So, I have previously mentioned the twins who really helped me decide that teaching is the way I want to go and this last Monday we got together. We went to Boomers!, an arcade/family fun center, near home. We had so much fun and actually got a few great pictures in. They both asked me if I was sure I wanted to teach Special Ed. I thought it was really cute because when I said that I was sure they both asked if I knew how hard that was going to be. It means a lot to me when the girls who I love and who understand more than anyone else what it is like to be in that setting, acknowledge that it is hard and actually look out for me. Little do they know, I learn more from them. They have reached an age where while not always comfortable with their disability, they have accepted it. They know that it is a part of who they are and they both openly talked to me about how hard it is suffering from CP. I talked to them a little about the students I work with at Dan Peterson and they laughed with me because they know some of those situations.
Hopefully, I will get the pictures of them up soon, they really are beautiful with smiles like I have never seen before.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
jingle bells
I am a little overdue for a blog...but that doesn't mean that I don't think of something clever and creative that I want to write about everyday, because I do. It is amazing how everything I do can somehow be related back to all of my classes.
So, I worked in an all wheelchair class last year and I fell in love with the kids. I am not in that classroom anymore and two of the students have since been transferred to self contained classrooms. My mom was in town this weekend because my aunt just moved to a house in Draper and we were helping her decorate and give it the homey feel. Every home goods store is getting ready for Christmas so everywhere we went we were surrounded by Christmas music, Christmas trees, ornaments, Santa, the whole thing. Jingle bells came on and I was instantly back in my old classroom taking a student to the bathroom. Oh boy could she sing. I remember taking her to the bathroom and the entire time she is singing, "Dashing through the snow on a one horse open sleigh..." I would lift her out of the wheelchair and onto the changing table, "...Laughing all the way HA HA HA..." She sang this song long after the Christmas song. I once even commented that Christmas over, but our teacher so kindly reminded me that she could still go for a sleigh ride because there is still snow on the ground.
I love this season and I know that even our students can feel how special it is. I know there is still Thanksgiving before it is officially the Christmas season, but let's make this season a good one. There is so much bad going on in the world, so much that we are unsure about, it's about time we focus on some good.
So, I worked in an all wheelchair class last year and I fell in love with the kids. I am not in that classroom anymore and two of the students have since been transferred to self contained classrooms. My mom was in town this weekend because my aunt just moved to a house in Draper and we were helping her decorate and give it the homey feel. Every home goods store is getting ready for Christmas so everywhere we went we were surrounded by Christmas music, Christmas trees, ornaments, Santa, the whole thing. Jingle bells came on and I was instantly back in my old classroom taking a student to the bathroom. Oh boy could she sing. I remember taking her to the bathroom and the entire time she is singing, "Dashing through the snow on a one horse open sleigh..." I would lift her out of the wheelchair and onto the changing table, "...Laughing all the way HA HA HA..." She sang this song long after the Christmas song. I once even commented that Christmas over, but our teacher so kindly reminded me that she could still go for a sleigh ride because there is still snow on the ground.
I love this season and I know that even our students can feel how special it is. I know there is still Thanksgiving before it is officially the Christmas season, but let's make this season a good one. There is so much bad going on in the world, so much that we are unsure about, it's about time we focus on some good.
Monday, November 3, 2008
RULES
During my weekend at home I read the book Rules by Cynthia Lord.
It tells the story of a girl, Catherine, with a younger brother who has autism. As she goes to OT with her brother she develops a relationship in the waiting room with a boy named Jason. He uses a communication book the entire time and very effectively can communicate. The point of view that Lord uses is amazing. You really get caught up in the emotions and feelings of Catherine. She is frustrated with her brother and very often embarrassed by his tendencies, but it is easy to see how big her heart is because of her experiences. She always sticks up for her brother and when it comes to Jason she has to decide whether or not she can admit to their friendship.
My roommate also read the book and she said to me that she wishes every child would read this book and see what it is really like to be different and to live with someone with a disability.
Just thinking about this book pulls at my heart.
Jason's therapist always greets him loudly and often accuses him of being grouchy or upset. As Catherine's friendship with Jason develops he tells her that he might not be able to talk, but he can hear just fine. That really taught me a lesson. They don't want to be treated like they are dumb and more than often they don't want to be babied.
I strongly suggest this book and I hope it touches you like it touched me.
