http://www.edutopia.org/blog/challenging-one-to-one-model-amanda-paquette
The article above describes a one to one hybrid approach that a school in Vermont is trying. Each classroom is supplied with various devices that have different capabilities for the teachers to utilize with their curriculum. It is a great read and a very flexible plan.
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As usual I am sharing something I have read somewhere else but it is worth reading. This science teacher in Mississippi only used her textbook for 10% of the content delivery in her class. I agree with her that there are so many resources out there today that are much more interesting than a textbook. Here is her article if you are interested. She will inspire you! http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/sep/23/guest-column-step-away-from-that-textbook/ Even though technology can disappoint us and sometimes seems like it is too much trouble, the investment you put into finding more interesting ways to teach pays off with more engaged students, deeper learning, and a more powerful classroom environment!
Isn't is amazing how things just fall into your lap sometimes? Like this morning, I have stumbled upon a whole host of resources about being positive and making a difference in your life. I want to share what I have found with everyone! http://www.justintarte.com/ Justin has a great blog called The Life of an Educator. He is so wise to be so young. His blog led me to sign the Positive Pledge: http://www.thepositivepledge.com/ It was conceived by Jon Gordon http://www.jongordon.com/. I also watched a hilarious video about the No Complaining Rule. Shhhh. Lately I have been doing a lot of complaining! I resolve to change that now! It has already been a challenge for me to get started this year as it has for many of my teachers. Some of you have been working in your rooms for two weeks. Some have just shown up. I found out I would be starting out with three new schools and not returning to my old schools this year. That makes it hard, I will miss those that I worked so closely with and I hope they will miss me but not too much! They will have a willing and able new TIS to get to know. I wish everyone a great year!
I found this blog about encouraging independent reading in the classroom after the first months of enthusiasm has worn off. I think you will find some great ideas here: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/classroom-solutions/2011/12/recharging-independent-reading-%E2%80%93-new-routines-new-year Keep sharing new things you are learning and remember to keep learning new things! I am excited about my sixth grade class that is working on their podcasts. They are going to record readers theater selections. We already practiced using Audacity and it was great to watch them listen to themselves. I think they will all improve their readings and practice so that their theater recording will be better and better. They are working on sound effects over the weekend. I will see Tuesday what they have come up with.
Now that I have seen Audacity used by students, I can see so many ways it can enhance reading and writing. Younger (and older) students could write and record their own stories to be played for the class. They can hear what they sound like when they read. They can practice for fluency. I think it will be very motivational. I wonder if there is an app for audacity? I saw this article and wanted to share it. What makes classroom lessons more engaging to 8th grade students? Heather Wolpert-Gawron asked her students and shares in her blog: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-engagement-stories-heather-wolpert-gawron
It is hard to believe that May is almost here. I have been reflecting on my job this year as a TIS. It has been so rewarding, getting to know the elementary students and teachers at my schools. I have enjoyed the excitement of new discoveries and solving problems. There is so much more to do as a TIS. I feel the teachers need someone to support their efforts to use technology. I know that I will be a better science teacher having had this year to visit so many other classrooms and having learned to use so many wonderful technology tools. No matter where I find myself next year, I will not regret my year as a TIS. Thank you to all the people that have helped me out this year!
"To be a teacher you must be a prophet - because you are trying to prepare people for a world thirty to fifty years into the future."
Gordon Brown MIT http://www.schooltechnology.org/2012/02/23/teaching-young-students-to-use-technology-responsibly/
Please read the blog listed above about students using technology responsibly. Brad raises a great point and describes a very realistic scenario that could happen anywhere. As we start getting more individual technology pieces (ipods, cameras, laptops, ipads) and start placing them into the hands of students, we have to be ready for mistakes and misjudgments. We as teachers should model and teach responsible use. I love his form and think we should use the same at our Elementary and High Schools. It is a great reminder to the students each time of what is expected of them. Think about our society and what goes for funny these days. Students are going to fall into the same trap and get themselves and their teachers into trouble. What is humiliation? What is teasing? When is it okay? When is it going too far? How have students used their cell phones at the high schools--videoing fights was the first thing and texting lists of bad things about people. It all comes back to bullying and whether it is old fashioned or technology driven, character education is a must! |
Elaine MathenyThis blog is a diary of my work as a TIS. I appreciate all the teachers that allow me into their classrooms and into their lives! I hope my readers will find inspiration for their roles here as well. Archives
December 2012
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