There were two things that really stuck out to me from the videos we watched in the welcome activity. First, from the Shift Happens video I was very interested in the comparison between the mobile devices many people carry around and the computer at MIT in 1965. The comparison was drawn that the mobile device that fits in our pockets is a thousand times more powerful than the computer that filled up an entire building at MIT in 1965. This comparison is extremely dramatic and opened my eyes to another realization: Not only are many of us carrying this powerful instrument around with us, but the students I want to teach at the high school level can probably operate it better than I can. It is necessary for me as an educator to learn and adapt as technology advances so that I can take advantage of important technological tools that can be used in education.
The second item came from the Tech Impact on Educators video. It was noted in the video that the world is smaller and is happening in real time. Technology allows students to observe these happenings in real time. I plan on being a social studies teacher and this requires the study of what is occurring in our world right now. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other various sites, allow students to observe and participate in a real time, shrinking world. This interaction and observation can serve as a vital tool in education.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Blogging in Education
I view blogs as a wonderful tool to use as an educator. One of the aspects I find useful is access it gives students to the teacher, classmates, and classroom without being present in the classroom. Students are provided greater access through blogs to quality information and social interaction when they are not actively present in the classroom. This would allow me as the teacher to post instructions, assignments, or study guides to a blog where the students would have access at anytime. It also allows me as the teacher to encourage blogging between students. This promotes conversation outside of the classroom in a social networking setting where students can engage in conversation and collaboration in addition to regular classroom interaction.
I also look at blogging as tool for me personally to use as a teaching journal. I can document teaching experiences, lesson plans, and insights that I personally go through. This can be a reflective tool for myself, but also a tool for peers who are interested in following my blog. This type of blogging can promote engaging discussion between educators over tips and techniques that were or were not successful in the classroom.
The most important use I see blogging providing is an additional source for students outside the classroom to gain access to additional learning. I believe that students respond well to the use of social media in their schooling. Because social media is embedded in our culture - especially in the culture of our youth - this kind of tool is significant in providing quality education.
I also look at blogging as tool for me personally to use as a teaching journal. I can document teaching experiences, lesson plans, and insights that I personally go through. This can be a reflective tool for myself, but also a tool for peers who are interested in following my blog. This type of blogging can promote engaging discussion between educators over tips and techniques that were or were not successful in the classroom.
The most important use I see blogging providing is an additional source for students outside the classroom to gain access to additional learning. I believe that students respond well to the use of social media in their schooling. Because social media is embedded in our culture - especially in the culture of our youth - this kind of tool is significant in providing quality education.
MY BIO
I am a native Oregonian. I was born and raised in southern Oregon in an extremely large family. I was the seventh born of nine children to wonderful parents. There were always big shoes to fill as we all attended the same elementary, middle, and high school. As you can imagine, any family get together is an extremely loud affair - and that is how we prefer it.
I initially pursued my college education at Brigham Young University. I took a two year hiatus from college to go on two year volunteer religious mission for my church. I spent two years living in northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. area. As a passionate American history buff, it was such an amazing place to live. After two years I returned to Brigham Young University where I attempted to walk on to the football program. Injury brought my college football career to an end and I returned to Oregon. I married my wonderful wife and we continued our education together. We both graduated at the same time, with different degrees, from different Universities - her from Oregon Institute of Technology and me from Eastern Oregon University - but on the same day. We have a two year old son who is the greatest blessing in our life. He is a terror and a sweetheart and we love every minute of it.
I have several hobbies that mostly stem from sports. I love athletics and being active. When I could no longer play college football I had the opportunity to play semi-pro football for several years. I'm always on the lookout for a pickup game of basketball. From time to time I moonlight in slow-pitch softball leagues during the summer months. I just love getting out and being active.
My passion for teaching stems from a desire to provide a service that becomes an inseparable part of the consumer. Education is one of the few items that can never be taken away from an individual. I wish to be a part of delivering this service to the consumer. My desire is to teach high school and middle school students. I feel that my skill set is best served working with these age groups. I look forward to what this adventure brings.
I initially pursued my college education at Brigham Young University. I took a two year hiatus from college to go on two year volunteer religious mission for my church. I spent two years living in northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. area. As a passionate American history buff, it was such an amazing place to live. After two years I returned to Brigham Young University where I attempted to walk on to the football program. Injury brought my college football career to an end and I returned to Oregon. I married my wonderful wife and we continued our education together. We both graduated at the same time, with different degrees, from different Universities - her from Oregon Institute of Technology and me from Eastern Oregon University - but on the same day. We have a two year old son who is the greatest blessing in our life. He is a terror and a sweetheart and we love every minute of it.
I have several hobbies that mostly stem from sports. I love athletics and being active. When I could no longer play college football I had the opportunity to play semi-pro football for several years. I'm always on the lookout for a pickup game of basketball. From time to time I moonlight in slow-pitch softball leagues during the summer months. I just love getting out and being active.
My passion for teaching stems from a desire to provide a service that becomes an inseparable part of the consumer. Education is one of the few items that can never be taken away from an individual. I wish to be a part of delivering this service to the consumer. My desire is to teach high school and middle school students. I feel that my skill set is best served working with these age groups. I look forward to what this adventure brings.
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