TeachingLiterature.Org

TeachingLiterature.org is probably one of the coolest sites I've found yet on my career path to becoming a teacher. I will definitely use this site for tips on how to initiate interaction with my students and for good book choices along the way (If I am aloud to choose). If not, it does give great ideas and resources for specific books, my favorite being Harry Potter ( Oh to be so lucky to be able to teach that to a high school classroom:) That would be thrilling. On the opposite side, those books or ideas I may not be very fond of, they have (what seems like) an endless list of Media and Visual tools to help teachers. I love visual tools. They helped me the most in school (though they weren't use too often). The only thing I did NOT like about this website is that all of its weblinks have not been updated and some of the pages give me that "404" code...which I absolutely hate. Other than that... I love it. I really found myself a positive website to use for the future...Go Me! lol

Website Evaluation Site

http://www.lesley.edu/library/guides/research/evaluating_web.html

This is the link to a website posted by Lesley University. The use of this website is to list credentials for credible websites on the internet. This is a credible site for two main reasons : First, its foundation comes from a university. Universities are credible sources because they provide information for future learners. Because they are the haven for future learners, they must first prove themselves as credible before teaching their students to do the same. Also, this is a credible source because it sites its information and it gives links throughout its website for deeper information on a stated subject and examples of hoax websites for viewers to explore and understand. I actually enjoyed doing this activity, because it gave me the chance of practicing in finding correct websites for my students. Also, I can use practices like this for my students in the future to help them understand the importance of using credible websites. The only thing I did not enjoy about this activity is being disappointed by good websites not registering as "credible". I have actually found this disappoint inside and outside of this class. The next time I search for sites like this, I believe I will use the same tactics.

My First Impression of the Wiki

Personally I found the Wiki a little confusing and slightly problematic. It was hard for me to format my pictures into and also to align my paragraphs like I wanted to. All in all, however, I did arrive at the conclusion that it would be nice to use in the classroom as an English teacher. It is really a good avenue for me to use for students to write journals or small essays on. Also, I definitely know I would like the wiki better on my pc, however, I am trying my best to maneuver this Mac the best I can ....wikis and all.

Learning Expectations

In 486, I desire to, first, increase my "Mac know-how". I do not own an apple computer and the one or two times I've attempted to maneuver a Mac book, I have failed. So, needless to say, Macs hate me. However, I am willing to take on the challenge. Also I am excited about learning the endless resources to use in the classroom. I am never ceased to be amazed at all of the creative activities that are available now online. I believe it is important for me to not only be aware but become an expert at online resources. The reason behind this is, because if I can become an expert, this will help me connect to my students. I expect to learn this most of all during this class, to really learn the many online resources that my students will have access to and ones they will enjoy using rather than books at a desk every day.

The Official First Epic Post

I am from Powell, TN. I went to a small, Christian school where I graduated with 19 people. I was accepted into UT as a Freshman. I have desired to be a teacher since I was 15, and I was so excited when I was accepted into UT followed by the Education program. Since I have had a desire to teach for so long, I have been anticipating this point in my life for (what it seems like) forever. I want to work with teens, because they are so much fun and have so much positive energy (if its channeled correctly). I honestly just have a heart for them, and to teach them English (both literature and grammar). Yes, I am a Grammar geek. Though I know I will love teaching about prepositions and Jane Austen, I am most looking forward to the opportunity to instill knowledge (both in and out of school) in my students. I do not know where I am interning yet, though I know it will be in Knox County. I am a very high energy person, and I love to talk and be in front of people. I love spending time with my family, boyfriend, and little dog, Mickey. I am hoping to get married in a year and a half, so,  I may not be teaching in the state of Tennessee once I graduate. This thought is exciting and scarry:). I am looking forward to what the future holds for me!