It tells the story of a girl, Catherine, with a younger brother who has autism. As she goes to OT with her brother she develops a relationship in the waiting room with a boy named Jason. He uses a communication book the entire time and very effectively can communicate. The point of view that Lord uses is amazing. You really get caught up in the emotions and feelings of Catherine. She is frustrated with her brother and very often embarrassed by his tendencies, but it is easy to see how big her heart is because of her experiences. She always sticks up for her brother and when it comes to Jason she has to decide whether or not she can admit to their friendship.
My roommate also read the book and she said to me that she wishes every child would read this book and see what it is really like to be different and to live with someone with a disability.
Just thinking about this book pulls at my heart.
Jason's therapist always greets him loudly and often accuses him of being grouchy or upset. As Catherine's friendship with Jason develops he tells her that he might not be able to talk, but he can hear just fine. That really taught me a lesson. They don't want to be treated like they are dumb and more than often they don't want to be babied.
I strongly suggest this book and I hope it touches you like it touched me.
my weekend at home
This weekend I went home and it was fabulous.
While being in this program and learning all of the wonderful tools we have access to, I have thought a lot about the students I worked with at home. Unlike many of my fellow peers, I do not have a sibling or family member with a disability, so these students are my foundation. It was them I fell in love with, their personalities and the lessons they taught me that made me decide to study Special Education.
The 2 I am very closest to are twins and they mean the world to me. They call me from time to time and it just so happened that they called me while I was home. I was at the beach when I saw my favorite name pop up on my phone. We talked for a good long time and scheduled a time to see each other when I get back for Thanksgiving break.
It is really cool talking to them about the career I am pursuing because they are such strong supporters. They love the idea of me teaching and get so excited for me. As I talk to them I am able to see just how much they have really grown up and it gives me the chills. I love them and I can't wait to work so closely with such amazing students for the rest of my life.
Monday, October 27, 2008
iMovie!!!
Last week was the beginnings of our iMovie project. I don't know if I have ever been so excited about a project. I just cannot wait for class tomorrow because I am so excited to see the footage we shot and begin the editing process.
We went crazy on campus - a film on social etiquette. We filmed common mistakes made by the students we love so much. They don't understand the need for personal space. They will sit close, stare, take what they want, and show excitement in less than acceptable ways. Then we proceeded to act out the way we really introduce ourselves and make new friends. It was great because we actually got real responses from students on campus. We caught their reactions as we displayed the behaviors, something I don't notice.
I guess I just love these kids so much that I don't see it weird when they practically sit on my lap or try to hold my hand when I have never met them before. We are lucky to have such big hearts for these students. It was a reality shock to see how truly this would create a socially awkward situation outside of our program and the class I work in.
We went crazy on campus - a film on social etiquette. We filmed common mistakes made by the students we love so much. They don't understand the need for personal space. They will sit close, stare, take what they want, and show excitement in less than acceptable ways. Then we proceeded to act out the way we really introduce ourselves and make new friends. It was great because we actually got real responses from students on campus. We caught their reactions as we displayed the behaviors, something I don't notice.
I guess I just love these kids so much that I don't see it weird when they practically sit on my lap or try to hold my hand when I have never met them before. We are lucky to have such big hearts for these students. It was a reality shock to see how truly this would create a socially awkward situation outside of our program and the class I work in.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Pedagogy
Pedagogy has become the word of the year, a word I have only discovered while studying special education. It has become part of my regular vocabulary and is thrown around in everyday class discussions. That makes sense though, right?
Pedagogy literally means the art and science of educating children and often is used as a synonym for teaching. More accurately, pedagogy embodies teacher-focused education.
I love thinking of teaching as an art, because it truly is! We have such a big responsibility on presenting information in a way that students will remember it. I believe it is an extra challenge for us lucky teachers in special education. We take it to another level. We have to pay attention to all of the details and make sure each step is accomplished. Then we get to celebrate every step. I love how we get to appreciate every step and see how it plays into the whole.
I found a handy little book online, Pedagogy. It points out that pedagogy means more than just teaching, it is "the taking of young children, by means of both skillful teaching and wise training, leading them up to worthy manhood and womanhood."
I am looking forward to finding my own pedagogy and teaching my students in a way that best meets their needs.
Pedagogy literally means the art and science of educating children and often is used as a synonym for teaching. More accurately, pedagogy embodies teacher-focused education.
