What I Know
The significant learning points for me this semester include the required readings in Alan November’s book, Empowering Students with Technology and writing blogs, using del.icio.us and of course learning how to create web pages.
I grasped at every word in our required readings, even when other classmates viewed the writings as out dated. It is a very good book filled with valuable resources that can be used by an educator at any grade level.
Creating the wiki was a challenge. I believe in having partners or small groups when working on projects but, due to the fact that one of our project partners was out of the country, getting everyone together to brain storm ideas was difficult. Thank goodness for technology! We were able to work through some of our concerns and the final product was worth the work.
Using del.icio.us has been quite the find! I’ve shared it with coworkers and everyone agrees it is the way to keep valuable resources accessible in one place.
I never knew blogs existed before taking this class. I recently read a book a two girls in an accident and their identities were switched. Concerned friends and family kept up with the progress of one of the girls through a blog the family put together. What a wonderful and useful resource this is to have. I will continue to use and read blogs. I also want to create projects that involve using blogs with my elementary students.
Although I teach elementary school, I can use every assignment as a tool or use project ideas to enhance the learning of my students. Each assigment always kept me interested enough to want to know more and how to tweak it to fit my classroom of students.
Last but not least was my wonderful classmates. I appreciated all of the feedback from my professor and classmates. Everyone was always encouraging even if we had different views. I also appreciated the valuable resources everyone shared along the way!
My next classes do not start for two weeks! I guess I can clean my house, work on bulletin boards, wash the dog………………………………………………………….
WHEW!! Am I Close to the End?
It seems all I do lately is work, work, work, and reflect, reflect, reflect. This has been an incredible journey. I hope to see the finish line real soon.
I want to accomplish so much this week. I’m almost finished with my finals from my three classes. I have gotten through open house and back to school curriculum night. My students are settling into the daily school routine. The third grade even held a mini Olympics day on Friday. My class represented China and the students made a flag (which by the way is very simple) out of banner paper. The way they were smiling, you would have thought they had attended the “real” Olympics.
My thoughts are now on completing and posting my finals. I cannot seem to link a video into the project I created in Sea Monkey. Oh well, back to work.
Life is a Roller Coaster
Wow!! This week has truly been a whirlwind. With students back in class and meetings in full swing, it’s a wonder any one can stop long enough to catch their breath. I’ll never understand why teachers are given a week for pre-planning but only a day to plan and work in classrooms. The rest of the time is spent in meetings, meetings, meetings. With the new year brings hope that this will be the year that everyone will pass the state mandated test. This will be the year that every child turns in their homework and no one is sent to the Principal’s office. I can still hope can’t I?
My challenges for the week are trying to figure out why my pictures will not open when they are sent FTP? I am baffled. My web page has been completed but I am still struggling with FTP!!! I have used the FTP Coffee Cups for former assignments with success so why can’t I feel success again? I think I am getting in a hurry. My nephew got married last night and they had a fun wedding!! The band was great and the food was fabulous. Rachel Ray couldn’t have done better herself. The only downer I experienced during this happy occasion was the feeling that I was falling behind on my classwork assignments. I don’t know if anyone ever feels guilty as I do when I actually stop and do something fun that does not involve school or classwork?
I will conquer the FTP!! But in the mean time; back to the assignments, back to school work, and washing clothes, and making lunches and being a referee for my children and …………….
School is Back In Session!!
Life is back in our school halls! School is back in session. New outfits, hair styles and sparkling white tennis shoes can be seen as students quickly make their way to class. Former students run by to give me quick hugs and smiles before making their way down to the fourth grade wing. Life is good.
My new students are getting acquainted with all of the new rules our school has adopted. On the first day, one child was brought in kicking and screaming because she speaks very little English and was frightened with the idea of change. It’s always amazing how the other students seem to step in and go out of their way to include her in the daily rituals. My challenge is to make sure she feels confident enough to want to be apart of our class. My new students are very sweet and their parents want to be involved! Yes!
