1

Running Head: FINAL EXAM

Final Exam
Jocelyn Vazquez
Foundations of Education
Dr. Stock

Running Head: FINAL EXAM

As society changes, things begin to progress, new inventions, are made and
rules are changed. We start experiment, run tests, and find new discoveries. These
results are great because we can learn from them and use them for different fields
such as science, healthcare, and most importantly education.
On our first day of class we were given iPads. They were not given as a gift
for choosing to take that class or to have something fancy; they were given to us a
tool that would be used to help guide us during this course. The iPads helped us
complete certain assignments by using the different apps such as iMovie and
Keynote. It wasnt just those two apps that we were able to use. Through the iPad
we had accessed too much more through the use of the App Store. In the App Store
we were able to buy or download apps that could be used towards learning.
We had a group assignment that allowed us to pick a grade and subject. Our
goal was to teach the class by doing different assignments and incorporating the
iPads. My group decided that we were going to teach kindergartens about shapes.
We used technology by going on YouTube and finding a cute song that the children
to sing along to. It was a great idea because not only was it catchy but also it was
informative. We also did a colorful PowerPoint that had multiple choice questions,
pictures, and examples of things that represented certain shapes. Lastly we
incorporated technology by letting the students play different games on the iPad.
The goal of the game was to sort the shapes into the correct spot.
Another way we used technology during our learning was during the
tutoring sessions. I used two different apps that specialized in Algebra. The apps
provided different questions and would notify you if the answer were right or

Running Head: FINAL EXAM

wrong. It also would give you a step-by-step tutorial to show how they got the
answer.
We created a brochure that was filled with different QR codes. This
assignment taught us more than just embracing technology but it taught us the
importance of being a valuable resource to the parents of a student. We needed at
least six QR codes that would provide information for the parents on certain
community services such as a library, hospital, police station, etc. We were able to
use the iPads and different apps to create the brochure and codes. The overall
meaning of this assignment was that parents sometimes would look to the teachers
as a way to find out where everything is due to the fact that we are active members
of a community. By using QR codes it makes things simple because the parents can
just use their smartphone to scan and receive the information.
The Khan Academys mission statement is to provide a free world-class
education for anyone everywhere. The Khan Academy has done this by providing
lessons by using technology. As long as the person has access to the Internet and
computer then they are able to get lessons on a number of different subjects.
Technology is going to play a huge role in the classrooms of the 21st century.
The fact of the matter is we live in a world where technology is something that we
depend on. Most people cannot live without their smartphones or laptops. Instead of
criticizing it, I think we should all embrace it. We need to utilize the tools that we
have and incorporate them within their classroom. As long as they are being use
correctly, it can make learning fun.

Running Head: FINAL EXAM

Teachers of the 21st century classroom need to understand the history of

teaching and how certain theories were discovered. For our history projects, I
decided to do my on B.F. Skinner. He is best known for his methods on operant
conditioning and negative reinforcement. I think its important for teachers to
understand the basis of different theories because they all can be applied to teaching
and discipline.
Not only is it important for teachers to learn history but also so should the
students. History has to ability to make the students much wiser especially when
deciding public decisions. The subject of history is about teaching students how to
be a member in society. The best way to do this is by showing them how the society
they live was created. For example, in America the right to vote is important. By
teaching students that there was a time where certain people were not able to vote
then this will allow to think and understand what life would be like if they could not
vote. History is not so much about the facts but it involves more of trying to relate
and think outside of the box and see what life would be like if certain things did not
happen.
Students of the 21st century need to be in an environment where it is
spacious and has a lot of resources. There needs to be a staff that can help the
children with any problems. A few months ago we visited the one room schoolhouse
and although it was a cute little place, I dont think it could accommodate the
students of todays society. Students need a classroom filled with color and pictures.
They need a library, a cafeteria, a playground, and a principals office (for situations

Running Head: FINAL EXAM

that may require extra discipline.) A school should feel like a second home to the
students and not like a dungeon.
During class we had a lot of discussion on diversity and even completed a
quiz on the PBS website about diversity. The quiz really showed me how sometimes
we tend to think that just because someone looks a certain way we automatically
think that they should be categorized under a different race.
Students of the 21st century should feel comfortable around students of
other nationalities, race, and customs. We live in America where our president is
black, slavery and segregation no longer exists, and our countrys nickname is
known as the melting pot. The issue of racism should be over but that will never
happen because of ignorance. Its important for schools to establish to both the
students and the teachers that we need to be culturally sensitive to one another
because all around the world there are people who may do things differently than
us, but that does not mean we should treat them differently. The color of our skin or
the language we speak does not define who we are as individual, however our
character does.
There is a lot that needs to be instilled for the students of the 21st century.
The topics range from technology, history, culture, and the simple act of kindness.
Our world is changing each and every day. Today, we base our curriculum on the
Common Core Standards; tomorrow it could change to something else. The fact of
the matter is that we need to use what we have to help our students not only
become successful educated people but also kind civilians who will work with each
other to make this world a better place.

Running Head: FINAL EXAM

In his book, Teach Like Your Hairs on Fire, Rafe Esquith once said, That's the
beauty of art--we strive for perfection but never achieve it. The journey is
everything. Our world is always going to change and that means that sometimes we
are going to have change things in order to keep up, we may never actually get to
point of pleasing everyone or society, but as we are striving for perfection for our
students we need to enjoy and embrace the ride and change.