EDM310 Rap - Project 16

EDM 310 RAP
By Brandin Brosh and Justin Hyde


LYRICS:

This one goe s out to Dr. Strange and the EDM crew,
‘Cause this wouldn’t be possible with out you.

Working hard 9 hours a week
I could do EDM310 in my sleep
Sometimes I see Dr. Strange when I blink
Yeah, I know what you think/
It is a bit scary
His beard is so hairy
When it comes to technology He knows what to do
If he taught me, I promise he can teach you
At the beginning I didn’t have a clue
Now I blog, tweet, and use Symballoo

Technology and education
feed it to our kids like medication
Today’s school system is like probation.

Most teachers won’t let kids think critically
They run their classrooms so politically.
If you go against the norm you brew up a storm
And other Teachers will start to stare and scorn.

This semester in EDM310
I learned so much I can’t even begin
A lab that is open at all times.
ask any question that blows your mind
More lab assistants than you can count
They will answer your questions without a doubt

EDM310.blogspot.com
It’s where you can find the class blog
It’s got all the information you’ll need to help you succeed
When you’re there you will see that we are going green
That’s all thanks to technology
‘Cause it’s the 21st century.


I don’t know, let’s find out
Don’t worry, we’re gonna get this figured out
Make sure you bring your brain
Don’t forget to turn it on/
This journey is gonna be a lot of fun

C4K C4C C4T,
Whatever it may be,
You better get it done weekly if you want a good grade like me.

The one class it’s impossible to procrastinate
if you do your work will be late.
Dr. Strange ain’t gonna let that skate
So there is no need to try and debate


Education and technology is a MUST
If you’re not with it
You better jump on the bus


Technology is the key to the future
Let your voice be heard
Don’t let ‘em mute ya.

C4T #4 - Teacher Tom's Blog

I was assigned to Teacher Tom's Blog

Teacher Tom is a preschool teacher who obviously has a WONDERFUL gift. I have gone back to read his blog even when I was not required. He is the first teacher that I was assigned to that i felt I could connect with. He talks about things he does in his classroom to inspire and encourage children. He is always doing something fun and exciting with his children. THIS exact reason is why I want to become a teacher.

The first blog that I commented on was That's How Powerful We Are. This was a blog about being nice to one another. It had the basic idea of, "Smile, and the world will smile back." Each time a student complimented another student they added a paperclip to their chain. This compliment could be something as simple as, "I like your shirt." to something such as, "I love you." They continued to build their chain every day. The chain gets so long that it runs across the entire classroom ceiling! I thought this was pretty incredible!

This is what I said to Tom:

"Hi, my name is Brandin Brosh and I am in Dr.Strange's EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama.

I think what you are doing in your classroom is great! It's funny how something so simple can become so big. I love the fact that you created such an original idea to teach such an important concept.

I remember when I was in elementary school my teachers would say, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." This is a great way to encourage children to be nice to one another. Something as simple as telling a child that their shirt is cute can make their day! Since everyone is included it helps children not to feel left out too!

AWESOME."

The second blog post that I commented on wasThe Superhero Team. It was about allowing children to use their imagination to create stories. Silva communicated with the class via the "communicators" they wore around their neck. Silver called and told Tom that the animals needed rescuing. Tom responded by saying, "We're on it!" From then, Tom allowed they class to create the story from there using their imaginations. He has everything documented with pictures as well! Really cool!

I replied by saying, "This was such a great post! Imagination can be so empowering! I love this! The classroom ceilings are really cool, by the way. This a great way to teach children the little things, like weapons are "against the rules." How neat! This is why I want to be a future educator. Children are so wonderful and they have the ability to brighten your day so effortlessly.

I love that you have pictures for each part of the story. It really brings things to life!"

Final Report on PLN

I began creating a personal learning network at the beginning of the semester. I used Symbaloo to create this network and have found it extremely useful. I have set the Symbaloo website as my home page so that when I open my Internet browser my connections to the world are immediately there. During the semester I have added and removed connections. I added ones that I thought were useful and removed the ones that I found weren't of much use. I have connections to all of my social networking sites, workplace connections, my e-mail, tons of different blogs that I have viewed during the semester that I enjoyed, stores that I like to shop, and other sites that I visit often. I think that even after this class is over I will continue to use my PLN. It has been very beneficial to me and has kept me organized during the semester.

