What: Well this week has been very challenging, not only physically but mentally. In class we finished up our digital stories. Man I hope ours goes well. After completing the digital story however, I have come to realize how fun it is, but how much work can go into making one. In other classes this week I have been focused on turning in final assignments and studying for finals. I can say I am glad this semester is over. I am sad that it has come to an end in a sense but I'm looking forward to learning more and more about education. The one assignment that we accomplished that was my favorite is the web quest. I think that it is a reasonable assignment and one that most students can enjoy.
SO what: SO after finishing the digital story I think I shall never do another, at least using photo story. I think that it is a very neat assignment but it does require a lot of time and I feel like you don't get that much out of it for the time it takes to put it together. I will however have that knowledge and experience in completing one. I think that by me studying and preparing so much for finals and the last assignments I will be a better teacher. More organized and accomplished.
Now What:
Now I plan on using this course as a source for my classroom. I have learned so much about technology that I will incorporate into my classroom. This will help me to be a more creative teacher as well as team player. I feel as though this has been a course which has challenged me and that I have gained a lot from. While their are things I do not like there are many which I plan on using over and over again.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
"My Beliefs"
Technology is a great source to get studnets involved in education now days. Often times teachers do not put forth the effort to create a lesson which uses technology. For some teachers adding technology into a lesson is difficult and they can struggle. Others however love technology and use it as much as possible. For me I feel that technology is a good source to use in the classroom and I would desire to become the teacher who uses it frequently.
Some schools do not offer a lot of technological resources. For this reason I have opted to purchase a few items of my own which we can use inside of the classroom. I think that this will provide students the opportunity to stay involved in school and succeed. While technology is sometimes a struggle for me I know that this is what is necessary for the students of this day and the future to succeed and accomplish great academic goals.
Some schools do not offer a lot of technological resources. For this reason I have opted to purchase a few items of my own which we can use inside of the classroom. I think that this will provide students the opportunity to stay involved in school and succeed. While technology is sometimes a struggle for me I know that this is what is necessary for the students of this day and the future to succeed and accomplish great academic goals.
"Lessons Learned"
One of my main concerns as being a new teacher and using the technology is all of the rules that come with using the internet and other technologies inside of the classroom. I have come to find that I know very little about that. Another concern that I have is when the students get stuck or have trouble shooting with the computers will I be able to help? I do think that after watching a few of the videos I can be more confident in my technological abilities.
Another concern which I have is will there be enough time, resources etc to have a lesson with technology? While reading these articles and surveys along with watching the videos I have come to realize a few lessons which I can teach and feel comfortable with. Having the students publish their projects on the web would be a great way to get the students excited to learn, and I feel comfortable teaching this. However, one concern I have is that the risk of publishing a project on their might endanger the students. You would need permission slips from the parents. Also some parents might not agree with that.
Another concern which I have is will there be enough time, resources etc to have a lesson with technology? While reading these articles and surveys along with watching the videos I have come to realize a few lessons which I can teach and feel comfortable with. Having the students publish their projects on the web would be a great way to get the students excited to learn, and I feel comfortable teaching this. However, one concern I have is that the risk of publishing a project on their might endanger the students. You would need permission slips from the parents. Also some parents might not agree with that.
"Strengths & Weaknesses"
My strengths and weaknesses according to the UNI survey and NET Standards consist of the following.
Strengths:
1-Operate a multimedia computer system, including installing software, accessing programs or files, saving and deleting files, and organizing folders,
2-Apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.
3-I have designed authentic learning activities for diverse learners to teach my studnets how to publish their projects on the Web.
Weaknesses:
1-use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
2- I am aware of video conferencing but have had limited involvement in an interactive session using video conferencing.
3-I understand basic computer terminology when it is used in classes.
Goals which I have set for myself are to use technology for grading and to analyze this data to know what our classroom percentage is. Also I can incorporate collecting data and analyzing it through a science project. I also think that video conferencing might be a factor for me which I learn in my personal life. When family or my husband goes out of town maybe try that until I am more comfortable and then teach a lesson using video conferencing. I will use the gmail tutorial video conferencing to learn more. A goal to learning computer technology is to study it. Understand what the words mean and when talking about computers use the specific terminology instead of the black thing in front of you. Use that to type your words. Instead use the word keyboard. There is a website avaliable that has a video in which you can watch to understand what parts of the computer are.
By using these tutorials, websites, and videos I will become a better teacher. I can explain to my students how to complete a project using video conferencing. This will also help me as a professional because I will constantly be learning and hopefully coming up with new ways to use technology inside of my classroom. These tutorials let me know that I can learn anything about technology through the internet, word of mouth or conferences.
