Best and Worst of Tech/Topics

I really enjoyed the class and learned a lot.  Before the class started, I looked at the syllabus and was more than a little worried that the things we had to do would trip me up pretty good.  I wasn't terribly confused throughout the class and feel more confident using technology as a teacher in my classes.

The best part of the class surprisingly for me was blogging.  Writing is difficult for me to say the least.  It is a difficult and time consuming process for me to write.  I know that it is a critical skill, particularly in social studies, but have and continue to struggle in my writing ability.  That's why I was surprised that blogging was enjoyable.  Maybe it was the less formal structure, but I found myself able to have thoughts come pretty clearly, and transfer them to the blog with less effort than I normally face with writing.  I will certainly use blogging as a tool to help my students with improving their writing abilities.

My least favorite aspect of the class was the standards section of the portfolio.  While I understand the standardized rules that govern education, it seems to me that this requirement was a little more than necessary.  Our opinions for these standards will probably change somewhat as we go through the program, so I'm glad that at least they can be changed.

Personal Learning Network

The personal learning network that I have used and will continue to use is called teachinghistory.org.  The website is a useful and valuable resource in many ways.

The website brings together history teachers in a learning forum.  The site goes further by categorizing information for elementary, secondary, and college level teachers.   There is a spotlight section where current events are related to historical events as a tool to teach.  I really like this part of the site the most because it can be really useful in a lesson. As an example, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic that just occurred is being discussed right now. The site has a lesson plan available to use this much talked about current event as an opportunity to teach about the sinking of the Titanic.  Some students have seen or heard coverage of the anniversary, so the interest level in learning about the Titanic may be a little higher than normal.

There is a blog included in the site which gives teachers the opportunity to ask questions of a master teacher, or a historian in the subject matter that you are teaching.  Also, there is a good section that evaluates historical websites that would be good for both students and teachers.  With so many historical websites that exist the ability to filter through them and pick out some of the best saves a lot of time and is an especially valuable part of the website.  There is really a lot to use in this website to help teachers and also is beneficial for students as well.

Commenting on Other People's Blogs

It feels a little strange to comment on other people's blogs.  I have to get over the concern that I am invading people's privacy, especially since they are the blogs of fellow classmates.  But, I did learn from doing this and I think it is a good way to monitor the writing of students.

I paid particular attention to looking at other opinions on the legal concerns of teachers.  Some real good insight out there, and frankly kind of scary about the future of the profession.  Almost all of the posts had similar legal concerns that I have so it is refreshing to know that you are not alone with your worries about teaching.

Portfolio Assessment

I have mixed feelings regarding the portfolio assessment in regards to teaching.  While the portfolio is important, the ability to teach in front of a classroom and reach students is still most critical for a teacher.  Standards are so dominant now, and combined with the increasing presence of technology, on-line portfolios are becoming more important as assessment tools. 

While encompassing a lot of work, a good portfolio does show a commitment of wanting to present yourself in a good light and the ability to complete a long-term task.  I'm glad that we are able to edit the portfolio as our education continues.  Thoughts regarding educations and the standards that make up the field will most likely change as we progress through the Xavier program.

Am I a 21st Century Teacher?

My best answer to this important question is not yet, but hopefully I am making some progress.  I do think it is very important to be technically proficient as a teacher these days.  Technology is such a big part of adolescent life now, it would be really difficult to get through to them without applying it in an educational sense. 

I do worry that students get overly involved with technology.  It seems at times, they don't know what to do without it.  There is so little down time in the life of a student that does not involve technology in some fashion.   I believe it is important for students to also have the skills to entertain themselves and learn without technology being directly involved.  My own kids ask for computer or iPad time quite often, and it can be frustrating to watch them be bored without technology.

In my own school experience, I do find classes that involve technology much more interesting, so I understand the importance as a teacher.  This class has expanded my horizons concerning technology which is making me more optimistic that I can become a 21st century teacher.

Video Lesson Plan Critique

The video lesson plan was challenging but rewarding.  It is awkward to hear or watch yourself speak on video, and this situation was no exception.  After listening to the lesson several times during the editing process, I gradually became more comfortable with the presentation.   Please click here to see the full review.

Free Write: The iPad 3

The big technology news last week was the unveiling of the iPad 3 by Apple.   

The debate is beginning as to whether the iPad 3 is much better than the iPad 2.  Is there enough new technology with the new product to spend hundreds of dollars on an upgrade?  Is Apple simply giving people a reason or an excuse to buy a new product (smart business) that may or may not benefit their lives to a greater degree than the iPad 2?  USA Today likes the iPad3.  The final verdict will come in the sales figures for the iPad3, and I'm guessing they will be pretty good.