Implementing what I've learned

I can't wait to use what I've learned in my classroom!  I can think of amazing ways to implement each assignment that I have completed for this class.  I've used webquests a few times and even created my own, but they were not up to the standards required by Dr. Rubin.  I realize now how much better they could have been and plan to do a bit of tweaking.  I have been aware of the other tools for awhile now, but have not had time to research/learn more about them in order to use them.  This class has made me make time.  I have enjoyed learning the new things and am very excited to share them with my teaching team!

I have always believed that there is room in education for technology, but until beginning this course I had no clue how many ways it could be used. I am not currently teaching anywhere but as a student I feel like technology is now consistently being used in classes in every subject area. I think technology in the classrooms opens doorways for many different methods of both learning and teaching.

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I teach second grade.  As I was completing my class work (podcast, screencast, blog, etc) I was continually thinking how can I implement all of this into my classroom.  How could my students use this without my constant help?  It hit me they are probably more tech savvy than I am (sad I know).  I realize, because of the class, I need to keep myself updated on all these new ways to keep my students interested.  As teachers we are always competing with video games, cartoons, movies, etc.   I need  to make sure I am as or try to be as entertaining and find ways to keep students focused on learning.  Whether they believe it or not learning can be fun!!!

This is NEW!!

WOW!!  I just thought I knew some things about the internet!!!  Boy was I surprised!  This class has opened my eyes on how much I really don't know.  Kind of sad to know that one of my students could do a better job than me!!!  HAHA!!  I really enjoyed making the Podcast and Screencast!!  Really learning a lot!!

Wow! What a whirlwind!

The past few days have been extremely hectic with last minute shopping for Christmas, dealing with illness (both my children and myself!), and working on these assignments!  I have to say, I have learned quite a bit from the screencast and the podcast assignments.  I can easily see the value of implementing these two tools into the classroom.  They both take some time on the front end, but will save lots of time in the long run. I can think of many ways to use the screencast.  The first way I plan to use it is in teaching my students how to use Microsoft Word!  They have the basics of the program, but need to learn how to use the small detail tools that make life easier.  Another use-we use Edmodo in my classroom and the first few weeks of school are very challenging try to teach students how to access the many tools this website offers.  The screencast would save me tons of time and greatly decrease my "grouchiness" level!

Holy cow! I need to blog!

I am heading into chapter three of Will Richardson's book "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for the Classroom".  Just this rudimentary introduction to blogging has really piqued my interest.  Not only for my Special Ed classroom or Sped consulting work, but also the 501c3s for which I help fundraise.  What a marvelous tool!  My initial reaction to blogging was honestly indifference-Not meant as rude but I really don't care what you eat for breakfast or that your dog threw up.  I don't espect anyone to concern themselves with my menu or my canine's intestines.  BUT, I believe my eyes are being opened to something that's pretty neat and as I'm always interested in learning something new, I'm holding out great hope in things to come!  And for a first hashtag (really don't know what they are but) #youcanteachanolddog #itjusttakestime

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I'm really excited to learn to things to use in my classroom! I try to use technology everyday, but I am always up for adding new tools to my repertoire. I actually have a class blog that I use to let parents and students know what's up in our classes periodically and to share exemplary student work and community activities. The students contribute to this blog as well, and they love having their writing and work published. This totally increases student buy-in! Again, I'm excited to learn new things!