Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Reflection #2: Music Methods
For music methods on Monday, we went to our professor's music classroom at Lakeview Elementary. I definitely liked being in the actual classroom instead of our room at Northwest. There was music stuff everywhere and the classroom was decorated with all things music. We talked about rhythm and how to incorporate rhythmic activities into a regular class and how it would be beneficial for subjects besides music. I loved a few of the activities we did and I will definitely use them someday. I can see how they would be helpful for other subjects, especially math. Another thing I noticed was that technology was a significant part of the activities we did. We used the Active Board for several things and it made the activities more fun. I can see how kids would be more motivated to participate because they would get to use the Active Board. I never thought about technology being part of even a music class. It's amazing how technology can be integrated!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
School Website
I went to the school website, Woodin Elementary, where I hope to teach. The home page is pretty good, even it it does look a little outdated as far as the design goes. The home page has the basic information, such as address and hours, and also a school calendar, newsletter, district news and community happenings such as road construction. I like the homepage because it is not too crowded and has helpful information.
I was pretty disappointed with the rest of the website. Only one or two of the classroom pages had anything on them and the rest of them were "under construction," in other words, they were blank. The pages that did have something on them basically said "Welcome to my class" and that was it. No links or homework or anything. Many of the other pages of the website, such as the message board, were "under construction" as well. The good thing was that all of the health related links were active such as when to stay home, common childhood illnesses, and immunizations.
I think the school and the teachers can do a lot more with the website. It could be a very useful tool for the teachers to communicate with their students and the parents, but instead it is "under construction." Considering how much time people spend online, this is a valuable tool that is not being used to its full potential.
I was pretty disappointed with the rest of the website. Only one or two of the classroom pages had anything on them and the rest of them were "under construction," in other words, they were blank. The pages that did have something on them basically said "Welcome to my class" and that was it. No links or homework or anything. Many of the other pages of the website, such as the message board, were "under construction" as well. The good thing was that all of the health related links were active such as when to stay home, common childhood illnesses, and immunizations.
I think the school and the teachers can do a lot more with the website. It could be a very useful tool for the teachers to communicate with their students and the parents, but instead it is "under construction." Considering how much time people spend online, this is a valuable tool that is not being used to its full potential.
Beginning of Semester Reflection
Technology should have a significant role in the K-12 classroom because it plays a significant role in students' lives. As teachers, we should be reaching our students in the best possible. In this generation, that means using technology. Technology should not rule the classroom, but should be successfully and seamlessly integrated so that it plays an important role in conveying information and checking for understanding. There are still some things that should be done the "old-fashioned way." Students should still have to memorize math facts and state capitals, not always referring to the calculator or the Internet. But instead of having a student write an essay and turn it in on paper, that student could publish it in a blog or wiki.
I know this will make my life as a teacher more difficult because I will have to learn how to use and effectively teach using technology. Because of that, technology should be part of my life as a teacher. I will need to model the correct way to use technology to my students. All of that said, technology should be used in balance. It should not take over the classroom nor should it be ignored. It should definitely be used in the classroom because no one can deny its effectiveness.
I know this will make my life as a teacher more difficult because I will have to learn how to use and effectively teach using technology. Because of that, technology should be part of my life as a teacher. I will need to model the correct way to use technology to my students. All of that said, technology should be used in balance. It should not take over the classroom nor should it be ignored. It should definitely be used in the classroom because no one can deny its effectiveness.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Reflection #1: Web 2.0
I had so much fun in class on Wednesday playing with all of the Web 2.0 tools. I had no idea that there were so many different useful tools available for free. Not only are these tools easy and fun to use, but they could also be used effectively in a classroom. One of the tools I played with was Imagination Cubed (http://www.imaginationcubed.com/). It is a site that allows you to draw whatever you want and even invite other people to come draw with you. This could be used in a classroom to help students practice teamwork and could also be used for math as there is a grid background.
