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Personalize Learning Home Learn More Inspiration About the Author
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About the Author
I graduated from San Diego State University in Fall of 2006 with a degree in psychology. After that, I then went to (way) Northern California to get a multiple subjects teaching credential at Humboldt State University. Now, I am a 4th grade teacher in California. I am quite content with my dream job - and am so excited at all the opportunities that have come my way!
I love to balance hard work and fun in my classroom. If you walk into my class on any given day, you will be welcomed into the organized chaos. Students work throughout the classroom, and are collaborating on a variety of activities. When I am not teaching adorably sweet/squirrelly children, I like to watch movies, play games, reading, and hanging with my hubby and two kitties.
I love to balance hard work and fun in my classroom. If you walk into my class on any given day, you will be welcomed into the organized chaos. Students work throughout the classroom, and are collaborating on a variety of activities. When I am not teaching adorably sweet/squirrelly children, I like to watch movies, play games, reading, and hanging with my hubby and two kitties.
Reflections on your Journey
My experience in the Innovative Learning Master's Program has been challenging and rewarding. The program forced me to branch out, and try new things. From that, the program also taught me how to be comfortable with failure, and to figure out what to do next. I appreciated the support from my teachers as I ventured out to try new technology in my own classroom, as well as a listening ear from my cohort as I explained either a mishap or a success. Lastly, I enjoyed being around such brave teachers - always willing to try something new, and share ideas with others. I am a new teacher because of this program!
Lasting Learning from the Innovative Learning program
The Innovative Learning Program has taught me so much. Through the sessions with my cohort, as well as my own experience in my classroom, I had a few major takeaways:
- Don't be afraid to try something NEW (especially when it comes to technology in the classroom)!
- Students generally LOVE technology, and at times, know about apps/sites more than I do...
- Choice in a classroom is priceless - what better way to have student "buy-in?"
- Visuals are key. Think images, videos, infographics, etc., as a great way to communicate information.
- Don't be afraid to try something NEW (especially when it comes to technology in the classroom)!
- Students generally LOVE technology, and at times, know about apps/sites more than I do...
- Choice in a classroom is priceless - what better way to have student "buy-in?"
- Visuals are key. Think images, videos, infographics, etc., as a great way to communicate information.
TPACK Reflections
The "T" in TPACK has been the area of focus for me, and I believe the growing focus for educators as we make our classroom fit for our students the 21st century. My research and application in my classroom is focused around technology. More importantly, I used the SAMR model to make sure that my students we learning and creating in ways that would be impossible without the technology.
As teachers work to improve their "T" area of the TPACK model, and hope to meet the needs of their (iPad using, app downloading, youtube using, google searching) students - I hope that they look to this website and the resources available in order to have something they can use and apply in their own classroom.
As teachers work to improve their "T" area of the TPACK model, and hope to meet the needs of their (iPad using, app downloading, youtube using, google searching) students - I hope that they look to this website and the resources available in order to have something they can use and apply in their own classroom.