This is the last blog entry for this class. I've thoroughly enjoyed this class...and have learned so much from it. I am awed by several of my classmates and how savvy they are when it comes to technology and finding 'stuff' on the internet. I still don't know how they find such great sites and have so many great ideas. I've only begun to scratch the surface on what's available to utilize in a classroom setting...I think the tools listed in out textbook will open many doors as to other websites available to peruse. What I've learned about partnering in out other textbook makes so much sense to me...definitely will be referring to it OFTEN! Thank you Dr. Asing-Cashman for facilitating such a great class!

"> I loved the tools used this week. The Wordle tool was my favorite. I've seen these before but had no idea how to make one...and never thought I might be able to make one. Very cool! I also think using this week's tools in a classroom would be great ice breakers, individualized ways of communicating and could be used to pull a class together to 'create' something. I've really enjoyed this class and feel like it has opened techie doors for me. Not being from the 'tech savvy' generation, there is so much I don't even know is available. I am constantly astounded when one of my children, young nephews, even my 6yo granddaughter introduce me to something on the internet or in an app on a smartphone...stuff I am oblivious about.

4/15/13

This week's readings had such great ideas/examples of making partnering real for me. With every new chapter/concept to which I am introduced, I realized that I can indeed be part of the positive change that I see needs to be made in the education process, particularly in the dental hygiene education process. I've known for a long time that the 'tell/memorize/test' method just wasn't cutting it. I've worked with too many new graduates that 'don't have a clue' once they get out of the classroom. I've wanted to teach for a LONG long time. My (now ex-) husband didn't think teaching was very 'admirable'. When I'd bring up the subject of going back to school for a teaching education, he'd say things like,'those that can, do; those who can't teach'. He'd poo-poo my desire. Well, he's no longer in the picture and I'm finally realizing my goal. This week, I got a letter that informed me that I did not get the full-time position at the program where I'm currently teaching. While a let down, it won't stop me from continuing! I've had such great feedback from my students/fellow instructors and the patients of my students. I will continue to move forward! This program's loss will be another's gain. Until then, I just gotta figure out a way to keep the mortgage paid! And, I WILL...always have!

A walk in the meadow

There is so so SO much to choose from technology wise. I'm overwhelmed by the vast array of options. Options to which I am oblivious. EVERY class demonstration opens my eyes to how much I do NOT know! This is the 1st 'book' I've ever made online and I really enjoyed the process. I am forever amazed at how little I am actually aware of that is available for use on this thing we call the web. I'm so under-utilizing the 'WWW'! My mind is turning at how many ways I can integrate technology into a field that under-appreciates its use. My group-mates are much more accomplished than I in this technology savvy-ness. So much of my field is 'hands on' and the learning of the techniques involved in making a dental hygienist competent enough to treat the public; little attention is paid to bringing in new ways to teach the needed lessons. I've been told that a new graduate is 'competent'; after 3 years one is considered 'proficient'; and at 10 yrs can be considered an 'expert' in their field. I'm not even feeling competent when it comes to the use of technology. http://storybird.com/books/what-can-you-find-in-the-meadow-a-story-for-friend/

My Magoo

My Magoo

I had to wrap my head around our text saying the nouns of learning change but the verbs of learning stay the same. In my pea brain, verbs are action thus movement, thus change. Nouns being 'person/place/things', well...they should stay the same. Once I got it into perspective, I understood: the verbs of learning are what encompasses the act of learning...what we want students to retain, how to get to that point, how to present the info, how to reach retention goals, etc are constants. These 'goals' are the basis of the education profession and experience. I had to get it through my muddy brain that the nouns of learning are the vehicles we use to get there. Those vehicles change, 'paths' change, the venues change, the technology evolves, hardware/software evolves, new gadgets are introduced, old gadgets are enhanced/improved or made obsolete; new nouns are being introduced to the learning experience. I am understanding why have a working knowledge of 'what's out there' and available behooves me and allows me to provide the best possible experience for my students. I don't need to be the expert, just the guide ...and all the while learning as much from them on the technology whenever possible. I'm not above letting my students know that they are teaching me too! Just today, in our post clinic huddle, we talked about everyone one of us in that room being both learners and teachers. Every 2 weeks, we have a new group dental assistant students rotating through our clinic. Traditionally, these students were the responsibility of a non-dental hygiene instructor but at the staff meeting last night, I was told that they were now under my direct supervision and were my responsibility. As I assigned each of them to a DH student, I wanted to make sure they understood that my DH students would be learning from them as well as them learning from the DH student. I ouit worked well and both 'sides' realized the symbiotic nature of our relationship!

3 ways to utilize social networking in classroom My students are members of The Student American Dental Hygiene Association which funnels directly into The American Dental Hygiene Association once they've graduated and become licensed. Having a Facebook page set up for the class would allow them to post information from the national page to share. It would allow them to share photos and stories from different group activities ...yesterday they participated in the Clean UP campaign as a fundraiser for their group. I'd like to see those pics! Hashtags on twitter would allow the students to get instant tweets on any subject they've hashtagged. Twitter would allow them to follow each other and keep up with school/classroom activities...as we come to the end of this final semester, they are bombarded with activities, deadlines and due dates. As an instructor, I could send those tweets as 'friendly' reminders. Social networking could also connect class groups between schools, much like cities do when becoming 'sister cities'. It could become part of the learning experience to Skype (or some other link) with a school somewhere else in the nation. Sharing ideas and enhancing each class's learning experience.