Reflection

First going to this workshop I had no idea what to expect. I had almost thought that it was just someone going to be talking at me. Instead it was really cool! One they had given us items that we can use in our science based class rooms. Also on top of learning about ways to include science I also got to do some experiments. One thing that I had taken back from this was that you don’t have to have a lot of money to teach the stunts what they need to learn. 

I think this topic is extremely important for everyone to understand no matter what you are doing in life. It can benefit especially anyone who works with and interacts with many people on a daily basis and might be effected by implicit bias unconsciously. It also makes me think about myself and what I might encounter in my future classroom especially if it is different from my experiences. The Harvard Bias Test they mentioned and other bias tests seemed very interesting to me and I will probably be taking them after this to better understand myself. I definitely think as an educator it is so important to be aware of your own behavior and how you are treating each student individually. Depending on the stereotype or prejudice that might be following a specific student, the implicit bias of those they view as role models such as teachers can cause them to have a lower self-esteem and feel like they cannot succeed in their academics. Treating every student in a similar, fair manner is the best way to create a comfortable and respectful environment in the classroom. I will also be keeping their strategies in mind when I am teaching or anytime I am around other people. 

This webinar is a really good resource for anyone looking for a way to confront implicit bias in the classroom or in any situation really. It takes a lot of self-awareness to be able to identify those biases within yourself and to counteract them. As adults, it's a little easier for us to recognize some of our opinions or biases as stereotypes, but when working with children who form their own views based on the environment that they are in and what they are exposed to, it's a much more delicate topic to address. By working with young children to identify and confront biases, we can help them to be more mindful of the values that they hold and the opinions that they form of themselves and others and we can help children to develop positive attitudes toward diversity.  

The apps that we learned about and used in this workshop was Voice Recorder and Paper by 53.  I would have never realized how these 2 apps could go together, so I am glad to have attended the workshop.  I think the voice recording app could be used easily for a review activity or ticket out of the door.  It is quick and would be easy for students to complete.  I think that paper by 53 could be used for anything from note taking to creative drawings in the classroom.  It is definitely much less messy than using markers and paint, etc.

In our future classrooms, we will not know if we will have access to apple tv, white boards, etc. So, by using a presentation app, it becomes easier to reflect a presentation on a screen, monitor, or wall in order to teach a lesson or do activities. I learned how each app was different, what each could be best used for, and how important it is in modifying and accommodating for students.

I will use this in my future classroom as a way to stop hateful language in my classroom. Most of the time students don’t understand what they are saying is actually hurtful. This gives me different ways to intercede on my students behalf and create a more caring and aware classroom. I think asking questions is the best way to stop hateful language. It puts it back on the student, and I plan on incorporating this when it is needed

This webinar is relevant to my future classroom in obvious ways. Teaching students that prejudice is not okay and how to deal with it will make for a successful classroom. I can use this to build my professional development skills by attending more workshops to build my knowledge on speaking out for what is right. 

Race and racism are very relevant to every classroom because it is imbedded into everyday news. Sadly race plays a role into every scenario and it is not always represented in a positive light. Students need to have conversations about race and racism so they can learn that we all should be treated with respect. The color of our skin should not be our label but today that is how many individuals are recognized first. Students will learn or be exposed to racism at some point in their lifetime and it is important to discuss these heavy topics so they can become active participants in a diverse democracy. Many times I have seen people ignore topics of race but a topic dealing with race should not be ignored because students can possibly learn their concerns do not matter. I personally think the issues of race and racism have become worse and it is important to teach young children about the problem and how they can possibly be the change society needs. I will use this information to make myself aware that I need to have a classroom where culture is shared and displayed. Students should feel welcomed no matter who they are or where they come from.