August 9, 2009

August 9th, 2009 by

I have unknowingly need to blog right now.  Fall semester is fast approaching.  This will be my last semester of classes then onto to the adventure of student teaching.  I am extremely anxious and am ready to be done with the semester before it has even started.  I feel this semester is going to really test my strengths and weaknesses.  I have the live of die feeling right now.  In some respects I feel prepared to handle what comes my way and in other ways I feel extremely unprepared and already overwhelmed with what could be.  I know that in order to survive I need to put away the “what could be” thoughts and focus on succeeding.

I was reading on Facebook the other day that one of the girls I went to high school with is going to be entering the classroom and “adult world” for the first time this year.   It is another eye-opener as to how close I am.  Really to be perfectly honest I am so happy and excited to see what lies beyond college.  I have many options (Teaching, GIS Certified, Subbing, Masters) if my tastes should change.  Words cannot express how hopefull and excited I am, but also anxious to what is or could be in store.

It is time to get my “ducks in order” and dive in!  I plan on subbing this semester as the ultimate leap for myself thus far to prepare for my future.  This coming week I will be working on my student teaching application and awaiting my test results for the MTTC!  wow  -  so close I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Thank you to all my professors (Dr. Degoosh, who inspired me to teach and sat through my worst presentation ever. :) Dr. Nicholson who has given me great words of advice and will be working with me throughout this semester.  Dr. Kendall, who has been the greatest history prof and probably best example of what great teaching is.  Dr. Gerhardt, who has worked with me over the years offering a hand whenever needed.  Last but not least most important, my Education Professors (Dr. Oates, Dr. Punchocar (sp?), Abbey, Dr. Lubig, and future Dr. Logan) who have guided and offered many wonderful opportunities to succeed in the world of Secondary Education.

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Troubles

April 7th, 2009 by

Well I did my JING cast many weeks ago when it was due, however, I still cannot get the code in my blog.  I am a little lost as to what I should do.

Thanks,

Katie

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BIG NEWS

April 7th, 2009 by

My final project is complete until further discussion. /

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April 7th. TED Talks

April 7th, 2009 by

I watched a video by Richard St. John over 8 secrets to success. It was very straight to the point, which I love.  His 8 secrets are as follows:

1. Passion: Do it for love not for money

2. Work:  Have fun working!

3. Good:  Practice to become good at something.

4. Focus:  Be able to focus on one thing

5. Push:  Push yourself mentally and physically (push yourself through shyness and self-doubt!! -> I second that)

6. Serve:  Serve others something of value

7. Ideas: listen, observe, ask questions, problem solve, make connections

8. Persist:  Persist through failure and CRAP (criticism, rejection, assholes, and pressure)

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/richard_st_john_s_8_secrets_of_success.html if your interested.

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Color in the Classroom

March 30th, 2009 by

Classroom 1Classroom 2

Notice the Difference!

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Color in the Classroom (call it “out of the box”)

March 30th, 2009 by

I found a blog about colors in the classroom.  To say the least it was interesting.  .  A classroom should in my opinion, offer security, warmth, and be a place of study, thus being well kept and organized, offering students maximum potential for learning.

My quick research concluded that there have been a few major studies about color and the impact on students.  Light yellow-orange, light green, beige, and blue-green have shown to increase positive attitudes and productiveness.  Adding to the affects of color in the classroom, lighting is also a positive benefit.  As a Northerner, I can definitely say sunny days can make a huge difference on my mood.  Natural lighting should be part of the classroom if possible or you can use full-spectrum bulbs.

I definitely think that the environment will help shape students perceptions.  I can agree that color can be an agitator or an aid.  However, I truly feel that the environment will be constructed by the teacher and students.  I feel that color will not have such a great impact that is will ensure success.

Links:

http://www.techlearning.com/article/15494

http://www.isu.edu/ctl/nutshells/IdealClass_files/IdealClass.html

http://newteachersupport.suite101.com/article.cfm/colors_and_learning

http://asumag.com/mag/university_classroom_colors/

http://www.edfacilities.org/rl/color.cfm

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Twitter

March 24th, 2009 by

Who knew there were so many different things that Twitter could do?  As long as technology keeps expanding, new uses will evolve.

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Bill Gates

March 24th, 2009 by

I thought the video was interesting, especially during the presentation of degrees and how it has little to do with what makes a great teacher.  It seems controversial since such a large emphasis is placed on the attainment of a masters and furthering education.  I like the idea of having “management” be allowed to come in unannounced and evaluate teaching, and have one on discussion and help when needed.

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March 24th Video I

March 24th, 2009 by

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

I enjoyed the video by Sir Ken Robinson.  I firmly believe that schools should think out of the box when it comes to students needs.  I agree that all children are born with creativity but its through standards of expectations that students become as “one” and lose their creative thoughts.  I ponder my own sometimes.  I feel myself through grade school, but especially as a college student that I have lost a great deal of creativity.  At one time in my life improv was fun and easy, drawing and painting came naturally, simplistic ideas flowed like water in a stream.  Now as I make my way through the education system I feel my intellect and knowledge is becoming crystalized.  After being forced to read certain books all the time, and not really having the opportunity to let myself enjoy a book that I want to read, paint a wonderful oil painting, or let my mind explore new areas, think on the fly I feel that I have lost a certain amount of creativity even before watching this video.  I feel its incredibly sad.  Our education system is like a commodity chain.  Students are the raw material, education is value added, the output is a trained and highly specialized individual. but can this individual have personal fulfillment through his or her education, so to release a creative spirit inside?  I think schools in some respects should reconsider what they want the true final product of education to be.

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March 17th

March 17th, 2009 by

Well, I have successfully made a Jing Screencast however, I’m guessing due to a recent reimage of my computer I am having difficulties posting it.  Hopefully, it will be up soon.

Two technologies that we have covered in class and that I have used most are google documents and twitter.

Twitter is a good way to connect with people for small up to date information.  People can post links to beneficial websites or discuss briefly what is new in their life.

Google doc’s is amazing, I have used it a lot.  In fact when my computer died my documents survived for one class!  You can do anything that microsoft word can, just without all the extra settings.  Its a great tool, as people can edit documents together whether near or apart.  I recommend this tool for anyone!

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