Journal Entry 1

Well, I am still working on my website, although I have submitted it as assignment HA1 already. I have to say, I never thought I would get as much enjoyment out of making a webpage as I have. I think knowing that you are making something public for other people to see makes you invest that much more into it. I am also a perfectionist at times, and that can be quite a nuisance. So, in order ti accomodate my personality, I am considering my webpage a "work in progress" still.

As far as my first week of class goes, I am very pleased with my group and how we work together. We do still need to iron out when we are meeting so we can make sure we will have the full 15 hours, but we can take things one at a time. Our group has designated ourselves as the Cyber Students, which I feel is an appropriate name. I have always thought of myself as mediocre at technological things, but this course is definately upping my confidence in using the internet as a communication tool and a method of sharing and displaying information. I also plan on using the internet when I am a teacher to possibly post assignments and messages for parents. This way, the information is there for everyone who needs it, and everyone can look at it at their own convenience. I do understand that not everyone has internet access, so I also plan to "back up" my messages with a hard copy sent home with the student. Now that I think of it, I can use my webpage that I created to do it! I would just have to make some minor adjustments to the name of my page, etc. Oh, I just LOVE technology!!!!

Even though our class has only been in session officially for a few days, I feel I have done a lot of professional exploration and development. The html page under course materials titled "Is teaching for YOU?" really made me think about whether I have made the career right decision or not. As I mentioned on my personal web page on WebCT, I changed my major in college several times. I even ended up with two minors, business and psychology, because of it. I figured since I had so many credits in those areas, why waste them on just electives? I have always been that way, ever since I can remember. It's like I have so many choices that I cannot make up my mind. And even when I do finally make a choice, I second guess myself. Then, like someone switches on the light, I know when I have made a right decision. Onc I have made up my mind, I become very focused and set on the one goal. Isn't that weird? But, I would almost rather be the way I am (wishy washy until my gut feels its right) than the opposite way- just picking something I may become unhappy with later on. I try to be very thorough with my decision making process. And, I usually need to know if I can change my mind later on down the road. It's a security thing, I guess.

The decision to switch from Adolescent to Elementary education was actually one of the most difficult things I had to do. I had physical stomach aches from it. Sometimes I still wonder if I made the right decision, and I do worry. Some people said to me, "Well, elementary is easier", which I definatey don't agree with. It isn't easier by any means. It's just...different. Ultimately, I decided to change because with elementary school, there is more time spent with your students, and I feel that I would have more opportunities to do multidisciplinary projects and lessons. The students are more needy at this age, but luckily for me I have tons of patience.

So, with the question "Is teaching for me?"-Yes, I absolutely think it is. One of the reasons I changed my major so many times is that I love learning, and I would be a student for the rest of my life if I could. But, I have to pay bills somehow. My sister is a kindergarten teacher, and she showed me that teachers ARE life-long learners- always learning from colleages, students and themselves. I love my future career, and I lov the teaching assistant job I have now. I never have a bad day at my job, I love working with students and watching them learn. The one thing I do get nervous about is coming up with new and interesting projects for them, but I suppose that's where the infinite information and knowledge of the internet comes in. I try to tell myself the only way I can fail as a teacher is by not being in it for the kids. And I do not think my heart would let me do that.