Blog Post #1

 Hi everyone, my name is Gabi but I am choosing to go by Ms.G in this blog with hopes that I will be an amazing Ms.G in the future to many little kids who will learn tons from me. I am actually so excited to take this class because even though it is mandatory and I have to take it, I desperately need a refresh on my technology skills. I feel like I have been slacking a lot and I am not up to date with all this new AI and all the new design concepts and technological advancements which I know will play a big role in the classroom. I am hoping to learn how to use technology in a way that will greatly benefit me in the classroom which will in turn benefit the children I am teaching! Even simple things like creating fun slideshows, games, or videos will keep my students attentive and excited about learning, which is my ultimate goal! 

I have had experience using technology in the classroom, but not to the extent that aids me sufficiently in this day and age. My use of technology in the classroom started in middle school with Chromebooks and iPads where I would use the most basic of apps and still somehow get lost and confused. I would use Google Docs or Google Slides for every project or assignment and IMovie if I needed to create a video and these three platforms are definitely still the ones I feel most comfortable on today. When I took Introduction to Education last year, I realized how much technology goes on in classrooms today and how I need to step up my knowledge and skill level if I am going to keep up with other educators and even just with my students! I am excited to learn and grow on more platforms for the benefit of everyone. 

One thing I love learning about and with is music. I have always been such a big music person, I cannot even tell you what genre is my favorite or the one I listen to most because I literally love and connect with so many different types. One hobby related to music that I tried to pick up was the Ukulele. I did this when I was 13 years old and everyone in my family and all my friends absolutely loved it and thought it was so cool, especially my younger family friends and cousins. My goal of learning the ukulele was accomplished strictly by watching YouTube videos of how to play certain cords, looking up songs with chords online, and playing them from just those resources. I was so proud of myself for learning how to play the ukulele this way and think it could even be easier now with more technological resources available to me. Using videos as a visual source was the most helpful for me though, I would definitely say I am a visual learner and need visual aid to support my needs and goals.