I have enjoyed this class very much primarily because it gave me the time and space to learn new tools. The organization of the class at first glance seemed daunting, but as we dove into each project it was manageable. I believe it was because the class was so well organized and broken down into doable components. We also received quick, specific and meaningful feedback that helped us grow in our use of technology tools.
We were introduced and encouraged to use Google Drive. I began using Google Drive and backed up all my Kennesaw files, not just for the fear of losing them, but also to have the ability to work collaboratively with classmates. Google Drive is a very convenient way to compare and give feedback on each other’s work. As our technology coach can attest, this is a tool we could also use to help keep our school servers from becoming overloaded.
The most thrilling of the Web 2.0 tools for me has been screencasting. I always assumed people who made tutorial type videos had special equipment, now I see it was another Web 2.0 tool. I have seen the potential for using tools that incorporate audio and visual with kindergarten students and I believe they adhere to developmentally appropriate practices. In particular, I have enjoyed using screencasting as it is simple, quick and has the potential to reach a large audience. Using screencasting with students for some of our kindergarten projects is a great way to get them to explain and showcase their knowledge. Since the primary way pre-emergent writers learn to communicate is by hearing their own voices, this is the perfect tool for kindergarten students. After using Audacity and Glogster with my students I realize I just need more headsets!
The lesson plan we created and implemented was another important lesson in my growth as a technology coach. The lesson plan made me stop and think about using technologies that were meaningful and authentic for the students. I believe I did that with my “Mapping the Library” project and I believe the students knew they were using technology to communicate with our librarian outside of school while she was at Emory. This drives home for me the point of using technology for the pedagogical benefits and not just for the wow factor. Understanding this I believe helps me coach other teachers as I introduce and train them on using Web 2.0 tools.
We were introduced and encouraged to use Google Drive. I began using Google Drive and backed up all my Kennesaw files, not just for the fear of losing them, but also to have the ability to work collaboratively with classmates. Google Drive is a very convenient way to compare and give feedback on each other’s work. As our technology coach can attest, this is a tool we could also use to help keep our school servers from becoming overloaded.
The most thrilling of the Web 2.0 tools for me has been screencasting. I always assumed people who made tutorial type videos had special equipment, now I see it was another Web 2.0 tool. I have seen the potential for using tools that incorporate audio and visual with kindergarten students and I believe they adhere to developmentally appropriate practices. In particular, I have enjoyed using screencasting as it is simple, quick and has the potential to reach a large audience. Using screencasting with students for some of our kindergarten projects is a great way to get them to explain and showcase their knowledge. Since the primary way pre-emergent writers learn to communicate is by hearing their own voices, this is the perfect tool for kindergarten students. After using Audacity and Glogster with my students I realize I just need more headsets!
The lesson plan we created and implemented was another important lesson in my growth as a technology coach. The lesson plan made me stop and think about using technologies that were meaningful and authentic for the students. I believe I did that with my “Mapping the Library” project and I believe the students knew they were using technology to communicate with our librarian outside of school while she was at Emory. This drives home for me the point of using technology for the pedagogical benefits and not just for the wow factor. Understanding this I believe helps me coach other teachers as I introduce and train them on using Web 2.0 tools.