Using Zoom

     Today in Education 250, we were introduced to a new tool that can benefit us in our future classroom. Instead of meeting in our actual classroom, our teachers decided to introduce us to a virtual classroom using an application called "Zoom." The virtual classroom was very different, and I immediately disliked being in an online classroom due to my difficulty figuring out the program. I did not expect this class to go well for me, but as the class continued, I slowly became acquainted with the virtual classroom. Although my initial reaction to this type of class meeting was negative, I actually ended up enjoying the virtual classroom by the end of the session.

     While participating in the virtual classroom, I found myself feeling more confident in my knowledge and ability to answer questions. In an actual classroom, I tend to let other people speak up ahead of me in order to make sure my thought lines up with someone else's thoughts in the class. During the virtual meeting, I was not able to see most of the class, and therefore was not as concerned with making sure my answer matched the thoughts of others. In my future classroom, I am sure that there will be students that are afraid to speak in front of others, or who would rather make sure their answer is correct before sharing. The virtual classroom may be an idea that would take away some of the anxiety or unsureness of this type of student. This tool connects with standard four of the NCTCS, which says "Teachers facilitate learning for their students." I think that the virtual classroom specifically connects with element 4c of standard four which states that "Teachers use a variety of instructional methods." Using the "Zoom" application is definitely a new way of teaching students that could be used to grab their attention and get them engaged. This element says "Teachers choose methods and techniques that are most effective in meeting the needs of their students..." The virtual classroom could give teachers the opportunity to hear from students that do not generally speak up and that do not exhibit confidence when answering questions in class. I believe that building confidence through "Zoom" is certainly a way of meeting the needs of students. One essential goal for teachers to achieve is creating a positive learning environment, and "Building confidence in students is one of the most important steps educators and parents can take to ensure an atmosphere for learning" (Link at bottom).

     Since I am planning to obtain an elementary education degree, I could be placed anywhere from kindergarten to sixth grade. Although I hope to be placed in a kindergarten classroom, I have been challenged to look beyond my preferences in order to broaden my knowledge. The virtual classroom is a great tool to begin my discovery of upper grades because I feel that this tool could be extremely useful in fifth and sixth grade classrooms. I think that fifth and sixth grade age students would be perfect for the virtual classroom because they are mature enough to navigate a program of this sort, but are also at a very insecure stage where they may be afraid to be incorrect when speaking up in a classroom setting. In my possible future fifth grade classroom, I would use zoom to create group discussions, both in break out sessions and as a whole.
     The virtual classroom is an extremely beneficial tool that can be used in a classroom today, but I have also acknowledged that in the future, children may attend school from their homes using this type of classroom. I am sure that education will change between now and when I become a teacher, and I have to prepare myself for this possible future reality.

Link: http://www.edu-nova.com/articles/student-confidence/