"Looking Pretty, Waiting for my Prince."

For my TE 348 class, we have to respond and analyze to literature. This weeks reading consisted of critiquing fairy tales and films. One of the articles in the coursepack was titled just that, and was a very compelling piece, to me at least. The article discussed "secret education" within books and movies. This secret knowledge is the basis of stereotypes. It argues that from a young age, children are exposed to stereotypes in cartoons without even knowing it! And after reading the article, I completely agree!

The article by Linda Christensen explains that in these children venues, women are seen as passive, men as strong, and people of color as absent or evil. These stories teach children how to act, live, and dream. They always show the domination of one societal role over another. These stereotypes embedded in the plot become accepted, because children don't know any better! For example Cinderella teaches children that happiness comes with getting the man, and that you can attain beauty with new clothes, makeup, and a new hairstyle. In fact, most fairy tales similar to this have the same theme. The girl is always trying to get the prince, which would make them happy. And the prince is always the one to slay the dragon and gain the pretty girl. Just as in Cinderella, yea he "won" the nice girl, but he did not know the step sisters were not nice, they weren't as pretty though. The girls are also a victim of the "help me syndrome" as Christensen explains. Always needing the help of the strong man, girls never seem to be able to accomplish anything on their own. Wow, couldn't imagine if that were anywhere near the truth. These recurring themes are kind of scary to think about, since they are being taught at such a young age, but they are really being secretly embedded into the minds of young children.

Not only is there a problem in gender stereotypes, but also race. Although race may be overlooked in cartoons since they don't stand out as much. But with that realization, we should ask ourselves why race issues don't stand out as much in cartoons? Because different races are ABSENT! How often do you see an African American Cinderella, or a main character at all that is colored? Think hard. Maybe the jungle book? Not a very good list! It seems that they just dont appear in these fairytales. Some can blame it on the fact that these tales originate from olden times, where race wasn't as accepted. But it's 2009, why are we not pushing the boundaries a little more? Who says we can't remake a classic with a different race? Or even produce a new story of race to become a classic? It seems like a bad excuse to me. Some also say race is occurring in today's fairytales, and usually these roles consist of: a servant. Seems very stereotypical to me. Is this what we really want children to learn?

It's time that these embedded secrets become talked about more. Not only talked about though, acted upon. Children should not be learning only these stereotypes in the media in books. They need to be shown all of the possibilities of roles of these races and genders. Teachers can help this by making sure children understand that there are no set roles for a set gender or race. Teachers can build lessons on this, and incorporate the books that do expand out of this dilemma. Yet, teachers can't be the only people doing this. It's up to parents, film producers, authors, etc. etc. We need to act upon this secret knowledge, and show children these limiting factors are definitely not accurate.

Creativity is key

This week for my ENG 210 class, we were required to write a ballad. Of course, I hated the idea. What was I supposed to write about? Well, I got to thinking, and I ended up writing about "A Soldier's Life." My brother leaves for Afghanistan in 2 days, so I wanted to write something meaningful and real. With that, I sat down with a pen and paper and just brainstormed ideas. I thought about stories he has told me of previous war experiences of that nature. I eventually arrived at an 8 stanza ballad. I can't say it was good, because I am definitely not a poet. Yet, this poem actually wasn't too bad of an assignment to do. Why? Because I got to be creative! Being creative is probably one of the most fun things you can do on a homework assignment. It definitely beats looking up facts in a book and fillinf them in on a worksheet. I was able to use my own thoughts and emotions and complete an assignment. It forced me to expand my thinking and think outside the box. I was no longer just thinking of science facts or things of that nature. It was something interesting to do, becuase it was different. And it allowed me to be in control and choose what to say.

With that, I would say creativity in the classroom is key. Teachers need to offer opportunitys for kids to be creative in order to keep their attention and let them have fun. It lets children explore their inner selves and use their own emotions. They feel in control of the project and are able to decide how to put it together. With this kids get excited and have more fun. I think it keeps their attention more since htey are not doing the same old boring fact sheets. Yes, there is need for assignments that are straight foreward facts. But that can't be the everyday routine. Teachers need to switch it up. They need to make sure to offer assignments that allow children to explore their imaginations or feelings. Even if it is simplying making a poster about matter. The kids will still be able to use colors and piece it together how they want. I feel if teachers don't allow for any of this the students will find it harder to pay attention. As a future teacher I know I want to offer these sorts of assignments on a weekly manner. It provides for a fun time, while also learning which is key!

