It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....

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Laid back atmosphere of class Ability to multi-task during class Blog Relevant to my content area Video Editing	Portfolio (If you already have a license, the portfolio should not be required.)

Web 2.0 Evaluation - Edmodo

After hearing so much about Edmodo I decided to actually sit down and really see what it’s all about. A teacher in my department really enjoys using it and has encouraged me to use it, but so far I haven’t really felt the need to.

Edmodo allows teachers to connect to students in the same way they connect with their peers through Facebook. The layout is mirrored after Facebook with some of the same functions and colors. As a business teacher, using Edmodo is certainly applicable to my content area because I teach various types of technology in my classes. However, I do not think that using it necessarily advances my curriculum. I think it mostly provides a more exciting way for students to submit work and express their opinions, than the “old school” ways. Now this in itself has the possibility to advance curriculum because it can keep students more engaged.

Edmodo offers a secure environment for students and teachers to feel safe. A teacher registers on the website and creates a page for their class/classes. They are given a random code that connects to the teacher’s site to give students and parents so they can join the group. Students and parents register on the site and must have their specific code to join. Once a student/parent joins the site they can only see the material for the class that they have a code for. This keeps everything secure so teachers and students can post and submit work and not have to worry that it will get into the wrong hands.

As I mentioned earlier, I think that Edmodo provides a more 21^st century way to conduct present material and assess students. I also think if all of its functions are used properly it can allow students a more creative way to be assessed. A question can be posted and students must provide a comment to answer. If necessary they could link to a website or upload a document that might provide the teacher with more evidence to concepts learned.

Why Reinvent the Wheel?

I found a website created by a teacher who has been teaching business for 20+ years. The website is filled with posts about new technology that can be used in the classroom and hundreds of other resources for almost every business class that is taught. I am a firm believer in not creating something from scratch when someone else has a resource that can be tailored to my specific needs. So for any business teachers out there who happen to stumble across my blog...I highly recommend this site!

http://samsabiz.blogspot.com/

A Glimpse into Someone Else's Life

I didn't think that I would enjoy commenting on other people's blogs, but I did. It was fun to see other people's thoughts and ideas. Now, did I feel like I was really commenting on a true writer's blog...no I didn't (not to offend anyone whose blog I commented on that considers themself a writer). I certainly do not consider myself a writer...maybe occasionally I can come up with something funny or whitty but only if the moons, planets, and starts align just right. However, the enjoyment I received from reading/responding to someone else's blog can also be accomplished by reading my Facebook newsfeed and commenting.

Portfolios...Yes or No?

I believe portfolios are valid assessment tools. They require students to compile work that demonstrates their ability. I believe a portfolio can be a better evaluation tool than tests. It is easy for a student to memorize answers and information for a test, but actually demonstrating the ability shows the student not only knows the information but understands how to actually apply the information.

21st Century is the Way

I believe I am a 21st century teacher because I teach students skills that will assist them in being productive members of society once they enter the real-world. I provide opportunities for students to complete authentic learning that hopefully enhances their organizational and time management skills. Students also learn to collaborate and communicate with their group members as they complete projects. My students also learn different types of technology that hopefully fosters their creativity. I also teach my students critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I usually answer my student's questions with a question that uses their past knowledge to assist in answering a question.

What? You Mean I Have to Work at School?!?!

Let me just express my irritation for students some days. As a general rule, they think everyday should be a free day. On Monday's they do not want to work because it's Monday and the first day of the week. On Friday's they do not want to work because it's Friday and almost the weekend. So basically we should just have a 3 day week. Also, after an assignment is given, it's absurd of me to expect them to refer back to the chapter first before asking me. Now let's not get it twisted...I have no problem answering student questions, but is it too much to ask for them to attempt to find the answer on their own before asking me? I tell them that they will learn more if they look it up themselves, but sometimes that is asking too much. They whine and say "just tell me the answer". They also hate when I answer their question with a question trying to get them to think and use critical thinking skills. I have also learned that when giving directions, demonstrating a skill, or explaining an assignment I begin speaking a foreign language that can not be understood by high school students. I didn't even know I had that ability...maybe I should add that to my resume. It never fails I will say... "now listen closely so you will understand what to do when you get to this" and ALWAYS someone will ask me about whatever I had just emphasized. Someone should also reprimand me for expecting them to read. Everyday I have all of their instructions, alterations to the book instructions, page numbers, assignments, instructions for submitting their assignment, and any other announcements on a daily assignments page that is accessible to all of them. This system has been in place since the beginning of the semester, however, I always get the same questions that are clearly stated in black and white on the assignments page.

Disclaimer: First and foremost, I absolutely love my teaching job! However, just as everyone does in their job, we have things that frustrate us. So if you are are shocked and appalled that I would make such comments then I am going to assume you are not a teacher. If you are a teacher...then you are probably shaking your head in agreement!

Not Too Shabby

So just as most people do, I do not like listening to myself give a presentation or speak. I took a speech class in college and we always had to evaluate our videos and I would cringe everytime I watched it even though the speech wasn't that bad. However, watching myself teach wasn't so bad...because I felt like it had more purpose than giving a pointless speech. On a somewhat unrelated note...watching myself made me excited. I've lost about 50lbs over the past 6 months and the last time I saw myself on video I was completely disgusted about how unhealthy I looked. So seeing myself on camera (and we all know the camera adds 10lbs) I was quite pleased with how much better I looked. Also, I thought I looked pretty relaxed and use lots of inflexion in my voice. I can't stand people who speak in a monotone voice so I think that my voice is loud and commands attention (well at least to everyone who isn't a distracted high school student). So for the first time in my life...I didn't mind seeing/hearing myself on video. 

