I just wanted to comment on the last Sunday of class. Some of the things from people's scavenger hunts were really funny and interesting. I thought the guy dunking the cell phone in the glass of water was the best. I started thinking about all of the sites that we've been introduced to in this class. The volume has been huge, and at least for me, it's been hectic, but I do think that later on I'll want to go back and re-visit much of this stuff in a more relaxed time frame.

Tech class

First, I must admit this was probably one of the most challenging classes I've taken. I thought I was fairly up-to-date on technology, but I guess "you don't know what you don't know"... Despite the challenges, I most enjoyed the variety of tasks and assignments. I feel I learned technology uses as an aspiring administrator, current classroom teacher, and also for my own personal use. After each class session, I excitedly shared some of my new technology experiences with colleagues I knew would be interested and would try some things out. I commit to continued professional development in technology so that I can support my future staff (if I end up an administrator before I retire!)

Using some of the new tools

Even down to the last minute of class, we were seeing new tools which we can use. I was able to put several of the tools to use, and also provide some of the tools to others in my buildings. I am planning to use a few of them in the future, and hopefully the teachers will see that if I can use the tech, then just about anybody should be able to. :) I think that as a future instructional leader, if I expect staff to use technology, I should have a working relationship with it myself. I do not like being at the complete mercy of the technology department, when with a little practice, I can navigate most of the tools. Most sites have support, and Youtube has tutorials for everything.

Thank you everyone for a good class.

Course Reflection

As this course is ending I have a huge amount of resource to use that I never had before.  I am excited to share this with the staff at my middle school this Wednesday.  Not only have the resources allowed me to gain access for education in a much easier way, but also challenged me to challenge my students with technology.  Great course and looking forward to using the tools!!

Last Class!!

Overall, I felt this class was very beneficial.  I have learned so much more about using technology in the classroom that I didn't know before.  It was fun to be able to navigate the internet during class and generate new ideas for how I can implement some of these sites into my classroom instruction.  I also feel my Excel abilities have improved, but I wish we would have had a few more of those assignments for extra practice.  I look forward to becoming an administrator someday and encouraging my staff to implement as much technology as possible into their everyday instruction.

Scanners and such

I too was fastinated with much of the things that we were introduced to in the past few weeks. The problem for me continues to be the fact that I had absolutely no prior experience with ANY of these new toys. I thought the scanners were absolutely amazing, but aside from being able to check the price of something at Walmart rather than asking someone in a blue vest, I'm not sure what else I'd use that for. I must confess that today at school I tore up my room looking for items to scan. The kids thought I was a little too excited about that but whatever. The thing is, in my lifetime, when new inventions came around, there was usually an adjustment period of some kind. Unless I'm making way more out of all these inventions and corresponding assignments than they really are, I'm simply overwhelmed with it all. 

Great Class!

Sundays class was great!  I loved learning about QR codes, and I feel almost addicted to creating and scanning these codes at school.  Today, I showed my students the website where you can create your own QR code. Those who had smart phones downloaded the appropriate app and were as fascinated as I was when they scanned their first code.  My school also has three Ipads that are not being used effectively, and I received permission to check the Ipads out and use them in my classroom.  I am excited about the opportunities I will soon be able to give my class. 

QR Codes Everywhere!

Throughout this class, I have learned so much about how truly awesome technology is. My mind was quickly changed when I got home from class to find my internet not working…technology was NOT awesome. Thus it required me to write my reflection during my lunch hour today!

I felt that the QR codes that we discussed and practiced were both fascinating and useful. It blew my mind because after class yesterday I saw one as I was checking out of the grocery store on my receipt screen, and another in the corner of a Super Bowl commercial last evening. I scrambled to capture the QR code on the television, but I wasn’t quick enough. I never thought about using QR codes on advertisements, but it makes sense. Why couldn’t they be used on the most expensive commercial slots of the year? It also makes sense that I would be able to include them in my classroom. I had visions of a vocabulary activity in my classroom in which students use the QR codes for clues about word meanings. Obviously it needs some planning, but I am excited at the prospect of using QR codes in my English classes.

