0.5 down, 1.5 to go

Is it Christmas Vacation already... I mean Holiday Vacation. Either way the last four months have flown by and it really feels like its going to be a sprint to the finish from here on out.

The world of ICT is somewhere I had not ventured since the basic courses of Sr 4 or using the original grey box Apples back in elementary school... let me tell you a lot has changed. From Prezi and Wordle to the simplicity of making a website (sorry Angel Fire), ICT is a wonderfully powerful place to share whatever vision you wish to create. My favorite creation tool was Animoto.

Take a look.

Moving forward ICT will be key to building a differentiated classroom. Using technology to bring out creativity and plant the exploratory bug that will allow our students to develop new, efficient and beautiful ways to try and right the problems technology has caused in the past. Trying to reach all learners will be difficult, but incorporating tech will help us find new avenues to build smart, successful people.

I will be using technology for research and powerpoint presentations for the most part. But in earnestly I will use it as a way of keeping my students interested in the topics we cover, as well as attempting to involve their parents in their learning.

But I will also have an app of the week for their tablets or smart phones that can be used in or outside of class.  Finally, I want my students to use cell phones to better their education and inspire them to learn more.

This is how:

• Cell phones should be provided by schools but maintained by the family.
• If each student were to a receive the same smart phone we could make sure they are given equal opportunities within the school. 
• It would be another way to combat bullying in the digital age as the school would have its rights. No other phones would be permitted.
• The contracts would be determined by the family, but free wifi throughout the school would make sure they can use it to full abilities in school, or find companies that offer unlimited as a backer.
• Cell phones are a unique tool. They are a dictionary, encyclopedia, communication tool, weapon, and an artistic mainstay. I think the easiest and smartest way to incorporate technology and embrace its wonders is to use it in class. 
• We are also teaching respect, responsibility and self control.  
• This is expensive, and could be reckless. But with tech companies trying to find new ways of getting involved with education and boost our bleak future, Im sure Tim Cook would be interested... I know Steve Jobs would have.

Either way, my mind was blown through out the class and by the work of my fellow classmates.

The Rush

This post doesnt really have much to do with ICT... Sorry @miken_bu but here it is.

What I am writing about today is the rush. The couple of minutes before we all stepped in front of the classroom in the middle of October, and will do so in the spring again. I like to compare it to before the first serve of a volleyball match... a little uneasy, you don't really know what will happen next, but at this point its only going to get better.

The rush to me is what drives me to continue, the nervousness and anxiety is what lets you know that you are alive.

When we are working with our students we have been told to look for the "I GOT IT" moment, but I think that is only possible if we can build a rush for our students. IF we can bring our passion, and IF we show how much our students mean to us, THE RUSH is possible.

The Rush for a student, is the craving to learn, and need for more. Creating the rush will help us immensely, I believe it will help with classroom management and more importantly building a culture within the classroom that is positive and learner friendly

I...IC...ICT

Digital responsibility is key. Many of today's students do not understand how the Internet is forever... or until the server completely breaks down.

Our biggest issues facing students developing the skills and proper mindset to combat the urge to brag and boast about yourself. Its wonderful you have the self confidence to post pictures about how pretty you think you are, or how many curls you can do at the gym. However what each of these people forget is they are allowing people into their lives who have no business being there.

The scariest part of all of this is the people who are being taken advantage of are young girls. Due to their desire to fit in young women are posting provocative photos and reveling too much information.

If we start to talk about the terrors of the internet at a young age, and show ways of developing a proper digital image we will be able to move away from stalking and suicide that has taking place.

If you are being stalked or bullied, or fear for you safety on the internet please visit this website!!!

Erase Bullying (For students)

Bully Stoppers (For teachers)

Storytelling

Using stories is a great way of incorporating technology. We spoke about using different forms of digital technology to create stories.

This can be used as a vital tool for including all students with the classroom. In an ELA class where the reading and writing levels of students can vary, programs such as Haiku Deck, Book Creator and even the most basic Power Point will allow them to express whatever they would like to speak about or create.

Having your students be able to interpret their ideas in a number of ways is part of teaching. It shows that they understand what they are learning and by developing a story they are doing just that. Also this takes the fear of writing away from the students and allows them to discover parts of their imagination which could be laying vacant.

By using pictures, or objects to explain the plot you are able to delve deeper into yor utown thoughts and feelings on a topic.


Six Words on Student Teaching