Blog post:1) How has your understanding of Middle School Education (students, schools, etc.) evolved from our discussions and readings? 2) How will you use that information to create better learning experiences for your students?
Before I started the readings and class itself I actually hadn't given middle schools much thought. Since I want to teach high school they were never in the back of my mind. I brushed them off as not as important, but I see I was wrong now. I've learned that middle schools are a crucial point in young adolescents lives. This is the time they are developing and growing both mentally and physically.
Knowing what I do about middle schools so far I'd try to make my learning experiences easy to connect to for students. Focusing on things that will stimulate them mentally as well as help them grow as individuals and learners. I'l try to be relatable to the student's as well as understanding of what the challenges they are facing in their young every day lives.
ClassDojo I decided to use ClassDojo for my selected tool. ClassDojo is essentially a classroom management tool, and also an attendance tool. I selected this site to use because I loved the design of it as well as the way I can use it in my classroom. I would use this tool as a way to keep track of my student participation as well as behavior and then sharing this with parents if necessary. It's a great way to award points and keep track of everyone effectively. The ISTE standards for students that this tool covers is 2. Digital Citizen, because the students are a part of an online world where they are being monitored and responsible for their own behavior.