Sunday Scoop (8/9/2015)

I cannot believe that it has been over a year since my last blog post!! So much has happened since then. I changed jobs, and colleges, but I'm still on track to becoming an educator. I guess there is no right way to get back into the swing of things with blogging other than just going for it, so I am linking up with Teaching Trio for the Sunday Scoop weekly linky party. (I'm really hoping to keep up with this every week! I really enjoying seeing what everyone else out there is up to!) I have seen a few other bloggers link up, and thought it would be a fun routine to start! I also figure that maybe this weekly linky party will help me stay on track with the tasks that I need to accomplish for the week, and actually get those things accomplished! LOL! So, here is my Sunday Scoop! I can't wait to see what everyone else is up to this week!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Currently August

My oh my, another month has come and gone too fast. Summer is almost over and another school year is quickly approaching. Schools have even started in some places! I have a friend who lives in Georgia, and her children started school TODAY! Yes, they get out of school earlier (in May), but it's only August 1st!!!! I'm glad I still have about two weeks left until school starts. I have my first meeting of the school year on Monday. I do not look forward to waking up early, but I am excited for what is to come this school year! Also, I look forward to seeing some of the kiddos that I had last year! Also, today is August 1st, and you know what that means....time for another Currently. Head over to Oh' Boy 4th Grade to link up with Farley for her monthly Currently linky party.

Here is my August Currently:

LISTENING to the television in the other room. Right now, my niece is watching Peg Plus Cat. It's about President George Washington, so I love it because it's educational! My nephew is having a friend spend the night tonight, and they are in his room playing XBOX right now. I keep hearing bursts of laughter every couple of minutes, and LOVE that they are having a great time!!

LOVING yes, you read it right, I'm sort of glad that Summer is coming to an end, and that Fall is closer to being here. I love colder weather, bonfires, the leaves changing colors, and cooking in the crock pot. It's also been so hot and muggy here lately, that I'm really looking forward to opening up the doors and windows and letting the air flow through the house while I have fall scented candles lit everywhere! I LOVE FALL!!

THINKING that it's awesome that I have completed day 1 of my diet. I just started today, and I'm doing a 90 day challenge with Body By Vi. I really needed to make a change and do something to get some of this weight off, and I've done the challenge before (but didn't stick with it), and it worked! So, I'm excited for this journey and sticking with it! (Despite the headache I have had all day, lol) I know I CAN do this!

WANTING to change up my blog design to something new, but I'm not sure to what? I like the design I have now, but I sorta want something different. I'm going to think about it over the next month, and who knows, maybe the next time you see my page you will see something a different!

 NEEDING to get my plans for the start of school down on paper! I already have a ton of ideas, and I know how I want to start out the new year, I just have to write it all down and make it official. I'm really excited for the new school year!

And last but not least, my official first day of all day prepping is August 11th, and the kids start on August 13th. That's less than 2 weeks away!!!! I do have a meeting this coming Monday, which will start the year out, but I have to go all day on the 11th, so I figured that is my "official" start day.

Good luck to everyone with the start of your school year! I look forward to seeing classroom pictures and reading blog posts of how the new school year is going for everyone!

Until next time,

Back to School Goals 2014-2015

Oh my goodness, is it already the middle of July!?!? Where has the time gone? I feel like school was just let out....but I guess that's how quickly summer vacation has come and gone. Only a few more weeks of sunshine and school will be back in session. I am linking up with Jess over at IHeartRecess for Back to School goals for the 2014-2015 school year. Last school year I didn't begin my career at the before/after-school program until April. It was a little stressful walking into the mess I did, but I was able to turn it around a little bit once the kids warmed up to me. I am really excited to start up this school year by being there on Day 1 and for the whole school year! I already have so many ideas planned, and things I want to accomplish with my students!

Here are my Back to School goals for the 2104-2015 school year!

Make sure you head over to IHeartRecess, to link up and to check out other teachers' goals for the upcoming year!

Until next time,

Currently June

It's already June and summer has officially begun! I cannot believe half of the year is almost over, but after a very cold and snowy winter, I'm glad that the sun is shining and summer is here! Here is my June currently!

