Podcasts

A podcast is an audio or video that can be uploaded to your portable MP3 device. Pod casts require the use of a special software. These programs are known as RSS feeds. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication. There are several different programs for podcasts. You can watch or listen to the podcasts whenever and wherever you want. There are several different uses for podcasts when becoming a teacher. For example, you could make a podcast telling parents what will be going on in class for that week, and also the homework that will be assigned (because you know that some kids tell their parents they don't have any homework), or you could make a podcast of you teaching a lesson, so parents will be more equipped to help their kids with homework.
http://www.learnoutloud.com/podcaststream/listen.php?url=http://www.theonion.com/content/feeds/radionews&all=1&title=18901
I choose this podcast just because I thought that it was hilarious. There is actually a movie at blockbuster that is called "Onion Movie" which is basically a fake news broadcast that makes fun of real issues and real news broadcasts. Its a really funny movie.

Alabama Virtual Library

The Alabama Virtual Library is a great tool for both students and teachers. This website can be used in a classroom to teach students how to look up stuff using the Internet, and another great thing about it is that it is completely safe. You don't have to worry about your students typing a wrong word and getting an inappropriate website. Teachers can also use this as a way of finding out information about a particular subject. The AVL has links for all age levels. The lower the age, the more kid like the site. Teachers could also use this as a way of finding out a way to teach their class something, in a kid friendly way.
The Alabama Virtual Library is an online library used in the state of Alabama that connects everyone to a huge variety of information and databases that are filled with accurate information. To find information on this website you can choose an age level (the higher the age, the more detailed the information), search by topic, or you can search in a certain database. Honestly, this website is one of the easiest to use, and has information on pretty much anything you can think of. All you have to do to log into this website is go to your public library, get an AVL card, and log in.

Mr. Sullivan

Mr. Sullivan's presentation was very interesting. The programs and computer that he brought in were very neat, and new to me. I had never heard of any of the stuff that he showed us, but I am really glad that I have been introduced to it. I know that there are children out there with his disability and to be honest, without his presentation I wouldn't even know where to begin trying to help them. He was a very nice man, and I think its great that he is able to joke about his disability. His sense of humor eases the tension and makes it easier to talk to him. Also, It is amazing to me that there are actually people out there who can use the program with the extremely fast talking. It sounded like a foreign language to me, but I'm sure its just another thing you adjust to. Overall, I am very happy that he came to talk to us. It actually feel a little more prepared to handle a blind student, and I feel that I can actually help now.