The Impact of Technology....

I was asked to review an informational graphic about technology, by Allison Morris.  This graphic focuses on the important role that technology is playing for today’s teachers and how it’s changing our classrooms.

This graphic clearly displays how vital the implementation of technology has become, while at the same time, implying the huge underlying role that educator’s play, (regarding both academics and social etiquette).

I recently joined my district’s 1:1 classroom computer pilot program, and have had numerous “technological” thoughts bouncing around in my head.  Allison’s graphic, helped me to narrow my focus and articulate these thoughts as questions:

How has technology affected my teaching style?  How?
How has technology affected my management style?  How?
Has the use of technology become a "norm" in my daily lessons?  How/Why?
How has technology changed my planning and pacing?  How/Why?
What social etiquette standards regarding technology am I expecting my students to follow?
What are the most important technology based skills that my students need to master and how can I make this happen?
Is there a more efficient way to accomplish what is required, using technology?  How?
What is the best way to differentiate instruction using technology?  How?
Project based learning…..How can technology support & incorporate multiple content areas to accurately display what students have learned?  

Please take a look at Allison's graphic, she is looking for feedback.  Here is the link.....   Click Here For: http://www.onlineuniversities.com/teachers-love-technology

Whether we are ready to or not….It is time to truly embrace technology!

Please Include Attribution to OnlineUniversities.com With This Graphic

Personal Think Time...Making it Real!

Do your students sometimes seem to have a difficult time thinking on their own? Mine sure do! They want the answers "spoon fed" to them. Well, in order to prepare my students to become actively involved in their own learning, we have started focusing on "Personal Think Time". We brainstormed our ideas as a class and charted them out together. Doing this, has given the students some real reasons for thinking on their own and allowed them to be ready to participate.

Out of the Mouths of Babes....Behavior Simplified

At the beginning of the year, I start off with some basic behavior guidelines (Success in 5...4...3...2...1). I'm not big on complicated systems that eat up valuable classroom time. Once the students have an understanding of our classroom expectations we work together to chart them out (using the student's own words and ideas).

This process serves as a reminder to the students and a heads up to new kiddos about how our classroom works.

Built in accountability without a lot of tracking and hassle!