Crossword Puzzle

Journal #7: My Personal Learning Network

A Personal Learning Network which is also known as PLN is a visual format in which enables someone to express ones knowledge and learning tools, that can also be used for future learning. The tools I used to create my PLN consisted of a Diigo account where I can follow other users who are interested and in the same field as I am, and a Twitter account where I can participate in active conversations between other followers where we can share ideas and learn from one another. My PLN will help me greatly in the future when I become a teacher by allowing me to reflect on my prior resources as well as share these with my colleagues. I am aware that throughout my profession there will be many times in which I will need to bring new information into my classroom to continually make it interesting as well as have resources that I trust that the information is correct. There is never a time someone can stop learning, because there is always something out there that can be considered new knowledge and this is a great way to explore this.
My use of Twitter is different than a lot of people my age, and this is because I have recognized this resource as a positive way to connect with other teachers, programs, and other inspiring people. The people who are in my network that I am currently following mainly consists of the other students in my class as well as a few bigger groups and organizations. For example, train the teacher, edutopia, education_world, and the CA Teachers Association. These are more examples of great resources and why it is important to use tools like these so that I can learn from other educators. The educational chat that I participated in was the #NTChat which is the chat on Twitter for New teachers. The topic of discussion was on "How Should a Principle Support a New Teacher? It was interesting to see new teachers post on here about what they want to see in a future principle of their school. A lot of other participants included many links where one can go to look for further information. One follower wrote, "I would like to see the administration and other teachers reach out more because being a new teacher they can be very intimidating." This is very interesting because even know I am not in the current process of getting into a school as a teacher I am still intimidated and I know that if there were open and welcoming arms when I start at a school it would make the whole process a lot easier. Overall, I found the whole chat process intriguing because I really had no idea teachers actually participated in things like this. It is also reassuring because I know that when I am a teacher who has questions that I can go onto something like this and not feel alone because there are others out there who might have the same questions too. I am glad I am provided chats like these currently so that I can get a hang of how they work and at what times and such they take place. This is a great tool for teachers and educators. I use Diigo as a tool for my educational learning because it also allows me to follow users we have great information based on topics related to what I am interested in and that can benefit my career. I am currently only following five other people Angela Maiers, Emily Snow, Jeffery Heil, Rich Kicker, and Sherilyn Crawford. I chose to follow these certain people due to their same interests as I as well as the things they are posting are interesting to read due to the content. The main three tools that I bookmarked PLN were "The Educators PLN," "Twitter Building a PLN," and "USA Today Education." These three resources caught my attention because they all deal with PLN which is important because this is what I am working on currently.
The Digital Discussion that I chose to join is the Educators PLN and this site allows users to connect on the same database where more useful information can be shared. For example, important videos, blogs, ideas, news, as well as other websites. The Blog I chose to read and found very touching and inspiring was "What's Love Got to do With It?" and this blog was about a little boy that came from a home where there was no love due to circumstances that were out of his control. While the rest of the school board saw this student as a problem child, one teacher saw him as an innocent child who just needed some love in his life. This is inspiring because it is important to look beyond the outside of people sometimes and teachers need to know that they can truly help children if they take the time and work to change someones life.

Journal #5: Students Teaching Students (NETS-3)

Wolfe, T. J. (2011). Students teaching students. Learning and Leading, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

 I think that this article about how students can teach other students is a wonderful idea because a lot of times other students know how to teach and be on the same level as other students. For example, if a certain subject is harder for other students it also can come easier to other students. So if teachers were to break up the different subjects among the students but their strong and weak points then students could teach other students. Then the teacher can even make groups to come up with a more interesting and fun way that includes the use of technology to teach their subject to the class.

Question 1: How else could this idea be used?
-This idea could be used for life strategies and lessons as well as classroom subjects. For example, a teacher could use older kids for each grade to talk about the harmful effects of bullying. This way when outside on recess if there is a bullying situation taking place other students could come together to help stop it. As well as sports and other physical activities. Obviously, some students are more athletic than others and you could do the same thing, and have other students teach students the ways of sports and activities.


Question 2: How might this idea not work?
-A negative side of this idea is that there might be more distractions when put into groups working with other students. Teachers may also have more conflicts with arguing and if students do not agree on a certain topic. Some students might not find this learning technique appropriate and it might not work for all students. However, I believe that this is an idea that teachers should try throughout the year but must not learn to rely on.


Not only does this allow students to teach other students differently than teachers can teach, but it allows students to use technology to teach the students. This also allows students to become more comfortable with the class because they will have to do more talking in front of the class and this creates a class bond that can be very helpful throughout the year. 

Journal #4: It's In the Bag (NETS-2)

Basham, J., Perry, E. & Meyer, H. (2011, September). It's in the bag: digital backpacks for project-based learnign. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

The digital backpack is a very innovative idea that can help create a huge amount of learning through technology. The fact that it has been tested on all age ranges is also important because not only can this be a great tool for teachers to use inside the classroom, adults all over can use this as well. One of my favorite aspects of this digital backpack is that it helps build multiple skills though many different ways of communication, as well as problem solving and includes critical thinking. Since it is 2011 more and more technology will be used in classrooms and so I believe that the digital backpack is a great start!

Question 1: Which component out of the 3 different components would be most beneficial is my classroom?

- I believe that the Modular Technology would be my main focus in my classroom because it is of interest to me. For example, the fact that it uses different types of technology like the ipod, or camcorders really intrigues me. This is different then just the simple computer programs that are a part of technology, this goes beyond the usual. The idea of using a camcorder for a classroom project seems like an awesome idea. Making things interesting for a classroom full of students keeps kids intrigued and I think technology is a great way to do this,

Question 2: How can the digital backpack be used outside of the classroom?