I was also able to experiment with iGoogle. I already use Google for mail and searching, and this is a great addition. It allows you to put everything you use in one spot so you don't have to jump from site to site. This would also be a great tool to have on the main page when students sign onto the computers. Then they would have all the resources the teacher wants them to use in one place.
I was also able to experiment with iGoogle. I already use Google for mail and searching, and this is a great addition. It allows you to put everything you use in one spot so you don't have to jump from site to site. This would also be a great tool to have on the main page when students sign onto the computers. Then they would have all the resources the teacher wants them to use in one place.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Assignment #1 (NETS)
NETS for Teachers:
The NETS-T that I would like to focus on the most this semester is 3.a.: "Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations." I have a working knowledge of technology in general, but I do not have an in depth knowledge of many aspects of technology. This standard is important to me because I want to have enough knowledge and understanding that I can incorporate technology into my lessons in the future to more successfully engage my students. This standard is important for my students because I will be able to more successfully engage them and hopefully make learning more fun. It is also beneficial to them because I will be able to pass on my knowledge by teaching them. I know that the knowledge I have applies to some extent the the new technologies we are learning about. I want to apply what I already know to gain better knowledge and understanding in the areas that I am not so familiar with.
I plan on improving in this area in several different ways. First, I will work on it through my blog. This is the first blog I have done and I have already learned a lot. Right now, I am only taking advantage of the basic features of what a blog can do. Throughout the semester, I want to stretch myself in the use of my blog. Second, I want to increase my capability on the SMART Board. With the little knowledge and understanding that I have, I can already tell that it is a great tool to promote student learning. I know that the more I understand how to use the SMART board, the more I will be able to use it in the future. Finally, I want to incorporate this standard into my technology project. NETS-T 2.a. also fits into this: "Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity." Personally, when my professors use some element of technology in their teaching I am much more interested in what is going on. I know this will be even more true for my students because they have been and will be even more saturated in technology than I was growing up. Because of that, my goal is to incorporate the use of technology as much as I can and I want to develop that as much as I can this semester.
NETS for Students:
The NETS-S that I think is important for the students that I plan to work with is 2.b.: "Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats." I think this is so important because communication through technology is becoming more and more prevalent in our society. Students often know how to use the technology but not how to use it for a specific purpose such as communication to a specific audience. There are a few ways I want to incorporate this standard into my teaching. First, I want each student to create a blog or contribute to a class blog. In creating the blog for this class, I have realized how valuable a tool that can be for students. I love that the audience is genuine and I think that gives students more motivation. Second, I want to have a class wiki that all students contribute to. Along the same lines as the blog, this gives them a sense of real purpose and audience. Third, I want my class to connect with a class from another part of the country (or even another part of the world) via Skype or a similar program to work on a project together. This is a great way for students to work on communication via technology and also ties into NETS-S 2.c. and 2.d.: "Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures" and "contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.
The NETS-T that I would like to focus on the most this semester is 3.a.: "Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations." I have a working knowledge of technology in general, but I do not have an in depth knowledge of many aspects of technology. This standard is important to me because I want to have enough knowledge and understanding that I can incorporate technology into my lessons in the future to more successfully engage my students. This standard is important for my students because I will be able to more successfully engage them and hopefully make learning more fun. It is also beneficial to them because I will be able to pass on my knowledge by teaching them. I know that the knowledge I have applies to some extent the the new technologies we are learning about. I want to apply what I already know to gain better knowledge and understanding in the areas that I am not so familiar with.
I plan on improving in this area in several different ways. First, I will work on it through my blog. This is the first blog I have done and I have already learned a lot. Right now, I am only taking advantage of the basic features of what a blog can do. Throughout the semester, I want to stretch myself in the use of my blog. Second, I want to increase my capability on the SMART Board. With the little knowledge and understanding that I have, I can already tell that it is a great tool to promote student learning. I know that the more I understand how to use the SMART board, the more I will be able to use it in the future. Finally, I want to incorporate this standard into my technology project. NETS-T 2.a. also fits into this: "Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity." Personally, when my professors use some element of technology in their teaching I am much more interested in what is going on. I know this will be even more true for my students because they have been and will be even more saturated in technology than I was growing up. Because of that, my goal is to incorporate the use of technology as much as I can and I want to develop that as much as I can this semester.
