Using Technology in the Classroom

I really enjoy all the technology that Sposylvania County has to utilize in the classroom. I really like having access to SCORE, it is an easy way to comunicate with students and parents. Also, it is a great place to post online activities we are doing in class. One down fall to it is that not all parents get on to see what is happening in the classroom.

I am always trying new ways to use the laptops or computer lab with my kids. I find that in today's world they are more focused and attentive to the activity on the computer than they are to reading or listening to the information.

Although at times when I am doing an activity that involves technology in the classroom, I tend to feel overwhelmed and just want to quit. For example, when links don't work, the site I want to go to isn't working at the moment. And since I am a 5th grade teacher one thing that sometimes gets under my skin is how slow the kids type!! I know that they are young and just learning, but I feel that now, more than ever, there needs to be a computer class implemented into the specials schedule. But until my dreams become a reality, I will patiently help my kids explore and learn how to navigate the computer and web. :)

First Time Blogger!

Well, this is my first time to make a blog. Not really sure where to begin! I am happy that I decided to sign up for this study group, but also wondering how I am going to find creative ideas to use with all of the tools I am going to learn about. Also, I am wondering how I am going to find the time with my students to try out these tools once I have the creative ideas.



When thinking about blogging a few ideas pop to mind about how to use it with my students. I like the idea of maybe doing some type of authors study on a blog. I think it would be a great way to have the kids explain about the author and also they could put links in it to the author's webpage or other blogs about them. I was thinking of maybe doing this for author's who write to the primary grade levels because we do Book Buddies with a first grade classroom. It would be a fun way of interacting with our buddies on a more regular basis than just going in to read with them once a month.



Another idea I had was maybe having the students blog about the units we are studying in history. I teach 5th grade and the content for them is unbelievably hard to retain! I thought that maybe if they could write about what they are learning and their ideas, comments, and concerns about it maybe the content would stick in their minds better....or maybe it is wishful thinking. :)



I am working with the ITRT at my school to get some type of blogging started. She is excited to work with me on this project. Now I just have to pinpoint what exactly I want to do instead of saying maybe this, maybe that!!!!