In the Technology for Education class that I've been in for the past semester we briefly touched upon the subject of "Digital Citzenship". We learned to use the website Prezi in order to share with other classmates what digital citizenship means to us within our classroom. So, what is digital citizenship? As stated on the American School in London, the definition of digital citizenship is : teaching users the rules of good citizenship online; this usually includes email ettiquette, protecting private information, staying safe online, and how to deal with bullying, whether you're a target or a bystander. Well...what might that mean in the early childhood classroom? It means that the children in my class would learn about internet safety, how to present yourself on the internet, and talking about cyber bullying. I find it important to teach these things in my classroom for the following reasons: a) Teaching our children digital citizenship early on can prevent cyber bullying in the later years. b) Teaching our children digital citizenship early on can show students how to properly present themselves online to peers, adults, and other citizens in the community. If taught early on, your students can learn that using the internet in certain ways can really help in the future. c) Teaching our children digital citizenship early on can show children the safe way to browse online, and what information is safe and not safe, etc. The main idea of digital citizenship in the Early Childhood Classroom would be mainly cyber bullying, protecting yourself online, and what information to use online, since I will be focussing on Pre - Kindergarten up to 2nd grade. Here is my Prezi explaining Digital Citizenship a little better:
And here is my works cited page for all the awesome sources that helped me make this Prezi!
After reading Chapter 3, and finding this image on google, it really put what I had just read into perspective. I would like to think of learning to unlearn as a skill that is difficult to achieve. Soooo. let's put this into context. In middle/high school I was always told Wikipedia was a terrible source. Never use it for ANYTHING! Once I got to college, and was writing my first research paper, my professor said go to Wikipedia and see what they have to say about the topic, and scroll down and get some sources that are on there. Never did I think that anyone would say to use Wikipedia. But, if I wasn't willing to get on board with Wiki, I would have never found such good sources or wrote such a factual research paper.
In my opinion, as teachers, it is important to always be up on current research, teaching procedures, and general information. Different ways of teaching are always being developed, and most importantly technology in the classroom is always changing. Just because you know powerpoint or simple windows programs doesn't cut it anymore. To be able to make the most of your classroom you need to learn many different technology methods and possibly unlearn the same old powerpoint lesson. I found an awesome website/blog called The School of Unlearning. It gives a lot of different ideas to kind of test your brain, and also information on Learning to Unlearn. As younger teachers something we need to think about is the fact that we may be the ones trying to get our older co workers to unlearn and relearn with new technology, and if we're not even open to new things, how do we expect others to as well? Thats why, we must be open to Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn, because that is not an easy trait everyone has. It is something not only yourself can benefit from but your co-workers and students too. Every new school year you should be unlearning and relearning with students, and easing the transition so they are able to share this trait as well.
I was introduced to "Flipped Lessons" in my Intro to Technology class, and I have to say I love the concept of flipped learning. It will only work if every student has a computer at home though, which is not something very common in Lawrence County. Although Flipped Learning seems to be more targeted for Middle - High school, I do feel as though it can be used in the Early Childhood Classroom setting. My flipped lesson was on finding the main idea, a simple concept that could be learned at home from watching this video. I enjoyed making my boards. I added a little "psychedelic" touch to mine :). My video needed two takes due to built up tension and screaming a not so "classroom appropriate" word at the end of my first video because I couldn't think of an ending. So, make sure you have your video planned out. I enjoyed doing this lesson, and this is definitely something I could see myself doing in my classroom as long as my students have the appropriate equipment. What I like about flipped learning is the fact that learning quick lessons = more in class time to actually apply what you have learned.
This is my first flipped learning lesson. It is on finding the "Main Idea" of a passage. This lesson is targeted towards a Third Grade class. Enjoy! Peace, Love, and Happy Teachings - Miss Caitlin
In my Math For Elementary Education class on Thursday nights we connect with BC3 main campus by using Interactive TV. You can learn about IT here.
The class is taught by Matthew Barker and in my opinion, he does a good job in making sure both parties have the same amount of interaction throughout the class.
This is a good way to bring people together that are trying to accomplish somewhat of the same cause. Although we have not talked about this specific type of technology in Tech for Ed, we have talked about ways to bring Connected Educators together and this is certainly a way to do so.
