Reflection #2

What: This week was our first "real" class. We focused on Google and the many things we can use the site for, which goes way beyond the search engine and gmail. I had no idea that Google had programs for creating slide shows and documents just like PowerPoint and Word.
So What: Its awesome! I totally understand now how people get so excited about being able to collaborate on all of their group projects. It is SO convenient!
Now What: Knowing this information opens up lots of new ways to teach History. I've only been out of High School for 5 years, but I know that I'm way behind when it comes to technology. This is what students are used to and this is what they have fun doing. If I can incorporate this into how I teach and then students might have a little more fun with it and be a little creative. Another benefit I see from using Google is how quickly I can get feedback to my students. As a student myself that's something I can really appreciate. Getting assignments back to students with ways they can improve and then letting them fix it and resubmit an assignment can be a huge benefit as well.

Video: I agree with the message in the video. Our happiness, our life and what we chose to do with it is completely up to us. I wouldn't say that I was "privileged" growing up but I did have a lot of opportunities. But no matter how many opportunities I had or what my family, friends, teachers or church wanted me to do, it didn't really matter unless I wanted those same things as well. I think I'm a pretty passionate person, but its taken me a really long time to figure out how to focus and figure out what to do with that passion. And teaching is part of the way I can focus my passion for history and turn it into something great. It makes me happy! So what now? I can focus on learning how to become a better teacher. And hopefully this semester I will learn a lot! I'll need it! :)