Experience with html

I had a difficult time creating an html website. Using a mac computer, I was unable to edit my site. I really like the idea of creating a site for my students to be able to go to. It is a very useful tool for the classroom, and one I look forward to using. 

Beginning of semester reflection

Technology is such an important part of our lives. With every new generation, the use and the different styles of technology will only increase. It is crucial that we, as educators, learn how to use and actually understand this wonderful invention. Because our students will use technology more than we do, we should incorporate it as much as possible. Students do not learn as well when being lectured or just reading from a textbook. They need to be taught in creative, relatable ways. Whether it is using PowerPoint, videos, or other means to get your lesson across, it is necessary. 

Teachers should also use technology to communicate with their students and the parents. For instance, posting assignments and grades on the web or having students do projects through the internet.  

Issaquah High School Website

There are both things I like and things I do not like about my old high school's website. One thing that I noticed is that the website has not changed in a very long time. There are five pictures across the top of the homepage that have not changed for at least five years. I find this kind of odd. I think the website would look more appealing if it had pictures that were up to date. The website itself is not very exciting. There is a little bit of color, but nothing really pops out. When you click on a topic, it is the same thing. Information is listed and is pretty basic. 

Nothing seemed confusing to me about this website. Everything you need to know about the school is on there, it is just not that interesting.

A feature that I liked was that on the left side of the homepage there was a column of different topics you can click on. This seemed useful for someone not familiar with the website. I also liked that in the middle of the page is a list of upcoming events, like the finals schedule, WASL, and Prom.  

Adopt and Adapt: Shaping Tech for the Classroom

I read the article, "Adopt and Adapt: Shaping Tech for the Classroom", by Marc Prensky. I agree that schools today are dabbling with technology. In high school, we had many different types of computers. Although they were getting better, there still seemed to always be something wrong with them. It seemed that for the longest time we were using the oldest types of software and never upgrading to the 'new and improved'. Most teachers that had (and still have) the means of using technology (posting grades and assignments, communicating to the class, etc.) do not even bother using it. I think a lot of the things we do in and outside class for school could be easier and done more efficiently if technology was better used. Although there are many barriers to reaching a 'Edutopia' like Prensky describes, I agree that our students deserve no less than our absolute best at attempting to get there.   

Why I want to be a teacher...

I've wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I wanted my career to be something that would impact the lives of others and knew that teaching would do just that. I love helping people grow and being a mentor. History is my favorite subject, so I chose social studies as my endorsement. My Bachelor's Degree is in Secondary Education. I think that I have a greater impact on older students, so I would love to teach at the high school level.