Well, cyber-world, I have come to the end of my blog-trial period and I must say I have really enjoyed journaling my thoughts with you! I started this journey to fulfill a requirement for my technology class, but have realized that this experiment was quite fun! I find it relaxing yet exhilarating at the same time; I am able to share my thoughts yet must be careful because there are thousands of people out there able to read and query my opinions at any given time.
Here's the question...have YOU learned anything along MY journey???
Throughout this particular technology class I have learned and played around with a variety of tech-savvy mediums, including: blogs, wikis, social media forums, podcasts, personal webpages, webquests, virtual fieldtrips, and many ways to integrate all of this technology into a lesson plan. Some of these systems I was familiar with, some I had never heard of. I would say I most enjoyed building the webquest – I had heard of a webquest prior, but had no idea how to create, utilize or integrate such into a lesson plan. Not only did I enjoy researching and finding webquests that would be appropriate for my classroom, but also it was quite fun designing one that I know will be useful in my current curriculum.
I truly believe the MOST important lesson learned throughout any technology class is not a particular skill, but the notion that we CAN do it! Technology is not something to be feared or pushed aside, as teachers it is most important for us to take the time, utilize resources, and learn new ideas – for the sake of our 21st century students.
So…go out there, dive into a new medium of technology, and most importantly...FEAR NOT, you ARE a tech-savvy teacher!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Does Professional Development Still Exist Out There???
Hi teacher friends! In this blog post I want to discuss professional development – particularly in the technology realm. Does your school offer any sort of ongoing professional development for different technology medias? Tell me about the things your staff does!
At my school, we have NO professional development money these days, it is so sad! What’s even worse, I would say about 85% of our staff is made up of those we would call digital immigrants. We NEED technology help!
This particular course I am currently taking has really inspired me to be a leader in the field of technology for my colleagues. At my school, one other teacher and I make up the “technology committee.” This committee was formed for some sort of grant approval; I don’t think either of us has ever been asked to do anything. Recently talking with her we made a plan; every other week, at our primary level staff meetings, we will be taking turns sharing a quick 15-20 minute tutorial on some form of technology integration. I would LOVE some ideas – what kind of ideas should I present?
I feel the need to start with the basics. Just this month, all of the teachers got a new desktop computer; of course it was equipped with the new Windows and Microsoft 10 programs. As I previously mentioned, many teachers had a panic attack. Therefore, at our last meeting, I used my Smart Board to showcase a quick “how-to” of things.
I also plan on introducing things I’ve learned from this class: easy ways to create a WebPage, WebQuests, Blogs, and how to take Virtual Field Trips. I want to show teachers how to integrate their Smart Boards and classroom computers into every day lessons as well.
Mainly my plan is to let the other teachers guide me; I think their questions/interests will set the focus of things. I would love to hear other ideas!!!
At my school, we have NO professional development money these days, it is so sad! What’s even worse, I would say about 85% of our staff is made up of those we would call digital immigrants. We NEED technology help!
This particular course I am currently taking has really inspired me to be a leader in the field of technology for my colleagues. At my school, one other teacher and I make up the “technology committee.” This committee was formed for some sort of grant approval; I don’t think either of us has ever been asked to do anything. Recently talking with her we made a plan; every other week, at our primary level staff meetings, we will be taking turns sharing a quick 15-20 minute tutorial on some form of technology integration. I would LOVE some ideas – what kind of ideas should I present?
I feel the need to start with the basics. Just this month, all of the teachers got a new desktop computer; of course it was equipped with the new Windows and Microsoft 10 programs. As I previously mentioned, many teachers had a panic attack. Therefore, at our last meeting, I used my Smart Board to showcase a quick “how-to” of things.
I also plan on introducing things I’ve learned from this class: easy ways to create a WebPage, WebQuests, Blogs, and how to take Virtual Field Trips. I want to show teachers how to integrate their Smart Boards and classroom computers into every day lessons as well.