At 12:00 PM yesterday (Sunday) I looked around the classroom and thought - their eyes are glazing over.....I was worried I had lost some of you.  BUT, after reading the reflections it appears that you are all excited about the possibilities and the new skills/knowledge/insights that you have gained over the last few weekends.    That makes me, as a teacher, feel pretty good.

Hang in there and work on your projects.  They will not be that difficult!

Keep up the good work.  You have been a good group to work with.

Super Bowl Sunday

As I prepare for the Super Bowl to begin, I remembered - I needed to post!!  So, I will take a moment to reflect on the day.  I am very excited to complete my Blogger site, as I am using it to plan for the class I am going to teach next year to incoming seniors.  It is going to be such a cool thing for the kids, as I am positive no other teachers use this type of technology in their classes.  I think the things I am learning to do in this class are going to be cutting edge for our counseling office, and hopefully the kids will truly catch on and utilize the resources I hope to add for them through this technology.  From QR Codes to the Word Clouds, I am very excited with what I can do to jazz up our website!!

Go Bears!!  Oh, wait.......

02/05/2012

Having a Mac is a good start I suppose, but having a nice pair of running shoes didn't make me any faster of a runner. :) As an educational leader, if we let technology sit on the shelves, we fall further behind by the day (and so do our students). We have to use it, upgrade it, and devote professional development time to it. I do not want to be in staff meetings and professional develop meetings and be in awe of the technology I am seeing. I want to have a working relationship with it, and be able to assist staff on some level in using it.

Sunday 2/5/12

A lot of information today! I feel a little stressed because most of what was covered today is new to me. I am becoming painfully aware that my technology skills are not at the level I want them to be. I find comfort in realizing that some of the assignments are not really difficult or time consuming, they simply require an understanding of the technology.

I wish I owned a Mac!

Second weekend

It is amazing to think just how technology has changed over the last few years.  I had to think about huge zip drives for a Mac during my undergrad!  Crazy!  The uses are  numerous for teachers and administrators for technology.  Implementing more and more will increase the HOTS that kids need.  Last year to fulfill our grant, each class had to creat a multi-media presentation using Garageband, Audacity, Flipshare, etc.  It was a great learning experience and the engagement level was through the roof!  The students enjoy being able to use the resources we have and using other methods to present theri findings.  Today I feel as though I should put a QR Code on everything!  Also I have been putting off a website or blog for my class, so this is a perfect oppourtunity to get one going.  Overall, it was a great weekend and I feel better with a few assignments off of my back!

Sunday Post

The big takeaway from today is that using technology brings excitement back into teaching for me.  Sometimes I am just moving along doing the same old thing, which does not provide a challenge or excitement for my teaching.  This next week I plan on using the QR codes to engage students and have a little fun with them.  I also plan on making podcasts for struggling readers in my classroom.  Hopefully making use of this technology will continue to engage me and challenge my students.

Weekend 2 Day 2

It really only seems like there is a lot to do.  When you actually look at what is due, you will realize that most of this stuff will really only take about 20 minutes each.  The longest ones might actually take an hour or so.  It is still pretty fun seeing all these different tech apps and gadgets.  I am going to have to do a better job of staying up on what is out there, but some of the sites we have looked at should help with that.

Weekend 2

Feeling more comfortable with Podcast, especially when back to my familiar iBook! Script too long (know that a need I have is to be more concise.) Will try on my own at home, and hopefully, retained what I've learned. Practical use for podcast - I'd like to have a "welcome" on my class website. Also loved the extras in Google that I can use immediately - especially the capability to translate documents from English to Spanish. I will first translate my newsletter and have it proofread by our ELL teacher. Then, I'm excited to send my weekly newsletter home in Spanish to my two families that do not speak/read English. Also signed up for two alerts: iPads in Education and Common Core Standards. Lastly, can see how motivated older students would be with QR Codes and am anxious to share lesson ideas with my colleagues.

