Embracing Technology As An Educator Without Weakening A Student’s Ability To Make Personal Connections

Technology is such a huge part of our day to day lives that its surprising that we still have any face to face interactions with each other at all.  With this in mind I think that we should encourage the use of technology within a reasonable balance.  Technology can be beneficial in so many ways, but the younger generation doesn't know life without it so they can't fully appreciate the respect and maturity that comes with having consistent face to face conversations.

In order to embrace technology without losing the ability to make personal connections there needs to be restrictions for technology can and can't be used for. This is especially true in the classroom settings.  While technology can be beneficial in regards to helping with research or assisting in understanding something that isn't fully comprehended, students all need to experience the benefits that open discussions with their teachers and even their peers can have.  Ideas can be shared, different points of view can be seen and hopefully open each others eyes new possibilities.

As teachers we need to be able to find a balance to allow and encourage the use of technology in today's classroom, but also keep the students from losing sight of that impact that a good old fashion face to face conversation can have someone.

How does/can technology improve PE without taking away from the fun and engagement of physical activity?

Technology can improve PE in many different ways.  Not only can it help students track their progress during a multitude of activities, but it can help them analyze their results as well.  Things such as heart rate monitors and fitness trackers give students instant feedback on the work they are doing which is something that children in today's society seek.  Through the use of video whether on a camcorder or iPad we are able to play back back performances immediately after they are finished and analyze our strengths and weaknesses.  Students are able to use any device that is connected to WiFi to research different health topics or ideas for exercise giving them more of a sense of inclusion and achievement.  I think the greater question would be how could technology ever make PE less fun or engaging?  This question would be much harder to answer and definitely have fewer examples to give out.

Benefits and Drawbacks of a Parent Newsletter

I don't really have any experience with parent newsletters so I asked my wife, who is an elementary school teacher, and a couple of her colleagues what their opinions on the matter are.  They all seemed to not be overly fond of them.

Here are some of the benefits they told me:

- Increased communication

- Builds trust and stronger relationships with parents

- Builds community within the classroom and school in general

- Helps children at primary level participate in school wide activities

The drawbacks they listed are:

- Time consuming

- Takes time away from planning and grading

- Takes responsibility away from secondary level students

- Not environmentally friendly

- One more thing for parents to look at

- Gets lost in the shuffle of paperwork that is sent home

Exercise and Time Management

Finding and making the time to incorporate some form of exercise into a your lifestyle is a struggle for many people.  I have heard many personal trainers and fitness nuts say how anyone can make time for a workout in the daily schedule.  They just have to want to find the time.  While this may be true for some people, not everyone has the extra minutes in there day if they want to incorporate any sleep at all.  While I would love to be able to spend more time getting into shape, I am sleep deprived enough with my schedule as it is.  I work 6 days a week, am taking 4 college classes this semester and and have 2 young boys that I try spend any extra time i can find with.  I think that key to managing your time to be able to incorporate exercise consistently into a daily routine is to not have a busy schedule.  Other than that I guess you have to have some kind of career that involves daily exercise.  Hopefully chasing after 2 little boys is enough exercise for now until my schedule eventually slows down.