Charonda O’Bryant-Hopkins
Computer Applications/5541
Prof.Lerman
April 1, 2009
Group Power Point Assessment
Viewing the power point presentations in groups during class was very effective. I enjoyed working in groups of 2 to 3 people to share constructive criticism on each team members’ power point presentation. I felt that working in teams was a critical exercise, which gave me an ideal opportunity to see how each person artistically expressed their topic. Mainly, I enjoyed this group exercise, because team members were able to pinpoint certain strengths and weaknesses in another team mate’s power point presentation. Also, team members were able to use a rubric to score the presentation. I found this to be extremely helpful and valuable to the presenter. Listening to other people’s presentation allowed me to become more open-minded about topics, which I might not have normally considered interesting.
For future reference, I learned that it is better to use fewer words on a slide when developing a power point. Some of my slides had too many words on them, which made the page appear somewhat clustered. After receiving constructive feedback from my group, I learned that less is more. As the professor mentioned in class, an individual has to be able to sell their power point presentation with less words and a wealth of knowledge, instead of being overshadowed by other people reading their power point as they present it. So, from that day, I have revised my power point presentation with fewer words to make it more effectual. Now, I am ready to present it to the class and I have a real knack for doing great power point presentations.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Disrupting Class
Charonda O’Bryant-Hopkins
Prof. J. Lerman
Computer Applications/5541
Disrupting Class
March 11, 2009
As an educator in the American public education system, I found the book Disrupting Class to be a fascinating and persuasive read and a pertinent framework for administrators, teachers, parents and policymakers. Dr. Christiansen and his co-authors challenge reader’s beliefs about learning and teaching in our schools. Disrupting Class is inspiring yet thought provoking and argues the need for institutional change and the need to improve the American public education system.
Two major points that Christiansen discuss which resonates strongly with me, is the importance of adapting teaching techniques to different learning styles and moving schools to a student-centric model through the use of computer-based technology using disruptive innovation theory. Christiansen like Gardner builds his approach to reading instruction rather than the standard public school curriculum. In addition, he believes that technology is the new wave of the 21st century and institutions must embrace innovative learning with interactive educational media, which includes new rich media software and connectivity.
Undoubtedly, I agree with the authors that there are large populations of students who are under served by the current model of education. Many institutions lack structure, a rigorous curriculum, differentiated teaching and are extraneous with many students. Due to the poor infrastructure in many of our educational systems, numerous students have difficulty learning and are unable to comprehend and retain information that is being taught. As a result, many students irregularly attend school or drop out of school. The large percentage of students who do not graduate in the public school system supports my position. Nevertheless, I believe that installing computer-based instruction, which connects individual students with self-paced interactive learning will challenge students critical thinking and cognitive skills and allow them to become more creative.
As a school principal, I am certain that I will try to be resourceful in building partnerships that will provide students with the resources that they need to become successful. Also, I will strive to work with teachers to ensure that are providing students with differentiated instruction and serve as a mentor and coach for teachers. Parents will be provided with current information on educational issues and concerns as they arise. They will receive learning strategy techniques and computer-training classes, which will allow them to stay abreast of the latest technology, so that they could better tutor their child. Everyone will have to be dedicated and work harmoniously. Ultimately, this will give students the confidence that they need to become high achievers, raise test scores, meet AYP and prepare students to move on to two and four year institutions and technical and business schools.
Prof. J. Lerman
Computer Applications/5541
Disrupting Class
March 11, 2009
As an educator in the American public education system, I found the book Disrupting Class to be a fascinating and persuasive read and a pertinent framework for administrators, teachers, parents and policymakers. Dr. Christiansen and his co-authors challenge reader’s beliefs about learning and teaching in our schools. Disrupting Class is inspiring yet thought provoking and argues the need for institutional change and the need to improve the American public education system.
