Ed Tech 675
When I registered for the class, I was quite apprehensive. However, I knew I needed more tech information in order to better understand my future students.
I'm not a social media fan. When I looked at Module 1 and saw that I had to create a Twitter account, I was less than enthusiastic. In doing so, I found a wealth of exciting ideas and amazing technology available for the classroom. Twitter is where I first learned about augmented reality and the MERGE cube. I included the cube in my research paper, because I found it to be absolutely amazing! I had to have my own!! I then had to tweet about an incredible t-shirt of the human body (Curiscope Virtuali-Tee) that I hope the students will go crazy for.
Being able to connect with teachers from around the world has been rather interesting. It has been a great learning experience for me to "see and hear" what others are doing or struggling with in the classroom and, as a teacher, have those shared experiences with people who understand the classroom environment. The same is true for the discussion posts. Sharing my thoughts (digitally) with other educators in classrooms much closer to home was an experience I would not have chosen outside of the class. The teachers offered encouragement which was much appreciated.
Prior to the class, I did not know there were ISTE Standards for technology instruction. The standards, in my opinion, work well together with CCSS. In working on the first project, I found that incorporating technology into a book study for 4th graders would give the students freedom in showing what they know. Online journaling, drawing, blogging, and more would provide an opportunity to get creative. I asked the summer school Kdg. students if they knew what Flipgrid was and WOW! They knew what it was and said they made a movie with their teacher. Sidebar - Kdg. students really love making faces at themselves before they use a QR code to login to Clever. They are so funny. I understand how seeing themselves in a movie would be super exciting. I then asked a group of 4th grade students and they said it was fun. Me? Not so much (Mod 3). While it is not something I would do again (unless an edict was handed down by admin), Flipgrid is another tool that I would encourage the students to use.
I'm not a social media fan. When I looked at Module 1 and saw that I had to create a Twitter account, I was less than enthusiastic. In doing so, I found a wealth of exciting ideas and amazing technology available for the classroom. Twitter is where I first learned about augmented reality and the MERGE cube. I included the cube in my research paper, because I found it to be absolutely amazing! I had to have my own!! I then had to tweet about an incredible t-shirt of the human body (Curiscope Virtuali-Tee) that I hope the students will go crazy for.
Being able to connect with teachers from around the world has been rather interesting. It has been a great learning experience for me to "see and hear" what others are doing or struggling with in the classroom and, as a teacher, have those shared experiences with people who understand the classroom environment. The same is true for the discussion posts. Sharing my thoughts (digitally) with other educators in classrooms much closer to home was an experience I would not have chosen outside of the class. The teachers offered encouragement which was much appreciated.
Prior to the class, I did not know there were ISTE Standards for technology instruction. The standards, in my opinion, work well together with CCSS. In working on the first project, I found that incorporating technology into a book study for 4th graders would give the students freedom in showing what they know. Online journaling, drawing, blogging, and more would provide an opportunity to get creative. I asked the summer school Kdg. students if they knew what Flipgrid was and WOW! They knew what it was and said they made a movie with their teacher. Sidebar - Kdg. students really love making faces at themselves before they use a QR code to login to Clever. They are so funny. I understand how seeing themselves in a movie would be super exciting. I then asked a group of 4th grade students and they said it was fun. Me? Not so much (Mod 3). While it is not something I would do again (unless an edict was handed down by admin), Flipgrid is another tool that I would encourage the students to use.
Nice reflection Donna! Glad to hear you see the value in online PLNs! They are such a quick way to get info. and ideas. Kudos to you for taking steps outside your comfort zone to better understand your students.
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