First Blog

This is the first time that I have ever used a Web Blog. Even though I am some what young, I don't really like using the internet all that much. I feel like technology has helped society in many ways, yet hindered society's growth at the same time. Computers help to speed up the writing process; however, since computers can fix our spelling for us, there are many people (especially young) that do not bother remembering how to spell hard words. I know that I did not realize that I had spelled business (probably most my life) wrong until I had to write an essay by hand in English, as a college student, and the teacher marked the word wrong. I thought that he had made a mistake, until we talked and I realized that my computer had automatically changed the spelling of the word every time I typed it. Also, text messaging has totally ruined the ability for our students to be able to spell and write with proper grammar. The internet can be a great resource because there is so much information out there at a student's finger tips; however, does the student know how to properly understand the reliability of the source or not?

I still remember the days that I was in the military and my dad would send my hand written letters. There were a lot of people that were jealous because my dad sent me letters at least three or fours times a week. There parents were so caught up in the digital world that they only sent and recieved emails and wouldn't write to their own children. Since we didn't have internet access at the time, there were a few people that were not only caught off from the real world (for the first time), but also caught off from their family and friends. I think that the hand written notes were great to get because I was able to stay in contact with those that I loved and helped boost my morale and keep me going. I felt special because my dad and a few friends took time out of their day not only to sit down and write a letter, but also to send the letter through the mail. The extra time was worth the wait to get something as precious as a letter at boot camp!! I don't even think people understand how important those letters were.

Anyways, I am finishing up my last year before being certified to teach History and English in the secondary levels. Right now, I will be observing in History classrooms because that is my major and then I will write to BOCES and request my certification in English because I have already finished the tests and required courses to teach the subject. So far, all I have observed were some 12th grade Government classes. The teacher seems to do more work lecturing and working on "dittos" than anything else. The seniors seem bored and need for the teacher to do something different to liven up the classroom. He only has forty-three minute class periods, so does this make it more difficult for teachers to be able to incorporate technology in the classroom? I will have to observe more and see if I can bring some more interaction into the classroom when I take over in January.