JERRY'S FINAL THOUGHTS


The role of technology has certainly, and clearly increased in recent years. Much of the spike could be accredited to the discovery that every child does not learn the same. Some people are very against it, and others all for it. Like anything else, I think it has great potential, IF it is implemented and used properly.

Teachers have, unfortunately, become less and less of a main source for information for kids. If they want to know something, its just easier to Google it! At the same time, that is great! All that information is available at the drop of a hat, and in abundance. However, the teacher has to remember they STILL HAVE TO TEACH. Not everything on the internet is easily understood right away, or even true! The teacher should be able to take information students find off the web, and use it to enhance their OWN lessons. Not jsut allow the internet to be the sole provider of learning.

It would be a total and utter lie to not admit that there is not some app or web-based tool (such as Web 2.0) available that could enhance a child's education. The interaction level of such technology has sky-rocketed. It is not just all computer games. Much of what can be found, is there to help the students enhance their projects with video, pictures etc.Other applications give students the chance to reflect on the day's learning by blogging, or share their thoughts on chat rooms with the rest of the class.There is much more available for learners who  require alternative means of expression. Learners are taken away from the pencil and paper, and given the chance to work with more imagination, and a more comprehensive display of individual knowledge.

IT's FUN TO STAY AT THE YYYYYYY-M-C-A!

       For the first time in its outstandingly long history, the YMCA now offers full day kindergarten classes. Kindergarten at the Y, you say? Indeed! 

     A couple days ago I spent time with the YMCA kindergarten class. Being an education student, I was interested to see what I have learned in school, would fair in the real shabaam. I have been around many children of the kindergarten age, but never in the classroom setting. 

      It was awesome! I discovered kids at that age are some of the most curious learners of all, and most entertaining in their personalities. AND THE QUESTIONS!! AHH THE QUESTIONS!! haha they ask about everything under the sun. Which, I uncovered, is also my favorite part. It's great to finally see how many random facts i truly know all at once! However, one child asked me that day "why are all the trees naked?"......Sorry my child, that one I will have to leave for your parents.....

      If i took one thing away from my time there, it was the importance of CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT. The children are all wonderful learners, but things are only interesting to them for about 3 minutes. They require a lot of reminding of what they should be doing, and an incredibly vast array of activities. These activities were also done while every 2 seconds someone was also touching and/or telling on someone else haha. What worked out best for Ms. Sammy, the teacher, was having a visible schedule and a clear set of directions and rules. Its not necessarily that she attempts to be a drill sergeant, those are just a few of the the things you have to stay on top of at that age. 

      I was the most humbling experience I've had at the Y for sure!