Reflection

In taking this current masters class it has greatly improved my abilities in using technology in the classroom. I was able to learn about more about blogs and how easy they are to use. I have also learned many different ways I can incorporate a blog into my classroom as well. I did not really see a purpose of having my own blog before this class but now I am able to see different ways I am able to use a blog. Wikis was another thing I had no clue about. I had been on Wikipedia before but did not really understand what it was all about. This class taught not only what Wikipedia was but how I can use a Wiki in my classroom as well. Overall this class has greatly increased my knowledge and taught me many skills to include into my profession.

Another great thing about this class, is that it has showed me more about becoming a better teacher. In that, I do not need to just spew knowledge to my students but allow them to explore more. In exploring it will not only give my students a better understanding, but also creates a more student friendly environment. It has taught me a different way of teaching and allowing my students a better way for them to learn.

I have greatly changed the way I think about students as learners. I realize now student learning needs to be more student-centered rather then teacher-centered. Many of the reasons for this are stated above. But another reason I have changed my views is the environment a student-centered learning creates. It is just more conductive to learning, especially in my Math classes. It will provide a better understanding and a desire to learn as well.

In order to continue my growth as a teacher I need to continue on my masters program path. As well I need to do more reading outside of the classroom on new ideas for teachers, and continue to attended workshops on using technology in the classroom.

My first goal is to create a more technology rich environment in my classroom. To do this I will incorporate a Blog into my classroom. This blog will be used for both my students and my benefit. I can use the blog to answering questions as well as show examples of homework problems. My second goal is to use more technology in my classroom. This can come in a variety of ways. One way is the use of calculators on a daily basis. Another way is for my students to create the lesson on PowerPoints themselves. This will be an excellent way for student-centered learning.

Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed this class. It has taught my many useful tools that I will be able to use in my classroom. It has also already greatly improved me as a teacher in the classroom.

Podcast

please copy and paste link to see my 1st podcast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U46fSNvo-5c

Partnership for 21st Century Skills Website

Before this week I had never heard of Partnership for 21st Century Skills Website "P21". This was kinda surprising to me once I explored the website, since Ohio (the state I teach in) is one of the states with an initiatives dealing with "P21". When thinking about this it really made me wonder is my school behind in learning about this or is it something that the state has really not pushed yet. What really impressed me about "P21" is what is trying to accomplish and the supporters of this initiative. Many of the main supporters are some the leaders in the technological field especially when dealing with computers.
One of things that I really didn't like (as of now) was navigating the website. I think this was because I am not familiar with "P21". It seemed like I was getting lost a lot and was kinda confused about what I was looking at. I think this will improve and become easier to know exactly what I am looking at.
There was nothing on the website that I really disagreed with. I thought it presented some good ideas and follows right along with what I have been learning in my masters class. I really see the importance of technology in my classroom and preparing my students for life in the 21st century.
I believe that this initiative will provide a good framework for not only myself but my students as well. I can really see how this will be something that follows along with the guidelines with NCLB. I believe this will provide for something and students can work towards to prepare themselves for life after high school.

Blog in the Classroom

This weeks application really made me think about how I could incorporate a blog into my classroom. After spending a couple of days thinking about it, I am really starting to think having a blog for my classroom would be highly successful. Being a High School Math teacher many times students have constant questions when completing their homework. And many times their parents aren't able to help them. This what I see as the first good use of having a blog. A blog would allow me to post keep points of a lesson and helpful tips students could use. Students would be able to ask questions and leave comments if they need further assistance. I feel a blog would be a great tool for this, since it allows safe and appropriate communication between teacher and students after school hours. Another great thing students would be able to do is comment on what I have posted and help their fellow classmates out as well by commenting on their questions. It is a great tool in that students would be helping other students, not just me helping them. Lastly a great use of the blog is posting assignment information. Many times students seem to fail to write down their assignments or forget them. The blog would allow me to post what the assignment was for the day.

The intent of my blog would be aid students in their development of math and for students to use it as a discussion point for their class. I would not put any types of grades on it as individuals since I do not want to single out students. However I think highlighting some accomplishments of students would be a great use of the blog as well. Whether they are academic, athletic, or artistic. Overall, I really want to incorporate a blog into my classroom next year.

First Post

It amazes me every time I think back about how far the world has come in terms of technology over the last 20 years or so. It just seems like yesterday when very few people had computers or the internet not it is such a common thing and such a great resource to all. We have such great technology to use now a days and it helps make lives more simplified (for the most part).

A little bit about me: I am currently finishing up my third year of teaching high school math. I have been at the same school system for all three years. I am also involved in coaching as well, and have been part of the football, basketball, and baseball coaching staffs. I have decided to take a year off from coaching to concentrate on obtaining my masters.