Weekend 2, Day 2

Today was another day of information. There is so much information and material out there that I am worried about remembering what it is if I do not use it for a while. But with all technology, about the time I complete and understand it will be obsolete. The QR codes are very interesting and something I believe schools could use and students would enjoy working with them. SO much information...so little brain space on my part.

QR Codes

Weekend 2, Day #1

Based on this class there is really no reason to not be informed about the latest advances in education or any other field for that matter. With everything from google alerts to twitter to scoopit there is really no reason not to be up to date with the what is going on. The key is to use it as with everything else it will be forgotten if not used.

week 2 day 1

I found the essential conditions for success worksheet activity to be interesting.  I feel like the Moline School District is headed in the right direction with technology.  After talking to the two other people in our class from our district, I realized that the shared vision is much different throughout the district.  Every school in our district is in a different place.  The principal at our school is very into technology so we are ahead of the game.  We have SMARTboards in every class, a SMARTtable, SMART clickers, IPADs, and we are in the processing of getting SMART tablets. However, other schools in our district are not at the same place as we are based on their leaders view on technology and available funds (PTA, boosters, grants, title money, etc.).  We need to improve our shared vision so all students in our district have the same opportunities.

Saturday 2/4/12

I really enjoyed class today. It was reassuring to hear that many other schools/districts are integrating technology into their buildings/classrooms at the same rate as my school/district. I was able to register for a Twitter account and learn how it could be used as a valuable tool for coaches and principals to keep their students informed. I feel a little bit intimidated by the podcast right now, but hope to eventually master Audacity...or buy a Mac.

I thought Saturdays class was full of good information.  I really enjoyed filling out the essential conditions for success in technology worksheet about my school district.  This worksheet really opened my eyes to some of the strengths and weaknesses of our technology department.  I also enjoyed the NETS powerpoint we discussed and the phases: literacy, adapting, and transforming.  Finally, each class meeting I add to my list of useful websites.  Splashtop, and pages.li were two sites I thought were very beneficial. 

Dropping Twitter Bombs

The world of technology is something I need to embrace and do a better job of being well informed. Today I created a Twitter account, so I could practice using a multi media tool. Twitter is a great way to stay informed and connected with a number of different interests. I believe this would be a useful tool an administrator can use to keep stakeholders updated with the school. In addition, as a baseball coach I could use Twitter to keep our fans updated on our progress throughout the season. The uses of multi media can sometimes be overwhelming, however I'm beginning to accept that technology is ever changing and it is designed to make things simpler. It will be a goal of mine to stay well informed on technological advances and practice using these forms of technology, and see how it can improve my career.

Productivity

Knowing where to get information makes one more productive.  This was my biggest take away from yesterdays class time.  Having google alerts and creating the newspaper in li will help keep me up to date with information that I want.  Using these provides filters to the all the information that is out there.  I look forward to getting my google alerts and watching what comes up on my newspaper website each day.  And getting an iPad would be nice, but my wife said no last night so I need to come up with a better reason.

Saturday February 4, 2012

From class yesterday I learned how to locate and utilize some free autistic apps for our special education program. I also realized that I rely on the same technology daily. I do not surf the net for other technology uses or broaden the scope of my technology understanding. This class is has made me more aware of all that is out there!

Not a bad day.

Some of the terminology is feeling less foreign after a few weeks of internet searches and consistent exposure. I was particularly interested in the fair use/copyright topics we discussed, as well as becoming familiar with what we can, and cannot (and should not) be doing with things we "find" on the internet. I see a lot of things being copied around our district, and I am positive that even though the best of intentions are had, there are still things being copied and used that really should not be.

With budget cuts and consistently being asked to do more with less, I can see how educators might decide to take the risk, even knowing they are likely breaking the rules. I know that "doing it for the students" will not save them from trouble, I do understand the temptation to do these things anyway.

Weekend 2, Day 1 Dan Powell

It was nice to see that twitter is more than just some annoying site where professional athletes and famous people enter in the most mundane of activities.  Never could figure that out.  I may actually be willing to use twitter, but actually subscribe to feeds that are meaning!  Google Alerts and the paper.li sites are also ones that I am going to have to learn more about because they could actually be a pretty big deal depending on how you use it.