Blog Post 13

The Alabama Learning Exchange, also known as ALEX, is design to assist teachers. It has eight different components. ALCOS is the first one. This stands for Alabama Course of Study. ALCOS provides links for all of the subjects in the state of Alabama. After you choose a subject you choose the grade level and this gives you the Alabama state requirements for what is to be taught on that subject during that grade level. Web Resources is a link to other resources, which are directed toward teachers. These links are meant to equip teachers with proper tools to help them become a better teacher. Lesson Plans is also included. This link teaches you how to properly write and carry out lessons in the classroom. Other links includes professional workplace, professional learning, Podcast treasury, and Alexville.

The Alabama Learning Exchange is something that all teachers should take advantage of. Even if you are not planning to teach in the state of Alabama this website provides adequate information on many subjects that could be of much interest to teachers in general. ALEX is also very easy to navigate. You don’t have to visit it 100 times to understand how it works.

The Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide also known as ACCESS program’s goal is to create fairness through offering additional education programs for all of Alabama’s public high school students. This website has things such as test preps, website resources and even has certain course offerings. This website is a great way to engage students in their learning. It has TONS of useful information that is available to students, parents, and teachers. This website was also quite easy to use.

C4K 7,8,9, and 10

Mr. McClung's World
Investigative Reporting

Investigative Reporting was a video that talked about the controversy of a reporter being "sneaky" to retain evidence against a political figure. This reporter was investigating this person and caught him on tape bashing everything that he was supposed to stand for. Under the video he asked for people to comment their feelings as to if there were right or wrong. This is what I said:


"My name is Brandin Brosh and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently enrolled in Dr. Strange’s EDM310 course and was assigned to read your blog. I think this is a very interesting and highly debatable subject. In my opinion, O’Keefe didn’t do anything wrong. These political officials never say how they really feel on camera or on interview so how else would you ever find out the truth? It’s like when you catch someone in a lie and they get defensive and blame you. These are supposed to be honest people and there is no excuse for him to say those things. It’s not O’keefe’s fault for catching him. It is his job to catch these people in lies just as it is the public officials’ job to represent NPR or any other organization well, which obviously was not being done here."

Visit the link to the blog above, watch the video and tell me what you think!


Mrs. Yollis' Classroom Blog

April is Family Blogging Month in Mrs. Yollis' class and everyone is working on writing quality comments! Many wonderful conversations are going on in comment sections! Everyone is learning! We were assigned to explore Mrs. Yollis' classroom blog and leave a quality comment about what we thought. Here is my comment:


"Dear Ms. Yollis and Class,

My name is Brandin Brosh and I am a student in Dr.Strange's EDM310 class at the University of South Alabama. One of my assignments was to analyze you blog which I will be writing about on mypersonal blog.

I have really enjoyed looking at your class blog. It is amazing to see how much students can learn with online blogging. Blogging also makes learning fun and interesting. This is my first semester having my own blog and so far I really like it.

After looking over your class blog, it reassures me that I will definitely be having one for my students when I become a teacher.

Thank you so much for allowing our EDM class to look over your blog."


Jaden is a student is Mrs.Yollis' Third Grade Class. You can see his blog here!

Jaden's recent blogs were written on going to the Celtics VS. Clippers game and about his new blog Mascot. Jaden inspired me to choose a mascot for my own blog. I chose my dog Zaylah!

I wanted to make sure that I thanked Jaden for giving me such a great idea for my blog. I will also use this idea when I become an educator and have my students create their own blogs!

" Jaden,
My name is Brandin Brosh and I am a student in EDM310 at the University of South Alabama. I am studying to a future teacher and all I can say is WOW! Your blog is quite impressive! I didn't start blogging until recently, but I have really grown to love it.

