Tuesday Presentation

The presentations were wonderful. I learned quite a bit about technology and standards.
The "How to infuse Technology" group had some great graphics and I loved the powerpoint. I did not realize you could do so much. The Frankenstein unit is something to think about. I will have to remember that for when I begin teaching. Incorporating different types of media and allowing students to research the various ways you can present a novel, its themes, and plot.

The video game presentation was engaging and brought up a very good point. That you can incorporate video games into a class project. I especially thought the idea of using the instruction booklet to show students about different kinds of literacy as well as showing students that vocabulary is everywhere. I can concur that my son has learned a lot of new and complicated vocabulary through "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker," "Yu-gi-oh," and "Star Wars: the Lego Wars." I was skeptical about video games, but in small increments I noticed that my son does use a lot of problem solving skills. The games he has all have an element of problem solving in order to move up one level or obtain something important for his character.

Although I was skeptical about the statistics and information regarding some of the information about the CAHSEE and NCLB, both presenters did a very good job distilling the information and picking out what was important from what was not. Those governmental documents can be quite a chore to read. Standards can be a tough sell because standards always stem from a specific cultural framework as well as an assumption that everyone receives the same services and resources. One thing that was not brought up in the presentations but that I think about, is the idea that with standards comes the assumption that one just needs to work really hard in order to meet standards. That if you cannot pass a standardized tests there is an assumption that you don't know something or did not study hard enough. It is very difficult to tease out the variables that may affect someone's test scores.

Andrea's presentation was unique because that was not something I had really thought about. One of the things, I can remember about some of my best instructors was that they allowed us as students to see that they too were people. These teachers shared and told the truth, no matter how unpleasant. However, they always encouraged and allowed dialogue about the subject so that we could clear up any concerns we might have. Therefore, the idea that as teachers we are human beings and that if we engaged our students such that we let them (see in an appropriate way) that we have lives and we can share our thoughts and feelings with our students. In this way we are responsible mentors and can help our students to express themselves and communicate.

Until next time. Bravo E131!