Blog 1 (Chapters1&2)

The biggest takeaway I have from reading the first two chapters is that the obstacle we are facing as educators is not a challenge caused by our own incompetence, but the changes occurring in society.  As children we learned to listening to teachers and being "given" information so many of us are most familiar and comfortable with this method.  With smart phones, laptops, iPads, iPods, MP3 players, and all the new and ever present technology in our students' lives, their method of interaction and learning is shifting from being given information to "pulling" information.  Students are used to exploring and searching for information.  They are more comfortable swiping, tapping, and pinching than they are reading from actual books, writing by hand, and listening to teacher's voices.

The authors also paint a picture of today's children and teenagers which is very telling.  "Students enjoy multitasking; they use the internet for schoolwork while listening to music, maintaining friendships, eating meals, and spending time in their room engaging in self-directed learning."   Their functioning in their everyday lives is drastically changed from the previous generation.  As teachers, we need to be aware of these differences to meet our student where they are.  The authors explain further; "The experience is free flowing, flexible, social, and unscripted.

Technology can help improve the levels of engagement, interaction, and inquiry-based learning.  This is really important to me as a teacher because I want students to be interested in and care about their learning.  I also want them to have the skills necessary to be successful in college, in their careers, and in their lives.  This means they need to be able to problem solve and create.  Our job, as the author states, is to "create puzzles, ask questions, and engage in conversations with students."  This with allow them to create, problem solve, and innovate.


Questions:
1) How can I make learning a second language more student based?
2) How can I make learning a second language more exploratory?
3) How can I allow students to come up with their own questions learning a second language while still following a curriculum?

One thing that really stood out to me about today's class is the history behind education.  The way that education has evolved in the past 100 years is fascinating.  So much has changed, yet so much has stayed the same.  Teachers are still responsible for teaching our children social norms, morals, and their views on life.  Many of these things should be taught by parents but in many cases, teachers, need to supplement, or in many cases start from square one with basic skills in these areas.  The second thing that stands out to me is the change from students being obedient and all uniform in their learning to much more interactive and individualized learning.

Personal Learning Goals




Technology is something I have never been completely comfortable with.  I've always had a hard time problem solving technological dilemmas, and at times struggled to use what's considered pretty basic stuff.  As a teacher, I am expected to be able to use the Smartboard, which I am able, but only the basic functions of using the slides and having students write on the board with the Smartboard pens.  Even my materials and charts that I make for myself or my students are pretty basic and sometimes a chore.  Technology is something I think that I have always wanted to master deep down, but just found it very overwhelming and confusing.

I do value a lot of traditional ways as tried and true, but perhaps that is because I could never really master all the technology out there.  Part of me feels that becoming functional at many of these things would somehow make me feel more connected and ease my life, and even empower me.  I was impressed with myself that I was able to create my own blog with minimal assistance, add the link to the group page, figure out follow my classmates, and write my first blog!


My Goals:

1 - To become more aware and efficient with many of the creative possibilities on the Smartboard.  There are many engaging, interactive tools that I would like to become comfortable using and I want to learn how to search for content on the Smartboard.

2 - I would love to explore ways to incorporate social media into my class in a purposeful way.  I think it would help engage student and allow them to feel connected.

3 - I would like to have student complete assignments, homework, or extra credit assignments using a website that allows me to access their work.

4 - I would love to build a professional digital teaching portfolio.  I think this would give me the edge I need in the job market.