Two major points that Christiansen discuss which resonates strongly with me, is the importance of adapting teaching techniques to different learning styles and moving schools to a student-centric model through the use of computer-based technology using disruptive innovation theory. Christiansen like Gardner builds his approach to reading instruction rather than the standard public school curriculum. In addition, he believes that technology is the new wave of the 21st century and institutions must embrace innovative learning with interactive educational media, which includes new rich media software and connectivity.
Undoubtedly, I agree with the authors that there are large populations of students who are under served by the current model of education. Many institutions lack structure, a rigorous curriculum, differentiated teaching and are extraneous with many students. Due to the poor infrastructure in many of our educational systems, numerous students have difficulty learning and are unable to comprehend and retain information that is being taught. As a result, many students irregularly attend school or drop out of school. The large percentage of students who do not graduate in the public school system supports my position. Nevertheless, I believe that installing computer-based instruction, which connects individual students with self-paced interactive learning will challenge students critical thinking and cognitive skills and allow them to become more creative.
As a school principal, I am certain that I will try to be resourceful in building partnerships that will provide students with the resources that they need to become successful. Also, I will strive to work with teachers to ensure that are providing students with differentiated instruction and serve as a mentor and coach for teachers. Parents will be provided with current information on educational issues and concerns as they arise. They will receive learning strategy techniques and computer-training classes, which will allow them to stay abreast of the latest technology, so that they could better tutor their child. Everyone will have to be dedicated and work harmoniously. Ultimately, this will give students the confidence that they need to become high achievers, raise test scores, meet AYP and prepare students to move on to two and four year institutions and technical and business schools.
Bloom's Hot Exercise
Charonda O’Bryant-Hopkins
Computer Application/5541
Prof. J. Lerman
Bloom’s Hot Exercise
March 10, 2009
The Bloom’s Hot Exercise was very valuable and intuitive. It was a reflective exercise that made me evaluate my leadership style and my teaching style. I particularly enjoyed working in groups. Sometimes, working in groups can be a positive experience and sometimes it can be a nightmare. But in this case, my experience was positive and the members in my group worked collaboratively.
As an educator, primarily, I know the things I will be teaching ahead of time. But, what I don’t always know is how my students will comprehend what I’m teaching. So, this was the perfect exercise to evaluate how individuals interpret questions. This exercise made me perceptive on which questions were high order thinking questions and which ones were lower thinking ones. So, when another group had the opportunity to fine-tune our questions, it became ever clearer if my group’s questions were logical or ambiguous.
By the end of the exercise, I had a newfound appreciation for Bloom. Also, I had a better outlook about which approach I wanted to use when I asked my students questions. More importantly, I realized from this exercise that how one person interprets one thing, is not how another person interprets it. That’s why it’s so important to have good communication between all parties, so that everyone is clear and synchronized.
Computer Application/5541
Prof. J. Lerman
Bloom’s Hot Exercise
March 10, 2009
The Bloom’s Hot Exercise was very valuable and intuitive. It was a reflective exercise that made me evaluate my leadership style and my teaching style. I particularly enjoyed working in groups. Sometimes, working in groups can be a positive experience and sometimes it can be a nightmare. But in this case, my experience was positive and the members in my group worked collaboratively.
As an educator, primarily, I know the things I will be teaching ahead of time. But, what I don’t always know is how my students will comprehend what I’m teaching. So, this was the perfect exercise to evaluate how individuals interpret questions. This exercise made me perceptive on which questions were high order thinking questions and which ones were lower thinking ones. So, when another group had the opportunity to fine-tune our questions, it became ever clearer if my group’s questions were logical or ambiguous.
