Last class!!

(I wrote this several days ago, but my internet access hasn't been working, so I'm just posting now)

Well, its over. I keep saying it, but I really can't believe how fast the time went. Overall, I really enjoyed the class. While I already have some of the skills that were covered in the class, like PowerPoint and Excel, I come away with new tools and techniques that will enhance both my teaching and my student's learning experience. First of all, I will definitely make a website for each class. I had learned html years ago and had a personal webpage, but for lack of practice, I mostly forgot it. Now I've learned about web-page editors (is that what they're called?) like Netscape Composer. I'll be able to easily create websites that will allow me to effectively communicate with my students and their parents. I'll also include a Hotlist on each webpage for students that either need help with the material or want to learn more about a topic. Next year, one of my new classes will be to serve as a mentor for projects students completing research projects and entering the Intel and other competetions. Part of my role is assisting, editing and offering advice on the extensive writng that these students must do. This brings me to the second way that I will use technology in my teaching. I will use the "track changes" tool in Word. This will keep everything organized and allow me to focus on my students' work. I've been trying to come up with a way to incorporate "blogging" into my classes, and I keep coming back to my original idea: my AP Biology students don't have time to get together for study groups especially since Bronx Science students come from all over the 5 boroughs. I want to make an online study blog- almost like message boards- where students can help each other with academic questions. Most of my classes have little time in the calendar for projects like CultureQuest and WebQuests. However, at the beginning of the year last year, I did have my regents biology students complete group projects and presentations about different environmental issues. The WebQuest that I created for this class, with a little refinement, could replace that project and I am definitely considering it for next year. Next year another new class that I will be teaching is Genetics. This is going to be MY class- no set curriculum and no big standardized test at the end. This is going to give me the flexibility that I don't have in my other classes. I think that I will end up using all of the techniques I learned in ESC 529- especially digital stories since the students that enroll in this class tend to be the "arty" type. Finally, although I have already had students use PowerPoint for presentations in my AP Biology class and I plan to use this techniques in all of my classes. The most important skill in science is being able to effectively communicate scientific findings. It doesn't matter if the most amazing research has been performed if no one knows about it. PowerPoint is the tool that REAL scientists use for both formal and informal talks. I will use PowerPoint in AP Biology as I did last year- for student presentations after the AP Exam, I will use it in Genetics for students to present their group projects (I am planning on assigning several), and I will use it in Regents Biology for individual "extra-credit" assignments on material that I do not cover in class and usually have students learn at home on their own.

Lastly, I'd like to say how much I've enjoyed my classmates. I've learned so much from all of you especially all of you sensitive English teachers. My best to everyone.

Allison