Net Gen

Are you more comfortable composing documents online than longhand? Either---I always enjoy a handwritten document.  I do see a big difference in spelling among students that have always been able to rely on "spell check."

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Have you turned your "remembering" (phone numbers, meetings, and so on) over to a technology device?

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Do you go to meetings with your laptop, iPad, or tablet?

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Are you constantly connected? No--I am not constantly connected to the Internet.

 

Is the Internet always on whether you are at home or work? My computer is almost always on--but not online, we do have wi-fi in our household

 

Is your cell phone always with you? I actually do not carry a cell phone at this time!  I am a SAHM that runs an in-home daycare and just have my land line.  I am sure when I get back OUT into the work force, it will not take me long to get on board!

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How many different activities can you effectively engage in at one time? At this time--taking care of kiddos and working on homework during nap time is about all I have to worry about!

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Do you play video or computer games?  I very rarely play computer games--although I do have several games downloaded onto my Kindle and do play them on occasion!  I do not play computer games--I am too busy... :)

What generational category do you fall in or are you a mixture of a few.  I think I am a mixture of a few categories--I am not afraid or against technology, my biggest issues right now is time constraints!

 

This article focused on implications primarily for higher education; however, the characteristics for the Net Gen remain true for students in K12. What and how do we need to change?

I think most schools are making changes in curriculum as well as training for teachers.  Allowing students to BYOD, etc. is one way that I see many schools and classrooms incorporating changes.  My 1st grade son will be allowed to bring devices to school after the holidays and practicing with the devices they have at the school (i.e. MP3 players, iPads in the classroom, etc. )

AFL

I most identified with the AFLthat should focus on how students learn.  I feel that there are many different learning styles and that each needs to be addressed as often as possible in the classroom environment.  Knowing that students learn in different ways and at different times/levels, I feel that the best benefit to the students is to focus on how they learn.  Is your classroom composed of students that tend to learn better with hands on activities (tactile) or is composed of students that are more visual? Giving students the opportunity to select items that go in their portfolio will allow them to display and select things that they are proud of and give them a sense of ownership.

In college level classes, we do a TON of work.  I think this would allow me to be able to go back and select things of value for an interview process, etc.  It is also a reflection of things that I see as valuable and might forget along the way--it would be nice to reflect on my thoughts at the time of an assignment and not try to remember things down the road!

I am not sure that I see any value in a portfolio assessment, in that it I think it should include things that the owner sees value in, not something that a "grader" sees.  I think noting that certain items must be included is fine, but I am not sure how I would benefit from being told what I should/not have in my portfolio.

I do see a value in collaboration and commenting within a class!  It's always nice to have notes, ideas, etc. from an individual that has "been there and done that."

Which tenent did you most relate to and why? What potential if any, do you see for portfolio assessment? What do you think the creation and development of your portfolio will do for your learning?

Mapping wk 2

Mapping can be a very simple tool used by an individual/group to display several facts/notes, etc. in one easily readable, organized format.  I used the Wordle tool and enjoyed it!  I had "played" with Wordle once before, but had forgotten how easy the program is to use and know that young elementary school aged students can handle using it!

Teaching skills such as this to our students is valuable in that it allows the educator a more diverse and  technological  way to have students present information to a classroom, for a project,etc.  Teachers are always looking for SIMPLE, innovative ways to have students participate in classroom discussions/presentations and the samples provided in our notes were all great!  Students attending school in this day and age don't really have an option to not learn technology skills.  These types of skills can be used in the work force, school, fun, etc.   It is vital that our students are taught the most effective/productive skills in technology.

Wordle

Educational Blogging

Blogging is meant  to allow a person to learn and then to respond to information.  What do many people do when they need information about a topic, they will go to their search engine of choice and ask the question.  In doing this, many circumstances lead to looking up other information.  Does this always happen in a classroom environment with blogging--not exactly.    Some reasons this does not happen in the context of "blogging" that was mentioned in the article, I feel are that there are so many limits and restrictions that occur in many school districts.  Students are permitted to go only certain sites, research certain information and other information is filtered.  This puts many limits on searching one topic that leads to visiting many other sites.  I think there were some great points made in the article, but I do not feel that "Blogging" is being used properly in many classrooms, I think school districts are getting there, but it is going to take practice and time for students and teachers alike to learn how to "weave" through the Internet and make valuable use of what is available today.

 

Creating a New Culture of Teaching

The point that stood out to me the most in November's article, "Creating a New Culture of Teaching and Learning" is the number one point that he makes:  "If it's on the Internet, is it True?"  I feel like this a very important aspect of teaching technology.  Many students are so accustomed to looking things up on the Internet, they need to be advised on methods of verifying information.  It is so easy to create web pages, and circulate information on line, students need to see examples of valid vs. non-valid information.  Educating students on looking at dates, authors, etc. will allow students the opportunity to learn websites/information that they can rely on.  It is also very wise and worth the class time to teach students about the information that they put out on the Internet, as well as knowing how to tell if the site is secure or not.  November makes some other very valid points in dealing with education, but I feel this one is one that should be taught to students from a very young age. 

Philosophy

One of my most memorable teachers was one that made me feel like an individual that was a part of a group.  She allowed me to work on things I needed to and showcase things that I did well.   She showed an interest in me, my family, and my interests.  One teacher that had a negative impact on me, assumed I knew things, was never willing to assist me and constantly humiliated me in front of the math class.  Growing up as an Army brat, we traveled all over the world and were exposed to many different teaching styles, expectations and cultures.  I realize that in having this opportunity, I had a passion for helping kids and thought teaching was a great avenue for pursuing that.  I realized that from all of my experiences all over the world that qualities I wanted to instill in all of my teaching methods and the things I hope no student would ever say about me!  I hope that my students see compassion, understanding, firmness, fun, learning and a great support system in my classroom. 

I would fall under a combination of “Pragmatism” and an “Idealist.”  I do feel that education is a priority and a necessary part of life.  I like being in a classroom that is flexible in strategies, teaching methods and even furniture.  I also feel that students need to be challenged and try to use higher cognitive level thinking skills. 

I feel that technology has no way of NOT being in our classrooms of the future!  The generation of students now in schools has had technology around most of their lives.  In the beginning of my teaching career, many of the “older generations” of teachers seemed to be afraid of technology—I choose to embrace it!  The classroom is an environment that I see as students being given the opportunity to express themselves and learn in a diverse way—including technology advancements.  Students now days will have technology in classrooms from a very young age, and in this techno savvy world, should be given opportunities to improve on skills as well as learn new skills.

As a teacher, I would hope that my classroom is one that allows students opportunities to do hands on activities while allowing them times of failure and success, while I am an observer, direction provider and a guide.  I would like my classroom to be a safe environment for all walks of life—every race, religion, sex, and level of intelligence feels welcome, special and loved—all while giving my students  the best educational experience I can offer!

By having this philosophy written down, I will be able to look back on it and adjust it as my ideas grow, expand and change over time.  I feel that it is a goal line that I am shooting for, but I am able to change it as necessary.