If I had to choose two of the sites off the list provided they would have to be: wikispaces as well as google docs. The reason behind choosing google docs would be so that multiple students could work collaboratively on one project while staying connected through a word document. Google docs would also allow a students essay or project to be edited through the computer instead of a back in forth with paper. I would also use wikispaces to create a wiki for my class. Here the students would have access to the documents of class as well as resources they could use for the class. Also students would be able to create projects and then publish them on the site, sharing there ideas and thoughts about different topics. Overall I feel that I could integrate both sites completely into my classroom.
References:
Ablett, Eric. (2005). Retrieved from www.wikispaces.com
www.docs.google.com
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Week 5 T2P
If students are able to make a connection to the content that is being taught, then they will become intrinsically motivated to complete the task on hand. By creating hot cognition (when there is emotion involved, intrinsic motivation occurs) it is easier for students to become more engaged within the class discussion. When students are able to make those connections and then broaden there own ideas about a topic there intrinsic motivation is pushed even further then before making them seeking as much information as they can get. In George Siemens theory of connectivism he says that by giving students the ability to make connections through networking is a great because it causes some form of hot cognition. Through his theory he gives the students opportunities to make connections with others from all walks of life, coming together about a particular topic. By allowing students to see different opinions from others, he is giving his students the opportunity to create intrinsic motivation; by finding a thought or connection from another and relating to it. I believe that it is important for students have some form of intrinsic motivation, even if it is the smallest amount. Through connectivism students are able to see opinions and ideas of others and then draw there own conclusions, sparking hot cognition. Being passionate about a particular topic or issue (intrinsically motivated) will both help you find out what you are interested in as well as help others see another side of a topic. Not only will you be able to share you motivations through connectivism but see others ideas as well.
A Good Teacher...
A good teacher is.... someone who has the ability to see each students as a individual and treat them as such, this meaning that they are willing to change their way of teaching to meet all of their students needs. This teacher will be able to offer group work, as well as individual work into the classroom.Also someone who able to incorporate both curriculum as well as life skills into the classroom. I think that this is important because, you are not just preparing students with the content of your subject; you are also a role model in some way, shape or form. Being able to give them those life skills such as good public speaking skills, and something as simple as a hand shake will help throughout there life; outside of school. Another value would be the teachers ability to allow critical thinking in there class, not making everything black and white more of a gray. Students need to be able to think for themselves and come up with there own ideas, as well as backup those ideas with research. A good teacher should also be able to keep the classroom at a positive end, this making the learning environment easier for the students to learn in. Allowing students to create there own values as well as beliefs and ideas and then helping that student understand why they think that way.
If students are able to work both in a social learning environment, as well as individually. Then they are able to grow both socially as well as being able to internalize information and make their own ideas. Students who are given the opportunity to work collaboratively with other students are able to learn from there peers, as well as take away others ideas and form their own opinions. Vygostky has the social development theory, he believes that much of our education is done through through a social atmosphere. For example with his idea of ZPD (zone of proximal development) he says that through the guidance of another; a student can go from the unknown to known and during that time learning occurs. On the same hand he says that also through internalization higher learning is achieved, by allowing the student to take in information and then giving them time to process that on their own; it will lead to higher thinking. I believe that both social interaction among students is a great learning tool to have, just as much as the individual thought process. I think that through others you can learn different ideas and hear about their experiences and take away from them. Also that being able to take the time to step back and think about the different ideas you have learned that day, will allow you to make your own assumptions and ideas about that particular topic. Although working in a group and taking ideas form others is a way of forming your own ideas and values, it is important for a student to have there own value system. Being able to understand why you think a certain way is important for students to know because then when they get into that big group, they are able to defend why they think a certain way and why there beliefs differ from others based on there values.
