The evTMB involves the integration of elementary education methods courses taken by preservice teachers. Specifically, the evTMB uses the topic of environmentalism as a foundational theme and technology as a tool of pedagogical inquiry and delivery to explore disciplinary connections between science, math, and social studies. The faculty teach the same group of 50-75 students (depending on the semester) in order to facilitate the development of learning communities. In addition, the course content is connected while emphasizing similar themes and disciplinary connections. The evTMB is designed to prepare preservice elementary teachers to expand the traditional disciplinary and professional boundaries. (evTMB website)

This semester, I had the opportunity to participate in the evTMB Program.  I got to know five SUNY Cortland professors very well, as did they me.  I had a great time this semester, even though there were times I was not sure I would make it through!
I feel evTMB has helped me manage stress a bit better than I had done prior to TMB, but the work I completed for TMB, quality and quantity, has definitely prepared me for the profession of teaching.  If I can handle TMB I can handle anything!  Thank you for allowing me to share the semester with you!  I feel I received the most from you, and took the most from the class-and myself!

evTMB and Technology

Four months ago, I sat in a classroom and listened to the requirements from each professor in TMB.  I sat there, and I'm sure I looked pretty funny, because my jaw was dropped, and I turned about 10 shades paler than what I already am.  How was I going to complete all that work they were assigning, how would I ever make it through?

But, 4 months later, I am standing up here getting ready to tell you that TMB was an extraordinary experience, and I took away from it more than I ever thought possible.  True, there were nights of tears sitting in front of my computer, little outbursts of "I hate this, I'm quitting,' but then there were the motivational comments from the professors, who, I feel, always worked with us when we felt overwhelmed and stressed out.  I remember one time a professor saying they knew we were getting quite a bit of work, but think about how we would handle this amount of stress when actually in the classroom-so, in actuality, this stress was preparing us for what's to come.  Now I see that, then, it was not so clear!

However, through the many accomplishments and opportunities I had this semester, I feel my biggest one, is my increase in my knowledge of how to use today's technology.  And, of course, this was learned through the challenges of creating my own website!

When we first started, I fearfully chuckled at the fact I would have to create a website.  I can barely check my email let alone create multiple webpages for the public to view!  But, through the semester, and endless mistakes and confusion, I actually began to have fun with the website!  I know, hard to believe, but I took it on as more of a project than an assignment.  I would work on it, and play around with things in my spare time, and I just allowed myself to have fun with it.  I learned how to use a digital camera, make a virtual reality scene, scan pictures, make my own graphics...things I never imagined being able to do!  And all this came from just a little practice!

At one point, I was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, but I tried not letting it show too much.  So, I went in to talk to Karl about helping me with a part of my website.  As we got to talking, he asked me if I had ever considered getting my masters in Educational Technology. No, I hadn't thought about it, but I knew I must be doing something right for my professor to compliment me in such a way.  He was virtually saying that I was doing really well, and I should take my knowledge I have gained and share it with those trying to learn.  That, right there, encouraged and motivated me for the rest of the semester!

So, in closing, I would just like to thank everyone in TMB for such a great experience, and I would like to thank each professor individually, Karl, Tim, Beth, Andrea, and Ellen, for your continued support, motivation, and encouragement throughout the semester.  I really have learned more, not just academically, but personality wise this semester than I feel I have thus far.  Thank you!
 
 

All evTMB members at Lime Hollow Nature Center.