Here is my poem, like I said though, it is not the best. It seems rather sad. But it is something that a lot of soldiers go through (my three brothers all fought in the war), so I felt it was a strong subject that should be heard:

He quickly ran when bullets shot.
Trying to save his life
Screaming orders to his men,
A life filled with strife.

A loaded gun he keeps by his side,
Always ready to defend,
Why when fighting for others life’s,
You want your own to end?

It’s a very lonely soldiers life,
Looking to leave this place,
Scared for what tomorrow holds,
You need a familiar face.

Your worst enemy is always near,
Wanting to shoot you down,
Tears always fill your eyes,
You can’t rid your frown.

The days feel the longest there,
They all seem to blend.
Why when fighting for others life’s,
You want your own to end?

It’s a very lonely soldiers life,
Looking to leave this place,
Scared for what tomorrow may hold,
You need a familiar face.

War is no longer just a game,
It now is really your job,
It gets harder to sleep at night,
When all you do is sob.

Counting the days until you return,
Hoping your thoughts will mend
Why when fighting for others life’s,
You want your own to end?

Going off my last post, I realized how strongly I felt about using technology in the classroom at the right time and at the right amount. With that, I found a cartoon that matched what I expressed perfectly! The cartoon shows my example of how students are becoming more and more relied on things such as computers and calculators. Students aren't taking the time to learn techniques such as long division or the lattice method. And why should they, they have tehcnology to do all the work for them right? Wrong. I feel very strongly that kids should be able to complete assignments and such with NO technology at all. That's what books and paper are here for anyways. For example, in the elementary education math classes, we were not able to use calculators on certain problems and tests. Of course as a student, I hated this rule. I didn't understand why the professor was making us do this and what the point was. Yet, it clearly opened my eyes. I realized that I had forgotten simple equations and processes that clearly I would need as a teacher. I should have known how to do these things, but I have become so used to having a calculator on hand, that I just forgot. I was shown how important it is for teachers to realize that we need to make students learn the hand-written way. Technology breaks and doesn't work, but a pen and paper seems to always be there. As much as I know students will complain, I know the right thing to do is to make them learn these traditional techniques, and make them master them.

Yet, with that I think parents having a role in limiting technology for student's education. A teacher can only control what happens at school. The student can easily go home and complete their homework with a calculator or computer. I think parents should realize that kids are becoming more and more reliable on these devices, so they should monitor the use. For example my high school math teacher had a 5th grade daughter, and she was not allowed to use a calculator on homework that could be done by hand. The girl HATED this and always complained, but to me it was better for her. She happened to be the leader of the mulitplication tests in class that were timed. Coincidence? I think not. All the other classmates would laugh at the fact that she couldn't use a calculator, but she was by far quicker than them in computing things in her head. This situation really opened my eyes to the idea that technology devices such as calculators are way overused. Yet, the use of them must be monitored by teachers AND parents.

With that I would like to just point out that I am no way saying that technology shouldn't be used. I feel technology is a very great thing that everyone should know how to operate. Yet, I think everyone should know how to operate without them too. There must be a balance. If you can't go a day without a calculator or computer, I think that you are overusing these tools. Everyday routines should be able to be completed without them, unless of course it is a part of your profession. I just feel technology should be used at the right time and at the right amount of time.

Cartoon taken from: http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/a/adding_up.asp

Technology in the Classroom

Technology is becoming a more predominant tool in classrooms today. It seems like more and more classrooms are incorporating different technology devices into the everyday routine.

