Reality Check

Welcome to the last ten weeks of school.



You have many deadlines, so I won't add to them with a blog post this week!
 

The Rules

You watched The Ron Clark Story this week if you are a first year intern.  If you are a second year intern, you have already watched it.   Ron Clark founded The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA.  Please click here to look at his website.  If you missed the movie, rent it over spring break and watch it!

Ron Clark's # 1 Classroom Rule is:  We are a Family.

There are 54 other rules.  Why do you think he placed so much importance on rule # 1?  Explain the significance of Rule # 1 as it applies to a classroom.

Write your own classroom rules for your Education and Training class.  You should have no less than five and no more than ten.  We will review them after spring break and compile a combined set of classroom rules.  Be honest and realistic.  


Due Monday March 19 before class begins.  
As always, you will need to follow the rubric.  
Have a wonderful and safe Spring Break!  

Glogster in the Classroom!

Many of you have used Glogster.  Regardless of your previous experiences with Glogster, we are going to give it another try.  I have new student codes for each of you. Before you do anything...Please watch the video tutorials below.  You will have a much easier time with the assignment if you don't skip this step.  There are a few new features since the videos were made, but the fundamentals are the same.  


Use headphones while viewing so you don't disturb your classmates.  Don't waste your time!

When you are finished viewing the videos, ask Mrs. Harden for your new Glogster login.   If you don't use the code that is assigned to you, you will have to redo your assignment later.  

Create a Glogster during class today that includes:  

• Using a wall and graphics that make sense together and are appropriate for your grade level.  
• At least one grade level appropriate Video or song from YouTube or SchoolTube that is embedded on your Glogster.
• At least one grade level appropriate web based interactive activity.  
• At least 2 grade level appropriate graphics.
• Find one grade level appropriate "Pinterest education" link, copy the url and hyperlink on your Glogster.  

The name of your Blog this week is:   Glogster in the Classroom.  It is due at the end of class Friday, March 2.  Copy the URL link to your new Glogster and hyperlink it on your Blog / finished or not!  I know you may not be finished, but you must link what you have completed.  

You will be able to edit and add to your existing Glogster later. We will be putting grade specific content on your Glogster posters later.  You will be able to use your Glogster poster with Smartboards in your site classroom.  This will be a great way to present your final lesson in your classroom.   

You will be graded on whether you followed instructions and submitted on time.  Reminder, it is due at the end of class on March 2.  

Have a great weekend and I will see you on Monday!

Higher Education or Higher Debt?

How do you plan to pay for college?  Have you done enough?  Have you applied to FAFSA?

Click on this link and read about President Obama's initiative to require colleges to be more transparent with college costs and employment after graduation.

After you read the article post your thoughts and comments.  Answer the first three questions in your post. You should have at least two solid paragraphs in your blog.  As always, you should follow the rubric to maximize your grade.   Blog Rubric  The name of this week's blog should be "The High Cost of Education."

This blog is due Monday February 27, 2012.

Link to Mrs. Stevens' College Wiki Page.



http://news.yahoo.com/obama-takes-tougher-stance-higher-education-130608496.html

Creativity!

Follow the directions on my Wiki for watching the Sir Ken Robinson video.  You are responsible for posting your blog today, Monday, Feb. 13.  Your blog is due by the end of class.  


You are to answer the following using complete thoughts and phrases.  
You should give intelligent well thought out answers.

What is Creativity?
Why does Creativity matter in Education?

The name of your Blog post is Creativity Counts.
Remember to follow the Rubric.  This blog post is due today, Monday Feb. 13.

Give it your best shot!

Many of you are looking for jobs or will be called for scholarship interviews, soon.  This is a quick update to help remind you of interview techniques and how to give yourself your best shot in an interview setting.  Read this article! 

After reading the article.

1. What do your think your strengths and weaknesses would be in an interview situation? Explain why for each.  
2. How can you overcome your weaknesses?  How can you accentuate your strengths.  
3. Have you ever applied for a job? If you weren't successful in obtaining a job, what might you do differently next time?

Remember, always write your comments in complete sentences.  The name of this week's blog should be Hire me, please!

Always refer to the blog rubric when in doubt.  

Due Monday, February 13, 2012.  

Digital Learning Day :: Awesome Ideas!

Digital Learning Day :: Awesome Ideas!  Open this site and explore. 

Digital Learning Day is February 1.   

What exactly is Digital Learning Day?
It is an organized effort to encourage teachers to use digital technology in their classrooms on Wednesday, February 1.  I hope you have clicked on the link above.  It has some excellent ideas to use in a classroom.  

1.  Your blog assignment for this week is for you to choose a digital tool you could use in your site school classroom.  You will hyperlink the link or embed on to your blog.  Explain how you would use this tool in your classroom.  Explore the web tool and be prepared to show how to use it in class next week. Include if there is a free version and details of how to sign up for use.

2.  Describe any digital activities any of your teachers used in your classes on Wednesday, February 1.  Be specific.  What type of digital tool they used and how it was used.

If you are so inclined, here is a video contest you can enter.  The video is only 45 seconds.  Check it out!  If you decide to enter the video contest, embed it to your blog.

This blog will be due on Monday,  February 6.  Be prepared to demonstrate how to use the digital tool on February 10 and 17.  If there are too many duplications, I will assign a new tool for you to try.
Remember the rubric.  The name of your blog for this week will be "Digital Learning Day"

PS:  I have linked some good websites and blogs as well as some other useful digital tools (in the upper right corner) for you to use for activities in your classrooms.  Please look at them.