I was waiting outside what I will refer to as the "decision room" with about 30 other college seniors, all anxiously awaiting the placement that would decide our lives for the next year: Year-long student teaching classroom placements. Nervous can't begin to describe how I felt. My stomach was churning, I couldn't hold still, and I knew upon opening up of the manila folder that was to be handed to me determined one of the most important years of my life. I'm glad to say I wasn't the only one feeling this way!
Enough with story time, let's cut to the chase: WAHOO! With some strike of luck I was placed in a 6th grade class at Leslie Middle School! My nightmares of kindergarten could finally cease. Now I can focus on my excitement and enthusiasm for teaching those with attitudes to spare, sassy mouths, and endless, expandable imaginations!
In this next year, I don't doubt there will be trials and tribulations in accompaniment with the joys and successes, but I am truly excited to take a stab at things like book club, podcasting some of my lessons or reviews, and maybe trying online journals. I can only hope for the best!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
OK, so I really love my iPod!
It seems like being in an age where an iPod is no longer a revolutionary idea, I shouldn't be making a post like this. BUT, I just received my first ever iPod Nano and I have to say it was love at first sight! No wonder everyone wants one of these things! While I've had MP3 players before, this is just SO COOL!
I think what really excites me though is while I was at the MACUL technology conference, one of my breakout sessions led me to some really innovative ways to use these "thingys" in the classroom and as a part of my teaching.
Here are a few things I look forward to trying (resources permitting)
1. Recording lessons and daily homework (with directions) as a podcast or video
2. Downloading books for students to hear as well as read. (This is such an awesome tool for low reading level students or special education students!! YAY!)
3. Have students record speech or music clips
While the idea of using such technology in the classroom has its possible daunting aspects, I get so excited thinking I may be able to be a better, more effective teacher for ALL of my students in the future. I see no reason why not to employ the items students use on a daily basis to enhance their learning. It is up to me and other teachers to reach across the divide of what is used at home and outside of school and the lack thereof in students educational settings.
Truly, I am finding a deep passion for this. What I do not know, I will learn. It is up to me to make the leap.
I think what really excites me though is while I was at the MACUL technology conference, one of my breakout sessions led me to some really innovative ways to use these "thingys" in the classroom and as a part of my teaching.
Here are a few things I look forward to trying (resources permitting)
1. Recording lessons and daily homework (with directions) as a podcast or video
2. Downloading books for students to hear as well as read. (This is such an awesome tool for low reading level students or special education students!! YAY!)
3. Have students record speech or music clips
While the idea of using such technology in the classroom has its possible daunting aspects, I get so excited thinking I may be able to be a better, more effective teacher for ALL of my students in the future. I see no reason why not to employ the items students use on a daily basis to enhance their learning. It is up to me and other teachers to reach across the divide of what is used at home and outside of school and the lack thereof in students educational settings.
Truly, I am finding a deep passion for this. What I do not know, I will learn. It is up to me to make the leap.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Back from MACUL
What an awesome experience! I just returned home from 2 days in Grand Rapids after attending the MACUL Technology Conference. I am so lucky to have had an opportunity to attend this professional development meant for educators. After taking an educational technology course, I have found a deep interest in technology uses in the elementary and middle school classroom. While I am seeing the importance in knowing how to implement the devices students already use on a daily basis, I am honest enough to admit I struggle with the new technologies; it takes me a while to catch on. Not only did I get to further my knowledge and add to ideas that I want to use next year during my student teaching, I also got to spend 2 days rubbing shoulders with local teachers, administrators, and members of higher education. (YEAH!)
I wish I could find a more eloquent way to put these realizations I had stemming from the conference, but instead words fail me and I will make a list instead. It's easier, c'mon.
1. Older people know a lot more about new technologies than I do. For some reason, I went into this thing thinking I would be surrounded by 20 and 30 somethings...
2. Digital Storytelling is SO cool and I plan to implement this next year.
3. I really, really, like playing with new gadgets.
4. I realized that I have been lacking ambition and excitement for my student teaching next year; this re-energized me and reminded me that I may be able to change the way classes are typically taught.
5. Free food is good.
6. There is an abundance of resources (teachers, materials, gadgets) that are open to my disposal. If I have enough drive, I know I can learn to stay current (to the best of my ability) with the literacies of tomorrow's students.
The conference, while educational, was also such a boost to my energy and opinion of my future profession. Being an undergraduate (5th year, nuts.) can wear you out. The time spent here was nearly priceless and I look forward to returning to these conferences and others like them in the future.
I wish I could find a more eloquent way to put these realizations I had stemming from the conference, but instead words fail me and I will make a list instead. It's easier, c'mon.
1. Older people know a lot more about new technologies than I do. For some reason, I went into this thing thinking I would be surrounded by 20 and 30 somethings...
2. Digital Storytelling is SO cool and I plan to implement this next year.
3. I really, really, like playing with new gadgets.
4. I realized that I have been lacking ambition and excitement for my student teaching next year; this re-energized me and reminded me that I may be able to change the way classes are typically taught.
5. Free food is good.
6. There is an abundance of resources (teachers, materials, gadgets) that are open to my disposal. If I have enough drive, I know I can learn to stay current (to the best of my ability) with the literacies of tomorrow's students.
The conference, while educational, was also such a boost to my energy and opinion of my future profession. Being an undergraduate (5th year, nuts.) can wear you out. The time spent here was nearly priceless and I look forward to returning to these conferences and others like them in the future.
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