The Final Post...

Well here we are and it is 12/12/12. We have done activities in second grade that use the number 12. I'd say we had a F.I.S.H. day. It was awesome. So onto my final post...

3 things I didn't know about or hadn't used... (There are way more than 3)
1. Dragon Dictation... This is a tool I use to translate newsletters from English to Spanish. Or if I have a quick note to send home, I can translate it as well. I don't have a child in my class who is fluent only in another language, but I might next year or the next and this app will help me to communicate with them more effectively.

2. Symbaloo... I set up a Symbaloo page for my kids so that they only need to click on one button to access web sites we use. The only draw back is that the computer that most of my kids use is so slow that it will "get stuck" and not process. If we use it on the laptop then it works fine. I like this because it is easy to add new "buttons" for the children. They even find them if I haven't told them they were there.

3. bubbl.us  I love this site for my students organizing their information. I will continue using it during the year and my kids are beginning to change the colors and size of the bubbles on their own. I think we may use it for a pre-writing activity next time.

I could go on and on, but I'll keep moving. ;)

2 things I have questions about as a teacher or how an administrator would use or comments on how I've used a technology

1. In my research I read a PowerPoint article about using Google Docs in classroom instruction. This is something I truly would like to learn more about in order to use in my classroom, to assist others to use in their classroom, and have the knowledge about it and how to use it if I were an administrator. I think there are many possibilities and options for usage on many levels. I however only know how to fill out someone else's form, not how to create anything myself for my students or others to use. So I guess my question is, "How exactly can I use Google Docs? What kinds of documents can I make? How exactly do I do that?"

2. I still have questions about podcasting. I think podcasting is something I'm just a chicken about. I have little questions about it like what kind should we do, what role should the kids have, what software should we use... I've attended your training and went through an indepth training where I created my own, but I think I'm just a chicken. I think I'm afraid we'll do something and it won't work....

1 thing I'll use as an administrator

I definitely think I'd use my I-pad as an administrator. It is portable, password secure, has capabilities to take notes, take pictures, video, etc. etc. etc. it is like a personal filing cabinet, desk drawer, notebook, resource file, all in one. I think if anybody took away the I-pad they are letting me use now I'd just cry. (Teacher note: I loaded the AR app today. I will have some kids tomorrow that think that is the most awesome thing in the world. And we wrote the 12 days of Christmas today- My teacher gave to me. I took pictures of each of the pages and hopefully in my spare time I'll make us a litte video of our song.)

Thanks for a great class Vicky- I learned a lot, and thanks to my classmates- I learn so much from you also,
Until January,
Happy 12/12/12

Ginger

Wrapping Up

This semester has been fast and slow all at the same time. It doesn't feel like we've been in "school" that long this year, but then it seems like August was forever ago.

This class has allowed me to become more knowledgeable about many aspects of technology in the educational setting.

I...

• am more comfortable with blogging. 
• am amazed by aurasma and am trying to figure out a way to use it in my room
• have taught my kids how to use bubbl
• have started using scrible and am going to set my older child up an account for research reasons
• have more information to use if I should become an administrator and as a classroom teacher
• am looking forward to learning more about podcasting
• understand the importance of cyber etiquette and safety and will encourage that in my school
• am learning about the integration of technology in my classroom, in instruction, and at the school level

Happy Thursday!
Go Tigers!

Ginger

Football Fridays

This year I have made an effort to take my younger son to as many of the high school football games as possible. You see, he is passionate about football. He knows many of the boys who play on the high school team and this makes him love watching MCHS even more. He made a "lucky" football that he takes with us to each game.

Well I am excited to say we are still playing football at MCHS. On Friday night we went to Brooks High School for the third round game. I had T all bundled up in his hunting coveralls to keep him toasty warm. The people at Brooks were welcoming. The boys on both teams used good sportsmanship, which is nice for a mama. After a hard fought game, MCHS was victorious! I have to say I am so proud of those boys and our fans. Our side of the stands was full.

Anyway, on Friday night we'll be playing Oneonta. We'll be taking our lucky football, our coveralls, and loud voices to cheer on the tigers!

Go Tigers!

