Well, we have had many great discussions these last few weeks. Although all of these topics were extremely relevant I really enjoyed researching and discussing technology (or maybe I'm just biased!). I hope to have a lot of opportunity working with technology and using it to connect with my students. I love working with technology and believe that it is a fabulous tool, especially since students as old current freshmen in college are so fluent in how to run a wide range of technology. There is so much that we can do with it, learn through it and manipulate it so that our students will be able to excel. Technology makes it so much easier for us to tailor our teaching to different learning styles. There are so many programs and ideas floating around the internet, waiting for us to catch them and use them. I have heard so many people for the two generations prior to us argue about whether or not using technology is good. We need to be the generation that ends that argument and proves that technology is a necessity to survive in the current and future world.
Now to address DAT. I, luckily, was rather sheltered from all three as I went through high school, hanging out with people who's parents had rules and believed like I did and who did not feel the need to rebel. However, I have watched my younger siblings rebel like crazy and partake of all three. We knew what our parent's expectations were but they never explained WHY. It is vital that we explain the consequences of the three types of substances and really let our students know, especially in middle school, WHY and HOW to avoid them, especially abusing them.
Finally, I want to say that I really enjoyed this class and can't wait to go out and START TEACHING!
ED460 Personal and Social Well Being is a course taken by college students in education during their student teaching semester. Topics covered include: poverty, child abuse, bullying, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, counselors' role in school, adolescents and choices, and the use of technology.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Our Community
Ok I don't think I am going to write about any of those topics. I hope thats ok Mrs. Bennett, if not let me know and I will write a new one!
I want to reflect on our class. Yes, our class that we are just about done with. Throughout our whole semester we have been discussing how to truly impact your students, how to make a difference in a struggling child's life, how to build a relationship with our students, and how to build a strong classroom community. We have all learned so much from these LONG four hours of classes everyday, but I honestly would like to commend us, because not only did we learn about these topics, but we actually lived them out. We actually took everything we learned about and applied to to our classroom. WE created a community out of our classroom and in my opinion I felt close and connected to everyone, we actually got to know each other and loved one another.
In life I have began to realize that people come and go, they pass by us and we never notice. However, every person has something to offer us, every person has a story and quite frankly the way you live your life can have a tremendous impact on the way I live mine. So, why is that? why do we never notice the person who is sitting right next to us in class. I don't know why in our class did we create a community with one another that many of us have never experienced. I don't know the answer to why and how we did, so please help me out, but even though I don't know all I know is I want to change it. I don't want to just pass by this person who sits next to me on an airport or in a bus or in my classroom at BC. Look I think we are truly one humanity, we are in this sea of humanity and we are here to help each other out. TO look past our own selfishness and to love. Because we are all one humanity, we are all living this life together, we need to help each other. If we are all one, if you truly are my brothers and sisters then how can I pass you by and never notice, how can I not try to help you live a better human life, how can I not love you, and I think thats it, I can't, i have to love you. I truly can't find the meaning to my own life without you, unless you help me find it, unless I know you and unless we impact each other. No man is an island and I believe we all need to start to live this way.
SO I want to thank you all, and I want to encourage you to create a classroom of your own like the one that we just lived in, one where people love one another and look past their own lives and see the true beauty in another human. Don't let people pass you by anymore cause the more i think about it the more we have to offer one another, we all have a story were all going somewhere and I think that somewhere your going is the same place I am!
Drugs... and Technology
The information I learned as we studied the drug, alcohol and tobacco problem in our schools was startling. I grew up in a place where there just wasn’t a lot of people going out on the weekends and drinking, at least before high school. If there was stuff like this going on in middle school I was totally oblivious to it… but after hearing some of the statistics about drug and alcohol use before high school I began to wonder if it may be that I was just oblivious. When I heard this information I began thinking of the fifth grade students that I will be student teaching and I wondered…. could some of them be exposed to or engaging in the use of alcohol and drugs already? ‘No way!’ was my initial reply (to myself J). I’m going to be teaching in a school that runs a pretty tight ship, kids don’t get away with much and the things they are getting in trouble for are pretty minor in the grand scheme of things, but only time will tell- I am realizing that I have no idea what these kids are really dealing with at home and socially. Talking about this topic gave me a loud wake up call that I need to consider how I would approach such an issue with my students, even if they are in elementary school, if the topic came up.
The discussion on technology at AMS really got my blood pumping. I know that the discussion leaders were playing devil’s advocate a bit in their discussion prompts, but the perspective of using technology on such a large scale- to the exclusion of hands on learning with physical manipulatives and… PAPER really drives me crazy. I can’t help but think of the school across the street from our convent in St. Joe where there are 2 smart boards in the whole school and the rest of the teachers have an overhead projector and that’s all. No laptops. No clickers. No internet in the classroom. Yet quality education goes on there every day, even in the 8 classrooms that don’t have smartboards. I hate to think that some people would say we are doing a disservice to these students just because they don’t have technology readily available. However, they CAN think, problem solve, create original projects, look words up in a dictionary when they need to, and effectively communicate with adults and peers. Not to mention that they are being formed with God as the center of their lives and if that isn’t quality education, I’m not sure what is. At the end of the day, I see such great possibilities in using technology in the classroom, and if it is available I fully intend to make use of it every day, but I am also very confident that if I end up teaching across the street in St. Joe, I can be a great teacher and form excellent, highly motivated, intelligent students without these tools.
Last Blog
Technology. Sometimes talking about it scares me. It is super overwhelming. The discussion we had really got me thinking about everything we will need to do for our students regarding technology. I understand that using technology is important for the future lives of our students but is it totally our responsibility to keep them up-to-date? Will we fail our students if we do not use the latest technology?
During our observation days last week the teachers in my pod had a little meeting. They talked about this and that and then technology. One teacher is all about it. Sometimes that is all he talks about. My cooperating teacher calls himself a caveman compared to the other teachers. Then, a point was made: technology should be used when students can interact with it, when it is used correctly, and when interpersonal relationships can still be developed (not using it all of the time). I thought this was interesting having just had the technology discussion. The point that was made was accurate. When we had the class discussion it seemed like technology was taking over our lives and the classroom. But when it is used correctly then students and the teacher will benefit while still building relationships.
During our observation days last week the teachers in my pod had a little meeting. They talked about this and that and then technology. One teacher is all about it. Sometimes that is all he talks about. My cooperating teacher calls himself a caveman compared to the other teachers. Then, a point was made: technology should be used when students can interact with it, when it is used correctly, and when interpersonal relationships can still be developed (not using it all of the time). I thought this was interesting having just had the technology discussion. The point that was made was accurate. When we had the class discussion it seemed like technology was taking over our lives and the classroom. But when it is used correctly then students and the teacher will benefit while still building relationships.
