Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A Framework for Teacher Knowledge

Technology has been around for years and it improves daily. Everyday we learn something new with Technology. A classroom is a great place to use technology. Why? We are constantly talking about differentiated learning and technology can be inserted here as a great source of learning. Differentiated Instruction is as Carol Ann Tomlinson has said, "differentiation means giving students multiple options for taking in information (1999). Differentiating instruction means that you observe and understand the differences and similarities among students and use this information to plan instruction"(Carol Ann Tomlinson). As teachers, we need to know how we can use technology correctly in our classrooms for another way or source for our students. Each child learns differently. Some children learn better straight from the book, others it simply is just there because they understand it, some are kinesthetic, visual and auditory learners.

Whatever it takes: How beginning teachers learn to survive.

My second article was over how teachers make the transition from student to teacher. We go through the schooling we need to become an educator. We do the assignments, quizzes, tests, observation hours and internship. It should be easy right? The truth is, its not as easy as it may seem to some. Yes it should be a passion to want to teach, not teach because well its a job. Many people go into their internship and its great! It's when you are in your own classroom it hits you that "Oh my what am I doing here? Why did I chose this career? As it is stated in Whatever it takes: How beginning teachers learn to survive, "No other professions takes newly certified graduates, places them in the same situation as seasoned veterans, and gives them no organized support". They take on their career lightly and smoothly as they transition in. It is not saying they get it easy and it is not hard, it means they do not get put directly in place and there you go its all yours.  It could all be different if schools used a system like a mentoring group. That is being there for everyone, importantly the first years teachers. Mentoring groups would be the group of colleges that can ask questions when needed and not feel like there annoying the veteran teacher. A veteran teacher should like helping with questions other teachers have because they may learn something from it as well or see that "hey I could change it up and try that too". We should be able to talk to everyone at your job whether its teaching, banking or being a nurse. Help one another because one day you will need their help too. All in all, the article was great because I never did think of it that as we are being thrown into it our first year. Technically we are not because we have learned the education we need from the best professors and teachers. It will just be nerve racking the first year learning the ropes of being a teacher finally!!!