Coronavirus and Education

The last week has really thrown educators for a loop. With schools shutting down and some switching to online schedules, many of us are running around with our heads cut off.  The college I attend has recently switched to online classes and the school I work at has closed for the next two weeks. There was little to no notice for these teachers and most of them had nothing prepared. With that being said, what are these students to do? But this isn't a break! Students should still be focusing on and working on their education from home. For some of my students, school is the only place they receive consistent food, a safe space, and adequate learning. It really makes me fear for what is to come when we go back to work. Regardless of your stance on the Coronavirus and the severity of it, these next few weeks will be crucial. So what can we do? As educators, we can provide work for our students to do at home to keep their minds active. Be available to your parents and guardians during these times. As parents, limit television and iPad time and create a schedule. Have your children do more thought-provoking activities and work to keep their minds active, especially if they don't have work from their schools. And most importantly wash those hands!

Reflection on Introduction To Technology

When I look back on these last 5 weeks of class I realize not only the amount of things I learned but how much I will bring into my career. I first thought we would only go into Word, Powerpoint, and Excel and I thought to myself "I know these, how hard can this class be". After the first class, I immediately found myself so interested. I was learning far more than I thought and things that would easily enhance my education and future opportunities. Each week I was pushed out of my comfort zone by talking into a webcam, posting my opinions and experiences, and using technology and programs I never have before. One of my favorite things we did was build our portfolio which allowed us to add our projects we made throughout the semester. I love that this will be carried with us throughout the education program and gives future employers easy access to us. I also loved the use of Twitter and the ability it gives to communicate with people from all over. Overall, this class really exceeded my expectations. I learned a lot of things I never thought I would. I learned new programs and tips and tricks and I can't wait to utilize them now and in the future.

Police Training on Autism

This past week I was getting my hair done and I was on the topic of my job and how its been lately.  I work at a Therapeutic School for children with Autism. As I was explaining how my days and weeks have been, we also got on the topic of her husband's job. Her husband works as a police officer and recently switched departments. She told me he had to go a week-long training on autism and other special needs and what to do when involved in those types of calls. After hearing about his training and how it affected him, I came across an article on Facebook this week. "Police Undergo Autism Training". How crazy that we just had this conversation and now it's coming up on my social media? The article showed a video of what the officers experienced during the training. Not only did they have people speak who are trained in Autism and Developmental delays, but they also have parents, advocates, and individuals with special needs share their stories. This made it 100% more real on why this training is so necessary. Every day police can and will be met with individuals with special needs and they need to be prepared. Often times these individuals have processing delays in which can affect how they understand what's happening. Police officers need to understand every individual they may come across and know that some disabilities can be unseen. Some individuals might be scared and fell the need to run despite the situation. It is important that all officers are trained so they can best asset the situation and how to help.