While there have been a lot of great topics over the last couple of weeks I found the tech tour and technology discussions really helpful for me. While I was already set before the conversation about bringing technology into my classroom I found it helpful to get a better understanding of just what exactly is out there today. Technology has advanced so much over the past couple of years and even though I feel as though I'm pretty capable with technology I was introduced to a whole new world. It's scary to think just how quickly your knowledge on tech can be outdated but in this day and age that's become the case. One of the benefits of that though is as a teacher you must continue to search out for new ideas and continue on with your own personal education. As a teacher it becomes important to never become laid back as if you do you could easily become behind the times.
While it was a bit concerning about the topic presented that as teachers will be teaching for jobs that don't exist using technology that hasn't been created it does point you to one thing. That is teachers main goal must to teach students to have the capacity to learn. To not simply give students information to recite but rather its important with the changing future to educate students to be abe to learn for themselves to be able to find new ideas and be creative after they walk out of your doors. So while its important for me to tell the students the facts its just as equally essential to give my students that base to be able to search out new ideas so that they can continue on with their own education and be creative with whatever the future may hold for each of them.
The different discussions over D-A-T became a useful resource in shedding light on just how prevalent all three of those items have become in both school and society. The main thing I believe as a teacher you must do is to follow along what the class has been saying all semester and that's to get to know and build strong relationships with your students. The more knowledge you have the more capable you are to help your students. Knowing your students will in the long haul be the only way you'll be able to reach and help the students in your class who may be struggling with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
While it was a bit concerning about the topic presented that as teachers will be teaching for jobs that don't exist using technology that hasn't been created it does point you to one thing. That is teachers main goal must to teach students to have the capacity to learn. To not simply give students information to recite but rather its important with the changing future to educate students to be abe to learn for themselves to be able to find new ideas and be creative after they walk out of your doors. So while its important for me to tell the students the facts its just as equally essential to give my students that base to be able to search out new ideas so that they can continue on with their own education and be creative with whatever the future may hold for each of them.
The different discussions over D-A-T became a useful resource in shedding light on just how prevalent all three of those items have become in both school and society. The main thing I believe as a teacher you must do is to follow along what the class has been saying all semester and that's to get to know and build strong relationships with your students. The more knowledge you have the more capable you are to help your students. Knowing your students will in the long haul be the only way you'll be able to reach and help the students in your class who may be struggling with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Blog 3
It's hard to believe how young students are starting to use drugs, turning to them for whatever reason. Schools need to do whatever they can to discourage students from using them. I think the best way for the schools to do this is to have a DAT education prgram that promotes knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes toward student's health and well-being. I also believe that the program should enhance student's communication, decision-making, and responsible self-management skills. Then the school and community should work together to make sure that the program is successful, in order to provide students with the correct information about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
I found the tech tour and discussion to be extremely informative and though provoking. One aspect that keeps coming to mind is that we are preparing students for jobs that don't even exist right now. So, how far should we take technology? I think that it is amazing how far technology has come and how many tools teachers now have to teach with. I think that technology does a great job in helping encourage students to be active participants. Now I don't believe that we should just use technology in the classroom all the time but continually mix it up. I also believe that it is important that we don't allow the technology to keep students from learning how to reason on their own as well.
I found the tech tour and discussion to be extremely informative and though provoking. One aspect that keeps coming to mind is that we are preparing students for jobs that don't even exist right now. So, how far should we take technology? I think that it is amazing how far technology has come and how many tools teachers now have to teach with. I think that technology does a great job in helping encourage students to be active participants. Now I don't believe that we should just use technology in the classroom all the time but continually mix it up. I also believe that it is important that we don't allow the technology to keep students from learning how to reason on their own as well.
The Individualism Helmet
It kind of goes without saying, but I know we can all feel the tension in our class when we are talking about controversial topics such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Sure we might all disagree about the specifics of the role each item should have, or not have in the lives of our future students, but are there any certainties among these topics? I think so.
While none of these things are bad in and of themselves, their misuse can be harmful. I see no problem in getting together with a group of friends for drinks- hey! we're all doing it tonight at Mueller's (100 days, baby!!), but the abuse of any of these substances can lead to a very individualized cultre. I think that if the society we are in keeps promoting this individualistic culture, we are headed for the road of dispair. Think about it, the effects of any of these substances if used inappropriately, obtain the purpose to serve the individual, no longer the group as possibly first intended.
If our sudents are getting heavily involved in these drugs, (they're all technically considered drugs) where does the future of our society go? I'm suggesting not up. Our students are going to need some outlet to feed off of that would serve similar purposes as these drugs (not physical purposes, but social ones). From my own experience going to a Catholic high school where everyone was thought to have been rich, my peers could easily borrow some of daddy's money to go to their college fund (aka pill-party fund). Any sort of drug on the market are so easily accessible to our students, it's sad that we can no longer be surprised by what's out there. I think that the most effective and efficient way to solve a problem is to get to the root of the problem.
I would propose that one of the major roots of this drug abuse is the individualism helmet that we've all chosen to wear. Don't get me wrong, I am completely an advocate for the individual and "being who you really are," but the individual who is in life only for themselves is the one who is wearing the individualism helmet. I think we need to get society back on track to living the communal life, but how?
Technology: Tool or Crutch?
The technology section really stood out to me this time. Technology is, indeed, pervasive in modern American culture. With a simple click of a mouse on can become connected to more information than people a couple hundred years ago could have accessed in a life time. But as much as I use and enjoy using technology, is it really all that great of a deal?
What I mean is that technology, from microwaves to the internet, makes things easier. That is basically what the idea is behind all technology. We want to make living easier. Cars, planes, industrial machines, tv, computers, and even videogames have all been invented to save time and then fill the time we save. I want to put forth the idea that this is not necessarily a healthy stance to take.
Making things easier is all well and good as an idea, but we now have a generation of children growing up that can't cook anything but easy-mac. They can't write cursive, but they can type. Outside of scouting, how many kids go camping? How many can light a fire without a lighter or lighter fluid? How many of our students can beat anyone at sports videogames, but can't play sports. These aren't things that can be outdated. People are losing ability to do the things that make us... human.
