Teacher reflection

     Teacher reflection is, in my opinion, one of the most important pieces of our profession.  It is how teachers grow and learn about their teaching practices.  "We often fall into the habit of making assumptions about what's going on in the classroom.  And visible learning gives us a chance to see our habits and our patterns and recognize maybe why they aren't effective all the time."  This comes from a video on Edutopia about teachers who used a swivl device to track themselves or their students.

     When the teachers were watching themselves, they were looking at habits they have or what they are noticing about student learning and engagement.  In the video it states,  "Be transparent about the process with your students, to model continuous learning."   When practicum students come in to my classroom, I have used an IPad to record them in their teaching and expect that they will take time to watch and report back to me their reflection.  I need to model this practice myself by using our swivl and letting the students see that I too value the importance of self reflection.
     So what do I do with what I observe?  First, I would look at habits that I have that are not best practice.  Then I would observe child and student behaviors and consider the reasons for those behaviors.  Finally, I would set at least two goals for myself to improve my teaching and student learning.  How often should I reflect on my teaching practices?  I think that can vary depending on goals and the behaviors in the classroom.  How long should I record myself?  In the video, one teacher reports recording for 30 minutes at a time.  



Reference:
Kettle Moraine High School.  (Oct. 22, 2018).  Using video for professional development.  Edutopia.
Retrieved Dec. 8, 2018, from https://www.edutopia.org/video/using-video-professional-development
 

Technology as a Tool in Education

     In all classrooms today, elementary through college, computers are a necessity.  Computers and technology is more than just "the cool new thing", according to Ben McNeely,  a senior at North Carolina State University.  Ben talks about growing up with technology.  He mentions the game "The Oregon Trail" which I vividly remember playing in school as well.  

As a fourth grader and looking back, I had no idea where technology was heading and what it

would be in my future.  While growing up with the new, big boxy computers, they were used as more of a fun past time in the classroom. Something we got to use when we got our other work done.  In classrooms today, technology comes in many forms and is a necessity for students to master as we look to what the future has in store for them.
     Growing up, I was different from Ben.  We didn't have a computer in our house until I was at least in high school.  And even now, my parents no longer have a computer in their house which is almost unheard of.  I wonder how many homes with children in them, can say they don't have a computer?  I would guess the answer is none.  Computers and knowing how to use technology is a must. Our children and students of today are better at using the technology because it is just a part of their experience all around.  "They learn by doing, not by reading the instruction manual or listening to lectures. These are the learners that faculty must reach."  Even in my field of early childhood education, children are highly involved in using a large variety of materials as they learn by doing. Part of that learning by doing must involve technology.  
 

   "It has been said that we, the Net Generation, are closer to our grandparents—the Greatest Generation—in our work ethic and optimism about the future than to our parents' generation. But how we approach problems is totally different."  Ben talks about his grandfather "tinkering" with things to learn how they work or what he can do with the objects.  In the same way with technology, we must allow students time to "tinker" so they too can figure it out and have a solid foundation with a tool that could make or break their opportunity for finding a successful job.  
     Technology should not replace the foundation of education.  "Using technology only enhances the hands-on experience; it does not—and cannot—replace human interaction. "  Throughout Ben's article, he talks about interaction.  Interaction is still a key piece of who we are and technology does not replace that.  It needs to be a tool that accents the foundations of education and just makes connecting and interacting with others and the world more readily available.  
   


Reference:
McNeely, Ben.  (2018).  Using technology as a learning tool, not just the cool new thing.  Educause.  Retrieved Dec. 8, 2018, from https://www.educause.edu/research-and-publications/books/educating-net-generation/using-technology-learning-tool-not-just-cool-new-thing

Passion and inspiration for digitally transforming your classroom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6vVXmwYvgs

     If you are looking for an active classroom teacher to help you get excited about transforming your classroom for the  21st century, this is it!  Kayla Delzer, a third grade teacher from North Dakota, and newly named 2019 Teacher of the Year, delivers a powerful message about breaking down the walls to global learning.

