if only I had known that the journey has just begun...
Looking forward, my learning has just begun. In the middle of my ninth year in the classroom, I have many many years to look forward to teaching the students of tomorrow. As my time n the classroom grows, I realize that I have just begun my journey into learning, not finishing a journey like I thought but in reality just beginning. Wow, what a future of learning is in front of me.
It’s been a learning experience in taking classes online, using technology in the classroom and to further my own learning. It’s a very different style of learning and class work when there isn’t a ‘lecture’ followed by reading and homework. I have found my learning to be much more individualized and that encourages me to reach out to my students and make their learning more individualized. Now the question is, how do I make that happen with elementary students?
I have been fortunate when it comes to technology to have been raised with technology in my house growing up…remember the Apple II E computers? We had an Apple II C at home before the schools got the Apple II E’s… Technology has been a part of my life my entire life. Both my brothers built their own computers; I’ve been able to replace hard drives etc since I was younger. Fortunately, I’ve been able to use my experience with technology in the classroom. Two and half years ago, our school got the their first smartboards. Of course, I got to use it to begin with and was able to teach not only myself but others in my building about how to use them. I continue to see my students grow in knowledge and get excited about learning when we add technology to their world. Many of my students are unfamiliar with technology since they don’t even have computers at home. If I am able to teach with technology to open their eyes and expand their learning, I am excited and happy to do it!
Looking forward to no longer having to take formal classes is exciting and yet a little daunting. So often, when relying on a district to provide appropriate professional development, learning never takes place. As a lifelong learner, I’m going to have to find a way to continue learning while not taking classes. The online program at MSU has set me up well to continue my learning on my own. I am able to navigate the world of learning blogs, professional resource sites, and participate in online communities to learn from other educational professionals. Thankfully, I am becoming more adept at staying on task and allowing frustration and stress to roll off my back. That will help when I need to update my learning on my own with little or no guidance from my district.
As a teacher that tries to instill a love of learning in my students, I have to continue to set the example as a lifelong learner for my students. I can’t just stop and say I’ve done all I’ve need to, I have a bachelors and masters degree. It won’t be easy to continue learning on my own but to be the best teacher I can be, I will need to continue to learn on a regular basis.
It’s been a learning experience in taking classes online, using technology in the classroom and to further my own learning. It’s a very different style of learning and class work when there isn’t a ‘lecture’ followed by reading and homework. I have found my learning to be much more individualized and that encourages me to reach out to my students and make their learning more individualized. Now the question is, how do I make that happen with elementary students?
I have been fortunate when it comes to technology to have been raised with technology in my house growing up…remember the Apple II E computers? We had an Apple II C at home before the schools got the Apple II E’s… Technology has been a part of my life my entire life. Both my brothers built their own computers; I’ve been able to replace hard drives etc since I was younger. Fortunately, I’ve been able to use my experience with technology in the classroom. Two and half years ago, our school got the their first smartboards. Of course, I got to use it to begin with and was able to teach not only myself but others in my building about how to use them. I continue to see my students grow in knowledge and get excited about learning when we add technology to their world. Many of my students are unfamiliar with technology since they don’t even have computers at home. If I am able to teach with technology to open their eyes and expand their learning, I am excited and happy to do it!
Looking forward to no longer having to take formal classes is exciting and yet a little daunting. So often, when relying on a district to provide appropriate professional development, learning never takes place. As a lifelong learner, I’m going to have to find a way to continue learning while not taking classes. The online program at MSU has set me up well to continue my learning on my own. I am able to navigate the world of learning blogs, professional resource sites, and participate in online communities to learn from other educational professionals. Thankfully, I am becoming more adept at staying on task and allowing frustration and stress to roll off my back. That will help when I need to update my learning on my own with little or no guidance from my district.
As a teacher that tries to instill a love of learning in my students, I have to continue to set the example as a lifelong learner for my students. I can’t just stop and say I’ve done all I’ve need to, I have a bachelors and masters degree. It won’t be easy to continue learning on my own but to be the best teacher I can be, I will need to continue to learn on a regular basis.