Mainly my plan is to let the other teachers guide me; I think their questions/interests will set the focus of things. I would love to hear other ideas!!!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tech-Concerns!
Hey Tech-Savvy teachers, do you ever get concerned about integrating and applying various technologies into your daily lessons? Do you worry about things now working out correctly, internet being down, or if you are doing it “right?”
I love technology and I am all about integrating as much as I can for today’s 21st century learners, but I have four main concerns: Knowledge, Equipment, Time, and Internet problems. Let’s dig a little deeper…
First, Knowledge. I don’t know about you all, but most of my tech-savvy skills have come from my own computer background; things I learned in high school tech classes, college courses, or by basically “figuring it out.”
I feel as if a lot of teachers are fearful of different forms of technology because they simply haven’t been shown or taught. We could alleviate this by holding monthly in-services on a wide variety of tech-related topics or by attending more professional development opportunities. For example, just yesterday each teacher in our building received a new “teacher” computer. Our technology director came around to each room and installed it for us, but never said a word that we were going to log on and WHAM, find Windows 10. HELLO, it is a whole new world! I played around during my lunch hour and was able to mostly figure things out, but after school I ran into several other teachers having a mental breakdown. I heard, “I can’t find ANYthing!” and “I can’t even log on!” The worst, “The button to turn it on isn’t in the same spot, I don’t know what to do!” Wow, talk about some distress! Hence, the more we are able to learn, the easier it will be to integrate technology into your daily life.
My next concern is Equipment. Well, I previously stated that our whole staff received a new computer yesterday, but don’t jump out of your pants, our old teacher computer was at least EIGHT years old! We were LONG overdue! Schools everywhere just don’t have an abundant amount of updated equipment. In my classroom I have two student computers; neither have internet hook-up. They are both dinosaurs and can barely carry out an old Garfield math game I installed years ago. Our computer lab consists of 20 (yes, not even enough for a whole class to use at once) computers and all are composed of mismatched parts and various Windows versions. They do have internet connection, but boy if you want to surf the web, I hope you have some time! The only thing I can think to improve this problem is if the school had a larger technology budget (I know, I’m dreaming right?!). Administrators are going to have to see sooner or later that this is not just the direction in which we are already heading, but where we should already be! However, teachers should not give up, they need to try and work with what they have. Even if they start slow by merely integrating an internet/technology based project once a semester or so.
Time is a HUGE concern for everybody involved. Teachers are feeling like they are getting more and more responsibilities piled on every day, with less time to get things done. We are constantly testing, providing interventions, testing again, remediating, testing again, etc. When is there time to let the kids have “fun?” Not to mention, we have to take TIME to seek new ideas and learn about different forms of technology. Again, my suggestion for teachers is to start slow. When I got my Smart board I was a little overwhelmed at first, so I set a goal to use it once a day, even if it was just an interactive game at the end of the day. Slowly, I have started incorporating the board into everyday lessons. I think teachers should sit down and decide what kind of technology ideas they would like to incorporate: blogs, podcasts, a class webpage, an online newsletter, Webquests, etc. Then they should set a goal to do one of those things each week/month/grading period or whatever they feel comfortable with. What are your ideas? How do you all incorporate the Internet or other technology into your classroom?
My final concern is the availability and quality of Internet that is out there for students and staff. I work in a very rural, poverty-stricken area and Internet is not widely available or even a top priority to families. Staff in our corporation must be very careful about assigning internet-based homework that cannot be done at school. Like I said before, at our elementary level we only have a lab of about 20 computers that have the Internet; this is not enough for a whole class to go in and do a project together. However, this goes back to the equipment problem, and I have complained enough about that! My final thought on this is the quality of internet we have; VERY slow. The only solution I can come up with, is when I do take a group of students to the lab, I can’t let them just surf around on their own – it will take forever! I need to make sure I am directing them to the websites I want them to research or look at so we can get our project started right away. Any other ideas?
