From+My+Heart


 * F **** rom My Heart... **

I am so proud of my Wiki. I am proud of my Lesson Plans and the creativity I put into incorporating technology. I definitely learned that there is ALWAYS a more interesting way of instruction or student assignments than the first thing that comes to mind. I learned so much about so many pieces of technology I had no idea existed. I loved being able to be creative with the assignments I created for my students. I became passionate and proud about them - which tells me that my students will as well. There are so many different pieces of technology that can engage any type of learner, and I am a teacher who is all about doing different things to engage every type of learner. Interestingly though, in learning so many incredible ways to incorporate technology into my teaching, I also learned that using technology isn't always the answer. I discovered that although I want technology to be a foundation in my classroom (because let's face it, its the world we live in - and its pretty darn cool), I also discovered that I don't want my students to completely abandon traditional forms of communication and creativity. I think many things can be done better with technology - but not everything can. I don't want to incorporate technology into my classroom for the sake of it, but I want to make sure that I'm using the technology available in a way that will truly enhance my students' learning.

I also learned how excited I am to teach! Being able to write lesson plans and actually having to think up assignments that will cement and test students' understanding of the material was exciting and rewarding. I was reminded (in the midst of banal education classes) that I am passionate about English, I am passionate about students, and I am passionate about teaching. It was like finally getting to "do the stuff" (minus the students of course). I learned that lesson plan writing is a fun, but arduous process if done correctly. I definitely discovered that I will need to have boundaries in my teaching or I could easily spend countless hours trying to get my lesson plans just right. I am most proud of my lesson plans, though. I am proud of the creativity I was able to muster (especially when creativity is not my strong point). I did have some "brain-blocks" when attempting to think up assignments though. This, I know, can only be cured with more researching, time, and experience.

Technology keeps changing, the students I teach will keep changing. Teaching is, if anything, not boring. But in a profession that seems to adjust slightly from year to year, wekk to week, and day to day, I know the most productive thing I can do is to be what I encourage my students to be: A lifelong learner. My students have things to teach me, just as I will teach them. And as technology changes, I will commit to discovering all of the new and exciting ways to incorporate it into my classroom. I may not always have the answer, or understand the problem, but where I am weak, others are strong. I look forward to impacting the lives of young people, and being an example of a lifelong learner.

Signing Out, Alyse Andrews