Second, it would appear to me that if I were to buy a Mac, one could probably cure cancer, fight world hunger, and create peace in the middle east all before lunch time. 

District Technology Support

As we reviewed our district's technology support in the "Essential Conditions for Success Worksheet," I reflected on how much I did not know.  As I recognize this is my first year with the school district, I still did not feel many of these areas were accomplished, and most were in the initiating/attempting stage.  With 2.5 FTE staff in the entire district, it is a struggle to have your issues at the help desk addressed in a timely manner, much less know about their plan for the district's technology aspirations.  What I have noticed is that we have zero Smart Boards in the high school, and some teachers lack a projector.  With a tight budget, we have what we need, but no luxuries.  Even with these restrictions, we find our students are growing and achieving due to an increased focus on academics, instruction, and rigor at the secondary level.  Our scores are higher than ever, and we are moving forward in the district with curriculum mapping and alignment.  We are on the cutting edge of many things - but technology is NOT one of them.

To Tweet, or Not to Tweet

From the moment I heard about Twitter, I was against it. I mean what could be better than my beloved Facebook? However, over the past six months or so, I have been curious about it. I mean what could be so wrong with something used by so many? Could I be missing out on something great? I think my Twitter-based fear is common among many educators. It may not be Twitter specifically, but I think that a common belief of educators (especially those of an older generation) is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  This class is definitely opening my eyes even more to the possibilities I either do not know about, or don’t consider as a classroom tool. It is the challenge of us as future administrators to implement this exciting technology into our classroom and eventually, into our staff. There is so much out there to engage our students. As educators, we just have to take the plunge. So at the end of the day, I have more knowledge of available technology….and a Twitter account.

Literacy, Adapting, Transforming

These three new concepts surrounding student learning creating a great discussion in class.  This was an interesting way to look at what we are doing with our students and how much they are using their knowledge in the transforming stages.  The quiz was a good assessment of this knowledge and was useful taking it here in class.  The other parts of class I enjoyed today were the new things like tweetdeck and iBook author!  I think I can now convince my husband to buy an Ipad.

Great Day!!

Today's class was extremely fun and informative!  I really enjoyed the Microsoft Excel assignment because it was a great refresher on skills that I used to know but have forgotten.  If and when I become and administrator, I can see how important Excel will be to my profession. 

Excel Day of Learning!

Today was frustrating, overwhelming, rewarding, and eye-opening all through one Excel assignment/experience! I have used Excel in the past, but only to enter information or data into cells. I have not ventured into formulas, hyperlinks, or the many other features we explored today. I do see lots of ways that excel could be utilized when reporting student data, performing student conferences, and/or just to keep track of scores! I think that Excel could really be utilized by my building through the data-team process when reporting data! A chart would be so easy to read and if the formula process was utilized correctly not much would have to be changed to keep the document an on-going process to analyze student scores.

Technology takes practice...

Excel is one of my most feared programs. Today was a nice way to look at several of the features which I know I have never used. I will not be held captive by my computer. I use Excel on a very limited basis now, but have avoided (to this point) using formulas and some of the other features. I can see several applications for it for my current job (counselor), and certainly it can be useful for teachers and principals. I'd like to get good enough with it so that most of the functions become as easy to use as e-mail.

Practice practice practice.

Excel Day- I have to be honest and say that I have not done much work with excel. I can do some of the very basics so today was a real learning experience. There was so much material today I just hope I can remember it all. I think a review of the tutorials may be in my future. But after looking at the project I did complete I can see where it would definitely be used in my role as an administrator.

Excel plus

I have recorded student scores on Excel documents for years, but have never created one myself. This was an excellent introduction to many of the (unfamiliar) functions, and the guided practice was an effective way to teach them. I also liked that you shared some applications for the school/district setting for each new tab/function. Thank you for your patience, and thanks to my classmates that helped me, as well.

Excel

I enjoy using Excel but also lose the ability to use the program efficiently and effectively if I do not use it on a daily or weekly basis. I will be saving the directions to the Excel project for future reference. I am also going to take Dan's advice and find a reason to use it on a regular basis to keep it fresh in my mind. I am looking forward to improving my knowledge of educational technology. Good class today!