LISTENING to "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles. It's her newest song being played on the radio and I LOVE it. It is such a beautiful song. If you haven't heard it yet, you should have a listen! Check it out on Spotify....(it's my newest way of listening to music online!)

LOVING that summer has officially begun! Like the song....School is out for summer, and I'm ecstatic!! Well, "work school" is over, that is teaching. However, I am still taking a full course load of college credits this summer to get some classes out of the way. I'm still happy that I have a summer vacation away from work, so I can enjoy some summer fun with the family, and my nephews, and my niece!

THINKING about planning a trip to the zoo soon! I just bought a zoo membership so I can take the kiddos to the zoo as often as I want to over the next year! Plus, the giraffes and zebras are back (after being gone for a long time), so I'm very excited to go back to the zoo! I haven't been to the zoo in almost a year, so it's a trip that has been long overdue!

WANTING my Grandpa to get better soon....over that last couple months he hasn't been doing well at all. He's in his mid-80's, and has had a long good life. He fell a couple months ago and hurt his neck, and since then things just keep happening. He is confused, sometimes not able to talk, and has been fighting pneumonia. He was improving a few days ago, but he is starting to fall downhill again. I really just want him to get back to himself again. I don't want to see him in pain, and I want him to get better. So, I just keep praying that he gets better SOON! Our family needs something good to happen soon!

NEEDING to blog more than once a month. I think that says it all....after starting my new job and being in school it seems I've only made one post a month - the currently post (which I'm glad I have been able to keep up with at least that post!). I'd really like to aim to make a post at least once a week! I'll get there eventually....I just gotta keep working on it!

SUMMER BUCKET LIST First I'd like to lose 20 pounds and exercise more. I probably won't lose it all over the summer....I want to be realistic, but 20 pounds is my overall goal to shoot for. I am starting another ViSalus 90-day challenge! If you haven't tried ViSalus and are looking for a new way to lose weight, I can give you more details. The shakes are really yummy and there are a lot of different kinds of shakes you can make like coffee, fruit, vegetable, regular, and candy bar flavored shakes! I also want to walk/ride my bike at least 3-4 times a week. The weather is beautiful, and I should be taking advantage of it by getting outside and exercising! I also want to pinterest some ideas for the next school year (which is also FUN to do)! I LOVE Pinterest! Last but not least, I need to transfer to another college this summer so I can complete my bachelors degree!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacation so far (or will be soon)!

Until next time,

Currently May

WOW, not only is it May, but it's almost the middle of the month! There has been a lot going on in my personal life this month, that my post is a "little" late. But late is better than never. I love linking up with Farley at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade for Currently! So, here is my Currently May!

LISTENING to the birds chirping outside! The weather is beautiful! Maybe a little muggy, but it's so nice knowing that the cold winter weather is long gone, and summer is right around the corner! I'm ready to swim in the pool again and work on my tan!

LOVING that there are only 15 days left of school, counting today! I only teach at a before/afterschool program, but I am counting down until the last day! Even though my next semester at college starts in two weeks, it'll still be nice to have more time off in the summer so I can enjoy the wonderful weather!

THINKING that I need to order books for next semester. I've been trying to look on Craigslist to see if I can save some money. The cost of college books is somewhat ridiculous! Yes, it's worth it....but I don't think they should be soooo expensive!

WANTING to plant some flowers! I went shopping the other day, and bought a tomato plant and strawberry plant. I went to two different nurseries to see what types of flowers they had and I saw some very beautiful flowers! I cannot wait to get a flower garden started!!

NEEDING to get things ready for summer semester....like getting my books, buying some new clothes, getting supplies, and making sure that I have everything ready to go for the first day!

SURPRISE I love finding new school teacher blogs, especially new teachers! Thanks to another teacher blog, I found The Brown Bag Teacher. She is a first year 5th grade teacher, and I haven't explored her entire blog yet, but I'm very impressed with what I've seen so far! You should go over and check her out!

If you want to link up with Farley's Currently Linky Party, head over to her page Oh' Boy Fourth Grade!