These are my technology concerns, now it’s your turn! I’d love to know how other teachers are feeling; take some time and share YOUR fears, horror stories, or solutions to the technology crisis!
I love technology and I am all about integrating as much as I can for today’s 21st century learners, but I have four main concerns: Knowledge, Equipment, Time, and Internet problems. Let’s dig a little deeper…
First, Knowledge. I don’t know about you all, but most of my tech-savvy skills have come from my own computer background; things I learned in high school tech classes, college courses, or by basically “figuring it out.”
I feel as if a lot of teachers are fearful of different forms of technology because they simply haven’t been shown or taught. We could alleviate this by holding monthly in-services on a wide variety of tech-related topics or by attending more professional development opportunities. For example, just yesterday each teacher in our building received a new “teacher” computer. Our technology director came around to each room and installed it for us, but never said a word that we were going to log on and WHAM, find Windows 10. HELLO, it is a whole new world! I played around during my lunch hour and was able to mostly figure things out, but after school I ran into several other teachers having a mental breakdown. I heard, “I can’t find ANYthing!” and “I can’t even log on!” The worst, “The button to turn it on isn’t in the same spot, I don’t know what to do!” Wow, talk about some distress! Hence, the more we are able to learn, the easier it will be to integrate technology into your daily life.
My next concern is Equipment. Well, I previously stated that our whole staff received a new computer yesterday, but don’t jump out of your pants, our old teacher computer was at least EIGHT years old! We were LONG overdue! Schools everywhere just don’t have an abundant amount of updated equipment. In my classroom I have two student computers; neither have internet hook-up. They are both dinosaurs and can barely carry out an old Garfield math game I installed years ago. Our computer lab consists of 20 (yes, not even enough for a whole class to use at once) computers and all are composed of mismatched parts and various Windows versions. They do have internet connection, but boy if you want to surf the web, I hope you have some time! The only thing I can think to improve this problem is if the school had a larger technology budget (I know, I’m dreaming right?!). Administrators are going to have to see sooner or later that this is not just the direction in which we are already heading, but where we should already be! However, teachers should not give up, they need to try and work with what they have. Even if they start slow by merely integrating an internet/technology based project once a semester or so.
Time is a HUGE concern for everybody involved. Teachers are feeling like they are getting more and more responsibilities piled on every day, with less time to get things done. We are constantly testing, providing interventions, testing again, remediating, testing again, etc. When is there time to let the kids have “fun?” Not to mention, we have to take TIME to seek new ideas and learn about different forms of technology. Again, my suggestion for teachers is to start slow. When I got my Smart board I was a little overwhelmed at first, so I set a goal to use it once a day, even if it was just an interactive game at the end of the day. Slowly, I have started incorporating the board into everyday lessons. I think teachers should sit down and decide what kind of technology ideas they would like to incorporate: blogs, podcasts, a class webpage, an online newsletter, Webquests, etc. Then they should set a goal to do one of those things each week/month/grading period or whatever they feel comfortable with. What are your ideas? How do you all incorporate the Internet or other technology into your classroom?
My final concern is the availability and quality of Internet that is out there for students and staff. I work in a very rural, poverty-stricken area and Internet is not widely available or even a top priority to families. Staff in our corporation must be very careful about assigning internet-based homework that cannot be done at school. Like I said before, at our elementary level we only have a lab of about 20 computers that have the Internet; this is not enough for a whole class to go in and do a project together. However, this goes back to the equipment problem, and I have complained enough about that! My final thought on this is the quality of internet we have; VERY slow. The only solution I can come up with, is when I do take a group of students to the lab, I can’t let them just surf around on their own – it will take forever! I need to make sure I am directing them to the websites I want them to research or look at so we can get our project started right away. Any other ideas?
These are my technology concerns, now it’s your turn! I’d love to know how other teachers are feeling; take some time and share YOUR fears, horror stories, or solutions to the technology crisis!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Computer Software
This week we are learning about software that can be used in the classroom! What are your thoughts? I have to be honest; I am not super-savvy when it comes to software. I feel like I stick to the basics – Microsoft: Word Processing, Excel, PowerPoint, and now a little bit of Publisher. I have used the Notebook software, which comes along with the SmartBoard, to create interactive lessons. Other than that, I am at a standstill.
