I have no words except...whew! First week down and still so much to do with getting the iPads set up the way I want them. We downloaded all the apps we need for now, we started using Xtramath.org (which is an incredible way to get the kids practicing Fact Fluency), we created two journals in Book Creator and explored...A LOT. Next week, I need to start setting up their Google Classroom Accounts. This process is so tedious that you forget how long it took to get the kids ready to work last years beginning of the year. Again, whew!
The largest set back is the new update with Pic Collage:( They raised the age limit to 12+ and now we cannot download with the restrictions we have for the elementary grades through the district. Pic Collage was used for everything, every subject, every day, finding something as easy as it was will be a challenge.
District Policy is that we must teach Digital Citizenship to our students before we are allowed to handout the iPads. You better believe that I did that the 2nd day of school. I feel like the Cookie Monster when it comes to technology "iPads" (in my best C.M. voice). We watched this catchy music video, then each student created a poster (like the one to the right) that represented each of the topics sang in the video.
I am in love with the way I plan on using Book Creator to create student journals, such as Reader's Workshop and Science Journals. I love that the students can record themselves reading or reflecting on read alouds and insert them into the journal. Most of all, I love that they WANT to reflect and write in their journals.
Next week will be another tedious week of trying to remember that I have to be SUPER patient with how sloooooowwww learning technology for "learning" can be for students who are so used to "playing."
It's been a while since I've posted, but let me ask you...how many of you have been non-stop in your classroom lately?! Oh my gosh, I am exhausted. Though I cannot lie that I am always so happy to set up my classroom at the beginning of the year.
This year my best friend Krystle and I decided that this was the year to improve ourselves by applying and beginning our Master's Degree...as well as move grade levels (me), move from teacher to NCLB (Krystle), becoming CTC and remaining Webmaster...what in the world were we thinking?! #crazy
Even though we are both not teachers anymore, we are still both going through very similar issues. Dun, dun, dun...INVENTORY. This is the least fun part of our new roles as NCLB and CTC. Thankfully, we are smart enough to have plans in making that part better and more efficient for the future.
As our campus' Campus Technology Coordinator (CTC), I help our campus and teachers meet their technology needs. This includes troubleshooting technology problems, purchasing new technology, and providing professional development so our teachers will feel more confident while using that technology in the classroom.
After discussing technology with my grade level this past week, I learned that they do not use the technology they have not because they do not want to or they are scared, but because they do not know how. Therefore, my goal this year is to help TEACH them to become comfortable with simple technology such as Google Drive. There is so much that Google Drive can do, there is no reason why collaborating with teachers while lesson planning has to be difficult. I have many dreams for this campus as well as for myself in the educational technology world and we can only get better.
Dojo has another surprise for us! We are able to create groups when our students are working in teams or just in table groups, and now you can post pictures in a photo stream, similar to Instagram. Teachers have to sign up to join the "waiting list" to be beta testers for this new feature on the website. Based on what this article says, the teacher will be able to post pictures and parents will be able to "like" the photos. Yet another reason to try out Classroom Dojo.
Classroom Dojo Updates
However, with my future 3rd graders and the growing bullying in social media, I want to take the opportunity to TEACH my students HOW to post and respect social media. Therefore, I will continue my goal of having a classroom Instagram. Here students will have to learn how to take and post appropriate pictures, add an appropriate caption (while practicing sentence structure and grammar), as well as leaving appropriate comments on other photos posted.