Ginger

BYOD and Mobile Learning

I think that BYOD is built on trust and a system that will support all of the devices. Children bring their phones with them everyday to school and use them (GASP) even when they know that they are supposed to be put away. So why not allow them to use them for productive reasons. They sign an acceptable use policy at the beginning of each school year. The use of their own devices at school could be a part of that policy.

If my child has an I-pod or and I-pad or other tablet then he/ she has access to an app for almost any purpose. If we are using Ed-modo, e-mail, or other group setting then assignments can be easily submitted.

Education is no longer about memorization. Yes, there are still things we need to memorize. But how much farther we can take our learners if we move them up the Bloom's ladder of thinking. Using these devices at school lends itself to higher order thinking opportunities. 

Sure you found the information... NOW WHAT? :) 

I found this article on Mobile Learning. It is pretty interesting. 
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669896/10-ways-that-mobile-learning-will-revolutionize-education

Ginger 

I Am Thankful

As Thanksgiving draws near I am overwhelmed by all that I am thankful. God has blessed me in all ways. As I think back over my life even when in trials and tribulations God was always with me. He continues to be with me today. I am thankful. I am also thankful for...

• my husband
• my boys
• my parents
• my sister
• my in-laws
• my nieces
• my nephew
• a way to get to work
• shelter and a place to lay my head
• food on my table each day
• clothes to wear
• cute shoes
• friends
• family
• students
• health
• pecan pie and pound cake :)
• my mama's dressing
• time with those I love
• memories

The list goes on and on. I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Ginger

Digital Citizenship

With technology comes responsibility.

When Jamie Vollmer spoke to the BLT group at the Jackson Center, he mentioned all of the added responsibilities that teachers have beyond teaching their core content. Digital Citizenship is one of these things. Is it important? Absolutely. Do children need to understand their role in the use of technology, being ethical users, and avoiding online "stranger" danger? Yes.

We would hope that parents would be emphasizing this at home. Like Stephanie said tonight, as parents we should know our children's user names and passwords for all of their accounts. However, there are some children who do not have computer access at home or other factors that keep parents from explaining ethical and safe behaviors online.

To help teach digital citizenship to my second graders I use the I-safe resources, NetSmartz Kids, and other lessons.

Teaching digital citizenship is almost a character education trait. It needs to be a part of who we are, our character. Making good decisions even when no one is looking.

Happy Tuesday!
Ginger

P.S. I enjoyed all of the presentations tonight. I learned so much from each of you.

Using IPads with Students That Have Special Needs

Children don't realize they are using different levels of thinking when they are using the I-Pad. In the short time that I have had one in my classroom, students are using the apps, problem solving, and we are moving toward creating through the available apps we have.

Earlier this year I read an article about using an I-Pad with a child who had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. We disucssed this in a previous class, but I am posting this to share.

http://isolutionsforautism.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/A-breakthrough-for-Josh.pdf

I think utilizing the technology we have available to meet the needs of our students is important. Searching for apps to work with students who have different abilities and needs allows us to differentiate and meet their needs. Which in turn allows us to be more effective teachers, and our students to be more productive as well.

Ginger

Halloween Candy, Soccer Tournaments, and Life

Well it is November 6, Election Day, but I don't want to talk about that. I'm not sure really what I want to talk about so I'll hit a few highpoints running though my head...

I wish the Halloween candy in my house would disappear. I am so tempted everyday to have a few pieces. If it can't disappear, maybe I should wish my neighbors didn't give out such good candy. Hmmm... something to discuss with them. :)

My older is playing in the city soccer tournament. This is always an exciting time.

Well life is good. Life is busy. It is November. I am thankful.

See you on Wednesday,
Ginger

flipped?

The flipped classroom... hmmm... well this isn't something I am fully knowledgeable about so I have done a little reading to try to educate myself.

I am aware of Khan Academy and teachers using that in order to "flip" their classrooms. The students watch the videos at night and receive 1-1 help at school as needed.

I found an article online, http://www.edutopia.org/blog/flipped-classroom-pro-and-con-mary-beth-hertz, that goes in to great detail about what the flipped classroom is and isn't.

In order for this to work, students would have to have internet access at home, or have the ability to come in before school to watch the lecture, video, presentation, etc.