I really enjoyed reading your post about the Mavericks versus the Clippers. I love watching NBA basketball. Playoffs have just started and I am rooting for the Miami Heat! I love Lebron James. I used to be a Cavs fan until he switched teams. I have never been to a Clipper's game, but when Lebron was still playing for Cleveland, I watched him play in New Orleans versus the Hornets! It was such a blast! I think that the Mavericks scored 27 and the Clippers scored 24 in the third quarter. I hope I am right!

By the way, I love your idea of having a blog mascot! That is so unique. I have commented on many blogs of both teachers and students and no one has ever had a blog mascot! I think if I had to choose a blog mascot, I would choose my dog. Here name is Zaylah. She is about eight pounds and she is black and white. She is a Havanese. You can see her if you visit my blog.. She is on my "About Me" slide show
here."

Project 15 - Book Trailer - "It's My Turn!"

Progress Report on Final Project

I have been thinking about what I was going to do for my final project in EDM310. I finally decided what I am going to and have recently just started on it. My partner, Justin Hyde, and I are working collaboratively in a group to create an original video "song" about EDM310. I wanted to do something that we could have fun with and we both agreed that this was a perfect idea. The idea of the song is to inform people of what to expect when enrolling in EDM310. I can not wait to see how it turns out.

Special Metaphor Assignment (Blog Post #14)

1. Why did you miss the metaphor in Tom Johnson's post, or, if you "hit the nail on the head", why do you think you understood the metaphor and why do you think that others in the class missed the metaphor?
I think that I missed the metaphor because I took the post at face value. I read it as if were literally pencils that the students were taking home. After I read on the class blog that I was supposed to take the world pencil and replace it with computer, everything made much more sense.

2. What metaphors have you encountered since I asked you to create a log of them?
“Britain’s recovery from the worst recession in decades is gaining traction, but confused economic data and the high risk of hung Parliament could yet snuff out its momentum.”
"Her positive attitude is a lighthouse for the hopeful."
"Money is gateway to possibilities."
"Procrastination is the thief of time."
"Ace in the hole."
"All that glitters isn't gold."
"The ball is in your court."

3. What other things can we do as educators to help our students to understand and to use metaphors?
Metaphors are often so common that some people don't even pick them up. I think that by continually using them in our daily lives as well as in the classroom, they will be much easier to understand. Sometimes we take things at face value and don't find the humor in left. I think that if we as teachers are able to find the humor in life while education our students that it could be a big accomplishment.

4. Why do we use metaphors?
Metaphors are used as way to "Spice things up" so to speak. They help to spark interest in reading and writing. I think metaphors make things less boring. Poetry for Everyday Life is a great way to explain why we use metaphors.

Blog Post 12

After watching the video write a blog post and explain why you think this is happening. Why are our brains becoming so much more active online rather than while just reading a book? How, as future educators, are we going to adapt?



personal blog.

I think that this video is just another piece of evidence to the puzzle of why in fact, technology is a must in the classroom. Our brains are twice as active online as they are when we are just reading out of a book with pencil and paper. The internet has so much more to offer. I think our brains are much more active online because the internet has so much more to offer. The amount of information that you can get from a book is limited. When you search online for a subject the information is endless. Not only is the information endless but the illustration is as well. It is the 21st century and soon enough classrooms will not even be using books. I believe that children need to learn to become more "Internet Savvy" at a young age so that their brains can learn to adapt. The internet holds many more opportunities and if we can get these opportunities rolling in the classroom I feel that the possibilities will be endless. You can take Ms.Cassidy's first grade class as a prime example of much more active students will be in a classroom of technology. Take a look at Ms.Cassidy's classroom here.

Project 14 - Teach Someone Something

I chose teaching someone how to tie their shoes. The reason I chose this was because as many of us will become elementary teachers after we graduate we will encounter many students who do not know how to tie their shoes. While I was doing my field experience last semester I noticed that about 75 percent of the first graders in my classroom didn't know how to tie their shoes. I think that this would be a fun way to teach children how to tie their shoes. Kids love having songs to sing-a-long with and it will also help them to remember how to do it!