My intentions for next week and the weeks ahead are simple. I want to give my best to my new students while maintaining a balance of being a teacher and a mom. After all, I now have a high school-er! I probably have the only fourteen year old daughter who had to stand on her front porch on the first day of school so her mom could snap photos of her to put in the scrap book. I’m not worried though, she’ll appreciate the effort when she is older. (I hope.) My fifth grader is loving life as the top grade level on the totem pole.
I wear many hats these days! I have learned to take one day at a time as I continue my quest as a wife, mother, friend, teacher and student.
What Do I Want to Take From Today
As I reach my final free weekend before school begins; I want to stop and reflect about what I want to take from today. It is our choice after all. Although it is just Saturday, my weekend has started off with a bang. My daughter and I had minor procedures performed at our local dermatologist office yesterday. It was painless and was over within minutes. She went on to be a team leader at a lock in at our church so my husband and I thought it was the perfect get-a-way time to go see, The Dark Knight. We had purchased our drinks and went in the theatre to find seats because as you know, this movie is creating a lot of buzz. The pre video commercial clips had begun and the movie was starting in 4 minutes when……we received a call from my daughter saying she had an allergic reaction to something and her mouth was swelling up like a balloon. What were we to do? Now, you have to know our daughter. She is very timid and soft spoken to the outside world, only at home does she act like a tiger. My husband looked and me and said, “We better go and get her because you will not be able to enjoy the movie.” We left the theatre with only our diet cokes in hand and started on the 30 min. drive to get her. When arriving, there were no tears, just little puffy lips and literally a big smile. Could her reaction have been serious? Maybe. We just couldn’t take the chance. And so goes parenthood. Now the rest of my weekend will be devoted to answering classmates on posts and creating another multimedia presentation for ECOMP 6016.
What I want to take from today (and yesterday) is that although I am busy shuffling family and school, I am learning everyday. Not all of my learning includes technology, but the balance of using technology in my daily life. I am proud that I can talk simple “computer jargon” with my husband and sound somewhat competent. I am proud that at the end of August I will be half way through this technology program and the greatest part of all is knowing that through my new found knowledge, I am providing additional opportunities for my students to be successful in their learning. I will continue to press on toward the educational mark while taking time to enjoy the journey.
Have a great one!
Summer is Over? Tell me it’s not True?
As July is soaring by, I just cannot believe that it is almost time for a new school year. I go back for pre planning next week and a friend of mine went back for pre planning in her district this past week. Everyone knows how hot it is in the South. The “dog days of summer” are hitting as I type. What happened to the days when I was in school when we began school after labor day and went until the first week in school? I guess in an effort to make kids smarter, teachers have had the wool pulled over their eyes. As a parent, I can tell you why kids are not performing successfully in school; they are not motivated to learn and many are “on their own” when it comes to taking ownership of their learning by completing assignments. There it is! There you have it!
My goals this week are to keep my head above water. I have been reminded of a valuable tool to use in my class this year. Yes, Anonymous Reviewers is the answer. Anonymous Reviewers are people who help in the assessing process of student work. As a team player I should have had this protocol in place but now that I’ve been reminded of it; I will definitely not hesitate.
I continue to learn so much about technology and I’m loving it! I am hesitant however when it comes to implementing everything that I have learned. I don’t think my computer teacher or media specialist will get on board to the suggestions I want to make but as we all know; it never hurts to ask. Have a great one!
*Help! Part of my text is highlighted. What can I do to correct this problem?
What I Am Aware Of
Hello everyone,
I am aware that every time I think I am catching up to the digital world…..I realize I’m running in last place. Many of our assigned readings are very inspiring to me until I read other classmates comments about how the articles are old and need to be updated. Blahhh!!! No, I’m really excited about my technology accomplishments and want to continue learning and sharing and teaching so that others may enjoy all that it has to offer.
I am aware that it’s the best time of year. Being able to sit outside and read or go swimming with friends or family is so relaxing. Any day that I can relax without thinking about everyday duties is a great day!! I have a cute couple of bluebirds who have decided to make their home on my back deck in a flower box. They have 5 eggs tucked inside. It is amazing to see their dedication to the nest and babies to be. I have noticed my next door neighbor who at the beginning of summer had two beautiful ferns adorning her front porch only to have them dry up and turn brown. I asked her the other day what had happened to her ferns? She said a family of birds had decided to make each fern a home and she couldn’t bring herself to watering them because she was afraid of drowning the babies. Trust me that was the first time I had heard that!