The article stresses the important part of the flipped classroom is the 1-1 attention students get while working on their practice activities.

The last paragraph in the article mentions important ideas for teachers. Even if we don't think the flipped classroom will work in our situation, it is worth thinking about because it makes us think about how we teach, and why we teach it that way. We must be willing to refine our practices to meet the needs of our students.

War Eagle!
Ginger

Kasey the Firedog

Last Friday, Kasey the Firedog visited our school. For some people, this might have just been one more thing to do. But to me it is an event that I was determined for my children to participate in.

You see, my sister was burned severely in a car accident about 17 years ago. One of the things she says that she thought during the moment was that Sparky the Fire Dog had told them to "Stop. Drop. and Roll." when he had visited their class when she was a child. These 4 words helped save her life.

So this event is an opportunity for my children to hear these simple words that could save thier life one day.

I am thankful to these firefighters and their dogs and the impact they have on the lives of our children. My younger child came home and we had to discuss safe places, meeting places, smoke detectors, etc. We have a plan in case of emergency, all thanks to what we've learned from Kasey and his firefighter.

Thanks Kasey!

Ginger

Barriers to Technology Integration

Money, Fear, Time, Committment, Resources, Trust... these are all things that can keep us from implementing technological initiatives in our schools.

I found this article about Overcoming Technological Barriers. Here's the link. It is much more informative than anything I could write. :)

http://www.edutopia.org/technology-how-to-implement-classroom 

Happy Tuesday,
Ginger

A Friend or a Foe?

I think the answer to the question posed this week, "Does technology help or harm literacy?" is a big... IT DEPENDS. (not yelling, just emphasizing)

 

It could be said that it hurts literacy because children are spending more time "hooked up" to technology, they're texting, playing games, watching you-tube videos... and they are spending less time reading and writing.

 

It could be said that it helps literacy, because children who might not be interested in traditional learning activities might be more apt to read something if it is technology based.

 

I see ways that children's choices affect their literacy. If they prefer to play Wii instead of reading a book or if they prefer to watch you-tube videos instead of reading an article.

 

Technology has its own literacy I think. Reading an article online is different than reading an article on paper. Maneuvering through a website takes literacy skills as well. Students must be able to process many different bits of information when using technology to learn.

 

So to restate my opinion... I think it depends. :)

 

I'm hopefully doing my research paper on how technology can be used in strategic teaching. I haven't found a lot of support yet, but as I find some I may change my response to it helps. We'll see. :)  

 

It's Friday!!!

Ginger

 

Article Review

I found an article through AVL called "Using Technology to Support a wide Range of Instructional Practices, Approaches, and Methods."  It is written by Dr. Leaunda Hemphill and was published in Leadership in Reading which is the Illinois Reading Council Journal.

It made several points that are relevant to technology integration no matter what grade a person teaches.

Here are a few important points made in the article:

• There's no "one size fits all" in reading instruction or selecting technology tools.
• Have a "Technology Toolbox" that contains a variety of technology tools. This will enable you to use different types of technologies to fit the needs of the students and different ways of teaching.
• They mention the "ASSURE" model when planning for lessons.
• 1. Analyze learners
• 2. State objectives
• 3. Select methods, media, and materials
• 4. Utilize media and materials
• 5. Require learner participation
• 6. Evaluate and revise the plan
• It also mentions other technology tools that could be beneficial in the classroom. It mentions a few that we haven't discussed in class...Inspiration  and Kidspiration, as well as Teach-nology.

Book Fairs and Baseball Cards

Well I thought I had decided what to write about until just now, and the conversation I just had with my younger son moved to the top of the list.

He's sitting in the floor beside me working with his baseball cards (which is what I was going to write about first) and he says to me, "I'm going to set up a book fair in my room."

I said, "A book fair?"

He replied, "Yes, I'm gonna make me a little money, but I'm not going to sell my awesome books."

So, I'm anxious to see which books he thinks are awesome and are allowed to stay on the bookcase. It is also interesting to think about his entrepreneurial interests. I'm wondering if his cousins will make any purchases tomorrow when they come over. We'll see how good of a salesman he is. :)

On to baseball cards, it amazes me that even in 2012 kids love baseball cards and other trading cards. My boys at school were talking about their football cards the other day. This morning my younger decided that he wanted to look at and add some new cards to his baseball card notebook. With all the "high tech" and media things children are involved with, it is exciting to know that they still find interest in the simple things, like a baseball card.

