I always thought of myself as someone who was fairly knowledgeable and secure with my capabilities when it came to technology. After Thursday night's class, I definitely took a step back and questioned how much I really knew. While I am always looking for new ways to incorporate technology into the classroom, that search often includes blinders. I look for things that are marketed towards schools, kids, and learning, instead of looking at technology options as a whole and asking how it can be tailored towards students.
In my classroom, I am extremely fortunate to have an Activboard to help facilitate instruction with the inclusion of technology on a daily basis. We also have student response systems that can be used for tests, polls, and as another way for students to participate in class discussions. These tools have opened up so many opportunities for my students. We have also started a classroom blog and share the latest classroom updates and activities with our families. The students have had a chance to participate by sharing photographs and quotes about certain activities that we have done. Our goal is to start writing a weekly post about our week together so that they can see how the process develops and to experience writing through a different medium. After being exposed to using Google Docs for class, I have developed a quick interest in looking into how I can use this within my own teaching.
Till next time...
Jessica, I like your blog and I feel that I can relate to some degree. I felt the same way about myself as someone who fairly knowledgeable and secure when it comes to technology. I have a passion for computers and technology, and I decided to join this class to see what else is there to learn. What skills can I use one day when I become a teacher or a trainer. I love teaching people how to use computers, what the functions are for, etc. I love helping people out like you love helping kids.
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteGood to see that you have started using blogs. I am going to try them as well to help students connect their learning to their lives and I think your idea about using them as a tool to communicate with parents is great. Too often are parents kept out of the loop when it comes to their child's work. The only communication many of them seem to seek is the grade and this will show them that their students are learning meaningful things in the classroom.