Blog Post 11

First Graders in Ms.Cassidy's Classroom

I think what Ms. Cassidy is doing in her classroom is absolutely incredible. It is amazing that first graders know how to do all of these things. This goes to show for all the people who say first graders are too young for technology that they are not. I thought it was really neat that parents, friends, and other family members could comment on the students’ blogs. I think that getting comments on their blogs helps them build confidence and makes them feel special. I also think that it is something for them to be proud of. Blogging is a great way to connect school with their home life as well. I liked how the students used Wiki to learn new things. I also liked the idea of the students working in groups to create videos and things. Working in groups is a part of life and learning it at such a young age is very important. Skype is a great way to teach students about different parts of the world. It also teaches them that we can be connected with all parts of the world. I think that blogging is a vital part of teaching in the 21st century. Skype is also a great tool that we can use in the classroom. Staying connected is important and technology is going to continue to grow. Technology is a great way to grab a student’s attention and helps a lot with learning. I think that Ms.Cassidy’s classroom is a PRIME example of how technology can greatly affect a classroom in positive ways. When I become a teacher I hope to do the things that Ms.Cassidy is doing. I liked the part in the interview when Dr. Strange asked Mrs. Cassidy if teachers should be technologically literate. She said teachers should be because technology is getting better and better. I couldn't agree more. Children today are being born in to a world of technology and if they don't learn it, they are going to be left behind! I want the parents of my students to understand the vitality of how the use of technology in the classroom can be a wonderful learning tool if used correctly!

Additional Assignment - Mr. McClung's World

1. What do you know (or have you found out) about Mr. McClung that is reflected in the way he has constructed his class blog?
The first thing that I noticed was how organized he is and you can tell that from his blog. It is important for teachers to be organized. You can tell that he is dedicated to his students because of all of the time and effort he puts in to his blog alone.
2. Comment on what you would say about Mr. McClung as an educator.
I think that Mr.McClung is not there for the paycheck. As any person who goes to school for education, it obviously is not for the money, but he seems to always go above and beyond for his students. He seems like he actually wants to be there and is excited for his students to learn from him.
3. I asked above that you read Mr. McClung's "rules" and think about them. What do they say about Mr. McClung, his teaching, and his connection with his students? What is your reaction to these rules (and guides) as a student and as an aspiring teacher?
Less is more! I really like the way he has set up the rules in his classroom. “Follow directions quickly” was my favorite rule. I like the fact that he doesn’t have many rules. It is basically like do what you know is right. Teachers who have a lot of rules constantly have to stop class to get on to students about things. This takes away from others students’ learning time.
4. What was the first thing under Everyone needs? Why do you suppose that is the first requirement?
Everyone needs a day planner. I can really relate to this because I personally use a planner. I think that this was the first thing because sometimes it can get difficult trying to keep up with due dates, homework assignments, and everything else too. In EDM310 I use our checklist as a sort of planner. I do not know how I would even keep up if I didn’t have that!
5. Note the penalties for being late (under Homework). Compare them with my penalties for being late. Comment.
Every day that your homework is late you lose one letter grade. I believe that this is a fair way of doing things because students know way ahead of time when their work is going to be due. I believe this will teach students responsibility as well.
6. Read carefully his paragraph about what he hopes to accomplish with his blog. Comment and apply to your own aspirations as a teacher.
I really like how the blog can be beneficial for both students and parents. I also really like the fact that it helps the classroom “Go Green.” It is much like our EDM310 class. Parents can always know what’s going in with their child’s school and it also helps the students to become more independent.
7. I asked you to review at least two Useful Links in depth after reviewing all of them. Which two did you review in depth? Describe each of the two. How might each be used? Why do you think each made Mr. McClung's list.
The two links that I chose were Science Toys by Stephen Spangler and Guys Read. I chose Science Toys because it was such a fun and interactive site. Parents, teachers, and students could use this site. It included different science experiments and everything. Great site! The second site that I chose was Guys Read. Studies show that boys are just as capable of being good readers as girls are. The boys just have to be interested in reading. I think it is great that Mr.McClung took the time to create this list. It shows how productive he is in his classroom.
8. Under Internet Safety I asked you to read carefully the rules Mr. McClung sets forth for safely using the Internet. Comment on these rules. Are there any you would add or subtract?
I really like the set of rules he created for the Internet. I think this is a good way of letting students know that they can feel safe while using the internet. Some parents may not talk to their children about Internet so I think it is great that he laid out some guidelines.
9. In the C4K part of this blog I asked that you look carefully at one of the categories under which you assigned post was filed. What did you find? Select one of the posts in the category and review it for me.
Investigative Reporting was a post that I found. It was about a reporter spying on public officials. The reporter recorded a conversation without permission of the public officials conversation. The public official was bashing the committee he was supposed to be leading. We had to talk about whether we believed this was right or wrong.
10. Mr. McClung uses Edublog as his blog host. In some ways it may seem more "advanced." But Blogger has many abilities that we have not covered in EDM310. This leads to this question: Is there anything (or things) that Mr. McClung can do with his blog that you would like to do in Blogger?
I really like the organization of Mr.McClung’s blog. I hope that when I become a teacher that my blog will be just as easy to navigate, as his is. You can tell that he spends ample time making his blog a great educational tool and I can only hope that as an aspiring teacher that I will do the same for my students.
11. In what ways does Mr. McClung make his blog useful to parents, teachers, administrators, students like you, and others?
It is easily accessible which is really important. I can remember forgetting to write down assignments a time or two. With this blog, if you have access to the Internet, you have access to a major part of Mr.McClung’s classroom. I also love how easy his blog is to navigate.
12. How does Mr. McClung's 8th grade blog differ from other blogs you have visited including other 8th grade blogs? Why the differences do you think?
This blog is unlike any other 8th grade blog that I have visited. I think that his blog is on a much higher level. He spends ample time with his blog. You can tell that he is just as eagar for himself to learn just as much as his students. You can tell this is not some required blog that someone is making him create. He is passionate about learning and about his students and you can see that through his dedication and blog.
13. Add any additional comments you think would be useful in analyzing Mr. McClung's World in depth.
I think that this could be a great reference and teaching tool for when I become a teacher. I would love to have something like this for my students when I have my own classroom.

