Blog Post 3

"A Vision of Students Today"-Out of all of the videos thus far, this is by far my favorite. There are no words to express how true and how eye-opening this was. I'm thankful for it because it's making people aware. College isn't fun, it's a long, hard process. There's no shortcuts in college really. Tuition's outrageous, books cost way too much, and most professors think you have no other classes or a job so they overload students. I don't mind working hard. If I'm paying for a degree, I want to get knowledge and experience in return. I think it's ridiculous when students waste their class time on Facebook or Twitter. However, along with college comes adulthood and the ability to make your own decisions. All in all, this video is very real. College is very beneficial if the students take advantage of the opportunity.


It's Not about the Technology-Kelly Hines
I agree that it is up to the teacher to bring technology into the classroom. Although it might be hard to keep up with, it's important that educators educate to the best of their ability. Technology and education go hand in hand. If a teacher isn't only a good educator, but also a good learner, we could change everything. Just because one has a college degree doesn't/shouldn't keep he or she from learning what's going on in today's world. I try to keep up with technology so one day, I can be the best teacher I know how to be.
Although technology is a huge part of our lives, as teachers, it should not be our primary focus. Teaching children is number one and if we can incorporate technology into that, even better. There are many creative ways to teach things using technology nowadays. Whether it is used or not, we should teach in a way that the kids will remember what they've learned.


Is It Okay to be Technologically Illiterate?-Karl Fisch
I believe this post really applies to me, as a future teacher. I will be setting the foundations for middle school and high school expectations. I personally like to use technology. If I can incorporate it into the classroom, I plan to use it as much as the school system will let me. I think the school should provide workshops or classes for keeping the teachers and schools up to date with technology. If a teacher is supposed to use it, it's up to the school to fund it.
Children can't automatically know how to read and write, it's a process that both teachers and parents must work with the child on. I believe the same goes with computers and other electronics. Hopefully, I can make a change (if it hasn't already happened) in whatever school God leads me to.


Social Media Count-The Social Media Count makes me realize what all I will have to compete with and keep up with as a teacher. How have we gone from children playing football in the backyard to playing video games by themselves in their rooms? Where's the "family" time? I don't think all electronics and technology are a bad thing; however, I believe it's up to the teachers and parents to instill priorities in our children. It honestly makes me nervous to have everything online. Facebook and Twitter can be used for knowledge or wasting time. As these websites become more useful, we can hopefully find a way to incorporate reminders or requirements into our teaching plans.

Summary Post C4T #1

Spencer's Scratch Pad: Reasons I Love Teaching: Poetry: "The students groan when I first introduce poetry. They fail to recognize that we've been doing poetry all year, scattered throughout scienc..."

I read John Spencer's blog about teaching poetry. He discussed how poetry can have so many different topics. Any one can find a poem to fit them or their situation. He said his class defines the metaphors or what's being personified and the basic literary terms, but he tries to teach them to see how poetry "becomes a safe place to engage in dangerous dialogue."
Poetry opens the classroom up for topics that are not usually discussed. Mr. Spencer gave the example of a poem that brought up abortion. Poetry gives a freedom that you wouldn't normally have. I asked him in my comment, how can we as teachers create a fun way to teach poetry? It's not an easy topic but if we encourage the children to read it and understand it in a way that can be related to their lives, maybe we can instill a desire to read poetry more often.


Spencer's Scratch Pad: The Love of Science: "I once had a science teacher who told me that scientists had disproved the existence of God - or at least the existence of a theistic God. ..."

This is a very intriguing post. It really made me question why I believe what I believe. I believe God created the heavens and the Earth. I don't understand the Big Band Theory and Evolution. I try to have an open mind because I try to live a Christ-like life, one without judgments. I want to spread the Good News, but in a way without talking so much. If I can live a life that is honoring to Christ, then I think I've proven my God.

Babies are such an inspiration for science and history. They make us question why and how. What other God could know me before I was ever born and create me in His image? I cannot necessarily prove God either, but to me when you know something is real, you know. No question about it. I always appreciate a post that is of value and information.

