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Ita Hernandez Home Learn More Inspiration About the Author
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About the Author
Having two younger brothers to whom I loved reading to and often helped with homework assignments made me realize how much I enjoyed helping and teaching kids. So at a very young age, I knew that I someday I wanted to become a teacher. However, that journey to become a teacher was not an easy one. My family moved to Napa when I was ten years old. I remember being in my fifth grade classroom feeling lost and alone since I did not speak english. What helped me get through the first couple of years and learn english was through reading. I especially loved and looked forward to SSR time, which was my favorite part of the day. I ended up finishing 6th grade at Shearer School, moved on to Redwood Middle School and graduated from Vintage High School. I am a product of NVUSD’s schools.
I attended Sonoma State University where I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chicano and Latino Studies along with a concentration in Math. I then enrolled in the Teaching Credential Program where I obtained my BCLAD teaching credential.
I have been a teacher at Napa Valley Language Academy in Napa, CA since 2006. I have taught 4th and 5th grade. I have also worked at Harvest Middle School teaching ELD in the Newcomer Program.
I attended Sonoma State University where I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chicano and Latino Studies along with a concentration in Math. I then enrolled in the Teaching Credential Program where I obtained my BCLAD teaching credential.
I have been a teacher at Napa Valley Language Academy in Napa, CA since 2006. I have taught 4th and 5th grade. I have also worked at Harvest Middle School teaching ELD in the Newcomer Program.
Reflections on My Journey
Through the Touro Innovative Program I have learned valuable information and gained new knowledge as to what teaching looks like in the 21st Century. Technology is quickly changing the world of education and I believe that learning how to incorporate it into the classrooms is a must for teachers today.
TPACK (Technology, Pedagogical And Content Knowledge) is something I had not heard about before the Touro Innovative Learning program. During my credential program I learned about pedagogy, and content knowledge. Since it has been about 10 plus years since I graduated from a credential program technology was not a topic for discussion. The only technology that I learned about was how to create Powerpoint presentations. I was never taught about technology, or how to integrate it in the classroom either, because it was not something that was given priority. Fast forward to ten years and now technology is what drives our instruction. With TPACK, all aspects of teaching are closely connected to each other and all parts are equally important and necessary to make teaching more effective. I have not been a tech savvy person, but now with this knowledge about TPACK I will not just have students use google apps thinking it is using technology, but really integrating the content knowledge and and keeping the pedagogical content in mind as well.
From the student point of view, I can see how TPACK has been demonstrated and used throughout this program as well as the development of our own DQ and Capstone project.
While doing my research project on using digital tools to engage students in reading, I was able to see how incorporation technology provides a platform for students to actively engage in collaboration and communication. It is necessary to provide students with opportunities to collaborate, communicate and think critically so that they can be prepared for the 21st century.
TPACK (Technology, Pedagogical And Content Knowledge) is something I had not heard about before the Touro Innovative Learning program. During my credential program I learned about pedagogy, and content knowledge. Since it has been about 10 plus years since I graduated from a credential program technology was not a topic for discussion. The only technology that I learned about was how to create Powerpoint presentations. I was never taught about technology, or how to integrate it in the classroom either, because it was not something that was given priority. Fast forward to ten years and now technology is what drives our instruction. With TPACK, all aspects of teaching are closely connected to each other and all parts are equally important and necessary to make teaching more effective. I have not been a tech savvy person, but now with this knowledge about TPACK I will not just have students use google apps thinking it is using technology, but really integrating the content knowledge and and keeping the pedagogical content in mind as well.
From the student point of view, I can see how TPACK has been demonstrated and used throughout this program as well as the development of our own DQ and Capstone project.
While doing my research project on using digital tools to engage students in reading, I was able to see how incorporation technology provides a platform for students to actively engage in collaboration and communication. It is necessary to provide students with opportunities to collaborate, communicate and think critically so that they can be prepared for the 21st century.
Lasting Learning from the Innovative Learning Program
This program has made me keep on learning about all the new and innovative tools that are available to enhance my teaching. As I begin to incorporate my new gained knowldege, I can see the positive impact it has made on my students. I will continue to explore and learn more about all the different ways to incorporate technology in my classroom, so that my students can be ready for the 21st century.
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Above is my blog that has all my reflections from my Master's journey.
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