My Development

Districts around the state have begin to see the values of technology in the classroom.  Many of the barriers are facing are being broken down due to the fact that they see the potential in using internet and social site in schools.  The cutting edge districts even are using PD's to increase teacher potentials with tech.

I have been in several of these PD's, and I must say they have been helpful.  However this class has taken that to a whole new level.  Most technology education to teachers is dealing with or providing resources... which is great but often difficult to organize and use.  Most of the time I have great intent on using these resources but struggle to fit them into class, and eventually discard the idea.  This class was different because the backbone was with strategies and techniques.  It was not about involving some technology, it was about building a class around it, in a 21st century learning atmosphere.  It provided strategies and techniques to put resources into play.  Most importantly it showed me ways such as RSS feeds to organize resources.  This class laid the foundation of properly implementing social media to the class in a way to be safe and professional.  Blogs, wikis, and other sites allow students to own their work, and take their educational process in their hands.  An idea that is big in public schools these days.

The Unknown Possibilities

I never really knew about some of the technological tools and uses for those tools until I took this class. I actually considered myself to be somewhat tech savvy with using technology in my class until learning about some of these tools and programs. I have currently started using webquest in my class with our chrome books and smart boards. The students seem to really enjoy the change of pace that it brings to the class. I had never made a podcast or screencast until just recently and look forward to integrating this into my lessons. I didn't know programs like jing even existed. I have found that anytime I can use technology in the classroom my students enjoy the lesson more. It truly does make since because they are constantly immersed, entertained,and surrounded by it. I am hoping my class blog will spark interest in student learning once they see what is out there. A text book and notes can only take you so far.

Introducing Blogging to My Classroom

Blogging is a strategy that is becoming more widespread throughout the education field.  I like that it allows students to publish their opinions and thoughts and take ownership of them.  It is an easy way for them to ask questions and voice concerns and for me as the educator to see and reply to them.  Blogging will also allow students to help other students and take ownership of their  own education.  An important factor in having students become responsible.

The  most attractive part of blogging is the excitement that students are already showing towards using it.  In mentioning to my class that we would be starting a class blog, they were excited, and can wait to get started.  Finding things that students enjoy in education can be a difficult task.  I for one believe that if you can make education fun then students will learn better.

I always considered myself as a somewhat technology savvy individual. But I am learning daily that there are so many other ways to use technology in the classroom.  I feel that a class blog is a wonderful way to communicate with my students and their parents.  It's also a good way to keep students up-to-date with what's going on in class if they happen to be absent.  I am fortunate to have quite a bit of technology at my school.  We have smartbords, document cameras, and a brand new set of clickers in each classroom.  Also, a few years ago, every teacher received a new iPad to use.

Learning new technology and sharing

I am so excited to learn about Jing. I continuously need to train teachers and need a quick and easy way to set up tutorials for logging in to specific sites, how to enter grades on IC etc. Now instead of taking up time during PLCs I can email them a link so they can watch and learn. I also love RSS feeds to use for my various interests in education as well as personal interest sites.