As I look at my summer externship and reflect on the information I have gathered thus far, I can find numerous ways to connect and implement knowledge into the classroom. I am working with CommScope Industries and am in the process of understanding just about every type of communication you can imagine.  I teach 8^th grade science and the curriculum covers physical, life and earth science.  I can connect my fellowship with the following goals:

Physical Science: metals, non-metals, metalloids, semi-conductors, elements, compounds, solutions, renewable, nonrenewable energy, chemical, physical changes, law of conservation of mass.

Earth Science: health of water system, point source, non-point source pollution, stewards of the environment, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle,

Life Science: bacteria, bio-indicators, decomposers

These are just the obvious goals that I can make connections with and I know there will be more as I continue in the program.  The challenge remains in taking this information and creating lesson plans that will engage and enrich student learning.

Technology problems: KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON!

As I reflect on the greatest challenges for leveraging technology to empower learning in the classroom, I think about this week in the field and the task of simply making a journal entry of my daily activities.  I typically can get around the computer and technology without major difficulties, but for some reason, this week has been brutal!   Technology has many benefits, so of course, as teachers we strive to incorporate these tools into our classroom, but after this week…I just want to quit and go back to the traditional way of learning… bookwork and worksheets!   Here are some difficulties that I dealt with this week.

Connectivity:  Now I’m connected…now I’m not

Syncing devices:  Using correct log-in matters!

Pictures: Taking them is the easy part, sending them to the right program is another problem altogether.

Save, Save, Save…. then remember where you saved it.

Time:  everything on the internet takes time, don’t do anything while in a hurry as it causes major frustration. When you have time, pray that you do it right the first time….the second time is all about correcting mistakes, deleting and reinstalling apps….boo

Owning too many technical devices can be a hindrance.  Knowing where and what device you were on when saving a document is a problem and waste time as you open everything to find it.

These are some concerns that I know I face when using computer technology, but it is worth it.  I would not want to return to the manual typewriter, 35mm camera (developing time of one week) lugging textbooks, overhead projectors, and piles of paper!  Although I have had a difficult week with technology, it has been worth it. So…I will keep calm and carry on!

Kenan Fellows Cohort 2013-3014

As I reflect on my amazing week at NCCAT, I feel that every speaker, workshop, and
activity was designed just for me! The information presented caused me to reflect on my teaching style and will have a direct impact on my Kenan project.  I was inspired by the many other fellows present and the wealth of knowledge each possessed.

Our VP(van people) group had a great time walking, taking pictures and enjoying the beautify view.

I didn’t ride the raft down the river, but I had a wonderful time walking the river. Wednesday was a needed day of rest and relaxation…just to give the brain a break!

This was my favorite time during the day!

I loved all the new ideas that were presented….I think I am still reeling with information overload!  I greatly appreciated my own private room at the end of the day, to just sit back, relax and reflect.  The meals in the dinning hall were amazing and the staff was great! The room had everything I needed to make my week one of the best ever. Just a little note to self for next time…bring the coffee maker!  I am looking forward to our next professional development in July…I hope to have some amazing things to share.

What I hope to gain from this Kenan Fellowship is knowledge, experience and a fresh new vision for my classroom.   I hope to gain knowledge that will strengthen and build teaching skills that will enhance the learning and motivation of students. I hope to gain experience that can be shared and valued with fellow colleagues. I hope to gain a vision that transforms my ordinary classroom into an amazing classroom where students are engaged, motivated, and learning!

There are so many things I hope to gain from this Kenan Fellowship, but most of all, I hope to make a “difference”.  I hope to make a difference in the lives of students, teachers, colleagues,  and community.

Welcome to Blogs for 2013-14 Fellows Sites.

I am excited to become a part of the Kenan Fellowship experience. I have just finished my sixth year of teaching Science and have recently completed my Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership. I continue to grow in, and enjoy my profession.   With the completion of the 2012-2013 calendar year behind me, I am ready to begin my summer work as a Kenan Fellow.

Just a little bit about myself….
I am a wife and mother of three wonderful children and one grandson.  I love to interact with people; I am energized and stimulated when able to collaborate, share and help fellow colleagues. There’s nothing more enjoyable and satisfying to me than having a lively, challenging conversation.   I am looking forward to meeting each of my fellow members during our week at Cullowhee.  As I read through some of the post, I am in awe of the amazing group of people that I have opportunity to share my experience with.