After doing some thinking I came up with ways you could use Interactive TV's in the elementary classroom
Pen Pals
Group activities with other schools in area
Talking to college students about why they chose their major
Talking to Important City Officials in the comfort of your own classroom (Being able to talk to a Mayor, City Council, even Governor of state)
But why is IT different than skype?
Although IT is still run off of the internet, it is actually built into the TV so it is easier for the children to see. The TV is special, so the chance of a glitch, shutdown, or lagging is very slim. It comes with a huge microphone to put on desk which makes it easy to hear what everyone in the class is saying. The speakers on the TV are also great. They are loud, and this also helps the "other side" hear what everyone is saying.
Having an IT in your classroom is definitely something to think about when you have a classroom of your own one day. Finding other classrooms that have them, and connecting could be something very valuable in your Early Childhood Class.
(Click on the Picture to open it up bigger in Wordle!)
I made this in Wordle. It's from my favorite Anmial Collective song Bluish. If you've never heard it, take a listen, it's a beautiful song. I always listen to their album "Merriweather Post Pavillion" when writing lesson plans. It's an awesome album.
On Twitter Tonight, I found what I believe is to be of the most moving videos I have ever watched in my life. I follow a woman named Sabrina Stevens. She is a fourth grade teacher and I really enjoy what she has to say. I follow her twitter, her blog on here, and also her personal writings on my personal tumblr. Today, she posted a video about bullying that has seriously changed me.
My personal take on bullying:
My classroom will absolutely be a No Tolerance Zone. As an early childhood teacher, I want my classroom to be a safe haven to express yourself however you want. I've always been a little different growing up. And, most of my life I've struggled with being bullied. Up until I switched schools in 11th grade, I dealt with everything from name calling to vandalization of my house and parent's car. In elementary school I was bullied a lot because of my physical appearance, and this was something that haunted me even in Jr. High/High school. I've been called every name in the book, and it has taken a toll on me. Only recently have I made mends and came to terms that I am happy with the person I am today, and it is something that I work on everyday. I don't think that people understand just how much getting bullied effects a person. This, is why it is so important for me to make sure that from an early age my classroom understands that bullying is not okay. Being different is great, and everyone is beautiful in their own way.
After coming across this tweet, I stumbled upon this video. It sums up the effects of bullying and shares stories of people who were bullied as children
If you do anything with my blog, I hope it is to watch this video and share it with someone. I am so glad that I have this professional twitter account and follow such awesome educators to share things like this. I am glad this Bully awareness video was made. As Early Childhood Educators, It is our job to make sure that our classroom is a safe haven for our children. I will do whatever I can to put an end to bullying and make sure that every child in my class knows they are very special no matter who they are and what they look like.
By the way if you want to follow my teacher twitter it is - crazycatteacher
I started following a blog called Teacher Tom. It's about the adventures, commonly discussed issues in education, and his stories of being a father and husband. Tom is a Pre school teacher, which is interesting, because you don't usually see many males in Early Childhood. Which, brings me to the topic of the post I enjoyed on his blog, "How Dare they tell me I can't be a Princess". You can find the post located here!
The post talked about raising a daughter and how he tried to raise her very gender neutral. At age 3, he saw the change when she was playing with dolls, wanted long hair, and refused to wear overalls. He brought this to his classroom, talking about how when asking a group of girls to play in their castle, they told him he could only be a king or a prince. This brings me to the question, "How do you feel about Gender Specific toys in the classroom?"
Obviously, in a Pre- School, or Kindergarten center oriented classroom, Do you think only girls should play with dolls? and boys should play with cars? In the picture you see to the right, it is very gender specific.
When I was younger I was the definition of "Girly Girl". It reflects in the room I have that would be any 5-9 year old girl's dream., in which I'm embarrassed to take any of my friends in today. I was all about pink, playing dolls, and playing house. I wouldn't say that I was brought up as a girly girl. Although, the shock on my parents face when I said I wanted to be a plumber in my Kindergarden play about what we wanted to be when we grew up, they still smiled and cheered on their daughter, the only girl on the stage singing about being a plumber when she grows up. I attended Kindergarten in 1997/1998. 11 years later, do you feel as though times are still the same? Or, would more girls be on the stage?
