I made a comment on aquiram’s post about technology use.  Check it out!

I know, I can hardly believe it myself – I’m finally in my third year of my teaching degree!  I know it’s a cliche, but it does seem like only yesterday I was making the decision to apply to the four-year degree way back in August 2005.  Now, I can say “I’m in third year!”   Which means, this time next year – OMG!!!  I will be in my last year!!!

Can you tell I am a bit excited?!!  Also, a bit scared.  I love going on prac but the thought of having my own classroom for a whole year just now seems a bit too early – hopefully this time next year I will feel different.

In response to Erin’s comments in regards to ICT in the classroom…

ICT in the classroom

reference:

Shelly, G. (2002). Integrating technology in the classroom: teachers discovering computers. Boston: USA.

The video posted by Matthew on his ‘learning conversations’ blog is interesting.  It raises some valid points that even I have had float past me now and again since starting this course.  Things like ‘what if I make a mistake in front of my students?’; by opening up the web to students it may encourage plagiarism (deliberately or not) – how do I deal with that? I enjoy technology and learning new ways but it is advancing so quickly that I feel myself floundering sometimes.

As Jo McLeay (2006, p.39) states “it is up to us as teachers to educate our students to be digitally literate citizens and fulfilled and decent human beings.” 

How does one incorporate all the good and wonderful things technology offers in the classroom but ensure that any negative effects stay out?  I am hoping that the answers to these will come as I continue my journey.

REFERENCES:

McLeay, J. (2006) Beautiful blogging. Teacher Learning Network; v.13 n.3 p.38-39; Spring 2006.  Retrieved from: http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/fullText;res=AEIPT;dn=156002

One thing I’m noticing in my researching of current articles about blogging in the education arena is that quite a few articles are out-of-date.  To me, out-of-date means written before the year 2000.  Any older than that I believe the material is starting to be rather dated – I know this is rather harsh of me but with the way technology advances so quickly that what you write today may not really matter tomorrow.

What do you think?

I found Erin’s post interesting.  Teachers 10 years ago would have had an incredibly different experience with technology.  We, today, can talk online with teachers not only throughout Australia but also overseas instantly and communicate about a variety of subjects and have blogs or websites to help motivate other teachers.  The possibilities for guidance, motivation and ideas etc are endless.

Just a comment on what Michelle has discussed….about how in today’s society technology is so embedded in our day-to-day functions that children may not believe what they see as they might expect it to be manipulated in some way.

I feel that having technology in the classroom is a great advance in working with the curriculum but as the teacher we must ensure that we encourage an open mind and creativity with our students.

Also, how crazy was the survey results about fictional characters and some people believe they are real!!!!!   crazy!!!!!!

I, too, remember reading the story of the Lorax and being moved by the plight of the bird – the last of his kind.

Kathy is right about how important it is to be so very conscious of our environment and how extinction can affect our very future.

my short explanation of the point of being a teacher….just a fun video

laurenmovie.mp4

For a real insight into on ‘being a teacher’ watch Jaime Escalante talk about his life as being a teacher.  To me, it is important to hear other teachers say that ‘you are going to make mistakes, accept that but make sure that you learn from your mistake’.

Jaime also talks about that to be a teacher you need to like kids, have respect, be passionate about what you teach, acknowledge the fact that you will have ups and downs ~ you just have to learn how to deal with it and most importantly don’t quit!

my first attempt at podcasting…

laurenpodcast.mp3