Imagine It ? Imagine It? This project really its home for me. Why you may ask? Who could have imagined that my students would use technology in order to learn about the human body. Imagine that, I say to myself over and over again. What may be viewed as an easy task for most, is a seemingly daunting task for me, Why because there are always dilemmas teaching in a "neighborhood" school. As a matter of fact, I was very pleased to read a book that addressed teaching dilemmas in urban schools. I wasn't surprised by any of the dilemmas they shared, because I too have experienced similar if not the same dilemmas. I truly believe I have experienced dilemmas that were far worst. However, I was glad to read the testimonies of teachers and know that I am not alone. I felt empowered after reading the book, because I know now there is no "right" or "wrong" solution. There is no longer a need for despair and frustration over something beyond my control. The only thing i can do is teach my students to the best of my ability and sincerely hope I reach one of them and perhaps learn from them as well,
Speaking of learning from others during this process I had the privilege to share my ideas fo r this lesson as well as my goals. although, both colleagues perspectives were totally different. I am glad that I chose to increase my knowledge in order to benefit my students. Despite, the politics and lack of resources I will strive to continue to educate at all costs. Hence, I chose my senior level class to act as my focus group. I thought utilizing the senior class would be a great idea simply because they are about to venture off into this thing called "life". Whether that life be in a collegiate or career setting is of course their choice but technology is sure to be present either way. Therefore, I introduced my students to google classroom as well as the creation of their own Weebly pages. After the introduction of both lessons I had students to write a brief reflection on the incorporation of technology into the classroom as well as my implementation. The consensus was all students liked the fact they had been exposed to technology in this manner because they hadn't before. However, some expressed fear, and a a sense of feeling overwhelmed with the thought of just using technology. Moreover, to my surprise, there were a few students who don't like using technology at all. How could that be in this day and age? I wonder. Moving forward, students had mixed reviews about Weebly. Unfortunately, some of them don't have smart phones and weren't privy to accessing at home, which of course limits accessibility. On the flip side 100% of the students loved google classroom. They even suggested that I should have implemented usage in the beginning of the school year. They really like the fact , that google classroom is readily available as a resource. They felt it helps them monitor and track their assignments. Needless to say, I am partially pleased with the results and students' work thus far. However, I feel that I am simply scratching the surface and I would love to do so much more. Unfortunately, with few resources incorporating technology its a seemingly daunting task. Oh how I envy my classmates and the things they are able to accomplish simply because they have technology at their fingertips. in round two some key items I would change would be to give the students more autonomy. Give them equity of voice in choosing what they want to learn and the delivery process they would most enjoy. Hopefully, by doing so students will take more ownership for their learning.
I was so excited at the beginning of this Imagine It project, Then mixed emotions and doubt begin to set in . The excitement I once had turned to anger, anger to frustration and frustration to despair. However, the despair turned to joy all because of students's actions. They begin to explore, and engage on their own without guided instruction. One student in particular shrieks with joy every time she is able to complete a task. Some are very proud of their work, which in turn makes me proud, Tr low.here were many highs and lows but a high points being two of my students were actually finalist for the POSSE Scholarship. Posse is a non-for-profit organization that identifies, recruits and trains students leaders from public high schools. These teams are then prepared through an intensive eight month program for enrollment at top-tier universities nationwide. Therefore, this is truly an accomplishment. They shared the integration of technology improved their abilities which enabled them to have a stronger interview presence with POSSE . One of my students actually landed the scholarship to Oberlin University, Sadly, she has declined the opportunity due to personal reasons. However, on another positive note those same two students are now applying for the GATES scholarship and plan to integrate what they have learned thus far as a springboard in the application process. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the project would reach such heights as these. Wow! Imagine that!
Speaking of learning from others during this process I had the privilege to share my ideas fo r this lesson as well as my goals. although, both colleagues perspectives were totally different. I am glad that I chose to increase my knowledge in order to benefit my students. Despite, the politics and lack of resources I will strive to continue to educate at all costs. Hence, I chose my senior level class to act as my focus group. I thought utilizing the senior class would be a great idea simply because they are about to venture off into this thing called "life". Whether that life be in a collegiate or career setting is of course their choice but technology is sure to be present either way. Therefore, I introduced my students to google classroom as well as the creation of their own Weebly pages. After the introduction of both lessons I had students to write a brief reflection on the incorporation of technology into the classroom as well as my implementation. The consensus was all students liked the fact they had been exposed to technology in this manner because they hadn't before. However, some expressed fear, and a a sense of feeling overwhelmed with the thought of just using technology. Moreover, to my surprise, there were a few students who don't like using technology at all. How could that be in this day and age? I wonder. Moving forward, students had mixed reviews about Weebly. Unfortunately, some of them don't have smart phones and weren't privy to accessing at home, which of course limits accessibility. On the flip side 100% of the students loved google classroom. They even suggested that I should have implemented usage in the beginning of the school year. They really like the fact , that google classroom is readily available as a resource. They felt it helps them monitor and track their assignments. Needless to say, I am partially pleased with the results and students' work thus far. However, I feel that I am simply scratching the surface and I would love to do so much more. Unfortunately, with few resources incorporating technology its a seemingly daunting task. Oh how I envy my classmates and the things they are able to accomplish simply because they have technology at their fingertips. in round two some key items I would change would be to give the students more autonomy. Give them equity of voice in choosing what they want to learn and the delivery process they would most enjoy. Hopefully, by doing so students will take more ownership for their learning.
I was so excited at the beginning of this Imagine It project, Then mixed emotions and doubt begin to set in . The excitement I once had turned to anger, anger to frustration and frustration to despair. However, the despair turned to joy all because of students's actions. They begin to explore, and engage on their own without guided instruction. One student in particular shrieks with joy every time she is able to complete a task. Some are very proud of their work, which in turn makes me proud, Tr low.here were many highs and lows but a high points being two of my students were actually finalist for the POSSE Scholarship. Posse is a non-for-profit organization that identifies, recruits and trains students leaders from public high schools. These teams are then prepared through an intensive eight month program for enrollment at top-tier universities nationwide. Therefore, this is truly an accomplishment. They shared the integration of technology improved their abilities which enabled them to have a stronger interview presence with POSSE . One of my students actually landed the scholarship to Oberlin University, Sadly, she has declined the opportunity due to personal reasons. However, on another positive note those same two students are now applying for the GATES scholarship and plan to integrate what they have learned thus far as a springboard in the application process. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the project would reach such heights as these. Wow! Imagine that!