Workshop 3

Questions

1) What software applications do you use regularly in your teaching practice?

I use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. But the majority of the time I use PowerPoint. Whether it's creating something for my class or using it for creating a bulletin board.

During computer center time, my students use Teddy Bear Tools or they get to go on to www.starfall.com. These are about it of the software application I use regularly.

2)What other software skills would you like to improve to increase your professional efficacy?

I'm not familiar with any great software that would be beneficial for my students at the Pre-K level. I know there are lots but I'm not aware of them. I also would like to know what software are beneficial for my ESL students as well.

3) Propose an action plan to improve these skills.

I will start by asking my fellow ECC teachers of any software they know of that would be beneficial for my grade. I will even ask my principal if she knows of any as well. Then I will look online to see what is out there.

Workshop 2

1) How well prepared do you feel for 21st century teaching and learning?

If there was a line, and on one end is "so much ready, confident" and on the other end is "no so ready/not confident", I would be in the middle of that line. I still have so much to learn and teach, especially learn now that we are in the 21st century. But I also feel confident in teaching my students in the 21st century

2) Do your students leave your classroom equipped for success using 21st century skills?

As I was reading about the 21 century skills, there are some that I already do and there are some that I need to do more of. I know that there needs to be a balance between all of those. As a teacher, that is what I'm trying to do, balance it. So I do my best for my students as they leave my classroom well equipped for the 21st century.

3) What are your strengths and challenges in regards to 21st century teaching and learning?

*Strengths:

-I feel I know enough teach, but as a teacher I have more to learn

-There are great websites and other place to get awesome ideas

*Challenges:

-As mentioned above in the strengths, I have more to lear as there are so many new things out there

-One of the biggest challenges for me is incorporating more tech into the classroom but at the same time be a balance and effective for my 4 year old students. They have wonderful minds and I don't want to take away that from them. I know that thee are great things for their age group out there, but I don't know what will work best. That is one of my challenges.