Updated Educational Phylosophy

My teaching philosophy is still developing each and every day that I am exposed to the students around me. I have gained knowledge from so many sources, including the teachers that had a part in my own education.  Over this semester, I have been given the opportunity to expose myself and my students to the new realm of technology that surrounds education.  

The best teacher than I can remember in school was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Garlington. She was always so enthusiastic about school, and I never remember seeing her without a smile. Every classroom activity was fun and exciting. My family struggled a lot while I was young and growing up, but I never felt out of place in her classroom. She didn’t treat me differently due to the way I dressed, or the supplies I wasn’t able to bring. She handled the classroom situations in a calm way, and encouraged us in everything we did. It is the positive demeanor that she had that makes her stand out to me so much. This isn’t a quality that all teachers possess. I have witnessed the other realm as well. The worst teacher I can think of was my ninth grade Biology teacher. She was always impersonal and critical. She seemed to be frustrated easily and yelled at the class a lot. I often wonder if it was a disinterest in the subject matter, or the teacher’s disinterest in the students that made the material less interesting. I honestly don’t remember much about the curriculum or content that was taught, but the teacher will always stand out to me. These simple experiences have made it clear to me that a quality teacher has to have compassion for her students and enthusiasm for the content that they teach. I want to remember this each day in the classroom. I try to connect with my students before I even begin teaching curriculum. I feel that they will feel the content is important if they feel valued. A true enthusiasm for learning can be contagious to the students.

Even with my limited experience, I feel that I mostly fit under the philosophy of Constructivism when it comes to considered whether learning should be student-centered of teacher-directed. I feel that when students can lead the learning, they feel more valued and in control of their learning. I feel that learning should take place around real world situations that are hands on, rather than predetermined worksheets and agendas. I also feel that Pragmatism suites me in some ways because problem solving is an important concept to teach our students. I strive to teach my students that their social conflicts can be solved if they right approach is taken. They need to learn how to socialize and resolve their own conflicts without the constant interference of the teacher or adults.

I chose to be a teacher because I enjoy those simple little moments with students when I can see that they have been truly enlightened. I enjoy myself when I am in the presence of my students and I enjoy the connections that I make with them. I feel that I am making a difference in the world and they are truly our future. I teach the way I do because I feel that students need to be educated by teachers who care about their future. During the first week of school, I try to make a connection with my students and bond with them. I want them to feel important and valued. I also want them to know that education is important. I try to spend a large amount of time teaching them that social skills are just as important as learning the curriculum.

To me, a great teacher is one who is enthusiastic about teaching and makes their students feel like they are important. Great teachers encourage their students to succeed. They are willing to go the extra mile and teach to the whole child. Great teachers also realize that not all students learn the same; some students need extra time and new strategies. I had the opportunity to experience a caring teacher during my education and I never forgot this teacher. She encouraged me each day, and I still remember that.

I use these teaching methods because I have seen them used successfully in other classrooms by quality teachers. I have teachers that I can look back to for support and many of the strategies I use come from their encouragement. Some things have been used and developed over the last year, and even adapted as needed. I choose strategies that work for each student based on their needs. The assignments that I choose are based on the needs of my students and their differentiated learning styles. I try to plan my assignments based on the results of assessments, both formally and informally.

Technology is an increasingly growing concept in our schools and is continuing to shape our world. In order to be a great teacher, I have to incorporate technology across the board. Last year, I feel that my students had little access to technology. This year in my classroom, my students will be able to use simple computer processes, ipads, and a smart board. We will use several engaging and hands on activities with technology. These activities will be incorporated into the content and developed around the curriculum. We have classroom computers that will be open for student use each and every day. I will invited parents to expose their second graders to technology at home with suggestions of websites and online games. I would also like to put together simple discs for my students throughout the year that can be used on the computer.  With the use of blogs, and wiki pages, I now have a deeper understanding of the impact that technology can make on our students.  From an early age, children are exposed to technology in many forms.  If we restrict technology use in school, we are restricting their learning.  Their minds are programed to perform at a rate that is compatible with this same technology use.  It's imperative to challenge their minds to stay on the same path.  I plan to model, and integrate the use of technology throughout  the curriculum.  I now feel comfortable relying on technology as an aid, enhancement activities, and assessment tool. 