If students are able to work both in a social learning environment, as well as individually. Then they are able to grow both socially as well as being able to internalize information and make their own ideas. Students who are given the opportunity to work collaboratively with other students are able to learn from there peers, as well as take away others ideas and form their own opinions. Vygostky has the social development theory, he believes that much of our education is done through through a social atmosphere. For example with his idea of ZPD (zone of proximal development) he says that through the guidance of another; a student can go from the unknown to known and during that time learning occurs. On the same hand he says that also through internalization higher learning is achieved, by allowing the student to take in information and then giving them time to process that on their own; it will lead to higher thinking. I believe that both social interaction among students is a great learning tool to have, just as much as the individual thought process. I think that through others you can learn different ideas and hear about their experiences and take away from them. Also that being able to take the time to step back and think about the different ideas you have learned that day, will allow you to make your own assumptions and ideas about that particular topic. Although working in a group and taking ideas form others is a way of forming your own ideas and values, it is important for a student to have there own value system. Being able to understand why you think a certain way is important for students to know because then when they get into that big group, they are able to defend why they think a certain way and why there beliefs differ from others based on there values.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Week 4 EDCI 5825 (HW)
Examples of technology/tool that you would recommend for a student with:
Hearing Impairment: For a student with a hearing impairment, technology can be a great advance for him or her. One possible piece of technology that can be used is giving the student a microphone that is has a connection between you and there hearing aid. This allowing the student to hear your voice louder than the, rest of the students who are listening. Also I would think about using a e-reader this would allow the student to keep up with the lecture without having to always work so hard to listen, and keep up with the rest of the class; they would have everything right there in front of them.
Low-Vision: For a student with a vision problem I would recommend two different types of technology; one being a e-reader and the daisy system. The e-reader would allow the student to have the information right there in front of them and be able to zoom into the text. Also with the daisy system they can listen to the lecture instead of having read, this allowing them to keep up and not fall behind; due to there trouble seeing.
Broken Right Arm: For a student who has a broken arm, I would recommend speech recognition technology. This would allow the student to keep up in the class with all of there written work such as worksheet, essays, etc. When the student speaks into the microphone, the computer puts there words into a document, this will give that child the ability, to be on the same playing field as the rest of the students.
Autism (non-hearing communicative): For a child with autism there are a few different pieces of technology I would recommend for the classroom: computer aac and potable aac. In a since they are all the same, however instead of using the traditional Velcro picture board, your student can now either have the software on a computer or a portable device. I think the nicest part about this software is the portable aspect. The student will be able to communicate where ever they may be, this will help them mainstream in traditional life. The article tells us that it "is now believed that regardless of an individual’s disability or the severity of that disability, all nonspeaking individuals should be given the benefit of augmentative communication consideration”(wikibooks 2009, p.1). I feel that this statement is 100% correct, even though a student cannot communicate verbally does not mean that they, don't have anything to say.
Wikibooks. (2009). Assistive technology in education. Retrieved from http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Assistive_Technology_in_Education/DAISY
Hearing Impairment: For a student with a hearing impairment, technology can be a great advance for him or her. One possible piece of technology that can be used is giving the student a microphone that is has a connection between you and there hearing aid. This allowing the student to hear your voice louder than the, rest of the students who are listening. Also I would think about using a e-reader this would allow the student to keep up with the lecture without having to always work so hard to listen, and keep up with the rest of the class; they would have everything right there in front of them.
Low-Vision: For a student with a vision problem I would recommend two different types of technology; one being a e-reader and the daisy system. The e-reader would allow the student to have the information right there in front of them and be able to zoom into the text. Also with the daisy system they can listen to the lecture instead of having read, this allowing them to keep up and not fall behind; due to there trouble seeing.
Broken Right Arm: For a student who has a broken arm, I would recommend speech recognition technology. This would allow the student to keep up in the class with all of there written work such as worksheet, essays, etc. When the student speaks into the microphone, the computer puts there words into a document, this will give that child the ability, to be on the same playing field as the rest of the students.
