November Article

For the November article, I believe students do need to be taught to filter the information that they encounter.  That’s not just the internet but anywhere else, from literature to someone’s’ blog. J   Students need to learn technology, learn its’ purpose but also learn its’ limits.  Just as I stated below, technology is a wonderful tool but it needs to be balanced and used correctly. 

Downes Article

For the Downes article I do agree that blogging is a good tool.  I don’t know if I feel as strongly that it is a means to close “learning in isolation”.  I believe learning via the computer is somewhat learning in isolation.  We are becoming digitized and to me it can hinder the social aspects of learning.  I also feel that with all the technology in writing, auto-correct or abbreviated versions of words, that students may not be learning good English and writing skills.  I do on the other hand believe it has great benefits.  It helps students who have fear or concerns about speaking on front of the class or within groups.  This tool gives them freedom to let down their guard to open up more.  It also allows students to communicate better outside of the classroom.  Whether talking about a concept or just a question this is a great tool.  I feel that blogging and technology in general provide great tools but there needs to be a balance.

Philosophy

For my ideal classroom I picture a classroom where all the students are comfortable, at ease, eager to learn, and having fun all at the same time. I want the students in my classroom to feel like they are an important part of a group reaching a goal together.

In order to achieve this I hope to teach students how to respect everyone in the class and the ideas that they bring. I hope to reach out to each student so that they know they are a special and an important part of the classroom by allowing them to speak and interact as much as possible. I will provide students with an active and engaged learning environment. I want students to come class excited and wondering what they might do today because each day is a different learning experience.  With these thoughts I feel I identify mostly with the Constructivism views.  I also want students to have as many " real experiences" in learning as possible.  I believe that we learn the best from doing and seeing.  I also feel that taking those experiences and analyzing them and discussing them with others provides a more lasting experience that will stick with students.  If they have an “ah-ha” moment they will remember it far better than memorization.

I also agree with some areas of the Pragmatism school of thought, which surprised me.  I know that each student is individual with different needs and learning abilities. I will spend time learning my students and their needs so that I can provide the best learning environment for the students within the class.  Students are always changing each year so I like the idea of a diverse curriculum as this school of thought states.  I think that children are on such different levels and learn in different ways that a diverse curriculum would be beneficial to all students.  I would like to have a curriculum that is free take the content and alter the teaching method to fit the group of students at that time.  Because “the only thing that stays the same is everything changes.” (T.Lawrence)  .  I hope to learn and use technology to informate as many opportunities for active and diverse learning in the classroom.