By the end of the exercise, I had a newfound appreciation for Bloom. Also, I had a better outlook about which approach I wanted to use when I asked my students questions. More importantly, I realized from this exercise that how one person interprets one thing, is not how another person interprets it. That’s why it’s so important to have good communication between all parties, so that everyone is clear and synchronized.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Pump Up Technology in the Classroom
Charonda O’Bryant-Hopkins
Computer Applications/EL5541
Principal’s Blog
Prof. J. Lerman
February 18, 2009
Pump Up Technology in the Classroom
I found the blog “From the principal’s desk” by Jeanette Johnson to be very enriching and informative. I especially enjoyed reading this blog, because it was educational and it came from an administrator’s point of view. It was refreshing to see the goals of a school being discussed on this blog. As an administrator, I think this would be a valuable tool for me to use in the near future. I enjoyed the principal discussing various forms of technology effectively, but yet safely. She stressed the importance of how blogging can be used positively and the downsize of using it negatively. You could see how blogging could get things blown out of context, especially if someone took something “private” and made it too “public”.
This blog was interesting because the author was trying to address parents, teachers, students and administrators about the proper use of technology. She warned adults to monitor students’ actions on the computer. After reading her blog, I learned that some things that are meant for “private” could turn too “public”, if a person is not careful what he or she writes in a blog.
I totally agree with her when she stated,” the guidance of wise adults help individuals navigate their way through the world.” As an administrator, I would like to see my students using technology creatively. I want to learn as much about blogging and other technological tools, which will enable me to better prepare my students for the new century. More importantly, I want to be instrumental in assuring that students are safe and cautious when using the computer.
Computer Applications/EL5541
Principal’s Blog
Prof. J. Lerman
February 18, 2009
Pump Up Technology in the Classroom
I found the blog “From the principal’s desk” by Jeanette Johnson to be very enriching and informative. I especially enjoyed reading this blog, because it was educational and it came from an administrator’s point of view. It was refreshing to see the goals of a school being discussed on this blog. As an administrator, I think this would be a valuable tool for me to use in the near future. I enjoyed the principal discussing various forms of technology effectively, but yet safely. She stressed the importance of how blogging can be used positively and the downsize of using it negatively. You could see how blogging could get things blown out of context, especially if someone took something “private” and made it too “public”.
This blog was interesting because the author was trying to address parents, teachers, students and administrators about the proper use of technology. She warned adults to monitor students’ actions on the computer. After reading her blog, I learned that some things that are meant for “private” could turn too “public”, if a person is not careful what he or she writes in a blog.
I totally agree with her when she stated,” the guidance of wise adults help individuals navigate their way through the world.” As an administrator, I would like to see my students using technology creatively. I want to learn as much about blogging and other technological tools, which will enable me to better prepare my students for the new century. More importantly, I want to be instrumental in assuring that students are safe and cautious when using the computer.
Creative Minds
Charonda O’Bryant-Hopkins
Computer Applications/EL5541
Classroom Blog
Prof. J. Lerman
February 17, 2009
Creative Minds
The blog “Mullum Writers”, which featured creative young writers at Mullum Public School, displayed imaginative and artistic talent. The blog showcased a variety of student’s pictures, artwork, writings, presentations and audio. I was totally impressed by these youngsters ingenuity and how they used technology into their curriculum. There was one poem entitled “Rain”, which was very interesting to read, because it included sound effects of raindrops falling and splashing puddles as you read the poem. In my opinion, the sound effects were the icing on the cake to such a meaningful and reminiscent view of how the rain made the poet feel.
Another show of craftsmanship featured Scratch, which was constructed by a student named Cody. Scratch is an art form, which consists of unique drawings that is transformed into moving art. I found this to be particularly interesting, because it included a theme and audio. I enjoyed Cody’s presentation, because it focused on the food chain and how animals used other creatures to survive day to day. Nevertheless, all the presentations were thought provoking and captured the viewer’s attention.
I must admit that the thought of blogging never really entered my mind before taking this computer class. It’s interesting to read other people’s comments and receive feedback on different subject matters. Also, I have found that blogging can be very resourceful to many teachers. Many educators are willing to share ideas and websites, which can make learning fun and educational for both teachers and students. Blogging is a very powerful tool and should by all means be used to enlighten others constructively.
