The first feed I added was to a blog called Think Inclusive. As a “regular” education teacher, I did not spend as much time in my own schooling focused on how to best teach students within a special education setting. Reading through the posts, I found so many ideas and reminders that will are incredibly helpful for all of my classes. Several articles had suggestions on ways to help build confidence in students with learning disabilities, but I found that so many would benefit all of my students! Overall, this blog is a great reminder to constantly think about the needs of all students. I find that sometimes I get too caught up in the big picture and this is the gentle nudge to think about each individual student.
I also started following a blog called Teach Thought. The focus in on a wide range of topics, but I originally followed to see some of their articles on reducing technology in the classroom. I personally find myself trying to use more and more technology in the classroom, rather than thinking of times that we may not need the technology. One example provided was having students use actual simple machines in class to try to solve a problem, something that would not have the same effect if done on a computer. In reading this article, I found myself thinking about what innovation could look like. To me innovation was creating something new, however I did not extend this thinking to having students solve new problems. This opened a whole new avenue of innovation- problem based learning!
I also followed Education Post on Twitter. I do not always think about the more “complicated” parts of being a teacher. Things like- How does educational inequality affect students? What value do charter schools provide to communities? Seeing these issues “pop” up in front of me each day has helped me to think about my own role as a teacher but also as an advocate for education. I have started to think more about ways that I can make a difference outside of the classroom as well. While I may not have answers yet, I am starting to make this a part of my overall identity as an educator.
Widening my own affinity space has pushed my thinking this week. There is an infinite wealth of knowledge online, but we need to be aware of what we are allowing in and what is being blocked out (Pariser, 2011).
References
Gee, J. P. (2013). The Anti-Education Era: Creating Smarter Students through Digital Learning. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Knight Foundation. (2012). Eli Pariser author of The Filter Bubble. Retrieved April 17, 2016, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eli_Pariser,_author_of_The_Filter_Bubble_-_Flickr_-_Knight_Foundation_(1).jpg
Pariser, Eli. Beware of Online “Filter Bubbles”. (2011, March). Retrieved April 11, 2016, from http://www.ted.com/talks/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles