Reteaching Civility in the Classroom

   We, as a society and teachers, need to readdress the courtesies, politeness, and good manners which should be a common standard of all people.  It is necessary, with the proof of the progression of community hate and bullying, that is exacerbated with the faceless threats through the use of the Internet, that respect, acceptance, and positivity need to be reiterated in the classroom.  Privacy, orientations, religions, and political affiliations are a few of the issues that need to be taught how to respect.  The lack of acceptance, and in turn, the actions taken upon those who are less accepted into our "clicks," should not be tolerated or repeated.  Many doors can be opened for those who are the victims of bullying, and also those who are the bullies, with the use of education.  Students need to address and practice positive thinking, moods, and attitudes when approaching new and different situations from what is different from their own, personal, inner world.

Advertisements for Software

   Would students, parents, and even more teachers be more curious and aware of what technology could do for our students' futures if we are able to see it on television.  I know that we see commercials for the latest technology, and we are seeing what some of the apps can help us do in our everyday lives, but I would like to see more of what particular software can do to help motivate students.  Granted, I don't watch a lot of television; however, I would like to see a Googledoc commercial where students are home in the evenings, working on a project with their classmates.  The parents don't have to leave home...they can sit and read the paper or whatever they normally do, while their child is working on a class project.  Also, Wii could do commercials advertising their possible benefits in the classroom.  We know how the game can help motivate people with exercise, but what else can Wii do?  How can it be manipulated in the classroom?  A SMART Board commercial would be excellent, as well.  Parents will see these tools, and hopefully try and persuade their local school boards to find funding to provide these beneficial learning tools in the classrooms.

Virtual Choir

   It is hard for some people to wrap their minds about Web 2.0.  The idea of the ability to communicate and talk with people around the world seems to be so immense.  Without seeing the people you are collaborating with on projects may be difficult.  However, Eric Whitacre has made the ability to hear, see, and produce a collaborative product available to the world.  Follow this site:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WhWDCw3Mng, and one will find "Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 2.0, 'Sleep.' "  Here, over 2000 people sent in their videos from 58 countries around the world.
   This can be a great metaphor for teachers.  We are the conductors of our students.  Our students have the abilities to produce outstanding products, and can make harmony when shared with others around the world using the abilities of Web 2.0.
   I will share this video with my future classes in order for them to actually see how people can collaborate around the world.  I also believe this would be a great introduction piece for teachers to share with their students if they were about to endeavor with the virtual classrooms.

Observing the Empowerment of Students

   The other day when I was observing one of the classrooms for a practicum, the students were to use the computer to create PowerPoint presentations.  Because I recently had just created my first PowerPoint, I wanted to observe closely their techniques.  I was amazed!
   First, I must preface that the students in this class are considered to be challenged and have low performance levels.  Some of the students are repeating the 7th grade, have 504's, and behavioral problems.  If I did not know these diagnoses, I would have thought this particular class would have been considered normal to high achievers this particular day. 
   When the students were asked to retrieve their computers, they did so mannerly.  The students pulled out their personal data keys and plugged them into the computers.  There was silence and ALL students were on task.  When a student had a problem, they asked their fellow classmates to help them.  There was no protest about helping each other.  Their was empowerment and self confidence with every student.
   Watching these students who are considered to be low achievers manipulate the keyboards and mouse pads was amazing.  Their little fingers quickly went through different windows as they explained what they were doing to help out their peers.  When class was over, they saved their added work, safely put away their computers, and were EXCITED about the work they had completed.  THAT is why I want to be a teacher!

Why I Want to be a Teacher

   I have a great interest in becoming a teacher because I want to provide a safe environment for students to feel free to explore and expand on their current knowledge of the dynamic world of which they are a part.  I have the capability to offer students the tools to manage their future successes…both social and professional.  My mother, a retired teacher, and step-father promoted my confidence with influencing me to be creative and imaginative as a child.  I acquired tools to rein in these abilities during my middle school years.  

   Not only did my mother give me room to grow, she gave me practical experience with hands-on application to build my confidence.  I remember how important I felt when my mother would ask me to help grade papers.  I would sit at the dining room table with a red pen in my hand.  I wanted all of her students to succeed because I loved to write, “100” at the top of the papers.  Wanting to continue my fun with teaching, I would also ask my step-father to play school with me.  He diligently listened and answered the questions I wrote on the two by three foot chalk board.  I would grade his tests and write, “100” at the top of his papers.  He was such a great student!  

   I needed to tap into the confidence my parents gave me when I transferred to a new school in the sixth grade.  Being the new girl was quite intimidating.  I wanted to answer questions and participate in class, but I was scared.  My Language Arts teacher taught me the skills to apply my voice effectively on paper.  Her responses to my writings let me know I had something important to share with others; I began to verbally express myself with confidence.

  Ere go, the classroom can be used as the catalyst to strengthen self-esteem, confidence, and communication through the exploration of different subjects, relationships, and cultures.  I want to be the guide and advocate for the achievements of the youth.  While I continue to master my skills in communication and expression, I can influence students to know how important their voices are in the world.

Accountable Students with Computer Use

   When studetns have access in the classroom to use computers on special projects, how can we monitor each student's work?  How can we, as teachers, make sure the students are on task, and not accessing or viewing inappropriate material? 
   As I walked around in one of the classrooms where I am observing students, I found one student was accessing "Lil Wayne" videos.  I don't know how he was able to do this.  It was my understanding that there were security loocks on these computers and search engines.  I asked him to immediately erase and remove the inappropriate material from his computer.  I think I was so flustered that I didn't ask him how he managed to find the material on this computer.
   The 7th grade students were working on PowerPoint projects for different countries.  Most of them were on task.  However, I also found one student had changed the opening screen saver window of the computer and replaced the background with a new picture.  The new picture was the Israeli flag.  There is nothing wrong with the Star of David, however those students who aren't aware of what the symbol represents may take offense to it.  Not only that, but the student could have gotten in trouble for defacing school property.
   In a perfect world with perfect technology, it would be nice to have a visual on the teacher's computer screen of all the students' active computer screens.  This way the teacher would have the accessibility to monitor the progress of the students' work. 

www.ustream.com for Teaching

My father just called me to let me know he witnessed the birth of a Bald Eagle...live!  He was so excited.  Instead of sitting around and watching television, he watched his computer screen to watch the live birth of our nation's bird.  With the use of technology, we, as educators, can bring the world form outside the classroom into the lives of students. 
Do the students know that the Bald Eagle used to be on the Endangered Species List?  Do the students know that the Bald Eagle is our national bird?  Have students ever witnessed a birth of a bird from an egg?  Sad to say, but there are children that don't know the answers to these questions.  If they could apply the viewing of this real life experience with new knowledge, they are bound to never forget the factual information.  They could also share this with their brothers and sisters. The students will then notice more of their environment around them.  They could ultimately become more conscious of biology, and the causes and effects within the realm of life.