ISTE Standards for Students

I believe Prezi meets the ISTE standards for students as it applies their understanding of technology. When a student creates the Prezi presentation their creativity extends their abilities. Areas that support the standards are as follows: (1) Demonstrates Creativity and Innovation. This is done by the student creating the Prezi presentation using their own verbiage for the content. It is also supported by the student using their own ideas in how to format the material.
(2) Communicate and Collaborate. This is done when the student is required to communicate and collaborate all the content in an effective manner in order for others to understand the material fully. (3) Research. Depending on the topic research may need to be completed in order to fininsh the presentation. (4) Make decisions. A student will need to make decsions on their Prezi presentation. Some decisions may include, but not limited to, what content information should be included, which order the information should be displayed, creatively the type of font, pictures, videos, etc. to include. Prezi is a good technology application to allow students hands on instruction by using technology.

3 Interactions

I believe all 3 environments have their time and place in the classroom. All three interactions help to support Gagne's 9 Events of Interaction. However, I believe it is important for a teacher to use all three strategies throughout the different lessons. Each child learns differently. Therfore, it is important to use various strategies to be effective for each and every student.

Student to Student Interaction allows the children to work with their peers. When individuals have to explain a topic to someone else, it encourages the student to plan out their thoughts in order to explain it effectively. Secondly, students have a better understanding when they are comparing their ideas with someone else. Lastly, by working with different personalities it gives students the opportunity to communicate and work with a mulititude of personality types, which is an essential life lesson.

Although, Instruction to Student Interaction has its place, I believe it is the least effective. This strategy is effective for those students who are auditory learners. Since most colleges teach this way it gives students experience in this type of instruction. I believe this is one of the easiest strategies for teachers. Teachers have all the control and need very little preparation. This type of instruction may not be best for children who have difficulty with note taking. This interaction can also lose the interest of the student.

I believe Student to Content Interaction is the most engaging and effective style of interaction. A hands on experience is an active role. When students are being actively involved in the process the child will have greater retention. This interaction promotes critical thinking, enhances creativity, and builds self-confidence. The only negative I can see is for the teacher. This type of instruction is more time consuming in order to create and plan out the activity.

I believe the following words reflect my beliefs the best:
I hear, I forget
I see, I remember
I do, I learn

My Prezi

TPACK

TPACK

http://voicethread.com/share/2279679/

My Educational Philosophy

I chose teaching as a career path for my love of children. I always knew I wanted to be a mom, surrounding myself with children is what makes me happy. As my own children are growing up I had to decide what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Teaching was the answer. I have volunteered in my children's classrooms for the past five years in many capacities. One of my favorite things to do is teaching art for the Art Volunteer Program. At first I was a little aprehensive as I have no artistic talent. However, to my amazement I was able to teach the lesson using innovative ideas. Finding new and creative ways to teach a lesson and applying that lesson to what children can relate to is one of the most challenging and yet satisfying task.
I believe it is a teacher's role to inspire children, to get them excited about learning. This can be done by introducing a topic with an attention grabber, creating engaging activities, and relating the topic to the child's interest. I believe all children learn best when they are engaged, having fun, and can relate to the topic. Since all individuals learn differently it is important to use various teaching techniques throughout the lesson.
It is important to make every child feel important. When a child feels safe they are willing to take more risks. For example, when a child is comfortable in their environment they know it is okay to make mistakes. All humans, young and old, learn by making mistakes. This also reminds to be flexible. Teachers need to be able to be flexible and adapt their lesson when need me.
All teachers have their own personality and teaching styles. My teaching philosophy is committed to creating an engaging, creative, challenging, safe and fun environment for my students.