Are Computers All That ?

From schools I have visited I would say there is a 50/50 divide on schools using computers proficiently in the classroom. In the schools I have been at where they use computers in a resourceful way they have set programs in place that are set up by the school and each student has a set goal they must reach on the schools program by the end of certain time periods. These classrooms give students  a certain time block everyday that they must be on their computers working on the program. In all of the classrooms I have observed that do this the students scores are progressively increasing over time and they see the programs as a challenge and like spending time on them. I have also seem parents use this program at home for extra work if a student is struggling. 

I think the hey is to have the program not only on set computers but on a website that students to access their account on any computer.

I have also observed computers being use what I have thought as a negative way in the classroom. I have seen them used as free time or as baby sitters to keep student busy. I think this is fine in certain circumstances but to have a "computer block" that consist of students playing video games that do not benefit the students educationally. I believe this is not just a teacher problem but a school and funds problem because they do not have a program or class in place to help students use computers to benefit their education. 

I believe that computers are such a great tool in the classroom with used in a proper way but in the way of not having a set program and comparing the benefits across different schools that do not use computers in the same format that the information in unjustified and not useful. I think that the knowledge about computers/ technology is currently not being communicated to teachers to be able to use them in a beneficial way, but with time and proper training I think computers will be used in a proper way across schools. 

Being a Great Teacher

In younger grades our students see us as superheroes, they look up to their teachers and see them as these non-realistic people that live at the school and do nothing but teach. It doesn't matter your race, home life, or gender they just see you as their teacher, we do not show them our behind the scenes. No matter how we are feeling, if we are had a bad morning, or whatever is going on outside of our classrooms, we as teachers do not let us effect the way we let our students see us. Teachers truly are the best actors they get to school every morning and put on a mask of enthusiasm until every student has left that classroom for the day.
In younger grades students do not understand that we have other things going on in our lives but as they get older and into upper elementary grades those students start to see your life outside of class and appreciate you in a new light. We still go into class putting everything else behind us but the students now see us with new superpowers of multi-tasking.

"Yeah, there's days where I complain. And the people I complain to think I'm insane because I haven't left this place. But these kids deserve better." -Sara Carter

https://mathequalslove.blogspot.com

Being That 21st Century Teacher

In a world full of social media I believe that teacher expectations have exceeded. Everyone wants the latest and greatest and to have that "Pinterest perfect" classroom. We all strive to be the best that we can be and I think that our knowledge on the use of technology can make up stand apart from others. We are a new age of teachers coming out of college now we have been educated on using a student centered model of teaching, our students are going to introduce us to the latest and greatest Apps and websites being a beneficial teacher and a 21st century teacher Intels that we take these new platforms of technology and find ways that they can benefit our classroom. 
Being a 21st century teacher and a 21st century student brings on the idea of  continues learning in a ever changing world. Staying up to date on topics and trends will benefit you in your classroom so I suggest to everyone that they keep themselves educated and keep an open mind to the world around them. 

  

Questions for Pre-K Kidos!

Today I got the chance to sit down with two 5-year old’s, a boy and girl, both currently in pre-k. We talked about iPad and computers in the preschool classroom and how they like them, our conversation went as follows: Do you use computers in your preschool class? Brently: Yes Sara: Our teacher does but we are not allowed to touch only watch on the TV. Brently and Sara both attend the same school and are in the same class, so I see they both see "using" technology in different ways. I also put together that their teacher has her computer streamed on her TV to watch movies and videos. When do kids start to use computers in class? Brently: Middle School Sara: Kindergarten, my friends in Kindergarten Brently was taking back by this and got excited telling me he couldn't wait to go to "big school" and get his own computer. I asked them both if they had either a computer or tablet at home? They both answered yes and told me they had iPads. I asked them what kind of games they liked to play on their iPads, Sara responded with a make-up dress up game and Brently told me he does not like to play games he likes to watch RZR videos on YouTube. I then asked them how much they got their iPads when they were at home? Sara got hers every night while her parents watched TV. Brently got his on the nights that he finished his homework and got a "star" for the day at their pre-school. I then asked them what they thought the big kids done with their computers at the "big schools" ? Sara responded fast saying that the type papers, so they do not have to write things anymore, Brently responded to her, no they look up stuff they have to learn. Both of them have an idea of what students do but not exactly. After talking to Sara and Brently my mind was rolling with ideas of how to introduce technology in a good way to younger students because they both seemed to not like the idea of computers when they got into school because they see it as all work. I think y bringing in lessons that make using the technology fun students will feel more comfortable with it and know how to use it in a way that not only benefits them but is also fun.  

Being a Champion

 Hi friends! It is the second week of school and the ball is starting to roll faster and faster. I got the chance to take a little under eight minutes, relax and listen to Rita Pierson talk about how everyone of your students deserve a champion. I don’t know about you but as a competitor I want to be champion, especially in my students’ eyes. I want to be my students’ biggest cheerleader! Rita talks about a college who said, “they don’t pay me to like the kids”, this is so sad and sadly I have heard this from a teacher before. I will be the first to admit that teachers pay is nowhere near where it should be but that is a fact that myself and all other teachers have to accept going into this profession. 

            Awarding your students for what they get correct instead on only making what they get wrong is something that I only ever had one teacher do and that teacher is who inspired me to be a teacher myself. She was not only a hero, but she is a champion. She made a difference in my life Betsy Bishop is her name, she is now retired but she implanted her love and passion into so many students I truly believe that her legacy lives on. She is who I envision I want to be as a teacher she has set my goal to a high standard. What Rita Pierson ends her talk with is what I believe every teacher should walk into class everyday thinking, “we are born to make a difference.”

Here is a link to watch Rita's TedTalk!