Journal #2: Digital Storybook

This week we talked about Digital Storybooks. I think this will be a very useful skill to explore and practice. It is clear that computers are being integrated more and more in classrooms and curriculum. I like the idea of digital storybooks because they can be personalized. You are the narrator and creator; therefore you are the deciding factor of what it is you want your students to learn. On the other hand, no need to re-create the wheel if you can find credible digital storybooks online. UEN, PBS, as well as other reliable sources have digital storybook links with lesson plans that align with the objectives and standards.

Not only will this be a valuable skill for me as an educator to have, but my students as well. This makes for a fun new assignment for students. It is a great way to assess, rather than test or even present. For example, when I was in sixth grade we had to do presentations on the country that we were assigned. I think this would be a neat addition to that project. I only hope I will be experienced enough at that point to teach how to do it!

Journal #1: Why I want to be a teacher, incorporating media in the classroom

I have wanted to be a sixth grade teacher since....well I was in sixth grade myself. In addition to being the role model guiding me to new dream career, my teacher was extremely influential on the course my life took after elementary school. The projects we did in class were my first initial exposure to the performing arts, the interest I pursued thereafter. Now that I am in education in college, I am learning exactly how powerful and valuable the use of the arts in the classroom is on a child's education. I am avid in my endeavor to ensure the arts are the basis of my curriculum.
I fully support Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. I believe a teacher should draw on as many possible delivery and practice techniques as possible in the classroom to reach each and every child in their unique ability to learn. There are areas in which I feel comfortable in using, such as drama, creative movement, visual art, language arts, as well as hands on projects, however, I feel I am lacking in my computer skills. Luckily, we are required to take an education computer class before we enter the professional program. The class was useful but at the same time very overwhelming. I felt like we only had time to touch the tip of the iceberg of the use of technology in the classroom. I was excited to learn how to use power point, excel, and other programs, while learning about all the valuable resources there are for teachers on the web! I am eager (and nervous) to continue on these processes... I need much more practice and reinforcement on exactly how to use them. Media has so much value and potential, especially in classrooms today where young children's lives are ruled by the ever advancing technology. It makes sense that teachers try to be as up to date on the use of a computer as our children somehow manage to be!