A Random 7th grade morning

At 8:00 am today, Jan. 22, I posed the following question to a room of 7th grade girls:

What are you thinking?

Here are their responses in no particular order:

- My dad's mustache is weird (and scary)

- Flowers smell good but this sharpie smells bad

-I wish I had an afro.

-I see beautiful colors when I close my eyes.

-I love A's hair and blueberries look just like chocolate.

-I love strawberries more than blueberries.

-I love sleeping.

-I want to see a rainbow during geography class.

-My blister really hurts.


Just a glimpse into the mind of a 13-year old....

Happy Thursday

Living la vida tecno-loco

Tecno-loco?
(loco por la tecnología)
Last January, I had the privilege of attending a very interesting and helpful conference, EduCon 2.0 in Philadelphia, PA. I traveled to Philadelphia by train with 2 colleagues. We kicked off the conference by spending a day observing classes at a charter school in downtown Philly. After we got over our initial shock of students diligently doing work with their laptops open and headphones in, we took some time to speak with the students about the role technology plays in their education. Since this was last year, I might be dusting off some remote corners of my brain when I relay their responses but I will do my best.

Why it works?

• One student remarked that she was motivated by her capability to use technology to do homework. She said that it was easier to type and she enjoyed using Moodle.
• Another student reminded us that the computer enables class to be a collaborative experience. She shared that her teacher even lets them chat in class, as long as the topic is relative to what they are learning.
• Numerous students referred to the social connections they have formed with people world-wide, stating that it is exciting and cool to meet people from China, Australia, and India.
• A teacher shared that the use of blogs and social networks helps her develop better relationships with her students.
• A student in his laboratory science class amazed me by taking measurements (precisely? who would have seen that coming) while listening to music on his Ipod and watching a Youtube demonstration by his teacher. He said, "I'm just used to the laptop. I use it in every class."
• Our tour guide informed us that the privilege of having a laptop gives some students the outlet they need for creative expression and diverse ways of thinking. She told us she likes to draw pictures to accentuate her notes and make them more personal.

Beware: Items to Note

• Students with laptop accessibility have short attention spans. (There were many kids with Ichats, emails, and facebook open during some class lectures.)
• Computer lingo and the many complicated steps in some procedures can overwhelm students.
  
• It is important to provide clear, concise project descriptions and directions. Students will not always know their bounds.
  
• At times, students will know far more than you do. That is okay and in many cases, advantageous.

So...what now?

According to my observations that day and the feedback I received, I have come to the conclusion that technology should absolutely be a part of the classroom. All you textbook clingers, Beware! With proper direction, an assignment can morph into an interesting and collaborative experience in the right hands. What can I say, I converted! I use Wikis and VoiceThread on an almost daily basis in my language classes. I've also experimented with Windows MovieMaker, Blogging, PhotoStory, and Inspiration. I know that I have just barely scratched the surface. Next step, Podcasts!

Where do we go from here?

Where you go is up to you! I hope to make some discoveries of my own along the way. I intend to blog about my tecno-loco life (see if you can figure out what language I teach!) I also hope to shed some insight into the dark abyss of the first year of teaching by sharing my experiences from last year. Don't worry, I emerged still breathing. Perhaps, I will throw in a few current happenings too. Anyway, I hope that everyone enjoys my wanderings of the mind.

Hasta pronto!

Ten Things I Learned in My First Year of Teaching

1. Children need your unconditional love, regardless of who they are or how they act.
2. Sometimes a classroom of twelve-year old students can teach you more than any book or lesson plan.
3. Grown-up time and downtime are a luxury.
4. Never bite off more than you can chew...but always take a bite.
5. The computer really can be your best friend.
6. Always depend on the kids. They can handle it and they love the challenge.
7. Don't underestimate the power of communication - with parents, students, friends, and family : )
8. It is possible to over-plan. There are always unexpected surprises along the way.
9. You really are an influence over your students. Always remember that there are hundreds of eyes watching you.
10. Every kid will inevitably look up to you, even the quiet ones in the back.