I am aware that I have much to learn regarding technology and I am as determined today as ever to continue my educational race. Summer is great and it’s given me a chance to reflect on my learning and how I want to continue with my pursuit. My biggest school assignment is to find web sites that I want to include in del.icio.us.
Let’s continue the journey……………………………………..
Living In America
As the fourth of July weekend comes to a close; I am very reflective about why I celebrate Independence Day. It’s fun to be with family and friends that include great cookouts and the best fireworks display a small town can muster. Maybe I’m reflecting about independence because I am getting older or maybe it’s because journaling helps me to reflect…..I know that I am happy to be in this wonderful place in my life. I can spend time with my family, have a career and worship to my choosing. My triumph is afforded because of this great country! As I continue to remember those who are sacrificing their time, talents and possibly their lives as well as those who have gone before them; I just want them to know how much I appreciate them. I cannot think of words to express my gratitude; therefore I will just say, “Thanks.”
I am looking forward to this week although my youngest daughter will be away at camp. Our entire family will miss her because she has an infectious personality. Always smiling and willing to help in any way, making us laugh with her quick wit and dancing eyes….. This will give me an opportunity to concentrate on her sister; my oldest daughter. She will enter high school this year; so this may provide a time for us to shop. Wow! I can’t imagine going into high school again. What an exciting time! Kids have so many opportunities these days and I’m going to encourage her to be all that she wants to be. Besides, being a mom means you’re also your children’s’ number one cheerleader.
Summer is coming to an end in the south. Many schools are getting reading to reopen this month. It seems as if the students just left for summer vacation. My plan is to continue with my classes, continue to go into work one or two days a week and to enjoy the journey!☺
Sharing My Chatting Successes!
I am on my way to successfully being a digital immigrant. This week I was made aware that I am a digital immigrant. I hadn’t heard of the title but represented what it is all about. A digital immigrant is someone who did not grow up having digital technology. I also learned that my children are digital natives. They don’t have a clue what it’s like to live without technology/computers.
I am aware that I have so much to learn isn’t that the goal of everyone? To always be open for learning opportunities. I am concerned that our school systems are not putting enough emphasis on incorporating technology into our classrooms but I will continue to voice its importance.
On a different note, I am very proud of myself this weekend. I learned how to use online chatting! For those of you who are use to this technology, I’m sure it is no big deal but to me it’s huge!! It amazes me how you can talk to someone live using the computer. What a wonderful gift it would be to those who have family members living in different states or other countries. The possibilities are endless! I guess I’m like the kid who runs in the race and does not win first place but doesn’t give up until she finishes the race. Life’s a journey; enjoy it to the fullest!
Self Reflecting Thoughts
Have you ever thought you could see a light at the end of the tunnel only to realize there is another tunnel to conquer? I have returned to a master’s program after marrying, having two children and working full time. Have I lost it? Sometimes that is debatable. I am a very family oriented person who actively tries to stay involved with my husband, children and extended family. (My mother, sister and brother.) I often feel pulled in every direction because I want to be included with their lives. This past week has been marvelous because I have learned so much about technology and how to correctly implement it into my classroom to extend knowledge and increase student understanding.
On a personal note, One of my children is away at camp. She is a teenager so you would think I would jump up and down and say “hooray”, I actually miss her and sometimes think the about the brief times she is away is preparing me for later in life when she will go off to college!
I have taken positive action in my day to enjoy the art of learning and to take time to eat lunch and talk to my other daughter who will be a rising 5th grader in the fall. My attention for the weekend is to continue to view tutorials on how to improve my blog and enjoy summer with my family. Next week is the fourth of July and I am very patriotic. I am very happy to be an American and the freedom that comes with living in this country.
My focus is to continue to work toward the light at the end of my classwork tunnel and to take the time needed to soak in all of the tools for enhancing myself as a teacher, wife and mother. I want to always remember to savor the small victories and to continue to press on toward the prize of completing my education.
Have a good day!