I love thinking of teaching as an art, because it truly is! We have such a big responsibility on presenting information in a way that students will remember it. I believe it is an extra challenge for us lucky teachers in special education. We take it to another level. We have to pay attention to all of the details and make sure each step is accomplished. Then we get to celebrate every step. I love how we get to appreciate every step and see how it plays into the whole.
I found a handy little book online, Pedagogy. It points out that pedagogy means more than just teaching, it is "the taking of young children, by means of both skillful teaching and wise training, leading them up to worthy manhood and womanhood."
I am looking forward to finding my own pedagogy and teaching my students in a way that best meets their needs.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Proposition 8
As I have said before, my home is in California and one day I would love to return and teach there. But Prop 8 has recently consumed my thoughts. If it does not pass - my future is completely changed. Most don't realize that this is more than just acknowledging same sex marriages, it is accepting them as normal and they must receive the same liberties heterosexual marriages do. This means that curriculum in public schools must be changed. Everyone remember when you were a child taking sex ed. The most uncomfortable class we all had to sit through - if Prop 8 is not passed, homosexual relationships must be discussed as well. My children will not be learning about that as if it is something we need to accept. Neither will I teach or support that being taught at my school. A teacher in San Francisco recently took her class on field trip - to watch her be married to her female partner. Some how this was a "teachable moment."
Think that is scary? If Prop 8 isn't passed, the only way a church can continue being tax exempt is if they recognize same sex marriages like they do traditional marriages. I don't even want to think about how this will dramatically conflict with the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...
Please take the time and visit protectmarriage.org
Think that is scary? If Prop 8 isn't passed, the only way a church can continue being tax exempt is if they recognize same sex marriages like they do traditional marriages. I don't even want to think about how this will dramatically conflict with the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...
Please take the time and visit protectmarriage.org
Monday, October 13, 2008
Internet Safety - iSafe
Thanks to my father, I always knew the dangers of the internet. While growing up my dad worked for a company that created programs to block inappropriate sites found on the internet. He watched everything I did while on the internet. As a young teenager, I thought this was clearly an invasion of my privacy. He had access to all of my IM conversations and often at dinner he would ask about my best friends new crush. I could not believe my dad for doing such a thing. If a certain name was brought up in an IM conversation, the entire conversation was email to my dad. If someone swore while talking to me, again, the conversation was sent to my dad. Only now can I see that he was only trying to keep me sade. He is an avid anti-myspace father. He knows the dangers that can be found in such a cyber community. He once showed me how I, through friends, could be linked to porn sites. I was shocked and never again logged onto myspace. I am so thankful for the cautious skills he taught me throughout my childhood as well as for the programs he kept on our home computer. I can honestly say that never in my life have I come accross any inappropriate sites while on the internet.
i-Safe reminded me of all the things that can easily happen through the internet. It is a great resource that can really save a lot of students from the harm and pain all over the internet. It is easy for parents to access and provides all the material that a parent needs to teach their children to be safe and smart. It's easy and all begins with a visit to i-Safe!
i-Safe reminded me of all the things that can easily happen through the internet. It is a great resource that can really save a lot of students from the harm and pain all over the internet. It is easy for parents to access and provides all the material that a parent needs to teach their children to be safe and smart. It's easy and all begins with a visit to i-Safe!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
General Conference
What an amazing weekend General Conference is.
All of the sudden everything said applies to my life and teaching special spirits. Saturday Afternoon Elder Wirthlin spoke. He talked about picking ourselves up because no one is hidden from grief and sadness. He told us of how his mom would always say, "Come what may and love it." An attitude we must adopt in our field. So many twist and turns our thrown our way. Just when we have our hands full, another student might be sent to our classroom. As soon as we have one behavior under control, boom, another one appears. He says that the only way we can do this is through his 4 steps. He said that we must learn to laugh, seek the eternal, understand the principle of compensation, and put our trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. What really touched me in his talk was his sweet story about his grandson who has autism. The love he felt for his grandson really hit me. He could not express how much of a joy this young boy had brought into their lives. He told of how they are getting him to participate in sports. He is playing baseball and eventually figured, why should I have to run for the ball? The ball is hit and flies past his young grandson. Instead of running for it he pulls a spare ball out of his back pocket. haha I say that is a genious boy :)
Elder Wirthlin also spok of the generosity and compassion a child with a disability can bring to the lives of all around them. I have always had a fear that I would have a child with a disability. It is one thing to work with them at school and then send them home to their parents, and another to care for them constantly. I figured that I love them so much, it is likely Heavenly Father will send me my own. I can't lie and say that that thought did not scare me, because it did. Then I took my CPSE 400 class and bawled through our first lesson. Eventually parents came in and told us about their special child and one lady mentioned how all of her other children have grown from her son. She said that her children have developed special hearts that are compassionate and softened to those who are different. It touched me so deeply that I have decided whether or not I have a child with a disability, my children will work closely with those who do. They will learn to see people for who they are rather than what they look like.
