Thing 3 - Using Blogs in Teaching

    Blogs can be very useful in teaching for several reasons. Firstly it could be used to streamline education. For example if I was teaching an 8th grade course in history. I could have a blog laid out and post homework and course assignments directly to that blog. I also would have the ability to post links to related information that the student could use to better understand the topics being covered such as YouTube videos.
    Another plus side to using blogs for teaching are that students can post their homework directly to their own blogs and it can facilitate more of a learning community rather then the normal everyday lecture style that has to be used in most classrooms simply because of time restraints. It also makes connecting with the teacher simpler for the student, and allows for private correspondence as well. We have all hear the saying "the only stupid question is the question you don't ask". However generally it is my belief that students, especially older children refrain from asking some questions in class simply for fear of being looked poorly upon by their peers.
    Finally a blog would give parents the ability to monitor their students progress and what tey are currently learning in class. They would see assignments and feedback from the teacher in real time. Again it makes the teacher more accessible.

Thing 2- Creating a blog

    I decided to use the name CoolSchoolBlog simply because it seemed fitting. I can't really say I could think of anything else at the time. The issue simply is that I have a wee bit of writers block, which causes quite the conundrum, not a serious one but a conundrum none the less. I have never particularly found blogging difficult, in fact I have written many blogs in the past and have always enjoyed blogging, partly because I am a nerd and partly because often times I feel I have plenty of great ideas I want share with the world. I had a great time making my avatar, scrolling through all the possibility made me feel a bit like a kid. I must admit I laughed a good bit. I would say my avatar while looking nothing like me certainly reflects my personality.

THING 1... 7 1/2 habits of successful learning

 Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners


     Life long learning is important to continue to better oneself throughout life. The habit I feel is easiest for me to use regularly is habit 6,"using technology to your advantage". After all these days nearly everyone has a smart phone. I personally use mine everyday and to so so many things. I can readily access information to answer most any question I could possibly thing out. I am able to make voice notes, watch youtube videos, plan things in the calender, set alarms and alerts. In fact I think what would be harder is going back to using a calender, alarm clock, computer, and audio recorder rather then my one small iphone.
     The most difficult habit for me would have to be "view problems as challenges". I get very frustrated when faced with problems. While I am motivated to fix the issue and keep plugging along, it feels more like a burden then a challenge. I am aware this may sound to some to be like apples and oranges, one being negative and the other positive. One the end result being accomplishment and the other being relief...