-Like in the article, when the class went to the zoo and they used technology to capture video, pictures, and sounds of animals to record for their projects, there are many more ways to use technology outside of the classroom. For example, if you can incorporate ipods with a classroom exercise related to music and artists would be a great lesson. With a higher grade level something like twitter is also a great way to communicate outside of the classroom and this way students can get help from other students when needed. 

Overall, the digital backpack seems to be a great idea to introduce more technology into the classrooms and world today!

Journal #3: Students Dig up Dirt to Learn about Internet Safety (NETS-2)

Morehouse, J. (2011). Students dig up dirt to learn about internet safety. 39(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Learning_Connections_Students_Dig_Up_Dirt_to_Learn_about_Internet_Safety.aspx

In the article Students Dig Up Dirt To Learn About Internet Safety by Jesse Morehouse this article is all about how the stuff teenagers and really anyone posts on the internet is available to all when people try to search for things. For example, I followed the steps to see if I could find my friends and family and it was rather easy and it scared me in a way. I think this is a huge topic that should be expressed to all teenagers because they are so unaware of the dangers. There are privacy settings on every social networking site and these should be used at all times. Not only do teenagers need to be aware of these settings but parents should also. Parents need to implement rules on the privacy that their children should have on their sites. 

Question 1: How can we create more privacy awareness on the internet?

I believe that every profile should have to be private and there so be no way around it. I also think that somehow parents need to be more aware of what their children are doing on the web and how they can monitor it. Some parents are so oblivious as to what their kids are doing that is is unbelievable. Everyone should know what is okay and what is not okay to post on the internet. For example, like the article says no postings of personal information like phone numbers and addresses and such.

Question 2: How can I teach this in my classrooms?

When I become a teacher I want to teach younger grades so I do not think that this certain type of information really pertains to that age level. However, if I was to teach higher grades I would like to get it approved by the principle of my school if I can teach how important this subject is. There are creepy people who are out there on the internet and who love stalking people who just give away their information. Just one simple computer class on the following article would make students more aware of the dangers out there on the web.

Journal #2: Join the Flock & Enhance Your Twitter Experience (NETS-5)

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

In this article by Hadley Ferguson she makes readers very interested in becoming apart of the social network of Twitter and what a PLN really is. I really liked when she wrote about how by joining a twitter you can become friends with people you would never pick out from a crowded room. Since recently creating a Twitter I wish I would have read this article beforehand because it makes readers feel a lot more comfortable as well as she gave the readers a break down in steps of just how to become a part of this. When she wrote about how joining a PLN takes commitment it is very true, because if people are following you, you must be committed. Reading this article proves that technology is the future and people shouldn't be scared of it but rather embrace it.

Question 1: How can I use Twitter when I become a teacher?

When I become a teacher I can use twitters by becoming friends with other teachers and follow them because they might post some great ideas and advice. In need for lesson plans? Being friends with other educators you can all collaberate together and create great ideas together.


Question 2: What is the importance of the hash-tag?

I could really use the hash-tag to connect with the teachers and other people who I follow. I just recently learned how to use this and it is very helpful. This way when I have something good to post or something I am searching for I can find it a lot easier by using this. This will also help me search and find more interesting people to follow through other people using the same hash-tag.

Shannon McClintock (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(8), 13-17. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

In the article by Shannon McClintock I had never heard of the application TweetDeck and have not yet looked into it more but she makes social networking seem very easy and organized. By reading these articles I have already learned so much about social networking and how it can all be in my benefit. These are great tools that I can use in the future and I can teach other teachers and colleagues.

Journal #1: 100 things that make me happy

1. My mom and dad
2. My little sister
3. My boyfriend of 5+ years
4. mashed potatoes
5. having a job
6. My first home
7. Having amazing friends
8. frozen cheesecake
9. Being blonde
10. animals
11. basketball
12. Boston Celtics
13. shopping
14. jewelry
15. A day at the beach
16. My grandparents
17. T.V.
18. Going to the movies
19. My I-pod
20. Taylor Swift
21. Board games
22. Tostitos Chips
23. Subway (the food)
24. October 11^th (my birthday)
25. Outdoor sports
26. Hot showers
27. Sleeping
28. Burning candles
29. The smell of fire
30. Butterfingers
31. Babies
32. Getting my nails done
33. My eyebrows
34. Pajamas
35. Wal-Mart
36. McDonalds mini meals
37. Things being on sale
38. Stuffed animals
39. Getting flowers
40. Cute text messages
41. Facebook
42. Being a girl
43. Surprises
44. Larry Bird
45. Bath and Body works
46. Helping people
47. The Eiffel Tower
48. Flip flops
49. My Ford Focus
50. Vacation
51. Rainy days
52. Reading
53. Nicholas Sparks
54. P.S. I love you (the movie)
55. Gatorade
56. Cherry Coke from La Cocina
57. Bean and cheese burritos
58. Breakfast
59. Staying in hotels
60. Red velvet cupcakes
61. Jamba Juice
62. TIVO
63. Sparkly things
64. New jeans
65. Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks
66. Bacon
67. Riding bikes
68. Low gas prices
69. Photos
70. Family gatherings
71. My Uncle who is in the Navy
72. The ones fighting for our country
73. Fluffy blankets
74. Makeup
75. Slippers
76. Butterflies
77. Tattoos
78. Freckles
79. Quotes on life
80. Love
81. The color blue
82. Nail polish
83. The Twilight series
84. Lotion
85. Lip gloss
86. Bubble baths
87. Country Music
88. Concerts
89. Vegas
90. Holding hands
91. Getting flowers
92. Happy endings
93. Crunchy peanut butter on pancakes
94. Black and white photos
95. Road trips with my friends
96. The little things in life
97. Being young
98. Puzzles
99. Learning sign language

100. fireworks