The Use and Abuse of Technology in the Classroom

            
           This is a reflection of an article that can be found here!

    This article talked about the good and the bad with classroom technology. Personally, I believe that this author was spot on! Classroom technology can be a great thing as well as a burden for some of your students. We must focus on the importance, rather than the replacement of other things. Sure we can hand a child an iPad and say do this, but did the student learn from it? This article stated that technology should not be that replacement of other things, it should not be a way to just keep them entertained, and it should not be used to make simple tasks that could have been done without it more difficult. Technology should make things more exciting, it should let your class connect with the world, and it should give the students choices.

   I attended Piedmont High School during the years when it first became an Apple Distinguished School. I was there during the years when my educators just didn't quite have it figured out yet. It was frustrating and confusing at first, but we learned. We learned what didn't work and what did. By my senior year, we were on our third year as a one to one macbook/student school. By this year, we created many things that still amaze me today. Using technology took time, but it in end it was worth it.

“Technology should not just allow us to do traditional in a different way; it should allow us to do things that we thought were not possible.”

Early STEM Education

         STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

         This is a reflection of an article that can be found here!    

   This article is a representation of how we can incorporate STEM lessons into an elementary classroom. Like the article stated, educators often think that STEM lessons mostly take place in a middle or high school class rather than an elementary class. U.S. Schools have been ranked several places below the number one spot in both science and math. Our nation is quickly developing into a heavily STEM based workforce so it is important that we catch up. In so many jobs now the application of science, technology, engineering, and math take place for everyday tasks. With that being said, it is very important that we introduce these concepts at an early age. The concepts introduced at this age will not be as complex as those introduced in the later years, but it is all about scaffolding. The article also expressed that by giving them these skills their odds of gaining a job in today's world will vastly grow. How do we incorporate STEM lessons? 1. Change your view: be open to changing your lessons to incorporating an array of skills. Use words such as design, create, and model. 2. Get connected: find a support system that you can grow and learn from. President Obama has created a notion for STEM activities to be readily used. The article said, "It takes a village to effectively teach a child." 3. Integrate STEM across the curriculum: add in these new concepts to every subject in meaningful ways. 4. Give them more than just technology: although the "T" in STEM is for technology, we must guide them rather than just giving them a computer or I-pad. Your STEM lessons could very well change your students lives down the road. I had no idea how important this is! I hope that everyone will get on board with these new ideas!

“So much would be gained if all teachers—art, music, reading, social studies, math and science—were able to spend some of their precious professional development time on STEM. The principles of STEM—critical thinking, asking good questions, observation and exploration—are truly at the heart of every discipline." - Dr. Shelley Green, a professor of STEM education at Nova Southeastern University

Weaver Elementary

The ECE block girls at Weaver Elementary!

  I was so excited to enter the doors of Weaver Elementary on Monday morning. As soon as we entered we were greeted by both students and faculty.  My cooperating teacher is amazing and I could not be happier! She cared for each and every one of her students and was so good at welcoming me into her classroom as well. I am so eager to learn so many new things this semester!

Weaver Elementary's Mission Statement: "Weaver Elementary School's mission is to instill knowledge, create a love for learning, promote self-discipline, and provide a nurturing environment through an educational program designed to meet the needs of all our students.
We educate today's child to be tomorrow's responsible productive citizen."

Glogster and Prezi

         Recently at JSU, we have been learning about many technological skills. All of the apps, websites, and skills we have learned about can easily be implemented into a classroom. So far my two favorites have been Glogster and Prezi! Glogster allows you to create a still display board of pictures, icons, videos, and text. In a classroom, Glogster could be used by any grade including Pre-K. Glogster is super easy to use and is available in the app store!

Here is my Glog!
(This is just a picture of the Glog, on the app it is interactive.)

       

       My other favorite was Prezi! Prezi is like a powerpoint, but better! Prezi allows smooth transitions from frame to frame. Students could use a prezi to present about pretty much anything! It is super easy to use and it is also available in the app store!

Here is my Prezi!

Why Education?

          I could not begin to tell you how many times I have been asked the question... "Why education?" Most of the time I would love to respond, "well why not education?" Then it occurs to me that not everyone has it in their heart like I do. I am a firm believer that we were placed on this Earth with a beautiful mission. Also, I am a firm believer in the fact that my mission is education. The opportunities are absolutely endless. I can not fathom having the chance to change at least one child's life each and every day in a classroom. In the field of education you have to love. I know that each and every child that walks through my classroom door will be different and that will be more than okay with me. Children want to feel loved and encouraged so it is very necessary that they feel that from their educator. So really, why education? Education is a calling, it is a passion, and it is my absolute dream job. I can not wait for my future days in a classroom, but until then I plan to prepare for those days at Jacksonville State University. I have faith that my university will instill in me great lessons and guidance for my future days on my own in a classroom. I understand that some days in my field will be challenging, but I know that I will never regret choosing education.