I decided to become a tech nerd this summer because I have never created my own websites or blogs and I felt I needed to be fluent in these skills. Summer is a time when I can be more focused on my own growth and learning. My 4th grade team will be getting new Chromebooks this fall and we all want to work together to create Google classrooms with amazing lessons. I do enjoy learning new things and I feel that I have an open mind when it comes to technology.
My goal is to become a more fluent user of technology in my classroom with students. I want them to remain engaged in their own learning and to stretch their creative boundaries. I am eager to learn ways to incorporate existing lessons into my new Chromebook/Google lessons once we get up and running this fall. Using technology to reinforce skills is incredibly valuable to me and to students today. I am nervous about how much I will be able to retain, but will give it my best effort, realizing that my students will catch on very quickly and I want to be able to effectively help them to succeed.
Currently, I use docs/word processing, spreadsheets, and have used Prezi, and other presentation programs. I have a medium comfort level with technology because I am not a person who normally uses technology a lot when I am not at school. It will be exciting to create this blog and get used to updates as well as following the other blogs from class. I know I will learn a lot from my colleagues, and this is most important to me to foster my own development!
I'm so glad you signed up for nerd camp! I think it will be a fun way to prepare for using Chromebooks in the fall, since you can do the assignments whenever and wherever you want to. Your goals match up with our goals in creating this class. We want to help teachers figure out creative ways to use technology throughout the day in ways that enhance what you're already doing. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Chris! I agree that it is easier to take on these new learning experiences during the summer. I teach fourth grade at Pinewood and thought I would follow your blog because we might be able to share ideas! I have had chrome books in my room for two years and am amazed at how much I still have to learn. The kids pick it up so quickly!
ReplyDeleteWe can learn together and bounce ideas off of each other this coming year! I'm excited for what Chromebooks will bring to fourth grade!
ReplyDeleteI also use a blog for Beginning Reading Instruction. It is one place to keep all of the good ideas. Check it out: http://beginningreadinginstruction.blogspot.com/
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