Well, after much trepidation I have started a blog. I have read blogs, contributed to other blogs but this will be my first venture in putting myself "out there".
My name is Marsha. I am married to the perfect man for me, mother to four wonderful kids and a part-time SERT (Special Education Resource Teacher). I love teaching and I love staying at home so I really have the best of both worlds by teaching part-time. I love to read and I have a wide variety of interests. Some of my passions in education include: children's literature (I am always reading kids books to look for good additions to our library); language arts instruction (I am always striving to help students work on improving their fluency, comprehension and enjoyment); working in collaboration with occupational/physio/speech therapists (I have learned so many things from these professionals and the students benefit so much when their therapy is incorporated into their school life); IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and how to make them relevant and helpful to classroom teachers.
I have just started taking a university course on "Digital Technology for Learning" as part of my professional development (and thus the impetus of this blog). I am not going to lie, I was pretty nervous about starting this course since I am pretty old-school when it comes to technology. I prefer books to e-readers, I don't have Facebook or Twitter, I just got a cell phone about two year ago and I don't even know how to text. However, I love to learn and I figured that this was an area that I could definitely learn and grow in. I also figured that it will have a direct impact on my teaching (new skills and resources) and improve my ability to relate to my students who love digital technology.
I firmly believe that technology can either hinder or assist in learning depending on how it is used. There is nothing inherently good or evil about digital technology but it can be used for good or evil. (For a good read, check out The Next Story: Life and Faith after the Digital Explosion by Tim Challies.) What I am concerned about is how the use of technology is changing our brains and our ability to sustain deep thought and concentration. (see links at the bottom of this post). I know that technology has a place in education--I am not a technological Luddite--but at this point in my career, I am not certain to what extent I am comfortable with it (thus another reason for taking a course on the subject). I guess I am looking for the right balance.
-http://www.challies.com/writings/books-e-books/the-next-story
-http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-565207/Modern-technology-changing-way-brains-work-says-neuroscientist.html
-http://news.cnet.com/Why-cant-you-pay-attention-anymore/2008-1022_3-5637632.html
Thanks for the post! It shows thoughtfulness and consideration. I hope that in this course we can help each other find "the right balance" and come to the conclusion that "the right balance" is different for everyone!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links!
Hi Marsha... i'd say you're off to a really great start!! :) This looks great and I can definitely tell that you love to learn and must be a great teacher! Hope the class goes well for ya!
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