Autism (non-hearing communicative): For a child with autism there are a few different pieces of technology I would recommend for the classroom: computer aac and potable aac. In a since they are all the same, however instead of using the traditional Velcro picture board, your student can now either have the software on a computer or a portable device. I think the nicest part about this software is the portable aspect. The student will be able to communicate where ever they may be, this will help them mainstream in traditional life. The article tells us that it "is now believed that regardless of an individual’s disability or the severity of that disability, all nonspeaking individuals should be given the benefit of augmentative communication consideration”(wikibooks 2009, p.1). I feel that this statement is 100% correct, even though a student cannot communicate verbally does not mean that they, don't have anything to say.
Wikibooks. (2009). Assistive technology in education. Retrieved from http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Assistive_Technology_in_Education/DAISY
Monday, June 20, 2011
Week 4 t2p and reflection
1. If students are able to work both in a social learning environment, as well as individually. Then they are able to grow both socially as well as being able to internalize information and make their own ideas. Students who are given the opportunity to work collaboratively with other students are able to learn from there peers, as well as take away others ideas and form their own opinions. Vygostky has the social development theory, he believes that much of our education is done through through a social atmosphere. For example with his idea of ZPD (zone of proximal development) he says that through the guidance of another; a student can go from the unknown to known and during that time learning occurs. On the same hand he says that also through internalization high learning is achieved, by allowing the student to take in information and then giving them time to process that on their own; it will lead to higher thinking. I believe that both social interaction among students is a great learning tool to have, just as much as the individual thought process. I think that through others you can learn different ideas and hear about their experiences and take away from them. Also that being able to take the time to step back and think about the different ideas you have learned that day, will allow you to make your own assumptions and ideas about that particular topic.
If...Then...Because...Evidence....My Beliefs
2. If students are given the opportunity to work with a wide range of other students from a variety of different backgrounds such as: ethnicity, economic standing, regional locations as well as cultural beliefs.
Then this allow them to not only learn from others experiences, by take away a different perspective on a certain topic they are discussing and making them become more interested in the topic at hand. Given these opportunities student will be able to formulate different ideas and their own values based on many different ideas coming form a variety of people. Also they can gain experience through communication, with the different students. As they become involved they are wanting to do more on their own, creating intrinsic motivation. Viki Davis gives her students the opportunity to take part in this, she gives her students the tools to connect with other students across the world; this allowing them to discuss different topics that they are learning about. Also by allowing the students to interact with each other, they can learn so much and thus they become intrinsically motivated; due to their desire to learn more.
I believe that by allowing student to become interesting in a topic, they then will become more willing to do work, and research on their own.
If...Then...Because...Evidence....My Beliefs
3. Being able to learn about all of the different theorist an their different ideas about education, is very interesting. Each one has different ideas but they also have many similarities between them. Out of all the theorist that we have learned about thus far, I don't think that there is one that I agree with more than another. There are bits and pieces that I want to take from and create a whole new theory. I appreciate fro the most part how they all believe that each student is an individual and that they all bring something to the table. I think that it is very important for each student to contribute something to the group no matter how small or big. Each student brings uniqueness to the group and should be treated as if so.
If students are each treated as unique individual and there education is well rounded. Then they become not only a more adaptable students, enabling them to change in any given situation; they will also be able to shine as a individual. Many of the theorist such as Lave tells us that learning occurs mainly in part form interacting with others. Also that being in a social environment students can learn from each others uniqueness. We should not however only lean towards are learning preference, we should try to branch out a be able to adapt in any situation. Gardner tells us that as students we will tend to stay in our comfort zone but as teachers is our job to expose are students to a variety of learning styles, thus making them easily adaptable. I believe that is important to treat each student as an individual, and try to reach all of there needs, however as a teacher It is my job to expose them to many different preferences of learning. Also noticing that each student has something to bring to the table, that not only the other students can learn form but me as a teacher as well.
If...Then...Because...Evidence....My Beliefs
Link to spreadsheet
If...Then...Because...Evidence....My Beliefs
2. If students are given the opportunity to work with a wide range of other students from a variety of different backgrounds such as: ethnicity, economic standing, regional locations as well as cultural beliefs.