NETS for Students:
The NETS-S that I think is important for the students that I plan to work with is 2.b.: "Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats." I think this is so important because communication through technology is becoming more and more prevalent in our society. Students often know how to use the technology but not how to use it for a specific purpose such as communication to a specific audience. There are a few ways I want to incorporate this standard into my teaching. First, I want each student to create a blog or contribute to a class blog. In creating the blog for this class, I have realized how valuable a tool that can be for students. I love that the audience is genuine and I think that gives students more motivation. Second, I want to have a class wiki that all students contribute to. Along the same lines as the blog, this gives them a sense of real purpose and audience. Third, I want my class to connect with a class from another part of the country (or even another part of the world) via Skype or a similar program to work on a project together. This is a great way for students to work on communication via technology and also ties into NETS-S 2.c. and 2.d.: "Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures" and "contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.
Assignment #1 (Article from database)
In response to "Embracing emergent technologies and envisioning new ways of using them for literacy learning in the primary classroom" by Sue Halsey
https://acts.northwestu.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://firma.northwestu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true%26db=eric%26AN=EJ832191%26site=ehost-live
Summary:
This article is written by a primary school teacher, Sue Halsey, in New Zealand. Halsey writes about her experience over the school year as she not only integrated technology into her classroom, but made it one of the focal points of her literacy curriculum. Throughout the article, Halsey argues that technology cannot be ignored by teachers. Instead, technology must be embraced in the classroom because students are surrounded by technology throughout the rest of their day. Her main goals for the year were student motivation, metacognition, bringing the world into the classroom, and taking students' learning out into the world.
Halsey and her students created a website which they used in several different ways throughout the year to promote literacy. The first thing Halsey and her students did was create a podcast. This podcast was done every Friday. First, the whole class would discuss what they had learned throughout the week. Second, two students write, re-read, edit, and record their podcast. This is then posted to the class website. Throughout this process, students are practicing their writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. One of the biggest benefits to this is that the students have genuine audience (outside their classroom), and therefore purpose, which motivates them to do even better.
The second component the class added to their website was "Exciting Writing." This portion of the website is used to display all of the students' writing. Halsey believes that the main benefit to this is that it provides students with a real purpose and audience to write for. Because of this, she saw an improvement in her students writing. Parents also love this because they can go online and see their students' work.
"Events" was the next component added to the website. "Events" contains all of the memorable events from the classroom recounted by the children. Not only does this give them more practice writing, but allows them to reflect on previous learning.
Two other components added to the website were "Word Power" and "Book Reviews." Both of these components are meant to encourage improved literacy and student initiative. In "Word Power" students list any words they find interesting from the things they read. This creates their own word bank and thesaurus that they can use when they write. "Book Reviews" is a place where students can post reviews on the books they have read, but the students have to initiate it. Halsey will not approach the students and convince them to write a review, but the students have to come to her and ask to post one. Halsey says it is so rewarding when a 6 year old runs up to you excited about a book he/she has read and wants to post a review. This system also encouraged reading and discussion about books between students.
Although it is a lot of work, Halsey believes that it is worth it. Despite criticism from some of her peers, she reminds herself that her students are indeed becoming literate in a way that will strongly benefit them in the future. She understands that there is a balance between using printed material and web-based material and has designed her program around that. She concludes her article by stating that many teachers take to much time to research an aspect of technology to determine if it is really beneficial for their classroom instead of taking the advice from other teachers who are already implementing it in their own classroom. After all, wouldn't that time be better spent actually using the technology and using it to educate students?
Reflection:
There was plenty of useful information in this article. First of all, I really liked reading through everything that Halsey has done with technology in her classroom. We have been learning about different components and strategies for implementing technology as teachers, but it really helped me to see how technology can be seamlessly integrated into a class and not just added on top of everything else. I liked the real-life examples and the testimony of how it actually worked in the classroom.
