Reflection

After reading both pieces, I agree with what Mr. November is saying. Technology is a great thing, but kids need to have some limits or understanding before they just jump in. While reading, the commercial that is now showing on television came to mind. The one about the girl who is telling a neighbor all these things, and when asked where she heard them, she simply replies the Internet. She then goes on to say that everything on the Internet is true. Our kids need to realize that just because they found information online doesn't mean it is the correct information. They need to continue researching, and find more evidence to support what they have found.
Blogging is a great tool that we have available to use.  I believe that as individuals we have come a long way since the first blog.  Blogging is new to me, and so far I am enjoying it.  I do agree that blogging is like a person's online journal.  I also think that we will never met the blogging potential that Downe's metions because technology is just going to continue to grow allowing us to do more things.

I also realize that as teachers, we are going to have to be willing to accept and adapt to changes. Technology is now, and it is just continuing to grow. Kids are learning to use technology (and starting to understand the uses) at an earlier age. My two year old niece knows how to use my smart phone better than I do (yes I realize that might be sad to admit), but it is the truth. In the teaching environment we need to realize that with each school year, technology is only going to advance. I think that Mr. November's suggestion about teaching the students the uses of technology rather than the teachers is an interesting one. He makes a very good point, kids pick up on things, and then just build from that. I think that technology is going to introduce us to an exciting world, and we need to learn to become automators instead of informators.

Educational Philosophy

I was fortunate enough in school to experience two types of teachers, those who were just there to get their paycheck, and those who were passionate about their jobs.  Being in a class where all the teacher wanted was to be your friend was great at the time (I mean what high school kid wouldn’t mind a teacher that didn’t assign homework or class projects), but once I got to college I realized that having this type of teacher was not so cool anymore!  Having to struggle to catch up with my peers was difficult, and made me realize that I was blessed to have many teachers that were passionate about their careers.  My fourth grade teacher, who later became my high school counselor, had a major impact on my decision to teach.  Show taught me that you can be more than just a teacher that you can care on a higher level.  From this, I know realize that I want my future students to be passionate, and eager to learn, and not to be afraid to express their ideas and opinions.

I would classify myself as an idealist and pragmatist.  I want our younger generations to realize that their ideas are important, and that through these ideas, great things can be possible.  Education is an important tool to have.  In my opinion, people who have an education, not necessarily a 4 year college degree, are happier with their life.  I feel that a higher education can change lives, and open doors that might not have been possible otherwise.  We shouldn’t be afraid to blog, or produce a podcast from our ideas, but we should take them and run with them.  We have so many devices that are now available for us to use.  I think that using technology to research, and understand subjects better is great, and will only advance as we move on from year to year. 

I am becoming a teacher because I am a firm believer that everyone, no matter what background you come from, deserves the best education that’s out there.  I want kids to learn and grasp concepts and ideas rather than just have material shoved in their brain because of some standardized test at the end of the year.  By having the ability to incorporate technology into the classroom, whether it is a computer, a smart phone, etc. it will open more avenues for educators.  The advancement in technology will allow students to be able to participate in some “hands on” activities, which is what I plan to do once I get in the classroom.  I want to give kids that option, and privilege to be able to use all the resources available to them because technology is just continuing to make great strides, and will allow for magnificent opportunities in the future. 

From personal experiences, as well as my desire to help kids better themselves, I want to learn and be able to adapt to all advances that I know are coming.  Technology and curriculum have both made major strides since I have been out of school (which is only six years), so I do understand that I will have to stay open minded as an educator.  By staying open minded, it will allow me to communicate and teach kids in the best ability that I can.  I also realize that being the cool teacher, or the favorite, is not the most important thing.  The most important thing is to make sure that each student gets the education that they deserve.

By having my philosophy written, I am able to continually look back on it, and adapt as I need.  I am open to change, and realize that as advances are made in all aspects, changes may need to take place.   I will always have this statement to look back on if I ever start to loss the passion that I have right now for teaching and I believe that that passion is important to maintain or even grow.  I hope that I can use this class to help me better understand ways that I can incorporate technology in the classroom, and gain more understanding of technology for my everyday life.