Module 8 Digital Citizenship

When I google my name there are very few results.  I have a FB account, and I feel that everything that I put on there is appropriate.  As a teacher, I think we all need to watch what and how we use these social media sites. I have seen some embarrassing things posted from teachers before and I only hope and pray that parents and/or students can't see it.  So I guess I'd have to say that my footprint is nonexistent.  To become more existent in a positive sense, I need to put myself out there more by blogging or getting more involved with educational forums.  I tend to shy away from technology and giving my opinions in forums.  I'm hoping I will become more involved this year.

Reflection module 6

I think organizing my websites with symbology will help tremendously.  I haven't been very good this past year with organizing and/or keeping up with websites.  I'm terrible at organization so my goal is to get organized so I can utilize the websites I have found to be most useful.   I like the fact that symbaloo puts them all at your fingertips.

module 5 reflection

After watching Pink's video, I have concluded that I need to think outside of the box more often. His ideas are the opposite of what I been taught and the opposite of how I thought it should be.  What he said really made me think.  When at look at Mastery, I do want that desire in my students.  Many times they don't necessarily desire it but do it because "they have to".  One way to instill that desire could be through the 20% idea or even through no schedule, no time frame.  Maybe if the students could have some "me time" they may be more focused to desire to learn the skill that I want them to learn.  Also, not setting deadlines or due dates may motivate some students.  Some students may be able to be more creative without time constraints. But when is long enough for a project or an assignment.  There needs to be a balance.  From what I am reading, some school are leaning that way already.  It would certainly be tough to get used to, but as an educator that wants what is best for her students, we have to be able to adapt and change with our ever changing world.

reflection 2

Since I feel that our new principal is leaning toward implementing no homework next year, I think that is the change I have to be willing to make.  Although, I do believe in giving "some" meaningful homework, I am not oppossed to cutting in out either.  I have come to realize that we have to adapt in this everchanging world and some times we just have to roll with it.  I am learning so much through this course and I am starting to change my mind on things I thought I probably never would.  Again, an everchanging world.  In talking to many of my colleagues that have have taught for many years, sometimes it is hard to change that mindset.  If it worked 20 years ago,it should work now.  I do believe many things I learned as a child or even they way I was taught a skill can still be effective today, but we have to be able to adapt to all the new tools available to us and use it to benefit our students.  If a no homework policy is going to be best for my students and my school implements that policy, than I will have to follow suite.

Reflection 1

In the Examination and analysis of relevant course concepts, I would consider myself as evolving.  This is our first year as a 1:1 school and we had very little training on how to utilize this tool effectively.  I am hoping this course will teach me how to use the technology I have more effectively.   I don't feel like my "class discussions" would add much just yet. 
In the Use of evidence, examples, and personal experience, I would again say evolving.  I just don't have enough personal experience yet.  
Sometimes I think I do not articulate or present my ideas very well.  It's hard to put responses into words when I'm just a technology novice.  I think this statement really encompasses the last two criteria.  I am certainly hoping to feel more confident in responding to my fellow classmates and hoping we can all gain knowledge from each other.