For this week in my technology class we talked about Copyright laws - specifically about the Fair Use laws. It basically says if you are using multimedia for educational purposes, you don't have to get permission from the copyright holder. Here's a few sites that have information on this Fair Use law:

CopyrightEducation.org

creativecommons.org

commons.wikimedia.org

freeplaymusic.com

us.fotolia.com



In conjunction with this assignment we were supposed to find two Youtube clips and evaluate their use of multimedia. Here's the first one. It's a song by Carrie Underwood called "Mama's Song"





I think this is a bad example of following copyright laws. First of all, the person who published this specifically said in her comments: "I don't own this song. All rights go to... whoever they belong to. Whoever that is, it's not me." She is quite blatantly admitting that she does not have a right to publish this song. Also, it's not an educational song. It's more just for entertainment which is one of the limitations to the Fair Use law. All in all, I think this lady is breaking the law.

The second video is from a show called "I Eat 33,000 Calories A Day", which airs on TLC.

The person who posted this video does not say they have rights. Nor do I think that they are the original owners of the video. It's kind of being shown in an educational light - maybe that you shouldn't eat a lot of calories?? Anyways, I would love to show this in one of my Health classes one day though!

PLN Assignment

Alright! Time for my weekly blog post =D

I have begun creating an PLN, or Personal Learning Environment. It's not very developed but I think it's a good start!

Here's one of the blog posts I found that really talk about using technology in the classroom. It talks about how to use movies correctly so kids actually learn from it instead of zoning out!

Here's my screen shot of my PLN!

New Bed!

So, my husband and I spent the wonderful Labor Day weekend shopping for a new bed! Since this is a "technology and teaching blog" I'll tie it into that in a few seconds. But first....let me just say that shopping for a bed is the most relaxing shopping I've ever done! Seriously...all you do is lay down for a while and almost fall asleep =D We went to a ton of different stores! I think our favorite was I.M. Home in Provo. They were so nice and we didn't feel like we were being sold a bunch of garbage. We felt as if the sales people actually cared about us as a customer. It was so nice! I would recommend their place in a heartbeat!

So, I think we might buy a sleep number bed. We've always really liked them, and it was just as expensive as buying the first bed we fell in love with (which is a NexGel.) But, we can try the Sleep Number for 30 days. If we don't like it, they'll give us a full cash refund! Then, we can try the NexGel bed which is our second favorite. If that one doesn't work, our third favorite is in the same store and we can just switch out the bed for that one! So basically, we've got a huge game plan for this new bed!

Now for the technology and teaching part...There is some great technology out there for beds! I can't believe how many different options there are. And all of them have been "proven scientifically." So, our students are always bombarded with things that are "scientifically proven." How do they weed through all the garbage and choose the best things? Well, as older, more mature adults, we can give them tips on what we do! We can help them decide what is bogus and what is not! Pretty good idea, huh?

Anyways, I'll keep ya updated on what bed we choose! Here's to crossing our fingers for a good night's sleep! PS..If you know of a good bed, or have heard anything about Sleep Numbers...feel free to comment!

Out in the Real World!

I just got my placement for 276R class =D

I'll be in Springville Jr. High for 2 weeks, then in Springville High the next two! I can't wait to shadow this teacher and see Health being taught in a real world setting!

I have decided to take this time to really go out of my comfort zone. I'm planning on assisting the teacher in any way....including if he asks me to mirror teach! I really want to make a good impression on him, in case he happens to become a future colleague! Also, he has to evaluate me at the end of the 2 weeks, and that evaluation can be put into my internship application. So...if he gives me a phenomenal evaluation, that might just be the push I need to get an internship!

Anyways, if anyone has any good ideas on how to make a good impression, (besides dressing professional...I already know that one ;D) let me know!