Another thing I learned that I had not thought about is that using technology in the classroom is very beneficial outside the classroom as well. This is true in a coupe different ways. First, the students love having a real purpose and a real audience. Halsey noted that this motivated her students more than anything. The students could access their website, and therefore their work, from home or anywhere else for that matter, and show it to their friends and family. This brings me to the second point. Because Halsey used technology in her classroom, parents benefited from it as well. Parents could go to the website and watch the podcast to find our what their child had done in class that week. The parents could also go onto the website with their children and see all the work they have been doing. Even further than that, links to the children's work could also be sent to grandparents and other family or friends that wouldn't get to see it otherwise.
The motivation factor and the benefit of global access were the two things I learned and appreciated the most from this article. I also realized that integrating technology does not have to be extremely difficult. The teacher was able to do all of this from the creation of one website. Yes, it does take time and work, but when the students are motivated to learn and are having fun at the same time it makes it all worth it.
https://acts.northwestu.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://firma.northwestu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true%26db=eric%26AN=EJ832191%26site=ehost-live
Summary:
This article is written by a primary school teacher, Sue Halsey, in New Zealand. Halsey writes about her experience over the school year as she not only integrated technology into her classroom, but made it one of the focal points of her literacy curriculum. Throughout the article, Halsey argues that technology cannot be ignored by teachers. Instead, technology must be embraced in the classroom because students are surrounded by technology throughout the rest of their day. Her main goals for the year were student motivation, metacognition, bringing the world into the classroom, and taking students' learning out into the world.
Halsey and her students created a website which they used in several different ways throughout the year to promote literacy. The first thing Halsey and her students did was create a podcast. This podcast was done every Friday. First, the whole class would discuss what they had learned throughout the week. Second, two students write, re-read, edit, and record their podcast. This is then posted to the class website. Throughout this process, students are practicing their writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. One of the biggest benefits to this is that the students have genuine audience (outside their classroom), and therefore purpose, which motivates them to do even better.
The second component the class added to their website was "Exciting Writing." This portion of the website is used to display all of the students' writing. Halsey believes that the main benefit to this is that it provides students with a real purpose and audience to write for. Because of this, she saw an improvement in her students writing. Parents also love this because they can go online and see their students' work.
"Events" was the next component added to the website. "Events" contains all of the memorable events from the classroom recounted by the children. Not only does this give them more practice writing, but allows them to reflect on previous learning.
Two other components added to the website were "Word Power" and "Book Reviews." Both of these components are meant to encourage improved literacy and student initiative. In "Word Power" students list any words they find interesting from the things they read. This creates their own word bank and thesaurus that they can use when they write. "Book Reviews" is a place where students can post reviews on the books they have read, but the students have to initiate it. Halsey will not approach the students and convince them to write a review, but the students have to come to her and ask to post one. Halsey says it is so rewarding when a 6 year old runs up to you excited about a book he/she has read and wants to post a review. This system also encouraged reading and discussion about books between students.
Although it is a lot of work, Halsey believes that it is worth it. Despite criticism from some of her peers, she reminds herself that her students are indeed becoming literate in a way that will strongly benefit them in the future. She understands that there is a balance between using printed material and web-based material and has designed her program around that. She concludes her article by stating that many teachers take to much time to research an aspect of technology to determine if it is really beneficial for their classroom instead of taking the advice from other teachers who are already implementing it in their own classroom. After all, wouldn't that time be better spent actually using the technology and using it to educate students?
Reflection:
There was plenty of useful information in this article. First of all, I really liked reading through everything that Halsey has done with technology in her classroom. We have been learning about different components and strategies for implementing technology as teachers, but it really helped me to see how technology can be seamlessly integrated into a class and not just added on top of everything else. I liked the real-life examples and the testimony of how it actually worked in the classroom.