As for my JRN 108 class, this would be a prime example of a professor incorporating technology everyday in order to teach the material. First of all, everything was on slides, which really, what isn't in a lecture hall? So it seems that giving the information on a powerpoint slide is almost a given nowadays, especially in a lecture class. Yet, my teacher also used youtube clips. She would provide examples of different elements of media she discussed with us. Youtube is becoming more and more used in the classroom to help clarify some points teachers are trying to make. My professor also used I-clickers. To me, this is a genius idea! It was a way for her to assess our learning, to see if we actually were paying attention. The program was that she would put a question on the screed, with multiple choice answers. Us as studetnts, with our handy clickers, would simply press the answer we though was correct, and it would be recorded in the system. To me this is a great idea because it doesnt use as much paper, it is more organized, and it is a faster way to see how the class is holding up. It was also used as a tool to take attendance, which is another great way to go about it.

I really feel JRN 108 used technology in a real beneficial way. I thought the youtube videos were a great way to clarify any confusion through actual examples. Although with youtube, you really have to be careful. There are a lot of videos on there that are very useless. There are also a lot that are incorrect. As a teacher, it needs to be looked over very careful to make sure any information on the video is correct. Especially now that more parodies and joke videos are being made. The last thing students need is to see a video that is incorrect. I really feel children may take more from the videos, because even though the same information may be presented, it makes it much more exciting for the kids. With that, I feel that my JRN professor chose videos that were very beneficial. They all presented the correct information, and it made me actually pay attention more. I also felt this class was beneficial through the Iclickers. Again, I think these are an amzing idea. We were able to see within seconds what other students said and how it compared to our answers. It showed who understood and who didn't. It also provided for further discussion. We were able to discuss why some people thought the way they did. And why a majority of people were confused and put the wrong answer, and things of that nature.

Overall, I had a beneficial experience with technology in the classroom. Yet, I know that it could also be harmful if not used correctly. I think technology should be important and incorporated in the classroom, but I really feel teachers need to use it wisely. Showing a video that provides images that contradict the text for example could confuse children. And if teachers don't look at it that way, they may not realize so they won't clarify. Also, relying too much on technology may be harmful. For example computers and calculators. Although these are really useful tools, they need to be used wisely. I feel children should know how to do math problems in their head or on paper. A calculator shouldn't be something that is needed, although it makes computing faster. Same for computers. Children should be able to write an essay with paper and pencil. I think these traditional techniques will always be used, so children should still have to do them. With that, I feel the right technology programs and devices should be used for children, so they keep up with society and furhter their knowledge, yet it should be used at the right times and at the right length of time.

The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth." ~Dan Rather

When I heard this quote, I immediately seen the truth in it. As a future educator, it shows my responsibilities and the effects I will have on my students. I find truth in every aspect of this quote. First with the idea that teachers need to believe in their students. We are their leaders and people that they look up too. If we don't believe that they can accomplish their tasks, then who will? Their confidence in themselves, lies within our confidence in them. If we can give them the encouragement to try their hardest, then it will be more than likely that they will perform better. We need to push them to achieve their highest potential. Although, I know students dislike the teachers that actually make them work, that's what we are there for. This moves on to the final part of the quote, "poking you with a sharp stick called "truth."" This part is extremely important to me. I know of A LOT of teachers who let kids off the hook because they want to be the "cool" and "friendly" teacher. Yet, I think there are better and more productive ways of going about gaining those titles. I don't think it's right for any teacher to go easy on a kid because they either gave up or wanted to look good. We are there to educate them and push them to learn.

This quote is really an inspiration to me as a teacher. Yes, I want the children to think I am friendly and fun, but I know my ultimate job is to make them learn. I hope I can accomplish that task in fun manner so students enjoy coming to my class. This is where the CEP class comes in. I really think technology adds a new spin on learning and can make things interesting. I hope this class can show me how to be creative to conduct a fun and interactive classroom. I want to learn as many technology programs as I can so I feel more comfortable with this idea. Overall I hope to make my job a pleasant experience for myself and my students, while still actually doing my job.


quote taken from: http://www.quotegarden.com/teachers.html

Letter to teachers...

