Alright, where did this whole journey begin? Well, for me it started a while back when I finished the PDP program and swore that any schooling I took from then on would be only content of interest…
When I began looking into graduate programs to upgrade my TQS I looked high and low for a master’s degree that would meet my needs while at the same time allow me to continue teaching full-time. It quickly became apparent that I was not going to find what I was looking for… so what now?
Luckily, the LTT program re-opened. You see, I really wanted to make sure that I was going to be taking something that was more than just a pay upgrade, and instead something that I would find useful both in my career and in my private life. Technology fit that bill.
So what has my journey been looking like? Well so far its on track. I’ve been turned on to several really cool sites and programs that I have already started to use in the classroom. Unfortunately, I’ve also discovered that simply using the technology is not enough. Having a class site with resources and tutorials will sit unused if I don’t make it a part of the learning in my classroom. And that has been a bit of a hurtle for me. I’ve battled the idea of making tutorials and sending kids to view them rather than show them myself, but I’m thinking that I need to make that jump so that the students learn to pursue information on their own. So that I am their as a guide and safety net rather than the fountain of all knowledge in the room. Students need to see the site as something useful and a place to turn to first. Otherwise, it remains unused and a big waste of my time.
Now this may seem a bit negative, but not so. I’m actually very excited about what the classroom will look like. I’m a strong believer in self motivation and I think that that is what I will be teaching above event he content of the course. And I’ll be there to help those students who need more direct teaching, while those who excel will be free to work ahead at their pace. Fingers crossed, that’s the plan anyway…
On the contrary, I don't think you sound negative, just cautious. That's good in my mind. Its hard to find that balance of watching enough to know when to step in and teach and when to stay out of the way, to facilitate as needed. I like your style and where you're trying to go with this. It sounds like it will be a very interesting journey for you Brent.
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