The benefits I gained from participating in It Minor were numerous. When I walked into the classroom, I was very concerned because I knew very little about computers. I knew how to do what I had to for my job, but that was all. I also knew I wanted to learn how to use technology in my classroom. I am excited to have learned to make a blog and a website. I can see how both will enhance communication with my parents. The Soft Skills were a welcome break from the hard-hitting demands of Excel and web design. I needed the sessions on stress, because I felt stressed many times. I enjoyed learning my personality type, ISFP, although I could have pretty accurately predicted the outcome. I did enjoy Excel and can see how it can benefit me and my students, particularly with the forms I learned to make. I especially liked PowerPoint and think I will be using this often to enhance my lessons. I also learned I need to update my internet service! I thoroughly enjoyed the class and learned much. Some days too much! I would love to be able to retake the class after having an opportunity to practice using these skills. Thanks for being patient. I couldn’t have succeeded without the support of my classmates and excellent instructors.
I can’t believe that this class is coming to a close; we are getting down to the “nitty gritty”. It is going to be a very busy last few days getting all the assignments completed. I’m glad that we are having extended lab time enabling me to get more practice and hopefully finish some things. It’s amazing to think back over the vast amount of things I have learned. I enjoyed the procedure for learning the original 13 colonies. I can see how this will help the students want to learn. I agree with Catherine that learning can be fun!
Today was a good day! It was fun finishing up our brochures and our headers. It was helpful talking about conflict. I know that I avoid conflict at all costs, which can be both good and bad. I have always been the peacemaker in our family. I need to work harder to more assertive, especially when I know I am right. Have a great 4th of July weekend!
Stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize. This class has made me feel stressed, rather I have made myself feel stressed. I put too much pressure on myself to do well. I feel threatened because I doubt my capabilities to work up to the standards I set for myself. When I was doing my Excel project, I started Friday evening and completed it Saturday, because I knew if I didn’t have it finished before Sunday, I would be a basket case by Sunday evening. I did have the thought a couple of times of the flight response thinking that maybe I bit off more than I could chew, but I know with the help of the instructors and my classmates, I will succeed.
The best inservice I attended was not really an inservice. Being a Reading First teacher, I get the privilege of going on colleague visits. I get to go into other teachers’ classrooms and observe them teaching. This gives me the opportunity to see the classroom to get ideas for arranging, decorating, and utilizing space to the fullest, plus see different styles of teaching. I think this needs to be made available for all teachers – beginning and seasoned.
My favorite URL is jigzone.com. After a hard day at work I like to come home, get comfortable, sit down at the computer, type in http://www.jigzone.com, and work the puzzle of the day. If others in your family enjoy jigsaw puzzles, you can have a running competition. If you are a super sleuth at puzzles, you can change the number of pieces and the cut to make it more challenging. This is a super way for me to relax!.
It is very difficult to be a good listener. I can be easily distracted by outside noises or movement. I need to work harder and practice being more focused on the person speaking and clear my mind of everything else. I have become so used to casual conversation where I do not have to remember every word. that listening for the purpose of learning has become very challenging. I need to look at the person speaking and respond appropriately by nodding or paraphrasing what he/she is saying. Since I know I need help in this area, hopefully, by realizing this I will become a better listener.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj875fALJnk
Self-initiated learning puts the responsibility of the learning on the learner. The student has many choices: what he/she wants to learn, when he/she wants to learn, and from whom he/she wants to learn. The benefits would be many, but the down side would also be many. If a child is not motivated this approach would be very difficult.
I was very frustrated at home Tuesday after class. I did change my blog before I left the classroom, but I thought I would do some practicing at home. I was unaware that some of the themes would not allow you to log in. I spent quite a lot of time to no avail. I felt very frustrated.