A Different Species?

Between our Improvement of Reading class and my Principles and Techniques class, there is a lot of discussion about the adolescent culture, and how to deal with them. A lot of the same points are raised, but in each class we are able to have new discussions about different situations. Sometimes, I feel like we are being prepared for battle! I realize that it is difficult to deal with adolescents, since there is a lot that they are going through, but how hard can it really be?

I mean, I'm 20 years old, not that long ago, I was in their shoes. Even by the time I get into the actual teaching field. Sure, teens are a lot different from how I was when I was their age. But are they really that different from "normal" people? The way we talk about them, it is as though we're examining animals on the discovery channel, looking at all their moves and how they will behave in certain situations.

I don't know if our professors are preparing us so much so it's not that bad once we're actually teaching, or if it will be that bad when we're out there. I actually found a few websites, not really for teachers, moreso for parents, about how to deal with teenagers. There were some interesting questions and articles. Some were actually pretty funny. But it made me think of how I'll deal with situations I'm not ready for. I can generally figure out how to deal with behavior or alcohol or drug problems. But some of the things on these pages really surprised me. Check them out!!

http://www.kidshealth.com/parent/growth/growing/adolescence.html

http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/parenting-problem-solving/39558.html?detoured=1

Technology in Education

After watching the "Pay Attention" video on YouTube.com today in class (link below), it made me think of how much technology I plan on using in my classroom. I generally know my way around a computer, but would not consider myself too computer savvy, I have an iPod and a cellphone, and do my fair share of text messaging, but how could I incorporate that into the classroom?

Last semester one of my professors was discussing the material we had to cover for class, and realizing that it is way too much to cover in one semester suggested that maybe he would start a podcast for us. Since we all have access to a computer, and therefore iTunes, it would be quite possible. I remember thinking that that idea seemed possibly a bit too advanced, since I had never been exposed to technology like that in the classroom. Later, though, I realized that it makes a lot of sense. It is perfect for students who have to miss class for either an illness or personal reasons, and can still keep up with the curriculum in a way.

Will I be able to bring that technology into my classroom? Hopefully. Will my students be able to understand the technology? Definitely. It will most likely get to a point that they would expect advanced technology incorporated into the lessons. As a teacher, I will have to understand that and make any attempt possible to achieve that. I feel that by the time I will be teaching, it will be a sort of in-between as to the "traditional" teaching methods of lecture, chalkboards, and dittos, versus the technology of smart boards, podcasts and internet projects.

Link to Pay Attention video on YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEFKfXiCbLw