iPad Use in Classroom

     I just recently visited the kindergarten classroom where I am completing my field experience hours at, and during their math unit the students used iPads to review the numbers 0-10 for a test they will be taking in a few days. They used an art app where they could choose the color and size that they wanted to write with. There were different numbers, each with their own settings for designs and ways of writing; for this activity, they were using the setting 1 (just to doodle).
     The teacher went through each number and the students had to write the number that was said; when they wrote it correctly, they could doodle on the white pad until it was time for the next number. I thought this activity was great because it was a simple way for the teacher to see which children knew their numbers and which did not; this allowed for more review on certain numbers before the children had to take the test. I also really liked this activity because the class integrated technology into the lesson in an enjoyable but educational way. The children loved being able to doodle and draw on the iPad once they reached the right answer. This free time encouraged the students to try their best and write the correct number.
     This was the first time that I had seen all of the students in the classroom use a technological tool all at the same time; usually four students at a time would use the mini laptops during "Workboard." I both like and dislike the idea of integrating technology into the classroom. After the math lesson it was plain to see that technology is extremely beneficial to the students, but where I am more of a traditional learner, I am a little more hesitant with using technology in the classroom. Watching the children use the iPads in class for their math unit made me realize that they are only learning more from using technology during their class lessons, rather than not. As time goes on, I don't think I'll have a choice in the matter of using technology in the classroom at the rate technology is going at now, so becoming accustomed to it and becoming more openminded about using these devices now will only help me in the long run.

School Uniforms

   

     School uniforms have always been an argued topic. There are pros and cons to having students wear school uniforms, though I am still unsure of where I fall in this debate. I have mixed feelings.

     There are some schools that enforce dress codes requiring students to wear uniforms. I like the idea of uniforms because it allows students to be on an equal "playing field." No one is ridiculed for wearing different, or weird clothing and it reduces potential peer pressure and bullying because it can give the students a sense of belonging or a sense of being socially accepted. Uniforms can also enhance school pride and a sense of community among the school, which is an idea that I like. Another potential benefit from wearing uniforms is that is can increase a student's safety. I know many don't really think of this when thinking about uniforms. However, if you have a school that enforces uniforms, it will be very easy to recognize someone that is coming into the building, or a potential intruder with the intent of causing harm. School uniforms would also allow students to focus more on their academics rather than what everyone else is wearing.
      I don't like the idea of school uniforms because of the simple fact that it does take away a student's right to dress and express him or herself any way he or she wants to. Using uniforms suggests conformity over individuality which is the opposite of what teachers and adults try to teach students. Children are always told to be their own person and to do whatever it is that they like, but using school uniforms takes away that choice.
   School uniforms are a controversial topic, and I think that I lean more towards the idea of school uniforms because they were never enforced for me at the schools I attended. If they were, I think I would dislike the idea if I was still in school and had to wear them, but where I'm not I can see the potential benefits of wearing them. 

What Makes an Effective Teacher?

    Everyone has his or her own opinion about what makes an effective teacher based on one's own individual experiences. It may be based on an individual's own teachers in the past, or from observing other classrooms. Personally, I have always had my own idea of what an effective teacher should be, and after observing other classrooms in different districts, it has allowed me to gain an insight on what an effective teacher should truly be like.

    As an educator, there should always be high expectations for your students. It's important to never give up on a student, and to always encourage him or her to do his or her best. An effective educator should always have clear, concrete classroom rules with consequences when they're broken as well as written out objectives for each lesson. This allows for better time management in the classroom and shows the students what is to be expected for the day's lesson. An effective teacher should always be prepared, organized, engaging, and enthusiastic. The students can only benefit from an organized classroom with a positive and engaging teacher that is willing to teach them to the best of his or her ability.

