I know I am so "out of touch" with the world. I know you do not want us just to be enthralled with the various technologies, but to incorporate them into the classroom for the benefit and growth of our students. However, I am amazed by the amount of "stuff" out there at the mere touch of a button. I have really been amazed at the ways the teachers in the book have incorporated technology into their classrooms. I know this is really stupid to admit to, but I do try to be honest. I realize my weaknesses and try to improve. As in other bad character flaws, such as alcoholism, etc, you have to admit you have a problem first before you can heal yourself and reach your full potential. The one thing I am proud of is that at my age I am still willing to try and learn new things. I never took technology in school or college 30+ years ago, so computers really make me nervous. When I went back to college 6 years ago, technology was the big challenge! Believe me when I say this -- I am a whiz today compared compared to then! Ha -- Ha!
Recognition is very important to everyone! It does not have to be a huge major ordeal, but everyone appreciates being appreicated. Recognition: silent, simple, and sincere works for everyone; even our students. The use of certificates is great. I expecially like the e-cards. As a teacher or administrator, the e-card is a great way to thank someone for a "job well done". The modest shy person can receive recognition without having to be in front of everyone. The certificate templates and resources are also very beneficial. I try to make certificates instead of buying them. I do this for three reasons: money, originality and individualization. I can use this resource. I will play more with this later, so that when school starts, I will be proficient. I also will be able to use Publisher now. I have attempted different templates before, but the tools packet as a chapter resource helped alot. Thank you!!!
Peer conferencing sounds intriguing. I think that could be beneficial to use as a way for teachers within and without our District to use to communicate with colleagues to solve problems, get advice, or just simply talk to each other for guidance. I would like to see this opportunity encouraged in our District: training and implementation. Again, often times we (teachers) need to be encouraged to try something new. This could be good.
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A willingness to try new things is the first step. I think it is great that you are stepping out of your comfort zone and taking not only one, but two challenging workshops that rely mostly on technology. One of the main things I want youi take away from this book is that integrating technolgy doesn't mean that every student must complete a project on the computer. There are small things that can be done. With that said, I also know that the district needs to find a way to make the technology tools more readily available as well as provide campus-based support for teachers.
ReplyDeleteA willingness to try new things counts for a lot. I think it is great that you are stepping outside of your comfort zone by taking not only one, but two challenging workshops that rely mostly on technology. One of the main things that I am hoping everyone will get from this book is an idea what technology integration should look like in a classroom. Simply having students complting a "computer project" now then is not enough. Completion of daily tasks using a variety of technology resources is what is needed. With that said, the district needs to find a way to make the technology tools readily available otherwise it can be quite frustrating for teachers and students.
ReplyDeleteSorry I posted twice. When I looked it said 0 comments so I thought my first one didn't post!
ReplyDeleteNo problem on the double posting. I enjoy hearing your comments. I guess I have always thought of using technology as a project for students, but I am now slightly aware of all that is out there for students to use. I know I am just barely getting started, but do see more usefulness and ways to integrate technology into classrooms than before. All of these resources that I am using now such as photostory, animoto, google reader, etc are awailable to classroom students? Are they safe as far as viruses, etc? I know I am clueless, but I feel safe with you to ask. I really have zero knoledge in this arena. Thanks for letting me show my ignorance.
ReplyDeleteAnimoto is usually blocked in the district. I am trying to get it unblocked for teacher use. Photo Story is supposed to be loaded on all computers but it isn't always there. If you plan to use it in a lab situation with students I would definitely check to see if it was available and if it isn't, request for it to be loaded thorugh the the Help Desk. Google Reader requires a Google Account. A Google Account requires an email address making it a little more difficult for students.
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