Keep your eyes open and watch for other "simple things" that the children you know enjoy.

Enjoy your day,

Ginger

Out With the Old? Probably Not...

What do I do with old technology... I use it. :) As an example, I have an overhead projector in my classroom. I don't use it for whole class instruction like I once did. However, it serves a wonderful role as a station in reading, language, and math.

I have been amazed at the "products" my children have created while working with the overhead projector. I placed an overhead tangram set back there and I had two boys that decided to create animals out of the tangrams, they traced them on a transparency and then wrote a story using the animals they were creating. As I look at what they do each day in that station, I always am thankful that I didn't put it on the curb. Just because it is old technology to me, it is new to them. I don't know if any of them had ever seen one before. :)

A couple of students even mentioned writing story problems for other students and putting them in a special place so people know where to find them...

Now, what to do with other technology that is antiquated? I would think that the system would have a plan in place for disposing of old computers, software, hardware, etc. I would definitely think that each school would have a plan, so that items don't just get trashed before an official decision can be made. What is it they say... one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Happy Wednesday...on to Thursday...

Ginger

Friday Post

Well if you thought my voice sounded bad on Wednesday night, you should have heard me today. Or should I say, not heard me. This morning I couldn't talk above a whisper. I let some students be the "spokesperson" this morning and I'd tell them what to say and they'd repeat it for the class. The funniest thing is about it, I'd whisper to them and every time they'd whisper what I said to the class. I just laughed.

As the day went on, my voice got a little stronger, but my children were exceptionally good listeners today. Maybe I should have laryngitis more often. :)

I'm sipping peppermint tea trying to get my voice stronger for Sunday's stroll. We'll see. Virginia Clay Clopton may be a little raspy on Sunday.

Have a great weekend,

Ginger

Website of Use

This is a tough question. There's no telling how many websites I go to, use, bookmark, think I'll use this again, and then when I get ready to work on a new project I just "google" the topic and it leads me to where I need to go.

Probably the site I use the most is a reading wiki. The address is... http://literacymalden.wikispaces.com/  This site has open ended frames that I use to teach my children how to respond to questions in writing.

This morning I let a few of my before school tutoring students do an educational phonics activity on the Professor Garfield site. Everytime I let children use that site they practice skills and enjoy it at the same time. :) http://www.professorgarfield.com/pgf_home.html

Happy Tuesday,

Ginger

Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll

Looking for something fun to do next Sunday, October 14? Well come out to the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll. This year there will be more than 70 characters telling the stories of people who are buried there. Did you know there are more governors buried at Maple Hill than anywhere else in the state? Did you know that Abraham Lincoln's brother-in-law is buried there? As far as I know, Tallulah Bankhead will be there. Even though she isn't buried there she usually comes back to see her parents.  The past few years, Lilly Flagg has also made an appearance.

It is always a fun filled day, a day when Alabama History comes to life.  It starts at 2:00 and is over at 4:30.

Ginger

Resisting Technology

How would you approach resistance by teachers to use of technology in the classroom?

We have to make technology integration "irresistable" to our teachers. It has to be appealing. Does resistance exist? Yes, it happens all the time. But as administrators, how can we curb this resistance and help our teachers see technology as a useful tool.

There are different kinds of teachers. There are those who jump right in and learn as they get their "hands dirty in the technology garden". Then there are those who with a little training will keep the ball rolling and do more study to learn how to use the technology. Next there's a group who needs more professional development, they need more one on one assistance to feel comfortable in using technology. Finally, there are a few teachers who are just scared to death to use technology in their classrooms.

As an administrator, I'd have to look at my faculty and really see what kinds of technology is being used in their classrooms. Then, I'd need to spend some time finding out why some people aren't utilizing technology. I think if we find the root of the problem it boils down to fear, lack of understanding, lack of confidence in their ability to teach using it, and not being sure of how best to integrate the technology in lessons.