When my students leave my classroom at the end of the year, I want them to feel a sense of accomplishment. They should feel like they had a goal and their hard work helped them to reach that goal. I want my students to gain an understanding for their own responsibility and how it affects their own lives and the people around them. I also want them to understand that it’s okay to learn differently that those around them. They need to be able to use the strategies that they have learned to process the concepts taught and be able to relay those back to teach others. My students should feel that I was not just a teacher, but also a mentor, motivator and their safe-house for learning without judgment.

Week 6 Blog Reflection

Blog Reflection Week 6

In the Teaching with Technology Podcasting article, podcasting is explained in detail on plain english and it was fairly easy to follow along and keep up.  Along with this article, I created my very first podcast on Buzzsprout.com.  I found it to be a very interesting tool. 

Teaching with Technology Podcasting begins with the very basic steps of creating a podcast and how the videos and audio are produced.  This seems very handy for a beginner such as myself, to learn the ropes and the background on this type of technology before creating my own.  The author does a great job at touching on several points that make podcasting an up-and-coming form of technology use in the classroom.  The future of poscasting in education seems very hopeful.  I can see how this could be efficient for teachers and students alike.  When an instructor or teacher has a large amount of information to give out over a large period of time, students can subscribe and it is delivered like the morning paper.  I can however, see that the teacher has to be willing to contribute the time to continually create and add these podcasts over time.  I could see podcasting becoming a meaninful way to connect with students outside of the classroom.  This could be helpful to schools and colleges alike.  Larger class sizes and less teachers could end up being the result. 

I would love the opportunity to give podcasting a try in my classroom.  I find it difficult to talk with 22 sets of parents daily, or even weekly.  Sometimes the only form of communication is written.  With a podcast, I can capture quick reminders, and videos about our upcoming plans, lesson, or even messages that need to get home to parents.  This would be a fun, and technology advanced way of communicating greenly. 

Week 5: Information Literate

Week 5

Information Literate in a Global Society

            I started this week by taking an information literacy quiz.  Well, it’s confirmed, I’m an internet amateur.  I know nothing!!  I had no idea what URL stood for, or that “quotation marks” were used to highlight key words.  The biggest eye opener was that Google ranks it’s websites by popularity. 

            I decided to pick a site that was completely out of the norm for me, and see if I could make sense of it.  I chose Victorian Robots.  The website seemed to contain authentic information, and a detailed history of a specific robot.  I even noticed that the website quoted a few news corporations such a World Report and The New York Times.  The domain name contained wording that didn’t seem to be relevant to the site, and I noticed it was a .com site, which tells me that it is not an academic site.  When I searched for the links, I only noticed four, however some of them seem to have moved to new sites, and one was even a blog site.  This is where I began to feel skeptical of the information in the original site. 

            When I search ‘Victorian robots’ I chose to use Google, Hotbot and Excite.  The first website that showed up on these sites was the original Victorian Robot site.  However, when I checked out some of the other top links, I noticed that the robots site contained hoaxed information.  I can see how this website could prove to be confusing by students searching the web.  Without knowing the background information on the creator, it’s hard to determine whether the information contained is true.  When I checked out easywhois.com, I wasn’t able to get any information on the author. 

            When I took a look at the ads on the websites, I realized that they were on everyone.  These engines rely on paid ads to stay in business.  I think it’s important that we teach our students about these results.  All three websites turned up similar results. 

             After using the resources provided this week, I feel that I will be a lot more cautious in the future.  I will make it a point to teach my children the basics of using the World Wide Web for research and the relevance of the loads of information out there!

Week 4 Reflection

*Are you more comfortable composing documents online than longhand?

I am definitely more comfortable composing documents online.  I can't remember the last time I actually wrote a paper.  Online I am able to edit, add, delete, and transform a document in a split second.  When I write something longhand, changes take much longer and the end result suffers. 

*Have you turned your "remembering" (phone numbers, meetings, and so on) over to a technology device?

For the most part, yes, I allow technology to be my memory.  I am pretty good at remembering phone numbers, and I still keep a paper calendar, but I feel more comfortable knowing that it is all there in my phone. 

*Do you go to meetings with your laptop, iPad, or tablet?

I usually take all my note with paper and pencil, then later transfer them if needed. 

*Are you constantly connected? Is the Internet always on whether you are at home or work? Is your cell phone always with you?

I keep my cellphone with me 24/7.  I feel so lost without it.  It's a strange change from just a few years ago when it meant nothing to me. 

*How many different activities can you effectively engage in at one time?

I'm not a great multi-tasker.  I usually have to limit myself because I become distracted so easily. 

*Do you play video or computer games?   

I don't usually play video or computer games.  My children have a Wii system and I occasionally play a game with them.  

