A blog is a great way for a student to express what they might be going through at home, school, or work. It is important for every teacher to get to know their students, because that is how a teacher gains respect and learns how to push each individual student toward success. Yes, of course a teacher should know how they do in the school arena, but what about the 16 hours they spend outside of school. These 16 hours are a large chunk of the development of a child, teenager, and in some cases adults. If I were to have my students blog on a daily basis, like a journal, think of the skills they could learn. Proper grammar and different writing styles would definitely be incorporated within the lesson. Plus, I would be learning about each student individually which would help with the class cohesion and the relationship between teacher and student.
Not only would I be able to allow the students to use blogging as a journal, but I could post various assignments on my blog. Or, they could post and ask their classmates a question about the homework. There are endless possibilities that could be beneficial for all students and teachers if blogging was implemented in the classrooms. These are just a few that I have thought of. I find it interesting to think about the different ways teachers can use up-to-date technology like blogging in a classroom. It will gain the students attention and immediately you have a captive audience which in an eleventh grade US history classroom is exactly what you need.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thing #2
Well, this blogging experience is interesting. I am finding it quite easy to navigate about the site because of how self-explanatory it is. Through blogging, it seems as though I am expressing my thoughts to the world (Ha. Ha.) which is a bit intimidating but at the same time fun. As far as my blogging name goes, it is not unique in the least. I figured I would try to keep my username on more of a professional basis just in case I use this with my future classroom. Once I get used to blogging, I think it might be a cool method of communication and expressing yourself within a classroom. Plus, making the avatar was a neat way to express yourself as well. I tried to make mine resemble just a happy guy, because I am. I am thankful for what I have been blessed with, and I hope that I can always smile no matter what is thrown my way. But, one thing is for sure, my avatar will be smiling even if I drop the ball.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thing #1
Lifelong learning is something that is vital for each educator to master. A person must have the 7 1/2 Habits that were listed in the online tutorial to be a successful individual. I have always been a hard worker, and I have enjoyed learning since I remember. Learning and growing in knowledge, skills, and personally is no easy feat, but it must be done if you want to succeed. As I read the habits and applied them to myself, I found that several of these habits I already use in my everyday life.
However, habit one was definitely my strongest. As I plan my day, week, or life for that matter, I always have the end in mind. It is important for an individual to set personal goals; if one does not, then what will one ever accomplish in life? Have you ever walked into a gas station and spent several minutes just trying to pick out the perfect candy bar? This is on a much smaller scale, but making the right decision is important. And, whatever you do now, you will either reap the benefits or later wish you had never made that decision. I am the type of person that wants to do the "right" thing and make sure that every step I take is something that will not only be smart and beneficial to me but to society as well. I know where I want to be in five years, ten years, and twenty years. Is this a bad thing? No, as long as you do not take it to an extreme. Some will do anything to accomplish their goals, but I understand that due to certain circumstances anything can change. If I stick to my goals I know everything will turn out okay.
As far as my weakest habit among the 7 1/2... I could probably work on using technology to my advantage. Often times I end up toiling with a technological problem and simply decide to go about the situation differently. I know there are several technology programs that could help me in various aspects of my life, but I just do not know or understand how to use them. I am a willing learner and plan to do better using technology. But, it takes time. I have set goals for myself within different technology skills I hope to eventually obtain, and I plan to accomplish each one of them.
However, habit one was definitely my strongest. As I plan my day, week, or life for that matter, I always have the end in mind. It is important for an individual to set personal goals; if one does not, then what will one ever accomplish in life? Have you ever walked into a gas station and spent several minutes just trying to pick out the perfect candy bar? This is on a much smaller scale, but making the right decision is important. And, whatever you do now, you will either reap the benefits or later wish you had never made that decision. I am the type of person that wants to do the "right" thing and make sure that every step I take is something that will not only be smart and beneficial to me but to society as well. I know where I want to be in five years, ten years, and twenty years. Is this a bad thing? No, as long as you do not take it to an extreme. Some will do anything to accomplish their goals, but I understand that due to certain circumstances anything can change. If I stick to my goals I know everything will turn out okay.
As far as my weakest habit among the 7 1/2... I could probably work on using technology to my advantage. Often times I end up toiling with a technological problem and simply decide to go about the situation differently. I know there are several technology programs that could help me in various aspects of my life, but I just do not know or understand how to use them. I am a willing learner and plan to do better using technology. But, it takes time. I have set goals for myself within different technology skills I hope to eventually obtain, and I plan to accomplish each one of them.
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