Then this allow them to not only learn from others experiences, by take away a different perspective on a certain topic they are discussing and making them become more interested in the topic at hand. Given these opportunities student will be able to formulate different ideas and their own values based on many different ideas coming form a variety of people. Also they can gain experience through communication, with the different students. As they become involved they are wanting to do more on their own, creating intrinsic motivation. Viki Davis gives her students the opportunity to take part in this, she gives her students the tools to connect with other students across the world; this allowing them to discuss different topics that they are learning about. Also by allowing the students to interact with each other, they can learn so much and thus they become intrinsically motivated; due to their desire to learn more.
I believe that by allowing student to become interesting in a topic, they then will become more willing to do work, and research on their own.
If...Then...Because...Evidence....My Beliefs
3. Being able to learn about all of the different theorist an their different ideas about education, is very interesting. Each one has different ideas but they also have many similarities between them. Out of all the theorist that we have learned about thus far, I don't think that there is one that I agree with more than another. There are bits and pieces that I want to take from and create a whole new theory. I appreciate fro the most part how they all believe that each student is an individual and that they all bring something to the table. I think that it is very important for each student to contribute something to the group no matter how small or big. Each student brings uniqueness to the group and should be treated as if so.
If students are each treated as unique individual and there education is well rounded. Then they become not only a more adaptable students, enabling them to change in any given situation; they will also be able to shine as a individual. Many of the theorist such as Lave tells us that learning occurs mainly in part form interacting with others. Also that being in a social environment students can learn from each others uniqueness. We should not however only lean towards are learning preference, we should try to branch out a be able to adapt in any situation. Gardner tells us that as students we will tend to stay in our comfort zone but as teachers is our job to expose are students to a variety of learning styles, thus making them easily adaptable. I believe that is important to treat each student as an individual, and try to reach all of there needs, however as a teacher It is my job to expose them to many different preferences of learning. Also noticing that each student has something to bring to the table, that not only the other students can learn form but me as a teacher as well.
If...Then...Because...Evidence....My Beliefs
Link to spreadsheet
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Week 3 EDCI5825
Being able to use collaborative projects is something I know that I am going to incorporate in my classroom. ONe example that I have been thinking about is having the students do a project on canine influenza in my veterinary science class. Canine influenza is a fast moving epidemic now hitting dogs in the north. It would be interesting to have the students do a project, and compile information to see if they can track the progression form the south to the northern states.
Another example is for our CDE contest. Students would be able to gather information form other students on a particular contest and compare notes. This aiding everyone in being prepared for the contest with a wide variety of new information form different FFA chapters.
For students in the agricultural industry these projects can make a difference, and allow them to "build relationships with others to pose and solve problems collaboratively and cross culturally" (Shrum & B, 2010) Because agriculture is always changing by see another side of a problem or issue, it will allow students to become knowledgable about that problem or issue.
Work Cited
Schrum, L, & B., B. (2010). Leading 21st-century schools: harnessing technology for engagement and achievement. Corwin Press.
Week 3 T2P
Class this week was very interesting to see all the different types of theorist, and how they are all very much different but similar at the same time. I have Vygosty and he focused mainly on social development, we incorporated this in our group work. After leaving class I realize how important that working in groups can be to students. I like the idea of groups of students working on a topic but having different articles or people to read about, and then collaborate ideas. I defiantly think that I can use this in my class in the future, for example I could have the students working a topic such as canine influenza but have them read different articles. Then at the end of class have them all work together to explain all the information they have gathered. Also with Erikson's stages even though they are somewhat concrete you can still revisit any of them at any time to improve upon yourself. For example one that I could see is trust, being able to trust is a big thing, and can be very easily won by certain people and at the same time easily lost by others. So by being able to revisit that is great because if you couldn't then there would be many mistrusting people around us.