    I believe an effective teacher should also be able to form a strong bond with the students. Being able to have a student open up to a teacher with anything from the topic of classwork, or to something personal in his or her own life, is extremely important. Students should be able to trust their teacher, and want to see that their teacher is dedicated to the school and to the class. Effective teachers should also be willing to communicate with their students' parents as much as possible as well. It's always important to keep both the children and their families involved for a more well-rounded, wholesome classroom experience.

Serve and Return

   I just recently participated in a Professional Development Day training. I learned so many different techniques that will keep students engaged, and learning but something that really stuck with me was the idea of "serve and return." This is the simple interaction between a young child and a caring, responsive adult. By interacting with children back and forth, almost like tennis, it helps with their brain circuitry. Children learn from experience and meaningful exchanges. This helps develop neural passageways in their brain, which in turn leads to a stronger foundation for learning and for education.
   After learning about "serve and return", I began to grow really fond of the idea. It shows just how much of an effect we as adults have on young children in the first few years of their life, truly impacting their education as they grow older. In the classroom, this serve and return can be demonstrated through a simple, "But why?" By an educator acknowledging the question, as well as answering to the best of his or her ability, fosters curiosity in the child, and the want to learn more.
   Coinciding with this idea, it is important that when engaging in serve and return, teachers should be asking students open ended questions, rather than questions that could be answered with "yes" or "no." This pushes the student to actively think of an appropriate response. It also helps students develop language and verbal skills as well as social skills.
   Serve and return, as well as asking open ended questions, allows children and students to develop their cognitive skills, truly leading to a strong foundation for learning as the years and their education continues. I feel that as future educators, we should actively use this idea of serve and return in the classrooms, and encourage other educators to do the same.

Educational Technology: What Was My Experience as a K-12 Student?

     During my elementary school years I attended multiple elementary schools, each different in their own way. As a student I was never given a computer or a laptop individually to work on; however, I remember having a computer class. In this class we would learn the basics of computers, such as how to type on a keyboard or all of the different kinds of things we could actually do on a computer. I remember playing games, usually math related or reading related and I always enjoyed them. Back then, computer class seemed like it was a time where I could take a break from the classroom and the lessons we were learning that day.

     I attended a computer lab class during the three years I was in middle school as well, each year growing increasingly more difficult. The computers I used weren't state of the art computers but they worked, usually, and I enjoyed learning about different tools that I would be able to access in the future. I learned how to use Microsoft Office, such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and more. I also gained knowledge about spreadsheets, functions, and other templates as well.

    In high school, it was all about databases and smart boards. During my time spent in the library, I would learn about the different databases I could access online. Mrs. Powers, BMHS' well-known "Database Queen", wonderfully explained where I would be able to find the information that I needed, how I would be able to focus on one specific piece of information, etc. She would repeatedly say, "Databases, databases, databases! They are your best friend." Back then I would roll my eyes, but she was totally right.

    Other than learning about where I could find my information, I also was able to use smart boards to visually see the lessons I was learning in a much more interactive and technology based way. In my high school the smart boards were typically located in the math classrooms only. In my opinion, I liked it better that way, even though other classroom teachers complained about not having the same kind of tools as others.
    As a future educator, I would like to be able to use technology in my classroom to further enhance my students' knowledge. I think computers, as well as other technologies, such as tablets, kindles, laptops, smart boards, etc. would be assets to the classroom and students could really benefit from them.

What Brought Me to SNHU?

     I began my college career last year as a freshman at Southern New Hampshire University. When touring the campus I immediately fell in love with the institution and the Education program. Now as a sophomore, I know that I made the right decision in continuing my education at SNHU. What drew me into the Education program, besides my love for children and learning, is the fact that students are given innumerable opportunities for field experience beginning their freshman year. I find that fantastic. I think that you can learn so much more when you're out in the field. Not only that but what's taught in the classroom guides students in the right direction when they are out in their field. 
     I am now in EDU 235 Learning with Technology as a required course for my major; however, I am interested in what will be taught this semester and how I can use that new found knowledge in the future and in the classroom