"Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important." - Bill Gates "

ABOUT ME
Hello! I'm Sandra Gibbs, a future teacher and tech enthusiast based in the charming town of Alberta, Virginia.
I'm particularly passionate about leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences in the classroom. I love exploring a wide range of educational apps that cater to different learning styles and subjects. Whether it's interactive math games, virtual science experiments, or language learning tools, there's an app for every learning need. As I prepare for a teaching career, I'm excited about integrating technology into the classroom. I plan to use interactive whiteboards to make lessons engaging and interactive. Apps like Quizlet and Kahoot! create fun, interactive learning experiences, while online collaboration tools such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams enable seamless communication and collaboration. Additionally, e-learning platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera provide valuable resources to supplement classroom learning.
In my free time, I enjoy cross-stitching, photography, and trying out new recipes. I'm thrilled to share my knowledge and experiences with you on this blog. Welcome to my corner of the internet, where we'll learn and grow together!

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Personal Philosophy Assignment

Personal Philosophy Assignment

Explore an in-depth analysis of the personal philosophy assignment, focusing on the importance of self-reflection and critical thinking in shaping individual beliefs and values.

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What tools do we have at our disposal to help us comply with both demands?
Teachers use a mix of tools and methods to meet both curriculum standards and student needs. They use curriculum guides and assessments to track progress and adjust teaching methods to suit individual students. Technology is also integrated to personalize learning experiences.
When planning lessons with technology, teachers consider two main approaches: directed instruction and student-centered learning (Hughes & Roblyer, 2022). Directed instruction is systematic and effective for teaching basics, while student-centered learning encourages problem-solving and teamwork. Students use various tools for hands-on learning.
Combining these methods helps teachers create lessons that strengthen basic skills and encourage critical thinking. This approach ensures that technology meets the needs of all students.
 What benefits and challenges are associated with gaming in the classroom? Do you have any strategies that you use to make gaming productive? When is gaming inappropriate in the instructional setting?
This lesson explores the meaning of the word "dinosaur" using simple pictures, definitions, and quizzes. Students will learn the meaning of the word "dinosaur" through text, video, and games. I selected a chart fill-in activity to intensify the textbook content, timing, testing, and overall fluency regarding dinosaurs. Nearpod’s drill and practice approach was on an acceptable technological level. I believe the students’ involvement with this technology is motivating and will enhance my students’ overall learning experience and improve my ability to assess each student. I believe this technology will be highly effective in helping my students learn about dinosaurs. My strategy is to integrate this technology into my classroom approach to ensure it effectively supports my overall teaching goals. To differentiate the activity, I will provide additional resources and practice handouts for students. My English language learners will have a word bank with some of the vocabulary from the unit translated to their native language and be provided with bilingual dictionaries.
This week's lesson focuses on understanding and illustrating the sequence of events in a story. Students will learn to identify and connect the beginning, middle, and end of a narrative and how these parts contribute to the overall plot. Using Easelly, they will create a visual diagram of the story sequence for a book of their choice, with "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" as an example. Easelly supports diverse learning needs, including special needs, by helping students create visual diagrams and infographics with accessibility options like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, text-to-speech, and customizable text sizes and colors.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TREND

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TREND

Detailing the evolution of assistive technology, the article showcases how it has evolved to meet diverse needs and challenges.

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Assistive technologies (AT) are tools, devices, or software designed to aid individuals with disabilities in performing functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. These technologies enhance the functional capabilities of students with disabilities, enabling them to participate more fully in educational activities.
Reflecting on a course about Assistive Technology, Gaming, and Differentiation through Technology, I learned the importance of these tools in creating inclusive and engaging learning environments.