I wanted to incorporate more than just writing in my blog, so I went on a search for a video. I came across one that is a "Letter to Teachers," and I found it compelling enough to write a blog on it:

http://sfett.com/html_movie/Ican3/education.html

I really enjoyed this video. I found it very interesting, and rather compelling. It seemed that everything the students said, I thought at one point or another myself as a student. For example, when the girl said "just because I sit in the back of the class, don't assume I don't want to learn." This exact experience happened to me in my TE 150 class. My professor called my back table slackers, when really I am just a very shy person so I don't like to sit in the front. I was very offended by the comment because I work hard in school, and never not try on any project. He soon realized this after our first paper, but I still don't feel that that judgement was appropriate. This example and many others flowed through my head as I watched the video. I could match real life circumstances to every plea the student gave. It shows just how realistic this video is, although some might say teachers aren't like that. Yet, I know of quite a few teachers that are like that. One of the quotes that interested me the most in this video, was the one where a student basically said "when you give up on me, I give up on myself." This one hit me hard, because I know what it's like to feel like someone gave up on you. Students go through this everyday. They can try as hard as they like, but they still might not understand it. And then the teacher gets frustrated and doesn't try anymore. It makes students feel worthless and lose all confidence they once had. I hope and pray that I will never turn into a teacher that these students are describing. I have a passion for this, and only want to be able to help students to go further in education. I am making a promise to myself that I will actually listen to the message these student's aresending. i think it is very valuable information that every teacher should listen to. With that, I hope everyone watches this video, and realizes the meaning of the content. Let's make our job worthwhile, and allow students to reach their fullest potential!

Response to Class blogs

In response to a blog, I decided to respond about what everyone wrote for their technology background. It's very obvious that we all have different history with technology. Some of us know the bare minimum, and others seem to know quite a bit. I also noticed a difference about liking technology among peers posts. I found that some people were quite anxious to learn, while others were apprehensive. Yet, I'd say that a majority of people are ready and willing to learn, hoping this class can help all of us deal with technology in our future classroom. With that said, quite a few people, myself included, stated that they'd like to be able to incorporate as much technology in the classroom as we could. A majority of class peers realized that technology is something that is becoming more and more important in every day life. Therefore, most decided that it would only be suitable that as educators, we should be able to teach are students the importance and uses of technology.

What I found interesting, is that there were quite a few people that were very behind with technology. A majority of my classmates stated that they know a little bit, but get confused with certain programs. Most say that they are lacking in the technology area, and hope this class will help. Yet, I bet everyone in the class knows how to text, and not only text, text a paragraph long in the matter of seconds. I also bet that many people knew exactly how to run facebook. I bet most could upload pictures, comment, and even update their status from a phone. Same goes for myspace, I bet a majority, if not everyone knows how to run it. With that said, I wouldn't say we were all behind in technology. We have figured out the programs of facebook and myspace, and I would assume without a manual or anything. Therefore, I think it's just that most of us haven't given different technology sources a chance. I can probably speak for a majorit and say that we just didnt know about Delicious or RSS. I think that if we all just sit down and try to figure it out, we wouldn't be so nervous to try it. I just hope this class opens our eyes to all the programs we can use and incorporate in the classroom.

Where I am and Where I expect to be

With this being my first blog ever, that probably shows my technological background. Yea, I have worked on computers, cellphones, and Ipods, but I have barely scratched the surface with technology itself. As far as the computer goes, I feel I am capable of the bare minimum, by just checking e-mail, writing papers, and of course: facebook. My first real taste of browsing a website for direction was through Angel. Seems fairly easy to use now, but I had never had to use a website to complete a class before. I am capable of using programs such as Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, but being creative with these programs is a whole nother story. Overall I would say I am capable of figuring out the basics of technology and the devices that go along with it, but I cannot be very explicit or detailed with them. A list of devices/programs I have used: Ipod, digital camera, cellphone, HP laptop, Apple laptop, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Office (word, powerpoint, excell), and Windows movie maker. I am sure there are more that I have missed, but the ones listed are the ones I have the most knowledge in and capable of operating.

With that, I'd say I have high expectations for myself in this class. I am hopeful that this course can teach me a lot about how to use and incorporate technology within the classroom. As a future teacher, I feel that technology is going to be more and more accepted in the classroom. It is becoming relied on, so it is my job to incorporate these values, so students can see first hand how technology works. I am anxious for this course to teach me different programs, and how to be creative with them. I'd like to be able to say I am technologically capable, and I hope this class can help me acheive that. I want to leave the course confident in the technology field, and know that I can incorporate many varieties of technology in my classroom for teaching purposes.