When it comes to using technology tools, I don't feel a need to have used every website, app, or tablet that rolls along. Instead, I need to stay current on trends and look for ways technology can have a true impact in the classroom and beyond. I blog. I use social media for learning and sharing. I have a website and use wikis. I manage my classrooms using an LMS. I do presentations using a variety of tools. I use mobile technology in my classroom. And, I post videos on YouTube on a regular basis. This list evolves and grows. So do I.My willingness to use these tools, allows me to show others how they can do the same. I also feel comfortable talking about the merits of other technologies and even teaching about things I've never mastered. There isn't time to master it all. There is time to answer questions, do research, have educational discussions and share my thoughts.
When it comes to using technology in the 21st Century Classroom, I am a preacher, a teacher, and a perpetual student.
Nicely said Chad. It certainly is a bit daunting and if I wasn't obssessed for whatever reason I know not-I'm sure I would run and hide from what sometimes feels like a vast abyss. Sometimes I feel like I have a great grasp and I am the wise one and then in a flash, I am the baby just learning to crawl. It is both exciting and humbling.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you both. Sometimes I feel current and knowledgable about what technology is available and how to use it and other times I feel completely useless. Sometimes it's very overwhelming thinking about all technology has to offer; however, like you said, if you just adopt what you need, that's enough.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to hear what you all have said. On my drive to work this morning I was thinking that what we have learned so far in this course has been at times fascinating and at other times frightening!! However, I agree that it is important to learn what we can and to share what we can with students. Believe, me I believe I speak for all of us when I say how thankful we are to have people like you Chad, and Claudia to help us along!
ReplyDeleteI second Lorraine's comments about Chad and Claudia! I am so thankful that we have people like both of you, who are not only constantly researching and learning about what is out there, but you are also educating your peers and making us all better educators. I know that in order to really prepare our students for their futures', we need to be incorporating technology. It is very overwhelming because as soon as I feel I have mastered something, a new and better version comes along! I am very willing and excited to keep learning because I know it is relevant and engaging for our students.
DeleteChad and Claudia you have both been instrumental with the development of technology in the Ashland public school system. I have realized in the last couple of years that I like to experiment when it comes to technology. I definitely learn through doing as opposed to just seeing. Even with this class I learn through mistakes and make sure not to make the same mistake twice. I think in the classroom it is important for students to be able to learn through doing, unfortunately that is not always possible with the lack of technology at times in schools. As an inclusion teacher, I watch how many of my students respond to class lessons and instruction using technology. I think at times this is a great way to bring a lesson to life.
ReplyDeleteI am eager to have my students start to blog, this is such a great way to disperse information and thoughts. For many students blogging can be a therutic outlet.
Thank you Lorraine, Katie, and Jessica for the acknowledgement. Clearly our love of teaching technology is paying off. While Claudia and I are vocal and active in our support of technology, it is also true that our district is full of individuals helping others with all kinds of technology.
DeleteI think I have always been hesitant to create a classroom website because I really didn't know how to go about it. I always thought it would be difficult to set up and maintain. Even with just a few short weeks of this course under my belt, I feel so much more confident in my abilities to have an online presence. Chad, you said it perfectly. We don't have to use and master every type of online tool - we just have to be willing to try!
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude. I love to see that just a little exposure can help people see new possibilities.
DeleteI agree it is so important to be willing to try new things especially in the area of technology. I am with you, these past few weeks have really boosted my confidence and I am eager to begin to have my students participate by blogging.
DeleteMaintaining my class website is the one "technology" thing I feel I actually do well. Don't hesitate to set one up! Over the years that I've had it, the best thing has been the immediacy of contact with the parents. I was always afraid it would be too much of a burden, but the opposite has proven true. I can let parents know whatever I need to, whenever I need to and it takes only a minute or two. I also get to say to my 5th graders who "didn't know we had homework"....."you should have checked the website!"
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