During our DAT discussion, I really liked learning about all the different teaching strategies like the bead box and alphabet soup games. It's hard to know how to approach a class about sensitive topics sometimes. Also, while I have had lots of courses on drug use, it is always nice to have a refresher on spotting them in the classroom. It can be hard for me to transfer what I know of a drug to the physical/visual signs I might observe in my class.
The marijuana discussion was very engaging. I had always assumed people raved about the "medicinal" qualities of the drug purely to reaffirm their desire to continue smoking it. It was interesting to hear stories to counter that presumption. I still think we should explore other possible healthier medicines that could treat the symptoms people are experiencing with less negative effects on a person's body.
The most helpful things I learned during the teacher's panel were the different homework policies, including what "buzz words" and philosophies like Marzano to know. Additionally, it was nice to hear about resumes and interviewing because I am going through that right now. They gave a lot of helpful hints about what to know and how to act. I will have to work on being myself and not being so nervous, or at least not LOOKING nervous!
Finally, the technology tour was really neat. I didn't know it would come in handy so quickly. I got to take attendance using PowerSchool the next day! I still feel like I could gain a lot more knowledge about that program if I could just have access to it and tinker around on it a bit. I would also not mind having instruction on MACs. I have a Dell, and the two computer systems are fairly different. I wouldn't mind a crash course. I think kindles will become a big way to introduce technology in English classes, particularly, and I think ipod carts will eventually not be as well-used. It seems like that form of technology is not as helpful because teachers might only use it twice a semester. I also look forward to all my students having their own computers to take notes, read homework assignments, research, get late assignments immediately, and listen to audios. Teachers will just send them to students before class. Any internet capability will be blocked or monitored. Teachers might also have the ability to "unblock" certain websites and preview research websites students are allowed to use first and narrow the search abilities of their students. I think having computers would for everyone would alleviate paper budgeting problems and would cut down on the amount of technology schools would have to buy because it has all those capabilities in one!
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.
I think it is really important for teachers to view websites before showing their students. Teachers have gotten fired from showing their students inappropriate things.If they can block certain websites, this will be very beneficial for the students. If everyone had their own computers, teachers would not have to print a hand out for every single person. This would save so much paper.
ReplyDeleteI think that is awesome that you got to use PowerSchool the next day! The Tech Tour really came in handy for you! I bet your teacher was happy that you were already familiar with it. Technology is everywhere these days so its great to be familiar with it! We need to keep our kids caught up because things are changing every month!
I am personally glad that your assumptions about medical marijuana were proved, somewhat, false. Yes, it isn't the safest way, but it can do some good. I was also glad to hear the story that Prof. Bennet told about her friend with MS. If it can do good in anyway than I'm OK with it while we search for other healthier methods to do the same good.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED the bead box too. It was so interesting to see everyone's answer. Also, it was great to see how engaged everyone was because of that.
About the ipod carts, I'm wondering too about how often schools actually put them to use. It's an understandable way to teach a novel if no homework is assigned and all reading is to be accomplished in class (which seems to be the case in many schools). My class this semester has the opportunity to use them, but that's a lot of just sitting in the room quietly. I think teachers who use ipods in class need to find creative ways to engage students before, throughout, and after that individual listening/reading time. Otherwise, the unit could end up being pretty boring. At the same time, I do know of some ipod apps that some schools add to their ipods to aid in student learning.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the bead box activity. I thought it would be a good outlet for students. Let them in a very private way share what they are doing after school hours. And it truly is harmful as well, and very private the bead box that is. It also serves as a wonderful tool for the teachers, gives them a insight of drug use in the class or whatever subject they chose to make the bead box about.
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