Reflection # 3

Why do I seem to always be one step behind when I have all this technology available to me? I thought technology was suppose to make my life easier. I think I might actually have more work because of it or perhaps these are pressures I just put on myself. Once again, I am late posting my reflection.

I had the best time at the Challenger Learning Center. I never knew it was there and now I have told as many people as possible about its existence. When I came home from class that night, I actually got to see my youngest before her bedtime and I was telling her about class. She then told me that her teachers had mentioned CLC and that they might be taking a field trip there this year. I really hope so. I know it would open up a whole new world to her for science and math. This would also allow for a different type of learning, her teachers are old school and not always doing hands-on projects.

I mentioned CLC to my principal and 8th grade team of teachers, but everyone is so busy with all the required programs that it hasn't been brought up again. But I will keep at it, even if we don't go this year, I really think we should plan it for next. This is exactly what our type of students need. To be 'living' the educational experience. To open up their minds to what it out there beyond the standard math and science classroom.

Anyway, thanks for the experience. I am glad I was able to go and see it for myself. It really leaves an impression.

Reflection # 2

Once again I am late posting my reflection. I am telling you there are not enough hours in the day or days in the week. Not that I want the school week to last any longer. I do have one thing I need to share/brag about. I have my wiki up and running for my 8th grade literature class. My students have now posted an answer to their first discussion question for the novel, The Outsiders. I had about 80% of the students complete this assignment. I am holding off on having them respond to others post until they are more familiar with the process. This is perhaps the highlight of my week. Actually, I have two, but the other is not technology related except that I gave a presentation for professional development this week and did not read the PowerPoint to the staff. I even had one fellow teacher thank me for having such good PowerPoint and not reading. I took a moment and said that I learned long ago from a great professor to never read the PP and no more than 5-6 words or pictures per slide. Thanks Dr. T, that advice has come in handy over the years. As for this class, I feel I am behind, perhaps because I was sick and missed class. I really enjoy the engaging discussions during class and missed not having that this week. I am feeling better and plan to be there Monday.

Reflection # 1

My reflection is late! This is driving me crazy, I hate having late assignments. I decided to wait until I had time to research and view information on emerging technology. I did Goggling and found some awesome, intriguing, and weird technology that is emerging. However, I just kept coming back to the Wiki I am developing for my 8th grade literature students. I am so excited and fearful at the same time. I could not sleep Monday night because I was so worried that the Wiki would not work or the district would suddenly decide to block the Wikispaces again. I really believe this is a new resource for students to use for an old idea, discussions, and other assignments. I am starting by posting information for a unit on the novel, The Outsiders and having students post the answers to discussion questions and respond to their classmates’ posts. Just nice and simple to start with and go from there.

To me this is emerging technology because it is pushing the envelope of something I have never used as a teacher. I use Wikis as a student and feel comfortable in that regard, but teaching it is a big responsibility. If it works then I am the new tech guru at school if not then I viewed as a teacher who wasted time that is for learning. I am process time teacher, I really think learning is about how you get their not what is at the end. Actually, I do not believe there ever should be an end to learning. People criticize and poke fun of me at work because I am pursuing my doctorate, but I really do not believe I can continue to grow as a person or a teacher unless I follow my own dreams. Earning my doctorate is my way of continuing my desire to learn and better myself.

Back to the Wiki for my students, they seemed excited about the idea. Several students told me they went home and showed their parents the site. My principal is excited about the idea and said if it works then I have to show everyone else how to do it. Then we get into the whole ‘wood’ category of teachers. “I would, but…” Actually, it really bothers me that other teachers consider me an over achiever and kiss up because I am always trying out new ideas and expanding the use of technology in my classroom. I admit that part of it because I am curious about whether or not it will increase student’s engagement and learning. In addition, I know that technology is one tool that is not going away and I do not want to left behind. Guess this would be a great place to insert a joke about NCLB.