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Yes the title of this blog is cliche, I know. I must say that I have sold Twitter to my students. Some students were a bit apprehensive because they know that getting messages from me regularly will make them even more accountable. Other students invited the idea of getting regular updates from their teacher. It's so easy to do from my end of things too!
As parents will be able to access student grades via the Internet next year, I figure it would work to the students' benefit to receive updates and assignments on the one thing they don't leave home without-a cell phone.
When I get more students signed up in about a week, I think I might offer some extra credit via the Twitter service to see who is paying attention. Of course I will offer some other credit for those who don't have a means to acquire Twitter. However, I doubt that will be many students.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Yes, I'm Twittering now! I was of course a naysayer, but now I want to experiment with this networking site. The ultimate goal is getting my students and parents more connected with the class. It's all about accountability. Will it work?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Web Washed Away
It has been a while since my last post. The district's Internet filter is fickle with Blogger.com and sometimes does not allow me to post during the school day. Students ask if I have a code to get through our filter, and I answer with a "no". Today is a beautiful sunny day, and our filter is allowing me to blog. Maybe it's the weather.
Why do we need an Internet filter in a school district? The answers to that question are obvious. Administratively, it is a safety issue for students. However, is too much information filtered? I would say, yes. I hope teachers are given the capability to get through the filter eventually. We shall see.
Why do we need an Internet filter in a school district? The answers to that question are obvious. Administratively, it is a safety issue for students. However, is too much information filtered? I would say, yes. I hope teachers are given the capability to get through the filter eventually. We shall see.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Kindle
The Kindle is an e-reader that has my interest. I'm intrigued by this little device, but I'm cautious at the same time. I think the technology is still behind as I read and agree with http://ireaderreview.com/ .
This type of device has such potential for education. Can you imagine carrying around the Kindle 2.0 instead of multiple textbooks? I would love to carry around multiple texts at the same time. I'm just a bit apprehensive about the price and the fact that this device, like the iPod, will continue to evolve. A color, touch screen is not too much to ask now-a-days.
This type of device has such potential for education. Can you imagine carrying around the Kindle 2.0 instead of multiple textbooks? I would love to carry around multiple texts at the same time. I'm just a bit apprehensive about the price and the fact that this device, like the iPod, will continue to evolve. A color, touch screen is not too much to ask now-a-days.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Student Teacher Woes
This blog isn't about having a bad experience with my current student teacher, Mr. Joyce. It is about how I don't envy being a student teacher as I remember what it was like.
Mr. Joyce, with his Boston accent, has adapted well to all Northview has thrown at him. The English 10, sophomore students seem to be responding to him well. What I don't envy is how he has to deal with our very quick schedule of 41 minute classes. Pacing is an issue every teacher has to deal with here, so I feel his pain when it comes to getting this done correctly. On a daily basis we tie on our rollerskates and glide through the day very quickly. I am constantly made aware that our students often struggle with this schedule also.
Remembering back to my student teaching I remember feeling the overwhelming reality that I am just being thrown to the wolves. I felt that with every lesson plan I was writing my performance for the day/week.
I also realized the following things that have made the burdens much easier to carry:
1. Not every day can be a super-lesson that the university mentors and teachers make them out to be.
2. Plan, plan, plan, your lessons your first year and continue to tweek as the years go on. For the first three years of your teaching you will be living teaching. If you aren't having constant dreams about your next day's lessons and horribly wrong they may go, you aren't doing it right.
3. Don't just teach, perform. Be animated...be overwhelmingly animated, and have fun. Don't be afraid to be goofy. Create a personae for yourself, BUT at the same time be yourself. I am still developing mine after nine years. Students really think/believe I'm a sweatervested, over-enunciating, maniacal workaholic who is impossible to read emotionally. I'm not...I only wear sweatervests at work! I love to keep them guessing.
4. Let the students get to know you...but not too much.
5. Keep in touch with parents. It saves a lot of headaches.
6. Get to know the secretary of the school. He or she is really running the place.
7. Save time for yourself. Allow yourself SOME time to breath.
There are many more...Feel free to comment.
Mr. Joyce, with his Boston accent, has adapted well to all Northview has thrown at him. The English 10, sophomore students seem to be responding to him well. What I don't envy is how he has to deal with our very quick schedule of 41 minute classes. Pacing is an issue every teacher has to deal with here, so I feel his pain when it comes to getting this done correctly. On a daily basis we tie on our rollerskates and glide through the day very quickly. I am constantly made aware that our students often struggle with this schedule also.
Remembering back to my student teaching I remember feeling the overwhelming reality that I am just being thrown to the wolves. I felt that with every lesson plan I was writing my performance for the day/week.
I also realized the following things that have made the burdens much easier to carry:
1. Not every day can be a super-lesson that the university mentors and teachers make them out to be.
2. Plan, plan, plan, your lessons your first year and continue to tweek as the years go on. For the first three years of your teaching you will be living teaching. If you aren't having constant dreams about your next day's lessons and horribly wrong they may go, you aren't doing it right.
3. Don't just teach, perform. Be animated...be overwhelmingly animated, and have fun. Don't be afraid to be goofy. Create a personae for yourself, BUT at the same time be yourself. I am still developing mine after nine years. Students really think/believe I'm a sweatervested, over-enunciating, maniacal workaholic who is impossible to read emotionally. I'm not...I only wear sweatervests at work! I love to keep them guessing.
4. Let the students get to know you...but not too much.
5. Keep in touch with parents. It saves a lot of headaches.
6. Get to know the secretary of the school. He or she is really running the place.
7. Save time for yourself. Allow yourself SOME time to breath.
There are many more...Feel free to comment.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Student Bloggers
So, I'm reading some of what my new student bloggers have written, and I'm impressed. Check them out when you can. One blog of note is The Alternative. I really like the style of the blog. She also mentioned Zombies in one of her blogs, so I was automatically intrigued. You see, I get into kicks where I want to watch Zombie movies every once in a while. Anyway, many of my students this semester have been blogging/writing without even being prompted. The great thing is that they have something to say. I also noticed that ex-students of mine are still maintaining their blogs. The more they write the better writers they become...go figure?
By the way, if you don't have a Zombie escape plan, you really should form one.
By the way, if you don't have a Zombie escape plan, you really should form one.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Second Semester
It is now officially the second semester. Life is a whirlwind as a teacher. I have a new crop of creative writers for this semester (all female oddly enough) and I'm going to make sure to correct some of the mistakes I made during my first time creative writing. Dealing with pacing issues for the semester and creating meaningful classroom activities will be the key in making this a successful second semester. I also want to make their blogging experience more meaningful. I think this aspect of the semester will be easier said than done.
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