Blogs in the Field

http://www.thelisaparisi.com/search?updated-max=2011-05-21T07:59:00-04:00&max-results=2&start=4&by-date=false

The blog I chose to look at is called Lisa's Lingo.  I chose this blog because it is written by an elementary educator who has been in the field for 25 years.  In the blog she shares her varies views on concepts related to the classroom and to teaching.  She brings in her own personal views of these topics and gives tips to other educators based on her personal experiences.  I liked this blog a lot because the topics she discussed could relate both to a special educator and regular educator.  She incorporates the idea of UDL heavily in her classroom and discusses how to personalize teaching for students as well as, how to arrange the room to cater to this type of learning.   

Technology in Education

Technology is something that is an important thing to think about when considering education, especially since it changes so rapidly.  Technology can enhance a classroom experience for students, as well as assist special needs students while learning in the classroom.  Being a dual major, it is important for me to look at technology in both of these lights.  Since my initial practicum, I have been introduced to so many different assistive technologies.  It is important for teachers to be aware of and use these types of technology to make learning for their students more meaningful.   


http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-young-children-special-education

I chose this article because my major is for early childhood and this article specifically looks at assistive technology for young students.  The title of my article is Assistive Technology for Young Children in Special Education: It Makes a Difference.  Something that really drove home was that technology for students with special needs is "equalizing."  This is a bold statement as I believe it is extremely important for students with special needs to be on an equal playing field with all other students.  These students should not be limited in their learning based on a disability and it is the teacher's job to ensure this.  The article states, "these tools enable teachers to offer new and effective means of learning while individualizing instruction to the broad range of student learning needs."      

Teaching Philosophy

My personal goal is to be an educator that encourages students to have fun and be involved in their learning.  I also want to push my students to reach their fullest potential.  I want to incorporate several types of learning in my classroom and present these different types of learning styles to my students.  It is very important to recognize that not all students learn concepts in the same manner, and it is important that as a professional a person is able to recognize this and act accordingly.  Doing interactive activities is not the only thing that gets students involved in their learning.  Having a positive and welcoming classroom where all students feel safe will help students feel like they are in a safe learning environment.  This safe community will ultimately allow students feel comfortable to participate in their learning.  Overall, I want to instill the love of learning I have to my future students.        

Autobiography

Hi!

My name is Megan and I am currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  I am pursuing a degree in early childhood in both special and regular education.  I love kids and have always known becoming an educator was what I wanted to do with my life.  Besides being a full time student, I spend much of my time working at Piggly Wiggly.  I have worked there for two and a half years in the deli department.  In my free time I love to spend time with my family and friends.  I have a younger sister, McKenzie, who is pictured above with me.  Something I love to do is travel.  This summer I will finally be going on my dream trip, spending two weeks in Europe.  I will get to spend time in London, Paris and Rome.