effectively using technology in the classroom, I was also able to collected a number of valuable tools for enriching and assisting student learning and become far more comfortable using technology both in my daily life and teaching. I also became connected with other educators with whom I could share valuable resources and information, and witnessed first hand the power of social media for productivity. Social media is such a prominent part of the lives of students, our world and the world of business. It is essentially unavoidable wherever technology exists, and rather than trying to shut it out, we should strive towards becoming comfortable with it, so that we are not forced to face technological issues and fears on a daily basis, but rather can rejoice in the opportunities that it provides. Social media, while regarded by some as a waste of time, is actually an incredible tool that has the ability to open international doors, giving access to information from across the globe and provide a better understanding of the struggles and successes of other continents and nations. With such busy schedules, it is so easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that there is so much to learn from others if we only take the time to reach out. Rather than experiencing everything for ourselves, we can share our experiences [good and bad], discuss the circumstances and the outcomes, and hopefully learn something that will positively impact our lives or the lives of our students. While educators are regarded as providing students with lessons based on the curriculum, what can be learned in a classroom goes far beyond that. As teachers we often find ourselves providing lessons relating to social and life skills that help students determine who they are as a person and who they want to be. Social media is a large part of this and if we don’t embrace and incorporate it, we are simply ignoring a valuable tool that if not used properly or productively has the power to negatively affect the lives and futures of our students on a major level.
our goal right? To prepare students for successful futures and help them become valuable and contributing members of society. Learning is an essential part of the job of an educator, and provides only benefits for us, our students, our employers and the world at large, so the question is why wouldn’t you strive to learn more? My next steps towards learning include attending more conferences (TedxED is coming up!), enrolling in art classes at local galleries, experimenting with more materials that could be introduced to students, and continuing to volunteer my time in various schools to expose myself to different policies and teaching strategies. I would also like to find time to continue my educational blog and enroll in more additional qualifications in subjects that I think would enrich students learning experiences or are of interest to me. Essentially I’d like to participate in as many educational opportunities as time and money will allow. This being said I think that focusing on my career is important, but so is balancing time spent on my career with other aspects of my life such as hobbies, health and the people who helped me get where I am today. I think that finding this balance will help to make me the best that I can be.
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Candace BlackA story of my transition into teaching, and the educational tools and life lessons collected along the way. Archives
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