Chapter 7 Reflection

I have watched so many people use databases and have been able to see their importance. Until this chapter, however, I did not see the power of them. I love Social Studies. I think it is probably my favorite thing to teach. I also love the organization of a database. The idea of using the two together is very exciting to me. Of course on closer inspection and more understanding of what exactly a database is, I realized that I have been using them all along( or a least for quite some time). I guess I just didn't think of what I was using. I wonder how often we do this. I use things automatically. By having more of an understanding of what it is I have been using, I able better able to see into my future classrooms and see how vitally important it is that I have my students use databases also.

Chapter 5 Reflection

Until I started reading this chapter and really taking a closer look around me in the classrooms, I never quite realized how little teachers use the media and technology. Every curriculum area can and should integrate technology. I think I am often a little intimidated with technology (although I am getting more comfortable all the time). I wonder if the majority of teachers who do not use very much technology are also, or it they simply don't think about it. I understand and appreciate the importance of technology in the classroom and in ALL curriculum areas.

Chapter 3B

This chapter taught me how many different ways there are to communicate with people. What an amazing thing to be able to share information with colleagues in a variety of ways. Of course I have always imagined talking to mentors on my team and even in my community about lessons and teaching in general, but I guess I didn't really think of the resources available to me outside my community. I love the thought of being able to share ideas with others and draw from them. I strongly believe that by working together we strengthen ourselves as teachers.

Chapter 4

I have learned some wonderful new things in this chapter and been refreshed on some things that I don't know if I ever really learned very well. The grade book tool is one that I will use regularly and I love the spreadsheet that was created for the unit. I think it amazes me to think of all the different ways technology can be used in the classroom, and what I really like is that even the small things that we can do introduces students to the larger ideas. I feel that the more comfortable I become the more I am able to open these ideas to my intern students and then to my future classroom. I am excited.