EME 2040 Blog

      I experienced distance learning at its peak during COVID-19. At the time, I was finishing up 8th Grade. It was chaotic going from 3 weeks of distance learning to distance learning for the rest of my 8th grade year. The website I navigated how to use the most was Canvas. Canvas was the platform that my entire county converted to for learning. Looking back on it now, I am glad that it was Canvas because we use it almost just as often for submitting assignments in college. Canvas was a very effective technology and still is to this day. Additionally, I have used Florida Virtual School (FLVS) to take Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) online. This was the only online course I had ever taken before going to college. I liked FLVS because the mentors and teachers were very friendly, helpful, and flexible with turning in assignments. The assessments were through a phone call and were always brief and easy. I would like to maybe utilize FLVS or another di...

     Before this assignment, I had never designed my own website before. I was also oblivious to the fact that teachers could make their own websites, but it makes sense now to have for student and parent navigation. The design principle I used the most when designing my website was CRAP (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity). I used contrast to make my headings and subheadings appealing and stand out, as well as make the text color easy to read against the background. I used repetition to repeat the use of 2-3 font types and colors to make sure my website was not too boring but also not too chaotic. I used alignment to ensure my paragraphs, headings, and images were in an organized alignment and not all over the place. Finally, I used proximity to place my text and visuals appropriately without being too close together or too far apart. As a future educator, website design links can be used to help students or other teachers gain inspiration and insight when creati...

  https://www.getyourteachon.com/orlando -->  https://bit.ly/4fhce1T The professional development resource I chose is called Get Your Teach On (or GYTO). GYTO is an annual teacher conference that happens in a different state and city each year. Those who are registered for the conference can expect four days of content, inspiring keynotes from motivational speakers and teachers, hands-on workshops, a pre-game celebration, GYTO merchandise, and a certificate for 24 professional development hours! The registration fee for all 4 days is $629. Those staying in a hotel for the conference may also enjoy them at a discounted price through GYTO. The 2024 conference was held in Orlando, FL and the 2025 conference will be held in Dallas, TX. 

      The teacher pages I decided to look up are from Tallahassee's own Canopy Oaks Elementary School in Leon County. Canopy Oaks Elementary gives a list of teachers from each grade (Pre-K through 5th Grade) that have a teacher page. I noticed that these are limited to 1-3 teachers per grade (at least publicly). There are also teacher pages for Special Education, Special Area, and E.D.E.P. A few teacher pages that I clicked on were not popping up, but they included "Welcome" and "Meet the Teacher" tabs. I was able to see Ms. Alexander's Kindergarten class page. Her "Welcome" tab included an animated classroom image with her Bitmoji avatar standing at the teacher's desk. This makes the page inviting and vibrant. Her "Meet the Teacher" tab included a headshot and short autobiography.  https://www.leonschools.net/domain/1574      I envision myself using technology to reinforce skills and understanding for both myself and my students. One...

     Using Blogger is one of my first experiences with blogging. I think blogging is a fun and interesting way to give readers a lens into your life, and since it is digital, it is easily accessible to anyone and everyone. One thing I am not the most fond of about blogging is that, sometimes, you can get writer's block and it can be hard to decide what to write about and how to write it. However, when you are able to write effortlessly about an experience, it feels good and exciting to share with future readers. One thing I have learned about blogging is that, since it is a personal blog, you do not have to be as professional as you would be for a formal essay. Readers want to read blogs that are fun, light-hearted, and personable!     One interesting Web 2.0 tool that I might use when teaching is VoiceThread. Upon research, it seems similar to a presentation-making resource like Prezi. However, it can be used for that and much more. Teachers and students can ut...

  "teacher teaching on a whiteboard to a full class of kids" #fsu2040