Group Project

So we have a group project to do and I am the team leader...oh boy. Along with Kristin, Lindsay and Nichole we are the PODCAST group...woohoo! Anyways, when we first met we were all a bit confused as to what a podcast is and what it does and such. From there we figured out what we are going to do for our podcast. Our audio podcast will be a brief explanation as to what a podcast is, what you can use it for, how to get it and so on. Our video podcast will be us showing everyone how to make a podcast. We figured if we did something like this we would be able to help other people that may feel the way we do, confused about the world of podcasts. Hopefully it will work out the way we want it to!

Well then...

Well now that I feel stupid I am back to blogging. I had a hard time signing onto this blog and come to find out I was doing it all wrong...go figure. Anyways so our reation that was due yesterday on the readings and videos, well here it is enjoy....

So, technology is the new it thing huh? Well, then looks like I have some learning to do. I was blown away when Will Richardson said that his class is almost paperless. I believe my jaw dropped…it’s English, how is your class paperless? It looks like I better brush up on my technological skills and figure out more about this whole blog world.
At first after reading everything we had to and watched everything we had to, I was a little bitter at the whole advancement in technology. It just seems very odd that a class can be done completely online, especially an English class. It is an awesome thing that Richardson has done and I feel it is a great way to get all of the students connected in a way that they are not divided by cliques or who is or isn’t smart. On a blog everyone can be themselves and react to what other people have to say without feeling stupid or putting the other person on the spot. I feel being a future teacher it would be a great experience for my students to blog with another English class at their level from some where else across the country, sort of what we did in our 374 class. They would each have their own individual blogs and a “blog buddy” they keep in contact with, then a blog for both of our classes. After watching Richardson’s videos it made me think of what I can eventually do with my class. I feel though that some students would be reluctant to the whole blog world possibly because they do not have the internet or a computer at home, possibly sports or other after school activities, maybe work for other classes would hold them back, or maybe they just would not like that. I would love to know how Richardson enforces the blogging in his class and how he grades them with the blogging.
With the articles we had to read online I was very surprised with the fact that kids today are considered “Content Creators.” They are considered that if they have created a blog, a webpage, or even if they share music. Technology today is opening a whole new world for the future generations to learn and communicate.

NCATE Standards Reaction

I found the 7 standards to the NCATE very interesting. It is putting a HUGE emphasis on how important technology is in the classroom. Now, with new technologies out and everything being upgraded to an intense state, it is hard for everyone to keep up, especially teachers. Not only are they in a classroom from 8'ish-3'ish 5 days a week, they also have the after ours work that they have to do such as grade papers, tests, lesson plans, etc... It seems as if teachers these days would have to be in workshops more than not, so that they could be taught how to use the new technologies that are required for their classrooms. Yes, the new technologies are great, but when someone is comfortable with the way they teach why make them sit through something that they do not want and or need? I don't know maybe I read the standards wrong. Everything is great with the technology, don't get me wrong, I feel it is just very time consuming for teachers to deal with.

Welcome All!!

So, where to begin. I'm Ashley Pichura and I'm currently a Junior at SUNY Cortland studying Adolescence Education concentrating in English. Yes, most people would say English is for nerds, however, I like to disagree because I am far from a nerd. This log has been prompted by my ENG 307 professor...Karen Stearns, we will see how good this goes, this whole blog thing seems a bit technological for me. I mean I do well with computers and all, but iMac and iMovies and such, I might find myself half way around the world lost in everything.

Many events have occurred in my life to steer me away from the whole English teacher idea. I have thought about going into nursing if I do not pursue my career in being a teacher. Either way, both professions will be extremely gratifying. Hey, who knows, I could be a teacher during the school year and a nurse by summer.

So, why English? No idea? I was debating between English and History and I chose English. I have always loved creative writing and short stories, now that I am in my third year here at Cortland, I have come to realize that English has a WHOLE other aspect to it. I realized I am not as good of a writer as I thought I was (therefore I'm pretty sure I have many grammar errors) or reader for that matter and that frustrates me to no end.

Now, more on a personal note I will write about myself so that everyone can learn more about me. I am from a city outside of Binghamton called Johnson City, home of the Wildcats. I am extremely close with my family. The past two years have been rough, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer on April 1st, 2005 and my mom with breast cancer on March 7th, 2006. These were pivotal points in my life that made me grow up and realize what life if really about. It is sad though that it was events like this that opened my eyes to the real world. My friends and family is what I live for and they make each day better and better. I would not have my life any other way right now.

Anyways, time to go, new things to do in ENG 307 instructed by kstearns....until next time folks!