Blog Post #2

Mr. Dancealot
Professor Dancealot is trying to teach a dance class as a lecture class, and his students aren't learning as they should. This video is a great example of how different classes need to be taught differently. Dancing requires practice, and if the students do nothing but take notes they won't be prepared for their final. I think the author of this video does a great job of showing how one type of teaching style doesn't work for all types of material, and I completely agree with his message. I think teacher should be diverse with their teaching styles according to the material they are teaching and the students they are teaching it to. That is what makes a great teacher.

Teaching in the 21st Century
Roberts believes that teaching in the 21st century requires heavy involvement with technology. As 21st century teachers, we need to be knowledgeable of the many different types of technologies available to us and our students. We need to be able to implement these technologies into our lessons, and we need to be able to show our students what resources are available to them. We will also have to make sure to teach our students to be responsible when using these technologies. Roberts also makes sure to point out that when using these technologies in the classroom we are to make sure we are engaging our students and not just entertaining them. I completely agree with Roberts. I am a huge supporter of technology in the classroom, and I think it is a great tool. Our students will all be used to using technology, so we should be used to it as well. Nowadays one can learn anything using technology, and teachers should embrace this. I intend to use any type of teaching method needed to help my students learn, and if that method involves technology then I will be prepared.

Network Student
This video makes understanding a learning network simple. Although learning networks are great tools, some people wonder why someone would still need a teacher if they have a learning network. Teachers are a part of the learning network. They are the person who shows the students how to develop a learning network. In fact, they are the one person a student can count on to be in their learning network.

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
Vicki Davis is an amazing example of a 21st century teacher. She is integrating technology to make sure her students are learning. Instead of only using paper and pencils, she is teaching with a wide variety of tools. With these tools she is connecting students in rural classroom to the rest of the world. It truly is amazing what we can accomplish with technology. She is teaching all the standards she is supposed to be teaching, but she is teaching them in a way her students can relate to and enjoy. In my opinion, she is a great role model for what a 21st century teacher should be.

Flipping the Classroom
Flipping the classroom allows the student to watch the lesson at home the night before it will be discussed in class. It allows for more time during class for questions, projects, and group work. It also teaches students responsibility. I think this is a great idea. There are so many standards that have to be taught and so little time spent in the classroom. If the student could go over the lesson the night before, and it is actually being taught by the teacher then it allows for more opportunities to make sure the student understands. My only concern is that some students may not access the lesson beforehand like they should. Other than that one concern, I feel like flipping the classroom is a great idea.

Mr. Dancealot
Teaching in the 21st Century
Network Student
Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
Flipping the Classroom