Reflective Learning Blog #4

As my last sophomore semester at UAB comes to a close I must take the time to look back and realize just how much I have learned. Between my three classes I have taken this semester I must say that I have taken so much away than just basic textbook knowledge but also life lessons that I more than look forward to applying in my future classroom. One of these is the use of technology that I gained from my EDT 300 class. Not only have I learned basic and not so basic knowledge of technology, but also experience in presentation, which can only be gained from experience. The experience of completing work and then having to present it made me strive to make my work the best it could be the first time. The knowledge of knowing that someone is gong to se and hopefully be getting something from my work is very empowering. It empowers me because I know how much I have gotten from my classmates presentations. My classmates have pretend things that I would have never thought of but are now in my arsenal of teaching weapons. But, is that not what teaching is all about? Continuous knowledge? I personally think so. If there is one and only one thing that I take away form my time at UAB is that learning is continuous and that if I want to be good, productive teacher then I must never stop learning or ever think that I am done learning. 

Reflective Learning Blog #3

Since my last posting I have made quite a few accomplishments. First off, I created and completed my very first website. My website was supposed to be created as if it were created by students. The site was all about the settings of Peter Pan and I felt like it turned out pretty well. I learned how useful a website can be especially in a classroom setting. It can be used for class projects or as a means of communication between student, teacher, and parents. Really, the sky’s the limit with these websites and they are free. It cannot get much better than that. Also, we learned how to create a Prezi which I have never used before. A Prezi is pretty similar to a power point but a lot more active and engaging. They are absolutely perfect for presenting to a class of kids. How it works is that instead of making slides you have information all on the same page and you then create a path and that path will enhance certain things when needed. It is great for kids because of all of the movement and graphics. All of these things would be great for catching and maintaining a students attention. The more I learn about technology, the more I become excited to become a teacher and gain my own classroom and put all of my new knowledge to use.