To Do: Week 4

Technology:

• Blog post
• Think about pros and cons of technology

Science:

• Journal article review
• 3 PD Indexer Quizzes
• Finish journal title page

Curriculum:

• Article for Chapter 3
• Chapter 2 write-up
• Lesson Plan

Literacy:

• Article and Q's
• Text and Q's
• View Program 15 and Q's
• Web/graphic organizer on literary elements
• ROTHMC, Chapter 3, Identify elements of literature specifically

Technology in the Classroom

I am so excited to learn about all of these awesome technological resources for the classroom.  As time goes on, I have found it more and more challenging to not have immediate access to technology in the classroom.  Additionally, it has been challenging to explain to students why their learning/problem-solving process at school is different from their learning/problem-solving process at home.  Who among us uses that dusty, four inch dictionary at home when we cannot define a word?  Today's students are natural techies.  They've grown up with information at their fingertips and immediate answers to their inquiries. We serve them better by giving them access to such wonderful resources in the classroom.  When using technology resources as teachers we are teaching our students to utilize the resources available to them.  We are teaching them to problem-solve in the world they live in and will live in.  Exciting stuff!

randomresult.com - selects input randomly
socrative - immediate feedback quiz
google wiki -
google blog -
google earth -
linoit.com -
freerice.com - education and philanthropy
spellingcity.com - skills practice
funbrain.com - games and skills practice
education.skype.com - virtual field trips, conversation, interaction
edutopia.org -  resources
kahnacademy.org - academic practice
edmodo.com -
kidblog.org -
prezi.com - presentations
pinterest.com - URL scrapbook
fakebook on classtools.net - creative academics
Animoto.com -
pixie on tech4learning.com -

To-Do for Week 3:

Technology in the Classroom:

• Complete Survey and submit screen shot on discussion board
• Blog creation and URL submission on discussion board + 1 post
• Wiki creation and URL submission on discussion board
• Technology resources presentation

Science:

• Proof of NSTA membership
• 14 URLs and short blurbs
• Read the 'get to know me' for Vicki Massey and email her for extra credit

Curriculum

• Chapter 1 write-up
• Thematic unit idea
• Article for Ch. 2

Literacy

• Roll of Thunder 1 page write-up
• Read articles and answer q's
• Rhythm Walk Materials
• View video and answer q's
• Read text pages about fluency and answer q's
• practicum contracts

First Day Jitters

The first day of Technology in the Classroom was exciting.  So many new terms, sites, resources and general information was introduced that my brain was a bit overwhelmed.  I learn best however, when thrown to the fire!  Although I have yet to see much, it is exciting to read about the many ways that different technologies are being used in the classroom.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to collect a few more feathers in my hat, especially in an area where students out-perform teachers, technology.  One interesting first day observation was that our university is behind, as most educational institutions are behind, when it comes to technology.  Our network is slow, the computers are ancient, and the challenges are frustrating.  This provides an opportunity for real-life experience though, because in the classroom "we'll have to work with what we've got."