Opportunities...Never Before

A successful classroom of the 21st century encompasses more than just technology. It is a classroom that is filled with collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity. In order to foster a learning environment rich with the four Cs, I too must immerse myself in a world that mirrors that which I strive for my students.

The world as we know it today offers me an incredible opportunity to learn anywhere and at anytime. Our technology rich society brings people together across the world and enables them to share and inspire from afar. We are no longer limited by face-to-face contact. We now have opportunities for communication and collaboration through technology.

Edmodo Lesson

Students must learn the skills necessary to be successful in today’s world, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. In order to meet the needs of our students it is essential that we, as teachers, embrace the skills of 21^st century learning so we can effectively prepare our students.

Currently, our staff has a made a concerted effort to use email daily, take attendance online, and use Discovery Education. Unfortunately there are still members of our staff who struggle with embracing new technology and are at a loss for how to use it in the classroom and for their own professional growth. 

This struggle directly impacts our students. If we are not providing access to technology tools then our students will not be prepared for today’s world. The longer we wait to embrace these skills  and tools the harder it will be.

We will begin this training by introducing a social networking tool, Edmodo. Edmodo is a platform similar to Facebook that is geared toward teachers and students. This training will take place over two sessions and include Jing Podcasts to help you refer to the process and content.

The Goals of the Trainings

All teachers will be able to use the Edmodo website for:

·         Classroom use

·         Professional development use

More specifically each teacher will do the following:

Training session one:

·         Create an Edmodo account

·         Join at least two professional groups on Edmodo

·         Find at least one valuable post from each group that applies to their classroom and will help them as a teacher

Jing Podcast

Edmodo Training 1 Jing Podcast

Training session two:

• Set up at least one group for students to participate in
• Prepare and post at least one assignment or task for students to complete

Changing the classroom and Masters Program

As I began the school year, it became apparent that the classroom that I was accustomed to was a classroom of the past, and I was inspired to re-design school as I knew it. There were a couple of weeks that were uncomfortable for both my students and I as we paved our way to a new path of learning. I no longer stand at the front of the classroom on a regular basis to provide direct instruction. The learning environment that I employ is one of autonomy, discovery and creativity. I strive daily to provide students with experiences that are both rigorous and meaningful.  It is my goal to create a classroom where students have access and opportunity through the effective use of technology.

I have only just begun my journey of change and have so much yet to learn in order to achieve my goal. I feel, like my students, that I am a sponge ready and willing to try new things. I am excited to learn from experts in the field and see and hear best practices. I am excited to be working through my Master's in teaching and Learning with technology to gain more expertise and knowledge that I can share with my peers.

The beginning...

In June 2011, I traveled with district administrators to Apple’s corporate office. The goal was to learn how education is transforming with the use of the Ipad. In August, I received a call asking if I would pilot a class set of Ipads. Throughout this pilot I share best practices, create lessons and mentor fellow teachers in the use of technology. I collaborate regularly with my fellow pilot teacher and tech services in an effort to learn, share and pave the way when our administration is ready to implement this program. Helping to set the foundation for an amazing movement in our district has been incredible; I look forward to sharing and mentoring teachers as they begin their journey in years to come.