Fantastic Week

Well, this was a very busy, but productive, week.  I attended training that prepared me to serve as one of our district's TIC's (Technology Integration Coach).  As we move toward preparing our children to be 21st Century learners, we must introduce them to a variety of technology.  I have had a Smartboard in my classroom for three years now and it has become indispensable to me.  I use it throughout the day for a variety of tasks, including my morning calendar time and my math and handwriting lessons.

As a TIC, I received some additional technology for my classroom that I will also use to train others in my building.  I now have an i-Pad, a Smart Response system and a document camera.  It has been very exciting learning how to use all of these and I can see what a wonderful asset these will be to my classroom.

I had wanted a document camera for some time.  My kindergarten kids are visual, tactile learners and it is often difficult to position your examples in a way that all of the class can see.  The document camera will make is so easy for everyone to see exactly what I'm doing.

Kids love technology and I can't wait to set up some activities using my new Smart Response system.  It will be a fun way to quiz their knowledge of a specific skill that has been taught or to assess their prior knowledge before beginning a unit of study.  I'm sure I will find more ways to implement this tool as I go.

Now for the i-Pad.  I couldn't figure out what all the buzz was about, until now.  Now that I have one and have started exploring it's many uses I am so excited get started.  I can picture myself with it by my side all the time.  The number of available apps will make your head spin!  I found ones that keep my attendance, store student info. and record notes on behavior and parent contacts.  The number of educational apps for students is mind boggling.  I cans see requests for more i-Pads for student use in my classroom ahead.  I know I'll have to be creative in obtaining funds but these would be such an asset to my students.

More to come as I begin introducing these fantastic new tools into my classroom!