Gia Shafer

Edu 214 Reflections

Lecture 1- Class Overview, Personal Essay, Vark Learning

The personal essay was fun to write. It is always refreshing to take a look inward and

self-reflect and explain why you want to be a teacher. I feel this is a great activity for the teacher

to have a good idea on who each student individually is. The VARK style of learning was very

interesting; it is always good to know how you learn best. Also like the personal essay, I feel this

is a great way to understand your students and to be sure you are teaching to the individual. The

strengths I found in the assignment were learning how I “learn” and I did not struggle with any

weaknesses.

To use this particular assignment in my classroom would not be age appropriate since I

am in the field of Early Childhood Education but I definitely want the benefits of knowing each

of my students individually and being able to teach directly to them. How I would still get the

same concept would be sending home and “All about me” question and answer form for the

parents to fill out as well as ask the children individualized questions.

Lecture 2- Designing Your Classroom

Designing your classroom was a fun activity that allowed each student to be creative. The

strengths I had were I felt I was already proficient with Word and the layout of how I want my

classroom. It was interesting to see how my classroom was so different than the others that will

be teaching K-12. The difficulties I had was the preset margins in word and the wrap effect of

objects drive me crazy, I prefer Publisher.

 In the classroom setting I would look at the layout of my classroom and come up with an

arrangement that has function and purpose for each item to ensure I have an organized classroom

which is safe for my class. I would also want the children to participate in the arrangement so

they have a sense of belonging and team work.

Lecture 3- Creating a flyer and certificate

This was a fun assignment for me since I already do this all the time. I love that we go to

be creative and there were no boundaries. I felt my skill set was my strength and I did not have

any weaknesses.

I already use this in the classroom, I am constantly make flyers about upcoming events

and any important information as well as design the Pre-K diploma.

Lecture 4- CCSD/CSN Education Department Resources and Weebly

I learned a lot from this assignment. I never knew Weebly existed and it was interesting

to look at all the resources of the education department. The scavenger hunt was a fun way of

finding the information you required. I did not feel any weakness in this assignment because

your instructions were so well defined.

To be honest I will not be able to use this in the classroom except for knowing my

personal pathway gave me knowledge of getting to my goal. Once I have my degree I will be a

better teacher for my students.

Lecture 5- Computer Basics/ Buying A Computer

This assignment was very interesting. My strengths were knowing what I already want in

my classroom because I have the experience of what works and what doesn’t. My weakness was

putting up a proposal to the board. It was very challenging and insightful.

 I can definitely use the information I gain from this assignment in the classroom. The

knowledge of software, processing speeds, storage was all great. My favorite point was the

warranty information, one of the most important pieces but I have never used in my personal like

and now it will be at the forefront of my thinking.

Lecture 6- Productivity Software- Presenting Software

Using power point to create a new student orientation was and effective way of learning.

I felt confident with my use of power point knowledge but I did have a weakness because I was

docked point for missing an action button. This was very creative and allowed for self-

expression, information, and images, great use of slide transitions and graphic animation.

I can use this in several ways in the classroom. New student orientation, lesson plans,

graduation, fun way to display photos and music for the classroom.

Lecture 7- Productivity Software- Using Spread Sheets

Creating a grade book using excel is a must! I was very confident going into this

assignment. I am familiar with creating spreadsheets, tables and making them look appealing to

the eye. My weakness was I never created a spread sheet where it will calculate the sum for me.

It was extremely easy and I love this feature.

To be honest I am not sure how often I will use this in the classroom since I am in Early

Childhood Education and my kiddos are not taking test and getting graded homework. I have

already incorporated it into my life creating a financial monthly budget.

Lecture 8- Midterm

The midterm was another very education piece for me. Describing how I would use

technology in the classroom in the forms of Word, Excel and PowerPoint was more challenging

for me than I first thought. I feel I am proficient in these programs but the use of them in my

classroom was difficult because I do not use them in the classroom for student teaching often. I

had to think more like an elementary teacher and then transition it to something more age

appropriate. It was challenging and I gave it my best effort.

Like I mentioned in my above paragraph it is difficult to incorporate Microsoft Office

programs into my daily teaching of students but I can defiantly use it when it comes to teaching

the children computers and I can adapt to use it in other areas as well.

Lecture 9- Emerging Technologies In The Classroom

This was another fun assignment and I felt my strength was I already had a leg up

because at my school we already have the use of Promethean boards, computers for the children

and Ipads for the teachers. The weakness was I didn’t not have enough knowledge; I spent

endless hours on Google and doing research for the new cutting wave of technology that is

coming.

The use of technology already exists in my classroom but I am excited to see what new

programs come out so I can incorporate them into my classroom and teaching style.

Lecture 10- Technology In Special Education

This assignment by far was the most difficult of the semester because I do not have any

experience with special needs. I could not believe the quantity and quality of resources out there
to help children with disabilities. I was so excited to research this knowing that as educators we

are doing every possible thing to give these children a quality education.

Unfortunately I will not be using this in my classroom but I am excited I have the

knowledge about the topic. This was I can pass it along to parents or staff that might be a parent

to a child with special needs or have a student with special needs in their classroom.

Lecture 11- Evaluating Educational Software

This assignment was a bit difficult for me. I learned that there are so many websites

geared towards teaching technology to children at times could be over whelming. I was on every

search engine and website trying to find a website I wanted to explore.

I finally came across some that I wanted to explore and that I felt were age appropriate

for my students. I prefer the websites where you do not have to download software because from

my experience it slows the computer down.

Lecture 12- Instructional Design- Using A Graphic Organizer

This was such a simple assignment but it defiantly challenged me. I have years of writing

everything because I wanted to do a good job. Once I stepped back and quit over complicating it,

it was fairly easy.

I will use this in my classroom when I write lesson plans to see the goals step by step. It

will also be helpful to others that I work with so they can see the scope and sequence of the

project to properly asses the students. Not just focusing on the beginning and final outcome like I

have done in the past.

Lecture 12- Discuss Final Project

This final was my favorite exercise. At first it was difficult for me to find a topic to create

a lesson plan about, again because my students are so young. I had to imagine I was an

elementary teacher and then transition to a Pre-K teacher. I felt the Power Point dialog was fun

and creative and truly gave you the ability to see our individual teaching style.

In the classroom setting I will be using this website to teach my students the basics of

computers and how to use them. The games, graphics, tones and interaction will hold their

attention and teach in a fun way!