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Did you know? is an amazing info-mercial on the affects of technology in society. It asks parents to take a look at whether their children are being properly prepared for this new world throughout their educational journey. As scary as it is, for most places education isn't what it should be in our country alone, much less the entire world. Factor in the technologically advanced society that our children must be capable of working and surviving in, and the situation gets messier. What will become of schools with these advancements? Will they provide the solution to the problems we have with educational facilities being properly equipped, or will they lead to the impersonal and unsociable tax-payer-friendly solution, virtual schools? This is my biggest fear, that society as a whole will become too greedy for the biggest and fastest and loss itself in the internet world, where social interaction wont exist. My irrational fears aside, I am hopeful that society will continue these advancements for the betterment of the world and that our schools continually progress and spit out the best and brightest!

Some of these facts where mind-blowing! Granted they are kind of obvious and not far fetched at all, it's just amazing to think of the short amount of time these advancements have taken place in. My favorite fact from the video is that China will be the biggest English speaking country in the world. It seems so crazy that a country with its own native tongue will also be more fluent in our native tongue than we will be, regardless of the size of the country. I also love that so many people turn to Google to answer all of their curiosities that no one really knows who answered "B.G", or "Before Google". All in all this video was enlightening and made many valid questions of our society in response to technology. To learn more about this, click here: ShiftHappens

ALEX and ACCESS

ALEX: The Alabama Learning Exchange
The ALEX website is an educational resource tool used for the public school system in Alabama. It serves to connect students, their parents, and the educators to one anothers resources in connection with the Alabama Courses of Study. Certified teachers are able to provide lessons plans, course outlines, and interactive resources that students and other teachers are able to access and use in the classroom. Through communication with teachers and other professionals, parents can access the information to know what their children should be learning and what areas will be heavily concentrated on.

Through ALEX, someone can also reach several other educational web links, such as the interactive site MaMaMedia. Teachers can log in to their own Personal Workspace, where they can do things like create lesson plans to provide to others, or based on one they have obtained from another educator. Links are also provided for professional development opportunities, and distance learning that can connect students and teachers to others statewide.

This is a resource I plan to take full advantage of during my career as a teacher as well as before. As a student teacher a first impression is all I really get to make before beginning my career. Having these lesson plans and course outlines available can be great models to go off of when getting the feel of making your own. They will also come in very handy any time one of my students is falling behind or having trouble with a certain aspect of the subject. I can help them as much as time will allow and then be able to point them in the direction of the site for further help at home or away from my class. Providing information for all teachers to see is also helpful any time the course standards change or information is added/taken from the course objectives.

ACCESS: Distance Learning
ACCESS is an educational website for those interested in distance learning. Through the help of qualified teachers acting as E teachers, this site is able to connect state wide courses in high schools. This way, those students wishing to take AP courses, Dual Enrollment courses, or just any elective that is not offered at their school may do so online.

The courses are approved and taught by those teachers certified in the subject. Advanced diploma courses and remedial and supplemental resources are available, as well as access to more multimedia and technology tools for teachers. This resource is very helpful to those students who are not able to work to their potential due to a lack of educators in their educational setting. As a teacher, I would love to be able to encourage my students to take advantage of these challenging and progressive tools regardless of the availability of the course in the school. Students do not have to pay for these services, as they are funded on both the state and federal levels.

First Post

The name is Ashlyn and I am a sophomore here at South Alabama and loving every minute of it! I was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and moved to Mobile when I was ten years old. I went from a school that taught the importance of individuality and expression... to uniforms. Although I wasn't thrilled about the move for a while, I've had some amazing experiences here in Alabama and my life is all the better for them. I have two younger brothers and a very close family that mean the world to me and being close to home is definitely a perk to South! South Alabama

I went to Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes where I was a cheerleader, ran track, was treasurer of my Student Council, and was involved in almost every extracurricular offered! I do like to be involved, and I'm part of the SouthBound team here on campus as well as a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society. One of my proudest moments in life was my last year of high school, which I spent as a Mobile Azalea Trail Maid. We served as ambassadors to the city, versed in its history and culture, and traveled to many places including New York City for the Macy's Day Parade and Disney World for the Easter Day Parade. For more information on the Trail Maid Organization, try this site.

I am engaged to the love of my life, Brandon Etheredge, and we are currently planning our lives together. The wedding won't be for a couple of years, since we are waiting for my graduation, but that day gets closer every minute! He is an amazing cook who is currently attending culinary school in Gulf Shores, a career I have already began taking complete advantage of.

I am in school to obtain my degree in Secondary Education and History. My ideal job would be to work with tenth grade students in the area of U.S. History from the beginnings through the Civil War. Although I might have to take what I can get, I'm still hopeful for the fantasy! I love the beach and the warm weather and plan on fighting until the death when my fiance attempts to move me to New York! I'm hopeful for a great semester and have every intention of succeeding!

First Post

I'm not really what you would call advanced with computers I guess, I know how to do the usual, but I am a fast learner. From today I have gathered that I think I'm going to like this class. It seems that if I can manage to keep track with my syllabus and be sure that I turn things in on time and show up to class that I will be successful in this class. It is slightly intimidating to think of using things like spreadsheets and databases, especially in the classroom. I don't think, however, that that will keep me from learning how. I usually don't enjoy computer related classes, mostly because I never felt a reason to use the information. I do feel differently about this one however, seeing as how the curriculum will be much more necessary.