If students are able to work both in a social learning environment, as well as individually. Then they are able to grow both socially as well as being able to internalize information and make their own ideas. Students who are given the opportunity to work collaboratively with other students are able to learn from there peers, as well as take away others ideas and form their own opinions.
If students are able to work both in a social learning environment, as well as individually. Then they are able to grow both socially as well as being able to internalize information and make their own ideas. Students who are given the opportunity to work collaboratively with other students are able to learn from there peers, as well as take away others ideas and form their own opinions.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Week 3 LTI
1. What is the "stimulus response" theory of behavior?
Level: 2
The stimulus response theory is when a student is given a stimulus they respond to that stimuli in a particular way. For example when the lights are turned off in the class room the students become quiet, the stimulus if the lights going off and the response is the students being quiet.
2. Using the four different learning theories, compose a general definition of the "cohesive picture of learning" as described in kruse's article?
Level: 2
It is important that we take into consideration the different experiences that each and every one of the students bring to table. As teachers is is important to not cater towards are students learning preferences, in fact we should realize that they are that way because of who they are. We should try to expose them to other ways of learning to make them a more rounded learner. Also that the process that the students go through is all the same, just how they approach it is different based on there backgrounds and experiences.
3. Predict what a one-year-old child might do when he discovers a stuffed teddy bear plays his favorite song when you squeeze the paw?
Level: 5
In my opinion I don't think that they will make any real connection that if you squeeze the paw then the bear will play a song. I think that they will just see the bear and then hear the music, and make the connection that the bear will sing a song but that is it.
Level: 2
The stimulus response theory is when a student is given a stimulus they respond to that stimuli in a particular way. For example when the lights are turned off in the class room the students become quiet, the stimulus if the lights going off and the response is the students being quiet.
2. Using the four different learning theories, compose a general definition of the "cohesive picture of learning" as described in kruse's article?
Level: 2
It is important that we take into consideration the different experiences that each and every one of the students bring to table. As teachers is is important to not cater towards are students learning preferences, in fact we should realize that they are that way because of who they are. We should try to expose them to other ways of learning to make them a more rounded learner. Also that the process that the students go through is all the same, just how they approach it is different based on there backgrounds and experiences.
3. Predict what a one-year-old child might do when he discovers a stuffed teddy bear plays his favorite song when you squeeze the paw?
Level: 5
In my opinion I don't think that they will make any real connection that if you squeeze the paw then the bear will play a song. I think that they will just see the bear and then hear the music, and make the connection that the bear will sing a song but that is it.
Monday, June 6, 2011
EDCI 5065 Week 2
If students are allowed freedom to interpret information given to them then the understanding of that information is clear because they can process it in there own unique way.
Second class down and still going great. The one big idea that changed for me today was when we were doing our concept maps over again. My group brainstormed this for a bit and changed our idea of learning form being a core concept to more of a process. This was very interesting, because after completing it; the map was much clearer. It was not only easier for the eye to look at but, much more organized. Also again the discussions on the readings, were very interesting to see all of the different opinions and ideas that everyone brings to the table. Also being able to watch how others teach and break down there teaching styles gave a better idea of what that really looks likes, and how we need to make sure that we are reaching all of the students in the classroom.
Second class down and still going great. The one big idea that changed for me today was when we were doing our concept maps over again. My group brainstormed this for a bit and changed our idea of learning form being a core concept to more of a process. This was very interesting, because after completing it; the map was much clearer. It was not only easier for the eye to look at but, much more organized. Also again the discussions on the readings, were very interesting to see all of the different opinions and ideas that everyone brings to the table. Also being able to watch how others teach and break down there teaching styles gave a better idea of what that really looks likes, and how we need to make sure that we are reaching all of the students in the classroom.
