I can honestly say that Common Core and NC Essential Standards is definitely pushing for more technology to be used in the classroom. However, the problem comes to finding the time and the resources to implement this increase of technology. Like I have stated in other blog posts, technology is great….when it works and it is used effectively. I am still very old school and prefer a real hands-on lab to an online simulation. I will say that by using more technology doe increase a child’s awareness to the world around them that they might not be able to physically visit or be a part of. I do see a great deal of teachers trying to incorporate more technology into their curriculum to “meet standards” or to get that dreaded box checked off their evaluation form. However, are we really using technology to benefit the student or are we using it to please the Education Gods?

This is where I struggle with the “increase” of technology use because of the new standards. There needs to be a happy medium. Technology needs to be used as another way of collaboration and imagination for students….not a new form of an “electronic worksheet” to keep them busy and quiet.

Many people might wonder how in the world do you make the connection of chickens, salmonella, and poop to the 8th grade science curriculum. Believe it or not there are tons of ways to pull my externship into my classroom. A big part of the science standards for 8th grade is about microbiology. From this summer experience I will be able to give even more real-world examples of how microbes are found everywhere in the world. I will use my experience testing for salmonella to show my students the importance of food safety and also explain the difference between good vs bad microbes. This will also lead into great discussion about immunity. One thing I learned is that chickens are not affected by having salmonella in them; however, humans can become extremely ill when we come in contact with it. I will also connect the different career paths students could one day go into to learn and understand more about microbes and how they are a part of our everyday lives. The big connection my students will make from this project is that microbes are everywhere from our water to the tiny pores on our skin…..which is quite amazing if you ask me! 

There are numerous ways to connect this project to my classroom. Students will definitely get a better insight of the microbes that are all around them to the potential careers they could go into to learn more about microbiology.

 I have always said technology is great…..when it works!

As great as technology is I do believe there should be limits to how it is used. This is one of my many soap boxes in education. I teach science and I do a great amount of labs in my classroom. I have seen teachers in my own school who have limited doing labs in their classroom because they have found an online activity that does the same as the actual lab. This is where I have a problem with technology. There is nothing like actually touching the glassware, physically mixing liquids together and watching a reaction take place and spill over your lab area…..that’s true science! Don’t get me wrong, there are some great online lab simulations that are useful when certain lab equipment is way too expensive to own in a regular classroom, however, if a REAL lab can be done then there should be no replacements for it.

One of the biggest challenges I face when using technology is finding the time to actually sit down and learn how to use new programs/apps that are useful in the classroom. We are so paced out and swamped as it is that finding the time to explore these new programs becomes tough. Also, in my classroom I run into the problem of students coming in on all different levels with their technology experience. I have students who fly right through a technology geared activity because they spend hours a day using it and then I have students who literally struggle turning the computer on. If all my students were on the same playing field when it came to using technology it would definitely make incorporating it easier.

 There was definitely a great deal of “memorable moments” from the NCCAT retreat. From the technology standoff….racing down the rapids…the interesting food choices…and the great conversations on the patio memorable moments were being created every minute.

Honestly, the two events that stick out to me the most during our week at NCCAT was the white water experience and the great conversations that took place on the patio of where we stayed.

This was the first time I had been rafting. I will admit, I was not sure what I was about to get myself into. It turned out to be an amazing experience and I can’t wait to do it again. My raft was filled with some awesome people to travel down the river with. We laughed and shared stories as we traveled. Oh…and saved a child and a stranded raft….all in a day’s work. It was great to communicate with the Kenan Fellows group outside of the formal setting.

I also really enjoyed just the “patio conversations” that I had with the other fellows in the evenings. It was great sitting around sharing stories and bouncing ideas for projects. Great conversation took place between us “newbie” teachers and the teachers who had been in the battle field a little longer. To me this is when you can really learn and grow professionally. I think I got more ideas and more inspiration with the informal conversations than sitting in the meeting room. I guess we all learn and connect differently! I hope there will be more chances in the future to have these amazing conversations with my fellow colleagues.