Reflections

Reflection #1: Technology equipment

Technology use in the classrooms that I have observed thus far has been pretty limited. Most classrooms have the traditional technology equipment such as computers, TV’s, and projectors. What was most interesting was to see how they used in the classroom. One teacher had an interactive DVD that he used for an activity within his history unit. The students responded positively because it was something different than a lecture. The projector is most commonly used on a continual basis in the classrooms. Both the teachers and the students used the projectors for lectures, videos, power points, and Internet in the classroom. It has been disappointing not seeing any other technology used in the classrooms; it makes me wonder how accessible other equipment is to schools. The Puyallup School District is considered a middle class district, but is average when it comes to technology use whether it is equipment or websites.

Reflection #2: Rainier Beach is where my heart is

Observing Rainier Beach was an eye opening experience for me. My whole life I knew I wanted to be a teacher but I didn’t know what kind of school fit my personality. Originally I wanted to go back to Rogers High School which is where I went growing up, but I didn’t know it that would really be a challenge for me. Little did I know that one time observing Rainier Beach High School, would clear up my confusion about what type of school I want to teach at. Being in an intercity school I realized a couple things. Firstly, the stereo types that are put on the school by the media and the surrounding community are completely inaccurate. They want to learn, succeed, be social, and have a future. Yes, a good majority of their students come from poor broken homes; however, they still have the same needs as any other students in any other school. I realized that I want to be challenged to relate to students of different cultures, socio-economic status, and upbringings. Teaching at Rogers would be easier for me because my name is known and most all the kids are the same, I don’t want that. Secondly, it was disappointing to see the lack of finances the school had to provide good resources for the school. Their technology was completely outdated, they had minimal textbooks, and the maintenance of the school was not kept up. It was discouraging to see, however I walked away from those observations feeling like this is where I belong. I want to touch the hearts of the kids that are tough to get to and I want to help them be motivated to learn.

Reflection #3: Technology and Standardized testing

Technology can be a great resource used in the classroom; however in my Assessment Class I have learned that technology use doesn’t always prove to be a sufficient method for learning. Randy Dorn , the new OSPI guy, has opted to take the WASL testing out and replace it with the WCAP. The Washington Comprehensive Assessment Plan is supposed to start in 2010 and has two tests. The first text is called Measurement of Student Progress (MSP) which is for grades 3 thru 8. The second test is the High School Proficient Exam (HSPE) which is for high school students and is essentially reading and writing. The problem with these new tests is they will be done on computers. I am not sure how this is going to work. There are a couple of questions I have regarding this new testing process. Would these tests be taken at home or school? How would the schools monitor the accuracy of its grading? What about low socio-economic schools that cannot afford computers to take these new standardized tests? Even though this new test gives feedback immediately after the test is taken, there are many problems that arise with this new process. This test does not give an equal opportunity to every school; therefore it should not be in effect. In my opinion, there is no one standardized tests that would give every school and every student and equal opportunity to succeed.

Reflection #4: Technology at the 2B Basketball State Tournament

While watching my boyfriend's team play in the state tournament I noticed that I was surrounded by technology. Firstly, for every game they had broadcasting with commentators so people in the Spokane region could listen over the radio. Secondly, they had a jumbo tron that was in the middle of the coliseum that would post text messages written by spectators, players, and coaches. Lastly, there were two or three professional camera men that would tape the games and then post them on the venue's website or on demand. They also made highlight reels for teams that were in the winners brackets. Twenty years ago, with all the technology that they were using a 2B tournament, you would of thought it was an NBA game. Even though the team lost two games right away, seeing what they did for broadcasting and promotion was interesting.

Reflection #5: Learning Technology

I wanted to reflect on the technology in education so far. The websites that we learn about in this class is helpful, but it is only a snipit of what it does. I wish I had more time to just fiddle around with different websites so that I could become more familiar with how to really use it to my benefit. Learning one thing to the other can be overwhelming at times. I know I could be good at creating a website for my future classroom someday, however I am not good with keeping up on it. I have facebook and myspace accounts and I probably check them once every two weeks. I think that stems from me not being confident or creative with technology. I want to set aside more time to fiddle around with some of the websites we have learned and make it a higher priority.