Approaching the end of the semester!

Well, just three weeks left in this semester; it has flown! I just finished the lesson plan using multiple intelligences. Since I am already writing a full teaching packet on The Chocolate Warby Robert Cormier, I decided to take one of those individual lessons and incorporate the various learning styles into it. I'm really pleased with the result; even MORE pleased that it's actually a lesson that I can use in the VERY NEAR FUTURE!

I tend to shy away from group projects, both from participating in them and from assigning them, but the group project in my lesson plan is fairly non-intimidating and accommodates all learning styles. Since it allows for the each student to use their strengths and then to - together - create a comic book depicting their thoughts and opinions on the novel, it allows for both group collaboration and individual thought.

ETEC 424 has been a LOT of fun and very instrumental in helping me realize ways to incorporate technology into my future curriculum. Programs that I would have normally not have thought twice about - like Wiki or Google sites - have instead shown me how I can use them effectively in the classroom with my students. In today's culture and fast-paced information world, it is imperative that teachers stay current in technology trends and how they can be incorporated into lesson plans.

Technology in the Classroom

In a perfect world, I think the technology used in the classroom should most definitely run parallel to the technology that students are using in their day-to-day life. How better to relate to them than to meet them right where they are? For most, this means being "up" on the latest technology and gadgets: iChat, Skype, podcasts, and a myriad of other multimedia and hypermedia capabilities.

Unfortunately, what is "ideal" and what is realistic are often not one and the same. We are more likely to find a close parallel in exclusive private schools or in districts that have enough resources to cover the expense that comes along with the latest technology. I'm encouraged, though, that more and more classrooms are being equipped for media. Computers and smartboards should be mandatory in ALL classrooms;)

Another important concern that comes along with technology is this: does it add TO the instruction or is it merely another distraction. I think there is a fine line and it will probably take some "trial and error" to get the balance right. Again - ideally - instant chat and messaging should be only material-related and NOT used for anything else. Controlling that, however, and setting proper boundaries would probably be challenging. My hope is that more and more educational programs for curriculum will have "built-in" features, such as chat, that will - both - intrigue the students AND enhance the learning process.

I think that asynchronous, text-based communication has many interesting qualities that would, at times, be more effective than synchronous, face-to-face communication. This type is good for projects where the instructor needs to be readily available for a large group of students at once. It is also beneficial for those students who thrive better through written communication rather than verbal. However, I don't think that anything can totally replace face-to-face instruction!

All technology - whether it be podcasts or video games - have their proper place and time. I think that podcasts are great in small doses. They will interest some students and bore others to tears. By using it as ONE way of reaching these type of learners, it can enhance the learning process. Just as with video games (which can be beneficial for building up certain learning centers in the brain) they should be limited and closely supervised.

Technolog is awesome, and it's not going anywhere. It will only become more and more prevalent, including inside the classroom. The challenge will be to effectively harness it and use it to its highest potential without compromising the central thing: the relationship between the teacher and students.

I am a...INFJ

To be honest, when I first opened this assignment and saw I would have to do another personality profile, I cringed...just a bit. They make me nervous for some reason, and I've had to do SEVERAL in the past couple of years. After doing this one though, I think I even understand why they make me nervous in the first place - I don't like to put people into a "box." The reason for that is that I'm all TOO aware that I don't "fit" into any one box. And...the results of this particular profile test support that.

I am...a Protector.


"As an INFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system.

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk.

But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.

Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals" (www.personalitpage.com/portraits).

The top two career "suggestions" are clergy/ministry and teacher so I guess I'm on the right track. ;)

I do think that students' learning styles are affected by their personality tendencies. Sometimes this is reflected only internally: a student needs to process information in a very specific way before they begin to work. Or, they need to talk it "out loud" or write it down, thus engaging their own specific learning style. Other times, it may be more of an external reflection. Some students may be better suited to take in information in a quieter atmosphere, while still others thrive in rooms with music or busy chatter.

I think that going into my first classroom with the prior knowledge that every one has a different learning style (as well as different personality styles) will definitely help me to better relate to, and teach, my students. Obviously you can't set up a classroom to specifically accomodate 32 various learners, but just the awareness is enough to foster what may be needed to help those who need a bit more assistance in learning.

I love that we all think and learn so differently. The world would be amazingly boring if everyone thought like I did;) I enjoy diversity in my friends and acquaintances now, and I look forward to the same in my students!