My Plan...

So even though this post is a little late...I did have a plan for teaching my video lesson. I decided I would record me introducing the next marketing project my students would be completing. They were completing a travel tour based on a specific target market. As part of the project they would be using several mediums of technology. One they had not used before was Windows Movie Maker. They had to create a video that would be shown to potential clients enticing them to travel to their destination. Unforunately on the day I was supposed to introduce the project I didn't have anyway to film, so I had to film the next morning on my own to an empty classroom. This actually ended up working better because I had fewer interrruptions.

I Don't Want to Go to Jail

As a teacher, I wouldn't say I really have legal concerns. I don't plan on being one of those teachers featured on news because of innapropriate activities with a student. However, I am sometimes worried that something I say will be miscontrued and will be taken the wrong way. Many times I think before I speak, and even though I may be joking, sometimes others do not take my comments lightly. I am a very sarcastic person and many times when a student asks a dumb question I will respond with a sarcastic response. Contrary to popular belief, there are dumb questions. For example, recently I had a student ask me if they needed to put their name on their assignment. I responded with "no I will look back at my old papers and analyze the handwrting to determine whose paper it is". Even though I didn't intentionally mean any harm, it could have hurt the student's feelings. I'm not sure what legal recourse could be taken simply because I make a smart remark, however, these days I'm sure someone could find a law I broke or student's civil right that I violated.

"Redefining Instruction With Technology: Five Essential Steps" - Article Response

I think this artcle was great! We have recently acquired a set of iPads for our department. Several of the teachers have not even used these iPads in their classrooms. I have heard a few of them say that they didn't know how to incorporate them or they didn't see a use for them. I have recently incorporated them into a lesson about commercial advertising. The students filmed and edited the commercial using the iPads. This definitely wasn't higher-order thinking by any means, but it still introduced students to a new way of doing things. After reading this article I will definitely be sitting down to re-evaluate how I use them and finding more ways to increase student learning with them instead of simply creating a fun activity with them.

Prezi is just Dandy!

I love using Prezi in my classroom! I am so tired of PowerPoint presentations. Prezi allows presenters to create a non-linear presentation that can zoom in and zoom out on each slide. I find this program to be very beneficial because in my Marketing classroom students create some type of presentation with each chapter. Watching PowerPoint after PowerPoint becomes extremely boring and mundane. Prezi allows students to be more creative, which is an essential skill in marketing. It can definitely be a little tricky to figure out at first, but once you get the hang of it, students usually enjoy it.

http://prezi.com

Journal Article Review

Technology in the Classroom

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

As a business teacher I completely understand the relevance of incorporating technology in the classroom. However, simply incorporating technology is not the be all and end all of improving student test scores. Many teachers are unsure of exactly how to incorporate technology in the classroom. I had a professor in college who insisted that if we used a PowerPoint during a lesson we had to list that as technology on our lesson plans. I don’t disagree that the use of PowerPoint isn’t technology; however, simply putting your lecture notes in a PowerPoint instead of hand-writing doesn’t constitute effective technology use in the classroom.

Robert Marzano is widely known in education as a leader in effective classroom strategies. This journal article is based on his approach to teaching. The article discusses technology can have a valuable effect on learning if used properly. The authors explains that by incorporating technology, you turn a classroom from a teacher-centered class to a student-centered class. The students are able to be more actively in charge of what they learn.  The Director of Curriculum and Technology of the Sedgewick Public Schools in Kansas initiated a one-to-one computer program for the district. Many superintendents and faculty from neighboring districts came to visit to see how this technology was implemented. Many left surprised to realize that it wasn’t about the technology specifically, but how it was implemented and changed teaching and learning in the classroom. Technology can certainly benefit special-education students and level the playing field for them. There are many online tutorials for auditory learners and programs that assist students who need visuals.

Effective technology in the classroom is used in conjunction, not instead. It should enhance their learning or demonstrate how the concept is applied in the real world. Students need to know that what they are learning is relevant.

Technology does not necessarily “revolutionize” a classroom. Classrooms are not like a business where equipping them with millions of dollars in technology magically increases scores and students will be off to Harvard. Even though technology is extremely important in the classroom and can truly enhance the educational experience, it is not the answer to automatically improving test scores.

Why I Became a Teacher....

During my junior year in college at UK I took a job as an after-school counselor at a local elementary school. It was the best job I had in my life! I absolutely loved spending time with the kids everyday...even though some days they made me want to pull my hair out. It was such a joy having an impact on their life. However, at that time I was one year away from graduating with my BS in Accounting where I couldn't wait to sit behind a desk all day and crunch numbers all day (yes you may yawn now!) Fast forward to two years later and I'm living in Bowling Green bored out of my mind sitting behind a desk all day auditing school districs and non-profit companies. I felt like I was doing nothing for the greater good of mankind. I made the executive decision to go back to school for my teaching degree. The very first night of my introductory to education class I knew I was right where I needed to be. I knew I wanted to teach business! I wanted to prepare children for life after the luxuries and easiness of high school (or at least that's how my high school experience was). I believe education should be relevant and exciting. I understand that everyday can't be a carnival, but students should know exactly why they are learning something...and an answer shouldn't be... so you can pass the test at the end of the year. Education absolutely and certainly should prepare students for college and/or the real world. I feel I succeed in that because of the content I teach. I teach students basics of word processing, how to be a good consumer, resumes, cover letters, and interview skills just to name a few. I thoroughly enjoy coming home everyday and feeling like I accomplished something bigger than myself...even if it might have been simply making a kid who has a bad home life feel good.

Wishing for a Snow Day

I heart snow days!! :-)