Mr. Winkle Wakes

Last week I watched Mr. Winkle Wakes.  He reminded me a lot of my grandmother.  The only difference between the two is that she was here and awake the whole time.  He visited a business office, a hospital, and finally ended up at a school.  My grandmother has the thought process of Mr. Winkle.  She believes that the school house is the only place that has not dramatically changed.  Unfortunately for Mr. Winkle, I plan to be a teacher that changes with the times.  I want to have smart boards, elmos, projection screens, etc. 

                These days students use all types of technology for school.  Many high schools have even started using blogs and twitter as sources of communication. Technology seems like it’s in a blossoming state.  I have a droid cell phone.  My two year olds already can use my phone and my ipod better than the majority of adults.  They are growing up in the hands of technology.

I am a 21st century teacher :)

John Cotton Dana’s quote, “Who dares to teach must never cease to learn,” is a fabulous example of the teacher I plan to be.  I want to be a great 21^st century teacher.  I want my students to be comfortable in their learning environment and love learning.  I want my students to be able to express themselves in their own way.  Most of all I want my students to LEARN.  Technology is a great way to differentiate learning.  Every student is on a different level and learns in a different way.  With technology guiding them, they can learn at the own pace. 

Teachers are not in this alone.  21^st century students want this.  They want to use their everyday technology to learn.  They enjoy using ELMOs, smart boards, and computer based software to learn.  In fact, from what I have observed of students, they thrive upon it.  Teachers and students still need support from within the homes.  Helping children along with assignments and offering encouragement is all it takes to help some children to succeed.