Joshua Stefans Education Blog

When I first began this class six weeks ago, I was scared and nervous. I thought I was technologically inept. I actually knew more than I initially thought and everything else was so easy to understand, too! I am so fortunate to have had a professor that was so hands-on with everything. I really appreciate that. In turn, it changed my attitude towards using technology in education. Instead of being scared, I felt brave and innovated. Plus, I feel inspired to connect with my future students on a whole new level by using technology. What really helped me in overcoming my fears was learning how to use Google Forms and how effective it can be to connect with students. Since I am heading in the direction of being a music teacher, I will have to lead ensembles. Ensembles can be large. There is no better way to connect to students on an individual, personable basis than by using Forms. Also, learning how to set up and use a Google Site also helped me overcome my te...

I have a fear when it comes to teaching music. I fear that my students won't like or appreciate the repertoire I've prepared for them. Obviously, I want my students to like they're singing and I want them to enjoy singing it too. Overall, I want them to have a positive experience. However, it is becoming increasingly clear to me that I won't have the same taste in music as my future students will have. I mean this in terms of repertoire. As in, traditional vs. modern. It seems like I'd need to do some convincing and persuading to get them on board if they aren't thrilled about what I've picked. Plus, I don't want to be the stereotypical choir director and be like "You will sing it and you will like it!" No, I will value their input and only put my foot down when necessary. So how do I do convince and persuade? I'd use our wonderful friend technology! It is inevitable that musicians will be given music they don't care for and are requ...

Sometimes when I need cheering up or if I feel tense, I go on Reddit and view the subreddit /r/aww. This subreddit is full of pictures, gifs, or short videos of cute animals or animal doing cute things. If I take ten to fifteen minutes to browse the posts, I feel better. I do this because I don't have any pets and that is because I'm allergic to anything that sheds. I can't come home and to a dog excitedly hopping around to see me after a long day. Or a cat plopping down on my lap begging for attention after a tough day. So this suffices my need for pets at the moment until I can afford a hypoallergenic dog. With all that being said, I was browsing the subreddit earlier today. I found a black and white picture of a U.S. Marine carrying a puppy in his pocket. The caption read " A U.S. Marine carrying a puppy in his pocket after rescuing during an operation southwest of Da Nang, Vietnam (1968) ". It was such a powerful image. Especially when considering the locati...

I have to be upfront with this. In all honesty, I've never liked the question of what type of learner am I. I feel this way because I think I fall into different styles depending on the subject or the concept. That being said, I have found that one learning style that has been consistently one of the best learning styles for me across all areas. That style is hands-on learning. The reason why I feel a hands-on approach is most effective for me is rather personal, but I am comfortable to share it. I have been diagnosed with learning disabilities at an early age. Fortunately, through an IEP, I've received a lot of support and I've learned various techniques along the way to help me succeed through my academic career. I am eternally thankful for that. But I digress. I can attribute my success and understanding of subjects to the hands-on approach various teachers used to demonstrate their concepts to me. I've had professors during my und...