Integrating Technology in the Classroom

     This is the end of our course at Walden.  It's time to taste the soup.  How have all the ingredients added up?

     I've always considered myself pretty savvy when it comes to technology.  This course has made me realize that I'm savvy on the "old" way of doing things.  There are so many new methods and new technologies, that I was really out of step.  I now know what a wiki, a blog, and a podcast are.  Not only do I know what they are, I now how to use them.  I have learned about technology and more importantly I have learned how to use technology to make myself a better teacher.

     I also have realized that the classroom is becoming more student centered than teacher centered.  That is a hard pill to swallow.  But, since we all need to be lifelong learners, learning from our students is just another source of knowledge.  In the areas of technology, are students are really more like digital natives than we are.  I've also realized that I need to become more globally aware and in turn teach my students to be global learners.  The content of information is out there, everywhere.  It is now my responsibility, as an educator, to teach my students to be wise consumers.  Somethings haven't changed, however.  Students still need to know that you care about them and are concerned for them as they learn.

     I will continue in my Masters program, Integrating Technology in the Classroom.  I'm looking forward to the other courses in the technology core of my classes.  I will be keeping up with other teachers ideas on blogs and wikis that I have come across through this class.  I have also made friends with other classmates.  They have been great sources of information in the technology field.  Going to conventions and conferences in the area of technology is another way I will continue to increase my knowledge base.

     Goals for the future:  As the computer lab instructor at our school, I have much to gain and many resources available to me.
     My first goal would be to take advantage of the network of schools in the association our school belongs to (Association of Christian Schools International).  I would like to create a pen-pal group among ACSI schools.  This would create so many opportunities for students to learn globally.  Within these groups, different assignments could be created in which the students from different parts of the world would have to collaborate to finish an assignment.  In order to achieve this goal, I would need to meet with our local administration and than with the ACSI administration.  This is a very doable and achievable goal.
     Another goal I would like to set for myself is to suggest to our administration that we need a technology integrationist in our school.  I didn't realize that technology is an area in TNCLB law, and I am sure they are not aware of that either.  We are doing a pretty good job in the lower school (grades 2-6) and in the high school (grades 9-12) at our school.  But there are major gaps in the early education programs (K2-1st grade) and middle school (7th & 8th grades).  Just like there is a scope and sequence in  the core subjects, there needs to be a scope and sequence in technology.  Technology is the future for today's students.  If we want to provide an excellent education, technology must be part of the equation.  This goal will be a bit harder to attain, but it is still doable.  This position would require funding, which would be the biggest obstacle.  The administration of the school would need to see the need for such a position.  I will continue to do what I am doing in the computer lab, and I will continue to keep integrating technology.  The projects we complete this year will give evidence to what is possible in the realms of technology.  I will continue to learn more and provide information to the administration, keeping them informed.

     The world had become flat and we need to change up the way we "do" school.  Just like in today's health conscience world where we have to change our favorite standby recipes, we have to change our recipes for providing knowledge.  Change is good. Trying new recipes is good.  Like my mom used to say, "Try it!  You might like it!"

Introduction to Student's Interview

The following 2 podcasts were created for a class I'm taking with Walden University.  I will have to say this is a brand new ingredient to the soup I'm used to making.  But I encourage you to give podcasting a try.  What's life without a little spice!

dstone_2009-10-11T19_25_53-07_00-1.mp3

Interview with 3 students

dstone_2009-10-11T18_44_20-07_00-1.mp3

21st Century Learning Skills

Are you a digital native or a a foreigner in a digital land?  If you have no idea what I am talking about and you are education, have I got some news for you.  I've discovered a new recipe for an old standby.  "Doing school" with paper and pencil is a thing of the past.  Technology is the way of the future.  As educators, we need to be lifelong learners and this is one area we need to jump on before it and our students pass us by.

I know what you are saying.  "I can't do one more thing!"  "What!  Another computer something!"  "I just don't get computers!"  Well, I hate to tell you, but we live in a digital age and our students are digital natives.  They have the knowledge, but they need some guidance.  They live in a world of social networks, IM's, cell phones and texting.  We need to take their desire to use technology and make them better students.

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills website is a great place to start.  Here you will find what is means to be a 21st Century learner.  You may have to be the learner first in order to be the teacher later.  You may already feel ready to take on the challenge.  Wherever you are in the spectrum, give this website your attention.

You may be surprised like I was with all the corporate sponsors.  The market place understands the importance of making sure our youth will be prepared to meet the challenges of the future workplace.

I know when you first go to the site, you might be a bit overwhelmed.  Check out the Tools and Resource section.  Pick one area that interests you.  For me it was Route 21 in the Online Tools.  Do what I did.  Pick an article that you want to learn more about or that relates to what you teach.  Ask yourself, how can I help my students using the information this article is giving me.  Or just take a look at what some of the states are doing to promote technology in the classroom.

Like it or not, our students are digital natives.  We need to lead the way instead of following behind.  Just like trying a new recipe for the first time can be a little nerve racking and frustrating, having a new recipe work for you is just at exciting and rewarding.  Remember today's new recipe is tomorrow's favorite!  Give  the 21st Century  Learning Skills a try!  Remember what momma told you, "Don't say you don't like it if you haven't tried it!"

The 1st Ingredient

     Ok, if I'm going to keep the theme of soup, I need a few ingredients.  Just like a chef trying a new recipe for the first time, I'm feeling a bit nervous about blogging my thoughts.  I've never been much of a writer, so sharing my thoughts seems a bit "revealing".  Like the nervous chef, waiting to hear the reviews, I'm putting myself out there in cyber world.
     So, the first ingredient to our stone soup is courage.  Technology can be a bit overwhelming and scary.  Many of the new technology gadgets we have available to us as teachers lead us to an unknown world.  We have to see ourselves as pioneers as we travel the road of technology.  We don't want to be left behind. We have to work and we have to get dirty.  We have to pave a trail as we lead our students.
     So, let get that technology pot ready for a heapin' helpin' of courage.  Go out and try a blog.  It really is easy.  It's so easy....even a teacher can do it!

     I teach computer to the lower school students (grades 3-6) at my school.  The first thing I am going to do is show them how easy it is to blog and how much fun it can be.  I'm also going to talk with my principal and see how I can help the classroom teachers as they prepare writing assignments.  One area I think would be neat to do is to start my computer class with a writing prompt.  One week they could write their own response and then next week, they could respond to another student's prompts.  One thing I already do in computer lab is collaborate with the classroom teachers.  I try to do the "extra" things that they can't do in the classroom.  Using a blog for each homeroom would be a great way to connect the learning that is taking place in the classroom.
     I also teach science lab to the 2nd - 6th grade students.  I think we could make blogs for each grade level.  They could post what they are learning.  They could create review sheets to share, project ideas or we could do a science newsletter.

Hello to All!

This is my first attempt at blogging! Ready or not, here I come! Stone Soup for all!