Bad weather? No problem here! We used WEB EX!!

We got hit with a decent amount of snowfall last week, and we were all still recovering from it all the day of class. Our teacher took advantage of technology and decided to conduct class online through a web conference. There she walked us through setting up our own WIKI sites so we can keep an E-Folio of our work and reflections. I am currently completely lost when it come to this site right now, hopefully the more I move around it the more I become comfortable with it. I suppose my teacher could have just cancelled class, but I am sure she did it online primarily to take advantage of a spontaneous opportunity to teach her students more about technology through technology!!! I was very impressed with how she could utilize a 'white board' to show all of us what she was discussing and explaining. We also could speak through our computers via web and telephone! It was really interesting! My favorite thing about the set up of the class was you had a chat screen to type your responses to one another and you could click on a button to raise your hand! Loved it! :-)   We also got a chance to take a look at our classmates blogs and provide feedback- *three pluses and a wish* . I enjoyed the experience, but I am also grateful I get to go to class this week and work with my fellow classmates as well as Dr. Smirnova in the computer lab to hopefully better understand our websites.

Neuroscience meets magic

Chapter 1 discussion

      We were assigned reading for chapters one and two. We were asked to respond to some questions that would be open for discussion between classmates. I think Dr. Smirnova wanted us to really think analytically about what we read. She asked us to discuss among our classmates about the information read, to ensure we understood the information. We had to describe an an example of someone’s exhibiting a scientific way of thinking. This made us ponder what a scientific way of thinking really is. The teacher then wanted us to relate the information to our own lives, to expand our thoughts even more. We provided examples of when we had to change our way of thinking, as in a scientific way of thinking. By the professor asking us this, she made us prove understanding of the concepts by relating it to the real world. We learned it is important for students not just to recite what they have learned but to demonstrate it in a new context. Dr. Smirnova wanted us to realize that in science and in life in general, you need to test theories and hypotheses, before stating it is a fact.Sometimes when you investigate hypotheses and theories you may find that you were wrong all along. Dr. Smirnova wanted us to make a connection with the readings and technology and how it has effected our lives. It is impossible for me to imagine life without it. I am always excited to learn more about technology!

**My Scientific Self**

        Hi everyone, hope all is well with all of you ! I am here to start exploring my scientific self, for my class: Research in Teaching Science and Teaching Childhood Education. Our first class was held on Thursday 1/20 was very relieving to me.                           
         The Professor started the class off with an ice breaker activity. She had the whole class create name tags for our desks. On the back of the name tags we had to answer for questions: Define Science, Define Learning, What we thought makes a great Science Teacher, and then name a Science Teacher that was vivid in our memories--good or bad. She then had us pair up in groups to discuss our responses. We then had to share with the class our partner's responses. This was not only to break the ice, this was her pre assessment of her students. She was learning about us. She was looking to find out if any of us were struggling, she was looking for our interests, she was looking for our level of readiness; where did we stand when it came to science. This is an important thing to do in your first class, this way you learn about your students, and you can then assess where to start in the subject matter.

        I have to be honest, I was never a fan of science-ever! I was reluctant to even attempt taking this course. However, after our first class I must say, I am delighted. Dr. Smirnova made me feel so comfortable about this new adventure we are starting. I am so excited to learn new things about technology. I love learning new ways of doing presentations and improving the little teaching skills I have, by sprucing it up digitally!  I do get a bit intimidated with new things in technology until I try them out a few times, to feel comfortable. Once that happens there is no stopping me . I am grateful that Dr. Smirnova assured the class that we are not on our own, she is there to help. I have a feeling, that out of the three classes I am taking, this one is going to be the most enjoyable to me. Participating in the observation activity was really nice. I really like to do things hands on, and when you aren't in elementary school or junior high school, not many opportunities come about. I love how this is not going to be just another course with your nose in the books and figuring everything out in your head.  

    What are my observations? I observed a professor with a passion for something that can make me a successful teacher and is willing to share her knowledge with me. I observed classmates exploring this course with me as we listened intuitively, hoping that we can acquire the necessary skills needed to succeed. I observed a hands on classroom with all of the students can actively participate. What are my questions? What do I want to know? I want to know can I do this? Can I learn all about this technology? Do I have what it takes to utilize this in the real world when I am a teacher? Dr. Smirnova said this journal will be a way of contacting my scientific self. Well, I am always up for a new challenge, and I am ready to enjoy the ride!!!