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Uplodad a Powerpoint

A short power point presentation

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Last Entry

Today will probably be my last entry on this blog. I was reading an article today about using technology in the English Language Arts classroom, and blogging was one of the topics the author mentioned. I feel sure that I will be using some sort of blogging activity in my classroom, becuase it uses a teenager's natural affinity for technology as a way to develop his or her writing skills.

One thing that I would have been interested in during this class is how to develop a Wiki. I am very familiar with blogs, but the Wiki is something I don't have much experience with. I know a lot of teachers use them these days as a way to make their assignments accessible from a remote location.

Why?

I am wondering why, when I posted the video clip, it infringed on my sidebar? I am typing another post, hoping to rectify the problem.

Inserting a Video Clip

Why Keep a Blog

I have really enjoyed blogging through the years. I find that it has sharpened my writing skills and given me a forum to express my opinion. I am vain enough to enjoy the attention I get from my readers!! And I've made friends from all over the world!

Truly, I have a friend in Virginia, who I met through blogging, and she has become a very valuable resource for me. She is an English teacher, one who has many years of experience under her belt. I actually used an email she sent me as the backbone of my classroom management project. Her advice has been invaluable.

As much as I enjoy blogging, I think my students will enjoy it even more. In a culture dominated by YouTube and reality television shows, blogging satisfies the need to put yourself out there and to use technology. But it also satisfies a teacher's need to get her students to write more! I hope to use blogs as a part of my classroom environment.

Unit Is Done!!!

I am so happy to report that I have finished my unit!! It just about sucked the life out of me, but it is in the books!! I'm sure it will get sent back to me and I will have to make a thousand changes, but at least I submitted it on time!!

It's amazing how much I have progressed in a year. I remember writing my very first unit at this time last year and feeling like I would never get the hang of it. Now it's old hat. It's just something I do. I even figured out how to convert my wheel into jpeg format without calling anyone!! Last year I nearly had a nervous breakdown over that concept!!

Anyway, I am very happy to have the unit done. Now I just need to work on my newsletter, and I will be caught up!

Monday Morning Blues!

I am seriously thinking about dropping out of the program and taking up a hobby...like sculpting with beer cans. I am feeling very overwhelmed right now, with homework and projects. I feel like I am drowning and it's all I can do to keep my head above water!

I guess that's normal, considering I have been going to school non-stop since last August. When I decided to go back to school to become a teacher, I knew it wouldn't be easy. I don't regret it and I cannot wait to get into the classroom, but I am TIRED!! I feel like I am not doing a very good job on anything right now, and I hate that feeling. Between work, school, and family, no-one is getting 100% of me right now, and that's very frustrating. I usually work to a much higher standard!!

However, there is a light at the end of my tunnel, so I am trying to keep myself together. If I can just get through this semester, I will be very close to my dream of being a teacher. At least, if my brain doesn't explode in the process!!

Welcome to the Blog

Tonight we are creating blogs. I have actually had a blog for over four years, so I am a very accomplished blogger!! My homesite is http://www.dailydiatribes.com/. I use my blog as an outlet for my thoughts. I also maintain a blog for the Girl Scouts in my area. I use it to disseminate information, share pictures, and share thoughts about girl scouting.


As a prospective English teacher, I can see myself using a blog as a tool for my students. It's a great place for reflection and also for interaction. Personally, I have grown so accustomed to using technology, that I have a hard time thinking with pen and paper. I am most comfortable when I am typing on a keyboard, and I suspect my students will probably feel the same way.

I am looking forward to using this blog to reflect upon my experiences in the EDT course. For example, we just completed our Powerpoint presentation and I learned so much about creating Powerpoints!! I am never going to be intimidated by the process again, because I feel very confident about the process. The only thing I wish I could have figured out was how to embed a video clip. I managed to do it in class, but when I got home, I was not successful.

As the semester progresses, I am looking forward to becoming even more familiar with technology!!