Welcome to Inna Semenyuk's Blog!

Technology is changing at rapid speed, and so it is changing school classrooms with it. The role that technology plays in K-12 schools is incomprehensible! I can recall using old computers in 2nd grade to create our own ABC Books using clip art pictures, learning how to type in 6th grade Keyboarding class, and taking library trips in high school to work on extensive research projects. Computers are not only helpful resources, but absolutely essential resources in schools these days. But the basic computers that used to be all that technology revolved around (in addition to overhead projectors and calculators), have been supplemented now with things I probably haven't even heard of yet (and look forward to for this class)!


Technology should be used as a tool to enhance our class curriculum. Whether it be documentary videos to illustrate September 11th in History class or power point presentations that students must make to share a project they've studied with the class. Technology should also be taught to prepare students for using it practically in the future career world. Basic skills such as emailing, internet research, and typing would be a good start. Learning these skills in school would assure that they are praciticing them in a professional and appropriate environment, with the help of experienced adults. Integrating technology would also be a tremendous motivator to students to learn other subjects.


In my life as a teacher, technology would also be essential towards communication with staff, parents, administration, and students. Email alone provides opportunities to regularly keep people updated with newsletters and how students are doing in class. Likewise, a website could be used to provide all necessary information about class (personal introduction, syllabus, calendar, homework, resources, letters, permission slips, grade, etc.) Technology could make my life significantly easier if I use it to the maximum and with efficiency. Tasks such as grading, lesson plan and presentation, and parent meetings could be made simpler if technologies are utilized wisely. This would also save me time that could be put towards other work to be the best teacher possible!

Why Middle School??

This site was created in preparation for being a future middle school teacher. The desire to be a teacher was sparked when I began teaching twelve year-old Sunday Schoolers about five years ago. Until that point, I was praying and fasting that God would reveal my niche and His purpose for my life.  My mother was a Sunday school teacher and needed assistance in her classroom.  She was worn out and discouraged because though these were 60 church kids, they were by no means easy to teach.  I asked her if I could teach a lesson and she provided me with the bible story that was to be taught next.  As I prepared and carried out that first lesson, I realized a new and profound passion: teaching pre-teens and young teens about life and God!


Thus, it was through Sunday school that I discovered the ability to teach.  I quickly decided that this was what I wanted to do not only as a side ministry, but as a profession.  I chose 11-14 year old students (6th - 9th grade) because those were the most awkward, instable, frustrating, and teachable times of my life.  I looked up to my middle school teachers more than any other category.  My body and character changed the most during that period and I realize how essential it is for kids at that age to have godly teachers to guide them through such a uniqe process.



I look forward to this "Technology in Education" class because of the skills and practical tools that it will equip me with to be an effective and engaging teacher!