So... now what. Once we know the why behind the "resistance", proper professional development and support can be provided to aid the teacher in effective use of technology. If there were a technology coach at a school, this person could go through the coaching cycle with different faculty members to begin establishing technology integration.

If we help resistant teachers to take baby steps into use of technology then over time their stamina and independence will grow!


Happy Friday,
Ginger

It's One of My Favorites

I love books. It isn't a secret. Everybody who knows me well knows I have an addiction. As a friend of mine says, "It's my hobby." I'd say that fits me too. I love to sit in the children's book section at the library and bookstore and just explore all the new literature that is available.

In my classroom we work together to build the classroom library. We do book passes and countless times, I've said to my children... "This is one of my favorites." So I decided for this entry, I'd just share with you a few of my "favorites." The list is endless, but here are a few...

The Other Side Jacqueline Woodson

Epposomundas Colleen Salley

Bubba and Beau (There are 3 books in the series) Kathy Appelt

Stellaluna Janelle Cannon

Imogene's Antlers David Small

Saturdays and Teacakes Lester Laminack

Let Me Be The Boss Brod Baggert


Chapter Books...

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Kate DiCamillo

Tuck Everlasting Natalie Babbitt

I Have Lived a Thousand Years Livia Bitton-Jackson


Reading is a key part of our children's lives, and even though technology is an essential part of our lives, in my opinion, there is nothing like turning the page in a book... the crisp crinkle  and the look on the children's faces when they see the next set of illustrations, like when we read  I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!

There's also nothing like these words as well... "Read us just one more chapter, please..."

Happy Reading!

Ginger

Guiding Light

Ever seen Nemo? You know that light that is dangling in front of them and they are mesmerized and then they realize it is something dangerous and AAAAHHHHH! They have to get away fast. The pretty light wasn't all it appeared,  it was much worse.

Administrators can't be tricked by the pretty light. There are so many companies that just want our educational money (ha!) and will do most anything to get us to purchase their hardware, software, gadget, etc. We have to be grounded in best practices in technology as well as good technology investments.

So how do we decide...

• what technologies can we implement that will prepare children for their future?
• what technologies can we implement that support critical thinking?
• what technologies can we implement that support creativity?
• what technologies can we implement that support communication?
• what technologies can we implement that support collaboration?  (NAESP)
• what training do our educators need in order to implement technology integration with our students?

Administrators must stay informed of current and "ground breaking" technologies that could be beneficial in the classroom. Administrators must make choices based on what his/ her school needs, not what someone else is doing.

If we stay grounded in what is best for our students and provide high quality professional development for our teachers then we are providing a strong foundation for instructional technology implementation.

I found an article from NAESP that correlates with this topic. It discusses the 4 Cs that I mentioned above.

http://www.naesp.org/principal-januaryfebruary-2012-technology/technology-integration-new-21st-century-learner

Happy Tuesday,
Ginger

Hopefully

Have you ever wondered what children think about your words? I'm at the point in my life that my older child tells me. As we were leaving school the other day, I told someone we were on our way to a soccer game and "Hopefully, we'll get a big win." Well my older child says to me, "you just made it sound like my team was terrible." He interpreted "hopefully" into "the team is bad and we've got to "hope" for a win.

I tried to explain what I meant, but what was done was done. No matter what I said, it wouldn't change how he interpreted my words.

Before I continue... They did win, and played a great game.

But thinking about this small instance with my child, it made me also think about the words I choose each day with the children in my classroom, the adults I work with, the parents I conference with, etc.

Word choice is important. I am in the process of reading (slowly) a professional book called Choice Words. It is written by Peter H. Johnston. It discusses how our language as educators affects our students. He stresses that words matter and how we talk to our students matters.

Hopefully, I'll make good word choices with my boys this week. :)

Ginger

Let's Teach Them to Fish!

 "How can technology affect the learning process?" Now that's a good question.

 

 It depends on many factors:

• who is using the technology?
• does the person using the technology know how to use it?
• is the technology being used to aid instruction?
• is the technology being used to enhance instruction?
• is the technology being used just because it is supposed to be used?
• is the technology being used so that students can process what they are learning?
• is the technology being used so that students can create a product?
• is the technology being used age appropriate?
• has the child been instructed on how to utilize the technology?

