Mike Mancini's Power Point

How I can meet my NETS Standards

After looking at all of the NETS standards I honestly feel like they can all be met with any of the technologies that were listed on the assignment. However, I will stick to the three standards that I reacted to first and the initial technological tool that came to my mind. 

NETS Standard #2- Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments- In today's society students are going to have to master technology more than ever before. The economy has been completely globalized and in order for them to compete for jobs when they are older they will need to have a firm grasp on technology and be able to use it to its utmost capabilities. In the schools where I will be teaching many of the students do not have the means to purchase much of the most common technology that is widely used throughout the world, therefore, it is up to the schools and teachers to help our kids bridge this economic gap and prepare them for what will surely be expected of them when they are older and on their own. It is that sentiment that rings true in standard 2. Teachers will need to be creative in their teaching in order make sure that their students are getting exposed to and mastering the basic software that many universities and employers will assume they have mastered. I believe that using Microsoft Word to design assignments that will help students learn about technology as well as other aspects of their education is the most direct approach. As a teacher you will be able to give your students handouts and other forms of documents pertaining to a particular topic that you want them to master. At that point you have the opportunity to teach them what they will need to know, allow them to work on their own or whatever else you planned the lesson to look like. Word is a versatile tool and can be used in a lot of ways and that is why I think it is the perfect tool to design both learning opportunities for students but also assessments. 

NETS Standard #3- Model Digital-Age Work and Learning-Teachers need to constantly be able to share their knowledge not only with their students but also, with their peers. When we as educators look at the big picture we need to realize that the students education is the most important aspect of what we do. Our job title is Teacher, not regurgitater of stale lessons. As teachers we need to commit to our students and help them out in any way shape or form and if that means explaining to your colleagues what you are doing that is working, then so be it. You need to get up in front of your peers and put on a Power Point presentation. I believe Power Point is the best tool to help a teacher model their knowledge. It provides the opportunity for the presenter to entertain as well as educate their students or peers in a visual way. This technology has so many capabilities for interaction to keep your audience engaged and focussed on what you as a teacher are trying to convey. That is why this will met the standard of modeling digital-age work and learning.  

NETS Standard #5- Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.- This standard is very straightforward. In the age of educational reform and research teachers are encouraged to continue to better themselves constantly. New information about how students learn is available more and more readily and as educators we need to seek it out and decide if it is something that we can use in our classrooms. The worst that could happen is that you as a teacher have gained some knowledge that you feel can't be used, so essentially you still learned it was just what not to do. Conversely, if the continuing education was useful you have just added another arrow to your quiver of educational tools and have another tactic at your disposal.  I think blogging is a great way to continue to better oneself as a teacher. By reading what someone else is doing in another part of the country you might gain some insight as to what is happening in your classroom. As a teacher if you seek out another teacher and engage them in a discourse about something that they may have had success with you might be able to solve some problems in your own classroom. If they are not able to help, perhaps they know someone else who can. 

My first blog...I think I just dated myself

My name is Mike Mancini and this is my first blog. I am excited to be doing this because I feel it is time I face my fear of technology and not tuck tail and run like I have been doing for quite a long time. I probably would have never even tried to blog if it wasn't for the Masters Program I am enrolled in. Right now I am fortunate to be enrolled in  a great program that will teach me how to hopefully be an effective teacher in one of Chicago's under served communities. It means a lot for me to be accepted into this program because it is highly competitive but more importantly it is doing the good work and trying to make a difference in this world. Since I moved to Chicago from Boston I have been somewhat of a rudderless ship. Chasing money because it is what I thought life was about but I am much happier now in this program than I ever was as a banker. I have a beautiful wife of almost four years and together we have two cats. My wife and I like to go diving and play golf, we belong to a Crossfit gym and spend a lot of time with the members of that gym. I am originally from Boston and love all Beantown sports teams. I am excited to meet my class for the first time in a little over two weeks and am hopeful that I will be able to garner some good relationships with them in order to earn their trust. I believe that if I can do that I will be able to hopefully make a difference in my students lives by providing them with an excellent education.