Higher Learning

Why hello there! It is Sunday afternoon, and I am just starting to get myself organized and prepared for the upcoming week. My name is Laura Rhead, and I have to admit something… blogging is completely new to me! Therefore, I think that I am going to have to track Lindsey down so that she can teach me all of her cool techno tricks.

A) Moving on, I am a fourth year elementary (K-5) education student who is extremely excited about finishing off my degree. Unfortunately, after this semester I still have two classes that need to be completed – so I won’t be finished until June.

Before entering university, I had no idea as to what my profession should be. I didn’t have a passion pointing me in the right direction. After a few grueling months of sitting on the fence, my mom mentioned the idea of applying for the Education program. I thought about it for a few more days, and then decided to go for it. I thought, “teaching couldn’t be that bad… I like kids… I’ve got the grades…etc”. So, come fall, I was a university student- and I hated it. After one year at school, I decided to take a year leave of absence and moved out to the mountains. During that time period, I relaxed, snowboarded, partied… but it eventually became clear to me that I wanted to go back to school. Therefore, I returned to the university for my second year (which was also kind of a snoozer), then third year (which I actually loved), and now for my final year- that I find completely rewarding and exciting. Finally- I know that this is a career that I can do and love.

B) In regards to technology, I have always considered myself to be knowledgeable of new programs and ideas. However, I am having a difficult time trying to stay on top of it. Personally, I love using technology to stay in touch with family and friends, Ebay, and the advantages that it brings when researching or writing for an assignment. During my internship, I was placed at Jack MacKenzie School- which is an extremely fortunate school. The school was divided into 5 pods, and each pod had access to a set of 12 computers. The computers were always accessible and update, which allowed me to implement them into my teaching. Over the course of internship, I took at few bluebook sessions on different computer programs (Inspiration, Kidspiration, Blackboard, etc). All in all, I felt like I did a good job of incorporating technology into the school day.

C) I think that technology serves a wonderful purpose in the classroom. It allows students easy access to helpful programs, research, and educational games. If the teacher is knowledgeable of the computer and of different programs, they can enhance their lessons easily by incorporating technology. However, if the teacher does not prepare properly, and does not give the students the guide lines- then technology can become very messy. The computer is a very beneficial and useful tool, but it is up to the educator to make sure that it is used correctly.

Well, I think that I have finished for now…I hope that everyone has a great weekend, and I will see you on Tuesday.

Laura Rhead

PS I agree with Lindsey about a new title.