How I love this Church and having it by my side as I study to become a teacher of the sweetest, most special spirits on the earth.
All of the sudden everything said applies to my life and teaching special spirits. Saturday Afternoon Elder Wirthlin spoke. He talked about picking ourselves up because no one is hidden from grief and sadness. He told us of how his mom would always say, "Come what may and love it." An attitude we must adopt in our field. So many twist and turns our thrown our way. Just when we have our hands full, another student might be sent to our classroom. As soon as we have one behavior under control, boom, another one appears. He says that the only way we can do this is through his 4 steps. He said that we must learn to laugh, seek the eternal, understand the principle of compensation, and put our trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. What really touched me in his talk was his sweet story about his grandson who has autism. The love he felt for his grandson really hit me. He could not express how much of a joy this young boy had brought into their lives. He told of how they are getting him to participate in sports. He is playing baseball and eventually figured, why should I have to run for the ball? The ball is hit and flies past his young grandson. Instead of running for it he pulls a spare ball out of his back pocket. haha I say that is a genious boy :)
Elder Wirthlin also spok of the generosity and compassion a child with a disability can bring to the lives of all around them. I have always had a fear that I would have a child with a disability. It is one thing to work with them at school and then send them home to their parents, and another to care for them constantly. I figured that I love them so much, it is likely Heavenly Father will send me my own. I can't lie and say that that thought did not scare me, because it did. Then I took my CPSE 400 class and bawled through our first lesson. Eventually parents came in and told us about their special child and one lady mentioned how all of her other children have grown from her son. She said that her children have developed special hearts that are compassionate and softened to those who are different. It touched me so deeply that I have decided whether or not I have a child with a disability, my children will work closely with those who do. They will learn to see people for who they are rather than what they look like.
How I love this Church and having it by my side as I study to become a teacher of the sweetest, most special spirits on the earth.
Monday, October 6, 2008
UAAACT
On Wednesday Tina Dyches took our CPSE 463 class on a field trip!! That's right, a bunch of college girls studying special education, on a field trip. We went to the Rehabilitation Service
Center in Salt Lake to view all of their augmentative and assistive communication devices.
Wow - I actually got some hands on time with the Tango! No more of that online emulator thing. It was a little bit bigger than I was expecting but we can deal with that. I mean, it definitely was not huge, just not gameboy small. It was everything I thought it would be plus some. It was fun to use and had us all entertained for a good amount of time.
The UAAACT is going to be a great resource for all of us who decide to stay in Utah and teach.
Center in Salt Lake to view all of their augmentative and assistive communication devices.
Wow - I actually got some hands on time with the Tango! No more of that online emulator thing. It was a little bit bigger than I was expecting but we can deal with that. I mean, it definitely was not huge, just not gameboy small. It was everything I thought it would be plus some. It was fun to use and had us all entertained for a good amount of time.
The UAAACT is going to be a great resource for all of us who decide to stay in Utah and teach.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Class is going to start here in a little bit and I have some down time so I figured I should describe my fabulous day at work today.
Work has been really hard the last week or so. The kids just can't seem to get into the routine and all of us in the classroom seem to have our hands full. I said a little prayer on my way to work and I know that it really helped today. I was able to work one on one with each of the students. This is really rare, especially since I am an aide and only there for four hours. I was just overwhelmed with the sweet spirits inside this bodies that don't allow them to share with me everything they know. I had sweet experiences with each of my students just today. I could see them smiling at me, telling me it was alright. Yesterday in our CPSE 410 class Michelle had said something about how one of her students had said she was mean. I would never want the students I work with to think that way of me and today I tried extra hard to smile and get quality time with them.
