Podcasting Blog

A podcast is a software and hardware combination that permits automatic downloading of audio files for our convenience. It must be downloaded and a podcatcher retrieves files in the RSS feed and adds files to each users media player or device. This can be beneficial to teachers through augmentation, material for presentations, a communication device and for our own professional development. It is being used today by people of all ages. Fifth graders are using it to tell other what they learned in class. Others are using it to post articles and some schools are using the podcasting to tell about things that are going on in their districts.
I like to listen to CNN news so I found a podcast that CNN has that informs others about the latest updated news. The URL to check this out is www.cnn.com/services/podcasting/index.topic.html. CNN podcastings also include podcasting from some of my other favorites Larry King, Anderson Cooper and Nancy Grace. I find this a great way to catch up on the latest information.

Alabama's Virtual library Blog!

The AVL is a online library that is made accessible for students of all ages. AVL has many resources available to accommodate our needs to learn. Some of the resources available include several databases. Online database searches that can be searched by age groups or by topics. The AVL has magazine and journal articles to choose form for research. In addition, multiple databases such as EBSCO and single database searches such as kids search, newspaper sources, book collections and many more are obtainable for our use.
I definitely will use this website in my classroom and in the future. This website is child friendly and easy for young students to search information. I found that the articles I searched through and tried to find were easy to access also fun and easy to read.

Blog about Mr. Sullivan

Mr. Sullivan's presentation was interesting and the products were new to me. I learned about the new technology that is available for people with the disability of blindness. I thought that the computer he brought in was an amazing product. I find people like him and Mr. Ricky Trione (who has a my space page, you should check him out) so inspiring and intriguing to listen to. Both of them have taken their disability and turned it into something positive for others. I definitely know, since having the knowledge of these product now, I will be able to share them with my students in the future if needed.

Google thinking blog

I have to argue the fact that Internet based search engines like Google do corrupt our minds. I will agree that search engines such as Google, overtime has made us more lazy as a society. Especially people who have been around before the times of Google could make a great debate on that argument. Society doesn't take the time to dig deeper to find sources and even check if they are reliable sources perhaps. However, life is not the way it was 10 years ago. The Internet and search engines have been a great advancement for society. The Internet and search engines such as Google has made it possible for people like me a mother of two to pursue their dreams. It has allowed me to be able to take online courses as well as do research projects in the comfort of my own home and because of that I am all for Google.

My Google Presentation

ALEX Blog

For all the first year teachers and teachers unfamiliar to ALEX website, this is a great site to search. ALEX is what every first year teacher hopes to have the access to. ALEX allows teachers to not feel left alone when trying to make lesson plans. The website as so many links that can guide you through your classroom.

ALEX has a so many resources available. For example, it has a help link, lesson plans, a link to ACCESS, professional learning, professional development, and personal workspace. The lesson plans are available to you by creating it for your own personal lesson. It allows you to enter the grade level and subject even a keyword that can narrow your search to a lesson plan for a particular topic. You can look up lesson plans by authors, titles, or a school. There are web links for additional resources for students, teachers, and administrators.

This is absolutely a site needed for teachers. I will definitly use ALEX as a source for lesson plans to create my own also as a comparison to the lessons I create.

ACCESS Program

ACCESS program is a program that wants to implement high quality courses for the classroom and teachers through technology. The problem lies with low-income schools who do not have the additional fund to give the student the education and an Advanced diploma needed. The vision of the ACCESS program is through distance learning, provide high quality instruction and curriculum that is essential. ACCESS aspires to provide all high school students additional instruction that they may need to succeed such as dual enrollment, Advanced diploma, additional courses, etc.

ACCESS will be implemented through Internet based instruction and videoconferencing. The videoconferencing will allow teachers to access and share coursework to other educators statewide. Videoconferencing will allow students to take courses not offered in a traditional classroom, interact with other students, and allow them to assume responsibilities. ACCESS has many benefits but challenging task for teachers. Teachers will have to be organized, find strategies to keep students engaged and provide the availability needed for the students. Online classes have some of the same benefits for teachers and students as well.


The ACCESS program seems to be a program that can be very beneficial for schools, students and teachers. The vision and goals of ACCESS appear to be in the right path to better the school's curriculum and instruction. As a future educator, I could see using this in my classroom. The blended learning will be a useful procedures to use in the classroom for my professional development, also for the development of the student.

About My Family..

I have two beautiful children one girl who is sassy seven and one boy who is four and "all boy." They are the love of my life. They inspire me every day to want to be a better mom and keep pursuing my goal in becoming a teacher. I have been married for almost seven years to my husband Matt. He is a great father and has been very supportive of me going back to college.

About Me...

Hi, my name is Tara Noel. I am twenty four years old, a wife, and mother of two. Three years ago I decided to pursue my dream and get my degree in elementary education. I am a senior and finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. =)