Teaching Generation Tech
Katie Hanifin is a teacher at Canastota High School in upstate New York, where she specializes in the integration of technology in the classroom. She has written for EdTech magazine on innovative classroom technology as well as Web 2.0, virtual worlds, video gaming, and the online learning experience. In this opinion blog, she discussed her experience teaching students with greater access to technology than ever. This blog is no longer being updated.
Education
Opinion
A kinder, gentler fun
Having fully recovered from the celebration of our nation's birthday, I am able to offer much more innocent examples of fun. I'm leaving those college kids behind and learning from my nieces and nephews.
Education
Opinion
Become the change you tweet in the world
I am sitting in my classroom, watching the summer rain beat decidedly against the window - a reminder to me that "green" requires some meteorological sacrifice, and a reminder to the students that it's not vacation until they finish the state English test placed before them. With a cool New York rain outside, and a traditional New York state assessment inside, why am I inadvertently thinking of a very hot, dry, and unsafe place on the other side of the world?
Education
Opinion
Run for your life!!
As I wheezed my way across the finish line in a recent 5K race, just behind some of the children's "Fun Run" finalists, I asked myself, "Why do I do this?". I have started exercising in an attempt to face the summer season with a little more dignity via a little less me, therefore I run.
Education
Opinion
Spring cleaning
As Sunday night subtly settles in during these wonderfully long vernal days, I reflect on another weekend past. The garage is cleaned, the laundry folded, the garden is even weeded. While this equates to my back being essentially broken in two, it's the sense of accomplishment to which I'd like to hold on.
Education
Opinion
Censorship and Sensibility
I had an interesting conversation with a colleague the other day about curriculum. I know what you're thinking: "Wait, I thought you said interesting..."
Education
Opinion
It's not you, it's me.
I shared the last post "Can we be friends?" with the student in question. I was curious for his reaction. Even more curiously, he didn't really have one. He said it was no big deal and went on to say that it was a strange thing to write about.
Education
Opinion
Can we be friends?
I joined Facebook last summer as part of a grad class on social networking and its potential for education. At first I thought it was just like MySpace, a twin sister with a less notorious reputation. I was soon to find out that Facebook is really the slightly more sophisticated older brother, the college-bound hairbag that spends time in coffee houses strumming his guitar.
Education
Opinion
Do NOT open the test booklet!
What is learning? I mean, what do we REALLY know about it? I often joke with my principal that he should be able to enter my classroom, look around to survey the scene, and nod affirmatively, “Yes, learning has happened here.”
Education
Opinion
Sittin' around on my assessment
Ahh, May! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
Education
Opinion
My Wii Fit is a better teacher than me.
Years ago I tried kickboxing and felt like a very sweaty, very dangerous version of a dancing Elaine from Seinfeld, limbs flailing left and right in no particular rhythm. Since then I have fallen from skis, bikes, and even my own two feet. I've always wanted to try yoga, but I didn't care to be the uncoordinated wreck at the back of the room ruining everyone else's chi.
Education
Opinion
Is this ringing in my pants bothering you?
Today I had to tell one my male students that it was a bit awkward that his hands repeatedly fidget with something in his pocket below the desk. If you're now horrified (because I am, in fact, a high school teacher), don't worry, it's just a cell phone.
Education
Opinion
Educational evolution: out of extinction...
As a teacher, I sometimes feel like I’m spinning my proverbial wheels. And I must not be alone because a colleague recently said, “I could be naked up there” referring hyperbolically to the lengths necessary to get our high school students’ attention.