We like to say that, as teachers, we can use technology as a tool. But I think it is very dangerous to do so. Depending on how it is used, technology becomes a crutch that cripples our students over time. The internet can be a great resource, but let's be honest, there isn't a question that can be answered that doesn't have an answer on the internet, and there are answers to questions that don't have answers as well. I see students these days log onto a computer as they become a conduit of information. This sounds great until we think of what we want our students to be.
A conduit takes something from somewhere and puts it someplace else. A conduit of information takes info and passes it onto a piece of paper without absorbing any of it. We want our students to learn the info, not just how to get the info. We want students to be a source of information, not a mindless automaton.
Luckily I want to teach band, which mean students will need to build their own knowledge and skills. But as much as we want to jump and the techno band wagon and get 'up-to-date' on all the new tech, keep in mind that the more kids learn to rely on tech, the less they will be willing to rely on themselves.
What I mean is that technology, from microwaves to the internet, makes things easier. That is basically what the idea is behind all technology. We want to make living easier. Cars, planes, industrial machines, tv, computers, and even videogames have all been invented to save time and then fill the time we save. I want to put forth the idea that this is not necessarily a healthy stance to take.
Making things easier is all well and good as an idea, but we now have a generation of children growing up that can't cook anything but easy-mac. They can't write cursive, but they can type. Outside of scouting, how many kids go camping? How many can light a fire without a lighter or lighter fluid? How many of our students can beat anyone at sports videogames, but can't play sports. These aren't things that can be outdated. People are losing ability to do the things that make us... human.
We like to say that, as teachers, we can use technology as a tool. But I think it is very dangerous to do so. Depending on how it is used, technology becomes a crutch that cripples our students over time. The internet can be a great resource, but let's be honest, there isn't a question that can be answered that doesn't have an answer on the internet, and there are answers to questions that don't have answers as well. I see students these days log onto a computer as they become a conduit of information. This sounds great until we think of what we want our students to be.
A conduit takes something from somewhere and puts it someplace else. A conduit of information takes info and passes it onto a piece of paper without absorbing any of it. We want our students to learn the info, not just how to get the info. We want students to be a source of information, not a mindless automaton.
Luckily I want to teach band, which mean students will need to build their own knowledge and skills. But as much as we want to jump and the techno band wagon and get 'up-to-date' on all the new tech, keep in mind that the more kids learn to rely on tech, the less they will be willing to rely on themselves.
Technology for the musically in...inc...for the music people
http://www.smartmusic.com/
One of the things I got to experience in the two days of observation last week was a quick run through of smart music. For those in band, it is a great and easy way to assess how well a student can play songs from a methods book. Basically, the way it works is the teacher downloads whichever methods book the class is using from the catalog of resources available. Then the teacher can assign certain songs in the book to be played at any given time. The student then can play through the piece on the classroom computer, or can go home, record, and send an mp3 file from a home computer running the program. As the student plays through the song, a bar moves across the screen in the correct tempo marking. When the test is done, the program tells the student what went wrong (such as note or rhythm problems) and the student can either send it in for a grade or record it again.
I think it's rather cool to have something like this especially since there are tons of method books, fun books, and solos available to use with the program. Speaking of solos, I also heard that in the state of Kansas, if no accompanist is available for a performer at state solo contests, then smart music can be used as an accompanying thingy. When I heard this I just keep the grin off my face because I have no intention of ever filling in as an accompanist in any school (even though we all know Kirsten is the only who is pretty much able to do that). What happens is, the program will play through the accompanying line, but it will follow the performer as they slow down or speed up or just totally mess up.
I feel smart music is a great thing for music teachers who find that they are teaching everything by themselves and don't have time to listen to each individual student perform an etude. It also lets students try solos in contests if there is no accompaniment. I attached a link to the site at the beginning of the post and I think it's something worth checking into.
One of the things I got to experience in the two days of observation last week was a quick run through of smart music. For those in band, it is a great and easy way to assess how well a student can play songs from a methods book. Basically, the way it works is the teacher downloads whichever methods book the class is using from the catalog of resources available. Then the teacher can assign certain songs in the book to be played at any given time. The student then can play through the piece on the classroom computer, or can go home, record, and send an mp3 file from a home computer running the program. As the student plays through the song, a bar moves across the screen in the correct tempo marking. When the test is done, the program tells the student what went wrong (such as note or rhythm problems) and the student can either send it in for a grade or record it again.
I think it's rather cool to have something like this especially since there are tons of method books, fun books, and solos available to use with the program. Speaking of solos, I also heard that in the state of Kansas, if no accompanist is available for a performer at state solo contests, then smart music can be used as an accompanying thingy. When I heard this I just keep the grin off my face because I have no intention of ever filling in as an accompanist in any school (even though we all know Kirsten is the only who is pretty much able to do that). What happens is, the program will play through the accompanying line, but it will follow the performer as they slow down or speed up or just totally mess up.
I feel smart music is a great thing for music teachers who find that they are teaching everything by themselves and don't have time to listen to each individual student perform an etude. It also lets students try solos in contests if there is no accompaniment. I attached a link to the site at the beginning of the post and I think it's something worth checking into.
DAT Blog #3
I would say a lot has gone on in the last week, but these past few days have been wonderful with no school. I highly doubt Dr. O and Bennett would say the same though.
As a secondary teacher, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco will be relativiely prevalent in high schools. I know when I went to high school, it was not uncommon to see kids smoking outside of school grounds, waiting for the first bell to ring. As far as Chew goes, never saw some many people "dip" until I came to BC. I knew a handful, at the most that did it. Now everywhere you turn, every baseball and football player has a can and an empty water bottle. I dont know how they afford to spend $4 every other day on a new can. Drugs were not a huge problem at my school either. Weed was probably the most common, followed by some pills or something. When it comes to alcohol, that was the biggest problem at my school. Kids would of course show up drunk, or talk about the big keggar they had the night before. Lots of DUIs? Not really. We did have a couple people get in car accidents and die. The ones who died were not driving, instead had someone drunk drive. A very avoidable thing if you ask me.
