Tech Ed Reflection

     Over the last 6 weeks, I have learned so much about technology that I would have never looked into if it wasn't for this course. Having the opportunity to be taught interesting and fun aspects of how to use the Google suite and other programs make feel like I fit into this world of growing technology. I earned the knowledge necessary to educate my future students in a way that will keep them interested and eager to learn. Learning how much the Google suite has to offer and all of the things this operating system is capable of gives me a feeling of success. I hope I can offer as much as I learned and more to my students.
    Some of my favorite programs I learned about in this course were, screencastify, google forms, google sites, blogger, and we video. These were my favorite because I can see myself effectively using this programs for assessments, class projects and presentations as well as professional development trainings. I feel comfortable teaching other staff how to use these programs. Many of these programs encourage collaboration which is an awesome way for people to learn. Collaboration gives people the opportunity to learn from each another as well as teach each other.
   In today's society, it is important to be familiar with some technology even if you aren't a fan of technology. The world is in many ways beginning to revolve around technology,. form the way we operate in society to the increase and push in digital learning. I can honestly say it no longer scares me to learn about new technology and I feel more comfortable with it than I've felt in a while. Being a paraprofessional is a lot easier when I know and understand how to use these tools the students are using on a daily basis.

Low income students and education

http://www.theedadvocate.org/poverty-and-school-funding-why-low-income-students-often-suffer/

     Please copy and paste the link above for the article. I stumbled across this article this past week while surfing the web looking at educational articles. This article struck a nerve because I know what it's like to be that student in the class who doesn't have the fanciest clothes and shoes. There are so many factors that hinder the growth of a low-income student's achievements in school.
     Not only do students in low-income situations worry about whats going on at home but they worry about if their school will be open an entire school year due to lack of funding. These are issues that students shouldn't have to worry about. If I am a student and I lack proper nutrition at home, I'm not sure of where I will sleep each night, I don't have the luxury of a washer and dryer at home or money to go to a laundromat, now I'm thinking about the other students laughing at me or making fun of me because I don't smell good or my clothes are dirty. All of these things make for a stressful situation. At the very least the government could prioritize that child's education. Make it so that when they come to school they will receive a good education and the security of knowing that they will eat good and feel loved and supported.
     The government has lost sight of what's important and what's important is every child no matter where are from, what race or ethnicity they are or what socioeconomic status they fit in they should all get the same treatment as everyone everywhere else.

The Perfect School

Dr. Justin Tarte @justintarte tweeted " I want to design a school with the sole purpose of solving problems that are affecting humanity; One goal: Make the world a better place." I liked this quote because there is a serious issue in today's society especially when we have to focus most of our teaching to students on social, emotional learning. When we are able to effectively come up with a way to incorporate that problem-solving aspect in our core curriculum that will not only teach them those basic skills but also how to become citizens who are empathetic, passionate and caring. We will have great schools, in my opinion, they would be on their way to a successful school.

Flipped Learning or No?

I am more of an independent, self motivated learner and I believe flipped learning would work for me. I believe that in order for flipped learning to be effective students have to possess a certain level of independence. To produce the work required of students they have to hold themselves accountable at all times or the learning style might be ineffective. Flipped learning has a unique concept behind it's creativity, in that it challenges students to learn on their own and return to class with knowledge about the assignment. Not only do the students get an opportunity to showcase what they've learned but show the teachers how well they learn on their own.

Black Teachers in Education

I recently read an article published in the New York Times written by David Jackson, titled "The Real Reason Black Kids Benefit From Black Teachers." The article discusses the significance of how having even just one Black Teacher can make a huge difference. As a black educator I know this is very important to our students including the black students. Mainly black students because being of the same racial background the students feel that they relate more to them. Relating not because we came from similar neighborhoods or upbringings but simply because we look just like them. I am able to reach the students I work with for many reasons. There are times when a student feels that no one can feel where they are coming from and I use those experiences to listen to the students frustrations and concerns in order to possibly change that students thought process about whatever he or she is struggling with. In the article Jackson says "The fact that my skin colors matches that of my students doesn't give me any superpowers as an educator. But it does give me the ability to see them in a way that is untarnished by stereotypes, biases and cultural disconnects that fuel inequality and injustice." This quote speaks volumes because many times being of different ethnic backgrounds than someone else can make it difficult to sometimes place yourself in someone else shoes. The media can sometimes aid in the stereotypes placed upon different groups of people. That alone makes it hard in the educational field.

The positive and negative aspects of technology

     Technology has created new and innovative ways to teach students. Technology offers students opportunities to learn new things while engaging and interacting in their educations.Classrooms have become technologically advanced, incorporating devices such as Chromebooks, iPad, smart boards and even smart pens that assist with reading to name a few. Teachers are using interactive learning games such as kahoot, plato web and edgenuity to help students prepare for tests, practice what they've learned and to help students take what they've learned from short term to long term memory. Technology can interfere with the learning process because students can sometimes spend time on websites not related the course.
     Technology can aide in education but doesn't replace a human being. Technology cannot provide the insight and emotional connection that a teacher can provide a student. It also doesn't always give the students the motivation that they need at times, they can become uninterested after sitting in front of a computer screen after so many hours.

I am so excited about my journey to becoming a teacher. I hope this tech class can give me some valuable insight to the technology world in education. I am excited to learn the innovative techniques to teaching students through creative technology. I look forward to learning, working together and being successful with technology in education.