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4/15/25 Blog Post 7: Review of Blog Assignment

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Throughout this course, the weekly blog assignment has proven to be more than just a writing task—it’s been a meaningful exercise in reflection, critical thinking, and professional development. At first glance, writing a blog post each week seemed like a simple routine, but over time, I began to recognize how this consistent practice sharpened my ability to communicate ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Each post challenged me to not only summarize what I had learned but also to connect those ideas to real-world applications in education. One of the most useful aspects of this assignment was the opportunity to articulate my learning process in my own voice. Often, academic writing feels distant and formal, but blogging allows for a more authentic tone while still requiring clarity and organization. This blend helped me develop confidence in my professional voice—something that will be incredibly useful in both educational and corporate settings. I also appreciated the freedom to explore ...
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4/1/25 Blog Post 6: Embedding Links, A Valuable Skill for Educators

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In today’s digital world, knowing how to embed links in a blog post is an essential skill, especially for educators who want to share resources effectively. As I explored this process, I found it to be both straightforward and beneficial for curating and presenting information. The ability to provide direct access to useful resources enhances the learning experience, whether for students, parents, or fellow educators. While the technical aspect of embedding a link was fairly easy to grasp, ensuring the link was relevant and seamlessly integrated into my writing required some thought. For this blog post, I chose to embed a link related to differentiated instruction in elementary education. Differentiated instruction is a teaching approach that tailors learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of students. I found this topic particularly relevant because as a future reading teacher, I recognize that no two students learn the same way. The link I embedded leads to an article that pr...
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3/18/25 Blog Post 5: Letter to Younger Self

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Dear Younger Me, Right now, you probably think being a grown-up means staying up as late as you want, eating candy for dinner, and never having to do homework again. It sounds pretty awesome, doesn’t it? Well, I hate to break it to you, but adults still have bedtimes (even if we don’t always listen to them), too much candy gives us stomachaches, and there’s always something new to learn. But don’t worry—you have plenty of time before you need to think about all that. For now, just enjoy being a kid. Play outside, build blanket forts, and let your imagination run wild, because those moments are more important than you realize. I know you sometimes feel like you have to be perfect at everything—whether it’s spelling tests, swim meets, or even just coloring inside the lines. But let me tell you a little secret: mistakes are how you learn! Every time you mess up, you’re actually getting better, even if it doesn’t feel like it right away. So don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you’re...
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2/27/25 Blog Post 4: Sitting Still

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In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly in motion physically, mentally, and emotionally. We rush from task to task, rarely stopping to simply exist. But what happens when we do stop? When we let go of our to-do lists, set down our devices, and embrace the present moment? Today, I challenged myself to sit still for as long as possible and observe. What I experienced was both surprising and enlightening. At first, my mind resisted. As I sat in silence, my thoughts scrambled to fill the void. Did I forget to reply to that email? What’s for dinner? How long have I been sitting here? The habit of constant movement and distraction was deeply ingrained, and I felt the urge to do something—anything. But instead of giving in, I focused on my breath, letting it anchor me to the moment. Inhale, exhale. Slowly, the noise in my mind began to fade, and I became aware of my surroundings in a way I hadn't before. The world around me came to life in the stillness. I noticed the soft hum of t...
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2/15/25 Blog Post 3: Teacher Shortages

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The education system is currently facing one of its greatest challenges in recent history: a severe and widespread teacher shortage. In his article, No More Teachers: The Epic Crisis Facing Education in 2024 , Mark C. Perna examines the factors fueling this crisis and the far-reaching consequences for students, schools, and society. The decline in the number of educators is not just a temporary setback; it is a systemic issue that demands immediate attention. Without enough qualified teachers, student learning suffers, and the quality of education declines. Larger class sizes, overworked educators, and reduced student support are just a few of the symptoms of this growing problem. To address the crisis, education systems must take urgent action to attract and retain talented professionals. One of the main reasons for the teacher shortage is burnout, which has reached alarming levels in recent years. Perna highlights that educators experience stress at nearly twice the rate of other pro...
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1/30/25 Blog Post 2: Online Classes

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  My Experience as an Online Student: The Pros, Cons, and Lessons Learned A few summers ago, I enrolled in an online HDFS course. At the time, I thought it would be the perfect way to earn credits while still enjoying my summer. The flexibility of an online class was appealing because I could study at my own pace, complete assignments from the comfort of my home, and avoid the rigid schedule of an in-person class. However, I soon realized online learning has its own unique set of challenges. What I Liked About the Class One of the best things about my online HDFS course was the ability to work ahead. I liked being in control of my learning schedule, especially since I had a summer job. The recorded lectures were a lifesaver because I could pause, rewind, and review them as needed which is something I couldn't do in a traditional classroom. The discussion boards also provided an interesting way to interact with classmates, allowing me to read different perspectives on different topi...
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1/18/25 Blog Post 1.5: Article Review

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  The article The McDonaldization of Society , Simply Psychology presents an insightful analysis of sociologist George Ritzer's concept of "McDonaldization," which refers to the process by which the principles of the fast-food industry, particularly those seen in McDonald's, come to dominate other sectors of society. Ritzer's idea that efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control are increasingly shaping the way modern societies function is both thought-provoking and relevant in today’s world. The article does a good job of breaking down the core principles of McDonaldization and applying them to various facets of life. For example, it explores how the quest for efficiency in fast food has spread to industries like education, healthcare, and retail, making systems more streamlined but also often impersonal. One of the key points is how McDonaldization leads to a world where people are treated as numbers rather than individuals, and quality is often sacri...
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