Strengths:
1-Operate a multimedia computer system, including installing software, accessing programs or files, saving and deleting files, and organizing folders,
2-Apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.
3-I have designed authentic learning activities for diverse learners to teach my studnets how to publish their projects on the Web.
Weaknesses:
1-use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
2- I am aware of video conferencing but have had limited involvement in an interactive session using video conferencing.
3-I understand basic computer terminology when it is used in classes.
Goals which I have set for myself are to use technology for grading and to analyze this data to know what our classroom percentage is. Also I can incorporate collecting data and analyzing it through a science project. I also think that video conferencing might be a factor for me which I learn in my personal life. When family or my husband goes out of town maybe try that until I am more comfortable and then teach a lesson using video conferencing. I will use the gmail tutorial video conferencing to learn more. A goal to learning computer technology is to study it. Understand what the words mean and when talking about computers use the specific terminology instead of the black thing in front of you. Use that to type your words. Instead use the word keyboard. There is a website avaliable that has a video in which you can watch to understand what parts of the computer are.
By using these tutorials, websites, and videos I will become a better teacher. I can explain to my students how to complete a project using video conferencing. This will also help me as a professional because I will constantly be learning and hopefully coming up with new ways to use technology inside of my classroom. These tutorials let me know that I can learn anything about technology through the internet, word of mouth or conferences.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
What, So what, Now what (technology lesson plan)
What: The lesson which I incorporated the technology in was India. I had the students go to websites, which I created and posted for them to view. From there they had a question sheet to answer. They visited these 4 websites to find the answers to the questions. Most of the students enjoyed getting out of the classroom but didn't so much care for the actual assignment.
So What: So this is a lesson which I would probably not use again. At least not in this format or with this particular class. However, I have been able to become more comfortable with technology especially after teaching students how to navigate the websites.
Now What: Now that I have experience in teaching a technology lesson I have realized a few things when using technology. Have a back up plan. During the lesson the internet was malfunctioning I had to be quick on my feet to find a solution to the problem. Once I figured out that it only occurred while on one of the web pages I had the students skip those questions that were found on that particular website. I will continue to use technology in my class, I will now have a back up plan as well.
So What: So this is a lesson which I would probably not use again. At least not in this format or with this particular class. However, I have been able to become more comfortable with technology especially after teaching students how to navigate the websites.
Now What: Now that I have experience in teaching a technology lesson I have realized a few things when using technology. Have a back up plan. During the lesson the internet was malfunctioning I had to be quick on my feet to find a solution to the problem. Once I figured out that it only occurred while on one of the web pages I had the students skip those questions that were found on that particular website. I will continue to use technology in my class, I will now have a back up plan as well.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
What, So what, Now what
What: This week during class I have really started to realize how much I enjoy being with these kids...for the most part. I think that our lesson this week was a little on the weak side. I realized that what we were teaching was becoming really repetitive for me. I think this is where the creative side of things comes into play. I have also started developing my own teaching style I think that it will be a good start and hopefully I will continue building upon it. I have been feeling really overwhelmed with all the assignments we have on top of observing. Is this how a teacher is really going to feel? Gosh I hope not. Other than that I feel as though this has been a bitter sweet last week. I am sad to leave the kids and really enjoyed teaching them but man am I happy to be able to leave. Some days I thought I was going to die. Our classroom was full of about 10 students that had severe behavioral problems or a physical or mental disorder. This was definitely a challenge at times.
So what:
So now after experiencing all of this I know being a teacher is for sure what I want. I also know I do not want to teacher upper grade levels. I would like to stick with k-4th. This would be ideal for me. I am also hoping that this experience will make me a better teacher in the future. I have a better sense of how to discipline the students as well as reassure them when they are doing the right thing and getting the answers correct. Oh yes and another thing I think that will help me is the communication factor. I was able to communicate a lot better this go around during the week. Not only with my students but with my partner as well. Which is great!
Now what:
Now I get to go back to being a student. Yuck, but I am taking this experience with me and am going to be able to analyze situations better now. Also I am going to be a better teacher through the faculty members teaching me as well as other students and someday my future class. To me this experience has been wonderful. I have laughed, cried been freaking frustrated but overall gained a kind of confidence and professionalism when necessary. I am going to love being a teacher.
So what:
So now after experiencing all of this I know being a teacher is for sure what I want. I also know I do not want to teacher upper grade levels. I would like to stick with k-4th. This would be ideal for me. I am also hoping that this experience will make me a better teacher in the future. I have a better sense of how to discipline the students as well as reassure them when they are doing the right thing and getting the answers correct. Oh yes and another thing I think that will help me is the communication factor. I was able to communicate a lot better this go around during the week. Not only with my students but with my partner as well. Which is great!
