Now it is time for my final blog. It took me over a year or so to really think about joining the master program. I went to a couple of meetings that was hosted by Touro and Napa Learns in the district. After each meeting I'd go home and think, "Maybe next semester". The time was never right. I realized the time would never be "right". I just had to jump right in. I'm proud of myself for sticking it thorough. I almost quit a couple of times within each semester for various reasons, some good and some just because I was exhausted. I am proud of the example I have set for my nephews and my students. I talked about persistence with them and that anything is possible. My parents are proud of me, because they came to this country with an elementary and middle school education, yet they are hardly "uneducated" because of their life experiences.
Entering the program, I would say that I looked at technology as something that I didn't really need to incorporate into my classroom. When looking at the SAMR model now, which I didn't even know existed prior to this program, I definitely was in the substitution stage where I used tech as an enhancement but that was about it. In less than a year, I use technology in by classroom daily. Students are working on math, using tech tools to bridge a gap in their learning. Students are creating presentations to interpret their learning in science, and increasing their reading comprehension through daily use of reading on computers. I would say that I still have a long way to go, but I have moved into the redefinition stage.
I'd like to think that all the time spent in this program has led me to become an innovative teacher, and a lifetime learner. Thank you Touro and Napa Learns for guiding me trough this journey.
Entering the program, I would say that I looked at technology as something that I didn't really need to incorporate into my classroom. When looking at the SAMR model now, which I didn't even know existed prior to this program, I definitely was in the substitution stage where I used tech as an enhancement but that was about it. In less than a year, I use technology in by classroom daily. Students are working on math, using tech tools to bridge a gap in their learning. Students are creating presentations to interpret their learning in science, and increasing their reading comprehension through daily use of reading on computers. I would say that I still have a long way to go, but I have moved into the redefinition stage.
I'd like to think that all the time spent in this program has led me to become an innovative teacher, and a lifetime learner. Thank you Touro and Napa Learns for guiding me trough this journey.