What should I do with the knowledge I've gained through this class? As I pondered this question, there were two definite things I wanted to do. First, put what I've learned into practice and action. I have created a Excel grade book that I will use with my math group - what a wonderful time-saver and practical tool! I also have a website that keeps parents up-to-date with classroom news and weekly assignments. They are also able to see what's happening in the classroom via my photo gallery. In addition, I can create WebQuests that provide students with tools for exploration and research. Finally, I'm more familiar and comfortable using blogs, Wikis, and presentation tools.
Secondly, I can share the information I learned with my colleagues. After creating my WebQuest, one that I will use during United States research, I showed my 5th grade co-workers. They were impressed and wanted to use it too. They are also excited about learning how to create their own to use with their students. We have also discussed using Delicious district-wide as a way to share resources with all corporation teachers. This idea came from another master's teacher and I sharing what we've learned.
By being willing to share and making time to teach others about the technology with which I'm familiar, I can be a leader in my grade level and even in my school.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Technology Concerns
I know that I cannot expect the students in my classroom to learn the way I did. Even I would want more for them. There are so many ways to make learning interactive and engaging! It is my job to research, learn, and provide opportunities that enhance instruction using the vast amount of technology available.
Along with the positive educational opportunities the Internet provides, I do have some concerns. Technology is not always reliable, as is most everything. Teachers must be flexible and have a "plan B" ready. For example, last week I planned to use an educational video streaming sight to show a 20 minute clip about the early Native Americans. I previewed it and had it bookmarked. When I wanted to play it during social studies, there was an issue with the site and we couldn't watch it. In addition, there are always risks when students are on the Internet. It's not easy monitoring 24 computers to make sure students are where they're supposed to be, doing what they're supposed to be doing. However, my biggest concern is my lack of knowledge. How can I provide opportunities for my students if I don't know how to use the technology available? How can I teach something I'm not comfortable using myself?
There will always be some risks involved with technology along with fallibility. But the negatives don't come close to the positive possibilities the Internet and technology provides. I must be intentional in my planning to incorporate technology into my lessons. I must also be a life-long learner and make time for research and learning of new applications and experiences to share with my students.
Along with the positive educational opportunities the Internet provides, I do have some concerns. Technology is not always reliable, as is most everything. Teachers must be flexible and have a "plan B" ready. For example, last week I planned to use an educational video streaming sight to show a 20 minute clip about the early Native Americans. I previewed it and had it bookmarked. When I wanted to play it during social studies, there was an issue with the site and we couldn't watch it. In addition, there are always risks when students are on the Internet. It's not easy monitoring 24 computers to make sure students are where they're supposed to be, doing what they're supposed to be doing. However, my biggest concern is my lack of knowledge. How can I provide opportunities for my students if I don't know how to use the technology available? How can I teach something I'm not comfortable using myself?
There will always be some risks involved with technology along with fallibility. But the negatives don't come close to the positive possibilities the Internet and technology provides. I must be intentional in my planning to incorporate technology into my lessons. I must also be a life-long learner and make time for research and learning of new applications and experiences to share with my students.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Software Skills
There are many software applications that I use regularly during instruction and in managing my classroom. One of the basic applications that I use most is Microsoft Word. I can create tables, write newsletters, and make worksheets. Other Microsoft Office applications that I also use frequently are PowerPoint and Publisher. In addition, Edline is an online grade book that all teachers in my corporation use. It is not only a vehicle for recording grades, but is also how we send and keep track of attendance as well.
Since I received an interactive white board this year, I am finding various tools to support its use. Easyteach is an application that comes with the IWB, which provides templates and activities for the classroom. I've also found many websites that allow me to use my IWB in multiple ways. I can stream videos from Learning360 and Teachertube. My math students use it during math centers to support learning as well. I'm still discovering the possibilities available with this wonderful piece of technology and hope to use it to its potential.
One Microsoft Office application that I'm not comfortable using is Excel. It's also one I'd like to learn more about. I do use Excel as a tool with my Mini-Economy curriculum. I record banking transactions for my students on individual spreadsheets. These sheets are then printed as a bank statement monthly for my class. However, I had to have help setting these up and have just changed my students names each year.
I learn by doing, and I know the more I use an application the more proficient I will become. Therefore, my goal in learning more about Excel is to use it regularly. My software tool project this week is to create a math grade book. This is a start, but I must also look for ways to incorporate Excel as a management tool as well as provide basic instruction for my students.
Since I received an interactive white board this year, I am finding various tools to support its use. Easyteach is an application that comes with the IWB, which provides templates and activities for the classroom. I've also found many websites that allow me to use my IWB in multiple ways. I can stream videos from Learning360 and Teachertube. My math students use it during math centers to support learning as well. I'm still discovering the possibilities available with this wonderful piece of technology and hope to use it to its potential.
One Microsoft Office application that I'm not comfortable using is Excel. It's also one I'd like to learn more about. I do use Excel as a tool with my Mini-Economy curriculum. I record banking transactions for my students on individual spreadsheets. These sheets are then printed as a bank statement monthly for my class. However, I had to have help setting these up and have just changed my students names each year.
I learn by doing, and I know the more I use an application the more proficient I will become. Therefore, my goal in learning more about Excel is to use it regularly. My software tool project this week is to create a math grade book. This is a start, but I must also look for ways to incorporate Excel as a management tool as well as provide basic instruction for my students.
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