Nowadays, kids are into drugs, alcohol, and tobacco more it seems. I forsee it being a bigger problem then when I was in high school. I think the number one thing to do as a teacher is to be available for your kids. Make sure they know they can come talk to you if thy need to. And be willing to meet with them. They may just need one adult in their life to tell them no. If you are well-repsected and liked around campus, then why wouldnt they listen to you? Most teachers are well-put together people, and have good, stable lives. Kids can see your success, and see where you have come. i am sure everyone has had an experience with someone they know who has been an alcoholic or a drug addict and had their life turned upside down. Tell your kids that this is where your life could lead. Some kids, they wont listen. But, some kids will. If you can just stop one kids from using drugs, or doing something dumb that night, I would be very happy with myself. Knowing I potentially saved someone's life, or prevented them from hurting someone elses? Awesome feeling.
when it comes to technology, I would be one of the lst people to tel you how things work. I have a computer and a cell phone. At first glance, the Promethian Boards just look like an expensive overhead with cool tools. I have never seen one until I went to BC. My teachers were stuck with projectors on carts, overheads, and the good ol' whiteboard.
I dont know how receptive I would be to a Promethian Board in my room. I definately think a school should buy only one or two at a time to try them out and see how the teachers like them. I cannot imaigne them being very cheap. I know that as technology grows, so will our classroom. We will have to adapt and "get with the times." I for one would need to do it slowly. If I had some piece of new technology, I would most likely want the summer to test it out and make sure it is something I would want in my room. What I dont want is for technoology to take over the classroom. Having kids never have to interact with their teachers or peers. So much would be lost if this were to happen. Even now, with texting and Internet phones, no one really talks anymore. I am guilty of it, but in the classroom this interaction is necessary for growth as a person in the real world and academically.
As a secondary teacher, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco will be relativiely prevalent in high schools. I know when I went to high school, it was not uncommon to see kids smoking outside of school grounds, waiting for the first bell to ring. As far as Chew goes, never saw some many people "dip" until I came to BC. I knew a handful, at the most that did it. Now everywhere you turn, every baseball and football player has a can and an empty water bottle. I dont know how they afford to spend $4 every other day on a new can. Drugs were not a huge problem at my school either. Weed was probably the most common, followed by some pills or something. When it comes to alcohol, that was the biggest problem at my school. Kids would of course show up drunk, or talk about the big keggar they had the night before. Lots of DUIs? Not really. We did have a couple people get in car accidents and die. The ones who died were not driving, instead had someone drunk drive. A very avoidable thing if you ask me.
Nowadays, kids are into drugs, alcohol, and tobacco more it seems. I forsee it being a bigger problem then when I was in high school. I think the number one thing to do as a teacher is to be available for your kids. Make sure they know they can come talk to you if thy need to. And be willing to meet with them. They may just need one adult in their life to tell them no. If you are well-repsected and liked around campus, then why wouldnt they listen to you? Most teachers are well-put together people, and have good, stable lives. Kids can see your success, and see where you have come. i am sure everyone has had an experience with someone they know who has been an alcoholic or a drug addict and had their life turned upside down. Tell your kids that this is where your life could lead. Some kids, they wont listen. But, some kids will. If you can just stop one kids from using drugs, or doing something dumb that night, I would be very happy with myself. Knowing I potentially saved someone's life, or prevented them from hurting someone elses? Awesome feeling.
when it comes to technology, I would be one of the lst people to tel you how things work. I have a computer and a cell phone. At first glance, the Promethian Boards just look like an expensive overhead with cool tools. I have never seen one until I went to BC. My teachers were stuck with projectors on carts, overheads, and the good ol' whiteboard.
I dont know how receptive I would be to a Promethian Board in my room. I definately think a school should buy only one or two at a time to try them out and see how the teachers like them. I cannot imaigne them being very cheap. I know that as technology grows, so will our classroom. We will have to adapt and "get with the times." I for one would need to do it slowly. If I had some piece of new technology, I would most likely want the summer to test it out and make sure it is something I would want in my room. What I dont want is for technoology to take over the classroom. Having kids never have to interact with their teachers or peers. So much would be lost if this were to happen. Even now, with texting and Internet phones, no one really talks anymore. I am guilty of it, but in the classroom this interaction is necessary for growth as a person in the real world and academically.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The teacher panel was very insightful. They offered many tips that I will hold on to as I enter the teaching field. These experiences, hearing teachers, counselors, media specialists, and learning from them have been most beneficial to me in this class. It is interesting to hear what teachers have to say about the problems we only read about. Also, I like to see that there is no one right way to handle something. True, some are better than others. All of the teachers we saw had different philosophies and approaches with there students, yet all seemed to be effective.
The drug, alcohol, and tobacco topic is always interesting to me. I think that it is so serious not only because of the dangers that students face, but because of the mindset of our audience. We are dealing with an age group that is mature, but not always mature in their decision making and reasoning skills. We are also dealing with age groups of children who value fitting in perhaps more then they value their own health or well being. I know this is not the case for every students, but for some it is. It is sad, but unfortunately I think some kids feel this way, and it seems important to remember these things when trying to teach them about good choices. Because ultimately, that's what life is all about: choices. For me, personally, the thing I would like to share with my students, is not necessarily just to make good choices, but to understand that EVERY choice has its consequence. We don't tell students not to smoke and drink just because. It's because many of them are not mature enough to make a decision of that nature for yourself. I have had my chance to make plenty of good and plenty of not so good choices in my life. Unfortunately, this is a hard lesson to learn, because often consequences of decisions do not appear until later. However, I will share with my students that they do appear, and that making good decisions today, is not just for today, it will help down the road as well.
Technology, technology! Where to start. I feel like many of you have had some great thoughts on this so far. Like I have commented to some people, and others have pointed out, balance seems to be key. Like Margaret, I never really considered technology a bad thing in a classroom, but I do see where it could become so if it was overused.
My feelings on technology are that it can be an amazing instrument in a classroom, like Erin pointed out, it can be a powerful motivator and engage students (which we are constantly told we must do)! However, I do not wish to be dependent on it for my lessons. If the technology breaks down (which it will at some time) I want to be able to continue a lesson, even if I need to modify it, and go on. I want my students to know where the classroom map and globe are, not just google maps. I do not want to be so dependent on technology in the classroom, that I am lost without it. I think it can be such an asset to learning, but I must remain the teacher, and know that I can convey knowledge to my students and teach them without the bells and whistles if I need to.
The drug, alcohol, and tobacco topic is always interesting to me. I think that it is so serious not only because of the dangers that students face, but because of the mindset of our audience. We are dealing with an age group that is mature, but not always mature in their decision making and reasoning skills. We are also dealing with age groups of children who value fitting in perhaps more then they value their own health or well being. I know this is not the case for every students, but for some it is. It is sad, but unfortunately I think some kids feel this way, and it seems important to remember these things when trying to teach them about good choices. Because ultimately, that's what life is all about: choices. For me, personally, the thing I would like to share with my students, is not necessarily just to make good choices, but to understand that EVERY choice has its consequence. We don't tell students not to smoke and drink just because. It's because many of them are not mature enough to make a decision of that nature for yourself. I have had my chance to make plenty of good and plenty of not so good choices in my life. Unfortunately, this is a hard lesson to learn, because often consequences of decisions do not appear until later. However, I will share with my students that they do appear, and that making good decisions today, is not just for today, it will help down the road as well.
