Reflection #3 Instructional Technology

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Reflection #3

We learned how to make podcasts in Instructional Technology this week.  We made a public announcement and recorded it.  It was a really fun project.  This activity would be great in a classroom for reports.  It would be a really good way to include announcements in our class websites.  This project would also be fantastic in presentations.  The ideas are endless.  I am glad I learned about how to make a podcast and plan to use this technique and idea in my future as a student and as a teacher.  I appreciate being able to work in partners, so I don't get so frustrated and lost.  Thanks!

Reflection #2

This week has been a real challenging one in Instructional Technology.  We learned so much in a very short time and my head is still spinning.  We learned what Google Sites has to offer.  We had experience in documents and creating our own class website.

Google docs will be helpful in working in groups and partnerships on projects and lesson plans.  It was a lot easier to work on the document when I had time to do it, instead of finding time when Debbie and I could get together.  I believe these creations will impress others and it will seem like I'm organized and on top of everything.

My class website will be beneficial to parents and students in informing them of activities and provide opportunities for the students to practice what they are learning at school.   Our websites look professional and I'm sure it will save time in phone calls and emails.  The links to games is really an awesome feature.  The games and other resources can make learning more fun.  Also if students have to be absent, they will know exactly what they are missing and will be prepared when they get back. As I get the chance to collaborate with other teachers in my career, it will be easier to work together using these features of google sites. 

I just wish I would have had more time and more background knowledge of this technology so it would have been an enjoyable experience.

Reflection #1 My Educational Hero

Three years ago, I applied for and obtained a job as a teacher's aide for Mrs. Richey's Kindergarten class.  Mrs. Richey was an awesome teacher.  She involved the kids in fun activities and knew what would be fun, because she could get on their level.  My favorite thing I saw her do was to imitate characters as she read picture books to them.  She made the stories even more interesting that way.  At the end of the year, she let each student know how much she cared about them.  Many of her students, years later, like to visit her in her classroom and they talk about how Kindergarten has been their favorite year in school.

I applied for the aide job to better decide if I wanted to be a teacher.  Mrs. Richey's example and the experience of working with her students and watching them succeed gave me the desire to teach. 

I want to be a teacher like Mrs. Richey.  I want to make a difference that will be a lasting impression on my students for a long time.  I appreciate her example and the opportunities she gave me to be involved with her students.