Another thing I learned that I had not thought about is that using technology in the classroom is very beneficial outside the classroom as well. This is true in a coupe different ways. First, the students love having a real purpose and a real audience. Halsey noted that this motivated her students more than anything. The students could access their website, and therefore their work, from home or anywhere else for that matter, and show it to their friends and family. This brings me to the second point. Because Halsey used technology in her classroom, parents benefited from it as well. Parents could go to the website and watch the podcast to find our what their child had done in class that week. The parents could also go onto the website with their children and see all the work they have been doing. Even further than that, links to the children's work could also be sent to grandparents and other family or friends that wouldn't get to see it otherwise.
The motivation factor and the benefit of global access were the two things I learned and appreciated the most from this article. I also realized that integrating technology does not have to be extremely difficult. The teacher was able to do all of this from the creation of one website. Yes, it does take time and work, but when the students are motivated to learn and are having fun at the same time it makes it all worth it.
Generation IM
In response to "Generation IM" by Scholastic http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749836
I really enjoyed reading this article and there were a few things I learned from it. First of all, I did not know that 67% of preschoolers use computers. I think that demonstrates how much our culture is saturated with technology. Second, I did not realize that the aspect of computers that children like the most was creating their own content. I had the opinion that children waste too much time on the computer because I thought that they were playing video games or taking surveys on MySpace most of the time. Now that I realize that creating their own content is what is so appealing and what children spend the most time doing, I think time on the computer is more productive.
This notion can be taken advantage of by teachers to use in the classroom. If students love creating their own content on the computer, let them learn and show their knowledge of the content areas by creating their own content. I really liked all of the stories in this article that gave examples of teachers doing just that. By appealing to that nature in students teachers could be much more effective and inspire students to learn.
I really liked the "7 Ways to Bring Today’s Tech into your Classroom" that was at the end of the article. I did not know that all of those resources were available to teachers to use in the classroom. I really liked the ideas and the specific ways to incorporate those ideas into the curriculum. I will definitely be taking advantage of those in the future.
I really enjoyed reading this article and there were a few things I learned from it. First of all, I did not know that 67% of preschoolers use computers. I think that demonstrates how much our culture is saturated with technology. Second, I did not realize that the aspect of computers that children like the most was creating their own content. I had the opinion that children waste too much time on the computer because I thought that they were playing video games or taking surveys on MySpace most of the time. Now that I realize that creating their own content is what is so appealing and what children spend the most time doing, I think time on the computer is more productive.
This notion can be taken advantage of by teachers to use in the classroom. If students love creating their own content on the computer, let them learn and show their knowledge of the content areas by creating their own content. I really liked all of the stories in this article that gave examples of teachers doing just that. By appealing to that nature in students teachers could be much more effective and inspire students to learn.
I really liked the "7 Ways to Bring Today’s Tech into your Classroom" that was at the end of the article. I did not know that all of those resources were available to teachers to use in the classroom. I really liked the ideas and the specific ways to incorporate those ideas into the curriculum. I will definitely be taking advantage of those in the future.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
SMART Boards in the Classroom
In response to "Smart Practices: Millennial Education" by Jane Chamberlin Grove
http://downloads.smarttech.com/media/education/pdf/ieSummer07.pdf (page 16)
This article is about a district in Nebraska that uses SMART Boards extensively in their classrooms, but it all started with one teacher. Katie Morrow, the elementary technology teacher, first saw the SMART Boards at a technology conference in 2001. She requested a grant to get a SMART Board and as soon as other teachers saw how helpful the interactive whiteboard was in the classroom, they were asking for one as well. Now every school in the district owns SMART Boards and technology is integrated into other subjects using the interactive white board. Their goal is to prepare students more effectively for the workforce. Since more and more jobs revolve around the use of technology, this Nebraska district wants to prepare their students and teach them how to effectively use technology. They use the SMART Board extensively to help achieve this goal.
