Using Google Docs

Today in my EDTF200 class (Instructional Media) we learned how to use Google Docs.  The professor explained that Google Docs, in essence, works the same way that Microsoft Word or Microsoft Works would.  The only difference is that Google Docs is web-based, which means it is free to use.  Anyone that has a gmail account can log on to Google Docs and type up a paper the same way you would if you were using Word.  Google Docs has an area already designated to save all of your work and this makes it possible to access your documents on any computer anywhere in the world.  With Google Docs you can also collaborate on one document with other people.  Using Google Docs to collaborate eliminates multiple copies of a document.  It attaches email addresses to a document as opposed to attaching documents to an email address.  Click Here to view a video that we watched in class that helps better explain what Google Docs is and how it works.  After watching the video I really understood all the perks to using Google Docs.  I am still trying to figure out how to use it, but it is getting easier as I go along.  I will definitely be using Google Docs in the future.  Google Docs ROCKS!

My Concept Map!

I made a concept map with this program, called Inspiration 8, that we learned about in my Instructional Media course.  This is the first time I had used the program, so I was still getting used to how everything works and thats why the map isn't super spectacular.  Since then, though, I have gotten more familiar with the program and I can do some really neat stuff with it! Check out my group blog to see my group's collabrative concept map; it is much better looking than this one!

Teaching from the Grave

The other day in my instructional media class, our professor had us watch a video called, "Teaching from the Grave."  The video was about a new approach to teaching, where the teachers took their students to a local grave yard to collect data that they could incorporate into different areas of study. I thought that is was very interesting that the students got to take a hands-on approach to learning. It seemed like the children were enthusiastic and genuinely interested in doing their schoolwork.  When the students were interviewed for the video, they seemed so excited to talk about and explain all the things they were getting to do while collecting data from the grave yard.  This "teaching from the grave" is a really cool way to incorporate a bunch of different disciplines, such as math, history and even science, into one big learning experience.  It's also really cool that the students were getting to learn about local history and get involved in their community.  As the one teacher said, "It's a good work ethic they gained."  The students had to be organized and stay on task, in order to get to take part in this new program and still stay focused in their regular academic classes and work. Click here to view the "Teaching from the Grave" video

About Me

My name is Molly Durchin and I am currently a junior at Lock Haven University. I am majoring in Health and Physical Education. I recently picked up a minor in Coaching and I hope to someday coach either Tennis or Track at the varsity high school level while still working as a Health and Physical Education teacher.



I come from a family of teachers. My father currently works as a Technology Education teacher at the junior high school level. My mother is certified to teach at the elementary school level, however she currently is a stay at home mother. My grandfather has a degree in education but worked as a superintendent of a school district for many years. Also, my older sister is currently getting a degree in Art Education. As you can tell I have grown up surrounded by teachers. It was just natural for me to take the same route. However, it was not only the people around me that influenced my decision to become a teacher. I am naturally a people person and I enjoy helping others. Teaching is a career that has always interested me because of the fact that you get to interact with people and help them on a daily basis. I really want to make an impact on future generations and help mold them. Being a teacher gives me that chance. I specifically chose to become a Health and Physical Education teacher because of the experience I had with my elementary school Physical Education Teacher. She truly was one of the most horrible teachers I have ever had in my 15 years of schooling. I enjoy sports and anything physical, but she made me loathe having to go to "gym class" everyday. No child should feel like this about class, especially about a discipline as important in today's society as Physical Education is. I want to show children of any age that physical activity is not only important for their health and well being but that it is also a lot of fun. In other words, I am going to be everything to my students that Mrs. Ruth was not.


When it comes to technology, I would not necessarily say that I am "tech savvy". I know my way around a computer and I can usually navigate my way around most software programs. I am a wiz with PowerPoint! However, I cannot for the life of me troubleshoot. I am the person that calls for help the minute something goes wrong with my computer and even after someone goes through step by step what to do, I will most likely still be confused out of my mind. I really would like to become "tech savvy" and show off my amazing computer skills, but as long and I can type papers, use the internet, and make the best darn PowerPoint ever, I am satisfied.

Due to the fact that I am not very "tech savvy", I have never taken an online course. I prefer the face to face interactions with my fellow classmates and professors. I however, am not fully against taking an online course. I think it is a good thing to experience new and different things. I did take one class, Introduction to Sociology and while I had to show up for class everyday for lectures and presentations, the quizzes and tests were strictly online and much of the homework was submitted through the internet. I did like taking the tests and quizzes online because it seemed but less stressful than taking an exam in class. I was in the comfort of my own room with no distractions and I felt very relaxed about taking the exams. I feel like I did better on these exams because it was just a more relaxing environment than a classroom. That is a perk to online classes, it seems.


Just some odd little facts about myself. I have 5 cats at home; Annie, Tinkerbell (Tink for short), Francie, Freddie and Chester (who is my pirate cat; he has one eye and a bent leg which my family refers to as his "peg leg") I absolutely adore cats, obviously. My friends all call me the crazy cat lady. I might only be 20 but I am perfectly content with being a crazy old cat lady. I am known to carry cat food in my car, just in case I find a stray cat or kitten that needs food. People might think that’s weird, and maybe it is...but I am just fine being a bit quirky!