At the end of the year, this is how I feel after many discussions with the other educators that I work with. I know that they have little time for a life, I know that new tools are hard to explore and figure out how to use and incorporate, and I know that they are essentially dedicated teachers. But when I hear them say that they can’t teach math at a certain level, or that they need their new textbooks to teach with or the students will be lost, or that they never use their computer at home for school work, then I am mystified about how they can ever really become great educators that students can follow and identify with. I am inspired by Ms. Francisco on many levels.
http://alexgfrancisco.webnode.com/
She has identified my frustrations but she has also inspired me to use these tools to create instructive materials for my students and to have my students create with them. I have passed on her information to aspiring students that want to be teachers and I my goal is to inspire at least some of the teachers in my district to explore edtech and its uses with students, parents, and their own personal growth.
People should explore her blogs and I know that they will be inspired by the things she relates and the people that she is connected to.
6 comments:
What a great animation and song! Thank you so much for sharing - I'm going to post it on my blog, too - and check out Ms. Francisco's blog, too.
Cute Video!! I agree, I just finished my final student teaching position and I'm looking forward to starting my career as a special educator. I'm still uncomfortable with using lots of different types of technology because I'm not familiar with it. I don't feel ready but I know it's important!! However, I'm taking an Ed tech class now that is not required for me to take because I know I won't be able to rely on the students to teach me how to use some piece of equipment that they know like the back of their hand. I also want to be ready for those professional development days and ready to implement as much tech in my lessons as possible. I'm starting a Ed tech file so I can at least start with the basics and work my way up the ladder with more types of hardware and software. By the way, this is my very 1st comment to a blog ...How did I do? I want to check out Ms. Franciso's blog, too!
You made my day. Very few people read or respond to my blog. I taught an ed tech class during the winter of 2010 at the University. I wish the students had been more like you. They were very reluctant or I was a very bad instructor. If I can be of assistance to you please let me know. Remember that it is okay to learn from your new students. Check out the following, wikis, storybird, photostory from microsoft, voki, google sites, wix, edcrowd, betterlesson, toondoo, smart board toolkit, xtranormal, quizlet, and fotobabble. Each of these could be used to generate content that is fun to share with students and fun for students to generate projects with.
Plus visit the following site for inspiration.
http://sites.google.com/site/edtechlearning/resources-1
I love that video! I agree with you Alexandra's blog is one of a kind, she has such excellent resources. I am constantly in awe. We can't wait until we are comfortable and completely understand technology to bring it into the classroom. We will never do it! Technology changes and adapts so quickly that we can't be experts on all of it. Something neat happens when you bring in technology and have the students help you piece how to use it together. A new kind of learning and collaboration.
You are this kind of teacher, and an inspiration!
I checked out the link above and had fun reading all the resources and tools...top 10 was pretty cool. I haven't had the chance to really get into it...but what a source!! What do you think about incorporating virtual reality into teaching? Just some thoughts in general.
I think it depends on the age group and what your intent is. I am not ready for it yet.
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