Weekly Reflection(going into finals week)

As I am approaching finals week, there is much happening as I am trying to finalize all my lose ends. I will be very pleased when next week is over and I am able to relax a little. Although not too much as I need to prepare for the holidays.(I would rather just go and lay around on a tropical beach) Oh well, I feel quite confidant that I will be able to get through this week and make sure that all my assignments are finished for my courses.

What does all this mean to me, well I feel that for the most part this semester has been fairly productive and I feel that there has been much that I have learned. I do feel that I could have learned a little more as some of my courses could be extended for another semester. But that is o.k. as I am sure that my next set of courses will be beneficial. As far as my class in technology, I am getting more computer literate with each technology class that I take, but with advances in the technology world moving so fast, I feel that the only way to stay on top of my game is to continue taking classes throughout my career.

So what does this mean for me and my colleagues? Well, once again I must continue to take classes as I move through my profession. After I finish with my degree, I will be moving onto my next goal of attaining a masters in (I am not sure what) but something that will benefit me as a teacher. Te more classes I can take will only help me prepare and become a better instructor in the future.

My Beliefs

My beliefs in the classroom are to remain balanced. This is my philosophy on all things in life. I believe that we should integrate technology into the classroom at an age appropriate level. K-3 is not necessarily appropriate. 4th-6th is definitely more appropriate, but I do believe that this should be more of an introductory age for students. Teaching them the basics, ethics, benefits and usefulness, but also the downside of technology. As we advance in the technology world we need to stay up with the advances, but we also need to have boundaries. Keeping yourself completely immersed in technology I feel is not necessarily a good thing. As I view the younger generations there are many problems because of the use of computers. One that particularly bothers my is the lack of movement. Overweight, unhealthy, lack of muscle tone, these are all problems I see with our youth and common sense should tell us that the human body is made to move and work, not sit and sit and sit. As I finish with this blog, I myself am feeling restless to just sit here and type. My eyes are bugging, I need to move, my wrists hurt and I would really like to get outside and walk. This is what humans need to be doing. Moving not sitting and staring wondering who's on facebook. Yes, technology is a good thing if used correctly and this is what needs to be taught at home and in the classroom.

Lessons Learned

After watching the videos, reading material, and websites, I have learned alot about our technology based world. I am even more aware of the growth and extensiveness of technology. There is still so much for me to learn with what is happening right now, I am concerned about being able to keep up and then once I catch up how far will I be behind with the new advances. I also have concerns for our future students using too much technology and becoming so overloaded that students begin to have a hard time focusing especially when it comes to literature. The other concern of mine is the advancement of other countries and the inability for our country to keep up. There is so much information out there available, is this always a good thing? In some ways I feel yes it is and in other ways it is not. Where do we find balance? I have many concerns, questions, and what do I do next?

Strengths & Weaknesses

Within the UNI survey and Net Standards I have many weaknesses and some strenghts. I feel that I am capable of operating with computers and software as well as set up some technology devices. I feel that I also have the ability to demonstrate technology within society and business. On an introductory level I understand basic concepts, I can plan and provide effective learning environments, implement some curriculum that includes technology and use technology to assess learning. My goals as a beginning teacher are going to include many advances into the technology world on my part. Designing appropriate learning material to support diverse learners is definitely something I need to learn and understand in order to accommodate all students. I will also need to enhance my technology skills to develop the students' higher order skills and creativity. Another goal that is very important for my to acquire in the technology area of learning is to know all the legal issues involved with technology and be able to teach that to my students. I understand the basic issues, but I feel that I need to be well versed on this topic to protect my students and teach them well.

There are many classes, tutorials and information available to increase your understanding and awareness of computers. One that I would like to take would be the Presentation class available at MAC stores. I feel that with this course I could learn how to better present material to my class in ways that would be beneficial to them and provide them with more ideas for creativity. I would also take the PBS online teacher course for supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students. This is something I need more expertise in to help with the diversity of students that I may get in a classroom.

As I further my professional growth, I will need to become more diverse and knowledgeable in the field of technology. At this point in my studies, I have already made some major leaps as I do not use the computer much and for the past 10 years I have been a stay at home mom with little knowledge except for writing emails and looking up information on the computer. The more courses I take the more I will be able to keep up with our technology changing world and stay on top of my profession.

How Not to Use Powerpoint

A funny comedic reflection on how boring powerpoints can be. This video gives you a good perspective of what not to do. And this would be especially true when you are teaching elementary age students.If long drawn out powerpoints will not keep the attention of an adult then you know it would never keep the attention of a student. Powerpoints need to be quick, informative, interesting, and use good visuals. If your powerpoint just lists a bunch of graphs, bullets, and paragraphs, then there is no point to a power point. Remember the word power.

Did You Know? 3.0

This was a great video of interesting facts. The idea that technology is growing and changing so rapidly that it is almost impossible to keep up with. The facts here were astounding. If these are the facts today, then what will they be another ten years and where we the world be with technology. Is it really possible that we could change so much more at such a fast rate, or we will eventually slow down with technology? Only time will tell.

Millenial Generation

This is a great video from the view point of the next generation. Even I feel behind in the technology world and am trying to catch up as fast as I can. But, there are certain things within this technology world that I do not care to do. Being in front of the computer or having access to the computer at all times is not for me. I choose not to go on facebook unless I need to get in touch with someone, or I do not always like to be accessible to people. I like my privacy and I choose when to talk or even carry a cell phone. The younger generations are completely addicted to technology and I would not say this is bad unless you let it be. I do feel that it is a good thing to have knowledge and be informed on the topic, but I do not like it to control my world at all times.