So, looking in the mirror to reflect on this question, I've come up with the following thoughts...

If I, as a teacher am the only one using technology it mostly affects my learning process.

If I, as a teacher use the technology to create lessons, and allow my students to use the interactive technology, then it affects student learning processes as well as my own.

If I, as a teacher teach my students how and provide opportunities for them to create a product, or allow them to research on a student friendly site, then their learning process is positively affected.

As I was writing this, I was reminded of this proverb...

Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day.
Teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime.

Happy weekend!
Ginger

 

 

For the Love of Writing

Children need to learn to write in order to communicate. But seeds must be planted in order for children to blossom as effective and creative writers.
 
Children need...
 

• a time to write daily
• to believe they are good at writing
• to know their writing is valued
• to share their writing with others
• to publish their work for others to read
• to learn about a variety of writing "genres"
• to have choices when writing
• to learn how to answer open ended questions

If you are interested in learning more about teaching writing or Writing Workshop instruction, here are some valuable professional books.
 
Writer's Workshop  Ralph Fletcher and Jo Anne Portalupi
 
What a Writer Needs Ralph Fletcher
 
Writing Essentials Regie Routman
 
But How Do You Teach Writing Barry Lane
 
The Reviser's Toolbox Barry Lane
 
Of Primary Importance Anne Marie Corgill
 
Cracking Open the Writer's Craft: Teaching the Art of Writing Lester Laminack
 
The Writing Workshop: Working through the Hard Parts (and They're All Hard Parts) Katie Wood Ray and Lester Laminack
 
That's a Great Answer Nancy Boyle
 
This list is just a beginning. If you have a favorite writing professional book, please comment and let me know. I am always looking for new books to read on teaching writing.

As I tell my children each day before they go off to write...

Happy Writing!
Ginger

Sometimes I Just Feel Like Blogging

What? Did I say that? I believe I did. I'm home after a Friday at work. There's laundry to do, things to clean, and papers to grade, and I decide I think I'll just do my next blog while eating my oh, so healthy snack of chocolate covered raisins.

Anyway... on to the topic assigned.

How can technology innovations be sustained in schools?

I think this takes several factors.

First, the teachers have to want to utilize the technology in their instruction and have the necessary training to help them be successful using it.

Second, there has to be ongoing professional development to show teachers how to incorporate the technology in their daily instruction, and how they can let their children use it. (Maybe even time with a technology coach to go through the coaching cycle.)

Third, there has to be a time for observation of other teachers using the technology or of another teacher's students using the technology successfully. Maybe this would be a good place for peer coaching! :)

Fourth, there has to be money to replace broken or outdated parts or provide outside p.d. Like if a projector bulb goes out, there's got to be funds for that. Or if the batteries go out in a student response remote. Just a couple of examples.

Fifth, we need to ask teachers what they want. And encourage them to step beyond their comfort zone into the unknown if needed to grow as technology savvy teachers.  We need to ask students what technology tools they'd be interested in learning how to use. 

Lastly, as teachers we've got to have the "want to" to be innovative with our technology use and integration.

I could probably go on because I just now thought about the professional development model that Haley told us about and its effectiveness,  but I've eaten all my raisins and my younger son is hungry so I'm going to sign off for now.

Happy Friday,

Ginger

I Teach Students

A long time ago a wise person said, "When someone asks me what I teach I tell them students." Sure I am responsible for courses of study and content area, but I use those things to teach the children with which I work. Sure I use technology, but how does it help and affect the children in my classroom?

Sometimes when I get overwhelmed with planning, grading, reflecting, assessing, monitoring, preparing, analyzing...(and the list goes on...) I have to take a deep breath and remind myself why I put great effort into each of these tasks.

The children that were entrusted to me need me to

• plan effective and engaging lessons for them
• grade their work and plan for activities based on their strengths and weaknesses
• reflect on lessons taught to refine practices to aid them in their learning
• assess them on what they know, and then do something with that data
• monitor their progress, for they are more than a number
• prepare for activities so we don't waste precious time
• analyze their work, assessments, behavior, and my teaching so we can ALL grow as learners

but most importantly, they need me to spend time with them as learners, listen to them, work with them, and understand them so that I can facilitate their learning, and help them to grow into
successful third graders.

