Two technology classroom tools that I have found to be most helpful so far during my student teaching experience are the iPad and the iPad app "Classroom Dojo." I am lucky enough to be in a district that supplies iPads to all of its students and teachers, so the iPad is an integral part of my classroom. Many lessons are used using the iPad, and in others it is a supplemental resource. This allows me to be paperless for the most part, which is environmentally friendly and teaches students technology skills that they will be using in the real world. And, on a more practical level for me, it means less papers that I have to take home on a nightly basis. The app classroom Dojo is a key part of my classroom management plan. Dojo organizes your class roster and allows you to award or penalize points from students based on behavior. The students are always aware of how many points they have, and at the end of the quarter they are allowed to turn these points in for extra credit points or other rewards. Technology is a key part of my classroom right now.
In terms of the teaching/learning process, I am still adjusting to coming up with and assigning activities for the students. Bellringers or hooks are something I really want to get better at, but I've also made it a priority to have some form of assessment every class for the students. This will help me tailor lessons to the individual needs of the students, but I still need more practice at it.
In terms of what I want to accomplish with my students, I still want to perfect my rapport with them. I feel like I get along with the students quite well and have a good relationship with them, though I want to keep improving my knowledge of them. I firmly believe that you have to care for the students that you teach, and I want to show a great effort in doing that. This placement is already flying by and I want to make sure I make the most of the time I have here.
Relative to the edTPA project, I want to finish videotaping this coming week. Once I do this I will feel much better about my progress with the project and will be able to rest a bit easier in terms of completing it.
Thus far, I am really happy at Parker. This is a great school and I am blessed with an outstanding cooperating teacher who has been a tremendous resource for me.
