Project #16: Professional Reflection

IX. Professional Reflection

1. How does this lesson build on the technological literacy of your students?

I feel that our lesson builds on the technological literacy of our students by allowing them to engage in the lesson by using technological tools. By navigating these tools they are developing a better understanding of how theses tools work.

2. In what specific ways does the project engage your students?

They are completing a project where research is required by using an iPad. Through this the children are able to work collaboratively with their assigned group to agree on the most important information. They also are interacting with the whole class by participating in a SMART Board activity.

3. What additional technologies and/or networked information resources may have further enhanced this lesson?

I feel that if the students would have been able to have access to their own Mac Book so that they could individually engage in the project at hand it would have further enhanced the lesson.

5. If I/we had the opportunity to present this lesson again to this same audience, would I/we do anything differently? What? Why?

If we had a chance to present this lesson again we would involve more technology so that the kids are becoming technologically literate on more than just on more than just one device.

Blog Post #16: Final Reflection Video

Project #16: SMART Board Lesson

Project #16: Presentation

Blog Post #5 Part Two: Summary of my PLN

My PLN

I remember writing the first part of this blog post being so confused on what the definition of a PLN even was. Now towards the end of the semester I am glad to say that not only do I know what a PLN is and how it is used, but I use it in my everyday life. I personally found Symbaloo to be most helpful in developing a PLN. It is now my homepage when I open Safari. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to create my PLN but I am proud to say it was worth it. I'm excited to use Symbaloo to help assist me in learning more about my content area. 

Blog Post #14: Teaching Our Children Can Be a Profession by Joel Klein

While reading  Teaching Our Children Can Be a Profession I came across different problems with teaching in our society that stood out to me the most.  

First problem: Teachers are being hired only because of a degree. 
Solution: Hire teachers who not only have a degree, but were in the top of their class.

I couldn't agree more that this a serious problem in schools all across the world. The solution to this problem is a step in the right direction, but personally I would add more to it.  Maybe not only look for teachers who were the top of their class, but also look for things such as teachers who affiliated themselves in activities and organizations regarding their degree.  

Second problem: Teachers who have had more experience will continue to be chose first because of seniority. 
Solution: To make teaching a profession by treating all teachers as equals, and allowing teachers to earn their levels of achievement.

This problem was occurring even before I entered college as a Education major. I personally feel like the solution to this problem is very obtainable. In the article Klein speaks of a  "national teaching exam" that gives teachers the opportunity to earn their raises and achievements through "knowledge-based" testing, having similarities to entry exams for doctors and lawyers. I think that this is definitely a fair way to allow teachers the goals of achievement they deserve.


I really enjoyed reading this article. It lifts a burden knowing that their are other Educators out their that feel the sam as me. Teaching is a highly underestimated profession that deserves more credit than what it gets. We educators are shaping the future of our nation, if you ask me that's pretty important. 

Project # 16: Teaching and Technology: My Philosophy

If you would have asked me months ago before I completed this course about using technology in my future classroom my immediate response would have been no. I saw no need for it, and I was not aware of the beneficial factors it brings to a classroom and to learning. Now that I have been able to research and witness technology being used in the classroom my answer to that same question would be absolutely, without a doubt!

Technology has come a very long way over the past several years, and it is going to continue to. Our students need to be actively engaged in learning and technology allows that. I feel that as a future teacher technology is a huge asset in developing a functional community of learners. The use of technology offers so many benefits to your classroom. It allows for your students to stay focused longer, they are also more engaged in the lesson because they enjoy using computers and iPads versus books. To me the biggest benefit technology brings is that it allows for students to be able to learn at their own pace allowing the student to become more self- directed which gives the teacher more time to accomplish classroom objectives.  This class has taught me a variety of ways to incorporate technology into my future classroom, and my most favored would be a class blog. I enjoy writing and expressing whats on my mind, and I want my students to find a love for that too. I want them to actually take pride in the work they create knowing that it will be published world wide. We teachers need to stop under estimating the power of technology being used in the classroom and just try it. A successful classroom is a classroom that incorporates technology.

There are many benefits of using technology in the classroom, especially as students become increasingly digitally literate. The shift in worldwide computer usage and the need for computer skills in today's workforce have pushed the United States government to create guidelines, such as the Core Curriculum Content Standards, for educators to ensure that students are prepared to

Source: Boundless. “Advantages of Using Technology in the Classroom.” Boundless Education. Boundless, 14 Nov. 2014. Retrieved 22 Apr. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/education/textbooks/boundless-education-textbook/technology-in-the-classroom-6/edtech-25/advantages-of-using-technology-in-the-classroom-77-13007/

There are many benefits of using technology in the classroom, especially as students become increasingly digitally literate. The shift in worldwide computer usage and the need for computer skills in today's workforce have pushed the United States government to create guidelines, such as the Core Curriculum Content Standards, for educators to ensure that students are prepared to

Source: Boundless. “Advantages of Using Technology in the Classroom.” Boundless Education. Boundless, 14 Nov. 2014. Retrieved 22 Apr. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/education/textbooks/boundless-education-textbook/technology-in-the-classroom-6/edtech-25/advantages-of-using-technology-in-the-classroom-77-13007/