If bringing gender neutral toys in your classroom is an option, then I feel like not every girl in your classroom would want to be a movie star, and more would want to be plumbers. It is important to me in my classroom that toys are very gender neutral. In Teacher Tom's blog, he talks about playing with the kids and asking to be mommy or princess, and fighting back when the kids say no. It seemed as though he did have gender neutral toys in the classroom, but he said he still sees the pattern of girls hanging on to the fringe, and boys to their cars.
On the left is a picture of the type of kitchen I would have in my very own classroom. The colors and patterns are neutral, and I feel as though would attract both boys and girls.
No, I don't think that trying to force my boys to play the mother role in house in necessary. But, I will encourage them to pick up a doll, and care for the doll. Also, I will encourage all my girls to pick up the tool box every once and a while and fix up the classroom. I like Teacher Tom's view on making sure gender is equal in the classroom. I feel with gender neutral toys, it clears the air of any gender discrimination thoughts in the future, and through out looking at other posts, I see that his classroom tends to run as smooth as a Pre-K class can.
After getting a chance to read this post and get my thoughts stirring about Gender Toys once again, I realized that the Pre-K Centers at my job (A daycare) have very gender neutral toys, and the children in the Pre-K are more prone to play outside of the stereotypical gender roles. Just the other day, a group of boys were in the kitchen wanting to make me breakfast, and girls had the play microscope out with bug slides, acting like they were looking at bugs they found dug out of the ground. It brought me back to the constant reminder that I think is always important for us to know as teachers;
I'm a Sophomore at Edinboro University, majoring in Early Childhood Education.
Despite being a full time student and working at a daycare part time, I still love to adventure in my spare time.
This is my cat Bridgette. She's my Princess...Basically my Daughter :]
Music is a HUGE part of my life. There's nothing better than getting in the car with your friends, and driving to the city to go to a show. I've been attending many shows/concerts since I was in Junior High. Here is a video of one of my favorite bands, Stray from the Path
I recently took a road trip to go see this band in November with a few of my friends. We went to Buffalo, NY.
So, just from viewing this post so far you can tell that I'm very interested in cats and music. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends in my free time, going camping, music festivals, tattoos, writing, shopping, and baking.
Things you might not know about me:
I graduated from LPPACS (Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School) in 2011.
I was in the writing department. I like to write fiction, non-fiction, and I attempt to write poetry....attempt.
I have 5 tattoos. None are visible though! Most represent family and major events in my life.
I'm not the typical Education major, but in my opinion it's good to be different, as long as you're always keeping it professional and classy!
What are my first impressions of this class? :
I feel as though I am really going to enjoy Technology for Education. I am excited to learn about different programs and bring something different to the table when I am doing my field work and student teaching. I want my students to have fun learning in an enviorment where they can express themselves through art and up to date technology.
What are my expectations of this class? :
I expect to be able to learn how to use new programs and technology and bring what I learn in the class into my field and student teaching placements. I want to be able to share what I learn in class with my students to better their education in my classroom.
How would you rate your technology skills? :
I am able to do most things on a PC. I can use all Microsoft programs, I am a pretty speedy typer, and I can get a feel for most websites, and self learn how to use it. I am a Mac user at the moment. I took Media classes in High school that taught me how to use I-Movie and I-Photo. I can make music videos, create movies, and edit pictures on a Mac. I downloaded Microsoft programs on my mac, and I'm not very familiar with a lot of the apps for Mac. But I know a lot about pc's , and somewhat about macs.
How do I use technology in my current learning and studies? :
I use my other blog a lot to reach out to other educators for ideas of lesson plans, classroom management, etc. I use Microsoft word very frequently to type papers. I use powerpoints for presentations, and I can make videos in I-Movie to add a nice touch to any presentation, but i would like to learn more.
What is my philosophy about technology in the classroom?
It is very important for students to use technology in the classroom. Technology isn't leaving us anytime soon, it is only getting more advanced. It is important to understand as a teacher, a part of our job is to get our hands on the newest technology, get a grasp of it, and try and get it into the classroom as soon as possible. To spruce up a lesson, it is good to use technology. Children love playing with technology. In order to achieve the classroom I want it is important to learn how to use technology and teach my children how to use technology so they have fun while learning. The classroom I want to achieve is a fun, safe learning enviorment. And, after being able to take this class hopefully I will be able to achieve just that.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Come back soon for other things I will be doing this semester!
