Podcasts: Likes and DIslikes

After listening to about five of these podcasts i have come to the conclusion that i am not a big fan. Podcasts to me are a more finite version of talk radio. I'm sure that some podcasts are different but these particular technology talk shows and interviews just aren't that intertaining. However, I suppose they can be somewhat informative if you make yourself listen and pick out the various pieces of information. But for the vast majority of the time, the hosts are trying thier damnedest to be funny while simultaneously maintianing thier best radio host personality

I did get a lot out of the "kid casting" podcats. The host was explaining to the listeners about "vodcasting" or video podcasting as he preferred. He stated that podcasting in the classroom is a good way to reach your students. I believe he is correct in this asoect. Most students watch television every day. Some watch it as opposed to doing thier homework. So now that there is a way to fuse the two together into such things as studying through a vodcast, or learning activities just to familliarize students with new technology such as these videocasts.

The smartboard learning podcasters believed that video podcats "gets kids engaged" and "are a great spot to start conversation". This is true in some aspects but I, on the other hand, feel different. What is wrong with the traditional, face to face style of teaching? It is true that some kids nowadays are intrigued by technology based learning, but some are not.

One of my teachers here at South gives all her assignments online as well as some of her lectures. im guessing that this is simply the result of a work load that is too big for her. If this is the case, then what is the point of teachers? Theoredicly, students could all be sent to school or even stay at home where they do nothing but watch videos and take online exams on what they have learned. Where do we draw the line?

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Empowering Students

With a ton of funding, Mrs. Davis might have something. I came from a rural school and i know that a lot of my old classmates would have loved to have technology and resources such as these in high school, that is if some of them could even pay for basic school supplies. To achieve a goal such as this, some drastic contributions would have to be made in my community.

However, I feel like today's school system is headed in this general direction. Students are obtaining a surplus of knowledge and interest in computer technology. Most kids that i have known not to have a facebook or myspace are simply not able to update their status because the nearest computer is in their local library. But if someone were to ever go to one of these local computer labs, they would find that about half of the computers are taken up. Obviously today's students are anxious learners when it comes to computers, not to mention the growing demand for computer literate individuals. So it would be a win win in that aspect. But a computer lab in every classroom? That would take some serious restructuring of today's education process.

that brittish guy was funny. and he made a good point.

We as teachers face a tough future. With an increasing population, there will be a rise in all types of students, as well as types we have never seen before. Most of this is happening right before our eyes. The responsibility that we bear is tremendous. People who grow to be influential figures had to be molded by some sort of teacher/mentor. The decisions we all make everyday, unconsciously, are due to 12 years of learning. So that's where we stand, in a position to help or just become another by the book, colorless, unimaginative molder of future leaders.

So what can we do about it? Well, I've always heard that everyone is different. So cater to your students assorted interests and beliefs. It is imperative to involve the entire class in every aspect of your classroom. So first, find out what your students interests, hobbies, extracurricular activities, etc might be. This part is easy. Kids talk, all the time, even when they aren't supposed to. They talk about movies they've seen sports stars they love. But the key is finding a way to relate this information. Find out these things as well as things they don't appreciate or might consider boring. Of course with a curriculum as your primary guideline, you will have to stick to that for the most part. But, for example, if a student has expressed interest in dinosaurs while in middle school, then the teacher should deviate from the required agenda for one day and do his best to catch up. After all, that student could have grown to become a prize-winning paleontologist or flipping burgers at burger king, but that student will always remember that favorite teacher who taught him or her the difference between a t-Rex and a brontosaurus

Technology Is Becoming A Nesscessity

It's true, times are changing. Humanity has come an unthinkably long way in an increasingly short amount of time, and will continue to do so. It's thrilling, but at the same time frightening. If the worlds population continues to increase, how will our people afford to feed these extra mouths with an increasing demand for food and other natural resources already? Where will they all go? Most of the countries that are currently growing so fast already have an overfill of people living there. How can we survive? That is, if computers don't outsmart and overpower us first. Eventually, our overwhelming desire to grow will be our old planet's downfall. I come from from a small rural community, where my family owns over 700 acres of land. And after watching that video, I've never been so happy to drive 35 minutes to go to wal mart.

Matthew Moorer's EDM 310 Blog

Well, today we have all overcome. I think Dr. King would be proud. Tonight has had nothing to do with race, bigotry, or biast. However, we have all endured slow and stupid computers and blazing tempuratures in the lab. So congrats on that. My name is Matthew Moorer. Most people call me Matt, so i guess that would be all yall. I graduated from Washington County High in 2006. Then went on to Faulkner State Community College where i got suckered into spending three years at a junior college. But now im at South and i really like it. This is my first semester and first web-oriented class. So i expect at least 50% of all my assignments to be done by my fellow classmates! That's about it. See yall in class.