I did not realize all of the benefits of having a SMART Board in the classroom. I knew it would be useful for engaging students and showing the students all at once how to do something, but its benefits go far beyond that. Morrow uses the SMART Board with her students even before they can read and write. The SMART Board enables her to model behavior for her students all at once and not have to walk around the class to each student's work station. Morrow can even record her own voice giving instructions and link it to the page so that if the students forget what they are supposed to do they just click on the picture of their teacher and hear it again.
My favorite part of the article was about the project that the older elementary students do. They create a news broadcast using the SMART Board that is played on the local cable news at the end of the school year. The students do all of the video compiling and editing complete with music and graphics. With the use of the SMART Board, all of the students can participate whereas all of the students could not fit around one computer screen and play an active role in the project. Not only does this educate the students in technology, but they are writing scripts and reports, giving oral presentations, and learning to work together as a team.
SMART Boards have so many uses in the classroom. I think the integration of subject areas is probably the greatest attribute. Students can learn their content areas through the use of technology. Not only does this better prepare students for the future, but it also holds their interest and they have fun with it. I definitely want a SMART Board in my classroom when I am a teacher.
http://downloads.smarttech.com/media/education/pdf/ieSummer07.pdf (page 16)
This article is about a district in Nebraska that uses SMART Boards extensively in their classrooms, but it all started with one teacher. Katie Morrow, the elementary technology teacher, first saw the SMART Boards at a technology conference in 2001. She requested a grant to get a SMART Board and as soon as other teachers saw how helpful the interactive whiteboard was in the classroom, they were asking for one as well. Now every school in the district owns SMART Boards and technology is integrated into other subjects using the interactive white board. Their goal is to prepare students more effectively for the workforce. Since more and more jobs revolve around the use of technology, this Nebraska district wants to prepare their students and teach them how to effectively use technology. They use the SMART Board extensively to help achieve this goal.
I did not realize all of the benefits of having a SMART Board in the classroom. I knew it would be useful for engaging students and showing the students all at once how to do something, but its benefits go far beyond that. Morrow uses the SMART Board with her students even before they can read and write. The SMART Board enables her to model behavior for her students all at once and not have to walk around the class to each student's work station. Morrow can even record her own voice giving instructions and link it to the page so that if the students forget what they are supposed to do they just click on the picture of their teacher and hear it again.
My favorite part of the article was about the project that the older elementary students do. They create a news broadcast using the SMART Board that is played on the local cable news at the end of the school year. The students do all of the video compiling and editing complete with music and graphics. With the use of the SMART Board, all of the students can participate whereas all of the students could not fit around one computer screen and play an active role in the project. Not only does this educate the students in technology, but they are writing scripts and reports, giving oral presentations, and learning to work together as a team.
SMART Boards have so many uses in the classroom. I think the integration of subject areas is probably the greatest attribute. Students can learn their content areas through the use of technology. Not only does this better prepare students for the future, but it also holds their interest and they have fun with it. I definitely want a SMART Board in my classroom when I am a teacher.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
"Turning On the Lights"
In response to "Turning On the Lights" by Marc Prensky
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/mar08/vol65/num06/Turning_On_the_Lights.aspx
In this article, Prensky argues that schools do not take advantage of technology to educate students. Instead, schools and teachers feel technology is a threat to learning. I agree with some of his reasoning but also disagree with some.
I think technology should be more incorporated into the curriculum than it currently is, but I do not think that other required subjects should be dismissed. For example, history is still important for students to learn because it educates them on the past and can be important to know for the future. After all, "History repeats itself." Math is equally important. When I was in school, my perception of math was, "Why do I have to learn this stuff? I will never use it!" I can easily say that I was not a fan of math. However, I have to admit that I have used the math I learned in school. Whether it is quickly estimating my bill at the grocery store, figuring out the price of a sale item at a department store, or deciding if a couch will fit into my apartment, basic algebra and geometry are useful. That is not to say that teaching kids math about space is not a good idea, but they need a balance. Also, algebra and geometry are an important foundation for higher levels of math.
