Interesting Blogs and Websites

http://www.mrkaysclassroom.com/class-jobs.html

teachers.net

http://www.clearvieweducation.com/blog/2009/100-best-blogs-for-teachers-of-the-future/

http://twitter4teachers.pbworks.com/w/page/22554523/Elementary%20Teachers

Thing #3

For my education program, I can use a blog for future students to read so that they can better understand the expectations of the education program. If I post work, they can view it so that they know if they are on the right track. Not that I always am, but I can also talk about my mistakes with the assignments so that maybe they won't make the same ones. 

For my classroom, I may use my blog for several ideas. I could keep parents updated on progress throughout the year as well as offer details about projects that the students will be doing. I think that I could also post ideas and examples of work so that parents are aware of what the expectations are. It could also be a unique tool for displaying artwork that the children do. Classroom behavioral issues may be addressed in a blog. For instance, if children are talking too much during class, it may be posted on the blog for parents to see so that they may instruct children to talk less during class so that the teacher may teach and students can learn more during class time. The blog can be used for parents to get to know their teacher better by reading past blogs. It will likely make parents more comfortable with the teacher. 

Thing #2

Thing #2

Creating this blog was interesting. I have created blogs before, but this one was a little difficult for me to navigate. I'm sure that once I get the hang of it, I will prefer this one. It seems to have a variety of features that I can't wait to play with!  

I am familiar with many blogs since I grew up with technology. I had computer access from the age of nine. My parents bought our first personal computer when I was just in 5th grade. Of course, this was when it was only on dial-up (provided by AOL, probably version 1.0 or something) and it moved at a snails pace, but hey- everything was a little slower " back when I was a kid." Nonetheless, it was a very exciting time in my household, so that's how I began my love of the world wide web at an early age. I began blogging around the age of 14, and I really wish I could find the websites that carried my blogs because I would love to have a good laugh! Since then, I have viewed several blogs as a way to keep up with old friends and family members, as well as read instructions on how to "do it yourself" for at home projects and crafts. I am getting a little off subject here... 

Back to creating this blog- yep, it seems pretty cool... Can't wait to have a better look around. I added a profile picture. It's one of those face in the hole type pictures. I would recommend anyone create some of these for a good chuckle! Mine actually looks just like my mom's high school picture. :)

My avatar looks nothing like me, but hey I tried! I I was surprised that they had so many options, like I could add a bottle of champagne to my avatar... I didn't want to bring that little lush to class though! My avatar does represent who I want to look more like- a real smarty pants!  

Happy blogging everyone! 

Thing #1

Whew... I thought I was technologically savvy until I went in circles trying to figure out this blogger! 

Thing #1-

Of the 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learning, the habit that I find easiest is accepting responsibility for my own learning. However, this has only come with age and experience. I am a non-traditional student at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. I decided to go back to school only two years ago at the age of 24. I went to college right out of high school with no real desire to learn on my own. The independence that a university offered was a little too much for my sheltered mind to accept. After all, in high school, someone usually held our hands through assignments and thoroughly explained assignments several times before they were due. So, needless to say, I was overwhelmed. I had always done very well in high school, so how was I forgetting assignments? I was not accepting personal responsibility for my own learning. Of course, it must have been the professor's fault that I was not completing assignments! It was almost always someone else's fault. Only because I was not accepting personal responsibility. Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum, I am here again at Austin Peay, paying for my own tuition this time around, and accepting responsibility for my own learning. I have always had the desire to learn, but this time around I was (and still am) ready to continue expand my knowledge so that I can teach others one day and hopefully spark in them the desire to learn at an early age.

The habit that is hardest for me is viewing problems as challenges.  I understand that problems can usually be solved, but I typically avoid problems altogether when possible. I know that not many people go out looking for problems, but I prefer for things to work together perfectly all of the time! No, really, I understand that problems help build character and teach lessons, but I find it difficult to be optimistic when it comes to a good problem or challenge.

I chose my blog title only for it's initial purpose. I know I can change it later, so if I choose to use this as my classroom blog, I can always change it later and make my work available to others or even hide it if necessary. 

...On to the next thing! :)