I teach earth science and physcial science at Hillside Jr. High in Boise, Idaho. I have just completed my 5th year teaching, am half way through this Masters program and recently found out about out lovely pay freeze - so I will not be compensated for all of this $$ I have spent. One day it will come though......
My husband also teaches science in the same district, recently completed his Masters and work for the Forest Service in the summer. We spend very little time together these days.
I am headed to Bozeman this Sunday for a week. I am nervous about the 8 hour drive by myself, but looking forward to my first face to face interaction for the program. After that, on to New Orleans for NEA-RA over the 4th of July, San Diego for an AVID conference, a wedding in Denver......and hopefully squeezing in a little rafting/fishing here at home. Oh - and working on my Capstone research of course. ;)
So - Thoughts on the readings and assignments: As was to be expected the information overload is a bit dizzying this week. But, I have now been forced to explore some things that I have kept in the back of my mind for awhile. I feel passionately about providing my students with a 21st century education......I need to work on my trust level that they will take the opportunity and use it responsibly - which is always a gamble in junior high. However, given the moderate to low experiences that are provided to them in school so far, I think anything I try will be exciting for them. I am fortunate enough to be getting a laptop cart with 15 netbooks and wireless internet in my room next year. I am already bursting with ideas after these first few days. Setting up a class blog and giving them time to respond will provide a whole new level of assessment that I have not used before. I can see my gradebook changing as I type this......here's to more exploring in the weeks to come.
2 comments:
Welcome! It's a great drive from Boise to Bozeman... some seriously beautiful country. I teach middle school in Helena, Montana. I've been teaching middle school for most of the last 15 years and am constantly amazed at what these emerging adults can come up with. I agree that the trust thing is big with technology but I try to educate, educate, educate about appropriate use and then extend my trust. Rarely have I been disappointed and I can't count the number of times I have been blown away. Good luck in your travels- please post pics along the way for those of us staying home... I promise to post pics of my boring backyard browning out and becoming littered with misc kid toys this summer in exchange. :)
I'll echo what Emily said about trials and tribulations with kids and technology. Trust your instincts: if it seems to be a good idea, don't give up if it fails at first. There's probably some really small impediment that just needs to be discovered and smoothed before it becomes the greatest lesson you've ever conceived. And kids will surprise you. Enjoy the RA! New Orleans in July is supposed to be spectacular! (I hear they do use AC in the summer, fortunately!)
Post a Comment