First Day of Class

Today we were introduced to the course. We participated in multiple "ice breaker" activities and formed groups. Our first activity was to make a name tag to get to know each others names. We then had an "art gallery" to show how different we all are and how each of us view science. It was nice to see the varying artwork and everyone approach. We then played a game where we had to guess the word we were assigned wit yes or no questions. This was a great way to get to know our group partners. Afterwards, we did a small treasure hunt where we found information and resources for the course. It was beneficial (and a little relieving) to know what the expectations of the classroom and what we will be doing. At first it was complicated, but working as a group made it easier.
Finally, we wrapped up and learned how to make our blog post and the "ins and out" of the resources we will be using. I look forward to the rest of the semester.

Visions of Students

This video focuses on how classrooms are still failing to adopt the technology that is so prevalent in society and the lives of our students. When a classroom doesn't adopt the world a student lives in, it only creates a large gap and a lack of interest in school versus home. When students feel obsolete in a classroom, they will not want to learn or engage. We need to, as educators, incorporate multiple means of technology and ways of presenting information to engage our students and prepare them to the vastly changing technologic world we live in.

Did You Know?

Our world is constantly expanding and evolving which, for many, can be hard to fathom. This video highlights some major changes in the jobs of the future. I have always known that my education was vastly different than my parents. Little did I know that students today have a vastly different educational experience than I did. It is both disheartening and hopeful. Many of the things I loved in school are no more or are dwindling away slowly (such as the arts). There are things that I am envious of too such as the use of so much different technology and how students are no getting instruction that is focused towards them versus an entire class. So many times have I felt bored in class because of how easy elementary school was for me. I would have loved to learn programming or Spanish at an early age because it is so hard for me now. We are advancing so fast as a society, it is amazing how much jobs are changing. The hardest thing to imagine and explain to people and students is that, soon certain jobs will no longer exist and that jobs that we have never heard of will take their place.

Ken Robinson

Intelligence is such a broad term and it incorporates many aspects of a person including their ability to think, perform tasks. Intelligence is also subjective to the viewer. Someone who can be deemed as having low intelligence can be seen as having high intelligence to someone else. "If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, than it will forever live believing it is stupid [and inadequate]" (Albert Einstein). Grades should not be the sole gauge of intelligence and, since there are so many forms of intelligence, a singular grade cannot represent an individual. I whole heartedly agree with the video and will continue to incorporate the mindset in my teaching and learning.