It paid off. I can't stop seeing each of their smiles when I close my eyes. The teacher I work with, Susan, also made a few comments on how well so and so was working with me today. I have finally found a way to communicate with them. Susan also said that the teacher I had worked with last year came and talked to her about how well I helped the class on Friday while Susan was at a training meeting. She said that she had been very impressed with my ability to work with the students. Now, I am not one to brag but this just brings me so much happiness. I have found recently that I am getting down on myself because classes are a lot tougher than I had thought they would be and I am struggling to stay on top of things. But when I am at work - I know what I am doing. I can test the students, I can teach them, I can communicate with them. That is how I know that I really am learning and I have the lucky opportunity of instantly applying my new knowledge.
Work has been really hard the last week or so. The kids just can't seem to get into the routine and all of us in the classroom seem to have our hands full. I said a little prayer on my way to work and I know that it really helped today. I was able to work one on one with each of the students. This is really rare, especially since I am an aide and only there for four hours. I was just overwhelmed with the sweet spirits inside this bodies that don't allow them to share with me everything they know. I had sweet experiences with each of my students just today. I could see them smiling at me, telling me it was alright. Yesterday in our CPSE 410 class Michelle had said something about how one of her students had said she was mean. I would never want the students I work with to think that way of me and today I tried extra hard to smile and get quality time with them.
It paid off. I can't stop seeing each of their smiles when I close my eyes. The teacher I work with, Susan, also made a few comments on how well so and so was working with me today. I have finally found a way to communicate with them. Susan also said that the teacher I had worked with last year came and talked to her about how well I helped the class on Friday while Susan was at a training meeting. She said that she had been very impressed with my ability to work with the students. Now, I am not one to brag but this just brings me so much happiness. I have found recently that I am getting down on myself because classes are a lot tougher than I had thought they would be and I am struggling to stay on top of things. But when I am at work - I know what I am doing. I can test the students, I can teach them, I can communicate with them. That is how I know that I really am learning and I have the lucky opportunity of instantly applying my new knowledge.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tango!
This is quite possible the most amazing thing ever - and I have raved about it in so many of my classes. Tango is a fabulous communication device. It is innovative, simple, and geared towards kids. I have explored the emulator and I have seen the many uses it has. Students can make talking photo albums and share stories in class - even allowing them to participate in sharing time. It allows for complete interaction. The device asks questions like, "Guess what friends I played with?" then, "List my friends and I'll tell you which ones." This allows for the student to have a two-sided conversation, engaging the listener with questions. It also comes with so many voice options. Voices can be whispered, repeated, whinny, and even shouted.
My favorite about this device though, is that it actually looks cool. What kid wouldn't want to be playing with it! It is not like a palm pilot or some PDA device. It actually looks like a cool little gameboy and any kid would love to tote that around at school.
I am still in awe at the simplicity yet amazing communicative power this device holds.
My favorite about this device though, is that it actually looks cool. What kid wouldn't want to be playing with it! It is not like a palm pilot or some PDA device. It actually looks like a cool little gameboy and any kid would love to tote that around at school.
I am still in awe at the simplicity yet amazing communicative power this device holds.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Voice Thread
VoiceThread is amazing. It makes e-mail seem old fashion. Watching it I automatically thought of how it could keep me connected with my family while they are living back at home and I am at school. Watching the thread on the dragon reminded me of something my brother would have done and how much fun my family and I would have had with it.
Now using it in the classroom - students could have so much fun. There is so much to explore and the children can upload pictures from vacations and with the help of parents, narrate the the trip. It is also a great way to do show and tell. Pictures can put up pictures of pets, siblings, or a favorite toy/activity. It is also a way for parents and teacher to keep in constant communication. They can post activities and discuss scores and concerns.
Now using it in the classroom - students could have so much fun. There is so much to explore and the children can upload pictures from vacations and with the help of parents, narrate the the trip. It is also a great way to do show and tell. Pictures can put up pictures of pets, siblings, or a favorite toy/activity. It is also a way for parents and teacher to keep in constant communication. They can post activities and discuss scores and concerns.
Josh's Story
I watched Josh's story right after class last Tuesday and got lost watching related videos.
Josh's story is amazing. He had such improvement over such a small amount of time. He not only improved in educational skills but he was apparently much more social after the help of the bookworm. His teacher had such patience and saw the impact this technology was having on her student. She learned how to incorporate it into the classroom and allowed him to read to other students. She drew the tool into the classroom. It was such an inspirational story.