This week I have been introduced to some new wonderful programs that I hope to start trying out at school. Pixton and Prezi were my favorites. Pixton is an online software that allows to you create comic strips. You can add whatever sort of information and storyline into the comic strip to really fit the needs of your class. My students will love this! The other I am really interested in is called Prezi. This is also a web-based software that allows you to create 3-D presentations. It is much like PowerPoint but with more options, such as zooming capabilities.
I am on the technology committee at my school and have been pushing for new kinds of softwares for the kids to utilize in the computer lab, as well. I am really interested in Kidspiration, Inspiration, and KidPix. Are there any others out there that you would recommend?
What is your learning style when it comes to new software? For me, I am one of those silly digital natives…no manuals and tutorials! I like to start experimenting, playing around, and figuring things out. However, I will not lie, when I get really stuck the Help button is generally where I go. The biggest problem is time (and laziness – I suppose?). I am constantly putting of learning new programs in the sense that I always have something more important to do. Unless I am practically forced to learn about something, I just stick the “known.” I am embarrassed to admit this, especially since there are so many great things out there to learn!
My new plan is to get with some colleagues every month at our primary wing meetings and share some sort of tech-savvy technique. In doing this, I will not only be helping my colleagues, but also pushing myself to brush up on my own skills beforehand.
Thoughts? Suggestions? I’d love to hear!
This week I have been introduced to some new wonderful programs that I hope to start trying out at school. Pixton and Prezi were my favorites. Pixton is an online software that allows to you create comic strips. You can add whatever sort of information and storyline into the comic strip to really fit the needs of your class. My students will love this! The other I am really interested in is called Prezi. This is also a web-based software that allows you to create 3-D presentations. It is much like PowerPoint but with more options, such as zooming capabilities.
I am on the technology committee at my school and have been pushing for new kinds of softwares for the kids to utilize in the computer lab, as well. I am really interested in Kidspiration, Inspiration, and KidPix. Are there any others out there that you would recommend?
What is your learning style when it comes to new software? For me, I am one of those silly digital natives…no manuals and tutorials! I like to start experimenting, playing around, and figuring things out. However, I will not lie, when I get really stuck the Help button is generally where I go. The biggest problem is time (and laziness – I suppose?). I am constantly putting of learning new programs in the sense that I always have something more important to do. Unless I am practically forced to learn about something, I just stick the “known.” I am embarrassed to admit this, especially since there are so many great things out there to learn!
My new plan is to get with some colleagues every month at our primary wing meetings and share some sort of tech-savvy technique. In doing this, I will not only be helping my colleagues, but also pushing myself to brush up on my own skills beforehand.
Thoughts? Suggestions? I’d love to hear!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
21st Century Teaching
A hot topic in education these days - What is 21st century education, you may ask?
I believe a 21st century teacher includes more individualized instruction and less one-size-fits-all teaching. 21st century teaching acknowledges that all students learn differently and that most students don’t want to (and simply aren’t able to) learn from the old paper and pencil approach. A 21st century education means more technology centered instruction and less verbal lecturing. Students can expect to be asked more in-depth questions and they need to be able to answer more comprehensively versus repeating the simple facts.
I think this diagram really shows proof to the change in student learning styles.
Today, students want/need to learn things that they feel are real-life applicable. As educators, we spend so much time teaching students things that they may not have use for. Take handwriting for example. In the primary grades we practice handwriting day-in and day-out. We take up so much time teaching the students all the different strokes and slants to cursive writing. We struggle to get primary students to write on a line correctly. Why? What college students or even working adults still have to hand-write notes, papers, or comments? In the 21st century everything is done on computer or voice recorder. How about spelling? Why are first graders working on memorizing words every night when most educated adults can’t even spell without the use of spell-check? Even our Blackberries and IPhones spell check our messages for us! I’m sure there are several other examples of things that we continue to teach that simply are not as useful in the 21st century.
