First Year Hopes and Dreams

What I learned about myself in this process is that education and my very literal way of thinking can coexist in peace and harmony. I can list all of the wonderful websites I have discovered, and how I will make games and quizzes with quia. I will use the assignment on Internet safety and reliability when I teach my students about researching. I will listen to podcasts in the classroom, Grammar Girl will start many of my classes off. Eventually, I would like to podcast oral history reports and diaries of students and their grandparents and elders.

This is all of the things I learned that I will use this summer. I believe that I gained much more in insight and wisdom. I conquered a fear of technology that I had.  I discovered that it is okay not to know everything. I doubt myself as a future educator when I look at all of the creative people around me, especially in this class. Yet when I use technology I feel that I can be effective and creative in the classroom. At least I hope I will be. Regardless, I am thankful for the experience.

I was so inspired to see the video about the state of Maine using laptops in the classroom. The governor had to fight the battle to make this happen, but this is an excellent example of what can happen when the resources are there. I equated it to taking books out of my home. If my child never had books how would I explain colors and shapes and wonderful world of learning to her. I applaud the governor for taking this step. Another video was the Mary Scroggs’ program. What struck me as interesting in this video was that so many parents participate in the online forums throughout the day, checking on what their child is doing. I was speaking to another teacher who said that this does not work at her school, very few parents check these. I wonder if it is because by emailing your kids school instead of calling or coming for a visit, parents believe they are lazy. Parents and society need to be know that any tool that is available to foster a good relationship with your children and education is acceptable to use, regardless of the medium it is in.

I greatly enjoyed the videos I watched. One was on a true life simulation of life in underprivileged countries. I had to laugh when I saw the students so used to technology and convenience slopping around in these conditions. We can try to teach tolerance and empathy all we want but walking in someone’s dirty shoes will do that. Another video was on gaming simulation and how this area can be used to foster learning. Unfortunately, schools do not have enough money for this type of technology. However,  I believe the bigger battle is trying to convince administrators and parents that teaching video games and other simulations is a good use of teaching time and taxpayer money. The only thing that will probably change this attitude is for parents and administrators to see this technology used firsthand. Lastly, I watched a video about a school that is virtually an around the clock learning place. I think that to a point this is wonderful. However, at some point we need to distance school from the family and home. Kids need time to be kids, and families need a chance to interact the old-fashioned way. I am all for technology but I think this could be an example of taking it too far.

I have been using Altec since my methods classes when it had a different name. I use it to gain knowledge and ideas for starting units in trackstar. Rubistar is wonderful for English teachers and those who come up with their own projects that are outside of the box. Quizstar has always been a personal favorite since I struggling writing tests. I shared this site with my mentor Diana Zecha a special education teacher who often struggles to find activities for 22 very diverse learners in her IRC Classroom. She was hesitant at first but is willing to try some of the features.

As I write this I am approaching the transitional stage of my education where I will go out in the real world of teaching. I wish that I can say that I hope that everything will be perfect in teaching, but I know that is not the case. What I really hope for is to do a good job. More importantly, to not mess any kids up so terribly they will need therapy!!! Just kidding, I want kids to walk away not just learning something but having fun and feeling good about my classroom. I now this is a tall order but hopefully by asking questions, making good friends and mentors in education, and being flexible I will be that kind of teacher.

I am scared to fail, but excited to begin. Go figure.

After reading the articles submitted, I feel hopeful and a little discouraged at the same time. I am glad that my daughter will grow up in an environment that fully integrates technology and education. She is going to be two soon so when she is in high school I think the ideal world of technology and education going hand and hand will be here. However, I am also discouraged that lack of funds is still limiting our access to this ideal world. One of the articles mentioned talked about how the question was not how, but when. I think that as educators, parents and concerned citizens we have to step up and say that kids having access to technology is a forefront issue just as important as having books or school lunches. The money is there if the government feels that this is a true priority. The article that dealt with  no child left behind left me perplexed. Children are being left behind right now because of a lack of resources that can easily be fixed. If America wants to catch up on the technology race with other countries, we have to change our minds about what is a priority in our children’s lives.

I loved this site and can’t wait to recommend it to all my friends in education. In my own personal experience the best advice and wisdom I have learned about education is from teachers in the field who know what works and what doesn’t. This site confirmed that for me.

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