UEN Part Two & Video Reflection

My UEN Reflection:

Using UEN has been such a positive learning experience for me. It has been great to explore all of the tools and programs offered to teachers on the site. Not only was I able to learn about infinite free resources, but I had the opportunity to be inspired by the ideas of others. By implementing the use of UEN into my classroom, I will be able to have a whole new level of communication with my students and their parents. UEN also provides an opportunity for the students to explore a teacher's website and use many of the interactive games and programs as well. I can't wait to use this program in my classrooms in the future.

When exploring programs such as eMedia and the curriculum resources, it was easy to imagine using this site as a teacher. However, when using Searchasaurus, World Book Encyclopedia, and Culture Grams, I was able to imagine being a student using UEN and Pioneer Library. These two sites are resources I wish I would have had access to as an elementary student. There are so many opportunities to take your learning to the next level and even explore topics not covered in the daily curriculum.

My favorite part of this assignment was using Pioneer library. I can remember using this website when I was in elementary school, but not to this extent. By using Culture Grams, I was able to see how students in other countries view school and other daily activities. The interactives offered in eMedia and on UEN are also great tools for students to use. These videos and games allow them to become involved in practicing skills or learning something new. There was such a variety to choose from and all of them were geared toward students. I also love that UEN provides hundreds of free lessons plans for every subject. In the past when I have worked with elementary teachers in their classrooms, they say that planning lessons can be the most time consuming part of the job. I love that UEN allows you to collaborate with other teachers and exchange free lesson plans.

I have absolutely loved learning how to use UEN and Pioneer library. I know that in the future I will definitely find a way to fit both websites into my teaching. I can't wait to continue exploring both websites and learning even more. I feel that using UEN in my classroom will only make my job as an educator easier, more effective, and more rewarding.

Video Reflection:

I actually really liked this video. I liked how he says "we must be prepared to be wrong" and I do believe that there are some teachers who can turn being wrong into a bad thing. I think it is important as a teacher to recognize talents rather than weaknesses. I don't know that schools kill creativity as much as teachers CAN kill creativity. We shouldn't send children into the world thinking that just because they aren't good at mathematics or science, they will never be successful. It isn't fair for teachers to educate their students out of loving music or art and causing them to believe that they will never be employable in that regard. One of the things I would like to strive for as a teacher is to make all children aware that they are intelligent, no matter what they are intelligent in.