*What generational category do you fall in or are you a mixture of a few?

I think I am part of the Y generation. 

*This article focused on implications primarily for higher education; however, the characteristics for the Net Gen remain true for students in K12. What and how do we need to change?  

Our classrooms need to be open to incorporating technology.  These are steps that need to be taken now as technology is growing.  Our students have grown up with technology all around them, and this is what engagement looks like for them.  Without this stimulation, we lose contact with several of our students and their learning styles. 

Week 3 Reflection

 

 

Electronic Portfolios as Digital Stories of Deep Learning was an interesting read that actually provided me with some comparable knowledge on assessment and technology.  After reading through the 10 research based principals to AFL (assessment for learning), I though I could most relate to AFL being part of effectice planning of teaching and learning.  Throughout my education and my short teaching career, I've heard several instructors say that 'assessment drives instruction.'  I try to rely on this advice each time I think of assessment.  Last year in my classroom, I kept a student portfolio that I refered back to often.  It was a quick and concrete way for my to communicate student learning to parents and administrators.  I was able to pull this information any time there was a questions.  Moving this concept to the world of technology seems like a very handy tool.  Students can create, maintain, update, and be in charge of their own portfolios.  I think it's imperrative that teachers remember that these tools can be used for assessment but shouldn't be dictated to students.  Students should feel free to use their creativity without feeling overly judged.  Students feel turned off by the assignments when they know they are critiqued.  Portfolio assessments make it easier for teachers to track student learning.  Teachers can view a running assessment on students without keep track of several weeks or semesters worth of papers.  This method saves time and space.  I think that creating and developing my own portfolio would allow me to put my learning into perspective.  I can self-manage, and track my own progress.  I would feel more motivated.  Electronic portfolios would allow me to feel up-to-date and use the modern technologies that I have been exposed to.  It makes my learning and interest in new world technologies feel valued. 

 

 



Week 2 Blog Response

 MAPPING Activities

This week I chose to create a mind-map to express my findings on educational technology.  I almost feel that I wasn't too surprised to learn that the credibility of many sites isn't ideal.  Anyone can create a webpage, and there is no 'lifegaurd' to monitor the internet.  I try to carefully search for information online, and frequently find peer reviewed articles.  

THE FUTURE OF OUR STUDENTS??

Unfortunately, young minds are easy to warp.  What happens when we tell them things over and over again?  They easily believe them.  Especially if they witness it with their own eyes!  I see, I believe!  As educators, we are in a position to show are children that the things they see are not always true, especially when it comes to the internet.  The lack of parental involvement in student lives leave them open to access so much more than necessary.  Students should be taught from the very beginning that the internet can be very unreliable.  The future can become such a twisted and unrealistic place if we aren't able to decipher truth and reality from imagination.

SOCIAL BOOKMARKING

Although I'm not a technology guru, I like the idea of using social bookmarking as a took for organizing information.  I chose to use a mind-map to create my technology project.  I also use sites such as Twitter and Pinterest.  I like that these tools allow me to connect with others and organize my thoughts and ideas.  Its a way of communicating these ideas to others who I might not have the opportunity to come in contact with on a day to day basis. 

My Philosophy and Week 1 Reflections

Well, here it is!  I managed to start a blog, after insisting I would do it for many years now.  Below you will find my educations philosophy.  Finally having it down in writing provides me to opportunity to formally review it and add to it as I learn.  I think blogging is definitely a new way for me to communicate with those linked to my life.  I hope to use my blog with the parents of my students in the future.  Steven Downes' article on blogging was interesting and brought up some important points.  As the use of blogging increases, our students will be more in tune with the capabilities of technology.  I don't think we have reached our true potential with the uses of technology and incorporating them into education.  Students shouldn't be forced to blog about specific topics, rather they should be encouraged to use blogging as more of an outlet and journal. (As it was originally intended)  Alan November wrote in his article, Creating a New Culture of Teaching and Learning, that writing lesson plans for technology should be thrown out.  This really stood out to me.  It seems that we don't let anything just happen anymore.  Is education ever going to become student-led like we preach it should be?  Our students should be encouraged to set standards for themselves, and with the right motivation, they will set the bar even higher than we ever could.  Technology should be used in the same sense.  Let the students discover and learn as they go.  It is easier said than done. 

There were a LARGE amount of steps required in this week's assignments, and I hope I have covered them all in good detail.  Unfortunately, it has made me a little leery of technology.  I hope the next few weeks flow a little more smoothly because I'm really looking forward to getting more familiar with technology so I can effectively relay it to my own students.   