Project #5

Blog Assignment 2

"Did You Know?" is by far one of the best videos I've ever watched. How is it that we've gone from using other human beings for information or reading a book to find out, to just ask "Google" the question. It's a very fascinating thing to think about. I don't mind being into technologically; however, I try to use it to my advantage. I try not to get too involved though because I don't want it to completely run my life. I really want to understand it and use it to it's full capacity for when I have my own class.

It's surprising to me how many honors kids are in China versus how many kids are in the United States. I'm sure it's changed a little since the video was made. What is China doing that America is not? How can I, as a future teacher, make a difference in these statistics? How can I invest myself into something that will still be worth while years from now? Teachers must realize that being a teacher is not just a job, what we say and do helps or hurts America's future.


"Mr. Winkle Wakes" is a pretty humorous video. Rip Van Winkle comes back to life 100 years later and he realizes how times have changed. He visits the hospital and the school. In the school, he finds an old dusty laptop like one he had seen in the hospital. Mr. Winkle is happy to know that even after one hundred years, reading, writing, and arithmetic are still being taught in school.

It's amusing to think about our future. What's it going to be like 50 or 100 years from now? I can't wrap my mind around it. I don't understand how technology can get any better than it is. Hospital nurses and doctors are going to find quicker, easier ways to heal patients. School teachers and principals are going to continue to teach possibly the next doctor or president. Meanwhile, each and every employee will also be learning how to do whatever their job is better.


Sir Ken Robinson's video, "The Importance of Creativity," was by far my favorite one to watch. Creativity is a necessity in life, just like mathematics and literature. How we approach and handle creativity is up to us as teachers and parents. If we support it and make the best of it, who know what kind of inventions will come next. We must teach our children to find something they're good at and go after it. Whether it be science or art, math or dance, each company needs all types of people.

I had never realized just how much creativity is pushed to the side until this video. Now the issue is making teachers and parents aware of this problem and showing them how to encourage their children to do what they're best at. If we can just give children the opportunity to succeed in the area they're best at, I know they will pull through. Talent isn't limited to dance and smarts aren't limited to academics. In today's world, we need both. Let's be the teachers that make this change possible.


After watching the video of Ceclia Gault interviewing Sir Ken Robinson, I realized how great of an opportunity I have as a teacher. I was never offered the chance to interview a teacher or other students, much less a senator or governor. I believe a child would learn a lot from talking to other students and teachers on a formal basis. I agree with Sir Ken Robinson about every child having the capability to be creative.

As long as we as teachers present them with opportunities to be artistic and individuals, it's up to them to pursue it. It doesn't have to mean scheduling interviews for every student, it means putting a sheet of paper or colorful markers in front of them and letting them draw/create what they want. No child is just like the next, and teachers must cater to each of their strong characteristics. Whether it be reading, drawing, or math, it's highly important to encourage it.


The last video, "Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts" was very eye-opening. I liked that the teacher was allowing her kids to teach her. She said she doesn't know everything, but it's good that her students can work together and show the class how to do the task. As the days keep flying by, technological inventions keep being made. With being a teacher, you have to stay up to date on the latest technology so your students can have the best, most valuable information.

When I become a teacher, I am going to do my best to keep up with the newest trends. It will be my job to present my students with the best; in saying that, I will also expect them to teach me new things, too.

Blog Assignment 1

My name is Amanda Spence. I have lived in Mobile, Alabama, my entire life. I attend church at Wilmer First Baptist with my parents weekly. My parents have been married for almost 27 years. I have a 23 year old sister, Rachael. I have been with my high school sweetheart for almost five years. We plan to get married after I graduate.
I am a sophomore at the University of South Alabama, majoring in Elementary Education. Ever since I was little, I've always wanted to be a teacher. I started working at a daycare about two years ago with the elementary school children from across Mobile County and was reassured of this desire. Children are our future, I believe we must truly invest in them. If I can make a difference in the life of even one child, I've lived a life worth living.
In my spare time, I enjoy scrap booking and making crafts. I'm very organized and like to stay ahead of the game. I also like spending time with my family and friends, going to the movies, and in the summer time, going to the beach. Lastly, in 2000, Christ saved me. Although it's not always easy, He gave His life for me so it's highly important that I dedicate my life to Him in return.
That's about all for me! Anything else you want to know, feel free to ask!