Happy Blogging,

Currently April

Wow! I haven't blogged in over a month! Definitely need to change that, but a lot has happened this last month. I cannot believe that it's April already! I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for Currently. Well, currently in April I'm....

LISTENING to Word World. My niece, thankfully, watches the educational shows! I think Word World is super cute, along with Wallykazam! Wallykazam hasn't had a new episode in about 2 weeks, so I'm hoping that they start showing some new stuff here soon. If you have a toddler at home, you should really check the show out! It is on Nick Jr (I think), and it's normally on at 1:00pm EST.

LOVING my new job! I was hired last month to work at a before/after school program. I work with elementary school students and am the director/lead teacher. I am responsible for EVERYTHING! I absolutely LOVE it! I'm grateful for the opportunity and experience, because it will help me in my career. All I've ever wanted to do is teach, so I finally get to teach kids every day, and I couldn't be happier right now!

THINKING about getting my hair cut....is always something I dread. Normally, this is because I'm always indecisive. I've had really short hair, and long hair, and every time I get my hair cut, I always go from one extreme to the other. My hair is past my shoulders now, but I'm thinking about going shorter. Then again, I think about keeping it longer because when I work out it's nice to pull my hair back into a ponytail. Decisions, decisions! LOL

WANTING to start summer semester already! My classes are scheduled, but they do not start until next month. I'm excited to get started on more of the main courses I need for my bachelor's degree. The real work is about to start, and I can't wait! :)

NEEDING to blog more often. I have really slacked over the last month. Honestly, starting this new job has been exciting, but it has taken up a lot of my time. I think I just need to plan a couple days a week and set a time aside to blog. I always love looking at other teacher blogs, getting ideas, "meeting" new people, etc. In order to do that, I need to blog more often and share the ideas that I have! It'll get better....I'm determined!

HOURS AND LAST DAY I work before school from about 6:45-9:15am, and then after school from about 3:00-6:00pm. The last day of school is May 30th. (But then my colleges courses will have started a week or two before that, so MY school isn't really over, LOL) However, I am looking forward to summertime and warm weather, and the chance to actually be outside! Maybe even start running!!

Now it's your turn! Make sure to head over to Oh' Boy 4th Grade and link up! And don't forget to follow the 3 rules! You need to go to the 2 blogs before yours, the 1 blog after, and leave a comment on all 3 of them!

Currently March

I am so VERY excited that Farley is still doing her Currently linky party!! I am still very new to the blogging community, and I loved this linky party and just joined for the first time last month. I have come across so many great teacher blogs through her linky party. If you haven't ever linked up with her before, you should! Here's my Currently March:

Listening: My niece loves dogs, and loves the movie Bolt! She could probably watch it all day! Normally she wants to watch Turbo....she LOVES LOVES LOVES Turbo! But she just saw Bolt for the first time, and I think her love for dogs has her hooked!

Loving: I'm SO GLAD the weekend is here! I have done a little bit around the house today, but for the rest of the evening I plan to blog a little bit, watch a couple movies, and relax! 

Thinking: Oh my, oh my, my 30th birthday is next Sunday. EEK! Seriously though, I'm not really freaking out....I feel 30, and I'm okay with the number. The only thing that I don't like is that I am STILL in college, but I guess that's a good thing too. I didn't give up on my dream, it's just taking me a little longer to get there. Switching my major a couple of times really hasn't helped, but it is what it is. I'm actually excited for the next chapter in my life. To celebrate, I want to go on a road trip somewhere. Not sure where though....any suggestions? I've thought about planning a trip for the summer, I just need to figure out where I'm going first!

Wanting: I rented a couple movies that I'm excited about watching. "Last Vegas" looks hilarious and I love all of the actors who are in it. I'm hoping it will be a great comedy. "Enough Said" also looks really good. It looks like a good mix between a romance and comedy. We shall see if they are any good....but I'm ready to relax and watch them tonight!

Needing: I am such a procrastinator when it comes to filing my taxes every year. It's silly too, because most people would want their money returned to them - and I do, I'm just slow with the process. I need to get my paperwork together and get it done ASAP!