Learning....

My use of EXCEL has always been limited. However, I know how important it will be for me to be knowledgeable with it as an administrator. Through this class I am quickly learning that these programs do not have to be complicated. Today there were times I felt a little lost and a little frustrated, but the examples were very educational, and once tasks were performed, I realized how easy it can be. I would say that my overall intimidation of the types of technology we will be exposed to in this course is getting smaller and smaller. In fact, I am already looking forward to the next hurdle we jump together. More than anything, I would like to challenge myself to apply and practice these new skills as a professional and continue to learn.  

What a challenge

Today was an excellent example of how learning new things can be fun and challenging at the same time. Excel is a program that I'm not familiar with, so everything I worked on today was a new experience. These assignments were very rewarding and it's interesting to think of all the potential uses this program has. I'm concerned that when I walk out of the door I will forget most of the information, but I believe repetition will be the best tool in order to master this program.

Week one, day two

Today's excel lesson was A LOT of new information.  As a prinicpal, it will be very helpful to be able to use excel when doing budgeting and fundraising.  I hope that I can remember how to do it when that day comes!  The tutorials were very helpful.  I liked that you could stop them, do the step, and then continue if you were falling behind or wanted to work ahead. 

Sunday 1/15

Today was a helpful day.  Many of the Excel tools we utilized in the first part of the Module were things I have manipulated before in the program.  However, once we got to the Salary Sheet, it was all new.  I am not positive I could do it again if asked, but it was great to learn the options that Excel can create.  I am reminded how much Excel can be used as an administrator, so I feel it is important to keep these skills fresh in my mind, and most definately continue my professional development related to the topic.

It also makes me grateful my district has a "data guy" that does this job.  He even did an Excel Workshop earlier this fall where I learned several of these skills.  I am hopeful with his assistance, and practice in the future, I can use this to provide for my counseling department.

Day 2 reflection 1/15/12 Ryan Geist

What a day!  I have always stayed away from Excel, but after the experience today, I will definetly use it more often.  I have used it in the past, but never in this much detail.  This is probably just the tip of the iceberg as to what we are capable of doing with the program.  Today was very productive and I feel great going into the remainder of the class!  It is a wonderful feeling to get things DONE and have the time spent in class working on assignments.  As our district moves on further with technology, I feel that after this class I will be able to help more staff members and feel more comfortable doing various tasks, which in turn will develop more leadership roles and capabilities for myself.

EXCEL!

Today was a great day.  I left yesterday feeling "technologically disadvantaged".  Today was different, beginning the class with the peer review was good because I was able to see how well our group followed the appropriate steps.  Then, moving on the excel project was very exciting.  I have a fair amount of knowledge about excel and I enjoy using it.  I am one who HATES to ask questions at work.  Today so many of my excel questions were answered and I feel confident in abilities to use excel even further in my profession.  I need to use excel to manipulate test data and many other things and today's class was a great professional development day for me!!!  I also enjoy helping others and being able to help those around me to finish the excel project.  I hope I can take my new experiences with me to school!!

Reflection 1-15

Today challenged me to go back to class and come up with lesson plans for students to create projects using technology.  Glogster would be an easy way to allow students to create posters that are interactive and students do not have to bring in posters and materials.  Getting started is the hardest part, but my students know a lot more than I think they do when it comes to technology.  Furthermore, using Excel will allow me to manipulate data that I had no clue how to do before.  I look forward to using this even in my personal life for finances to track spending.

Weekend 1 Day 2 Reflection Dan

It is good to hear that Superintendents want principals that are good with data and manipulating excel files.  Today was right in my comfort zone, with using excel and doing all that.  So if anyone is actually reading this and needs help with excel stuff just let me know.  I really enjoy messing around with it.

apps

I really enjoyed the learning about some of the apps available for use in the classroom. I do feel a little like a dog chasing his tail trying to stay up to date with technology. I am looking forward to Dr. Closens list of top 100 apps on further information about technology that I have no knowledge of...yet.

