30 January- Google 2

I am learning about how to set up a website of my own. I have been able to play around with a few different page layouts, ideas, and themes that will work really great in the future.
It is nice to be able to play around with multiple tools that are going to benefit our future classrooms and working environments. I think the homework page that we put on our site will be super beneficial to work with as I continue through my schooling. A lot of times my planner turns into a big jumble of to-dos that I have to sort through to discover what is homework and when it is due.
This will be a beneficial resource as a teacher, not only for students and parents, but for myself as well. It will be nice to have something to update each day or week that will keep up with what is going on in class. Getting information for absent children and concerned parents will be easily accessed- what is going on in class, classroom announcements, or what homework assignments are coming up. I think parents are going to really like this part. When I was a student in elementary school, I was so tired of school that by the time I was home I would forget to have papers signed or not remember all of my homework that needed to be completed. It will be nice that everything will be so readily accessible for the students and parents.

22 January- Google 1

The only google tool I have ever used is blogger. In class learning about all of the different things that google has to offer was neat to me. The google docs is going to be an amazing resource as we go through the program. It is such a great way to work in groups without one person doing the whole thing and it is on a document type that everyone can use. I do not have Microsoft Office, so group projects often require alot of copy-paste into Open-Office. Google docs is going to save a lot of time.
Using the different tools provided by google docs will help in my future class. Students will be able to work on presentations together. They will all be able to work on it, with everyone at the wheel. Many times group presentations require the group standing around the one on the computer. This tool will help everyone be an active part in the project.
Assigning students writing projects with google docs can help with editing. I remember printing and re-printing papers multiple times until the document was finally what I wanted it to look like. On google docs, the student would be able to share their paper with the teacher. The teacher could then do some editing and the student could fix the problems without printing the paper once. This would help with some budget issues as well for many schools. This tool will also be helpful when working with other teachers. Other teachers will be able to see and change your lesson plans, presentations, spreadsheets, etc. With the help and input from other teachers lesson plans could become much more meaningful and useful.

13 January - Why Teach?

I had a great elementary school experience. I had great teachers and they are part of the reason I want to teach. I want to make a difference in peoples lives, what better way to do that than to teach. I love working with children. I have been helping and working with children younger than me since I was 8 years old. I have loved getting so many different experiences, and I have learned so much from each of them. I am excited to continue to learn from children as I continue working with them.
I have went back and forth on what grade I want to teach, but I have been thinking early childhood now for a while. I worked in a daycare for over two years with a class of three year olds. Teaching them new things and watching them understand is one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. The way their eyes light up when they make connections, do something new, or even when they are just playing is something I look forward to. They are so full of life and love. Young children have such a big desire to learn, and I cannot wait to help to facilitate that learning.