In two short years...
Back when I applied to the educational technology program at MSU, I wrote "My position as an early childhood educator with an interest in teaching with technology is rather unique. When I attend technology conferences, browse blogs and read journals, I find the material suits mostly upper elementary students and higher. Keynote speakers talk of cell phones as tools in the classroom and of students creating personal learning networks. My young learners aren’t there yet, but I know that it is possible to make the ideas behind them work for Kindergarten and 1st graders. Finding accessible ways to allow my young learners to create and collaborate using technology is my personal goal. As I work through the content of the Master’s program, that goal will be reflected in my research and coursework."
As I read over my work in the EduTech program, I am satisfied that I have found many effective ways to integrate technology in my classroom, despite my students' very young ages! In fact, my entire school looks different, technologically speaking, as a result of my efforts through this program and our state technology professional organization, MACUL.
One thing I did this year, that I never imagined I would do, is have my 1st graders start personal blogs. I presented about my work with the blogs at the MACUL 2011 conference. I was amazed that, although there were some technical things to learn that took my struggling students quite awhile to master, the overall concept of sharing our thinking and communicating together was overwhelmingly successful.
Since beginning the program, I've acquired a Smartboard, document camera, two ipod touches, new computers, and access to a new mobile netbook cart. My new iPad2 has also just arrived. Having easy access to these great technologies definitely helps us get things accomplished, but my work in the MAET program has equipped me with the critical eye to evaluate the options and consider what is truly important. I place high value on technologies that allow my students to share their thinking in creative ways, or that allows them to collaborate! In the future, I hope to collaborate with our class blog with classes outside of our school, and to invite parents to get involved as well. There are so many opportunities!
As I read over my work in the EduTech program, I am satisfied that I have found many effective ways to integrate technology in my classroom, despite my students' very young ages! In fact, my entire school looks different, technologically speaking, as a result of my efforts through this program and our state technology professional organization, MACUL.
One thing I did this year, that I never imagined I would do, is have my 1st graders start personal blogs. I presented about my work with the blogs at the MACUL 2011 conference. I was amazed that, although there were some technical things to learn that took my struggling students quite awhile to master, the overall concept of sharing our thinking and communicating together was overwhelmingly successful.
Since beginning the program, I've acquired a Smartboard, document camera, two ipod touches, new computers, and access to a new mobile netbook cart. My new iPad2 has also just arrived. Having easy access to these great technologies definitely helps us get things accomplished, but my work in the MAET program has equipped me with the critical eye to evaluate the options and consider what is truly important. I place high value on technologies that allow my students to share their thinking in creative ways, or that allows them to collaborate! In the future, I hope to collaborate with our class blog with classes outside of our school, and to invite parents to get involved as well. There are so many opportunities!