????????: Can you guess what this is an answer to?? 

Thanks for reading my Currently March, and make sure you head over to Farley's page at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade to link up!

Currently February

So, this is my very first Currently post, and I'm so excited to link up with Oh' Boy Fourth Grade. I am VERY new to the blogging community, and I look forward to meeting new people in this linky party!

So, about my Currently......

LISTENING: I was obsessed with the Twilight Saga series when it first came out. Ironically, I knew absolutely nothing about the movie, even with all of the hype. I rented Twilight from Redbox, and I was hooked! I then went and bought the first book, and could not put it down! I read the whole series in about a month! Flightless Bird American Mouth is the song played at the end of the first movie. It is not a romantic song, but first became popular from this movie. I love the song - the music, lyrics, all of it. I could listen to it all day, no lie!

LOVING: My nails!! I gave myself a french manicure the other day, and I love them! Normally I just file them, rounded, and go on - but I was feeling girly the other day and decided to "go all out"! Now I'm thinking about painting them a different color. Maybe tan? Not sure yet....

THINKING: I need to start exercising....NOW! This has been a real struggle for me. I'm the person that says "I'm going to start my diet on....", and then it doesn't happen. Something always comes up that deters me from doing it. I need to stop letting things get in the way, and make it a priority. The treadmill is in the other room - I just need to get on it!!

WANTING: Warmer weather....Brrrrrr.....it's cold outside! Well, it's starting to warm up a little bit now, but it has been a crazy and cold winter! Living in Ohio, we get all seasons and I love it! My favorite season is Fall. I am a sweatshirt and jeans with tennis shoes kind of gal! I love summertime activities, but do NOT like the heat! I must say, with all of this snow and temperatures around 0 degrees or below....I am ready for Summer, which is very odd for me say!

NEEDING: I really need to get my class schedule ready for next semester. (I'm still working on my degree). Classes were posted the other day, and scheduling opens up on Monday - so I need to get a move on it -ASAP!

2 TRUTHS AND A FIB: Truth #1: I'm addicted to coffee! I LOVE it! My day is not the same without my morning cup of coffee. Truth #2: My favorite color is purple. Even as a little girl, my room was painted purple. If I buy my niece clothes, I'm always looking for something with purple in it. (I can't help it!) She looks so pretty in purple, but I'm also buying it because I love the color. :) Fib: I have not traveled all over the US. I have traveled to a few states, that surround Ohio and a little south....but not "all over". I really want to travel more though. I have been to KY, TN, NY, SC, NC, VA, WV, FL, and GA. (I think I got them all). I've never been anywhere west though....which is something I desire to do. I would love to visit AZ and CO - just to name a couple places. MN also looks very beautiful! I've seen so many beautiful pictures that have been breathtaking....but I'll keep dreaming until I can find the time and resources to make a trip!


Until next time,
Jen

Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner

Hello everyone! This weekend I was browsing through YouTube, and came across a video from Jamielynn Lake who posted a video showing off her life and teacher lesson planners she ordered from Erin Condren. I have always wondered where teachers get there organizers from, and have never heard of Erin Condren, so I was ecstatic after finding this video!! You can also visit www.erincondren.com to see more of her items for sale, but trust me, this stuff is awesome! I really like how Jamielynn Lake (who posted this video of her purchase) is planning to use her checklist in the organizer as her grade book. I love the idea of having everything all in one book! These organizers are a little bit pricey, but I think it is well worth it. I know I will be purchasing one for my first year of teaching! (I may even splurge and purchase a life planner for myself as well). One can never be too organized, especially when you're a teacher! :)