Technology, technology! Where to start. I feel like many of you have had some great thoughts on this so far. Like I have commented to some people, and others have pointed out, balance seems to be key. Like Margaret, I never really considered technology a bad thing in a classroom, but I do see where it could become so if it was overused.
My feelings on technology are that it can be an amazing instrument in a classroom, like Erin pointed out, it can be a powerful motivator and engage students (which we are constantly told we must do)! However, I do not wish to be dependent on it for my lessons. If the technology breaks down (which it will at some time) I want to be able to continue a lesson, even if I need to modify it, and go on. I want my students to know where the classroom map and globe are, not just google maps. I do not want to be so dependent on technology in the classroom, that I am lost without it. I think it can be such an asset to learning, but I must remain the teacher, and know that I can convey knowledge to my students and teach them without the bells and whistles if I need to.
Monday is almost here!
Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco were problems in my high school. I distinctly remember sitting in photography class overhearing the girls at the next table bragging about how drunk they had been at the winter dance. I'm sure we will overhear such things student teaching. I really liked teh small group programs we learned about and think we would be effective. Obviously, we can't start one as student teachers, but maybe I'll suggest it when I have a real teaching job. For now, we can try to model that you can have fun without getting drunk.
The teacher panel was helpful. I was encouraged that they said that teachers do finds time to get everything done with school, family, church, etc. Finding that balance does still concern me though. My family will always come first, regardless. I am not going to sell my soul to my job. I'll do my best work, but my family is more important. I would have liked to have heard more about the first year of teaching. A first-year teacher at Leavenworth told me it's way worse than they say and that some nights he wishes he were an alcoholic. That was discouraging to hear,as I'll eventually be a first-year teacher too. I keep telling myself he was just having an exceptionally bad day that day. Please pray for him.
I believe that technology should be only a supplement to classroom instruction instead of the source. We need personal, human contact and relationships. Yes, we're preparing students for jobs that do not yet exist, but we're also preparing them to be good human beings. Personal and spiritual formation should be our primary focus. In my own classroom, I will use French YouTube videos, language games online, PowerPoint, etc. For example, on the first day of my BPA unit, we are going to listen to the Haitian national anthem online.
Can you believe we start student teaching on Monday?!
Teachers of the Future
Wow, so many topics to choose from! It is amazing how much information we have covered in a little over three weeks.
In regards to DAT, I have had little to no experience with this topic. None of my friends in high school drank, smoked, or used drugs, so I have never been exposed to any of the issues that go along with substance abuse. As a teacher, I will have to be proactive and research these topics in order to how to properly help my students. If I end up teaching in a high school, these issues will be ones that I may very well need to address on an almost daily basis. Do any of you have suggestions as to where I can find more information to properly prepare to deal with these issues? How much does a teacher need to know about DAT in order to help his students?
Personally, I really enjoyed the teacher panel. It was great to hear all of their stories and absorb the advice that they had to offer. The whole experience has really made me that much more interested in teaching. It cracks me up what kids will do (the electrical socket story). It was especially helpful to hear what the teachers did to deal with the more difficult students. Let’s face it; many of us worry about how to deal these types of kids. The teacher panel also provided lots of helpful tips on how to interview well and what employers are looking for. This was my favorite part of the panel. As Atticus Finch says in To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
Finally, what are we going to do about technology? As teachers, technology is a wonderful tool that we can use to improve lessons and the students’ learning process. It is something that I will make use of in band/choir (recordings, electronic keyboards, etc.) and general music (music composition software, recordings, etc.). As helpful as technology can be though, I think there is often a danger in the modern approach to it. Technology is only a tool. It should not be doing everything for us, and we certainly should not be using it as a crutch. We need to use technology, not let it use us. So as teachers, what can we do to prevent technology from becoming more than a tool? How can we properly utilize it without becoming dependent on it?
In regards to DAT, I have had little to no experience with this topic. None of my friends in high school drank, smoked, or used drugs, so I have never been exposed to any of the issues that go along with substance abuse. As a teacher, I will have to be proactive and research these topics in order to how to properly help my students. If I end up teaching in a high school, these issues will be ones that I may very well need to address on an almost daily basis. Do any of you have suggestions as to where I can find more information to properly prepare to deal with these issues? How much does a teacher need to know about DAT in order to help his students?
Personally, I really enjoyed the teacher panel. It was great to hear all of their stories and absorb the advice that they had to offer. The whole experience has really made me that much more interested in teaching. It cracks me up what kids will do (the electrical socket story). It was especially helpful to hear what the teachers did to deal with the more difficult students. Let’s face it; many of us worry about how to deal these types of kids. The teacher panel also provided lots of helpful tips on how to interview well and what employers are looking for. This was my favorite part of the panel. As Atticus Finch says in To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
Finally, what are we going to do about technology? As teachers, technology is a wonderful tool that we can use to improve lessons and the students’ learning process. It is something that I will make use of in band/choir (recordings, electronic keyboards, etc.) and general music (music composition software, recordings, etc.). As helpful as technology can be though, I think there is often a danger in the modern approach to it. Technology is only a tool. It should not be doing everything for us, and we certainly should not be using it as a crutch. We need to use technology, not let it use us. So as teachers, what can we do to prevent technology from becoming more than a tool? How can we properly utilize it without becoming dependent on it?
Technology in the Classroom
Technology seems to be a hot topic in our class. I wasn't expecting the discussion at the middle school to get so heated. I would have guessed that other topics would have caused more of an uproar. Everyone brought up very valid points. With all the new technology in our lives, we do have to figure out the balance. For every student to have e-readers and not textbooks sounds a little crazy to me, but that's because i'm only comparing it to how I was taught. We need to try out different ways and figure out what would be best for our students, not us. Some students could benefit from having all their books in one area.
My cooperating teacher at the middle school has a Promethean Board and the students and teacher really seem to like it. When the students walk into class, she always has a word problem on the board and then they can start working on it. After they have all done it, a student will come up and write on the board. The students get really into it because they want to be the one who writes. In this case, the technology is a motivation for the students.
