Getting Smart with SMARTBoard

Technology has really opened the door to learning and teaching. We are able to use the internet for a limitless amount of information, to communicate with people all over the world. Computers, laptops, netbooks, tablets and even phones are made where you ca do assignments on the and save to an invisible Cloud which can be accessed from any device. And now, we are able to turn even the classroom into an interactive fun space for children of any age! From Headstart to College, the SMARTBoard is bringing life to learning just a little bit more.

I only first used a SmartBoard a year ago in my Physical Science class. I grew up with the black chalk boards and was amazed when they began using the dry-erase boards. I had no idea that there were boards like this! Even though it is a lot to learn for teachers and students, I am a full supporter in using these boards in a classroom. There are so many uses for them, it is amazing. To name a few:

• Digital storytelling
• Brainstorm
• Reinforce skills by using on-line interactive web sites
• Teach editing skills using editing marks
• Use highlighter tool to highlight nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.
• Illustrate and write a book as a class. Use the record feature to narrate the text.
• Teach steps to a math problem.

The list goes on! But, can these boards be used for Assessment? Of COURSE they can! Everything you can use as a teaching strategy, you can turn into an assessment.

Because this board is interactive, you are able to make not only teaching fun but also make assessment fun. You can have the children go up to that board and do math problems, or underline the verb in a sentence, take turns finding a star shape, or circle. Through certain programs which can be used with the Smartboard, children are able to have fun, even when you are secretly assessing their knowledge on the subject. Here are a few website to visit which have the programs available.

http://www.bristolvaschools.org/mwarren/SBActivities.htm
http://mhess1.pbworks.com/f/Smart%20Boards%2032699193.pdf

A Teacher's Professional Portfolio

When I first think of a Professional Portfolio, I honestly only think of a few major things: Resume, Experience, and Recognition. But, once I began researching it more, I realised that there are a lot more things which need to be included, and it all makes perfect sense to me.

It is important for us to begin starting our own Professional Portfolios. Begin one now, and keep adding to it, so when it is time for us to go in for an interview we will be ready. Also, your portfolio will serve a purpose to help you in your teaching. Including information from any workshops you attend should be included so you can easily look back and access it if needed.

Since this was pretty straight to the point information, I got this list from the Scholastic web page at : http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/professional-portfolio

What to Include
A professional teaching portfolio is more than a hodge-podge of lesson plans and lists of professional activities. It is a careful record of specific accomplishments attained over an extended period of time. 

I. Background Information

• resume
• background information on teacher and teaching context
• educational philosophy and teaching goals

II. Teaching Artifacts and Reflections Documenting an Extended Teaching Activity

• overview of unit goals and instructional plan
• list of resources used in unit
• two consecutive lesson plans
• videotape of teaching
• student work examples
• evaluation of student work
• reflective commentary by the teacher
• additional units/lessons/student work as appropriate

III. Professional Information

• list of professional activities
• letters of recommendation
• formal evaluations

ENFJ All the Way

Full description is found here: http://typelogic.com/enfj.html

Extravert (56%) iNtuitive (62%) iNtuitive Feeling (62%) Judging (44%)

That's me. It pretty much had everything correct on how I usually put others first, and am quick to go with my heart over my head. I am creative in many areas, and love being around other people. I have many dreams which I plan on making happen before the day I leave this life, whenever that may be. I am usually the friend and sometimes stranger that people trust their whole life story with. I may not believe in church, the bible,but I am spiritual in my own way. Though Judging is strangely one of my words listed up there, I do not judge those around me. I know that every person has a story and who am I to judge them for the way they act, dress, or express themselves. I was very amused when I saw the word chameleon on this picture, being that I used to own one and that they are my favorite reptiles! And yet, the do represent a side to me. Though I may come off as confident, I am actually very sensitive in my own skin at sometimes would love to be like a chameleon and just blend in with my background. But, because that is only the part of who I am which is not really WHO I am, it is something that is slowly dissolving into the love I am giving myself, which, as you may read, is not so easy for an ENFJ like me.