Reflection #5

I plan on talking with my Principal to align my technology goals with the schools technology goals. I want to share what I have learned and what I would like to implement. I think she will be very supportive but we do need to talk to the appropriate administration to be proactive about any concerns.

I already know of some teachers who will be very excited and curious about using new technology and I am going to approach them with what I have learned and what I would like to implement. I would like us to work together as a small group before expanding out further. I think we need time to try the new technology and explore what we have learned. We then need to assess student's abilities. When the small group has worked out as many bugs as they can we will then be able to take what we have learned to a larger group.

To anybody who is resistant I would say I too have been there. I felt incompetent and unsure about by technology ability. I was not an ambassador of technology but when you reflect on the changes in the world and technology is such a huge part of the changes you have to decide to get on board. I think taking time to talk about fears and concerns is important and then show them some of the easy and basic uses. Let the students talk about what they like about the technology from those classrooms that have been using it. As in all changes things take time.

I have the blogging plan set but I think I will work on the site to make it more appealing. I will make a link from my web page to the blog. I will investigate some of the web sites we previewed to see determine how to use in lesson plans. I have some ideas but I want to detail the lessons out. We have a technology person at our school who is very open and willing to try new things so I think she will be of great help.

This past week will transform my classroom greatly because previously it has been basically void of technology and now technology will be very evident for students, parents and colleagues. Students will blog and podcast. Conferences will be conducted with the computer as a tool to show work.

Reflection #4

My philosophy of education is that I will meet each child where they are at and guide them to their greatest potential. I believe my role as a teacher is more of a coach. I analyze each student's strength's and areas for potential growth and finds ways to guide them to higher achievement. I also want to instill a joy for learning and an excitement for discovery.

What I have learned this week has not changed my philosophy but rather provided tools that can be used to help each student achieve their best. The knowledge I have gained this week integrates with my philosophy because it provides choice and allows students to express themselves as individuals. It can be simplified for those students who are lower but presents challenges for those students who like the challenge.

Podcasts which I have never considered will be of great benefit for reading. It provides me with a history of each student's reading ability and also a way for students to self-assess and set goals.
Blogs provide a new platform for writing and sharing ideas. I think students will come up with ways to use the technology that I have not considered. The web sites we previewed will give me a fun way to review and assess by using the Jeopardy game. The wordle is a fun way to express yourself and a new way to use words. The panorama site with pictures can open up the world and take us anywhere. When I read a story we will be able to go to the place visually.

I think I will become more efficient because web 2.0 is easy to maneuver and use. A Jeopardy Game which use to take hours to put together can be done much quicker. Just being more familiar with all the technology saves me time from trying to learn on my own.

The time I was allotted for the computer lab was wasted because I did not know what was out there to use. Now time can be used much more effectively and efficiently. I will be sure to put time into the day for students to use the computers that are available in the pod outside the classroom. Because I teach 4th grade I will be sure to allow time in the classroom to use the computer.

Reflection #3

I had not thought of using Podcasts at all in my classroom basically because I knew nothing about podcasts. I think it could very beneficial for students to hear themselves as they read. They could potentially be very motivated to improve their reading when they hear themselves. They know what good reading is when they hear it but when they are reading to themselves their focus is on decoding the words and not on how they sound. For the higher level readers I think it could improve their fluency, inflection and expression. They will have to think about what they are reading in order to add expression. The lower level readers are not aware of how they sound and when they hear themselves they might be motivated to practice reading more. I also think it would allow relatives living in farther areas to listen to the students if access is allowed.

The vodcasts could be fun for gifted students to use to "show off" their knowledge in their chosen area of interest.

Integration Ideas

4th Grade
Blogs will be used for students to share thoughts and comments about books they have read.
Podcasts can be used for students to read books. The readers to can then listen to themselves and/or other students read outloud and critique their reading.

Finding A Book

Yes We Can

trial podcast

SMU GPDE's Podcast

Reflection #2 Tuesday

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.

Reflection #1

1. How has your new learning challenged your beliefs about Web 2.0?
I really had no beliefs about Web 2.o because I was not familiar with it. I am beginning to form some ideas on how to integrate and am anxious to explore further. I think the students would be really excited about using the web for their work. I think it might get students to get excited about writing.

2. How has the concepts addressed in this course challenged your beliefs about education and your current practice?
It has forced me to really look at what I can do right now. There is no reason to sit around and wait for change to be mandated. I think it would be a disservice to the students to not try integrating right now. I also think it is not as hard as I think it might be. I just need to start trying.

3. How do you see Web 2.0 fitting in your practice?
I think it offers a variety of ways to reach students in ways that are relevant to students. I think it will also help produce students who are savvy about the web and productive uses for the web. I think you offered great advice about trying one thing then adding as you feel comfortable. I also think parent's will appreciate the knowledge and use.

4. What questions remain and still need to be investigated?
I don't know yet what needs to be answered.

Books We Have Read

We read Where the Red Fern Grows.