It seems as though it was just a few days ago when I was setting up my Google+, Blogger, and so many other accounts and was terrified to post my introduction video. The good part of that is it means the past eight weeks have flown by. Meaning I was kept busy doing something I was enjoying. The bad news is summer is almost over and I haven't done much to get ready for school yet.
I am excited to incorporate some of the tools I learned into lessons with my students. One of the most useful tools was the videocast. I would like to try some other programs that have more capabilities for my use in making educational videos, but feel as though my second graders could utilize the easier ones. I also feel I will use the voicethread with the kids. It will be a great tool for them to comment or explain concepts and hear others' ideas as well as allowing me to check their work.
I also see myself going back and reading the National Education Technology Plan again as well as sharing it with other staff members. Examining the Maturity Benchmark Model with my principal provided many insights. Having the opportunity to read and see all the projects, questions, and concerns on Google+ also gave me insights to carry back to school. You can learn so much from fellow students. Our kids need to have the same opportunity. After seeing how much experience many of our fellow students already had coming in, I felt slightly inadequate and intimidated. Many of our teachers feel the same way at school. Through collaboration, encouragement, and support they too can progress, but it was helpful to experience some of the feelings they must have.
I look forward to building upon these skills in my upcoming classes.
