Friday, August 29, 2008

The Importance of Technology

Wow, what an exciting and yet overwhelming week!!! I was very pleasantly surprised by a visit from my mom and step dad last weekend! I had no idea they were driving all the way from Indiana to Missouri! It was really wonderful to see them. I haven't really seen my mom for almost a year now. God is so good because I really needed that before the start of school and work.

I started a face to face class this past Monday with Dan Sample. It's called Teaching in the 21st century. I've only had one class and am amazed by how much this class has helped me already! If you haven't watched The Last Lecture on YouTube, I would DEFINITELY encourage you to do so. It's amazing. It really gets you thinking about what you want to accomplish in this life. I think it's really valuable for educators to really consider their mission in life. I believe that God has called me to teach. Where and when? I don't know. I do know that when God puts you on a mission it isn't necessary to know the details. He aligns everything.

So, in the class Teaching in the 21st Century, we have been exploring the importance of technology in the classroom. I've come to realize that I have really just taken technology for granted. Sure, I thought it was important that students learn the basics like how to type and use various program. However, I now see that it's really important that I instill a love for learning in my students. The only way I can do that is to have a love for learning myself. Technology is changing so fast that it's almost impossible to keep up with it all. It's critical that educators learn as much as they can about technology and help their students to learn as well. We are living in a global society. Information is available via the world wide web in seconds. It's important that students learn not only how to find information, but to find factual and relevant information.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Looking for a Deaf Church??

Here's a listing of churches in the Springfield area that offer interpreted services:

James River Assembly
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
New Life Church
Cherry Street Baptist Church
Walnut Lawn Church of Christ

Upcoming Deaf Events Near Springfield, Missouri

This weekend was Deaf Awareness Weekend at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. If you weren't able to attend you missed a great time!!! Here is a reminder about some of the upcoming Deaf events in the Springfield area.

Deaf Chat Night

Every Friday night!!!! Join us from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Cassils Coffee Cafe. (2925 West Republic Road, Springfield, MO) This is a great way to improve your signing skills and interact with members of the Deaf Community)

August 9-10

"Skills Camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children"

H.Roe Bartle Boy Scout Camp, Osceola, MO. Cost is FREE! To register please call Tisha Holden at 573-346-2210 ext. 222.

August 16, 2008

"Deaf/HH Kids Softball"

Join us at Grant Beach Park Ball field. 10:00 a.m.

August 16, 2008

"Area Springfield Interpreters Association"

10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.

Meet us at Cassil's Coffee Cafe and meet other interpreters! You'll receive 2 CEU's for each workshop!!

August 18, 2008

"Deaf Night at Torilla's Comida Deluxe Mexican Restaurant"

Want some Mexican food??? Meet us from 5:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m and you'll get 10% off your order.

August 27, 2008

"Deaf Awareness Group"

Join us to help plan for the next year. We'll be meeting in the Library Station (2535 N. Kansas) in the Santa Fe room. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

September 20-27, 2008

"Deaf Awareness Week!"

More information coming....

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

New Additions

Today I have added several new features to my blog. To the left you'll noticed I've added some links to my favorite websites. At the bottom of my page I've added a video from You Tube. It's really awesome! Then, below the video I have added a photo book. There are sooo many amazing tools out on the internet. I see now how blogs can be VERY useful in the classroom. You can add so many entertaining and interactive features.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Vision for My Blog

I've spent the day thinking about what my vision is for my blog. I think I've concluded that I want it to be a place where people can understand more about the language and culture of the Deaf. God has placed a call on my life to reach out to and minister to the Deaf through sign language. I continue to believe Him for opportunities to serve in this way.

Podcasts

Wow! I just figured out how to create a free podcast and how to embed in on my blog. It took some time to figure it out. You can create free podcasts at http://www.evoca.com. The site isn't very self-explanatory but with a few prayers and lots of patience, you'll be able to figure it out. Isn't technology amazing?

Investigating Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis

So, I logged on to Blackboard today and was sooo excited to find that Dr. Borelli has posted assignments for her class! I've been reviewing the literature and am absolutely stoked about this class! I love technology and think that it is a wonderful tool to be used in the classroom! I do have some experience with blogging. However, I don't know much of anything about podcasts and wikis. So, I am thrilled to be learning more. I've spent some time checking out http://www.leadertalk.org. It's a blog for educators. I really enjoyed reading some of the posts and topics.

Well, I'm off to find out more about what kind of cool features I can add to my blog!