
I would really like to see what jobs are available outside of teaching with this certificate. Where will the certificate and maybe a master’s degree in education technology take me?
I feel a limited in ways that I can use computers at my current location. I am getting feed back from students on what they would like to use computers for in class. I am also getting feedback from the computer teacher on how efficiently and effectively the students use the computers at my current school. I have heard that you must look over their shoulders a lot because they like to play games and watch videos regardless of what walls are put up to block them. I have a lot of questions that will have to be answered by trial and error. I also have my SIG presentation to help me write grants to hopefully bring my classroom into the 20th century.
I am also looking into the possibility of applying for jobs outside my current school districts. I am looking for schools that utilize computers in their classrooms. I would like to be in a school that has the tools to help these students know how to utilize this technology in their future.
I have printed off most of the sessions from our class. I am using this for reference to keep searching for new technology avenues until I am able to take 811. I am so glad I took this class.

Thought you might like to see what has been keeping me busy this weekend. We had 4 calves this weekend. 17 more to go!

Cloud computing &/or Mobile Learning

This blog is very personally based for me. I could really use mobile learning right now as my computer service is too slow for me to watch any of the videos. I got to watch them in a choppy delivery. So... tomorrow after school, I will access session 6 at school where the internet service is faster.
I really think mobile learning will be in our schools future. Many of my students have smartphones. They are accessing Facebook, etc. during lunch hour and after school. Of course, I don't understand how they can have a smartphone but little money for gasoline or food. However, I am an educator and I cannot judge or question their value system. I will just have to make sure that I take advantage of their smartphone usage and adapt lessons with videos for their usage.
Saturday, after we were locked out of KRESA, I actually got on my smartphone for the longest time ever to find information. I now long for an iPhone and more minutes to access the internet.
As for cloud computing, I can see the benefit of that also. Some software programs, like virus protection services, already use a form of cloud computing. I could see the benefit if you only pay for usage. However, I do have to do more research on my school to really understand the full benefits.
When I was doing my student teaching, there were biology internet site that cost the school system alot of money but the interactive tools that students were able to use was incredibly valuable. I really wish I could find my notes to connect to that website again. I could write a grant to have access to it.
So after I look at the session 6 at school tomorrow, I will update this blog.

Personal Tech Plan

Here is my Personal Technology Plan for anyone who is interested. I am anxious to read all of yours so mine will keep expanding.It is has been a pleasure to work with all of you.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M8IOeazvY8EMhaAI9cX28xFP9KcV8JZynwkgmznPkvQ/edit?hl=en&authkey=CMOJmecB#

Creative Commons

This was probably the most frustrating assignment. I think I have accomplished it, but it has taken me many tries.
I try not to violate copyright laws. I am guilty of showing videos to my classes. I try to United Streaming for most things. However, I do like the Life and Earth videos by the Discovery Channel.
My students and children are guilty of downloading music illegally. I have explained the penalty for this but they see the monetary savings. I did provide a iTunes card for my own children.
I am currently teaching meoisis in my Biology class. I usually use the diagrams provided by the book and/or make the students draw them by hand. However, I did find a nice photo courtesy of Creative Commons:

I enjoyed using Flickr. However, I do not know how much I will use it. I will search the MACUL site on how to use it more effectively. Here is the link for it:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60441003@N02/?saved=1
I hope you enjoy my picture.

Getting Organized

I really don't know the answer to this one. I have been talking to my colleagues about this. I am beginning to think that delegation to others is the key. I have things on post-its, listed on the computer and lists on the refrigerator. I am able to accomplish most by all of these methods. However, I feel like sometimes I just have too much going on. I either have to give up some of my duties (delegate) or continually to have too much on my plate. The problem is I truly enjoy doing everything I do. I just don't have enough time or energy to get everything done. I am trying to get my siblings to help me out with my aging parents. I hit a brick wall with that one since I am the closest one. However, I will keep begging for more help. Anyone with any ideas, I am listening.

PC Security and Maintenance

I am hooked on this website! I chose the maintenance tutorial. I have paid someone to come clean my families computers. Now I know how to clean them up. I really like how it showed putting start-up programs into Foxfire and finding out if they are necessary at the initial start up or if it slows the computer down. I also have been leary of deleting programs. This tutorial gave me confidence by showing how much more memory I will have. Thank you MAET and Atomic Learning! I can remove cookies from my diet and my computer!

Social Networking Post

I also think that creating a Facebook or MySpace page to keep in touch with alternative education students is great! I even talked to my students about this.

Social Networking

This Social Networking Lab is a work in progress. I am easily distracted reading posts on LinkedIn, the MSUEduTech Group, etc. that I forget to blog about my experiences. LinkedIn will be good to use if I decide to change jobs. The MACUL Space is captivating reading what people have learned. I hope I will have time to explore everything. Truly wish I had known about the MACUL conference before I made other plans.