ETEC 533 Inquiry e-folio

We are nearly half-way through the semester and I have really grounded my perception as to what constitutes “good use” of technology in the classroom. I utilize digital technology a lot within my own practice, but I still feel as though I am very much on the periphery of what is actually available.  I utilize blogs, Power Points, digital video, computer animations and graphics, and my computer is always hooked up to the projector for those unplanned moments of use.

My kids like using it all and feel quite comfortable and empowered by it.  I especially like it when the role of teaching is reversed and my kids are able to teach me a few things. I believe good use of technology is any use that engages, empower, and invites as many users as possible. I am also quickly developing a practice of letting the students have the power and control over the technology. I began our blogsite by posting what I felt were worthy local, national, and global current events to invite critical student reflection. This has gone well and the students seem to reaping many benefits from considering each other’s perspectives. Our next step is to have the students post what they feel is worth consideration and discussion.  I am excited to see how this goes.

Stephen

Our blog site can be visited at the following URL: http://dogcreek.edublogs.org/

Our posts are currently password protected, but we may be lifting this protection so we can gain perspectives from around the world.

Hello Folks,

My name is Stephen Hawkins – no not THE Stephen Hawking, but a wise old owl nonetheless! I live and teach in a small rural First Nations community called Dog Creek which is in the Caribou region of British Columbia. Dog Creek is located in a beautiful geographical area of BC on the east side of the Fraser River, and is home to some of BC’s youngest basaltic volcanic formations. Some of you may be aware of Gang Ranch which is very close to Dog Creek. The people here are mostly from the Shuswap (Secwepemc) nation, and belong to the Canoe Creek First Nations Band. There are approximately 140 people living in this community and the closest major centre is William’s Lake, BC which is about a 1hr, 15min drive (mostly gravel).

This is my second year of teaching and my current assignment includes math and science for grades 4-10, and all other required courses for the grade 8-10 class with the exception of English and socials. I live right behind the school in a teacherage and have the advantage of being able to get to work in less than 5 minutes! I have no children, but between my dog, cats, teaching, running, and the MET program, I find my life quite busy and full.

I have taken ETEC 511 and 521, and am currently enrolled in this course and ETEC 500. My educational background includes a B.Sc. in Biology and a B.Ed. in secondary education. From this course I am hoping to glean a lot of valuable digital tools to support my instruction in science and math.

I am looking forward to working with you all!

Stephen Hawkins