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.