Until next time,

Jen

Blogging

Welcome to my first blog entry! (Well, my first entry written on my own anyway and not as a required assignment for a college course, lol). I am extremely excited to be a part of the blogging community! So far, I have explored some really great teacher blogs! I must say though, while it is all very exciting, I am a little overwhelmed. I guess I might be jumping the gun a little bit (starting this blog before actually being in a classroom), because I feel a little like an outsider. While taking the education technology course at college, I was introduced to some great technology and tools to use in the classroom that I have never heard of before. As I look at teacher blogs, I see link parties, and buttons/pins, and a ton of other things I have never heard of before. I'm definitely a newbie! :) But I think about when I first started this blog....and I knew NOTHING! I've never had a blog before (EVER), so this was all very new to me when I created this blog. I think I have come a very long way since then! And now for the "real blogging"....I want to get a jump into blogging and build a community around me, so when it is time to start teaching I have friends in this community that I can reach out to. I also want to share my experiences, ideas, etc. as well. I'm happy that my blogging journey has finally begun! I hope that you all enjoy my blog, and please always feel free to leave a comment - even if you just want to say hi! :)

One thing I want to start doing on every entry, is to leave a quote at the end. So, I hope you enjoy!

Until next time,
Jen


"There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fill you with so much quail shot that you can't move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies." - Robert Frost

Lesson Plan Supplemental Materials

The purpose of this lesson plan is to help students develop an understanding of the role of the U.S. government and the limits of its power. Students will also develop an understanding of what it means to be an informed citizen, and the power they have to make a change.

Common Core Standards:

Grade 8: U.S. Studies from 1492 to 1877: Exploration through Reconstruction

History Strand

Historical Thinking and Skills

                 1. Primary and secondary sources are used to examine events from multiple

                     perspectives and to present and defend a position.

Government Strand

Civic Participation and Skills

               18. Participation in social and civic groups can lead to the attainment of individual                  

                     and public goals.

               19. Informed citizens understand how media and communication technology                   

                     influence public opinion.

Roles and Systems of Government

20. The U.S. Constitution established a federal system of government, a         

                      representative democracy and a framework with separation of powers and

                      checks and balances.

21. The U.S. Constitution protects citizens’ rights by limiting the powers of

                     government.

In this Google slideshow, I will be introducing key terms and providing student with information about the United States government, the powers of government, as well as information on being an informed citizen and taking part in society.


Government Power and Citization Participation Web Games
This link will take you to a game that students can use to learn vocabulary words learned in the lesson. These games will reinforce information learned throughout the week, and there are different games that students can choose to play (so every student should find at least one that they like!)



This post-lesson assessment will be used to see what the students have learned throughout the lesson.

My Technology Lesson Plann

My Technology Lesson Plan

Growing up Online

Growing up online is a video that discusses how technology is taking over the lives of children in our society today. Everywhere you turn, at home, in school, everyone - technology is literally in the faces and hands of children around the world. This video discusses how technology can positively and negatively affect the lives of children today. Not just their social lives, but there personal lives as well and the family member around them.

1. A survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that in 2004, 67 percent of parents said the Internet has been a good thing for their children. However, this number decreased to 59 percent in 2006. In 2012, 69% of parents of online teens said they were concerned about how their child’s online activity might affect their future academic or employment opportunities, with some 44% being “very” concerned. Cite some reasons why parental support for their children’s independent internet use is decreasing. Why do you think the number of parents who reported the Internet being a good thing for their children has decreased?

I think think that more and more parents are becoming aware that there is a lot going on in the internet world, than they are not aware of. Some parents are afraid of predators, while other are afraid of cyberbullying. On the internet, not everyone is who they say they are. Not every child understands the consequence of what they put out on the internet, or the information that they give away can do. Pretty much, these kids are letting strangers into their personal lives without even knowing it. Some children do not understand the dangers that they could encounter. I think the number of parents who reported the Internet being a good thing for their children has decreased is because these children do not know or understand the consequences that their actions may have.

2. More teachers are using tools to try to detect cheating or deter students’ inclination to cheat. In the program, we see the use of plagiarism-detection tools like Turnitin.com and writing assignments completed during class time to make sure students do their own work and generate their own ideas.

How can we as educators stop students from using material they found online as their own work? Should that be considered cheating, in your opinion?

One educator states in the video that we should take cheating as a given. He further states that we should also not simply say that cheating is cheating, but that we should better define what cheating is. Personally, I believe that cheating is cheating. Taking someone else’s words, ideas, etc. is simply that - THEIRS. It does not belong to you if you did not say it or come up with the idea yourself. I think that the teacher who thinks that not all cheating is cheating, is wrong. I do not agree that rules should be bent, or that students should learn that cheating is okay sometimes. I think that cheating is wrong all the time.  

