EDU 790: Week 1 What is Social Media?

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Hello,

My name is Theresa Kelly and I am a 7th grade science and robotics teacher. I studied education at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. I am currently pursuing my technology specialist certification and masters degree from Dominican University in River Forest, IL.  This is my third year teaching at McClure and my tenth year teaching science.  I coach 8th grade girls basketball and 7th grade girls softball. I also sponsor the McClure Games Club. Science is my passion.  I am always trying to learn new things to make my classroom better! I have worked and gained teaching experience at Walt Disney World, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the Morton Arboretum. My teacher assistant, Rhett Butler the tortoise, lives in my classroom. I hope I can bring new ways of using technology into the classroom that will make the lessons exciting and engaging!

I believe the students need to experience a hands on science classroom.  In science, students learn by doing, experimenting and problem solving.  I am preparing to be a technology specialist to enhance my classroom.  The future of science and technology is ever changing.  I want to do my best to help teachers and students be prepared for the future, whatever it may bring.  

The profile picture I use for my professional Twitter and Google accounts is Beaker from the Muppets. I've always been a fan of the Muppets and loved that Beaker was the test dummy for all Dr. Bunsen Honeydew's crazy science experiments. We all know Beaker was the real genius.


Theresa and Rhett 
Rhett Butler the Tortoise
Petrified Forest National Park

Comments

  1. NMZumpanoJanuary 11, 2018 at 6:18 AM

    Great picture in the petrified forest! How old is Rhett? He looks little. Also, where is McClure located?

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    Replies
    1. TkellysciJanuary 11, 2018 at 6:49 AM

      Rhett is about 7 or 8 years old. He's a Russian Tortoise and he will not grow to be any bigger than he is now. He is the perfect classroom pet. McClure Junior High School is in Western Springs.

      Delete
    2. NMZumpanoJanuary 16, 2018 at 6:11 AM

      Ah! I know an art teacher in Western Springs but not sure if he covers junior high. His name is Sal Pienschke.

      Delete
  2. UnknownJanuary 11, 2018 at 1:26 PM

    Hi Theresa, nice to meet you! I agree that students need to learn using hands-on techniques and I am also hoping to incorporate more technology and social media into my classroom. I love that you have a class pet, it brings back some of my favorite memories about my science classes!

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    Replies
    1. TkellysciJanuary 14, 2018 at 10:26 AM

      Hello Amy,
      If you're looking for a class pet, a tortoise is the way to go! Very low maintenance and fun to interact with.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2018 at 4:47 PM

    Hi Theresa,

    I'm taking this class for exactly the same reasons. We currently only have textbooks for a science curriculum, so it is difficult to incorporate hands-on activities. Hopefully after the Technology Specialist program, I will be better equipped to enhance student collaboration and creativity with technology and engaging activities. I am so jealous that you get to have a class pet! I'm sure your students love him.

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    Replies
    1. TkellysciJanuary 14, 2018 at 10:30 AM

      Hello Sarah,
      I'd be happy to share some science ideas with you if you're interested. We could share and collaborate on some tech based activities.

      Delete
  4. Scott B. ThesenJanuary 14, 2018 at 8:58 AM

    Hi Teresa. Good to see you again. I will also be finishing up my tech specialist endorsement and MAEd at the end of this semester. I agree that Beaker was the true brains behind the whole Muppets science outfit, but being that I am also a bald man, I have to side with Dr. Honeydew "on paper" :).

    Looking forward to working with you again.

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    Replies
    1. TkellysciJanuary 14, 2018 at 10:34 AM

      Hey Scott,
      Hahaha! I'm glad to hear you'll be finished soon. Dominican is not offering any classes I need over the summer this year, so I will not finish until the spring of next year. Have you taken the technology specialist exam yet? I'd be interested to hear what it's like. Thanks and talk to you soon.

      Delete
    2. Scott B. ThesenJanuary 15, 2018 at 7:11 PM

      I’m taking the exam this Saturday. A friendnof mine told menit shouldn’t be too difficult. I will keep you posted.

      Delete
    3. NMZumpanoJanuary 16, 2018 at 6:13 AM

      Best advice I can give you about the exam is don't overthink it. When you see the question go with your first instinct. It's easy to overthink how there could be multiple answers!

      Delete
  5. UnknownJanuary 15, 2018 at 10:00 AM

    I agree teaching science in a hands-on way is the best. Students remember the information longer and understand it better. I too try to bring technology into my lessons more, and am always eager to hear about what others are using. Looking forward to learning more in this class.

    ReplyDelete

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