School Blogs in U.S

The first page I found was Barber Middle School teacher web blogs, which has allows all teachers and staff at this middle school the opportunity to post a blog describing there position, and a little about them. You can click the links below each teacher and go to his or her personal blog page where they have updates of there classes posted and you can also email them. http://barber.typepad.com/

The other website I found was Gaggle Blogs which are a way for students and educators to interact with each other this site is safe and filtered. Students sign up with free and can post blogs or search teachers blogs. There are also useful links to popular blogs, this is a safe convenient way for students to expand there knowledge and interact with others. https://gaggle.net/gen?_template=/templates/gaggle/html/blog/index.jsp

LINK

Google Drops the Other Shoe, Plans to Sell Online Books
http://government.zdnet.com/?p=4884

Changing the Way We Think

This article discusses how the use of computers change the way our brains work, it is argued how the visual stimulus we get from screen-based information differs from that of paper or books. Over time books are becoming less and less used as sources of obtaining information. Children in schools are learning more from online programs and sources. Nick Carr states that his use of computers have changed the way he thinks, that he does not think the way he used to. I believe the use of computers has had this kind of effect on everyone in some way or form. It is stated that through the internet we are only receiving bite size bits of information, which is true but through the internet you are able to gain information that you may not have access to any other way. The argument between the use of internet and books has both pros and cons, it depends on the individual and there learning style.

GDrive

Google is working on creating the GDrive which will replace the desktop computer. I think that in many ways this is a wonderful idea it will be free to all people, and you can retrieve your information on any computer with out having a jump drive or cd to save it on. I guess the main down fall would be if the main server through google crashed everyone would be with out, but you have the same chance with a desktop and a jump drive failing also. I am interested to see how everyone accepts this change and if it will really hold up to support the whole world.

ACCESS or Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide is an online way for students to further there education with classes that might not be offered at there school. This website finds very qualified teachers to teach a subject in there local area or even over the computer to students who are registered for the class. This program is beneficial in many ways it allows teachers and students to be come more up to date with new technologies and further there acknowledged. It is also very good for school is more rural areas that may not have particular subject or even teachers to teach them. This program is a guarantee that all students will have the same opportunities as others. I look forward to being able to show expose students and parents to this program and how it can help.

ALEX

ALEX or Alabama Learning Exchange is an online tool for teachers, parents, and students. This website is free, and a great way to keep up with new teaching methods and curriculum. This website is very well organized with easy to use links, ALEX offers links and information on any subject for all grade levels. Teachers are able to create an account on ALEX and create lesson plans to store and save for future reference, or for other teachers, this is a great way for teachers to share teaching methods and ideas. There is also a link for other websites that can be targeted for a teacher in one specific area, or even a student to find other options of learning, or help they may need. As a future teacher I look forward to using this website to further my knowledge and skills, and also sharing this with my students, it will be a great way for me to collaborate with other educators.

First Blog

Hello everyone! This is my first blog for my summer 2009 class at the University of South Alabama. Feel free to check out my upcoming blogs.