Sunday, November 13, 2011
Technology and how I would use it differently
Wow. I just read over my blog from the night before my first full day in the classroom. I was scared to death. I have to say that I started off on a bad note. I got stuck in traffic, got held up in the office, and was late for first period on the first day. I spent the day trying to recuperate and got to my car to recite to myself that it was not okay to cry until I was out of the parking lot. Needless to say, the second day went much better. I was efficient, early, and prepared to jump in at any moment. As far as technology and how I would use it differently, it is too premature to say. We are only two weeks into the new marking period and the students have not begun their research yet for their projects. The really cool thing about this classroom is that there is a mac for every student and the laptop cart is for the classroom I am in; she doesn't share the computers with another teacher. Their school is very technology friendly and students gravitate to that (I see them walking down the halls and working in the hallways with their macs- pretty awesome to see after being in Lancaster City where teachers couldn't keep enough pencils around because the students didn't have any. Now that I say that, I am not sure how awesome that actually is, kind of seems like an ill use of resources all of the sudden). I will hold on with this question and revisit it when I have more information to share. Right now, the only thing I can say is that I am loving being in the classroom. The only struggle that I have really come across is having to write another unit for my portfolio because I am actually not in an English classroom. That has made it really difficult to focus on the unit we have been working on all semester. Again, I am thankful for this opportunity and thank the Lord that I can finally see the end of the road and countless hours of hard work. I hope everyone is enjoying their placements and look forward to seeing you all again very soon.
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Please allow me to comment on your post, as I can't seem to create my own blog! :-D
ReplyDeleteMy first day started off on a disastrous note, too! Mapquest “told” me it would take me 30 minutes to get to Central York High School. I left 45 minutes early to make sure I would be there with a few minutes to spare. Unfortunately, I spent an hour and a half in traffic. It was horrible… I was so embarrassed!
Luckily, I met my co-op who was understanding and easy-going. Mr. Bailey immediately made me feel comfortable and at home. We communicated a few times through email, so I knew what I was coming in to. I read up on some of the authors he was covering in class, and easily assimilated into his lectures.
The only thing I was slightly “put off” about was that he lectured for the entire 80 minute block period. He was talking about so many things that could have easily led to group discussion or a cool YouTube video to illustrate his points, but that just didn’t seem to be his style. I’ll give Mr. Bailey credit though… he had every student (in his A.P. course and general education English) hanging off his every word. He’s interesting. He tells great stories. He creates awesome metaphors.
On the first day, I was left wanting more. He really piqued my interest. Mr. Bailey was beginning a new project with his AP students that seemed to be multidimensional and creative. I couldn’t wait to see how it would come to fruition.