Wow...what a great week! I expected to walk the halls of my campuses and see teachers too busy working on first week stuff to include technology. I totally underestimated them. What I really saw was Smart board attendance with balloons popping, thinking maps via Smart board, wallwisher activities (you should check this out if you have never heard of a wallwisher - very cool response activity - http://www.wallwishers.com/ ), worksheets completed via document cameras instead of massive copies, etc. It makes me so excited that the teachers are rearing to go with technology. What will we see on the 21st week of school if this is what is going on the 1st week?
This coming week I plan to meet with teams and begin a heavier observation schedule. I have been welcomed into classrooms with open arms and can't wait to spend time with teachers and students. I can't wait to share what I see next!
I'd really like to do a regular post series that does in depth on a tool or idea being used in our classrooms so if you are doing something awesome with a particular tool or want to know more about a tool or idea, comment away!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Night Before School Starts
T'was the night before school started and all through the city, not a teacher was sleeping...not even the Tech Integration Specialist.
I used to lie awake every year the night before school started, meaning to go to bed early, but unable to sleep. I always wondered if my students ever figured out I was just as nervous as they were on the first day of school. This year is no different. My role has changed and no formal class will await me tomorrow, but it doesn't change my excitement and,well, nerves.
I think change and the unknown excites us the most, but it is also those things that scare us the most too. Technology is a great example. It is always changing...just when you think you know something like how to send a text message, you upgrade to the newest phone and realize texting was only the beginning. It also holds a lot of unknowns. "What happens if if my PowerPoint locks?" "How do you hook up a Classroom Response System?" "What is a domain or a server or a USB?" Afraid to admit what we don't know makes us shy away from exploring.
But see, technology allows us to have moments like the night before school starts anytime. It reminds us that we are all learners. And in my opinion, if you are learning, you are living.
Have a great day tomorrow...no matter what your role, remember that you first are a learner. Everything else is just the rest.
I used to lie awake every year the night before school started, meaning to go to bed early, but unable to sleep. I always wondered if my students ever figured out I was just as nervous as they were on the first day of school. This year is no different. My role has changed and no formal class will await me tomorrow, but it doesn't change my excitement and,well, nerves.
I think change and the unknown excites us the most, but it is also those things that scare us the most too. Technology is a great example. It is always changing...just when you think you know something like how to send a text message, you upgrade to the newest phone and realize texting was only the beginning. It also holds a lot of unknowns. "What happens if if my PowerPoint locks?" "How do you hook up a Classroom Response System?" "What is a domain or a server or a USB?" Afraid to admit what we don't know makes us shy away from exploring.
But see, technology allows us to have moments like the night before school starts anytime. It reminds us that we are all learners. And in my opinion, if you are learning, you are living.
Have a great day tomorrow...no matter what your role, remember that you first are a learner. Everything else is just the rest.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Dr. Tyson's Training
I'm at Dr. Tyson's training today and this part is all about blogs! I am excited because if I have an audience, I will TALK and talk and talk and talk. HAHA!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Back from the Island, I've landed at the Creeks
Every few years, I like to kick myself out of my comfort zone and land in a new adventure. Fresh off "The Island," having worked at Study Island for four years, I have come to land in Coppell ISD as an Integration Specialist for "The Creeks" - Cottwood and Denton. It makes sense to those who really know me - after all, I decided to be a teacher while running the YMCA afterschool program at Mockingbird in CISD years ago. They know that education is a passion and this district is where I have always wanted to be. So I decided to take my experience in teaching, training and educational technology and leap. Welcome to my free fall!
I hope to share what I am learning with you here - yes, I said it. I am not an expert. But I do know how to learn and teach and I am not afraid to learn from you too. So grab your flash drives, isomething<insert pod, touch, pad etc. here>, smart boards, etc. and head with me to the Creeks.
I hope to share what I am learning with you here - yes, I said it. I am not an expert. But I do know how to learn and teach and I am not afraid to learn from you too. So grab your flash drives, isomething<insert pod, touch, pad etc. here>, smart boards, etc. and head with me to the Creeks.
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