Assignment #1

I would like to teach a grade at the primary level (1-3). I would imagine that students of that age are on the computer daily. I little girl I babysit is in first grade and loves to play on the computer. She knows how to get the the websites she likes and how to navigate them, even though she cannot read very well. She has been able to do this for at least 2-3 years. Children of this age, 6-9, like to and are used to playing virtual games. If I could implement some activities along the same level, I could probably keep them focused on the task and they perhaps could learn the material better. For 3rd graders who are beginning to learn the names of the states and their locations, I could provide a list of websites with activities related to the states (their names, locations, facts, etc) that they could visit at home to practice. I could also, with the help of the SMARTBoard do activities in class with them. Perhaps not for 1st grade, but for the other two grades, 2nd and 3rd, I could have a class blog where we could discuss what we are learning (of course, I would do this only after having it approved by the parents).
I read an article called "Staff Development to Provide Intentional Language Teaching in Technology-Rich K-8 Multicultural Classrooms". It focused on an 'experiment', for lack of a better word, done in Arizona schools to see how technology improved education, especially the education of ELLs and students of other heritages. In the initiative, pre-service and in-service teachers received training in instructional applications of information technologies and how to develop/implement Unit of Practice (UOP), which is "framework for organizing content and embedding technology into teachers’ classroom instruction." The researchers found that "the UOP addressed the need for incorporating intentional language teaching strategies into content lessons (e.g., social studies) for these pupils." Doing this through the use of technology, a teacher accomplishes two things at once: intentional language instruction and computer literacy instruction. Researchers have discovered over times that it is absolutely necessary for ELLs to receive opportunities to use computers and practice technology skills; both of theses things will allow their proficiency level of English to increase. I chose this article because I want to be an ELL teacher. I found this article to be very relevant to myself and my career goals. I agree with the need to implement technology in regular mainstream classrooms as well as the ELL classrooms. Children who are ELL students are already a step behind the other students. By giving these students technological skills as well as helping them develop computer literacy, on top of furthering their English proficiency level, will allow them to be able to get a job in the future. It is crucial as teachers to remember that we are not only teaching children facts and concepts for the present moment, but that we are also teaching and training children for the future beyond their academic careers. By implementing technology into everyday instruction, whether it be in an ELL classroom or not, we can accomplish this.
I like how the NET standards for both teachers and students are in a way vague. They state what must be acquired, but they leave so much room for you as the teacher to decide how your students will acquire them. I think that the safety precautions needed online should be taight as soon as a student jumps on a computer for the first time. It is certainly the job of the teacher, as well as the parents and other adults in a particular child's life to model appropriate and safe computer ettiquet and usage. As opposed to grading a student on whether or not they got the correct answer, which is important too, being creative and innovative, as noted in the first NET is equally important and can be carried over into all other aspects of life.
http://firma.northwestu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.firma.northwestu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=24601519&site=ehost-live

Using HTML

So, I have decided that writing/reading/using html is the most exhausting thing ever! I created a web page with a few sentences, a background color, and font size/color. Putting a picture on my website is where it ended for me. I just couldn't do it. I think that it was because the picture information was wrong. Oh well, I gave up. Things like this frustrate me. It is fun for a while (like 5 min), but any more than that, no thank you. I have great respect for people who use html on a daily basis and can read/write it like they do their speaking language. This class has been so much fun so far! Everything we have done has been new to me. I now feel very technologically savvy. : )

My Elem/High School's Website

I went to Seattle Christian for both elementary and high school. I can remember when I was in high school going to the school's website and wishing there was more to do on it. Going back to that website recently, I felt the same thing, although that is not to say there has not been some improvements. A couple of the resources that seemed interesting required a log in and password so I could not investigate further. The school has an online grading system called info direct. I think this started either my junior year or senior year. I thought it was rather interesting, but certainly basic. There is no way of communicating with any of your teachers via the website. There were not any teacher profiles either. The website has a nice look to it, but I think there could be more. Like I mentioned before, a way to communicate with your teacher online would be nice. I think I would be neat to have something like the eagle website we have here at NU or a section on their main website for students like at northwestu.edu; they have a link for parents, why not students? In general, it is a nice website, but it certainly could be better.

Turning on the Lights By M. Prensky

Prensky brings up a very valid point: students today are no longer "in the dark" when they come to school. Students learn a variety of things outside of school via technological devices. To many students, the regular classroom may see, extremely boring in comparison to an interactive website or a documentary on the Discovery Channel. Teachers today have the added responsibility of engaging students and making their classroom and lessons entertaining. I do disagree with Prensky on one point though; well, maybe disagree is too strong, but something does not sit right with me about his article. The impression I get from his article is that all "old" or "traditional" ways of teaching are bad or boring and should be replaced with new ones dripping with technology, and that all the traditional material taught is outdated and useless for today's students who will be living and working in tomorrow's society. I don't think we should simply say 'out with the old and in with the new', but rather asses what and how we are teaching and decide how effective our material and methods are. If they are not so effective, then alter them in order to make them effective. When Prensky talks of the students who are interested in becoming an astronaut or wants to know more about an era in history because of something they saw on a video game, the teacher basically shuts them down. I don't think that teachers need to incorporate video games, etc. in their classrooms but rather they need to make the material they are teaching personal. Teachers need to connect the material and information they are teaching to their students and they need to connect themselves with their students. Yes, technology needs to be embraced in American classrooms, but let's not forget to embrace the basics and fundamentals of teaching in the process.

Beginning of Semester Reflection

Technology is an integral part of today's society. It is important as teachers to be familiar with all the different aspects of technology and to integrate them into the school day. Technology is a fantastic way to connect with your students. Today's students, from elementary to college, are constantly using the Internet, ipods, cellular phones, etc. It is important for a teacher today to use multiple forms of technology to present material and content to students. Students learn about the world, events, and people through TV, Internet, etc. outside of school; therefore it should be used in school as well. Using technology in the classroom will engage students and motivate them to learn. I have a lot to learn about technology and am looking forward to doing just that so that I will be able to effectively teach my students in the future.

Why I want to be a teacher

I want to teach at the elementary level, preferably 1st or 2nd grade. My ultimate goal for teaching is to be an English teacher abroad, specifically in Brazil. I decided to pursue teaching when I was fourteen years old. I was in Buenos Aires, Argentina at the time. While there we visited a school. Walking through each classroom I felt a sense of belonging. The following summer, I went to Caruaru, Brazil, as I do every summer. This particular time, though, I taught English for the very first time. I fell in love with teaching. That was the first time I actual taught anything. A retired teacher, Jan Smith, has gone with me to Brazil almost every time. She is certified and ESL teaching and has helped me significantly. I have learned so much from her. My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Suggs, also has influenced me greatly. She has allowed me to visit her class countless times and lets me help out and teach mini-lessons over the years. I have learned so much from these two ladies. I admire them greatly and hope to be like them one day.