Reflection

After taking this course, I have learned about how to use different programs to use in the classroom.  I got to use the blog and podcast which I have never used before.  I wish that we used the wiki more to understand how it can be used in the classroom.  With only accessing it that week, I did not get the full affect.  The course has made me knowledge that the world and classroom are changing.  We need to keep up with the changing environment to help our student succeed in society and with academics.  They are digital natives and we need to use that to our advantage to keep them engaged in the classroom. In the past the classroom has been teacher centered, the teacher was in charge of the whole lesson.  Now classrooms are more learner centered.  The learners need to gain the information and from each other.  They will use the resources around them to learn.  I will keep myself updated about the new programs and equipment that can be used in the classroom to help students learn.

Within two years, I hope to have my own classroom in which every lesson incorporates technology.  I want to include blogs and podcasts to share thoughts, questions, ideas, summaries, and reviews. 

21st Century Skills

As the world around us changes, so should our education.  The educational field needs to have updated standards for the content that needs to be taught in the classroom and the use of technology.  The goal is for students to have to skills and knowledge they need not only to succeed in school but also in their environment and life.  The website Partnership for 21st Century Skills allows the teachers to get examples and guided to implanting the new common core standards.  The standards are created with higher order thinking. 

I believe that the standards should be the same throughout the nation.  By every state having common standards, all grades are learning the same content at the same time.  If the student moves during the school year, the students should not be behind or ahead of another school.  This also means that all schools should have the same expectations for their students and the nation should have the same expectations on their schools. 

Blogging in the Classroom

Blogging is a great way to share your thoughts and ask questions to the public.  People can share ideas and give information that helps in your adventure for information.  

In my third grade class, I am going to have the students keep a blog for Writer's workshop.  The blog will have a few different sections.  It will have the journal section, where the student writes about the topic given by the teacher.  Another section will be what writing assignment they are working on.  The students will be able to brainstorm ideas and ask questions.  The last sections will be for the written piece.  The student will post their first draft.  The other students will read the draft and give suggestions on how to fix their paper.  The students will have a community helping them become better writers and fixing the assignment before the teacher read the paper.  

By using the blog to write for Writer's workshop, the students will have a bigger audience than just writing an assignment for their teacher.  This will encourage them and allow them to recognize that they are writers. 

     I have always thought that I knew a lot about technology.  I have taught teachers how to incorporate the Smart Board and their programs into their classroom.  I have used different types of equipment during my undergraduate and student teaching.  I am the one the family calls when one of the computers are not working properly.  However, when it comes to writing my thought for the world to see, honestly,  it scares me.  Yes, I know it is the same things as a status update of Facebook.  It still takes me awhile to write on the Discussion Board for class, and this is my fourth class at Walden University.  

As I start my new adventure with blogging, I will start by telling a little about myself.  I grow up in a small town in New York.  Being about an hour from the city is perfect.  You have the small town feel, yet jump on a train and spend a day in the Big Apple.       

     Throughout my schooling career, I was not by myself. I had my twin brother there to support me and help whenever I was struggling in my courses.  I can recall telling people how much I hated being a twin, it was not until college that I realized I was truly blessed.  After graduating from high school, my brother and I went our separate ways.  He moved to Boston, where he is now in the sixth year as a Pharmacy major, and I stayed local.  I attended Mount Saint Mary College where I received my BA in English, dual certification in Elementary and Special Education (1-6), and a minor in psychology.  Now the search in on to find a teaching job.  While I apply for about 80 jobs a month, I am working on my Master's and subbing in my district and working at the restaurant.  

      With Week 1 of my fourth class started, I am excited for the next eight weeks.  I am looking forward to share and receive knowledge with my classmates, along with my professor.  I may be stepping out of my comfort zone but I will keep an open mind and put my best foot forward, because that is what we expect our students to do when we give them a new task.