Reading #1 TPACK

After reading these few pages, I have come to realize how much I have been taught to view the content from what is given to me instead of how it should be taught! If that even makes sense! I, being a substitute and not really having my own classroom yet, haven't had the chance to really view the content for each grade except from the short time in which I completed my student teaching.
However, since I am currently doing a permanent sub position for a few months, I am just getting the opportunity to view the content for what it really is. So to answer the questions:

What are the major themes or ideas in your content discipline?
* Well, to start with the state provides all of the content that has to be taught and the manner in which they want it taught now too. (It is Scripted!) SO, the basic theme or idea is really provided already in an overview. However, I love to incorporate new ideas such as more art projects, or bringing new technology into the classroom to broaden the subject or content material. For example, I have created PowerPoint presentations for study guides and games, as well as, using United Streaming and PBS kids to modify and accommodate some students. My major theme is to be able to make learning fun so that the students are more willing to want to learn. Maybe after this class, my theme will be technology!?! Unfortunately, because of the reading series' and other manuals that are scripted these days, if they are not followed exactly and the correct material isn't covered then when it comes time to complete the state mandated tests, the students fail! It is very stressful.

Does your content discipline rely on specific processes for developing the key themes of ideas?
* Because of having to use the content discipline in which has to follow the states mandatory series, then yes, there is a specific processes in which I have to follow. Just as I said above, if the manuals and content provided are not followed 100% then the children end up falling behind and the reflection on the teachers are not the best. I wish we could go back to a few years ago when it was OK to venture out and bring new ideas to the table instead of having everything mapped out for you!

How much of what you know is dependent on the way you learned your subject(s)?
* Truly, what I was taught in college has nothing to do with what you actually learn once you are in the classroom. Being in Elementary Education, I learn something new everyday. It is easy to teach someone how to do something, but until you actually do it, it's nothing! Even when it came to me learning I have found that everyone learns differently. I guess that is why we have to make so many modifications and accommodations with the different subjects in order for everyone to learn. Handing someone a book and asking them to read it doesn't help you learn until you experience it, as I have said previously. I will believe that until the day I die! :)

Do you think in terms of your content by the chapters in a textbook or do you think in terms of your content as an integrated whole?
* Now that I am getting the chance to actually see the content and actually be the one teaching it, I see it as chapters for the time being. I am having to take the lessons chapter by chapter to make sure I cover everything that needs to be covered. However, I am looking at all of the content on the curriculum mapper as a whole. If I don't do both then I am afraid my students will not get the most out of what I am teaching. I have to be able to teach the students so that we can build on each lesson. We have to do one lesson and get it done correctly so that we can build on it and move forward. Maybe as I continue working and teaching, then I may have a different aspect, but for now I think I see my terms as both chapters in a textbook and an integrated whole.

Does your knowledge of this discipline represent an integration of the concepts and processes that connect them?
* I believe that it does because of the way in which once again the state has set everything up. There are certain concepts and processes that have to be done correctly. And once everything is covered, eventually they all become connected so that the students have all subjects integrated within each other. It is a rather hard concept for me to grasp and learn, but I think with time I will be able to create a better discipline of my own.

Technology/Conclusion

All in all, it is hard to do anything out of the ordinary or out of line because of the way the state mandates every step that each teacher has to make. It is unfortunate, and sometimes I wonder if the students are even learning the best way or if they are even retaining the information as well as students did ten years ago!?!

However, I feel that using technology in the schools would help broaden learning experiences. I mean, when the students can have the access to look up information for social studies and science or a module on how to solve math problems, then they will have a better opportunity to learn. You definitely can't look inside a real human body, but having a website that shows step by step how each system of the body works would be a better hands on experience, or being able to get on The Internet and look up the most recent information on a country would be better than a 1980 encyclopedia. There are so many ways in which these students could benefit with technology that it isn't funny. I for one didn't get the chance till around high school to even really see how PowerPoint worked, and it was so much better to do a report with that than with pencil and paper, and believe it or not I WANTED TO DO IT! ha ha! I just hope as the years pass that we will be able to find a median in which the teachers and state can identify with and set up a better learning program for our students!

Not to mention, that there are three specific content standards that are to be covered for each grade level in order to incorporate technology. For the grade in which I teach; I should be including:

21C.S.PK-2.1 The student will access, analyze, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information in a variety of forms using appropriate technology skills and communicate that information in an appropriate oral, written, or multimedia format.

21C.S.PK-2.2 The student will demonstrate the ability to explore and develop new ideas, to intentionally apply sound reasoning processes and to frame, analyze and solve complex problems using appropriate technology tools.


21C.S.PK-2.3 The student will exhibit leadership, ethical behavior, respect for others; accept responsibility for personal actions considering the impact on others; take the initiative to plan and execute tasks; and interact productively as a member of a group.

that way my students will be familiar with the programs and be able to actually function in our society!