Computer Applications/EL5541
Classroom Blog
Prof. J. Lerman
February 17, 2009
Creative Minds
The blog “Mullum Writers”, which featured creative young writers at Mullum Public School, displayed imaginative and artistic talent. The blog showcased a variety of student’s pictures, artwork, writings, presentations and audio. I was totally impressed by these youngsters ingenuity and how they used technology into their curriculum. There was one poem entitled “Rain”, which was very interesting to read, because it included sound effects of raindrops falling and splashing puddles as you read the poem. In my opinion, the sound effects were the icing on the cake to such a meaningful and reminiscent view of how the rain made the poet feel.
Another show of craftsmanship featured Scratch, which was constructed by a student named Cody. Scratch is an art form, which consists of unique drawings that is transformed into moving art. I found this to be particularly interesting, because it included a theme and audio. I enjoyed Cody’s presentation, because it focused on the food chain and how animals used other creatures to survive day to day. Nevertheless, all the presentations were thought provoking and captured the viewer’s attention.
I must admit that the thought of blogging never really entered my mind before taking this computer class. It’s interesting to read other people’s comments and receive feedback on different subject matters. Also, I have found that blogging can be very resourceful to many teachers. Many educators are willing to share ideas and websites, which can make learning fun and educational for both teachers and students. Blogging is a very powerful tool and should by all means be used to enlighten others constructively.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Long Tail and New Bloom's Taxonomy and Technology
Charonda O’Bryant-Hopkins
Computer Applications/EL5541
Article: The Long Tail and New Bloom’s Taxonomy and Technology
Prof. J. Lerman
February 4, 2009
The articles “The Long Tail” and “Blooms Taxonomy Blooms Digitally” are both enlightening and educational documents. Both sources are enriched with information that is revealing and provides an in-depth perspective as to how individuals think and apply knowledge, data and concepts. Collectively, the articles display several reasons as to why individual philosophy can dictate a person’s thinking patterns and rationale. More importantly, the articles share a common denominator, which implies that a person cannot understand or apply a concept if he or she does not understand it. However, in spite of their numerous similarities, both articles contrast in their own perspectives.
The article “The Long Tail” is particularly interesting, because it discusses human psychology and the nature of how it is influenced by other people. This article holds true about so many beliefs as to why so many people become gullible. One aspect of the article, which is particularly intriguing, is that everyone is influenced by what they hear and see. If someone endorses a particular book, food or clothing apparel it instantly becomes hot commodity. Several novels are mentioned throughout the article and the extent of their success due to reviews and ingenious marketing. It corroborates how recommendations from what other people write or say can influence what sells. Nevertheless, it reminds us that “word of mouth” attests to just more than just selling books, but our entire economic system.
Economics plays a major role in our society. It is the very thing that drives our demand and supply market. The manner in which people spend their money allows retailers the opportunity to paint a picture of how they feel or think they should spend it. They try to target their audience well. Unfortunately, we live in a society that is intrigued by advertisement and high demands to sell books, movies, entertainment, clothes, etc. Consumers are given so many choices that they are often bewildered and unknowledgeable about many of their purchases. They are influenced by what they see and hear, which ultimately dictates what they will buy.
The article “Blooms Taxonomy Blooms Digitally” is very interesting. Bloom’s Taxonomy has been in existence for decades. More importantly, it is currently discussed and modeled in the educational field. Benjamin Bloom’s work has contributed significantly to education. His cognitive objectives, which focus on Higher Order Thinking Skills and Lower Order Thinking Skills explains the thinking process comprehensively. Bloom’s Higher Order Thinking Skills, which includes; Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation gives individuals the chance to expand the knowledge they have learned. These objectives allow individuals better opportunity to recognize key elements associated with Lower Order Thinking Skills.
