CHHS Speech Teacher

I have to admit that I have noticed the cc logo on some internet resources, but didn’t pursue the knowledge to understand what it meant (although I did think it had somthing to do with copyright)  :)

The two short videos that were provided cleared up my misconceptions.  I realize now that everyone has the capability to not only learn from, but also to use, adapt and freely explore the creations available online.

I’m on both sides of the spectrum…I teach students and I AM a student (at the present time).  So, I have no doubt that students who know about cc will enjoy a greater sense of freedom while creating projects or writing research papers using internet resources.  Think about the massive amount of YouTube video clips that can be sorted through and plugged into a lesson at just the right moment to impact learning.  Thanks to cc, we can do that!

I really don’t share content on the web other than a simple facebook page that I rarely visit anymore.

On the negative side of things, there are some who might not give reference to cited works or simply become less creative and just use what is out there.

http://dcssweb20.wikispaces.com/RCollins

Vicki Davis’ blog post about her Wiki experience was very inspiring!  I am becoming more interested in Wikis as I learn about them.  At first, I didn’t understand that you could have more than one Wiki (or blog for that matter!)  Now I realize the potential for these online tools.

I absolutely love the wiki called Greetings from the World which deals with a Worldwide Innovation Education Forum from Capetown (isn’t that S. Africa?)  Since I travel each summer to international locations with student ambassadors, I love to learn anything related to diverse cultures!

The Codeblue wikispace is absolutely too cute!  Can you believe all those links to additional information??  The “Clinics” area is an amazing place to read bios of students as well as real-life doctors.

I couldn’t wait to review the Wiki from Mrs. Cassidy’s first grade class about Schools in the Past.  It was very interesting and entertaining.  I think the format could have been more colorful and/or cheerful with some added links and clip art.  There were a lot of comments added to this Wiki with one discussion posted from a teacher in New Zealand who was directing her class to the Wiki b/c they were having a Grandparent’s Day at their school.  Cool!

Wow!  I’ve been so busy lately that I’ve fallen behind on my blog posts!  Anyway, I’d like to comment on my amazing Google Reader feeds.  First of all, what amazing information that compiles while I sleep!  I wish I had time to read through and digest more of it.  I’ve used the option to star several articles that I want to read more in depth, which is very helpful.  I also like how the newest entries are chronologically dated.  So far I’ve enjoyed my Google Reader! 

Below is a link to an interesting blog that gives advice to the shy presenter.

http://sachachua.com/wp/2010/03/the-shy-presenter-why-conventional-advice-on-learning-public-speaking-sucks-and-how-to-really-get-started/

I really don’t know many people who can’t wait to get up in front of an audience and speak.  However, many people face this situation at some time in their lives and could use some advice.  I found the blogger’s ideas to be straightforward, common sense strategies that should help that shy presenter in all of us!

Over the course of a few days, I’ve enjoyed reading several items from my RSS Reader.  One Successful Teaching blog in particular that caught my attention (called the Owl Watch) was blocked by the school website filter because it linked to a live cam on Ustream.  Here is the URL: http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox

This blog told about a retired man and his grandson who set up a live viewing of  mom & pop owls known as Molly and McGee and their lives in the owl box.  I thought it so cool that a 4th grade classroom had skyped in to ask questions regarding the owls (and while they were skyped in, Molly decided to eat a rabbit..gross, but educational

I really, really like this RSS Reader!

http://wanderingink.wordpress.com/2007/05/23/how-to-prevent-another-leonardo-da-vinci/

The above blog post speaks of the public education system “murdering” the ten most important characteristics of “becoming another Da Vinci.”  It is true that teachers are mainly guided to teach using the objectivist model of instruction rather than the constructivist model (which is allowing students to guide their own learning through exploration and questioning).  After many years in the educational setting, I tend to agree with this person’s perspective.  I would love to see students so obsessed with school that a snow day would depress them.  How different our society would be with completely engaged learners! 

http://bobsprankle.com/bitbybit_wordpress/?p=349/ The Time is Now post by Bob Sprankle was so well spoken!  Since starting my Ed.S. in Instructional Technology, I know how “behind the times” I have been with integrating technology into my therapy sessions.  But the thoughts of a deadline for mandatory integration is a little scary!

A day in the life of web 2.0…I feel like I’ve just visited an episode of Buck Rogers in the 21st  Century (did I just date myself?)  Wow, what an amazing, exciting, scary scenario of a school system using digital technology in such an efficient manner.  I feel WAY behind in the technology arena.  But, slowly, I am starting to learn. 

My professional practice is in the area of Speech Language Pathology.  I work with students at the high school level who have communication difficulties.  I feel that I could use the web 2.0 tools to support my students in the general curriculum.  By collaborating with classroom teachers on the new technologies available to enhance learning, I could offer new ideas to engage the entire class of “digital learners”.  Also, the county speech therapists could greatly benefit from a blog to promote therapy ideas, concerns, trimuphs, etc.

These Web 2.0 tools will definitely support my own learning in both my professional practice as well as my work in my specialist program.  I am always looking for new products or services to improve my speech therapy and I will begin to use blogs and podcasts for more resources.

Kudos, Web 2.0!

Hello!

I’m excited to post my first ever BLOG!!  Ok, I found the 7 1/2 habits of Lifelong Learners to be very thought-provolking.  I truly do believe that lifelong learning is essential, especially for educators.  That’s why I’ve begun my specialist degree through an online program with Valdosta State.  My Ed.S. is in Instructional Technology with Library Media Option.  I’m VERY excited about what I have learned so far and will learn in the coming months. 

Back to the topic at hand…the most challenging habit for me at the present time is #4~Have confidence in yourself as a competent, efficient learner.  Since starting my specialist, I’ve told my husband several times, “I’m not smart enough to be doing this!”  (Thankfully, he disagrees!)  And I recently received a grade of 92 on a major assignment   So, maybe my confidence will start to grow!!

The most easy or resonant habit for me is #2~Accept responsibility for your own learning.  This is a must in my online program.  You would not believe the total paradigm shift from a classroom based to online program.  Fortunately, I’ve always been a well-organized student and enjoy learning.

The habit most important to me as I work through this course?  Probably habit #7~Teach/mentor others.  I strive to do this every day, both at school and with my own children.  My son is 21, attending GA Tech in the Aerospace Engineering program.  I do all that I can to encourage, support, praise and mentor him.  My daughter is 16, a junior at AHS.  She needs all the good role models that she can find!  As for my speech students at CHHS,  I want to give them strategies to face the world beyond high school and I believe that technology will play a very important part of that world.