Browser comparison

As far as browsers are concerned, Firefox makes it easier to open flash websites in comparison to internet explorer. Also, it has the best layout and great accessability to tabs. It also is one of the best browsers to stream different formats of video. Internet explorer runs Microsoft applications very well, but it is not the fastest or most reliable browser by any means. However internet explorer is the server that I use most of the time. I hope to utilize Firefox more in the future because I feel that it is a more effective browser overall.

Colleagues’ sites

I really like Norah’s site because I appreciate her taste in lay out and color choices. She has created a very clean and functional site with her links organized into a neat table at the bottom of each page. I also like Ryan’s site because it represents his personality well. Although it is not as aesthetically pleasing, in my opinion, he demonstrates his knowledge of html code and the resources we have learned to use in this class. My favorite site is Joanna’s because of its professional look and informative text throughout. I think her site would be an excellent representation of her artistic background and her ambitions as a student and an educator.

NYU's Blackboard

The blackboard on NYU’s website is an effective tool for students and professors. I appreciate its value on many levels. The ability to upload assignments instead of turning in hard copies, and contribute to class discussions online are two of the best features in my opinion. In many of my classes I am accustomed to turning in papers via Blackboard, and it provides an opportunity for my professors to utilize the track changes function in Word and provide feedback or criticism. Additionally, this electronic exchange of documents provides a “green” way of exchanging information versus the traditional hard copy method. Blackboard’s discussion board system is also particularly helpful for students to be able to continue conversations that start in class and also to review and collaborate on each other’s writing and learning. I do not have any serious complaints about blackboard. In fact, I find it to be quite intuitive for a new student just learning the online NYU communications system.

Student Teacher Overload

I am functioning at less than full capacity in most of my life right now. With 14 credits, student teaching, and other life-related responsibilities, I am really overwhelmed. I have final projects, journals, papers, research, unit plans, lesson plans, and student teaching observations due in the next couple of weeks. Major overload ensues. I am quite honestly unsure how I am going to accomplish it all in such a short amount of time. I want to focus 100% of my energy on student teaching because I feel responsible to those kids, and it is the most practical use of my time considering that I will be teaching professionally (God willing) in less than a year. I learn SO much through hands on experience, and although my classes are definitely supplemental, I feel much more urgency to focus my energies on my actual teaching experiences. Any and all advice on time management or the general keeping of one's sanity is welcomed!

Lindsay

Technology Group Assignment

My group met briefly last week to discuss our project and we came up with a fun idea! We are all student teaching currently, so we are going to start documenting our experience by taking photos of our students in action. We are going to use the photos to create a video or slide show on our website that documents the life of a performing arts student teacher. Hopefully it will be fun and inspiring!

With love,
Lindsay

Student Teaching

Well, here I am, finally student teaching in NYC public schools! I am absolutely loving my experience thus far. I lucked out and have the best cooperating teacher alive! I call her Jo. She is fantabulous. Such an outstanding teacher and friend to her students. I am learning so much from Jo already and I wish I had more time to spend in her classroom. I teach mostly Freshmen drama, and they are adorable. Kinda shy, very cool, and definitely freaked out about their first semester in high school. My goal is to get them out of their shells by the end of the semester! Drama class is a great place for that, and we (Jo and I) try to make our classroom the safest place in school so kids can really be themselves and let loose with us. Anyway, that is the scoop for now. More to come soon!

XO,
Lindsay