EDCI 5065 Week 1
The energy level of the class was at a high all day long. There were so many different activities going on and group work as well an individual work. Being able to not only work independently but going along with other students is very helpful. This is so because, you have someone to bounce ideas off of and discuss different ideas. Also for the most part everyone was constantly on task, a few times not but then easily re focused. Being able to know there are some many different ways to get the information across was great; also the different assessments such as discussions. It is wonderful having so many different people all geared towards on common goal. This allows for better discussion and activities in my opinion. Being able to think critically was a big part of the day. Being more aware of myself as a learner will be an advantage to me in the long run. As a teacher you are still a learner and how you learn will most like be the way you come across in your teaching. For example if you are more cognitive you will tend to lecture and have more memorization. Being aware of this, you may call issue is good; It will allow you to recognize this and make changes to your lesson accordingly. Overall I think if the energy can stay this high for the next 5 weeks all will be good.
If a student know how a learning activity fits into the overall course curriculum then, they will be more motivated to do the activity because they will see the purpose behind it, and how it incorporated into the course.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
EDIC 5825 (similarities/differences)
Similarities:
All of these different internet sources are in my opinion reaching one goal getting the students to work together.
Through the inquiry and the project students can choose to work together or alone is they choose to.
Both the project and inquiry allow student to work independently but then can put all of there findings together and look at how they relate.
Along with getting students to work together it also allows them to get a better understanding of the internet.
Not only are these a great advantage for the student but this allows students to become fully engaged an in tune with the class, instead of sitting there listening to the teacher just lecturing to them .
Differences:
The workshops are unlike the others because this is more of a tutorial. The workshop allows students to learn about different aspects of the Internet, and how to use it.
Along with the workshops the web quest also is different from the others, this is more of key tool for the teacher.
Also project is meant for many students to work together.
For my student teaching, I have been given all of the classes that I will be teaching, so that I can start to develop my plans for each one of the classes. I know that I will be teaching two classes of each: dog management and pet care. I have already starting working wither, seeing how I have just got of an internship with her at that school. I know that there is technology for power points but that is about it, there are no smart boards or anything like that.
Most of these different uses of technology I will be able to use in my classroom. The one in particular that would be very useful would have to be the projects. This allow my students to work collaboratively with other students around the US on a current issues topic. FOr example with the more recent outbreak of canine heart worm becoming more prevalent in the norther states. It would give students the opportunity to talk with students in other states to track the progression of this fatal issue. This would make a great project for students connect about and make predictions, and asses the current issue and make predictions about the future.
All of these different internet sources are in my opinion reaching one goal getting the students to work together.
Through the inquiry and the project students can choose to work together or alone is they choose to.
Both the project and inquiry allow student to work independently but then can put all of there findings together and look at how they relate.
Along with getting students to work together it also allows them to get a better understanding of the internet.
Not only are these a great advantage for the student but this allows students to become fully engaged an in tune with the class, instead of sitting there listening to the teacher just lecturing to them .
Differences:
The workshops are unlike the others because this is more of a tutorial. The workshop allows students to learn about different aspects of the Internet, and how to use it.
Along with the workshops the web quest also is different from the others, this is more of key tool for the teacher.
Also project is meant for many students to work together.
For my student teaching, I have been given all of the classes that I will be teaching, so that I can start to develop my plans for each one of the classes. I know that I will be teaching two classes of each: dog management and pet care. I have already starting working wither, seeing how I have just got of an internship with her at that school. I know that there is technology for power points but that is about it, there are no smart boards or anything like that.
Most of these different uses of technology I will be able to use in my classroom. The one in particular that would be very useful would have to be the projects. This allow my students to work collaboratively with other students around the US on a current issues topic. FOr example with the more recent outbreak of canine heart worm becoming more prevalent in the norther states. It would give students the opportunity to talk with students in other states to track the progression of this fatal issue. This would make a great project for students connect about and make predictions, and asses the current issue and make predictions about the future.
