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Comments on thefischbowl--Did You Know?

     After reviewing the YouTube piece I call "Did You Know?", I was nearly overwhelmed to think of not only how far we have come technologically, but how far we are still progressing each day.  The movie mentioned that very possibly, the coputer will be able to outprocess the human brain.   I was most struck by the idea that our children will one day be living in a world where t"he literacy" will be computer literacy.   This day is already upon us, and compared to some nations, we are falling behind technologically.   Worldwide, the ties that bind us are eTies, and if the U. S, is to stay competitive in the world, we need to instill computer literacy in our children early.   That is why I believe thet initiatives such as ACCESS and ALEX are important milestones in our educational system, but we still have a ways to go. In the face of state buget cuts and similar cuts in education spending, we as parents and educators have a responsibility to our children--the future of this global technology--to fight to keep technology in the classroom.   

ACCESS--What is it?

     ACCESS or The Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators, and Students Statewide is a technology initiative launched by the Alabama State Department of Education.  The program consists of IVF or Interactive Videoconferencing courses as well as Online courses offered to students in grades 9-12.   The purpose of the program is to provide, via technolkogy, an expanded curriculum of course offerings including Advanced Level Courses, Advanced Placement and/or dual Credit Courses, and other elective courses.  This is especially avantageous to rural and other schools with limited resources and course offerings.   These courses are taught by Highly Qoalified eTeachers who have a backgrjound knowledge in the subject area taught as well as advanced computer skills necessary to teach Online and IVF ocourses.  The program is divided into three support center regions serving the state of Alabama: Madison City Schools, the University of Alabama, and Troy University serving the North Mid and Southern regions respectively.  
This program allows for a sharing of knowledge and experience for the educators as well as interactive opportunities for students across the schools statewide. Students can becomne part of the 21st Century technological revolution as well as be exposed to ideas from other students across the state that they would not necessarily have hasd the opportunity to before. Like with ALEX or the Alabama Learning Exchange, this program allows for educators to increase understanding and knowledge through teaching and learning. It is for these reasons that I think that this groundbreaking initiative is a wonderful thing. It puts Alabama on the map educationally and shows others nationwide how serious we here in the deep south are about the education of our young people.

What is ALEX?

ALEX or the Alabama Learning Exchange is a database of educational materials that can be accessed by teachers, parents, and students alike. Created by the Alabama Department of Education, this website contains interactive activities, lesson plans, and web links designed by educators and is continually developing through their constant input. Through this tool, teachers and others may share learning and ideas that will improve the quality of education of Alabama Children.
When I accessed this website and began exploring it, I was impressed with the many teaching ideas just under the English/Language Arts Lesson Plan area alone. The website breaks down activities ranging from Kindergarten basics through High School Language Arts. I also enjoyed exploring some of the links to this website that included the Alabama Virtual Library, Alabama Public Television, and my personal favorite, Thinkfinity.org.

All About Me

     My name is Henryetta Alexander Wheaten.   I am a second bachelor degeee student here at the University of South Alabama.   I am working towards my certification in Secondary Education English/Language Arts.   I am married to a wonderful man, named Leonard  who is a Minister.   I am an Evangelist also, and we both work in the area of outreach.   We have two beautiful, genius sons named Leonard Jr. and Malcolm who are 5 and one year old respectively.   In my spare time I enjoy reading, nature walks, and listening to music.

Second Posting--My Feelings on EDM 310

This is my second posting to my blog. I am very excited to be using this technology. I think that this class will be both challenging and fun! I just hope that I can be timely enough with the many assignments that this class requires.

Adding a Picture

My University Homepage

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My First Post

This is my first post. I have never done a blog before and I am finding this really fascinating! I am preparing to be a Secondary Education/ Language Arts teacher, and I can already see the potential for this kind of technology in my classroom. I will encurage the use of blogs in my classroom because I believe that this kind of hands-on learning will encourage the creativity and intelligence of my students. If my students can compose and see their own work as well as the work of other students, they are more able to share ideas and facilitate each others' larning experience.

















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