Reflection

As we near the end of this semester it's important we take the time to reflect--not only for this class--but in all things in life. You said last week something to the extent of, "students learn a lot through reflection," and it came off as unintentionally poignant. Maybe we take too little time to reflect in education. Everybody's always in a hurry: to get grades, to get diplomas, to get jobs--it's easy to forget that we're actually here to learn in the wake of a great paper chase.

As far as the class is concerned: on the whole I was satiated with the whole experience. I had my queries with the textbook (which I lamented about in my very first blog post), but it was still readable. My only issue with the discussion posts is that we switched formats midway through the semester which left caused me some confusion. Though, I don't see this as being a problem for future classes since we know have canvas.

The rest of the assignments were fine. As somebody who is not "technocentric," I did find the number of different web-type tools we used a little daunting. Although we met weekly I felt this class had an incredible pace. My favorite assignment was the webquest and my least favorite was the powerpoint, only because I have a phobia of speaking in public.

The only thing I would do different in this class as a teacher is focus more on the different educational theories and how each could incorporate technology. Personally, it's one of my favorite areas of study pertaining to education.

Referring back to the syllabus, I enjoyed how you managed to apply TIM (technology/information management). I feel the way relates to the general education outcomes was just right. My only critique would be adding a little more GSR-esque assignments, or use it in some of the aforementioned ones.

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
(Winston Churchill waving goodbye to a crowd--I found it somewhat fitting)

                                                         

Chapter XI

The idea of portfolio's for teachers long pre-dates the use of computers. In fact, many occupations outside of education also implement portfolios for the purpose of showcasing somebody or something. Nowadays, with nearly everything being done online from applications to even business meetings, it only makes sense that teachers put their portfolios into electronic form.

There are many reasons why a teacher might want to showcase their portfolio online in lieu of the traditional (and increasingly archaic) route. For one, an online portfolio is accessible by everyone at anytime. No longer would you have to hull around hundreds of papers and binders. You can send your potential employer a simple web address and they can view it at their convenience. It will also save your employers time as more than one persons can view it simultaneously  such as on recruitment websites. Online portfolios can also be organized much easier than the traditional file-and-binder route that most teachers use. Online portfolios can be compartmentalized into easy-to-digest tabs and can also be interactive at the same time. They can also be kept up to date unlike with traditional portfolios.

Lastly, with education inevitably going the way of technology-driven, an online portfolio will demonstrate that you are on board for this change. You will more diverse and in turn more marketable to whatever position you apply to by being competent in technology.


Resources:

Showcase your skill with an electronic portfolio. (n.d.). Learn NC. Retrieved May 11, 2013, from www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/6437  

Chapter X

For my journal entry I chose to respond to "Robert's 'This I Believe' Essay Lesson." The story focuses on a teacher trying to assist students who desperately need help with their writing skills. Robert concocts the idea to give them an essay assignment pertaining to core values and personal philosophies -- based off a famous radio show from the 1950s. He hopes that by letting the students choose their topic that he will light their interests towards writing as a whole. The response question reads: how would you propose Robert integrate technology into the "This I Believe" essay project in ways that will promote learning success for all students?

First off, I think it's a loaded question. It would be nice to think that there would be any way to promote learning success for all students through any median, including technology. But I daresay say it's impossible to try and bridge every gap. There are no perfect teachers -- nor perfect students for that matter.

Now, considering his resources  I would have the students write the essays on the computers he has access to. Once they are done they are to save them and find a partner that they can evaluate. In this peer evaluation the students will critique each other. During this time Robert should be walking around and keeping a watchful eye on students. Then, using the projector Robert will choose a few students' essays to show to the entire class and then ask the class what they think needs improving. Robert will guide them along the way and make suggestions, but never flat out tell them what's wrong. Instead, he'll let the students figure it out.

Hopefully this lesson will teach the students as a whole and will save a lot of time. The idea is that Robert will use students to teach themselves. Although, I find this a good way to learn writing, it's important to keep in mind that the students will not have these types of resources on the test (most likely). Maybe some good old-fashioned simple essay writing would also be needed to help the students prepare.

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O,RE, Edwards, S. A. & Woolf, B. P. (2010) Transforming Learning With New Technologies. Allyn & Bacon.