3. One student claims he "never reads books" but relies on summaries and annotated notes he finds on Web sites. He confesses that he feels guilty about this, stating, "I feel like I kind of cheated it."

In your opinion, should he feel guilty? Why or why not?

Yes, in my opinion he should feel guilty. He took a shortcut because he said he “didn’t have time” to read it. He said that he feels like he owes it to himself to read it, but that he doesn’t have time. He also acknowledges that he would have enjoyed reading it if he had. So, not only did cheat the read by taking a shortcut with sparknotes (and going against his school policy), he has cheated himself out of a good read. Romeo and Juliet is a classic story (that is the story he did not read) and had he read it in the first place, he would have been doing the right thing. He would’ve also had the opportunity to read a classic story, and as a teenager, it may have been a story that he could’ve related to since Romeo and Juliet were teenagers as well.

4. Before the Internet, in order to be seen by the world, you had to be portrayed in some form of mass media, and you had to be famous in some respect -- in the news, in politics or as a celebrity. Now anyone can be seen online by anyone else in the world. Some people have become famous for videos or photos they’ve posted (such as Autumn Edows).

In your opinion, should people like Edows, or others who become “ famous” through their online presence, be considered “celebrities?”

Has the ability to create an online persona, and receive worldwide attention for it, affected our cultural values?

In my opinion, no - I do not think that people should be famous for posting videos or pictures online. People should be famous for their talents - like singing, dancing, acting etc. Anyone can go online and posts videos or picutres. I think the the ability of creating an online persona, where people can view videos and pictures of people worldwide has had a defining impact on our cultural values. Anyone can posts videos and pictures online - anyone. In society today, younger generations think that the more “likes” you get on social media makes you “famous” or “popular”. But they don’t realize, someone who sings good and someone who sings bad can both post a video singing the same song. Does it make them famous? - No, I don’t think so. Talent is what makes a person a famous.

5. Shows like "To Catch a Predator" on Dateline NBC (http://www.nbcnews.com/id/10912603/) contribute to parental anxiety about online media. It is obvious that certain elements of programs like “To Catch a Predator,” and even this documentary, will likely increase parents’ fears.

Cite one current event from the past year where a young person has been affected (positively or negatively) by being active online. (find a linkto a news story, describe it in your answer to this question, and provide the link as well). Click here to see an example of what I’m looking for.

Rebecca Sedwick is a 12 year old girl who jumped to her death in September of this year She was bullied online, not by social media that everyone is aware of, but but new media. This article discusses how these new cites can be a harmful source and a new way for cyberbullying. These cites are ask.fm and KIK.  These are cites that everyone should be aware of. Cites like these, and cyberbullying led to the death of Rebecca Sedwick, a 12 year old girl.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/10/living/parents-new-apps-bullying/index.html?iref=allsearch

6. Teasing, lying, gossiping, threatening, spreading rumors or harassing online (and offline)can severely affect people’s self-concept and self-esteem and have an impact on their emotional state. In the program, we see one girl who describes flirting with boys and then revealing she was just kidding. She explains: "You wouldn’t do that to someone’s face, but online is completely different. ... No one can do anything. You’re at your house, they’re at their house."

In her quote, this teen is describing Suler’s disinhibition effects. Which one do you think it is, and why?

She was describing the Invisibility disinhibition effect. This has the effect of “you can’t see me”. While having an online conversation with someone, they cannot hear your voice, hear your reaction, or see the look on your face and vice versa. While online, you may do or say things you wouldn’t otherwise do. You can say what you want, and they cannot do anything about it. Simply, you are invisible in the online world.

7. At the end of the program, Greg decides it’s time for him to "disconnect" by going to the Coast Guard Academy, where he will spend seven weeks without cell phones or the Internet.

Have you ever thought about "disconnecting" from it all?

Do you think it would be easy or difficult for you personally?

