Being a graduate student has its ups and downs. Some days I am so eager to become a teacher that the wait is almost unbearable. I’m incredibly eager to get into the classroom. On other days, I feel unprepared and almost fearful of what is to come. It’s not that I don’t think I will be an amazing teacher; my perfectionism just gets in the way, and causes me to stress. Stories from current teachers and my professors often help and hinder either side of these feelings.
One of my biggest qualms is not having enough time in the day to educate my students successfully. Not only do I want to be a thriving teacher, but let’s face it, these days our jobs are on the line if our students don’t pass certain unnamed tests. Specials, sicknesses, assemblies and the more unexpected barriers like snow days all contribute to the uncertainties and panic. So I ask myself, “what can teachers do to counteract these obstacles? “ As I considered this, I fell across this article from USAtoday.com
This article is exciting! We are learning in class how we can use technology to better our classroom. Why don’t we use it in this way as well? Wouldn’t it be nice for students who get sick for long periods of time, to be able to ‘log on’ and keep up with class? What about if the entire school is out for a week because of a blizzard? I think most of us have been there whether as a teacher or a student. Although snow days are nice, it’s frustrating when we have to make up for them. Of course, there are holidays or special activities that can be sacrificed to allow make-up time. But even with these added days, it’s often still impossible to fit it all in.
Let me back up. In my last blog, I was infuriated that technology was going to eliminate teachers in Idaho. This is NOT what I am looking to move towards. But if technology can be used to enhance our schools and to help students get caught up (especially when it comes to testing years), I think this is a phenomenal idea.
Technology has come so far in such a short amount of time. I am sure in just a few short years; we will be able to utilize these ideas. I only hope that all the schools will have the resources to use them. That is another blog altogether.
Let me back up. In my last blog, I was infuriated that technology was going to eliminate teachers in Idaho. This is NOT what I am looking to move towards. But if technology can be used to enhance our schools and to help students get caught up (especially when it comes to testing years), I think this is a phenomenal idea.
Technology has come so far in such a short amount of time. I am sure in just a few short years; we will be able to utilize these ideas. I only hope that all the schools will have the resources to use them. That is another blog altogether.