"Embrace the students of today, to re-imagine tomorrow."  This is one of her powerful opening statements that sets the stage for a dynamic presentation that will motivate you to rethink how you teach.  It is time for teachers to take a step back and let our students become the leaders they will need to be in the future.  "Teachers don't need to master every single app or every single tool before we hand it over to students."  Kayla talks about letting her students figure out apps that she wants them to use.  Then the students in turn, teacher their peers as well as her!

     "Embrace their knowledge and they'll embrace their learning."  If we trust students abilities and allow them to take control of their learning, then they will be more internally motivated in that learning.  And in the end, all of the assessments will show growth.  However, she also cautions not to overuse technology.  Too much of a good thing, isn't always a good thing.  "Using technology just for the sake of using technology, is wasteful.  If it doesn't transform your classroom, or your teaching, or your learning, just skip it.  Don't use it."  If you are using technology to fill time or to brag that you have a classroom that uses technology, don't.  "Boring things on paper, are still boring when you put them on the IPad."  The purpose of learning must still be at the forefront of your teaching.  "Always start with your purpose."

So many schools are limiting technology use.  Even in early childhood education, students are limited to 7 minutes a day of computer time.  Why are we limiting a tool that has so much power and knowledge?  "Technology is the language today's students speak."  Not to mention, the ability it has to keep us connected with family, friends, and the world.  "Don't be the four walls that hold your kids back or limit their learning." There are many things that will change as we teach through the years.  "But one thing remains constant through time.  Relationships between students and passionate teachers will always be the foundation of successful classrooms."


Reference:
TED.  (Oct. 13, 2015).  Kayla Delzer:  Reimagining classrooms: Teachers as learners and students as leaders [video file].  Retrieved on Dec. 5, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6vVXmwYvgs

Dyslexia - Advocate for your child's technology use

     As a Mom of a 2nd grader with dyslexia, we are just at the beginning stages of what is going to be his ability for the rest of his life.  I say ability because while reading and writing are hard for my son, his creativity, math skills, and love for science is above others in his grade.  I just got an email from his teacher the other day saying she couldn't slow him down from working on math.  She was trying to keep him in pace with his classmates but his brain was 10 steps ahead.  I don't know what our struggles will continue to look like with his reading, spelling, and writing as he continues to develop. But one thing I know for sure is that I will advocate for his use of technology to assist him in his learning.  I found the following article about three technology have to's for students with dyslexia that I wanted to share.

https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/3-technology-must-dos-for-dyslexia-at-school/

     At the start of this article, it quotes, "My teachers won't let me take a photo of the Whiteboard..."  My first reaction was that I had gone to a conference about two months ago and I took at least 20 pictures of the slides that were presented so I didn't have to copy so much down, and I don't have dyslexia.  This is such a simple tool for someone who has trouble writing.  Is there something to be said of writing and the ability to remember what you wrote better?  Yes I'm sure there is.  But students with dyslexia won't have that same ability to remember what they wrote because they would be so focused on making sure they wrote the letters correctly so that when they go to study that information later, it will make sense.  Their brain won't be focusing on what they are actually writing.  So what is better???  This is just one simple way parents of children with dyslexia have to be ready to stand up for what is best for their child.  And technology has immeasurable assistance in these types of tasks!

     Part of the problem here is just lack of understanding and training of dyslexia for teachers.  When you approach your child's teacher, there is no need to be confrontational.  Rather, be prepared to share your research about the use of technology and how it can benefit your child.  "Assistive technology is not a crutch.  Assistive technology provides access to higher level information as well as having beneficial effects on remediation itself."  


Eide, F.  (2018).  3 Technology must-do's for dyslexia at school. Dyslexic Advantage.   Retrieved on Dec. 4, 2018, from https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/3-technology-must-dos-for-dyslexia-at-school/