What would you enjoy or dislike about disconnecting?

I have never thought about “disconnecting” from it all. I remember using the internet when the internet first started. I was a teenager, and since then, the online world has been a big part of my life. I use the internet for online schooling, research, and I do use facebook but I do not get on there every day. I think, if I ever wanted to disconnect, that it would be easy to do. Of course I do rely on the internet for information, I could still find other ways to get the information I need. However, I would still NEED to use the internet for my college courses. Cell phones are another story - I only have one phone, a cell phone. I do not talk on my phone all the time, but I do have it on my all the time in case of emergencies. I do not have a house phone, so my phone is something that I could not give up - simply because it is the only way I can make a phone call. However, I do have a smart phone, and I could easily disconnect from the smartphone world, and go back to a regular phone. It would be hard, because I’m so used to it (that would be the thing I would dislike about it), but I could do it!

Tech Tool Review

by Jennifer Jenkins

National and State Technology Standards

1. The purpose of the National Education Technology Plan (NETP) is to increase the number of college graduates who holds a two-year or four-year degree from around 41 percent to 60 percent by the year 2020. This will close the gap on the number of students who graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and in their careers.

I think that this goal puts a lot of pressure on teachers and students, however it is possible. Yes, this is a 20 percent increase - but there is still time to reach that goal. I think that these numbers may be scary to teachers and students and be a real wake up call, but it is needed. In order for America to continue and to be successful, our future depends on these children and what we as educators are teaching them.

2. Main Assumptions:

• Many of the failings of our education system stem from our failure to engage the hearts and minds of students.
• What students need to learn and what we know about how they learn have changed, and therefore the learning experiences we provide should change.
• How we assess learning focuses too much on what has been learned after the fact and not enough on improving learning in the moment.
• We miss a huge opportunity to improve our entire education system when we gather student-learning data in silos and fail to integrate the information and make it broadly available to decision-makers at all levels of our education system—individual educators, schools, districts, states, and the federal government.
• Learning depends on effective teaching, and we need to focus on extended teams of connected educators with different roles who collaborate within schools and across time and distance and who use technology resources and tools to augment human talent.
• Effective teaching is an outcome of preparing and continually training teachers and leaders to guide the type of learning we want in our schools.
• Making engaging learning experiences and resources available to all learners anytime and anywhere requires state-of-the-art infrastructure, which includes technology, people, and processes that ensure continuous access.
• Education can learn much from such industries as business and entertainment about leveraging technology to continuously improve learning outcomes while increasing the productivity of our education system at all levels.
• Just as in health, energy, and defense, the federal government has an important role to play in funding and coordinating some of the R&D challenges associated with leveraging technology to ensure the maximum opportunity to learn.

I think that many educators may take offense to the first assumption, because it may be taken as educators are not doing their “job” and teaching children effectively. Administrators may also take on this same feeling in that they are not running the district appropriately when they feel they may be doing the best they can. I think that some of these assumptions do seem harsh, unless you focus on the big picture of things. Students may feel like they are failing because their work is giving the school or district a bad score. However, in all aspects, change can only come from within - and it is up to everyone to make a difference. Administrators, teachers, and students need to work together to make a better learning experience.

3. Five Essential Areas

1.0 Learning: Engage and Empower

All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences both in and out of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society.

2.0 Assessment: Measure What Matters

Our education system at all levels will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use assessment data for continuous improvement.

3.0 Teaching: Prepare and Connect

Professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that enable and inspire more effective teaching for all learners.

4.0 Infrastructure: Access and Enable

All students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning when and where they need it.

5.0 Productivity: Redesign and Transform

Our education system at all levels will redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of time, money, and staff.

The 21st century competencies are critical thinking, complex problem solving, collaboration, and multimedia communication. While students are using these real-world tools, they are learning and given opportunities that will allow them to deal with real-world problems and they will be prepared for the real world. These competencies will allow student to be productive members in a competitive workplace.

