A Means of Beginning with Technology

In the back of my mind this past week, I've been churning through my teachnology. Hmmmm...I know I must have one, but putting it into words is difficult!
I have a strong desire to use and implement technology in my classroom, but while I am certainly not the most unknowledgable person on staff, I'm far behind where I wish I was. I have however, developed a trick to help ease my fear of using technology in the classroom. It's getting the media specialist involved in my class. I track him down weeks in advance, let him know what I'm planning on doing, and he puts it on his books. He always teaches a mini-lesson to my first group of students, if not to each of the classes. I learn along with the students by watching him and taking notes. He's also there to help with the barage of questions. And I always have a back-up plan in case something goes wrong!

texting

Texting Trashing the English Language?

I stumbled upon this website while preusing today. It reminded me of Monday night when, while Moo'ing, texting was brought up. You may be interested in checking it out.
http://www.good.is/?p=14999

Best Moment Using Technology

As a way of culminating our media unit, in which we study the techniques the media uses to sell their products, my seventh grade Honors class breaks into groups, are given a generic product (such as breakfast cereal), and then compete against other groups to create the best name, flavor, and commercial to sell their product to a specific target audience. The group designs the set, the product, etc. and videotapes their commercial, edits it with software, adds sound effects, music, credits etc. and then we watch the commercials and vote. I was so impressed with the students the first year I did this, and it is always the students’ most favorite unit of the year. Watching these videos with these kids and laughing with them makes me appreciate the time and work that goes into the unit.

I always have to ensure that the media specialist is available everyday that we use the equipment because inevitably something goes wrong. The first two years I did this project, I also requested help from a student at St. Johns/St Bens who is willing to donate time in exchange for a letter of recommendation or volunteer hours. It’s a crazy time because everyone demands help and the hour is exhausting. But the final result is fun. I only do this project with my Honors kids and all the other classes are hurt by this, and that bothers me. However the time is so demanding on us (and the equipment), I can’t imagine doing it with more than one class at a time.

Reflection to the Kolb test

I discovered that I was an Assimilator.

While reading through the Learning Styles packet, I feel as if this is an accurate description of me. I do often seek the facts, and this point was made even more clear to me throughout this past election. I felt a strong desire to really explore the candidates of this past election; not only the presidential, but the senate race as well. I found myself not just listening to what the media had to say, MPR and more conservative stations, but also seeking out information myself in order to receive a less biased opinion. Because I work in the school district, I heard many democratic opinions. However, most of my outside friends are strong republicans. So, I couldn’t just take the opinion of those around me: I had to find the facts for myself, analyze them, and make my own choices. It forced me to vote a mixed ticket…something I hadn’t done before.

An assimilator also "enjoys the traditional classroom." Yes, that’s very true of me. While I dreaded beginning my masters because of the time it would take from my family life, I have found myself looking forward to classes. I love sitting in a classroom engaging in the academic discourse that I don’t get in my personal life. My husband is not in the field of education, and as far as work goes, we don’t discuss much beyond our daily turmoil and tribulations.

I also get a lot of self-satisfaction from my classes and even finishing my assignments (a goal of an Assimilator). A lot of teachers encouraged me not to get my masters in English, but instead to get my masters in education from the St. Mary’ s program. This, they said, would be easier and quicker. I’m so glad I chose the route I did. I do believe I chose the more difficult and longer path, but that I enjoyed and benefited from the process so much more.

I was a little surprised to read "are less interested in people than ideas and concepts." I was even kind of personally offended. Someone once told me that a teacher who wants to work with kids should seek to work in the elementary, a teacher who wants to work in their academic field should work in the high school, and a teacher who wants both should work in the junior high. That never seemed quite right (and this person probably did not work in a high school!). I do feel like I enjoy both aspects of the job—the kids just as much as the academic part, so I don’t know that this piece fits me. However, there are plenty of times outside my job when I hate the "touchy-feely /getting to know each other" stuff and want to get down to business! So maybe this piece nailed me better than I originally thought!

Reflection on using technology in the Classroom

Students love being able to use any type of technology in the classroom. I teach at a school where the poverty rate is greater than 50%, and so some of these kids never get to use computers unless they are at school. This makes it more exciting for them; however, they are often doing the things on the computer that they don't otherwise get a chance to do- facebook, IM, gaming, etc... and this drives me nuts!
There are also many other frustrating aspects though, for me, when using technology. For one, because I tend to be an "Assimilator," I like to be taught first how to use the technology, given time to practice so that I feel comfortable, then share it with my students. Because there is very little time in the workday to practice, and I have dial-up at home so practicing turns into hours and hours of frustration (without anyone to help me), I often don't get the practice that I'd prefer. Inevitably, it seems, something goes wrong and I don't know how to fix it, so I find myself searching for the media specialist to help me out. When I show the kids how to use it, unlike myself who prefers to watch it done first, they prefer to just "dive in." It doesn't take long before there are 30+ hands demanding help for things I've felt I've covered adequately. It's exhausting and frustrating!
Sometimes it's just plain easier to do things the old fashioned way!

Clear's Postings

In Regards to Blogging: I wasn't expecting to have to write something today. I have actually never even read a blog before, so I think I'll do that next!

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