Blogging in the Classroom

After reading Ashley Denson's blog and Robin Terry's blog, as well as posting my own blogs this semester, I believe that blogging in classrooms could be a very helpful tool. Blogging is a good way for students to stay in touch with each other and the teacher. The blogs that we have posted in EDM 310 show some of the information we have gained from taking the class. Burping back can be alleviated because students can give opinions and form their own summary of what they learn about certain topics.

Blogging in classrooms provides students with the opportunity to show their knowledge of a subject. Students who are very knowledgeable and creative might give other students ideas on how to develop their own ways of thinking. It is a great way to communicate with each other. When students miss class they can go to the blog to see what they are supposed to be doing. They can keep up with assignments and collaborate with each other on projects. It is a fun way to keep students interested in school and learning.

Although blogging is fun, there are some negative aspects for using blogs in the classroom. Teachers have to be careful not to load the students down with too many assignments. Blogging takes time and if students are looking up information before posting blogs, they can become stressed from lack of time to get all their assignments done. Some students may not take blogging seriously and post things that are inappropriate for the classroom. Some students may not have access to computers outside of school. This hinders them from keeping up with blog posts outside of school.

Blogging can be fun in a classroom. It is a great way for students and teachers to stay in contact outside of school. It provides a means for students to add to what they are learning in the classroom. Teachers have to be careful because blogging can be time consuming for them as well as their students.

The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke

The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University has numerous podcasts that can be listened to for obtaining valuable information about history. The various podcasts cover different historical times. The podcasts that I listened to were organized and well presented. Some of the topics covered tragedies such as the Virginia Tech shooting, 911 and racial problems and prejudices.

These podcasts would be helpful to students taking history classes in high schools and colleges. Students can learn how other students study history. Many of these podcasts discuss how to overcome barriers and prejudices in hopes of changing the ways of thinking and how people are treated. I enjoyed listening to these podcasts and will use them when I teach.

Our EDM 310 Podcasts

Our podcasts were great! There is no room for improvement. Just kidding, although they were really good to have been our first. It was really hard to find anything to criticize. However, there is always room for improvement in everything that we do. In order for us to be the best that we can be, we must be able to accept criticism. Our way may not always be the best way to reach someone and positive criticism can be used as a tool for improvement.

Okay, now it's time to be a critic. I find it extremely annoying to listen to a speaker who is saying "um" in every other sentence. It absolutely drives me crazy! I think that this is a sign of being nervous and I understand to well what it is like to be nervous. I am not a good speaker. Hopefully, by making a person aware that they are doing this, they will become more conscious of using this word.

Speaking clearly and professionally is also very important. Our choice of words says a lot about us as a person and if we want to be treated as professionals, then we have to act as professionals. If we desire to be a good influence on others, then we have to present ourselves in an appropriate manner. We also have to choose topics that will hold a person's attention. If the topics are not interesting, the audience will loose interest quick.

Mathematics with Technology

According to Mrs. Judy Chandler's podcast, Mathematics with Technology, many teachers feel that technology is not needed in Math classes, but actually, technology can enhance learning Mathematics. She offers several websites that would be valuable tools for learning Math. Some teachers are concerned that they do not have enough time to integrate technology in their daily lessons, but Mrs. Chandler has found that many Math activities might cover 4-5 text book lessons.

Podcasts, such as this, can be very helpful to me, as a teacher. I can search for podcasts related to the subjects that I am teaching. Podcasts can keep me informed about various teaching tools. Many podcasts discuss where to find reinforcement activities on subjects. I can also research projects to enhance learning.

Growth vs "Fixed" Minds Podcast

The podcast, "Growth vs 'Fixed' Minds", was very interesting. Mrs. Carol Deweck, of Standford University, conducted a study with two groups of students to see if they could learn more when motivated and taught in the right way. Many students assume that they are born with a certain amount of intelligence and cannot gain anymore knowledge. The "fixed" mindset hinders them from motivating themselves to learn more. The group that was given the Growth Mindset lesson was motivated to learn and actually showed improvement after a certain amount of time. The other group showed no improvement and lacked motivation.

A well known race car coach felt like there was a connection between growth mindset and optimal performance. Mrs Deweck feels that a person must be able to admit their mistakes and learn from them. In effect, they will grow more intelligence. The difference between winning and loosing the race is what you do with the mistakes that are made.

This discussion will really help me as a teacher. I will know to look for the "fixed" minded students who do not think that they can do better and find ways to motivate their learning. Teachers need to be motivated too and podcasts such as Mrs Deweck's podcast are great tools for inspiring teachers to use different techniques when teaching.