Hi! My name is Maddy and I am a 3rd year student studying elementary education. I grew up in Langley, BC which is located on the traditional lands of the Kwantlen peoples. During the fall I attend school in person at the UVic campus and each summer I go back to Langley so that I can spend time with my family and hometown friends. I keep myself busy by working as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the Township of Langley. When it comes to hobbies, I love getting active outdoors! I love hiking, running, and swimming and am currently trying to learn golf from my grandparents.
A quote that represents me is “Do it for the Plot.” This quote gained popularity on Tiktok and is a similar variant of YOLO. I say this phrase whenever I need the confidence to do something challenging (typically socially challenging). It reminds me that life goes by too quickly to care what others think and you need to take risks and live in the moment. If something does not work out, then oh well, it is all a part of the plot!
Almost my entire educational experience was completed in person until Covid hit… It was a frustrating transition from in-person to online classes. My high school teachers did not understand how to navigate the online platforms that they were trying to use. While it was unpleasant from the student’s perspective, I can’t imagine how some of my teachers felt not growing up with as much technology. I am taking this course so that I can better navigate the internet and give my future students the most optimal learning experience. Since then, I have taken a few other online courses and have recognized the advantages and disadvantages of having school online from a student’s perspective.
Last year, I took a philosophy course on education which helped me critically analyze different education systems throughout the years and develop my educational philosophy. I believe that schools must have a balance between individualism and socialization. Therefore, it is important to have a variety of individual and group activities. Students learn best through hands-on activities because it increases engagement. I think that the purpose of education is to prepare students for the modern society that we live in. Students are expected to show up to class and try their best. The role of the instructor is to create lessons that cater to their students interests and abilities. I preach student autonomy and allowing students their own choices between classes and assignments. I believe that standardized testing should be limited and instead students would be encouraged to take part in inquiry projects.
Previously, I declared that socialization plays a significant role in education; This is because it helps develop social skills and self-identity. As a teacher, I would love to learn how I can promote socialization though online classes/assignments. From this class, I would also like to become familiar with various online platforms so that I can use them in my classroom. I want to learn how to access if a website is a appropriate to use and finally, I would like to know the pros and cons to using from a teachers standpoint.
