Throughout the semester, completing a free inquiry blog post was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I discovered new movies through websites like Pick a Movie for Me, which asks a series of questions and generates a movie recommendation based on your answers.
I also received numerous recommendations from peers, which was incredibly helpful. It gave me insight into what others consider great films and allowed me to explore movies they enjoyed.
Over the term, I became increasingly comfortable using H5P tools, which I initially struggled with on the first day. Now, I can confidently say that my abilities have improved, and these tools were invaluable for creating quizzes on my blog.
The most fun part for me was feeling like a movie critic. I’ve always been passionate about movies and film, so getting to watch films each week, rate them, share my thoughts, and dive into research about their success and public reception was incredibly rewarding. It combined my love for film with a sense of creative exploration.
I think including free inquiry posts in this class is a brilliant idea because it allows students to explore technology while incorporating their own interests.
Before starting this course, I knew very little about technology. Throughout the course, I have gained valuable knowledge about navigating technology and exploring the many resources now available to me. I’ve learned how to effectively use ChatGPT to enhance my own learning and to guide students in using it appropriately. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence in technology skills and in making learning accessible for all students.
I am excited to share what I’ve learned with both peers and future students as I pursue my teaching career. This course has provided tools and strategies that will undoubtedly benefit me in the long run, and I plan to revisit these lessons whenever needed.
Pros/Cons
This article discusses some of the pros and cons of using EDTech in early education.
Using educational technology (EdTech) in elementary schools has both benefits and challenges. On the positive side, it can make learning more engaging and fun through interactive tools, that hold students attention. It is also very accessible for all learners, It also allows for personalized learning by adapting to individual needs, and it’s helpful for diverse learners with tools like text-to-speech and translation apps. It also supports the development of important skills like digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving.
At the same time, there are some downsides. Not all students have equal access to devices or reliable internet, which can create equity issues. Overusing technology might reduce hands-on learning and social interaction time. However, I believe EdTech is starting to be used more frequently in classrooms, and the best approach is to use EdTech in moderation. This looks like pairing it with traditional teaching and hands-on activities. It’s important to focus on making access equitable, offering teacher training, and ensure it is being used appropriately for the grade level.
Since it is almost december, for my last song on the recorder I decided to learn jingle bells. This is the fastest song out of the other ones I have learned, but it’s really fun to play and gets me into the holiday spirit.
Black Swan (2010), directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a psychological thriller about the intense and competitive world of ballet. The story focuses on Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a hardworking but shy ballerina, who is cast as the lead in her company’s production of Swan Lake. The role requires her to play both the innocent White Swan and the dark, passionate Black Swan. While Nina is perfect as the White Swan, she struggles to embody the Black Swan’s wild, seductive nature.
As she tries to meet the high expectations of her demanding director, Thomas (Vincent Cassel), Nina begins to feel pressure from all sides, especially from Lily (Mila Kunis), a fellow dancer who seems better suited for the role of the Black Swan. This rivalry and her obsession with perfection cause Nina to lose touch with reality, experiencing strange visions and a breakdown that pushes her to the edge.
This movie is filled with intense, dark themes and unfiltered, visceral visuals. It kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to distinguish between reality and illusion. I appreciated how the film tackled real-life issues, such as Nina’s relentless pursuit of perfection. Viewers witness the immense stress and pressure she places on herself, all while experiencing the unraveling effects of psychosis.
The acting in this film was phenomenal, with every role contributing significantly to the story and showcasing the cast’s dedication. The entire movie felt raw and unfiltered, which I loved because it provided a realistic glimpse into a dancer’s life and the toll it can take on someone emotionally and mentally.
My favorite part of the film was the ending, as the shifting perspectives during the recital offered a unique experience. It alternated between the audience’s view and Nina’s, as well as the other dancers, adding depth and tension to the performance. The recital was filled with emotional intensity, reflecting the immense pressure Nina feels to deliver a flawless performance. Every movement and expression highlights her desperation to achieve perfection, making the scene both gripping and haunting.
The ballet sequences are beautifully choreographed and filmed, combining graceful movements with dynamic camera work and dramatic lighting. This creates an immersive experience that captures not only the beauty of the art but also the chaos unfolding in Nina’s mind.
While the internet offers plenty of benefits, it also portrays some drawbacks. Devices are becoming more and more advanced, and while some schools try to keep up with improvements, others have opted on limiting the amount of practice.
A few disadvantages that specifically cell phones and tablets acquire, include the amount of distractions they cause. When a device vibrates or lights up, it doesn’t only distract that individual, but also the peers around them. It is quite challenging for some people to ignore a notification, and if they can’t see it immediately it can cause unnecessary anxiety and stress.
Additionally, even if students are meant to use their devices for educational use, that privilege can often be mistreated and can result in students being engaged in something irrelevant.
Lastly, smartphones and tablets have the ability to create a digital divide between students as some don’t have access to devices like these at home. If students would like to work on projects at home but don’t have access to technology, that leaves them with limited time to finish their work.
I enjoyed using the science journal app because I like how it offers varying level of assignments for all grades. I also like the idea that you could get students to do experiments independently, in pairs, groups, or even as a whole class all together.
I have finally been able to play the entire happy birthday song and I feel so proud of myself. I would be up stressing late at night over learning it and once I finally did it, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It doesn’t sound completely perfect, but I’m proud of how far I have come.
Unfortunately I was unable to attend class to hear guest speaker Brittany’s techniques. However, I was able to review the slides she has created and here are a few things I picked up.
SELF Check-ins
Use a color chart for students to non-verbally indicate how they feel as they enter the classroom.
Morning and end-of-day circles help students practice emotional regulation, using activities like thumbs up/down, “rose, bud, thorn.”
Seek support and advice from colleagues as needed.
Collaborate with students for classroom design, starting with blank walls and building together through the year.
After reviewing Brittany’s slides I find this information highly valuable for a starting teacher as it provides practical, hands-on strategies to establish an effective and supportive classroom environment while navigating the challenges of a new teaching role. I will definitely be reflecting back to this in the near future.
I decided to learn the song “happy birthday” instead of twinkle twinkle little star, because I was really struggling with twinkle twinkle, and I wasn’t making much progress.
