Blog in the Field

To gain more perspective about technology integration into the classroom, follow Cathy Jo Nelson's blog by clicking HERE. She is an educator who believes strongly in technology integration into the classroom. Cathy Jo Nelson discusses her views on integrating technology and self reflects on her school's integration. Nelson states that her school is promoting the use of technology for learning into the classroom while also decreasing paper use. Nelson also states that some of her colleagues were reluctant to change their lesson plans in order to integrate more technology into the classroom. That is understandable, but I believe that small changes can be made to the lesson to integrate some sort of technology. Also, it was not integrated at the very beginning of the school year because the district Nelson works for went with a soft launch approach. Nelson also states that only about 30% of her colleagues are using the system of ItsLearning. Training has been offered in Learning Management System (LMS) but some of her staff have not received the proper training yet.
I think this is a great blog to follow to gain a further understanding of what is needed when it comes to technology implementation in the classroom. She provides many well-rounded views of several aspects of teaching and has hope for the future. She states that she sees a light at the end of the tunnel! That is not only a great attitude to have about teaching and implementing new techniques, but also a great perspective to have for life.

Technology in Education

Integrating technology into the classroom can be exciting, fun, and extremely beneficial to students. Since we are constantly progressing with our development of technology, there are becoming more and more reasons to integrate technology into the classroom to enhance the learning of students. If you are unsure about how to integrate technology into the classroom, and need a few tips, click HERE. This article gives three tips that all teachers can do when learning how to properly and successfully integrate technology into their lessons.

Since I am majoring both in elementary education and special education, I have all the more reasons to use technology in my classroom. I have seen iPads used in every special education setting that I have been in. There are some great apps for the iPad that help students with learning concepts in Math, Spelling, Literacy, etc. When the iPads are used correctly, it is a great tool for the students. The prevalence of Smart Boards is also rising in classrooms. Smart Boards can be great for instruction in a regular education classroom in order to reach multiple students, whereas iPad use is more one on one or individual. There are many types of technologies that the schools are beginning to adapt, but first, the teachers need to know how to use the technology and when it is appropriate to implement the technology into their classroom to enhance the learning of students. 

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that each and every child learns differently and it is our job as a teacher to find out the way that they best learn, and then present the material to them in that way. This goes along the lines of Howard Garner's Multiple Intelligence theory. Basically, it says that there are many ways that a child can learn. These include: visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, and logical/mathematical.

Including this logic into the classroom is not all that difficult. I hope to include several of these types of learning into each lesson. Therefore, all students who appeal to those way of learning will learn in their own way, with also seeing different ways to look at the situation. Now, of course it would be very difficult to include all seven intelligences into one single lesson, but throughout the day or a week's lesson, all seven types of intelligences should be introduced in the classroom in some way. 

About Me

To start off, my name is Alyssa and I am from West Bend, WI but I moved to Oshkosh when I started attending the university. I am currently a Junior at UW-Oshkosh and I have a dual major studying Elementary Education and Special Education (middle childhood through early adolescence.) When I am not at school, I work at the daycare on campus as a teacher's aide. I also work at another daycare back home in the summer. As you might have guessed I love working with children! Some of my hobbies include reading, playing basketball, and spending time with friends and family. My favorite books are the Harry Potter series but I have a love for many others. I also play intramural basketball at Oshkosh with some of my friends. Although I do not get to see my family too often, it makes seeing them that more worth it. I have two sisters. Becca is eighteen years old and attends UW-Oshkosh as well. My other sister, Ava, is nine. I always look forward to the days that I can spend time with her back home. In Oshkosh I live with my two roommates, Lauren and Piper, who just so happen to also be my best friends.