EDIC 5065 WK2 (Agricultural Resources)
1. www.usda.gov
The USDA is an important resource for anyone going into the agricultural field. It is a great place to find ideas about anything relating to agriculture. It can provide new information regarding animal safety/ health, also teachers can use this site to find lesson plans; the help is endless. From the USDA website students will be able to see the all the different aspects that encompasses agriculture. It will help to open their eyes to the fact that agriculture is not only farming. So this would be a god source for not only students but teachers as well.
2. www.ct.gov/DOAG/site/defult/asp
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture website, will come in very handy to a teacher living her in Connecticut. This website similar to the USDA site in the fact that all of those same resources are available, such as lesson plan help, animal health, food safety. However the one advantage about focusing in on this site is the fact that for the most part it is CT based information. This will allow student to find the rules and regulation that agriculturalist here have to fallow. Also it allows them to find new information regarding CT that has just occurred. For example, now that the "buy local" movement is still going strong you can find a full list of all farmers taking part in local farmers markets, as well as other state run programs that connect farmers and community members.
3. www.ffa.org
The national FFA website will not only be a great resource for students but for teachers as well. Because the FFA is such a big part of agricultural education, having access to the FFA website is impetrative, especially for beginner teachers. Here you will be able to fins out everything you need to know about the FFA. For example CDE's (career development events) change rules from state to national level, so by having the rules readily available to all, this makes the competition level across the board. Students can also use this as a guide to find out more about parliamentary procedure, which is how all meetings within the FFA, our organized. Also it can help give them ideas for different SAE's (supervised agricultural experience). Due to the fact that having a very strong SAE is so important, having ideas to bounce off of would be a great advantage to student who are struggling.
All of these websites would be great resources for student and teachers alike. It will allow teachers to become better teachers, because it will give them access to a lot of powerful information all in one place. It will also allow students to take there understanding of all parts of a good agricultural education program to highest point. It will also allow them to find out to answers to questions that they may have, is it was not answered in class. Having a teacher who will embrace these resources in my opinion is a good one, because they are keeping up-to-date with the ever-changing world, and ever-changing world of agriculture.
The USDA is an important resource for anyone going into the agricultural field. It is a great place to find ideas about anything relating to agriculture. It can provide new information regarding animal safety/ health, also teachers can use this site to find lesson plans; the help is endless. From the USDA website students will be able to see the all the different aspects that encompasses agriculture. It will help to open their eyes to the fact that agriculture is not only farming. So this would be a god source for not only students but teachers as well.
2. www.ct.gov/DOAG/site/defult/asp
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture website, will come in very handy to a teacher living her in Connecticut. This website similar to the USDA site in the fact that all of those same resources are available, such as lesson plan help, animal health, food safety. However the one advantage about focusing in on this site is the fact that for the most part it is CT based information. This will allow student to find the rules and regulation that agriculturalist here have to fallow. Also it allows them to find new information regarding CT that has just occurred. For example, now that the "buy local" movement is still going strong you can find a full list of all farmers taking part in local farmers markets, as well as other state run programs that connect farmers and community members.
3. www.ffa.org
The national FFA website will not only be a great resource for students but for teachers as well. Because the FFA is such a big part of agricultural education, having access to the FFA website is impetrative, especially for beginner teachers. Here you will be able to fins out everything you need to know about the FFA. For example CDE's (career development events) change rules from state to national level, so by having the rules readily available to all, this makes the competition level across the board. Students can also use this as a guide to find out more about parliamentary procedure, which is how all meetings within the FFA, our organized. Also it can help give them ideas for different SAE's (supervised agricultural experience). Due to the fact that having a very strong SAE is so important, having ideas to bounce off of would be a great advantage to student who are struggling.
All of these websites would be great resources for student and teachers alike. It will allow teachers to become better teachers, because it will give them access to a lot of powerful information all in one place. It will also allow students to take there understanding of all parts of a good agricultural education program to highest point. It will also allow them to find out to answers to questions that they may have, is it was not answered in class. Having a teacher who will embrace these resources in my opinion is a good one, because they are keeping up-to-date with the ever-changing world, and ever-changing world of agriculture.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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