Unlike, the processes of thinking in the article “The Long Tail”, individuals are able to apply these objectives by doing instead of just by listening. Bloom’s Lower Order Thinking Skills, which includes; Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analysing, Evaluating and Creating gives a clear understanding on these concepts and why they are pertinent to learning. The most interesting aspect of Bloom’s Taxonomy is that is breaks down each objective, so that students are able to grasp the concept and perform it until it is mastered. Unquestionably, Bloom’s Taxonomy provides a host of examples of how to apply and understand the key terms. This is crucial when it comes to teaching students to validate what they have learned.
Despite the disparities between both articles, each one depicts a different view of the thinking process. Regardless, of which approach has a greater or lesser impact, people are still influenced by what they see, hear, and comprehend. Regrettably, we cannot change every person’s philosophy and how they will perceive issues in our society. But, we can provide them with viable tools that will enhance their knowledge and give them a clearer outlook on how they think, or at least think the way that they do.
Computer Applications/EL5541
Article: The Long Tail and New Bloom’s Taxonomy and Technology
Prof. J. Lerman
February 4, 2009
The articles “The Long Tail” and “Blooms Taxonomy Blooms Digitally” are both enlightening and educational documents. Both sources are enriched with information that is revealing and provides an in-depth perspective as to how individuals think and apply knowledge, data and concepts. Collectively, the articles display several reasons as to why individual philosophy can dictate a person’s thinking patterns and rationale. More importantly, the articles share a common denominator, which implies that a person cannot understand or apply a concept if he or she does not understand it. However, in spite of their numerous similarities, both articles contrast in their own perspectives.
The article “The Long Tail” is particularly interesting, because it discusses human psychology and the nature of how it is influenced by other people. This article holds true about so many beliefs as to why so many people become gullible. One aspect of the article, which is particularly intriguing, is that everyone is influenced by what they hear and see. If someone endorses a particular book, food or clothing apparel it instantly becomes hot commodity. Several novels are mentioned throughout the article and the extent of their success due to reviews and ingenious marketing. It corroborates how recommendations from what other people write or say can influence what sells. Nevertheless, it reminds us that “word of mouth” attests to just more than just selling books, but our entire economic system.
Economics plays a major role in our society. It is the very thing that drives our demand and supply market. The manner in which people spend their money allows retailers the opportunity to paint a picture of how they feel or think they should spend it. They try to target their audience well. Unfortunately, we live in a society that is intrigued by advertisement and high demands to sell books, movies, entertainment, clothes, etc. Consumers are given so many choices that they are often bewildered and unknowledgeable about many of their purchases. They are influenced by what they see and hear, which ultimately dictates what they will buy.
The article “Blooms Taxonomy Blooms Digitally” is very interesting. Bloom’s Taxonomy has been in existence for decades. More importantly, it is currently discussed and modeled in the educational field. Benjamin Bloom’s work has contributed significantly to education. His cognitive objectives, which focus on Higher Order Thinking Skills and Lower Order Thinking Skills explains the thinking process comprehensively. Bloom’s Higher Order Thinking Skills, which includes; Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation gives individuals the chance to expand the knowledge they have learned. These objectives allow individuals better opportunity to recognize key elements associated with Lower Order Thinking Skills.
Unlike, the processes of thinking in the article “The Long Tail”, individuals are able to apply these objectives by doing instead of just by listening. Bloom’s Lower Order Thinking Skills, which includes; Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analysing, Evaluating and Creating gives a clear understanding on these concepts and why they are pertinent to learning. The most interesting aspect of Bloom’s Taxonomy is that is breaks down each objective, so that students are able to grasp the concept and perform it until it is mastered. Unquestionably, Bloom’s Taxonomy provides a host of examples of how to apply and understand the key terms. This is crucial when it comes to teaching students to validate what they have learned.