While I was watching Josh's story I saw a link for a video on Savant Autism. I was completely enthralled and enjoyed the section where they talked with Kim Peek. At one point he said, "You don't have to be handicapped to be different because everybody's different." Such a profound and true statement.
Josh's story is amazing. He had such improvement over such a small amount of time. He not only improved in educational skills but he was apparently much more social after the help of the bookworm. His teacher had such patience and saw the impact this technology was having on her student. She learned how to incorporate it into the classroom and allowed him to read to other students. She drew the tool into the classroom. It was such an inspirational story.
While I was watching Josh's story I saw a link for a video on Savant Autism. I was completely enthralled and enjoyed the section where they talked with Kim Peek. At one point he said, "You don't have to be handicapped to be different because everybody's different." Such a profound and true statement.
Monday, September 22, 2008
There is sunshine in my soul today
My very first class in the Special Education program was with Tina Dyches and she opened it with a spiritual thought I will never forget. It comes from a talk by President Merrill J. BHeathateman. Here is a link to the talk. The story I love is at the very end - right before he closes. It begins with the subtitle "Hymns Facilitate the Bearing of Testimony".
What a touching story. How can someone doubt that these students are special. They have a light - they literally glow. I have never seen sweeter smiles than those on the adorable faces of the students I work with. As their teachers, we must find a way to give them patience and help them feel His love.
What a touching story. How can someone doubt that these students are special. They have a light - they literally glow. I have never seen sweeter smiles than those on the adorable faces of the students I work with. As their teachers, we must find a way to give them patience and help them feel His love.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
I am Sam
It was Friday night and I found myself home early from a dinner and all alone. I turned on the TV and found I am Sam, a movie I had never seen before but obviously always thought would be interesting.
It was such a well done film and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. At one point Sam says, "Yeah, you don't know what is like when you try, and you try, and you try, and you try, and you don't ever get there! Because you were born perfect and I was born like this, and you're perfect!"
How many of our students want us to see that they are trying? These kids are doing all that they can do communicate, to get us to understand. I think this is something that as teachers we need to always remember. Our students won't be capable of the impossible but they are capable of many little miracles. We need to be patient and know that they are trying.
It was such a well done film and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. At one point Sam says, "Yeah, you don't know what is like when you try, and you try, and you try, and you try, and you don't ever get there! Because you were born perfect and I was born like this, and you're perfect!"
How many of our students want us to see that they are trying? These kids are doing all that they can do communicate, to get us to understand. I think this is something that as teachers we need to always remember. Our students won't be capable of the impossible but they are capable of many little miracles. We need to be patient and know that they are trying.
All About Me!
My name is Nicole Tatjana Thorkelson, but most just call me Tati. I am the oldest of five children, three sisters and one lucky brother. My family means everything to me and I love them with all of my heart. I was born here in Provo while my parents were studying at BYU. Before my next sister was born we moved down to Orange County and for the most part I have grown up in San Diego.
Being a Cougar Baby, my biggest goal in life was to one day be a cougar. I am now working on my third year and I am the biggest cougar fan there might be. My schedule revolves around football, basketball, volleyball, and even hockey games. This is where my social life is. I have even camped outside the Marriot for three days just for good tickets to the BYU vs. UofU basketball game.
I was born a water baby - I love the water. I swam all through high school and have enjoyed wakeboarding, tubing, wakesurfing, the beach, and any other imaginable activity in the water. I also discovered my love for children with disabilities during my high school years. They loved me even when I didn't love myself and for that I owe them everything.
I come from a rich cultural background. My grandma is from Argentina and thanks to her I love everything and anything that had to do with the Latino culture. Sadly, I didn't grow up speaking spanish. Spanish was my mom's first language and my dad served in Paraguay so they both speak fluently. This sparked my desire to study abroad and just this summer I spent two months studying in Guadalajara, Mexico. I loved it and had some of the most amazing adventures.
I am happy with my life and where it is going. Making it into the Special Education program was my biggest goal since being accepted at BYU. Life doesn't get much better.
Being a Cougar Baby, my biggest goal in life was to one day be a cougar. I am now working on my third year and I am the biggest cougar fan there might be. My schedule revolves around football, basketball, volleyball, and even hockey games. This is where my social life is. I have even camped outside the Marriot for three days just for good tickets to the BYU vs. UofU basketball game.
