There is nothing like laying on the couch watching TV, guilty pleasures like reality shows, it can be a nice break from the real world. When you are forced to do so for days, however, you start to go a little crazy. I have been down with the flu since last Thursday and haven't really felt normal until today. I have spent the past 48 hours wondering how I was going to catch up on everything, so I guess here goes.
I am a little nervous about the official project roll out for my 6th grade students related to Talent21. Another teacher and myself have offered to present to the 6th grade class what the requirements are once again, even though teachers have been telling them for months, we want to set them up for success and eliminate any inconsitences among teachers. How do we motivate this youngsters to use technology and help the environment at the same time. I have one week to put together the presentation. Any suggestions would be marvelous!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
There is a little Superman in every teacher!
Relieved after my groups big presentation, I actually was able to relax a little this weekend. My profession, however, is never far from the top of my brain, so as soon as I saw "Waiting for Superman" was On Demand, I had to watch. All the controversy surrounding this documentary had me intrigued.
While watching the movie I could see why the controversy had began, they are attacking the unions, and unions don't take this lightly. As the movie went on, in my opinion, they were really attacking the system. I have said for a long time that I don't think supporting our schools with property taxes is the way to go. If we want drastic change, I think we need to stop attacking small pieces and really look at a fundamental paradigm shift. No longer should the federal DOE and state DOE's have different agendas, we need to all be on the same page. The government and bureaucracy is the true Superman's (teachers) kryptonite.
If you haven't seen the movie check it out, I would love to hear other opinions.
Also check out this website, a couple of these KIPP charter schools were featured in the film. Ten hour school days???
While watching the movie I could see why the controversy had began, they are attacking the unions, and unions don't take this lightly. As the movie went on, in my opinion, they were really attacking the system. I have said for a long time that I don't think supporting our schools with property taxes is the way to go. If we want drastic change, I think we need to stop attacking small pieces and really look at a fundamental paradigm shift. No longer should the federal DOE and state DOE's have different agendas, we need to all be on the same page. The government and bureaucracy is the true Superman's (teachers) kryptonite.
If you haven't seen the movie check it out, I would love to hear other opinions.
Also check out this website, a couple of these KIPP charter schools were featured in the film. Ten hour school days???
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Motivating the Unmotivated
I have been thinking about the topic on which I would write my Personal Learning Theory paper. There are all these theories out there about how to engage, and drive learning, ut how do you motivate students to want to learn? A few students came to mind as I began to think, those students who aren't motivated by grades, they have D's or F's, they aren't motivated by rewards, pencils, pens, candy, etc. What do I do for those students that just don't care about rewards?? I also have many students who have such horrific home lives that I think it often distracts them from being a motivated student.
The good thing about technology is that it engages many more students. It also levels the playing field a little, everyone of my 6th graders has one. I do have one student that sometimes would rather do the pen and paper route because she gets frustrated with our Internet being a little slow. I think that motivation would be a great topic to look a little deeper into as a teacher and MAIT student.
The good thing about technology is that it engages many more students. It also levels the playing field a little, everyone of my 6th graders has one. I do have one student that sometimes would rather do the pen and paper route because she gets frustrated with our Internet being a little slow. I think that motivation would be a great topic to look a little deeper into as a teacher and MAIT student.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Interactive Whiteboard Software
This week my school offered training on EasiTeach, a software program that goes with our new interactive whiteboards. With substitutes for the two hour session, each 6th and 7th grade teacher was provided with release time to learn about the software program.
Our former technology teacher taught the session and it seemed well recieved. She provided us with examples of how the program could work for our different subject areas, after she taught us the basics. The reaction after the program at lunch was that the software was PowerPoint on steriods. It got me thinking is that all it really is?
It takes so much time to convert your lessons to the programs, precious time that most teachers don't have. I have made a few lessons and the reward with the students was great, they love coming up to the board and dragging thing around like someone they've seen on the movie. What's the best way to approach this? I tried to make lessons on EasiTeach, that lended itself to the program. Is there an easy way, or do you have to pick and choose overtime and slowly build your folder?
Our former technology teacher taught the session and it seemed well recieved. She provided us with examples of how the program could work for our different subject areas, after she taught us the basics. The reaction after the program at lunch was that the software was PowerPoint on steriods. It got me thinking is that all it really is?
It takes so much time to convert your lessons to the programs, precious time that most teachers don't have. I have made a few lessons and the reward with the students was great, they love coming up to the board and dragging thing around like someone they've seen on the movie. What's the best way to approach this? I tried to make lessons on EasiTeach, that lended itself to the program. Is there an easy way, or do you have to pick and choose overtime and slowly build your folder?
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