Three Little Pigs SmartBoard Project

file:///Users/np9yc/Desktop/Nancy%20Potekhen.pdf

 file:///Users/np9yc/Desktop/nancy,%203%20little%20pigs.notebook

Using Technology

As teachers, we are constantly looking for ways to reach all types of learners.  Technology, as I have learned, is an excellent way to do this.  When using technology, you are more likely to engage a broader range of learners.  It is possible to read, write, listen, watch, interact, and so on, when using technology. 

Most teachers know how to use PowerPoint, but what about the new and more elaborate ways of using technology?  There are various other resources available to teachers, such as Prezi, SmartBoard, Blogs, WebQuests, and Digital Stories.  Many of these options are free or allow for free trials.  It would be difficult to learn many of these technologies on one's own, but there are plenty of websites available for guidance, as well as local college classes. 

Websites and technologies which may help in using some of these resources:
Prezis: http://www.prezi.com/
WebQuests: http://www.zunal.com/
                   http://www.questgarden.com/
Blogs: http://www.blogger.com/
SmartBoard: requires technology which must be purchased
Digital stories: GarageBand
                      iTunes
                      iMovie

Merit-Based Pay

Merit-based pay has been in the news lately and is a hugely debated issue.  I was initially against it, but after listening to both sides of the argument I have begun to feel more for the other side.  Merit-based pay would most likely improve teaching overall for individuals.  Most people are motivated by the prospect of a fatter paycheck.  If teachers are rated based on their teaching and student performance, then most teachers would feel the need to improve their teaching.  Unfortunately, this form of assessment singles teachers out and teaching is, and must continue to be, a cooperative profession.

If teachers were to get paid based on performance, there would need to be a good system in place.  This has been difficult, as teachers are most often labeled based on student performance.  Student performance is most often assessed using standardized testing.  Students all come from different backgrounds, go through different phases in their lives, may or may not have been in the classroom for the entire year, and may or may not be good test takers.  Is this assessment really fair to teachers?

A well-rounded system needs to be put in place where teachers can be assessed in multiple ways.  This is difficult, as much of teaching is subjective rather than objective and assessments tend to be somewhat unfair.

Student performance based on tests?  Student improvement throughout the year?  Teacher observations?  A combination of these factors and more?

Informative articles on the issue:
http://k6educators.about.com/od/assessmentandtesting/a/meritypay.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-04-08-teachers-pay_N.htm

The Benefits of Homework

The Quality of Homework is an article which discusses the issues of giving children too much "busy work" homework.

I agree, there is no benefit in giving this type of homework.  Students would be much better off living their lives than spending time on homework that does not make them think.  Homework can be greatly beneficial in school systems as long as it is the type of work which engages and teaches students outside of the classroom.  Homework is meant to be an extension of school in order to reinforce and extend learning, rather than as a means of wasting students' time outside of the classroom.

I remember preferring "busy work" homework as a student because I could watch TV, talk on the phone, go online, and so on while I was doing my homework.  Obviously I was not engaged or learning from the work that was given to me.  Now that I've experienced College and Graduate level classes, which for the most part really do give homework to engage students and teach material, I am much more appreciative of the benefits.

I have also learned a great deal from being in Education classes.  Teachers really are not given enough time in one semester to teach all of the information necessary to get an in depth understanding of material. It is very important for the learning process that we obtain an in depth understanding of material in order to retain information.

By using homework to our advantage as teachers, we can provide students with a greater depth of knowledge.