From+My+Heart

Dear Candace Stocker, Wow, I'm Done with my wiki! And I want to tell you some things. This project has given me a lot of insight about myself. Growing up, I despised arts and crafts and I never thought of myself as creative. I was logical, left brained and good at science and math. This project made me realize that I am creative; I can come up with unique concepts and ideas and make them look good as well. I also learned that computers are not scary and programs can be easy to use as long as you take the time to learn them.

I am very proud to say that I can do more in Word than just type! As I wrote my unit, I learned that it takes a lot of time and preparation to create creative and intriguing lesson plans. I found myself thinking about new ideas constantly. Sometimes I would go to bed and have to get back up to write down an idea I had. I found this both challenging and exciting. At times I wished I had an actual class to work on the lesson plans I created. I am proud of the overall product.

A year ago, I would never have imagined I could create a web page like this. I am proud of the pictures and stories and overall how it looks. I am also really proud of my power point and scavenger hunt. I thought these projects were colorful and intriguing and I was very excited when I finished them. However, I still can't get over the fact that I understand how to embed information. I have mentioned this to my husband many times. A year ago, my computer knowledge encompassed surfing the net and the very basics of Word. The word embed was scary and seemed complicated. I now feel more in tune with 21st century technology. I think the one thing that I would change when writing my technology unit would be to find some interactive science labs. I know they exist, I just need to find them. Next time I would like to incorporate these types of programs.

My largest concern about using technology within the classroom is if my students and I will have adequate access to the technology. I would like to teach in an urban setting. I am concerned that students will not have computers or that the school will have a lack of them. I am also concerned about the availability of technology within each classroom. I know many schools are struggling and many classes have only the basics (a chalk board and a projector). If this is a problem, I hope to overcome this by setting up adequate times for my classroom to be in the computer lab, as well as working one on one with students who have limited access to computers. Once I understand how the system works, I hope to start programs to help raise money to get our schools up to date and ensure students are receiving the best education possible. Its funny, one of my biggest concerns about teaching stems from technology. Though I was a teenager in the 90's, I first "surfed" the net when I was 19, and didn't get my first computer until I was 22. There were no cell phones and no Facebook. I am concerned that children are now inundated with technology. They have video games and often own their first cell phone by the time they are 6. I have been told that it is now tougher to hold their attention because of all of these new additions in their life. I hope to overcome this by keeping my class intriguing, exciting, and of course incorporating a large amount of technology which will include colorful animations, stories and pictures that will help them understand science better. I will also avoid being the teacher that just stands at the front of the class and talks. I want my students to participate and to think critically in open discussions. Hopefully this will all come together and keep their attention.

As far as using technology, I am most excited about the visualization it provides. Many science topics can be very difficult to grasp. The use of animations and videos allows for a visual understanding of something that can not be seen by the human eye. This will be very helpful when teaching complex subjects and I believe it will keep the students attention much better than simply reading out of a textbook. A lot of the technology units also require that the students think critically and creatively. This will ultimately keep them challenged. Plus they are fun. Making videos and podcasts are a great way to learn a subject, compared to traditional papers and Q&A sheets.

As far as what I am most excited about with teaching is the challenge and the relationships I hope to build, as well as bringing excitement to the subject that I teach. I had two teachers that I believe dramatically changed the course of my life. They did this by believing in me. I want to be that teacher. I want to have the strength to believe in all of my students and hopefully change a few lives on the way. I am also excited to teach science in a different manner. As I look back I had some great science teachers. I believe that if you can make something fun, you will inspire. I will be a 21st century teacher. In my classroom, I hope to provide video, interactive power points, and interactive games that will help me teach my subject. I am a passionate and driven person. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of children who have not been shown what they are capable of. I would like to inspire future generations and give them a greater appreciation for the world around them. I know that being a teacher is difficult; in fact I have been told it can be downright daunting at times. I do not expect to change the world, but if I can inspire a few children the way I was inspired, I will be happy.

All in all this class has been extremely beneficial. I am used to science courses where I learn the information and take a test. I love that type of format. However, this is the first class where I have something great to show for it besides a grade. I have a project that is colorful and intricate, something I can show my friends and family and be proud of, and hopefully something that will help me find a job in this tough econonomy. Thank you Candace for all of your help.

Sincerely,

Mandie Eldridge