I also liked learning about the grading system the teachers used. I think parents would find this very useful. If i would use that program, I would check to see which parents are using it and which aren't. I think that would be information that would be useful. If a parents wants to meet with you, but has never looked at the grades, I would know that I have a lot to explain to them about their child's work. If a parent that is always looking at it wants a meeting, I know that I wouldn't need to waste my time or theirs by showing the grades for all the assignments.
I think technology will be a great tool for teachers and students. We need to remember to use it in moderation, like anything else. As long as the students are benefiting from it, I am all for it.
DAT
Talking about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is always a heated topic. Everyone has their own insight, their own experiences, and their own "my friend" story to back up their beliefs. So how should we, as Builders of Community, view and discuss these issues?
We live in a relativistic world, without a doubt. No one truth can be sized up against another, and everyone has to be tolerant. The problem with this mindset and our schools is that it causes a lot of headache for teachers, administrators, parents, and students when there is no absolute truth that can be taught. If a teacher tells students that drugs are bad for their health, but "I mean, maybe they will be fine for you," there are going to be problems. Do we honestly think that students are going to take anything seriously if there is no permanence behind what we say? How are we supposed to teach students about what is true, good, and beautiful when, apparently, there is no such thing? People need to start coming together and realizing how harmful relativism is to our children.
When I tell my students the truth that drinking underage is bad, I need to be able to count on my fellow teachers and parents to follow through. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." We are Builders of a house, of something bigger than a house, a community! How can we allow ourselves to be divided on such crucial things like drugs, alcohol, and tobacco? Can we not see that these mixed messages are tearing youth apart? Do we want to keep our students safe and give them the opportunity to grow and thrive? We need to start seeing the forest, not just the trees, and we must work together if we truly want what is best for students.
We live in a relativistic world, without a doubt. No one truth can be sized up against another, and everyone has to be tolerant. The problem with this mindset and our schools is that it causes a lot of headache for teachers, administrators, parents, and students when there is no absolute truth that can be taught. If a teacher tells students that drugs are bad for their health, but "I mean, maybe they will be fine for you," there are going to be problems. Do we honestly think that students are going to take anything seriously if there is no permanence behind what we say? How are we supposed to teach students about what is true, good, and beautiful when, apparently, there is no such thing? People need to start coming together and realizing how harmful relativism is to our children.
When I tell my students the truth that drinking underage is bad, I need to be able to count on my fellow teachers and parents to follow through. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." We are Builders of a house, of something bigger than a house, a community! How can we allow ourselves to be divided on such crucial things like drugs, alcohol, and tobacco? Can we not see that these mixed messages are tearing youth apart? Do we want to keep our students safe and give them the opportunity to grow and thrive? We need to start seeing the forest, not just the trees, and we must work together if we truly want what is best for students.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Alcohol
When I was in high school drinking really didn't seem like that big of a deal to me. When I wasn't playing a sport my friends and I would partake in it quite regularly. It really is crazy to think about how stupid I have been at some points in my life.
What teens fail to realize is that they are making decisions that could haunt them for the rest of their lives. When doing this in high school when we drank it was never at my house so someone had to drive to get me there. I generally didn't because that was my parents one request, but it is crazy to think of all the times I rode with a teenager who was under in influence. There were several times when my life could have been altered. I am very thankful that God has given me wisdom enough to not put myself in situations like that anymore.
I have often wondered that if the drinking age being 21 exacerbates binge drinking. Binge drinking is certainly a cultural thing but it is certainly not limited to just people under 21. I know of people in there 40's who still binge drink. Whether it exacerbates it or not I believe that the drinking age being 21 certainly puts some kids in bad situations. Because of the drinking age people under 21 have to hide when they are drinking. This leads them to either drink somewhere that is hard to find (i.e. where they will have a long drive back to civilization) or while they are in a car. Both of these include underage drinking and driving. I know that there are generally some DD's at these parties however I will still wonder whether or not the drinking age exacerbates the problem.
What teens fail to realize is that they are making decisions that could haunt them for the rest of their lives. When doing this in high school when we drank it was never at my house so someone had to drive to get me there. I generally didn't because that was my parents one request, but it is crazy to think of all the times I rode with a teenager who was under in influence. There were several times when my life could have been altered. I am very thankful that God has given me wisdom enough to not put myself in situations like that anymore.
I have often wondered that if the drinking age being 21 exacerbates binge drinking. Binge drinking is certainly a cultural thing but it is certainly not limited to just people under 21. I know of people in there 40's who still binge drink. Whether it exacerbates it or not I believe that the drinking age being 21 certainly puts some kids in bad situations. Because of the drinking age people under 21 have to hide when they are drinking. This leads them to either drink somewhere that is hard to find (i.e. where they will have a long drive back to civilization) or while they are in a car. Both of these include underage drinking and driving. I know that there are generally some DD's at these parties however I will still wonder whether or not the drinking age exacerbates the problem.
DAT and more
The past two summers I have worked at a small amusement park/concert venue. This job has shown me how many teenagers use and abuse DAT. Through our discussion I have been trying to think of ways of informing my students that DAT can be detrimental to the students physical and mental growth. I liked the PowerPoint on how to say "no," I can see tactics and role playing like this to be helpful to some students. These students, however, will be the ones who have no interest in DAT use. How do you target the person offering?
The teachers panel was informative. Listening to the advice of teachers who have gained experience was very helpful. I especially appreciative of their tips on picking battles, leaving work at school, building relationships, and their personal anecdotes.
With regards to technology. The article I reviewed profiled a program in New York State that used technology to teach their High School students composition and video production (including visual arts and music). As I read the article I was skeptical as to how much the students learned through the process. One teacher was quoted as saying something to the effect that the composition technology allowed students to create a piece without the rigor of the "real" composition process where you have to sit down and work things out on paper.
I can see the benefit of composition software removing the grunt work -- it is very tedious-- however when I can sit down at a keyboard and have it play a programed boogie-woogie bass line and then send that to the computer...how much have I learned about that particular style? Somethings in music cannot be learned without actually creating.
Now for the irony of all this, I walked into my elementary classroom the next morning and met my cooperating teacher, his room is equipped with a VH-1 (save the music program grant) keyboard lab. Much of what he does with the lab is similar to what the article described. I hope I can eat my words in the near future.
DAT, Teachers, and Technology
When we first started talking about DAT the first thought that went into my mind, was I would never have to deal with this. I became am elementary teacher so I would not have to deal with these things. However, after readying my article about drugs, I am a little more nervous. My article was about 3rd graders being caught smoking pot in the bathroom. This was flabbergasting to me. How could a 8 year old be smoking pot; when I was 8 I did not even know what pot was.