My thoughts on Excel

I have to say, I'm not a HUGE Excel fan. (My husband is though - so hopefully he makes up enough for both of us!) Excel has always intimidated me because of all the formulas and such. Too close to MATH, I guess - ugh!

But this week - using Excel for Gradebook was really fun. I can totally see me utilizing Excel for this reason in the classroom. I know some districts have their own grading software, but if I'm left to my own devices - I'll definitely keep this week's model for reference!

I can see how spreadsheets are useful, and certainly much more effective than turning to the trusty calculator for everything. Spreadsheets can't be beat when you need to calculate grades, test averages, or test scores for 30 students at a time. Spreadsheets are typically used for storing, calculating, and presenting information. I think this pretty much covers what I'd use them for. For others (like my husband;)I know they use them for more extensive things.

I'm thrilled I made it through Excel week without pulling my hair out! I was dreading it...But it was really great!

Inspiration

Today's classroom obviously extends far past the four walls that surround teacher and student a mere eight hours a day. I find myself more and more excited as I near the time of having my own classroom. This is definitely an amazing time to be a teacher! INSPIRATION is one of the cutting edge tools that is making it possible for teachers and students to continue (and ENHANCE) the learning process beyond the normal classroom time. I just finished the tutorial on INSPIRATION and noticed several things right off the bat that I loved. First of all, it reminded me of a conversation we had in my Monday night class, Dr. Stewart's Reading, Analyzing, and Teaching Literature. It was about utilizing graphic organizers and how instrumental they can be in helping students to put together their thoughts and ideas. Many students do not fit into the traditional "cookie-cutter" style of note-taking and their papers and essays may be reflective of that if they are not given a valid alternative to gather the information needed. INSPIRATION is one of the tools that provide visual aids that help students gather what they need to write an organized and well-thought out paper.

I think there are a number of writing activities where technology can be beneficial. Some of the primary ones in my field (English/language arts/reading) would be essays, journal entries, response papers, and book reviews. This allows work to be done, both, inside of class time and also outside. It also allows for peer contribution. Through blogs, and other programs with interfacing and comment features, classmates can constructively critique and comment on assignments, entries, and reviews. When handled within a managed set of parameters, I would think this would be a value added asset to the lesson plan! As with anything that we learn, the more we go over it - the more we revise and review something - the better we learn it. It's true with students and it's true with us teachers as well. Each time I teach something brand new, no matter how well I prepare, it's not until I've presented it to a live...breathing...class full of students that I fully get the whole bulk of the lesson myself. There is something about repetition and about presenting it in various different formats that help it to stick with us. That's what makes learning so fun - and so interesting!

Why use blogs in the classroom?

To be honest - before this class - I'd never thought about utilizing a blog in my classroom. Although I've blogged for several years, on a variety of topics, it's always felt more like a hobby, or something on the frivolous side. But this class is opening my eyes to how it could actually be beneficial to my students. I think I'm going to enjoy exploring this...

Some people think that blogging is a waste of a student's time. I would imagine those folks just don't have a full understanding of how blogging works. A blog creates a network and - many times - allows for a whole host of resources and interactive material to be shared concerning the curriculum that is just not possible within the scope of one class period. A teacher has the ability to continue "teaching" beyond the customary one hour a day or five hours per week, and students have the opportunity to ask questions and delve deeper into subjects that are of particular interest to them.

Since I'll be teaching secondary English, I can already think of several ways that I can utilize some of these technologies to support my curriculum and student learning. Podcasts, poetry blogs, and essay discussion boards are just a few that come to my mind right away. It makes sense to me to capitalize on technology; after all, that is what kids 'speak' these days. It should never replace traditional class room time, but I think it can greatly enhance a traditional learning experience, and in a safe and unimposing way for even the most timid of students.

About Me

Well...I am FINALLY a senior at TAMU-Commerce and I could not be MORE excited about that! I'm an English major with secondary certification, and cannot wait to get in the classroom!

I'm married to Mike, who is my best friend and my partner in crime. We have three beautiful and wonderful kids - all grown - and are now enjoying The Empty Nest. When we're not working or in school, we love to travel and spend time with friends and family. Some of my hobbies are writing, reading, running, and scrapbooking.

I'm still not sure just how we're going to be using our blogs in this class, but it's already clear that C.K. is very passionate about technology in the classroom. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us!