Comments for Teachers #3

I was assigned to the DML Central Blog

Is the Virtual World Good for the "Real One" By: Joseph Kahne

Joseph Kahne wrote a blog which talked about the issue of the internet and how kids are being exposed to media via the internet and television for almost eight hours a day. He and some colleagues did independent research by studying high school children from 19 different counties in California over a three and a half year period. You can find all of the results of their research. You can find their research results here

This is what my comment read:

My name is Brandin Brosh and I am a student in Dr. Strange's EDM310 class at the University of South Alabama. I think that the online world is going to continue to increase in popularity whether people agree with it or not. It is the 21st century and things are not as they were 20 years ago. There is a whole new world on the internet and I believe that we need to continue to take advantage of all of its benefits. The internet plays a vital role in today's society. If children are going to be exposed we need to make the best of it. Common Sense Media, iCivics and factcheck.org have the right idea!


Humans, Technology, and the Digital Future By: Barry Joseph

I ready Barry Josephs blog about her demanding technology is becoming in today's society. In his blog he stated that 85% of Americans 18 or older have a cell phone. This was insane to me. He talks about how education via cell phone apps and youtube videos is becoming so prevalent. This is a very interesting video that he included as a part of his blog post. Watch it and tell me what you think.


This is the comment that I left him:

My name is Brandin Brosh and I am a student in Dr. Stange's EDM 310 course at the University of South Alabama. WOW! 85 percent of Americans 18 and older own a cellphone. That is insane. It just goes to show the technological world that the 21st century is laying upon us. Children today are being born in to the 21st century which is a completely different world that what used to be. I believe that since we cannot change the rapid increase in our dependency on technology, social networking, and the internet in general, we need to embrace this. Since cell phones are so demanding in today's society I think things like iPhones are wonderful. We can use the educational apps to help our children learn.