Day 1 reflection

I enjoyed the first class.  I found the technology plan review to be challenging but interesting.  I have never viewed a technology plan before.  I am curious as to whether or not the Moline School District has a plan.  I have an email into the Assistant Sup. to see if I can get a copy.  I am on the technology committee for the district and am suprised I have never seen our plan. 

I am excited to give the glogster a try with my second graders.  I just had my high readers research an animal on our ipads, make a poster, and teach the class about the animal.  It will be awesome to give them the opportunity to make an interactive poster on the computer through glogster. 

Thank you for all the new information!

Steven Etheridge

I thought today's class was a lot of fun because I was able to gain some new technology ideas for my classroom.  Creating a classroom blog through blogger.com is something I have already started to do and have a lot of ideas for.  My school district has a blog website they use, but it is not as user friendly as blogger.com.  Glogster, was another website I found could be a useful tool for my students.  I thought about how much more exciting creating a class project or book report would be if the students were using this technology.  Once a get used to creating projects on these websites, I would like to share them with other faculty members at my school because I feel they could all benefit.

Quadrant 4

I was amazed at the shear volume of sites and tools out there, and something tells me that we've only scratched the surface. I do think a principal should be aware of some of these things, especially when it comes to setting rules for school usage, but it's obvious to me that one needs to pick and choose which ones are truly educational in nature, and which ones are for fun and recreation. When I think back to Steven Covey's "Time Management Matrix," I can't help but think that one could easily get caught up spending far too much time in quadrant IV, all the while thinking they were doing something constructive.

Reflection 1-14

As much as I think I know about technology, the more I find out I really don't know that much at all.  The topics discussed today, as well as the resources looked at truly will help me become a better teacher.  Perhaps the biggest take away from today is that if an education leader expects technology to be used they MUST USE IT AND MODEL it for others to see.  Continuing to reflect on today the most frustrating part is that using the technology at school is hit or miss.  Sometimes it works great, but often times the proper software is not downloaded and it takes emails, phone calls, and begging to get things ready to go. This must change if technology is to be used and if the needs of students are to be met.  Engaging students through technology will challenge them and when they are engaged they actually behave in class!!  Looking forward to what else is to come.

Overwhelmed?

It's still an internal debate whether I'm more overwhelmed... or more excited after this first class. In my defense, there is only so much a kindergarten student can do with technology. We do use many software and online programs on the two desktops in our classroom, and the children are quickly learning how to use the one iPad I have... I also have a class website - using Wordpress which is a blog format. The presentation software would be useful at this grade level to introduce or review topics, especially in Science and Social Studies. After saying all that, as an aspiring principal, I need to become familiar with SO much more in terms of technology uses in the classroom so that I can promote, encourage and support my staff. I liked that an emphasis is on the instructional uses in our discussions, as well as other purposes beyond the classroom - record-keeping, gradebook systems, etc.

Tech Plans

I believe it is VERY important to learn and review your schools tech plans, and vary the peers that are reviewing them, because different people have different opinions. I also agree that tech plans need to address the needs of the school and the goals that have been met and the ones that need to be met within the specific time frames that are suitable for the schools needs. It is a good thing that everyone is on board with the tech plans goals and to really get involved. I look at technology as a great thing for relating to younger generations.

Sat. Jan 14 reflection

I never thought much about creating any blogs.  After today, I think I will make one for my class.  Our administration is pushing for the teachers to become more active on the web and I kept thinking about creating a website.  The blog seems so much easier and I feel more likely to use it since it looks like it is very user fireindly.  Overall it was a great day, and I realize even more how far behind I am in regards to technology!

My Day 1 Reflection by Dan Powell

I loved learning about all those apps and tools you can use.  The ones that particularly interested me were the utility and productivity apps like evernote and the cloud save apps.  I have organization skills that are to be desired and I have been taking a more active approach to improving them.  I really feel like those will be apps that I can use, and recommend others people (like my colleagues and students) to help them get or stay organized.  Really great stuff!  I am looking forward to learning more about all this fun tech.

