From+My+Heart

I have learned so much from this class. I have learned that technology is not as scary as I first thought, it's easier and FREE, and that all teachers should utilize these resources. I have worked in special education for the past three years and have found it to be so rewarding. That is really what got me back in school to teach. I read the story about Teddy and I hope that I do not judge my students this way. I have learned to be more aware of what is going on and how people are feeling.

I didn't think that lesson plans would be that difficult but they definitely can be. I found that there are a lot of little things that tie into one big idea. It has definitely been fun adding to my lessons with scavenger hunts and videos. I think that my future students will have a great time. I have also made a list of all the different free websites for a few teachers to look at and present to the staff next school year. Our school has very little technology and I am hoping with the use of these tools that the teachers will be able to really show the kids some cool things. I still have a few years before I will have my own classroom so I felt that I should pass any and all information along to people who can utilize it now.

I am most proud of my research project and my scavenger hunt. I felt that those were the most time consuming but the most rewarding. I have shown a few teachers these two assignments and they seemed pretty impressed. I really enjoyed learning how to use youtube. There seems to be a wealth of information there. Next time I will find better pictures to go into my google earth (mapwing) lesson. I didn't really care for the quality of the pictures but I wasn't really sure where else to find pictures. I think that I am most concerned about keeping up with technology. I want the best for my students so I will have to always be learning about what is coming out and what is free! I will try to take a technology class once a year or sit in on a seminar in hopes of keeping up. I hope to give my students more than they need.

I will be teaching in the 21st century. My classroom will have computers, smart boards (or whatever the latest thing is), a digital camera, video camera, microphone headset, etc. My students will learn in a hands on fashion. I will utilize technology as much as possible. I am hoping to teach in a district that provides a lot of technology. If I do not however, I am willing to purchase a couple of headsets, I have a digital camera, and if I have to I will bring in my laptop for the students to use. I really want my students to be as successful as they can be.

Thank you for everything Doc! I have truly learned A LOT in this class.