teacher tech talk [preface/reflection]
[Preface: Originally this post began as its own preface to my first in a series of three blog posts. I have decided to expand on the subject a little and create a full post reflection. I am, however, keeping it in the same chronological order.]
Earlier this month I was able to attend a teaching conference in Kodiak, Alaska. I really did not know what to expect from the Kodiak Island Virtual Learning Conference but I did know it specialized in hands-on approaches to teaching science and math. Both of which I am always looking to improve in my teaching practice. I ended up taking a class on paper circuitry. (Truth: I had very little prior knowledge in this area. I just knew I would put lights onto paper.) Electronic workings is kind of where my brain gets staticy. After three days of playing with copper tape, conductive thread, and even playdough, I felt slightly more confident in electricity and knew I could take it my students.
Over the course of the conference I made some interesting discoveries. It was quite the challenge to be the learner. I had to try things that I was nervous to do or just really didn’t want to. In the beginning it was difficult just sitting to listen and follow directions. Focusing for long enough to learn was a challenge. I’m really grateful to have experienced this. It makes me remember that I need to consider my own students’ attention span and lack of interest in certain subjects. I also had a very insightful moment when I was completely repulsed by touching and having playdough on my hands. This has never happened to me and was another moment of realization. Sometimes students just might not like something for no reason other than their personal preference.
We also began to delve into the idea of how to be a virtual teacher. Over the past school year I began to integrate technology into my classroom as I saw need and use for it. I began to learn to use my Smartboard to make lessons more engaging (an ongoing process). My ipad was used as a dictionary and class clock. I learned how to use ClassDojo to encourage motivation and would like to explore this as an avenue to encourage home communication. One of the greatest discoveries I made, however, was bringing in the voices of other educators to deliver more concise learning. Youtube and video clips had a profound impact on my teaching. I learned to use the resource of others who had nailed the lesson. This platform, and the Kodiak conference, has sparked an interest in creating more connection between my classroom and other classrooms in the district. I am eager to facilitate shared learning and communication with other educators. I had not realized there was groundwork already being laid throughout Alaska.
It is for this reason I am excited for the opportunity to connect with other Alaskan educators looking to bring more making into the classroom. For the next month I am following up the conference experience with course that involves looking more deeply into how I can make what I am learning sustainable in my classroom. I’ll be doing a few blog posts that deals with these ideas. This will help me to learn how to bring making into my classroom in a meaningful and appropriate way. Like any technology, it should add value and improve learning overall.
Over the course of the conference I made some interesting discoveries. It was quite the challenge to be the learner. I had to try things that I was nervous to do or just really didn’t want to. In the beginning it was difficult just sitting to listen and follow directions. Focusing for long enough to learn was a challenge. I’m really grateful to have experienced this. It makes me remember that I need to consider my own students’ attention span and lack of interest in certain subjects. I also had a very insightful moment when I was completely repulsed by touching and having playdough on my hands. This has never happened to me and was another moment of realization. Sometimes students just might not like something for no reason other than their personal preference.
We also began to delve into the idea of how to be a virtual teacher. Over the past school year I began to integrate technology into my classroom as I saw need and use for it. I began to learn to use my Smartboard to make lessons more engaging (an ongoing process). My ipad was used as a dictionary and class clock. I learned how to use ClassDojo to encourage motivation and would like to explore this as an avenue to encourage home communication. One of the greatest discoveries I made, however, was bringing in the voices of other educators to deliver more concise learning. Youtube and video clips had a profound impact on my teaching. I learned to use the resource of others who had nailed the lesson. This platform, and the Kodiak conference, has sparked an interest in creating more connection between my classroom and other classrooms in the district. I am eager to facilitate shared learning and communication with other educators. I had not realized there was groundwork already being laid throughout Alaska.
It is for this reason I am excited for the opportunity to connect with other Alaskan educators looking to bring more making into the classroom. For the next month I am following up the conference experience with course that involves looking more deeply into how I can make what I am learning sustainable in my classroom. I’ll be doing a few blog posts that deals with these ideas. This will help me to learn how to bring making into my classroom in a meaningful and appropriate way. Like any technology, it should add value and improve learning overall.
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