So much to learn....

I have never considered myself technologically “advanced.” Average would be the better word. So, coming into this class, I was both intimidated and excited. I realize that new technology is developed every day, but our first vocabulary activity blew my mind with the amount of “common” examples I had never heard of. As a high school English teacher, I am constantly looking for new ways to get my students engaged and excited about learning. A comment was made that a “normal” math lesson cannot compete when students have access to laptops and iPads. It IS hard to compete with the amount of technology that is available to my students. Throughout this class, I hope I am able to find many valuable tools to incorporate into my classroom to both engage and challenge my students. For example, I hope to explore Glogster further and possibly create assignments using it. I am excited to learn and use examples from this class to better myself as a teacher, and eventually, as an administrator.

Great when it works....

We have all seen it. Everyone is sitting there, the screen is ready, the people are ready... and the "stupid computer" doesn't work.....Ughhhhh. Usually it has nothing to do with the computer. Some teachers have made a great effort to incorporate technology, and others are either resistant, or simply afraid. Either way, it is here, and needs to be used. It is a tool, and with practice, you can get quite good with it. Leave it alone long enough, and you end up having to assign a student "helper" to assist you.

As future principals and administrators, if we are willing to learn to use it, so too will our teachers. They will go as we go. I do not think this means we have to know how to use each and every tool available considering how many there are. It may mean however that we work backwards from time to time, and find suitable tools for the job, skill or information we want to teach. I see far too many whiteboards being used as movie screens. Time to learn.

I have known that I am behind the times when it come to technology but this class has shown me just how far behind I really am. Today I learned some new terminology (glogster, primary pad, ect). Based on the information provided in class many of these applications will be of great benefit to me in both my personal life and as I progress in my education career. Also, looking at a technology plan really showed me what is involved in making sure a school district has a comprehensive technology plan.

January 14, 2012

Wow! I really liked the idea of a primary pad to be utilized in the classroom. My school recently made the jump to smart-boards, and I have been a "fan" of the smartexchange as well as other websites that provide already made notebooks to be utilized in the classroom. I believe the primary pad could be utilized to increase discussion among students. I learned many "new" phrases for technology that I had no idea existed. I now realize I have a lot to learn!

Technology for Counselors

I was very interested to learn new way to utilize technology in the school.  As a school counselor, I do not have the option to teach students on a daily basis, but I am always looking for interesting ways to present in the classrooms on social-emotional topics and post-secondary planning.  I really like the Blogger that we are using for this project.  Though there are many sites that can do this type of activity, I like this one the best, as it is easy to navigate.  I also like the Glogster site.  I can see students using this to present as a part of the new "natural helpers" program my student intern is helping start. 

I think I am also excited on a personal level to learn great ipad/iphone apps....I don't have the time to search out these cool new things (right now), so it is helpful to take notes on what you have found useful in your own experiences.  It will be great to try them out.

Prezi...huh?

I have always felt confident in my abilities when it came to technology.  That was definitely tested today.  I learned several new words, most I will forget before I get home, and heard about new ways to use technology in my life.  The activity using technology vocabulary was interesting because I had no idea what most of the terms meant, but once they were explained I knew exactly what we were talking about.  The technology plan review was challenging because that was the first time I had ever seen a technology plan.   The format as well as the content was all fairly new to me and I found it difficult to review.  I am glad we were able to do the peer review as a group because it would have been very challenging otherwise.  I look forward to the rest of our classes because I know this is all information I will be able to become a more productive counselor and eventually administrator.  #Is there an app for that?

I don't know what I don't know

It seems like a new form of technology is coming out each and every day. I found it interesting to learn about new pieces of technology and how we can apply them to our professions. I still have a cell phone that is only used to call and text, so these "apps" are new to me. When I become an administrator, I believe having these pieces of technology will be a necessity.Adapt or die...

Wow websites.....

primarypad.com note sharing
facetime.com phone conferencing face 2 face
polycom.com conferencing face 2 face

other awesome websites, please share

First Weekend

I hope you walk away with a lot of new ideas after our first weekend together.