I was born a water baby - I love the water. I swam all through high school and have enjoyed wakeboarding, tubing, wakesurfing, the beach, and any other imaginable activity in the water. I also discovered my love for children with disabilities during my high school years. They loved me even when I didn't love myself and for that I owe them everything.
I come from a rich cultural background. My grandma is from Argentina and thanks to her I love everything and anything that had to do with the Latino culture. Sadly, I didn't grow up speaking spanish. Spanish was my mom's first language and my dad served in Paraguay so they both speak fluently. This sparked my desire to study abroad and just this summer I spent two months studying in Guadalajara, Mexico. I loved it and had some of the most amazing adventures.
I am happy with my life and where it is going. Making it into the Special Education program was my biggest goal since being accepted at BYU. Life doesn't get much better.
Monday, September 15, 2008
What do I want to learn?
There is so much more out there than I thought.
There are more uses for technology in a special education classroom than I thought. In my work setting I now notice the simple technologies we use and how much they make a difference in the classroom. I am looking forward to learning about more assistive technologies.
TPCK was interesting - I never realized how separated content, pedagogy, and technology are really separated. I loved the idea of good teachers being adaptive and learning by doing. I have a new goal of working to get TPCK into complete unity because it is a "basis of good teaching."
There are more uses for technology in a special education classroom than I thought. In my work setting I now notice the simple technologies we use and how much they make a difference in the classroom. I am looking forward to learning about more assistive technologies.
TPCK was interesting - I never realized how separated content, pedagogy, and technology are really separated. I loved the idea of good teachers being adaptive and learning by doing. I have a new goal of working to get TPCK into complete unity because it is a "basis of good teaching."
Wiki's and RSS
In class last Tuesday we discovered some of the amazing tools the internet holds.
I had no idea what a wiki was or why on earth anyone would want a RSS reader. They are such convenient little tools that save time and make communication easier.
We watched videos on the internet - "Wikis in plain english" and "RSS in plain english" - that gave off all the basic functions of these new internet fads. I highly recommend these videos. While they are cheap in production, they are clever and allow anyone to understand Wikis and the RSS readers.
I thought I knew quite a bit about computers and the internet and all the fun things we can do - but now I look forward to this class and all the extra information it will give me.
I had no idea what a wiki was or why on earth anyone would want a RSS reader. They are such convenient little tools that save time and make communication easier.
We watched videos on the internet - "Wikis in plain english" and "RSS in plain english" - that gave off all the basic functions of these new internet fads. I highly recommend these videos. While they are cheap in production, they are clever and allow anyone to understand Wikis and the RSS readers.
I thought I knew quite a bit about computers and the internet and all the fun things we can do - but now I look forward to this class and all the extra information it will give me.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Technology Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A Framework for Teacher Knowledge
1. In your own words, please explain the TPCK framework model. You should include a brief description of each knowledge area: Content, Pedagogy, and Technology as well as PCK, TPK, TCK, TPCK.
- Content -The knowledge had by the teacher.
- Pedagogy - The actual act and art in teaching.
- Technology - Aids created to help advance the teaching and learning methods.
- PCK - Pedagogical Content Knowledge = necessary relationship between pedagogy and content
- TPK - Technological pedagogical knowledge = necessary relationship between technology and pedagogy
- TCK - Technologicancontent knowledge
- TPCK - Technological pedagogical content knowledge.
- One of the three aspects is the reason we make certain decisions concerning the other 2 aspects. There is a tension connecting the 3 and without this tension they ultimately cannot work together.
- TPCK requires an understanding that content, technology, and pedagogy are complexly intertwined. Their relationship is complex and this must be understood in order for a teacher to create "appropriate, context-specific strategies and representations." All three aspects have to be considered not in isolation but in unity.
- Teachers need to be trained in the use of basic technology. They need to unlock the power found with basic understanding in hardware and software packages. Although, this is not all. Teachers must then use technology on a regular basis in a classroom and therefore keep up with the ever changing advancements of technology.
- The rapid rate of technology change
- Inappropriate design of software
- The situated nature of leaving
- Emphasis on what, not how
- Learning technology by design is a hands on approach to allowing teachers to learn how to use technology. Teachers are taught by doing rather than sitting in a lecture and trying to learn how to use the computer without it in front of them. It allows them to get to know the program with someone to go to when questions arise.
- I agree. Teachers cannot all be trained to act in one specific way. Different problems arise and different needs need to be met. A teacher must be able to use a sound judgement in assessing the situation and then acting upon it.
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