Now what:
Now I get to go back to being a student. Yuck, but I am taking this experience with me and am going to be able to analyze situations better now. Also I am going to be a better teacher through the faculty members teaching me as well as other students and someday my future class. To me this experience has been wonderful. I have laughed, cried been freaking frustrated but overall gained a kind of confidence and professionalism when necessary. I am going to love being a teacher.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
What, SO what, NOw what
What:
So this week has been super challenging for me! I feel like I am going to pass out from exhaustion. It just really overwhelming with all the assignments we have to do for school and for student teaching and regularly life things. Well now that I have that off my chest this week has been hectic. At times fun, and other times stressful. I taught five lessons this week. All of them went well. It was interesting we did our integrated technology lesson on Monday. We did a web quest and most of it seemed to go well. The next day I asked my class if they liked it, what they liked etc. I was shocked to hear that most students did not like it. My partner also taught this to another class and most of them said that it was kinda fun activity:). Most said they just liked they went to another classroom but that it was stupid to find answers off of a website. Another lesson I taught that I thought went really well and the students feed back was great was about hinduism. The students created masks, and their own "castes". They said it was fun and it seemed as thought they retained the information.
So What:
So now that this week has passed I have learned a lot about the operation of a school. I have learned that even though one lesson went well with one class it might not with another class. So now I have learned how to alter lessons a little bit better, and I can also think about 2 steps ahead. I also have learned that communication between other teachers is key! In order for our lesson to run smoothly we had to ok it with Mr. Kelly as well as partners. Also I learned that many teachers handle bad behavior situations differently. Seeing different teaching styles has helped me to start to create my own in a sense. I have realized that teaching isn't necessarily black and white. For me at least; for example. I had a student a complete a test and then as a class we did a make up test day where you could make up some of the points you missed. This particular girl did not turn anything in. The next day I asked her and she said oh I didn't think I needed to do it. I again gave her the opportunity to take it home and complete it so she could have a better grade on the test. I told her it was due the next day and if it was me I would do it. The next day she said oh I forgot to my partner. SO my partner told her bring it Monday. I had to go back and tell the girl I'm sorry you didn't turn it in today you can't have credit. I now know how communication, discipline and sometimes giving a student should work.
Now What:
So now that I have all this information does it go on the back burner. Well I hope not but with everything we have it is hard to remember every situation. However I'm recording everything we have done on my time line...it is getting quite large now. I plan on attending more board meetings especially in the Wasatch District. I also plan on having these experiences make me be a better teacher and colleague.
So this week has been super challenging for me! I feel like I am going to pass out from exhaustion. It just really overwhelming with all the assignments we have to do for school and for student teaching and regularly life things. Well now that I have that off my chest this week has been hectic. At times fun, and other times stressful. I taught five lessons this week. All of them went well. It was interesting we did our integrated technology lesson on Monday. We did a web quest and most of it seemed to go well. The next day I asked my class if they liked it, what they liked etc. I was shocked to hear that most students did not like it. My partner also taught this to another class and most of them said that it was kinda fun activity:). Most said they just liked they went to another classroom but that it was stupid to find answers off of a website. Another lesson I taught that I thought went really well and the students feed back was great was about hinduism. The students created masks, and their own "castes". They said it was fun and it seemed as thought they retained the information.
So What:
So now that this week has passed I have learned a lot about the operation of a school. I have learned that even though one lesson went well with one class it might not with another class. So now I have learned how to alter lessons a little bit better, and I can also think about 2 steps ahead. I also have learned that communication between other teachers is key! In order for our lesson to run smoothly we had to ok it with Mr. Kelly as well as partners. Also I learned that many teachers handle bad behavior situations differently. Seeing different teaching styles has helped me to start to create my own in a sense. I have realized that teaching isn't necessarily black and white. For me at least; for example. I had a student a complete a test and then as a class we did a make up test day where you could make up some of the points you missed. This particular girl did not turn anything in. The next day I asked her and she said oh I didn't think I needed to do it. I again gave her the opportunity to take it home and complete it so she could have a better grade on the test. I told her it was due the next day and if it was me I would do it. The next day she said oh I forgot to my partner. SO my partner told her bring it Monday. I had to go back and tell the girl I'm sorry you didn't turn it in today you can't have credit. I now know how communication, discipline and sometimes giving a student should work.
Now What:
So now that I have all this information does it go on the back burner. Well I hope not but with everything we have it is hard to remember every situation. However I'm recording everything we have done on my time line...it is getting quite large now. I plan on attending more board meetings especially in the Wasatch District. I also plan on having these experiences make me be a better teacher and colleague.
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