#4PLN

PLN

What is a PLN? A PLN stands for personal learning network. It is a way you can design to network with others using technology in order to share information.  Tweeter, Facebook, blogs, and emails are all examples of personal learning networks. 

I have my own PLN and I network with my teachers at the University of Mobile, the organization I affiliate with, family, and friends. In the future I plan on continuing to blog, email, instant message, and text message not only in my person life but also in my career as an educator. I will have to interact with co-workers to share information and my supervisor. A personal learning network is a great tool that should be applied in education because every profession has to utilize this tool.

Watch these videos to learn why PLN is important to students:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0xa98cy-Rw&feature=player_detailpage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwOCY0nPDG0&feature=player_detailpage

#3 Sherrelle's Philosophy to 21st Century in Education

My Philosophy for 21st Century Education

I believe 21st century education is the path to global success filling the gap. This type of education will prepare all our children's future to be bright anywhere in this world in order to be independent, skillful and productive citizens. 

When I started this class I had no idea that blogging was such a useful tool in education. I have different views about using technology in education because I think it is just as important to use as pencil and paper. Today an individual needs to know how to utilize the computer in order to apply for a job and post resumes. Teachers need to learn to create slide shows to present information and it is important that teachers not only know for themselves but for their students to learn. Also, today there are single parent homes and those parents may not have the time meet with teachers so they can use technology such as email, text messaging and blogs to communicate with teachers and find out what is going on in the classroom. Technology opens a whole new world to education. The world is right at your fingertips.

I have learned that it is fun and easy to use Google Tools and it is free which is amazing. I have found so many new teacher sources such as PBS.org, teachers.net, scholastic.com, learner.org, apple.com and so many more that can be found under the Google search engine.

I have grown as a future educator because of the information I have been taught from the TE 405 class. I plan on using technology to engage student so they can interact and build their skills for an amazing future.

#2 21st Century Learning

21st Century Learning  is Global

Teaching in the 21st century means to keep students engaged in learning through interacting. This method allows students to think critically, be challenged, problem solve, create, and apply information using technology. Learning is not restricted to the classroom, it is global and should be accessed anytime. Technology today allows this 24-7 through internet capabilities. It prepares students with various skills no matter their socioeconomic status (it is not bias) for a world of success through technology because it is used in every profession today. Technology and engagement enhances materials being taught by an amazing 76%.

The 21st century learner expects to be engaged and interacting. This way students will be challenged, problem solve, create, and apply what they have learned with enjoyment. Students depend on teachers to introduce and prepare them for 21st century skills for future successful careers. This will build students social skills and reading skills tremendously while having fun doing so.

As a future educator I look forward to engaging learners with 21st century learning. I will use blogs to post assignments, links, have discussions online for homework assignments, and to communicate with parents. I will use the whiteboard to keep students engaged with videos, games, and classroom assignments so the whole class can interact building knowledge and social skills. I anticipate the use of Google calendar to have notes posted under important dates to parents and students. I will allow ipad, ipods, lab tops, and computers to be used in lessons for engagement and so student can learn to work as a team and negotiate to problem solve. You tube would also be a great source so students can view reviews for test by engaging in a video made so they can watch at home. Students will also be able to skpe if they need help with an assignment and need me to illustrate it.

#1The Educational World of Blogging

Blogging in Education

As a future educator I believe blogging in the classroom is evolutionary and easy to utilize.  Everyone is always using the internet and children especially love using technology. Blogging can be done from any device anywhere with internet capabilities.Blogging is a new world creating success.

 I would definitely use blogging in my classroom always following the rules of technology use under that school because it is an easy way to communicate with students and parents. It would allow me as a teacher to start and view discussions on topics discussed in class. Those students who may have had something to share in class that did not  receive a chance or too shy to speak in front of the class can blog to share their thoughts. Blogging will open the mind of students and help with expressing and build their technology skills.

Blogging has so many advantages. Students can blog with questions about assignments and either the teacher or peers can answer back. The teacher can post assignments and important dates to remember on the blog. The disadvantage would be for those who do not have internet access to utilize the blog tool.  There should be rules and consequences to prevent restricted material or comments that sometimes students will share that may not be avoidable from time to time. The teacher should always be observant of the blogs posted.

Here are a few blog sources for future teachers:

http://scholasticadministrator.typepad.com/

http://www.21stcenturycollaborative.com/

http://edulicious.com/

http://successfulteaching.blogspot.com/

Here are a few blog sites that are safe and friendly for the classroom:

http://kidblog.org/

http://edublogs.org/

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/