I don’t know about you, but as an educator I often feel inadequately trained for the 21st century classroom. Not only have I not had enough classes, trainings, and professional development opportunities to head toward that direction, but it doesn’t seem as if the government is fully working on implementing 21st century education either. Schools do not have the budgets to overhaul classrooms; not only do we need a wide variety of updated technology, but we could also use a whole new set of curriculum. We continue to use boring teaching manuals, basal readers, and math workbooks to do the teaching for us. Standardized testing is still mostly recalling facts and the mundane task of filling in bubbles – the paper and pencil way. The state of Indiana
This diagram is the infamous Bloom’s Pyramid. These are the kinds of in-depth questions 21st century learners should be responding to in order to become higher-level thinkers.
In my classroom I try my best to be a 21st century educator. I keep my Bloom’s Pyramid on the wall as a reminder to myself to achieve higher levels. I utilize more hands-on activities versus worksheets. Even at a kindergarten and first grade level, I teach the kids how to use the basic technology available to us. We utilize the listening station, classroom computers and out Smart Board every day. We go to the school computer lab to practice typing and logging onto the internet once a week. I believe my students leave the classroom well-equipped with 21st century skills, but my fear is that they lose these skills with other teachers who may NOT be enforcing them.
21st century teaching and learning will be an issue for many years to come. Will education ever get there? What are YOUR thoughts?!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tech 101
Are any of you out there familiar with the National Education Technology Standards (NETS)?
http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx
After reading about these, I feel like the staff at my school, myself included, could use some help! The standards talk about how important it is to use several digital media tools to provide and engage student learninig, but I am not sure if my classroom is equipped with enough media tools! I am doing what I can, below are some of the following things that my classroom has to offer:
I think it is important for us as teachers, to NOT be afraid of technology. There is always going to be something new, and it is coming our way whether we like it or not. Let's face it, students are considered 21st century learners for a reason, they simply do not learn the same as students have in the past. We have to meet and match their tech-savy ways and turn it into a learning style. Kids these days are so in-tune with their IPODS, video games, social networking sites, cell phones, etc. that paper, pencils, and books just don't excite!
This teacher is currently in the program of a Master's Degree, and is about to embark on a technology class. I hope to dive into a pool of ideas; I want to learn about new hardware, software, and web based tools that can be used at home or in my classroom. I look forward to finding new ways to enhance my lessons, spark student learning, and finding a tech-savy way to speak to my students! I want tangible, realistic things that can be used in any classroom. Now, let the teacher be taught!
http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx
After reading about these, I feel like the staff at my school, myself included, could use some help! The standards talk about how important it is to use several digital media tools to provide and engage student learninig, but I am not sure if my classroom is equipped with enough media tools! I am doing what I can, below are some of the following things that my classroom has to offer:
- SmartBoard projector system and software
- Classroom WebPage
- Online grades/parent portal program
- Two out-of-date student computers
- An anceint listening center (yeah, ya know, the kind with cassette tape and giant headphones!)
I think it is important for us as teachers, to NOT be afraid of technology. There is always going to be something new, and it is coming our way whether we like it or not. Let's face it, students are considered 21st century learners for a reason, they simply do not learn the same as students have in the past. We have to meet and match their tech-savy ways and turn it into a learning style. Kids these days are so in-tune with their IPODS, video games, social networking sites, cell phones, etc. that paper, pencils, and books just don't excite!
This teacher is currently in the program of a Master's Degree, and is about to embark on a technology class. I hope to dive into a pool of ideas; I want to learn about new hardware, software, and web based tools that can be used at home or in my classroom. I look forward to finding new ways to enhance my lessons, spark student learning, and finding a tech-savy way to speak to my students! I want tangible, realistic things that can be used in any classroom. Now, let the teacher be taught!
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