In the end of our discussion I think it is very important to start talking to the kids early about the dangers of DAT. We need to help our students stay clear and live longer and healthier lives. I now know that I need to be prepared for young students to try DAT and be ready with a plan on action to fix the problem.
One of my favorite things we did this semester was have the teacher’s panel come into the classroom. It was a great experience to see teachers at various levels share their stories, thoughts, and tips with our class. They all shared some great ideas that I hope to implement in my class, but they also shared some ideas that I do not totally agree with. The tips the teachers gave, are going to be very useful for us as future teachers: Ask questions, Pick your battles, know when to stop planning, and remember you don’t always see what you think you see. All of the tips will help all of us become better teachers.
One idea am on the fence about is a time limit for homework. I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that one child could do 15 problems in 20 minutes, and another child only does 1. How is the child that only did 1 problem going to fully grasp the concept and be ready for different types of problems? However, I also do not think the child who could only do 1 problem in 20 minutes should have to work for 6 hours on a single assignment.
Another topic I was very interested in during this class was technology. As college students we are very exposed to technology and our students have grown up in the technology era. However, I am worried about using technology in my classroom I am student teaching in. There is one computer, the teacher’s computer, and there is an overhead projector. That is it. In our discussion we talked about the importance of using technology to keep the students interests, but how am I supposed to use technology if it does not exist in the school?
In the end of our discussion I think it is very important to start talking to the kids early about the dangers of DAT. We need to help our students stay clear and live longer and healthier lives. I now know that I need to be prepared for young students to try DAT and be ready with a plan on action to fix the problem.
One of my favorite things we did this semester was have the teacher’s panel come into the classroom. It was a great experience to see teachers at various levels share their stories, thoughts, and tips with our class. They all shared some great ideas that I hope to implement in my class, but they also shared some ideas that I do not totally agree with. The tips the teachers gave, are going to be very useful for us as future teachers: Ask questions, Pick your battles, know when to stop planning, and remember you don’t always see what you think you see. All of the tips will help all of us become better teachers.
One idea am on the fence about is a time limit for homework. I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that one child could do 15 problems in 20 minutes, and another child only does 1. How is the child that only did 1 problem going to fully grasp the concept and be ready for different types of problems? However, I also do not think the child who could only do 1 problem in 20 minutes should have to work for 6 hours on a single assignment.
Another topic I was very interested in during this class was technology. As college students we are very exposed to technology and our students have grown up in the technology era. However, I am worried about using technology in my classroom I am student teaching in. There is one computer, the teacher’s computer, and there is an overhead projector. That is it. In our discussion we talked about the importance of using technology to keep the students interests, but how am I supposed to use technology if it does not exist in the school?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Technology
The discussion that we had after our technology tour has been on my mind a lot lately because the issue is definitely unsettled. I think it was a great discussion that pin pointed a lot of questions that we should be considering as teachers with today's generation of children. The times are changing...and so is the role of a teacher...or at least it appears that way.
Even walking into the computer lab of the middle school blew my mind. We are college students studying to become teachers and the students we will be teaching may have better technology than us! The mac lab was full of new computers, students have technology readily available to them and they are making music and videos and other things. Our facilities at BC don't even compare. But does that mean we are not going to be good teachers because we do not have the latest and the greatest? I sure hope not. We will just have a lot of learning to do once we are placed in the school. Especially if the school happens to have an emphasis on the use of technology and you are required to incorporate it into the lessons.
I know that when I have been in the classroom the principal has stopped by and does an evaluation of my cooperating teacher. He showed it to me and part of it was a check in to see how she is using technology in the lesson. Luckily, we have a Promethean board so basically we are always using "technology." But there is so much to learn about this little board, and it should far exceed the use of a simple white board. It is crazy how their attention perks up the second the board is turned on and a new flip chart is used! They love new things and they lover interacting. So I definitely see how technology can be used as a tool.
However, I also see how technology can hinder the learning of a student. One main way is in their ability to learn interpersonally and with other intelligences. I agree with what sister said in class about a child being able to physically pick up a math manipulative. This is going to be far more effective than highlighting blocks on a computer screen. Children are already overly exposed to technology. The hours that they spend in front of their tv, plugged into an ipod, or on a computer similar to the one in class make the technology in the classroom less effective. It is a way for students to shut themselves out even more, and the role of a teacher is greatly diminished. It may be great for a kindergartner to occasionally listen to a book on the ipad, but this should never be used daily. Children need to be read to, they need to interact with each other, and they need to interact with their teacher. We are physical beings and we need that contact.
I have a lot of thoughts about this. Basically my conclusion is that I want to use technology in my classroom as a tool. I want to prepare students for their next steps in life and use technology to aid in their education. I don't want it to become something that I only rely on and that children are not able to learn without.
Even walking into the computer lab of the middle school blew my mind. We are college students studying to become teachers and the students we will be teaching may have better technology than us! The mac lab was full of new computers, students have technology readily available to them and they are making music and videos and other things. Our facilities at BC don't even compare. But does that mean we are not going to be good teachers because we do not have the latest and the greatest? I sure hope not. We will just have a lot of learning to do once we are placed in the school. Especially if the school happens to have an emphasis on the use of technology and you are required to incorporate it into the lessons.
I know that when I have been in the classroom the principal has stopped by and does an evaluation of my cooperating teacher. He showed it to me and part of it was a check in to see how she is using technology in the lesson. Luckily, we have a Promethean board so basically we are always using "technology." But there is so much to learn about this little board, and it should far exceed the use of a simple white board. It is crazy how their attention perks up the second the board is turned on and a new flip chart is used! They love new things and they lover interacting. So I definitely see how technology can be used as a tool.
However, I also see how technology can hinder the learning of a student. One main way is in their ability to learn interpersonally and with other intelligences. I agree with what sister said in class about a child being able to physically pick up a math manipulative. This is going to be far more effective than highlighting blocks on a computer screen. Children are already overly exposed to technology. The hours that they spend in front of their tv, plugged into an ipod, or on a computer similar to the one in class make the technology in the classroom less effective. It is a way for students to shut themselves out even more, and the role of a teacher is greatly diminished. It may be great for a kindergartner to occasionally listen to a book on the ipad, but this should never be used daily. Children need to be read to, they need to interact with each other, and they need to interact with their teacher. We are physical beings and we need that contact.
