Blog Post #1

I enjoyed reading and listening to all of the motivation ideas in Krissy Venosdale's blog.  She would be an amazing person to collaborate with.  Thankfully, with help from technology, I can peep in on her ideas whenever I choose.  I found that she has a way of connecting with her audience. I can almost imagine how she connects with her students. This connection is very unique.  You can see from her writing's that she is very inspirational and will be a great asset to follow.  Believing in a child is very important for the student and teacher.  By believing and showing trust, you form a bond that will be very important in the learning process.

In Venosdale's blog post, "If I built a school, What would it be," I found that you must have a broad imagination.  Once you reach in to your inner self, all imagination is possible.  Sometimes it is very hard to think deeply about a subject and put into your own words, but once you find your thought's you can begin to imagine.  First, you would have to realize that there is no wrong to imagining.  You can not be told what to imagine, it comes from within.  This will be very instrumental when teaching student's to write there own thoughts.  

If I built a school, it would incorporate a self organized learning environment.  It would have some structure to it, but would also allow for student's to give their own input.  This would allow for each student to grow in their own unique ability.  Classrooms would be filled with cheerful colors.  There would be many motivational quotes hanging on all of the walls.  The atmosphere would be one that gives the student the feeling that they matter.  Student's would be allowed to give their opinions on varies topics that would in turn allow the teacher to know what she needs to focus on.  Student's will be introduced to technology through the Smart Board and other electronics.  Students will work in collaboration during this time so that each student will become comfortable.  The more comfortable you are, the better learner you will become.

I enjoyed watching the video with Sugata Mitra.  I feel very fortunate that I was given the opportunity to listen to this awesome speaker.  His ideas are amazing and I am very excited to learn more of his ideas.  The self organized learning environment, "SOLE", is proven to be very beneficial to all students that have come in contact with it.  It is amazing to see just how much students learn from collaborating with one another.  When they were first given the computer to when Mitra returned to get results proves that his techniques work.  We as educators just have to buy in and believe in his beliefs.  I find it very hard for the educator that has been in the field for many years to accept these new changes.  If the educator is taught upfront his techniques, I find that it will be an easier transition for both student and teacher.  

Methods

What I want me students to know:

You can make a difference in this world.  You must learn to believe in yourself.  By believing in yourself, you will learn to trust yourself and in turn become an awesome student.  No question will be left unanswered.  Together, we will succeed.

What I want my students to be able to do:

Use your ability to the max.  Ask questions if you feel uneasy about a topic.  Collaborate with fellow classmates and let them learn from you and you do the same.

My primary way of teaching my students what I want them to know and do:

I will begin my school year with direct structured instruction.  As the year progress and the students are comfortable with me and their classmates, we will begin collaborations when new material is discussed.  Student will be allowed to think outside the box so that their imagination can grow.

The tools I will use in my classroom:

I will utilize the Smart Board, ipads, computers, and any other technology available to advance my students.  

The role my students will play in the classroom:

The role of my student will be one with very high standards.  They will be given the task of growing their knowledge to the best of their ability.  They will also be able to hold the teacher accountable for the same standards.