One of the best professional books I ever read was Reading Essentials by Regie Routman. I try to reread it every summer to prepare my heart and mind to go back to school. This book helps me put things in perspective so that I put my student, the learner at the forefront of what I do. If you haven't read it this is one, I'd recommend you put on your professional reading list.

Ginger

Best Practices in Technology!

Well here we are on a Saturday afternoon and I am listening to my AU tigers. They are ahead now, and hoping they continue to play well and end with a WIN! Anyway, on to best practices...

I have to admit that it was much easier for me to integrate technology for student use when I taught fifth grade. There wasn't much deliberation over "can they do this?" "Are they mature enough to utilize this?" We just planned for it and taught the children how to use the technology as a part of their learning process.

Moving to second grade was a transition especially when considering how to best integrate technology into their learning. I want these children of the digital age to feel confident in their abilities to utilize technology, and not just use it for games. Yes I know, games are fun. I like Words with Friends and that Where's My Water game as much as the next person. However, I want my students to see the value of the things they can learn and create through the use of technology.

My children are starting to use an app or two on my I-pad. This week children used the "Kids Doodle" app as a part of our Working with Words station. They would practice their spelling words. The children who haven't used it yet are just anxiously awaiting their turn.
I know this is just the beginning of the ways that children can use the I-pad. I love hearing from my awesome Samford classmates on how they are using I-pads (and other technologies in their classrooms for learning).

So what are best practices in Second Grade? I think looking at and way beyond the Technology Course of Study. Thinking about what the children can do, what they need to do, what we want them to be able to do. There are some interactive technologies that are very appropriate for the children. The use of the Smartboard to do learning activities is one example. I believe that second grade is very capable of using word processing skills and creating at least one PowerPoint slide, if not a small presentation. Can second graders research on the internet? Absolutely! The Google Safe Search site is awesome for young children to use.

In conclusion, best practices in integrating the technology are endless. Using it to teach children, using it to help children learn, using it to help children create, and using it to help children problem solve are just a few ways that technology can be utilized in the classroom.

War Eagle!!!!!
Ginger

T-E-C-H-N-O-L-O-G-Y

T is for technology
     (Technology integration in the classroom has many possibilities.)

E is for energy
     (Students love using technology. I love the question, "Do we get to use the ... today?")

C is for communicate
     (Teachers can communicate with parents, students, and other educators through technology 
      applications.)   

H is for hands on learning
     (Students are engaged using applicable technologies from laptops to ipads to clickers.)

N is for new experiences
     (Just think of all the learning opportunities we can provide through the use of applicable
     technologies.)

O is for ongoing projects
     (All we have to do is hit "save" and come back to it later! Papers don't get lost. Ahhh, one of the  
     true joys of saving files.)

L is for loving learning
     (My students get so "pumped" when they get to use technology in the second grade. They look
     forward to other learning opportunities.)

O is for opportunities
     (I want to take the opportunity to use some of the things we've been learning about in our class, like lino and other things that I've learned from my classmates, like the movie app that Deanna told me about and Keynote.)

G is for "Gee this is really great"
      ( I just love to hear words like these come out of the mouths of my children when we've used a technology application.)

Y is for Yeah!!! for technology!
       :)

Happy Tuesday!

Ginger

I Want to Be an Administrator?

I never thought when I was in college that I'd do anything but be a classroom teacher. Of course, I never thought I'd move "home" (I did) or teach in the community in which I live (doing that too.) So like the famous quote... "Never say never" :)

I decided that I wanted to get my EdS about a year ago and after much deliberation and coversations with different people, I decided this was the path I wanted to take in order to further my education.

I have always had an interest in curriculum and instruction. If I were to become an administrator then I would have an impact on curriculum and instructional decisions in my building. I am learning so much about the responsibilities of administrators through these classes. I find it quite fascinating and maybe a tad overwhelming. I am looking forward to learning more about instructional leadership.


Happy Wednesday!
Ginger

First Post

Well here we are in technology class entering our first post. Looking forward to exploring different aspects of technology integration and ways to help me manage all the technology and web 2.0 tools and web addresses that I find. Also, I am looking forward to reading my classmates posts. I always learn so much from them.