Assignment 6

While searching for International school blogs, I came across the International School Island blog. This is a great blog. This blog had posts from many different students telling what they did on campus that day, expressing opinions about issues at their school, or just talking bout their likes and dislikes about things at this school. This blog also contains music links, traffic links, and a Google calendar of everything going on at International School Islander. Here's a link to their blog: http://internationalschoolsisland.blogspot.com/

Another blog I found for International schools was Concordia International School Shanghai. This blog, unlike the first blog, seemed to be more for parents who are looking at International schools or for teachers looking for a career. This blog contained information about the school and the school credentials. It also listed staff openings. This blog seemed to have a different purpose than the first blog. Incase you might be looking for an International school to send your kids to, here is a link to it:http://theinternationalteacher.wordpress.com/2008/01/31/concordia-international-school-shanghai/

assignment 5

While searching the internet, I came across an eighth grade teacher's blog called Eight Grade Integrated Technology Classes.. On his site, he had each of his classes make their own blog. You could click on each class and see their diary of building a computer. They posted a blog each time they completed a new task in building their computers. I think this is a good blog because you could see the students really enjoyed making the blog by the creativity and time they put into their blogs. This also gave parents the opportunity to see what their children were doing at school. This a link to his blog: http://itsvms8.blogspot.com/
I also came across another blog, Miller's English10 Classroom Blog. Mr. Miller uses his classroom blog in a different way than the first blog I saw. Mr.Miller's blog is used for instructions and assignments for his students. He also post current events and news for them. This is a great way for preparing high school students getting ready to enter college. There are not too many university level classes that do not require some type of online interaction these days. Also, just about every vocation or career will require these kids to be internet savvy, and they are well on their way to that. Here is a link to Mr. Miller's blog if you would like to check it out: http://millersenglish10.blogspot.com/

Week 4 Assignment

"Did You Know " is a powerful video. The facts and figures in this video are overwhelming and mind boggling. This video really sends a message about where the future of our children will go, which is beyond their community, beyond their country, it could even go beyond their own minds.

After watching this clip, I realized how important it is for everyone, but especially educators, to have computer skills beyond just PowerPoint presentations. In order to teach our children and have them advance in the world and contribute to the future, being connected is essential. The way in which we teach our children changes as our society changes. Our society is shifting to a high tech computer world and it is making this shift at a fast rate. Educators have to go with this shift and start now connecting our kids.

It is happening at this very moment, our society is becoming a global society, a virtual society, if you will. This means our classrooms must now go beyond the walls that define them. Our classrooms are only microcosms of the environment that surrounds them, So it is crucial that our teachers are aware in which direction our future is going. It would be wonderful if all educators watched this video.

ACCESS

ACCESS, Expanded Learning Opportunities Through Technologies In Alabama, was created to help students and teachers broaden their education and knowledge through the Web. It is referred to as distant learning, where instructors and students are separated by space and time. ACCESS helps those who may not other wise have access to advanced placement classes or foreign languages. In many rural areas or low income schools many classes are not offered, leaving these students at a disadvantage. ACCESS helps bring quality education to everyone.

ACCESS offers courses in English, math, history, and science. Diploma courses and advanced placement courses as well as dual enrollment are also offered. Teachers too, have workshops and technology tools to enhance their instruction available to them. Students also benefit because they may retake classes and work at their own pace. And teachers have the ability to team teach and share techniques and ideas with other teachers not at their school. ACCESS is easy to use and offers quality instructions for everyone.