I have really enjoyed all of the assignments from this class.  I really enjoyed making my first digital story on imovie.  It was very thought provoking but enjoyable at the same time.  I am so glad I was able to experience making the story and being able to share it.  I also enjoyed making my infographic.  I had never used the site and it was so easy to navigate I will be able to use it more often.   I am so excited to use my new knowledge in my classroom.

Below you will find a link to my infographic project.  I really enjoyed making this project because I have never used glogster.  So much fun!!!

http://rcsmcl06.edu.glogster.com/why-should-i-use-technology-in-the-classroom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvWCSNP_pUw

Sorry that I missed that we were suppose to post this to our page. 

Week 1 Reading

Finally have both of my texts:)
In this weeks readings/lecture notes I have to agree that literacy as I knew it is very different than what it is now.  I feel in the last couple of years there has been a huge shift in thinking of how students should be taught.  It is obvious that teachers realize that the old way of teaching is not what works for the 21st century learners.  These students want to do the learning on their own.  They want to be able to guide their learning along the way.  Students want to have the chance to work together, share ideas, be creative, critique, and find their own answers.  I feel that in my district they are working very hard to meet all of the students needs of technology in the classroom.  I also feel that it is changing so fast that schools can not keep up with the changes.  I personally believe that districts need to give training to teachers, especially the more veteran teachers, so they can see and learn about all of the great things it has to offer.  I honestly believe that teachers don't understand what technology could do for their teaching and the students education. 

Wiki comparison

https://mrsowenswebsite.wikispaces.com/

As soon as you open this wiki it is very colorful and pleasing to the eye.  This particular wiki was put together by several teachers that helps guide parents on what they can work on at home with their child.   I particular love the page that is called “Parent Pointers”.  They have some great things that every parent should know.  All of the information given to parents in this wiki is so very important. 

 

http://hobbitalk.wikispaces.com/

This wiki is based on “The Hobbit”.   I really enjoyed exploring this particular wiki.  On the home page they have some very cool visuals that get you excited about the book itself.  The teacher makes this very exciting for students.  Some of the creative writing assignments are  a song for Bilbo, where the students come up with it on their own, interviews, and a bonus fun section.  You can tell from the writing that is present that the students are actively engaged in the assignment and take pride in their work. 

I feel that both of this wikis are really great.  The difference between these two tools is one is used for students and the other is for parents.  I feel that they are both extremely important and helpful.  For younger students, like me, it is hard to use certain technologies on a daily basis.  I love how this particular school is using it to reach out to the parents. 

Expectations

I am so excited about this class for several different reasons. I am excited to try new and different things, like the blog, and be able to use them in the classroom.  I am hoping that everything we learn in the upcoming weeks can be used in a kindergarten classroom.  One of the challenges that I have encountered is not being able to use it in the classroom.  One way that I have incorporated my ideas is by using my class webpage, http://mrssmithsthinktank.webs.com/, that has homework forums.  The students to the assignments at home with their parent.  

About Me

I have been married to my wonderful husband, Ryan, since 2006 and we have a 3 year old daughter.  I have been teaching Kindergarten since 2006.  I am currently working on my masters in educational technology.  I expect to be done in the summer of 2014:)

If anyone can help me to figure out how to get my profile info under my picture I would really appreciate it:)  I have been working all morning on trying to figure it out and can't get it.