Despite the disparities between both articles, each one depicts a different view of the thinking process. Regardless, of which approach has a greater or lesser impact, people are still influenced by what they see, hear, and comprehend. Regrettably, we cannot change every person’s philosophy and how they will perceive issues in our society. But, we can provide them with viable tools that will enhance their knowledge and give them a clearer outlook on how they think, or at least think the way that they do.
The World Is Flat
Charonda O’Bryant-Hopkins
Computer Applications/EL5541
Article: The World is Flat
Prof. J. Lerman
February 4, 2009
At one time, the United States dominated our country with cultural, integral and high quality education. But, now we have immensely plummeted behind in technology and our academe. This is primarily due to technology globalization, which has leveled the playing field with American schooling. Today’s youth are forced to excel immensely in our schools and become even more competitive in a global society, especially if they want to dominate the workplace in their respective field. The article “The World is Flat” enlighten readers with informative and resourceful information, as to why other countries, who once lagged far behind in technology and infrastructure, such as India, Bangalore, China, Soviet Union, and Vietnam have now surpassed the United States.
America’s youth are struggling to achieve academic success in school and stay abreast of new technology in souk. Unfortunately, many students are not technology savvy and lack the apparatus to compete against students in other countries, who are using advance technology into their curriculum. Today’s school administrators are faced with challenging demands that warrant effective leadership, solid decision-making skills and improving their schools curriculum and infrastructure. By infusing technology into the classroom consistently and staying cognizant of what their competitors are doing, they can properly prepare students to meet these challenges. Ultimately, the choices that administrators make affect not only school personnel, but also the entire student body. School administrators should have a clear vision for their school and possess knowledge, hindsight, and clairvoyance, to help them meet these expectations.
In order to keep the playing field at a minimal level, administration has to alleviate the concept of students just doing the minimum to get ahead, and raise the bar, so that all students can be prepared to meet life challenges. Therefore, schools need to churn out highly qualified teachers who are competent and willing to take risks to help students become high achievers. The future success of any school relies on the investment of their human capital. In order to eliminate destruction to an individual’s educational development and diffuse educational disparities, administrators have to be role models, instructional leaders and trendsetters. But more importantly, they should be change agents are conscious and capable of effectively preparing students for the 21st century.
Computer Applications/EL5541
Article: The World is Flat
Prof. J. Lerman
February 4, 2009
At one time, the United States dominated our country with cultural, integral and high quality education. But, now we have immensely plummeted behind in technology and our academe. This is primarily due to technology globalization, which has leveled the playing field with American schooling. Today’s youth are forced to excel immensely in our schools and become even more competitive in a global society, especially if they want to dominate the workplace in their respective field. The article “The World is Flat” enlighten readers with informative and resourceful information, as to why other countries, who once lagged far behind in technology and infrastructure, such as India, Bangalore, China, Soviet Union, and Vietnam have now surpassed the United States.
America’s youth are struggling to achieve academic success in school and stay abreast of new technology in souk. Unfortunately, many students are not technology savvy and lack the apparatus to compete against students in other countries, who are using advance technology into their curriculum. Today’s school administrators are faced with challenging demands that warrant effective leadership, solid decision-making skills and improving their schools curriculum and infrastructure. By infusing technology into the classroom consistently and staying cognizant of what their competitors are doing, they can properly prepare students to meet these challenges. Ultimately, the choices that administrators make affect not only school personnel, but also the entire student body. School administrators should have a clear vision for their school and possess knowledge, hindsight, and clairvoyance, to help them meet these expectations.
In order to keep the playing field at a minimal level, administration has to alleviate the concept of students just doing the minimum to get ahead, and raise the bar, so that all students can be prepared to meet life challenges. Therefore, schools need to churn out highly qualified teachers who are competent and willing to take risks to help students become high achievers. The future success of any school relies on the investment of their human capital. In order to eliminate destruction to an individual’s educational development and diffuse educational disparities, administrators have to be role models, instructional leaders and trendsetters. But more importantly, they should be change agents are conscious and capable of effectively preparing students for the 21st century.
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