Inspiration website

I really enjoyed looking over the Inspiration website in class. When I got home I spent some more time navigating the website. I found that it is just as beneficial to the teacher as it is to the student. After a little snooping, I discovered it has the current TEKS for your state on-site and some of the latest research published.

It provided great tools for the teachers to make sure her/his lesson plans follow the required TEKS. It provided suggestions for lesson plans relative to the subject content area. It offered various organizational tools as well for the teacher.

I love the fact that the student could exercise his knowledge inside the content area, as well as learn computer technology. Also, I liked the idea that the student begins to learn how to do effective research, a skill I did not really learn until I reached a college campus. I give the software a thumbs up.

In regards to writing assignments, I think it would be a great resource for students. They can share ideas and thoughts without having to be in the same place. They could help each other with brainstorming, editing and revisions as well. I think peers can sometimes help each other learn more effectively than the teacher in some cases.

week 2 homework

I just finished listening to Tim's Podcast. It sounds like he turned his Jr.High from a campus to a community. I was amazed at the improvements in the area of communication between the parents and the teachers. I think it is a great idea to use a blog inside your classroom. I am sure, as with everything there are some draw backs, yet it would seem that the good out weighs the bad. I know not every student has a computer at home, however, must campus and work places are equipped with a computer.

I loved the idea of posting worksheets, forms for parents and other general info on the blog. What a time saver.

I will most likely use a blog inside my classroom. I plan on teaching on a secondary level, a level at which most kids enjoy being on the computer. This might be a great avenue for group work, they can blog verses meeting in person.

The most important thing I believe a blog may do is it gives the student who may not speak up in class an avenue to express his thoughts and beliefs. Often, students are afraid to be to verbal inside a classroom, yet they will post their thoughts in writing. For example, we may have a classroom discussion regarding the students response to a particular reading, yet only one or two students may open up and discuss, whereas, with a blog more students may take the opportunity to share their ideas.

I plan on teaching English Lit and creative writing. I would love to have specific blogs set up regarding specific subject matter.

A little info about me.

I am married to Bryan, and we have a son named Caleb. They are both wonderful in their own right. I have been married for 12 years and my son turns 10 years old today.

I, finally came to a place in life where I could go back to school and persue my dream job to teach. I was 38 when I started college. I was a little intimidated to start so late in life, however, I have found it to be a very rewarding experience.

I am an English major, hoping to teach in a high school environment, while working on my masters.

chow for now.....