I have a lot of thoughts about this. Basically my conclusion is that I want to use technology in my classroom as a tool. I want to prepare students for their next steps in life and use technology to aid in their education. I don't want it to become something that I only rely on and that children are not able to learn without.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
DAT & Tech. Tour
Our class discussion on DAT was very intense to say the least. Regardless we had to talk it out. It is sad that some kids turn to such things, but it is reality it happens all the time. We as educators need to learn how to handle these situations though. How to talk to our students and their parents as well. I think we can not truly be a hundred percent prepared on how to handle every situation like this. For me I will go about it case by case, I will have the same stance on the subject but every child is different so therefore every situation is different. I am student teaching second grade now, and I can not even begin to imagine my students being involved in any type of that behavior. I would assume that if they did engage in drugs, alchol or tobacco it would be family influenced. From their parents, grandparents, brother, sisters or cousins. I think for me to handle that situation I would call in family and have a sit down discussion of what is going on and all the dangers involved in it. And of course I would ask the principle to as well as sort of a back up.
Now on a lighter note the tech. tour!!!! It was sooo helpful in so many ways. I did not realize USD 409 had so many resources I think it is wonderful. I really like the smart board, they are super cool and really useful. My cooperating teacher has one in her room and uses it daily for every subject. At this point I would like to bring up the class discussion of technology in the classroom. Like I said in class, technology scares me it really does. I think it is wonderful to a point, but once that line is crossed I ask myself what is the point of being human and doing things for oneself when a computer can do it for us? I realize that question/statement is bizarre but whatever its my blog I will do what I want. But seriously I look at some technology today and role my eyes, it is ridiculous people! Use your big beautiful brain you were given!!!!!! I realize that to keep up with everyone else in the world we need to incorporate technology, but I think we also need to rely on ourselves, because at the end of things that is all we have.
Now on a lighter note the tech. tour!!!! It was sooo helpful in so many ways. I did not realize USD 409 had so many resources I think it is wonderful. I really like the smart board, they are super cool and really useful. My cooperating teacher has one in her room and uses it daily for every subject. At this point I would like to bring up the class discussion of technology in the classroom. Like I said in class, technology scares me it really does. I think it is wonderful to a point, but once that line is crossed I ask myself what is the point of being human and doing things for oneself when a computer can do it for us? I realize that question/statement is bizarre but whatever its my blog I will do what I want. But seriously I look at some technology today and role my eyes, it is ridiculous people! Use your big beautiful brain you were given!!!!!! I realize that to keep up with everyone else in the world we need to incorporate technology, but I think we also need to rely on ourselves, because at the end of things that is all we have.
Blog #3
Although I did not find the opportunity to share this in class during our D-A-T discussion, I picked up a great idea from the article that I read about a small town seeking to address underage drinking. Having grown up in a low-populated area, I can understand how middle and high school students become bored on the weekends. There simply is not that much to do! Drinking can be an easy answer. However, the administrators of one Indiana town worked with parents and the community to set up a program that includes supervised social gatherings for teenage students in their area. Partners like the YMCA and the sole movie theater in town have established frequent soccer, dodge ball, ping-pong, poker tournaments, concessions and movie nights as appealing venues for teens to hang out that would reduce student alcohol consumption. The statistics show that it seems to be working! I believe that this sort of action plan could work in various places across the country, especially rural areas.
The teacher panel was very informative! I enjoyed witnessing how the teachers, although from different schools and vastly varied age levels, seemed to agree on certain topics. For instance, they seemed to mutually agree upon the salary benefits of seeking a master's degree. Listening to when a specific teacher started working on it and later attaining it was helpful for me as I will contemplate many of these similar questions in proceeding to become further educated as a teacher.
The technology tour also opened up ideas for educating students. Although the school in which I am student teaching does not have the i expressions (I think that's what they're called...?) or a Promethean board, I will be using Powerschool for attendance and lunch counts. I actually used the program on my first observing day to enter in student grades from a test. It was very convenient that a teacher at AMS had already introduced me to it as I will be using this program for the remainder of the school year!
The teacher panel was very informative! I enjoyed witnessing how the teachers, although from different schools and vastly varied age levels, seemed to agree on certain topics. For instance, they seemed to mutually agree upon the salary benefits of seeking a master's degree. Listening to when a specific teacher started working on it and later attaining it was helpful for me as I will contemplate many of these similar questions in proceeding to become further educated as a teacher.
The technology tour also opened up ideas for educating students. Although the school in which I am student teaching does not have the i expressions (I think that's what they're called...?) or a Promethean board, I will be using Powerschool for attendance and lunch counts. I actually used the program on my first observing day to enter in student grades from a test. It was very convenient that a teacher at AMS had already introduced me to it as I will be using this program for the remainder of the school year!
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is a serious issue to be concerned about. The tricky thing is we have to embrace it as well as not get too close. We can't not use technology, and we can't use it for everything. As teachers we have to find a balance among the two. If we don't find this balance, we will not benefit our kids in the best way possible.
We cannot shy away from technology it is such a great tool we have as teachers. We cannot be afraid of all the new things that come out each month or the unknowns. The more we are afraid or scared to try new things the more technology will pass us by, that is not good for anyone.
The discussion we had on technology really surprised me. I had no idea that people felt so strongly for or against technology. It really made me think about all the strengths and weaknesses that the internet and technology in general. I hadn't really thought of technology as a bad thing before our discussion. Then, I kept thinking, how far do we go with technology? It has to be pretty easy to go overboard in technology. Sr. Regina Marie made a valid point about manipulatives. Certain kids have to use their hands. We talk all the time that students learn differently and have different needs. But, we talk about technology like it is some answer to every single students prayers. Well, it isn't. Technology might not work for every student and we have to keep that in mind.
We cannot shy away from technology it is such a great tool we have as teachers. We cannot be afraid of all the new things that come out each month or the unknowns. The more we are afraid or scared to try new things the more technology will pass us by, that is not good for anyone.
The discussion we had on technology really surprised me. I had no idea that people felt so strongly for or against technology. It really made me think about all the strengths and weaknesses that the internet and technology in general. I hadn't really thought of technology as a bad thing before our discussion. Then, I kept thinking, how far do we go with technology? It has to be pretty easy to go overboard in technology. Sr. Regina Marie made a valid point about manipulatives. Certain kids have to use their hands. We talk all the time that students learn differently and have different needs. But, we talk about technology like it is some answer to every single students prayers. Well, it isn't. Technology might not work for every student and we have to keep that in mind.
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