One of the worst things a child can encounter growing up, is self-doubt. Doubting oneself leads to low self esteem, which, causes all sorts of problems in life. Nothing makes a child second guess themselves more than being told they’re wrong. This leads to why I feel constructivism is such a useful teaching method. The ability to see that there is more than one right answer to every question is a gift. Every child brings their own set of experiences with them wherever they go. To understand this and utilize it in a learning environment is constructivism. I think constructivism should be incorporated into every level of education. In primary and secondary education, we were force-fed information, and taught to regurgitate it for tests. In college we’re taught to think on a much higher level. There isn’t any reason that students wouldn’t be able to think at that higher level earlier on, as long as they were taught how. Instead of learning only the who, what, when, and where’s we could also have been learning the why’s and how’s. Putting real life experience, and previous knowledge together to work out a solution is the best way to do it.
I’m a major fan of online classes in general. This is my first computer class that I’ve taken online. I’ve found that it’s a little easier to take an online class if you already have an understanding of computers and how to trouble shoot when you have problems. For instance I just lost my harddrive on my laptop, I spent over a week trying to get my information off of it. I installed a new harddrive, with lots of success. That so far, has been my biggest problem this semester as far as tech glitches. I do sometimes find myself forgetting that I have a fifth class. I spend so much time during the week working and doing homework, that saturday roles around, and I’m usually thinking to myself… oh crap, you forgot to comment on the forum, and I have a lot of time to work on my labs during work on saturdays.
This is really hard. I can think of so many more than 5. I have to agree with the majority and say Word is the most important. Having students type their essays and papers is becoming more popular in high school and elementary. It’s helpful to know how to do the basics, like double spacing, and bulleted lists. Secondly, I’d say internet browsers are important. In order to effectivly research topics, the internet is very helpful. I think students should be taught how to find reliable sources online. Next, is Powerpoint, group presentations seem to go much smoother when there is a powerpoint available to help clue in all group memebers. Then I’d suggest, photoshop. I wish I’d had more training with photoshop while I was in school. I have a graphic design class and we were the only ones who were educated in this software. I bought a lot of how to books in addition. It’s really helpful to have an editing software. I use it a few times a week. I still don’t know all of the ins and outs. I just bought creative suite too, which is photoshop times a thousand. Lastly, Webdesign software is really cool. There are a lot of templates out there. I think html is something all people should have a general grasp of. How to post links, and photos.
T.H. White, “The Once and Future King”
The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”
everyone deals with tragedies a different way. We have different ways of coping. Some people find it very easy to discuss their feelings with others. Some find comfort in keeping a journal. Others prefer not to say anything at all and deal with it in their own way. As a teacher I think it is of the utmost importance to realize this, and allow students to greive in their own ways. If dealing with a major crisis, I would ask students how they felt about the situation, and judge the best way to deal with the situation. I’d consider having the class start their own weblogs in order to vent thier ideas. They always have the option of keeping them private. If at all possible I’d want them to help in some philanthropic way. Getting together and raising money for a cause, logging onto the internet and learning how best to aid in relief efforts. Sometimes there arise problems on a one on one basis. Especially in highschool, relationships fall apart, friends have a falling out, girls get pregnant, parents divorce, and students fail tests. I’d like to be the type of teacher that students can feel they come to with their problems. If at any time I felt like I wasn’t able to handle the situation, or a student was at risk, I’d consult the school counselor and encourage the student to do the same. I think letting students know that we’re not there to just teach them some stuff, grade them, and send them on their ways is important. Young and old we all have bad days, and we have times when it seems like no one understands us. It’s nice to know we’re not alone in the world, and there’s always someone to talk to.
One of the nicest things about having an online class is that I get to stay in my pajamas while “being in class.” It’s been over a week and I’m still sick. My profs have been very sweet and understanding. I’m glad that I can stay in bed and exploit my wireless connection. I have been able to keep up in all of my classes because all of the discussions and lecture notes have been posted on blackboard. I’ll finally be back in class tomorrow morning. I’m going to sleep. I need to finish catching up on much needed rest.
