After finishing my first semester of courses for the program I am convinced that I am doing the right thing in pursuing this degree. There are always doubts before about whether you have made the right choices in life but after experiencing the courses this summer, I am doing the right thing. I have become more confident in what I need to do during this time of learning to get myself prepared to be a coach. It is challenging, but very rewarding when you have discovered you have learned so much about what it takes to really be a great coach. The class has provided me with a great beginner's insight on what makes a great coach. This being the first classes I still have questions, concerns about going out of my comfort zone of elementary grades, learning about working more with students with disabilities and ELL students. These learning communities I have only had a little exposure too. I want to make sure that I am helping those teachers just as much as I am helping other teachers with regular education classes. I know I have lots of time during this program to gain my confidence, especially as I complete those field experiences during my time here at KSU.
Students in grades K-12 want to learn but they do not want to be bored. Just like I couldn't wait to dissect animals in high school, students are eager to use technology in the classrooms. We need to show students how technology and education can be rewarding in learning and engagement. Administration and teachers need to know that implementing useful technology into the classroom is important. As a technology coach, you have to be able to communicate this through professional development and constant communication throughout the school year to encourage this change. Coaches also need to stress digital citizenship with each other and their students. For example, some adults still are working on how to write emails and posts without using all caps. It seems like a simple thing but the way social media is today we all have to make sure that we are promoting positive uses of technology in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Teachers, administration, and coaches need to model this behavior so our students will adapt this same respect for technology.
Students in grades K-12 want to learn but they do not want to be bored. Just like I couldn't wait to dissect animals in high school, students are eager to use technology in the classrooms. We need to show students how technology and education can be rewarding in learning and engagement. Administration and teachers need to know that implementing useful technology into the classroom is important. As a technology coach, you have to be able to communicate this through professional development and constant communication throughout the school year to encourage this change. Coaches also need to stress digital citizenship with each other and their students. For example, some adults still are working on how to write emails and posts without using all caps. It seems like a simple thing but the way social media is today we all have to make sure that we are promoting positive uses of technology in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Teachers, administration, and coaches need to model this behavior so our students will adapt this same respect for technology.