back to home page
|
Home Learn More Standards & Competencies Inspiration About the Author |
Silver Pony School (1982-83). I'm in front helping to hold a sign with my cousin Abbey. My parents & brother (brown pants & collared shirt) are in the back row.
About the Author
I was born into education. From the time I was six months old until I was 7, I attended my parent's private/alternative school called Silver Pony. Silver Pony was a large, red, one room house with surrounding property near what is now Carneros Inn/Boon Fly Cafe. It was there that I made life long friends, fell in love with learning, and experienced the joy of creativity.
When I was 7, Silver Pony closed and the spirit of the school stayed lit in the hearts of those that taught and attended there.
I am now a 2nd grade public educator in the same town where I was born and raised. My educational upbringing, bilingual, multicultural and personal experiences have made me realize that there is not a one education model for all. Education is deeply rooted and biased in the experiences of each educator. The choice of education for children is deeply rooted in the experiences of each parent.
There is a common ground for all educational models, which is the importance of proven pedagogy, infusion of technology, and content based off common standards to ensure students are prepared for college, workforce, and citizenship. I am proud to be part of the educational team that is preparing 21st century students, such as my 20 month year old daughter Emelia and 5 month year old son Ezra.
When I was 7, Silver Pony closed and the spirit of the school stayed lit in the hearts of those that taught and attended there.
I am now a 2nd grade public educator in the same town where I was born and raised. My educational upbringing, bilingual, multicultural and personal experiences have made me realize that there is not a one education model for all. Education is deeply rooted and biased in the experiences of each educator. The choice of education for children is deeply rooted in the experiences of each parent.
There is a common ground for all educational models, which is the importance of proven pedagogy, infusion of technology, and content based off common standards to ensure students are prepared for college, workforce, and citizenship. I am proud to be part of the educational team that is preparing 21st century students, such as my 20 month year old daughter Emelia and 5 month year old son Ezra.
EMELIA EZRA
Emelia staring with smudge of peanut butter on face.
|
Ezra rooting on the Warriors to victory!
|
JOE & JEN
Proud Parents of precious Emelia and Ezra
Reflections on Capstone Journey
TPACK.SAMR.
Reflecting on my Capstone journey, it is amazing that in less than a year I have transformed from a Word Doc user to a Social Media Digital Storyteller. I now have a basket filled with Web 2.0 tools that I can use to transcend student learning.
The TPACK model, is an educational model I learned from the Innovative Learning graduate program at Touro University that illustrates the importance of infusing technology with pedagogy and content. Prior to the program, I always felt that strong pedagogy based off standards was enough to prepare students for the 21st century. After completing the program, I feel that content and pedagogy is not enough to prepare students for the digital world. The element of technology is needed to have students ready for college and beyond.
The TPACK model highlights the importance of expertise in three areas: pedagogy, content, and technology. Whatever area an educator lacks skills, becomes their area of growth. Prior to the graduate program, out of the three areas it was obvious that technology was my growth area.
The SAMR model is used to evaluate your technological growth area. It is a rubric that teachers use to evaluate how effectively they are implementing technology into their classroom. The rubric also defines the difference between using technology to enhance student learning versus using technology to transform student learning.
The TPACK model lays the foundation for academic success and the SAMR ensures that the technology piece is effectively incorporated into the mix.
The TPACK model, is an educational model I learned from the Innovative Learning graduate program at Touro University that illustrates the importance of infusing technology with pedagogy and content. Prior to the program, I always felt that strong pedagogy based off standards was enough to prepare students for the 21st century. After completing the program, I feel that content and pedagogy is not enough to prepare students for the digital world. The element of technology is needed to have students ready for college and beyond.
The TPACK model highlights the importance of expertise in three areas: pedagogy, content, and technology. Whatever area an educator lacks skills, becomes their area of growth. Prior to the graduate program, out of the three areas it was obvious that technology was my growth area.
The SAMR model is used to evaluate your technological growth area. It is a rubric that teachers use to evaluate how effectively they are implementing technology into their classroom. The rubric also defines the difference between using technology to enhance student learning versus using technology to transform student learning.
The TPACK model lays the foundation for academic success and the SAMR ensures that the technology piece is effectively incorporated into the mix.
TPACK model simplified
Other Capstone Reflections
For the graduate program, I collaborated with two other colleagues on a book review about the left versus right brain, "A Whole New Mind". The book influenced my capstone, my teaching, and my way of thinking. I am incorporating elements of teaching based off of the six abilities Daniel Pink declared essential for professional fulfillment: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, Meaning.
A Whole New Mind convincingly declares how the leaders of today and tomorrow will be those that are spiritual, playful, and designers of symphonic stories expressing empathy towards humanity.
A Whole New Mind convincingly declares how the leaders of today and tomorrow will be those that are spiritual, playful, and designers of symphonic stories expressing empathy towards humanity.
BELOW IS A VIDEO CREATED COLLABORATIVELY BY TODD MILLS, ZACHARY PASILLAS, AND MYSELF.
THE VIDEO IS A REVIEW OF DANIEL PINK'S BOOK, "A WHOLE NEW MIND" AND HOW IT APPLIES TO OUR CAPSTONE PROJECT AND TEACHING.
THE VIDEO IS A REVIEW OF DANIEL PINK'S BOOK, "A WHOLE NEW MIND" AND HOW IT APPLIES TO OUR CAPSTONE PROJECT AND TEACHING.
Lasting Learning from the Innovative Learning program
Now that I have completed The Innovative Learning graduate program, I am excited to apply all that I learned to my teaching to help prepare students for the 21st century digital world that we live in. I am excited to try new technological tools with my students to transform their learning process and to share this knowledge with other educators and administrators.
This program has reinvigorated my passion for teaching and inspired me to not complacently wait for the change in education and instead BE the change. This program has given me tools to be a better teacher as well as a better leader.
This program has reinvigorated my passion for teaching and inspired me to not complacently wait for the change in education and instead BE the change. This program has given me tools to be a better teacher as well as a better leader.
