❀ Unit Reflection 1 ❀

Coming into this class, I was not too sure as to what we would be learning about. Right away with the first assignment, I was already excited for this semester in Non-Print Media. This Unit was focused on how we, as future educators, can cater to our students and offer different ways of learning through technology as well as trans mediation. Although I had a good idea as to what the topics were generally about, this unit went into depth and taught me more about how I can use these ideas within the classroom.

Within the first two readings, Teaching Literacy in the Digital Age: Inspiration for all levels and literacies by Mark Gura and Create, Compose, Connect!: Reading, writing, and learning with digital tools by Jeremy Tyler and Troy Hicks, integrating technology within classrooms was the main topic. There seems to be a strong debate with whether or not classrooms should incorporate technology within lesson plans and day to day schooling. Growing up in the "digital age," I personally could not imagine learning without using any type of technology at all. In fact, without it, I definitely believe that I would not be where I am today. Technology, in my opinion, keeps students engaged and interested in what is being taught. By using phones, laptops or even tablets to do activities or assignments, I feel as though students feel more comfortable because they are using things that appeal to their interests. Along with using the technology, using popular apps as well as current pop culture will appeal to most or even all students interests because chances are, they are comfortable with and may even use the apps every single day. As the years go by, technology deems to become more and more advanced as well as more apparent within our society. Therefore, kids may end up being even more dependent on all or some forms of technology. As teachers and future educators, it is our job to make sure our students are ready and excited to learn. By integrating technology, we will be sure to lead our students to success. 

Not only did we read about the technology that we can possibly use in our classrooms, but we also used technology to see what kind of teachers we will be. By filling out a short quiz online, we were able to discover a pretty accurate, personal digital horoscope. After taking the quiz, I received the title of Spirit Guide as well as Motivator and Trendsetter. To my surprise, the quiz was insanely accurate. As a Spirit Guide, I am very much focused on connecting to my future students and making sure that every student's need's are satisfied. I agree with receiving this title because as a future educator, my goal is to connect on a personal level with my students as well as on the academic level. I believe that connecting with each student personally is key to their success because if they feel comfortable coming to me with their personal issues, they will feel comfortable with coming to me regarding assignments. Receiving the title of Spirit Guide only made me more excited to be a high school English teacher; I cannot wait!

Lastly, we have read two articles regarding the idea of trans mediation, which is basically transforming ideas using signs, pictures, videos, etc, rather than writing a book report. I feel very strong about this topic not only because it gives students endless ways to show understanding but it also caters to every type of student. What I mean by "every type of student," is that not every child's strong suit is writing a book report on a book they barely understood. One child could draw a comic strip, another child could make a play or even make a poster. By giving students the option to relay their understanding in their own way, it will possibly make them feel more comfortable and will help aid them in their comprehension of the literature given. After reading Transmediation by Ladislaus M. Semali and I Just Want to Draw by Kathy G. Short, Gloria Kauffman, and Leslie H. Kahn, I have a whole new outlook on how I would like to teach my future students. 

Overall, I was a big fan of what we have learned this first unit. The readings and assignments have really opened my eyes and have shown me a million different ways to teach my future students. Needless to say, I am very excited to learn more and read more about how I can incorporate technology within the classroom. Hopefully by the end of the semester, I will no longer be a "hand-waver," and will take the title of "tech-guru."