Before taking Teaching and Learning in a Networked Classroom, I knew enough about technology to get by from day to day. I knew how to email, research using Google, Skype, and interact with friends using social media such as Facebook. I didn’t realize that I was mostly using Web 1.0 until I learned about Web 2.0 in the course. I understood that the new way of using technology was for interacting with others and even creating information through blogs and wikipedia. I didn’t realize how much more is possible.
I learned about many new technology tools in the course. Mostly though, I gained a lot of confidence using various tools and feel that I can introduce them to my students. I realized how easy and free many Web 2.0 tools are to use. I greatly enjoyed creating a blog and I hope to maintain it or create another one. I have wanted to write more for years. Blogging is a comfortable way to share my thoughts and receive feedback from others. I learned how to create a podcast using Audioboo which was extremely easy. Our class wiki and use of Google docs really showed me how Web 2.0 works. I was able to interact with my classmates and teachers with these tools in a very clear and organized way. Finally, I now have a Diigo and Google Reader account to track and follow websites. These are tools that I have needed for a while because I’ve often wondered how to keep an organized list of websites that I like.
I know that I’ll be able to apply a lot of what I’ve learned to my classroom teaching. Today was the second day of school and I already had my first, second, and third grade students typing their “About Me” stories into Wordle. This would have felt daunting in the past because I would have questioned if the technology would work or if the students were too young. Everyone was excited which gave me even more inspiration to try new tools. I’m looking forward to teaching students how to create podcasts for their book reviews. I would also like to establish an online pen pal relationship with another Montessori school. Another idea I have is for students to teach lessons to other classrooms or their parents through Skype and videos. Not only will I be able to use what I’ve learned in my classroom, but I’m looking forward to using Google Reader and Diigo to share websites with colleagues as well as connect with some online learning communities based on similar interests as mine.
The one thing in your post that jumped out at me and I had not thought of was the word "free". All of these tools are free! They are like gifts. Why wouldn't we use these free gifts every chance we get? Better yet, why wouldn't we pass them along if they don't cost us anything but well spent time?
ReplyDeleteI share some of the same worries that you have. Is this technology really going to work in my classroom? Are students too young or too unenthusiastic? I think mostly that these considerations reflect my apprehensions with the tools rather than any real concerns. If anything, I've only seen positive student reactions to technology integration in the everyday classroom.
ReplyDeleteYeah! It warmed my heart to know you were using Wordle today with your little ones! Who doesn't love seeing your thoughts and words in a super big visual collage? So neat! I bet they loved every minute of it. Tomorrow I will be using wordle too with my students. I am so happy you have gained confidence in the tools and will begin to use them. Remember, go slow! No reason to rush at all! By the way, my cousin works in a Montessori school in Massachusetts. I could try to connect you with her if you would like? Just let me know!
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