Google Chrome Web Browser
Gmail
Google Calender
GoogleDocs
Picasa
Mozilla Firefox with Google Toolbar
Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
Skype
Google Earth
Google Desktop
Google Talk
RealPlayer
I know technology is ever-changing and it is quite possible that these tools will be outdated by the time that I am in the classroom; however, if someone asks me what I got the most out of this class I would say, (the list above), which is Google. Who knew there was so much it had to offer, and FREE on top of that! I am still amazed at how much there is out there, and the resources we have available to us. I am excited to continue growing and learning and becoming even more technologically literate!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
We All Learn Differently
When I picture my classroom, this is what I see…diversity for one. No two students are going to be the same, everyone is different (different backgrounds, different beliefs, different likes/dislikes) and everyone learns differently as well. Therefore, it is my job and responsibility to create an environment where I offer the type of learning that works best for each student individually.
How do I plan on doing this? I plan to incorporate as many means of technology and instructional techniques into the classroom as I possibly can. Through the use of blogs, SmartBoard, Google (and all that it has to offer), Skype, and so much more, I will keep students engaged in the lessons and allow them to actively learn something. I feel these types of things will keep them interested and will offer something and be able to reach each and every student in my class.
How do I plan on doing this? I plan to incorporate as many means of technology and instructional techniques into the classroom as I possibly can. Through the use of blogs, SmartBoard, Google (and all that it has to offer), Skype, and so much more, I will keep students engaged in the lessons and allow them to actively learn something. I feel these types of things will keep them interested and will offer something and be able to reach each and every student in my class.
Blogging
Blogging is wonderful! It is a way for students to not only channel their creativity but also a tool where progression and improvement can be easily tracked and monitored throughout the year, not only by me but the student as well. If the blog is published other classmates can easily review the work of their peers.
The possibilities are endless. Blogs are ideal for the classroom; and by having the opportunity to take EDM310, I have been given the resources and knowledge of how to implement this amazing tool into the lessons I will soon be preparing!
The possibilities are endless. Blogs are ideal for the classroom; and by having the opportunity to take EDM310, I have been given the resources and knowledge of how to implement this amazing tool into the lessons I will soon be preparing!
My Philosophy on Teaching
Lifelong learning, engaging students with hands-on, motivating learning activities, and creating a safe environment in which students feel safe and capable to make connections, create, and evaluate their own learning will be the philosophy that guides me as I embark on my teaching career.
I believe that teaching is a lifelong learning process. It is the one profession where there is always something new to know and to learn. Effective teachers never stop learning and searching for the ideal. There is always a better technique or strategy to be discovered, used, and perfected. Teachers who make a difference have a passion for learning. They share their enthusiasm, knowledge, and philosophies of learning with the future leaders, physicians, scientists, and, of course, tomorrow’s educators.
My philosophy is that children learn best from experiencing, doing, and creating. Students and adults alike can obtain facts momentarily with a computer and search engine at hand. Today, teachers are faced with the challenge of not just focusing on trivial facts. They must teach children how to “think” beyond the facts. Students must be able to collaborate, communicate, and create as well as successfully take a standardized test. Finding this balance will not be an easy task.
I strongly feel that all children can learn. They just learn differently and at different rates. Educators must differentiate instruction so that the needs and intelligences of all children can be met. Children are motivated when they are given choices in their learning experiences. Teachers should not be dictators that only hand out rules and assignments. They should create an environment in which their students feel that they are part of a democracy where they are safe and secure.
The teacher’s role in education is to stimulate, motivate, and in the end, teach their students to learn. Good teachers strive to understand their students and the reasons for their behavior. Fred Rogers stated, “There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you know their story.” I hope to remember that statement as I am learning to build a classroom community with my students regardless of all of the unpleasant attitudes that they may bring to my classroom. Teaching is a work of the heart. You must work just as hard at developing a caring and trusting relationship with your students as you do at teaching the curriculum and standards.
In conclusion, my philosophy of teaching includes continuing to learn long after I earn my bachelor’s degree, striving to explore new methods and techniques that motivate my students to learn, and reaching out to understand my students’ emotional needs for safety and acceptance. This philosophy will help me to be the effective teacher that I plan to be.
I believe that teaching is a lifelong learning process. It is the one profession where there is always something new to know and to learn. Effective teachers never stop learning and searching for the ideal. There is always a better technique or strategy to be discovered, used, and perfected. Teachers who make a difference have a passion for learning. They share their enthusiasm, knowledge, and philosophies of learning with the future leaders, physicians, scientists, and, of course, tomorrow’s educators.
My philosophy is that children learn best from experiencing, doing, and creating. Students and adults alike can obtain facts momentarily with a computer and search engine at hand. Today, teachers are faced with the challenge of not just focusing on trivial facts. They must teach children how to “think” beyond the facts. Students must be able to collaborate, communicate, and create as well as successfully take a standardized test. Finding this balance will not be an easy task.
I strongly feel that all children can learn. They just learn differently and at different rates. Educators must differentiate instruction so that the needs and intelligences of all children can be met. Children are motivated when they are given choices in their learning experiences. Teachers should not be dictators that only hand out rules and assignments. They should create an environment in which their students feel that they are part of a democracy where they are safe and secure.
The teacher’s role in education is to stimulate, motivate, and in the end, teach their students to learn. Good teachers strive to understand their students and the reasons for their behavior. Fred Rogers stated, “There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you know their story.” I hope to remember that statement as I am learning to build a classroom community with my students regardless of all of the unpleasant attitudes that they may bring to my classroom. Teaching is a work of the heart. You must work just as hard at developing a caring and trusting relationship with your students as you do at teaching the curriculum and standards.
In conclusion, my philosophy of teaching includes continuing to learn long after I earn my bachelor’s degree, striving to explore new methods and techniques that motivate my students to learn, and reaching out to understand my students’ emotional needs for safety and acceptance. This philosophy will help me to be the effective teacher that I plan to be.
About Me
My name is Tracy Alms and before coming to USA I graduated from Foley High School in 2007 and went to Faulkner State Community College for a year; now I'm attending the University of South Alabama pursuing a degree in elementary education. I start candidacy in the fall and couldn’t be more excited. Once I receive my degree in elementary education I would love to continue on, so that I have the opportunity to teach special education as well. It’s hard to believe that after all this hard work, I am finally so close to being able to do what I’ve always wanted to do.
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