While I think the muddy water has cleared somewhat they have not neceassarily gotten smoother! I feel more adept at working around the computer and getting to all the places I need to be. I still feel confused as to how to use for the elementary grades. It is a case of system overload. Lots of information but not sure how to use it all.
I am trying to desiminate how and what to use from all the information given. Do I use the blog or the wiki? How do I use them? I also think that I just need to pick one of the uses and then determine the best use in the classroom.
After reading all the articles I feel the sense of urgency to adapt some of my teaching practices to become even more student centered and driven. I feel I have been progressive in using constructivist methods, differentiating and offering student choice but I feel motivated to move my teaching to a new level.
A New Year has Started!
16 years ago
You are absolutely right and validated in feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of the information. Trust me, I understand how that feels. Don't think you're alone! Hopefully, after doing a bit of searching and more exploring, you will have a clearer idea of how to use these tools in your classroom with YOUR students. It can be done and the good thing is, no matter which way you decide to go, you will have a basic set of tools to utilize.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the articles have sparked a feeling of urgency. The main reason I chose them was because they gave me the exact same feeling and some motivation so that my work had some real purpose.
ReplyDeleteI can also relate to that feeling of overload. St. Mary's summer classes always did that to me. This is a lot of information for anyone to handle in just two days. As the class goes on, you'll have the opportunity to foster the growth of the few technologies you feel have real value in your classroom.
I'll continue to look for applications that put technologies in the hands of elementary students. I agree that it can be difficult, but imagine the impact your class can have on these students moving forward.
Good luck!