I currently work for the Mobile Co. Soil & Water Conservation District as the Admns. Coordinator. I've been with them for over 15 years and love my job, but I feel it's time for a change. I've always wanted to be a teacher, so I recently decided to head back to school.
I have 2 years of college experience at the University of West Alabama.
My educational goal is to teach 6th grade math. I love the look on a child's face when they suddenly "get it"! That's the reward I'd like to achieve. 6th grade is a rough year for kids because they're no longer "babies", but not yet a teenager (although they think they are). I'd like to be a positive influence with the change from elementary to middle school.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
RSS Feeds
RSS Feeds provide the latest and greatest on any selected subject. RSS Feeds are great because if you're researching a specific topic, subscribing enables you the most current information.
As a teacher, I would utilize RSS Feeds to inform students of changes in vital subject information.
During my most recent class at USA, I learned first-hand the importance of RSS Feeds. I had simply logged into my iGoogle account and just by merely glancing, I noticed a change posted by an instructor of a change in a class project assignment. RSS Feeds keep you "in the know".
As a teacher, I would utilize RSS Feeds to inform students of changes in vital subject information.
During my most recent class at USA, I learned first-hand the importance of RSS Feeds. I had simply logged into my iGoogle account and just by merely glancing, I noticed a change posted by an instructor of a change in a class project assignment. RSS Feeds keep you "in the know".
Google Tools in the Classroom
Computers are everywhere! Most families have computers in their home. However, there's numerous Window versions. Google docs is an asset because it's a common-based document tool that everyone can use.
During my recent computer class at USA, I'm using the Vista version at home. In class, I'm working with Windows 97. in addition, my computer at work is Windows 2000. That alone created headaches because I had to remind myself constantly to save documents with a different format.
As a teacher, I would assign work requiring the use of Google docs. Google docs basically eliminates problems!
Google docs doesn't offer all the bells and whistles of other programs, but it provides the basics ... plus it's FREE!
During my recent computer class at USA, I'm using the Vista version at home. In class, I'm working with Windows 97. in addition, my computer at work is Windows 2000. That alone created headaches because I had to remind myself constantly to save documents with a different format.
As a teacher, I would assign work requiring the use of Google docs. Google docs basically eliminates problems!
Google docs doesn't offer all the bells and whistles of other programs, but it provides the basics ... plus it's FREE!
Changing the Class ROOM to a Class SPACE that Includes the World
Students spend roughly eight hours in a classroom. Why not make the room interesting and inviting? I would utilize various international visual aids throughout my classroom. I would also designate specific times / days so students could research different cultures and environments.
Students should be encouraged to discover what other students are doing around the world. Hopefully, they could gain an appreciation of their own education.
Students should be encouraged to discover what other students are doing around the world. Hopefully, they could gain an appreciation of their own education.
Wiki's and Wikipedia
Wikipedia is a great dictionary tool. When gathering information for a project, Wikipedia is a great resource for obtaining definitions.
However, Wikipedia isn't 100% reliable because of the capability for ANYONE to edit definitions. Definitions can be biased. Therefore, I would encourage my class to utilize Wikipedia, but to be cautious and to gather further clarification if their research is controversial.
However, Wikipedia isn't 100% reliable because of the capability for ANYONE to edit definitions. Definitions can be biased. Therefore, I would encourage my class to utilize Wikipedia, but to be cautious and to gather further clarification if their research is controversial.
YouTube / TeacherTube
Kids today use YouTube as a form of intertainment. As their teacher, I'd show them how YouTube and TeacherTube can be utilized for MUCH more. An endless amount of information can be found on YouTube and TeacherTube. I would choose videos that would help them better understand subjects. Yes, YouTube is entertainment, but education can be entertaining, too!
Podcasts / Videocasts
Podcasts and Videocasts are great ways to listen and / or watch "on the go". They can be a useful tool to everyone. Podcasts and Videocasts can be downloaded to a cell phone or iPod to be listed to or watched anytime. What a great resource!
Students are all different. Some catch on rather quickly. Others may require additional assistance. Podcasts and Videocasts can provide that additional help!
Students are all different. Some catch on rather quickly. Others may require additional assistance. Podcasts and Videocasts can provide that additional help!
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