Week #3: Google Presentations

WHAT:

I learned about Google Presentations this week. I learned how to create them and how convenient they are.

SO WHAT:

Google Presentations will be very beneficial. When I have to make group presentations in school we can create them through Google Presentations. That way (just like with Google Documents) the group can work on it when they find the time. You don't have to figure out when you all can get together to work on it. The project can be divided up and then each member can work on it when they get the chance.

Also, when you have to present you can bring your presentation on a flash drive, but if for some reason it doesn't work you will ALWAYS have a back up. All you need is a computer. With Google Presentations you are able to pull up your presentation on any computer that has internet access!! That is a great comfort to me. When I am preparing for a big presentation I'm trying so hard to make sure everything goes right, so just knowing that if my presentation wont come up, or I forget it, then I will always have that backup.

NOW WHAT:

Google Presentations are fun and seem like they will make life a bit easier. For instance, by using Google Presentations I will be able to work on lessons anywhere, at any computer. Doing this will also allow me to show many different people my presentation and get their feedback on it.

Google Presentations will also be a great help when I become a teacher. I can teach lessons using this kind of presentations. Also when the students need to do a class presentation I can have them do it using Google Presentations. That way I can grade their presentations by pulling it up on line, rather than having to have them all give me a flash drive.

VIDEO REFLECTION:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIV1CTWS7vY&feature=player_embedded

I thought this film was pretty good. I really liked the fact that he related the importance of education to future careers. He used famous people such as Steve Spielberg and George Lucas as example. Most youth look up to famous people and think they want that same life style. I feel that they just assume those people walked into fame. I think its important for them to note that even famous people have to get an education to become successful!

Week #2: Google Calendar & Google Docs

WHAT?

I learned about google calendar, and google docs this week. I learned how to create and use google calendar and google documents. I learned why they can be beneficial while I'm still a student in school and once I become a teacher.

SO WHAT?

Google calenders are a great tool to have because I can create many different calendars. I can have a calender for family events, personal events, birthdays, work, school, teaching, etc. Not only can I have it all organized into these individual calendars, but I can also have them show all on one calendar so that I can see a full outline of everything I need to know and do each month.

Google documents are something that I can see being very beneficial both as a student and as a teacher. As a student I can do group projects through google docs. The group can create the project and then we all can work on it when we get the time. That way we don't have to try to figure out how to make it so a bunch of busy college student's schedules can match up so we can get together to work on the project. As a teacher I will also be able to use it to work together with other teachers if we are planning to team teach a concept. I also can have one for the parents. It will allow me to let them know of up coming events, homework, or things we are learning in the class.

NOW WHAT?

I need to keep practicing doing this with these new tools. Once I am able to "master" them it will make life as a teacher a lot easier. For example, using google docs, will allow me to be able to work on lessons anywhere, at any computer. By doing this i can also send my lesson plans to other teachers and have them critique it and add to it if they have an ideas.

Google Calendar will be a great help when I'm a teacher because I can create a course calendar and send it to all the parents. So not only will the students have a paper copy of their assignments, field trips, etc but their parents will also know. I think this will help me get better parent involvement. It will also allow the parents to know everything we will be doing in class and hopefully but back on e-mails and phone calls from parents that would other wise be wondering.

VIDEO REFLECTION:

I think he made a great point in saying that you are not stuck in a certain situation unless you choose to be. You can always find ways to better your situation or change it completely. I feel this is very important to apply to your teaching. You will have students that come from a variety of different backgrounds. You need to help them realize that if they have a dream and will power, then they can achieve and become anything.

Week #1: My Ideal Classroom...

My ideal classroom will be full of color and excitement. I will display pictures, quotes, student's work, and resources for the students on the walls. It will be bright and vibrant. It will be an atmosphere that enhances learning and creativity. It will be a safe place for students to express themselves.

I will teach either first, second, or third grade. The class size will be about 20 students. This smaller class size will allow me to get to know my students on an individual basis. It will also allow them to build a "team", meaning they will work together, establish friendships, and feel comfortable performing tasks and asking questions.

My students will be full of excitement and eager to learn. They will be sweet, well mannered, polite, and respectful. They will learn to be organized. Their behavior will resemble "perfect angels", but they will still be able to be silly and act like kids.

I will have great parent involvement. The involvement will be exemplified on many levels. It will range from the parents helping the students with reading and homework every night, to parent participation in the classroom.

I will be excited to go to work everyday. I will make friends with the staff as well as the students. It will be a safe haven. It will be a place where not only can I teach, but I can also be taught!

Video Reflection:

I REALLY liked this video. In fact after watching it I showed it to my fiance and Mom (who is also a teacher). This video reiterated why I want to be a teacher. It also reminded me how important being a teacher is. I really liked the part where he said something to the affect of, "If the teachers don't believe in the students, then how are the students supposed to learn to believe in themselves." Also I agree with the idea that by teaching one student you are potentially teaching two future generations. It was a good reminder that teaching isn't just a career, it's a way of life!