4. The State of Ohio’s Education Technology Plan aligns with the National Education Technology Plan  by incorporating more technology in and outside of the classroom, building an infrastructure that will help the success of students and educators, and better preparing students for college and the real world. They big difference in which they are not aligned is that the State of Ohio Plan does not involve as much government input as the National Education Technology Plan details.

5. The two plans are aligned by incorporating more multimedia and broadcasting, more technology in and out of the classroom, incorporating federal programs, and expanding the data system. The difference is that the State of Ohio’s Education Technology Plan focuses on virtual learning, and the NETP does not gear as much towards that area.

6. I think that these measurements put a lot of pressure of educators and students when the expectations seems out of reach/not possible. It is hard to access the “number of students” in some areas. There may not be student who want to take college credits at the same time as high school, or AP courses. Some students may not want to take distance learning courses, or on-line courses. How can you base number on something that may be simply a student preference or not? That may be a hard “goal” to reach given that student preferences will be different.

ORC Lesson Plan

The lesson plan that I choose is a social studies lesson plan for grade 5 - titled First Amendment Rights - Grade 5. In this lesson, students experience (for a short period of time, approximately 30 minutes) what it would be like to live in a society where there is dictatorship. After the torturous 30 minutes comes to an end, the students get their voices back. Now the fun begins, and the students get to learn about the First Amendment rights they have and how they have an impact on their daily lives. Students will work together in class and in groups coming up with new ideas of how they can make a change in their school/classroom with policies that they do not agree with. Students will also keep a daily journal focusing on how their lives are affected by the First Amendment and what each aspect of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right of petition and assembly means to them. Students will learn how they can make a difference in their society (in school or in their community), because of the rights they have as citizens of the United States.

OHIO SOCIAL STUDIES ACADEMIC CONTENT STANDARDS (2010)

Grade 4: Ohio in the United States

Government Strand

Civic Participation and Skills

15. 

Individuals have a variety of opportunities to participate in and influence their state and national government. Citizens have both rights and responsibilities in Ohio and the United States.

Rules and Laws

19. 

The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of limited government and protects citizens’ rights; five of these rights are addressed in the First Amendment.

SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS (2001)

Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities

Grade Level Indicators (Grade 5)

3.

Explain the significance of the rights that are protected by the First Amendment including:

1. Freedom of religion;
2. Freedom of speech;
3. Freedom of the press;
4. Right of petition and assembly.

I think that there are many students that do not fully understand their rights as United States citizens. Most kids are under the impression that they have to go to school, listen to their teacher, do their homework, go home, listen to their parents, and then start over again on the next day. They may think they are just kids, but there is a bigger picture, an important aspect that this lesson will teach students - students are also citizens with a voice. All citizens in the United States have a voice, and a right to express their opinions and make changes on things they do not believe is right or fair to everyone. Even as students, they can make a change in their school and/or in their community. I will use this lesson to show that to students. I want my students to understand the importance of the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights and that these rights apply to them, even as kids -because they are citizens of the United States.

I think that the biggest problem with this lesson plan is that it may not be exciting enough for kids. Yes, it is interesting, but it could be more exciting. The start of the lesson has a big "wow" factor and will get the students' minds rolling - but that excitement needs to be sustained for the rest of the lesson in the days to come. So, I will need to research and try to incorporate a few more things into the lesson that may add some time to the lesson/change the length, but will make it more exciting and fun for the students. I think the part that would challenge the students the most is staying on task. The lesson itself is not too difficult for this age group, but at this age students may get a little "goofy" with this lesson. For example, students may want to change the food that is served in the cafeteria because they think it is nasty and they want it to taste better - but what their focus should be on, is how is the food unfair for students in the classroom and how can you make the choices fair/accessible to all students (i.e., what other options could be made available for students who cannot eat dairy products?). I think students will be challenged in thinking seriously and staying on task - but for the most part, I believe this lesson will be a learning experience that they will take to heart and take seriously once they understand the First Amendment a little better and how they truly can impact/change their school or society for the better. They may only be students, but they are citizens of the United States that have rights which give them power to make a difference!

https://ims.ode.state.oh.us/ODE/IMS/Lessons/Web_Content/CSS_LP_S06_BB_L05_I03_01.pdf