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ED 701
While reading Darling-Hammond's book The Flat World and Education, I unfortunately felt like I was reading something far too familiar. Even though I have not been in the teaching profession very long, it has been clear to see the problems in education. While substitute teaching at different schools, I was able to see how far money and support went in terms of benefitting the students. While funding is the obvious issue, I think a lack of support is there too. Other countries put such a value on education, and see teaching as a prime profession. Here, teaching is not looked at the same way - more so a "those who can't do, teach" attitude.
That being said, I do feel very fortunate to work at the school that I do. My kiddos are lucky enough to (for the most part) have supportive parents who are able to spend time/money on their child's education. We have access to technology. At times, I wish we have more, but I know that we are more well off than other schools. As for what I can do in my own classroom - I can teach children that it is ok to ask questions, and to make mistakes. It is beneficial to collaborate with others, and it is okay to struggle during a problem that involves deep thinking. All of this is especially critical with how fast technology is growing. Students have a world of knowledge at their fingertips - now we just have to teach them how to use it.
2 Comments
http://www.teachertube.com/video/plano-isd-using-pointdraw-164851
In this video, the teacher was using the smart whiteboard in order to teach a science lesson. The students seem engaged - shouting answers, and counting along with the teacher. The teacher really seemed to be using the smartboard as a visual while she asked questions. I could (and somewhat do) use my smartboard in the same way this teacher was. In my own class, I'd love to see the students up at the smartboard using the tools more than me - using the pens to share their thinking and teach other kiddos. I would rate this video a 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCo4SIUStUw This video shows a case study with a classroom using an interactive whiteboard as well as a document camera. This video was applicable to me because I have both of these items in my classroom! The teacher gave great examples which items she uses most often (document camera), and HOW she uses them. For example, in science lessons, she uses the document camera to show labs, etc. In math, she displays manipulatives, and for writing, she displays student work. Although I didn't see students in action, the teacher made it clear that student are more engaged because they really want to get their hands on the items! While this is not a very NEW and EXCITING use of technology in the classroom, it did remind me what a great piece of technology I have in class, and reminded me of how to use it daily for each subject. I would love for my students to be more involved using the document camera themselves, and I would love to see students showing more of their work, and show/describe how they did something. I would rate this a 4 out of 5, because it was not that new to learn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_pIK7ghGw4&feature=youtu.be This video really emphasized fun in the classroom, which can be done with tech savvy teachers that have access to technology. It is clear to see that the students are learning. The lessons are directly related to what they are interested in (Social media: twitter, facebook), and the students are therefore all engaged and on task. In this lesson, I observed many differences between a lesson with this technology, and a less without. For example, the teacher mentioned that in a "regular" lesson, students can't all ask questions at the same time. With technology and the instant messaging tool, students can all ask questions or share their thoughts at the same time! I would consider using aspects of this lesson, but as a 4th grade teacher with limited technology, this may not even be possible. In addition, the social media aspect makes this more suitable for middle or high school. I would rate it a 3 out of 5. |
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January 2016
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