1. Kendra's Scientific Experience

Day 1, Today was the opener for Research in Science and Technology for Childhood Education.  I was very surprised to enter the computer lab; in my mind, I assumed the class would be science education & experiments.  Somehow I missed the technology part in the title.  I honestly never really put technology & Science together, not that its like oil and water, obviously you need technology for scientific research, but for elementary studies?? Why not, we live in a modern world with technology leading the way for advancing our studies.  The definition of technology, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, is "the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area:Engineering, Medical technology" or "a capability given by the practical application of knowledge".  The kids definition of technology by the same site is "the use of science in solving problems (as in industry or engineering)."

After the slight shock of individual computers in the classroom, I quickly became overjoyed by seeing my fellow students again.  Everyone in the class has been there with me along this journey of a new career path.  It is reassuring to see everyone still plugging away, managing life and classes.  Seeing my "team" all together and having familiar & friendly faces is the best way to start the semester.  

The first ice-breaker is a great game that we can stash in our 'book of ideas' for our own class.  "Who Am I"is similar to the kids game "Headbands"; students may be familiar with the concept.  "Who Am  I" got us thinking of scientific terminology and ideas, expanding my thinking to all categories of science trying to guess what scientific noun was taped to my forehead.  It definitely got me thinking!

Drawing:  I loved this project, despite my lack of artistry.  As soon as we were told to draw a scientist working and give it a name, I knew it had to be female.  The stereo-type of a male (white male to be exact) was evident in the collection of drawings from the class.  My expectation for my classes...Be Forward Thinking!  This is a new age.  The world has become more global and we must be open to equality for everyone in every field.  

This is Professor Crystal Stone, Geologist

Task Hunt:  Dr. Smirnova divided us into groups (mine is great!  Though everyone in the class is great too!) and we began to work on a task hunt.  I will be honest, I was slightly confused working through it.  I appreciate the opportunity we had to work on it during class, it helped to create a team environment and get us familiar with the syllabus.  I am old school, and do best with hard copies, but I know that it's not environmentally conscious.  Flipping back and forth between two screens still confuses me.  This will be my biggest challenge as a teacher.  I will have to work extra hard to stay on top of the evolving world of technology.  I vow not to be the grandmother who can't work the remote!!

 

Videos:

A Vision of K-12 Students Today reflection:
This video got its message out.  As a 21st Century learner, students today learn by doing.   This day and age, technology is very present in a young learner's environment.  It's hard to escape the hand-held devices that accessorize young hands.  Almost every student has access to or owns a smart phone, a computer, or an iPad. Ignoring the ever-changing culture that is developing within our youth and schools would be denying our students' success for the future.  As much as I struggle and sometimes disagree with allowing students full access to computers for learning, it is important for them to become familiar with and learn fully how technology can help them to think, be creative, to analyze, and to apply technological skill sets. 

Did You Know video reflect:
This video was pretty profound; the statistics shared are very alarming to me.  I would really like to do more research to assure they are accurate (it is important to teach students that accuracy still matters, and they should check resources to confirm facts).  The powers of Twitter, Facebook, Google, etc is extraordinary and scary.  The incredible speed that information can reach our hands through technology and begin to transform the way we live, could give you whiplash.  This need for the latest info and modern gadgets has become an addictive need that we, and I hesitate to admit, must embrace so that we can teach young students to understand.  Technology is not going to fade away.  It will become our jobs to educate students on the power and success that technology can bring. 

Ted Talk, Sir Ken Robinson (2006) reflection:
The idea of students starting kindergarten now will be retiring in 2046 is mind blowing.  I have seen, since the 90's, how fast and ever-changing life has become.  With the boom of personal technological devices, education has evolved and changed very rapidly.  I can only imagine what my children and my students will create and accompolish with these modern computers.  As a teacher, staying on top of these new programs will be difficult, as will educating students to use it to their advantage without losing their originality.  We will need to guide them to maintain their creativity, taking risks in order to learn, and not be afraid of making mistakes.  Young children are not afraid of being wrong, but as they grow, they become conscious of their mistakes and are apt not to take risks so as not to be wrong.  This idea prohibits their learning and numbs their individualism.  Remember, "Creativity is just as important as literacy."