The Classroom in the 21st Century World

I have learned many things that I will do when I return to the classroom. Many things have changed since I taught six years ago. I did use the Internet for some things and used PowerPoint presentations, but there are so many new tools that will be helpful when I begin teaching again. Technology is changing extremely fast and if we do not use technology in the classrooms and teach our children how to use the technology available our children will be left behind.

I can't wait to use blogs in my classroom. How I will use them depends on what grade level I teach. I think that all grade levels can find useful ways to use blogs. I think that they are a great way for children to express their opinion about books or topics that are discussed.

I think that in today's world we need to teach students to learn how to think and solve problems. So much information is available to us from the Internet and students need to learn to be able to access this information. I believe that their should be a good balance of remembering facts and learning to research and find the answers to problems.

I think that Wiki's and Wikipedia can be used in the classroom, but only with teacher supervision. I think that it would be appropriate in most grade levels for teachers to find information and share it with the class. They have lots of useful information, but it is not guaranteed to be accurate because anyone can change the details of this site.

I believe that podcasts and videocasts are a great tool for classrooms. Topics can be shared by classrooms and teachers. Some grade levels may also create podcasts and videocasts to share information with others.

My Goals

I am taking courses at the University of South Alabama to renew my teaching certificate and enable me to get back in the Elementary Classroom. I have already received a B.S. in Elementary Education and plan to return to what I love doing as soon as possible. I hope that the courses that I take will give me new ideas to use when I begin teaching again.

My Education and Experience

I attended MGCCC (MS Gulf Coast Community College) and the University of Southern MS before I moved to Mobile, AL. This is where I finished my B.S. degree in Elementary Education. I graduated from the University of South Alabama with Cum Laude honors in 2001 and began teaching in the Mobile County Public School System at Maryvale Elementary School that Fall. While there, I taught third grade, had many great experiences, and went to many great workshops. I taught for almost two years before I had my first child and decided to stay home with him until he began school. Last year, my son began PK4 at St. Paul's Episcopal school and I became the Extended Care Director there for grades 3-6. We had a great year, but I decided to leave my position at the end of the year because of the situation with my son starting Kindergarten and my two year old daughter at home. I now teach a two year old class at the Christ United Methodist Church Mom's Day Out program. I think that these two years and the classes that I am taking are getting me very prepared to get back in an Elementary Classroom.