Reflections

Throughout this course I was introduced to two new technologies and worked with one I had some previous experience with. Prior to this class I had used WikiSpaces as a facilitator in a workshop. However, I had never blogged or created a podcast. Despite having used a wiki before, I had not brainstormed ways to use this Web 2.0 technology in my fourth grade classroom. I never dreamed I would be thinking of ways to incorporate blogs and podcasts in my lessons. This class has opened my mind to the many exciting ways I can have my students learning about and using these Web 2.0 applications. This class has caused me to think about the amount of memorizing we ask students to do. With the proliferation of technology and on-demand services, memorizing obscure dates and facts seems like a waste of time. Today, we should be teaching students where and how to find the answers instead of memorizing them. I am not advocating students not learning their multiplication tables or other information, I just think we should be teaching students how and where to find answers.

Although it will be hard for me, I understand the need to change my classroom from a teacher-centered environment to a more student-centered environment. I am going to work hard this school year to develop more lessons that require students to seek and find answers instead of me giving them.

I believe all students need to be exposed to as much technology as possible while in school. To make sure I am up-to-date on the latest technologies, I will continue to read and research about integrating technology in the classroom. I will also find better ways to incorporate my ACTIVboard in my lessons. This is a powerful tool that can help my students become more involved in their learning. I also plan on finishing my master's, taking what I learn in these classes and applying the concepts in my classroom.

One goal I have for the next two years is to move away from journal notebooks and have students complete their journaling online. One hurdle is access to computers. Although I have two computers in my classroom, for every student to be able to use the computer every day I need at least three more. Another way this could be accomplished is through the establishment of more computer labs within my school. As of now we have one, but might have another one in November. This would be great because I could schedule more time in the lab. If the second lab does not become a reality, I will try to secure more computers for my classroom through grant writing or donations. My second goal is to make a conscious effort to transform a majority of my lessons to become more student-centered. This includes letting students make discoveries instead of me telling them the how and why. By completing my AMSTI (Alabama Mathematics, Science, Technology Initiative) training next summer I will be well on my way in science and math. I must do some reflecting on my social studies lessons to reconstruct them to be more student-centered.

Overall, this class has been very beneficial to me. I feel I have a better understanding of the types of technologies students need to be successful when they enter the work force. By introducing some of these in elementary school, students will be on the road to being well prepared for the global society.

Adults vs. Children

To complete my podcast assignment I interviewed two adults and one child. I then compared and contrasted their technology usage. You can hear my findings at http://www.podcastmachine.com/podcasts/1480/episodes/6911.

Access at School

Hooray!! I went to my school this past week and set up my computer. While I was there I decided to see if I would be able to access this blog. Lo and behold, I was. This means I can set up a classroom blog using Blogger for the upcoming school year. I already know I can access WikiSpaces, so I feel like I am good to go for incorporating some new technology next year.

Overview of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills web-site

As I began exploring the Partnership for 21st Century Skills web site I found it to be informative and easy to navigate. Right away I was able to discern that although only ten states have formally joined the partnership, it is endorsed by several key players in education. One of the first articles I encountered was about The American Association of School Librarians naming the web site as one of its Top 25 Sites for Education. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that several textbook companies, as well as groups like Scholastic, Lego, and Sesame Workshop have a member on the board of the partnership. Some continued exploration led me to a wealth of resources. Although some did require a login and password, the registration process was free. I especially liked the videos showcasing how 21st Century Skills had been incorporated into various lessons. These were found on the Route 21 page under P21 Snapshots. One thing I did not find was a place where resources were divided by level, such as elementary, middle, secondary. It would be much easier when searching for resources to be able to sort by level taught. This site will become a valuable resource as I continue to modify my teaching to make sure my students are learning valuable 21st Century Skills.

Using Blogs in the Classroom

Blogs can have several uses in the classroom. I already maintain a web site where I post homework, study guides, and notices, but I see how a blog could be much more useful for parent communication. By providing all this information in a blog, not only could I read and respond to any questions, other parents might be able to answer the question before I get a chance.

My fellow fourth grade teachers and I have already decided to spend more time on writing next year as we see this as a great weakness in our students. By having students use a blog to publish their writing I believe they will be more contentious of what they are writing. As mentioned in Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms by using a blog the amount of paper a teacher has to keep up with is reduced. This will also let parents see more of what their students are writing since they don't have to wait for me to correct a paper and hand it back. I also liked the idea from "Spotlight on Technology: Blogging in the Classroom" to have students respond to a situation based on what is being taught in Social Studies. It really encourages higher order thinking skills and forces students to put their opinions and thoughts into words that someone else can read and understand.

Another way I might use blogs in the classroom is when we do our Animal Studies unit for AMSTI (Alabama Math Science and Technology Initiative). The students spend several weeks observing and recording their observations about crabs, frogs, and millipedes. If each group posted their information in a blog, the other groups could respond with similarities and differences between their animals. Again, it would allow the parents to see what the students are doing in class. This is an exciting unit for my students and now they would have another way to share that excitement.

While there are many other uses to consider, I believe these are great ways to introduce fourth graders to blogging.

Welcome

Welcome to my first try at blogging. I created this blog as an assignment for a class. I hope to learn how I can use this tool in my own classroom.