That being said, here is my philosophy: 

My Educational Philosophy

             My teaching philosophy is still developing each and every day that I am exposed to the students around me.  I have gained knowledge from so many sources, including the teachers that had a part in my own education. 

 

            The best teacher than I can remember in school was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Garlington.  She was always so enthusiastic about school, and I never remember seeing her without a smile.  Every classroom activity was fun and exciting.  My family struggled a lot while I was young and growing up, but I never felt out of place in her classroom.  She didn’t treat me differently due to the way I dressed, or the supplies I wasn’t able to bring.  She handled the classroom situations in a calm way, and encouraged us in everything we did.  It is the positive demeanor that she had that makes her stand out to me so much.  This isn’t a quality that all teachers possess.  I have witnessed the other realm as well.  The worst teacher I can think of was my ninth grade Biology teacher.  She was always impersonal and critical.  She seemed to be frustrated easily and yelled at the class a lot.  I often wonder if it was a disinterest in the subject matter, or the teacher’s disinterest in the students that made the material less interesting.  I honestly don’t remember much about the curriculum or content that was taught, but the teacher will always stand out to me.  These simple experiences have made it clear to me that a quality teacher has to have compassion for her students and enthusiasm for the content that they teach.  I want to remember this each day in the classroom.  I try to connect with my students before I even begin teaching curriculum.  I feel that they will feel the content is important if they feel valued.  A true enthusiasm for learning can be contagious to the students. 

            Even with my limited experience, I feel that I mostly fit under the philosophy of Constructivism when it comes to considered whether learning should be student-centered of teacher-directed.  I feel that when students can lead the learning, they feel more valued and in control of their learning.  I feel that learning should take place around real world situations that are hands on, rather than predetermined worksheets and agendas.  I also feel that Pragmatism suites me in some ways because problem solving is an important concept to teach our students.  I strive to teach my students that their social conflicts can be solved if they right approach is taken.  They need to learn how to socialize and resolve their own conflicts without the constant interference of the teacher or adults. 

            I chose to be a teacher because I enjoy those simple little moments with students when I can see that they have been truly enlightened.  I enjoy myself when I am in the presence of my students and I enjoy the connections that I make with them.  I feel that I am making a difference in the world and they are truly our future.  I teach the way I do because I feel that students need to be educated by teachers who care about their future.  During the first week of school, I try to make a connection with my students and bond with them.  I want them to feel important and valued.  I also want them to know that education is important.  I try to spend a large amount of time teaching them that social skills are just as important as learning the curriculum. 

            To me, a great teacher is one who is enthusiastic about teaching and makes their students feel like they are important.  Great teachers encourage their students to succeed.  They are willing to go the extra mile and teach to the whole child.  Great teachers also realize that not all students learn the same; some students need extra time and new strategies.  I had the opportunity to experience a caring teacher during my education and I never forgot this teacher.  She encouraged me each day, and I still remember that. 

             

            I use these teaching methods because I have seen them used successfully in other classrooms by quality teachers.  I have teachers that I can look back to for support and many of the strategies I use come from their encouragement.  Some things have been used and developed over the last year, and even adapted as needed.  I choose strategies that work for each student based on their needs.  The assignments that I choose are based on the needs of my students and their differentiated learning styles.  I try to plan my assignments based on the results of assessments, both formally and informally. 

            Technology is an increasingly growing concept in our schools and is continuing to shape our world.  In order to be a great teacher, I have to incorporate technology across the board.  Last year, I feel that my students had little access to technology.  This year in my classroom, my students will be able to use simple computer processes, ipads, and a smart board.  We will use several engaging and hands on activities with technology.  These activities will be incorporated into the content and developed around the curriculum.  We have classroom computers that will be open for student use each and every day.  I will invited parents to expose their second graders to technology at home with suggestions of websites and online games.  I would also like to put together simple discs for my students throughout the year that can be used on the computer. 

            When my students leave my classroom at the end of the year, I want them to feel a sense of accomplishment.  They should feel like they had a goal and their hard work helped them to reach that goal.  I want my students to gain an understanding for their own responsibility and how it affects their own lives and the people around them.  I also want them to understand that it’s okay to learn differently that those around them.  They need to be able to use the strategies that they have learned to process the concepts taught and be able to relay those back to teach others.  My students should feel that I was not just a teacher, but also a mentor, motivator and their safe-house for learning without judgment.