Over all, I think Prensky has some great ideas about how technology could be effectively incorporated into the classroom. For example, I think connecting a Spanish class with kids from South America is a great idea. (How a teacher would organize and implement this is another issue.) However, I think some of Prensky's ideas are a bit extreme. From my perspective, he represents one extreme which is not any more correct than the extreme that argues that technology should have a very minimal role in the classroom. As is usually the case, the most effective scenario lies in the middle where balance is the goal.
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/mar08/vol65/num06/Turning_On_the_Lights.aspx
In this article, Prensky argues that schools do not take advantage of technology to educate students. Instead, schools and teachers feel technology is a threat to learning. I agree with some of his reasoning but also disagree with some.
I think technology should be more incorporated into the curriculum than it currently is, but I do not think that other required subjects should be dismissed. For example, history is still important for students to learn because it educates them on the past and can be important to know for the future. After all, "History repeats itself." Math is equally important. When I was in school, my perception of math was, "Why do I have to learn this stuff? I will never use it!" I can easily say that I was not a fan of math. However, I have to admit that I have used the math I learned in school. Whether it is quickly estimating my bill at the grocery store, figuring out the price of a sale item at a department store, or deciding if a couch will fit into my apartment, basic algebra and geometry are useful. That is not to say that teaching kids math about space is not a good idea, but they need a balance. Also, algebra and geometry are an important foundation for higher levels of math.
Over all, I think Prensky has some great ideas about how technology could be effectively incorporated into the classroom. For example, I think connecting a Spanish class with kids from South America is a great idea. (How a teacher would organize and implement this is another issue.) However, I think some of Prensky's ideas are a bit extreme. From my perspective, he represents one extreme which is not any more correct than the extreme that argues that technology should have a very minimal role in the classroom. As is usually the case, the most effective scenario lies in the middle where balance is the goal.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
My Story
5 years ago if you had asked me, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I would not have answered "teacher." Today, I am 1 school year away from graduating with a bachelors in Elementary Education and I am so excited! So how did I get from that point five years ago to where I am today? It took a trip around the world and teaching in a foreign language to convince me, but here I am.
After I graduated high school I went to Chile for eight months on a mission internship. I knew where I was going and when, but I had no idea what I would be doing. My main task while I was there turned out to be teaching English at a primary school. I taught 12 different classes once a week. The students ranged in age from preschool to 4th grade. I was given no materials or guidelines on what I was to teach. This sounds daunting, difficult, and scary - and it was. But in spite of all of that, it was fun and I loved it. The kids were very receptive, for the most part, and eager to learn. My favorite part about teaching there was seeing the look on the kids' faces when something finally clicked. They would put words and phrases together in broken English and I loved the sound of it!
When I returned to the US, I decided that I wanted to become an official teacher and that is what brought me to Northwest University and to this class. I chose NU because it is close to where I grew up and has married housing for my husband and I (very important!).
When I graduate, my perfect job would be teaching 3rd or 4th grade in a bilingual classroom. I want to teach that grade because they were my favorite classes when I was teaching in Chile. I love that age because they are very receptive, are old enough to do more activities, and they still like their teacher!
After I graduated high school I went to Chile for eight months on a mission internship. I knew where I was going and when, but I had no idea what I would be doing. My main task while I was there turned out to be teaching English at a primary school. I taught 12 different classes once a week. The students ranged in age from preschool to 4th grade. I was given no materials or guidelines on what I was to teach. This sounds daunting, difficult, and scary - and it was. But in spite of all of that, it was fun and I loved it. The kids were very receptive, for the most part, and eager to learn. My favorite part about teaching there was seeing the look on the kids' faces when something finally clicked. They would put words and phrases together in broken English and I loved the sound of it!
When I returned to the US, I decided that I wanted to become an official teacher and that is what brought me to Northwest University and to this class. I chose NU because it is close to where I grew up and has married housing for my husband and I (very important!).
When I graduate, my perfect job would be teaching 3rd or 4th grade in a bilingual classroom. I want to teach that grade because they were my favorite classes when I was teaching in Chile. I love that age because they are very receptive, are old enough to do more activities, and they still like their teacher!
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