When I decided to enroll in Educational Technology this past summer I wasn't entirely sure that I had the skills needed to complete the course. I felt a range of emotions. After the first class, I actually considered dropping out and trying to get my money back. I reminded myself that, although I am not much of a risk taker, it would be crazy not to give the course a chance. On the one hand, I felt like I had enough classroom experience and training to be able to apply the technology to real life lessons. However, I felt like I was going to fail miserably when it came to using the technology and putting it into practice. Although, I have begun each of the projects that have been assigned with a feeling of dread, by taking small steps, or as we say in teaching, "chunking" the assignments, my confidence has grown tremendously. Not only am I managing to complete the work, I'm actually having a lot of fun!!
What I am realizing now is that Educational Technology is turning out to be a life changing class for me. I know that sounds like a ridiculous exaggeration but more and more I'm certain that it's a valid claim. I am really proud of the work that I have completed. The Adobe Photoshop image manipulation was definitely the toughest project for me. There were so many tools and options and I had a hard time keeping the layers straight. I loved using Photostory3 to create the digital story. I also really enjoyed using Inspiration to create the concept map on Universal Design for Learning.
This is turning out to be a terrific course for me. Coming from a very traditional educational background, it is refreshing to be able to express my learning in a format other than a written paper. The course is well organized and the content is extremely relevant. I definitely plan to recommend it to others!
Please note: My website is under construction and can be viewed at: students.fairfield.edu/alexandria.cirasuolo
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Is Teaching the Right Profession for you?
Response to "Caring, Engaging, Learning, and Leading" by Eric Sheninger (Guest Post) on the Dangerously ! Irrelevant Technology, Leadership, and the Future of Schools Blog 10/11/2010
Okay, I know that teachers are envied because they get their summers off and appear to have a family friendly schedule. But is that a reason to drop everything and join the profession? If you think so, you had better check out this blog! Finally, an administrator spells it out for for teachers and I couldn't agree more!
Eric Sheninger is a fourth year high school principal from New Jersey. He pretty much sums it up when he describes what he expects in a teacher. For starters, prospective teachers might want to ask themselves one really basic question. Do I like kids? I know this seems so simple that it's almost outrageous to even point out. However, sadly, I have worked with a number of teachers who don't seem to even enjoy being around children. Obviously, the students are usually the first to pick up on this kind of sentiment and the results are often very depressing.
Passion, enthusiasm, and risk taking are all components of good teaching. You need these pieces to be able to create engaging lessons for students. If a teacher isn't happy working with children, he or she is probably unable to relate to the students. If you aren't making connections with your students, it's almost impossible to put together curricula that is relevant to them. We all know that if what you're teaching isn't perceived as relevant, it's probably not going to be retained and applied properly. So in a way, you're wasting your time.
Another query that a prospective teacher may want to consider is again, seemingly simple. Do I really get excited about learning? Do I see myself as a life long learner? Am I curious about things? If so, great! You'll probably be able to model these habits is an authentic way. It may even be contagious! If not, beware!! Students can almost always tell if you're faking it. You'll see. You're not going to be an incredibly effective educator.
We all know that teaching is not easy. Yet, surprisingly, most people overlook the most important requirements of the job. If the core responsibilities that teachers face aren't a good fit for you, you may want to rethink things. A summer vacation isn't worth the trouble! Trust me.
Okay, I know that teachers are envied because they get their summers off and appear to have a family friendly schedule. But is that a reason to drop everything and join the profession? If you think so, you had better check out this blog! Finally, an administrator spells it out for for teachers and I couldn't agree more!
Eric Sheninger is a fourth year high school principal from New Jersey. He pretty much sums it up when he describes what he expects in a teacher. For starters, prospective teachers might want to ask themselves one really basic question. Do I like kids? I know this seems so simple that it's almost outrageous to even point out. However, sadly, I have worked with a number of teachers who don't seem to even enjoy being around children. Obviously, the students are usually the first to pick up on this kind of sentiment and the results are often very depressing.
Passion, enthusiasm, and risk taking are all components of good teaching. You need these pieces to be able to create engaging lessons for students. If a teacher isn't happy working with children, he or she is probably unable to relate to the students. If you aren't making connections with your students, it's almost impossible to put together curricula that is relevant to them. We all know that if what you're teaching isn't perceived as relevant, it's probably not going to be retained and applied properly. So in a way, you're wasting your time.
Another query that a prospective teacher may want to consider is again, seemingly simple. Do I really get excited about learning? Do I see myself as a life long learner? Am I curious about things? If so, great! You'll probably be able to model these habits is an authentic way. It may even be contagious! If not, beware!! Students can almost always tell if you're faking it. You'll see. You're not going to be an incredibly effective educator.
We all know that teaching is not easy. Yet, surprisingly, most people overlook the most important requirements of the job. If the core responsibilities that teachers face aren't a good fit for you, you may want to rethink things. A summer vacation isn't worth the trouble! Trust me.
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