nicoleparisien's blog

The other day, I was asked this question in my special education class: "Which perspective do you align yourself with? Are violent video games a way of releasing tension or are they the source of increased violence in our schools?" I wasn't quite sure where I stood on this question. I definitely have mixed feelings about this topic. I think it really depends on the amount of time a child spends playing violent video games as well as the type of video game. For example, some could argue that Super Mario Smash Bros.

The Standards of Practice that teachers are expected to follow provide a framework for the behaviour, skills and knowledge that is essential in the teaching profession. There are five interdependent domains; commitment to students and student learning, professional knowledge, professional practice, leadership in learning communities and ongoing professional learning. Within these standards there are four core ethical standards of practice: care, trust, respect and integrity. These ethical standards reflect the communal beliefs and values held by the professionals in the teaching field.

As cliche as it is, "practice makes perfect". In order for students to grasp a concept and feel competent in it, a student must be given opportunities to use the concept over and over again. Teachers must make effort to model the concepts they expect their students to know, such that the concept is familiar when it comes time to use it. If a teacher feels a student is struggling, he/she can suggest practice tools and activities for students to use.

In the last six weeks, I have learned about many different activity types (involving technology) that can be implemented in the classroom to help engage students and incorporate their different learning styles. Of all the activity types discussed and explored this term, there are two that stand out to me as being especially useful in preparing tech-enhanced lesson: comic strips and livescribes.

Comic strips present information and stories in a fun and visually appealing way.

Over the last week, I have learned a lot of ways to integrate technology into the classroom setting. When I was growing up, computers weren’t a big part of my school experience, so I didn’t learn too much about how to use them. At home, when we finally bought a computer, I learned how to use the internet on my own, but at school, I didn’t learn a lot about computers. Things have definitely changed since I was in elementary school. Children are being introduced to computers at a much younger age and most people have working computers in their homes.

I just completed my first assignment for my technology class; the virtual field trip assignment. The Virtual Field Trip assignment was very useful for someone like me, who has difficulty using technology; something always seems to go wrong. Of all the Web 2.0 tools explored, I envision using DEL.ICIO.US and YOUtube (or teachertube) the most in my teaching and everyday life.

I love DEL.ICIO.US because I like the idea of having all my favourite websites in one place. Often I find myself wishing I had my computer on me so I can show a friend, or classmate, an interesting website I found.

My first day at Brock was slightly overwhelming; new school, new people, new surroundings and a whole lot of information thrown in my face. I made friends faster than I thought I would, which helped put my mind at ease and provide me with a feeling of comfort. It helps to know I'm not alone.

Day 2, Thursday, our cohort leaders announced the students who would be starting their placement at Roberta Bondar. This group of students would be starting earlier than the rest.