1:1 Computing.

To me, it makes perfect sense that if a teacher didn't know how to properly adapt their classroom practices to the use of one computer in front of each student, improvements must be made. It would be such a huge change from usual learning styles that teachers would have to be dedicated to and educated on using the most effective methods. I think that 1:1 computing could be interesting, but if I'm being completely honest, I have always envisioned myself running a more low-tech classroom. My favorite classrooms growing up have been that way, and all of my best ideas usually come not including technology. That doesn't mean that I don't plan to use technology as a teacher, I'm just coming to realize that it's going to be harder for me and I'm going to have to actively insert tech use into my classroom. I feel that 1:1 computers would be completely distracting if the teacher doesn't have a solid plan to keep the students engaged and active the whole time.

We use 1:1 computers in this class, but this is a technology based class. Many of the things we are learning about directly require our use of technology. In history, I see that being a struggle or feeling forced. It is certainly not a style of teaching i intend to ignore, but I haven't discovered my niche for using it yet.

Assesments

I'm really interested in looking at assessments in the way that they affect student's future work. Even though I was an honor student in high-school and ultimately got good grades, I had assignments that I didn't do well on. Unfortunately, this was often a set back for me. Even if I had been on a "winning streak", one bad grade would kill my mojo and I would often stop trying. Not until my parents caught me slacking or a bad grade report came out did I get my act together and remember that I was fully capable of achieving top marks.

I like the suggestion from the article that assessments are at least as valuable to students as they are to adults. I completely agree. Students need to know when they can improve and how. I don't believe that they should be baby-ed, but I think it is vitally important for students to hear that they can recover from a bad assignment and encouraged to do so. It's so easy for kids to write themselves off as unable, when really they just need to try something different. In history, I feel that a lot of my most official assessments will be tests and papers. This can include the idea from the article that suggests allowing students to assess an good and bad example of the final product of an assessment, so that they can see how to produce good work. plan to give as much feedback as I can, meaning asking students to think about topics in a different way or from a different point of view. It's hard to know how this all will work, but a lot of what I've learned in this class is the importance of feedback to students, so I know I'm going to spend as much time as it takes to develop an effective system.

purrrrrra.