After googling myself...

Well...I was very surprised to only find a few pictures when I googled myself. I found a link to access background check or contact information, which I find disturbing that anyone can find us nowadays. I also keep a low profile when using facebook. I keep it private and attempt to post only positives. However, I am not naive and I know that if I searched hard enough a picture from back in the day could haunt me. I worry more about my own son and his social media etiquette. I know that I have not done my job as a parent as well as I should have. Now that I see what he has posted we have conversations about what is appropriate and what is not. But being a college student I fear he is not listeing to me. If I had it to do all over for him I would suggest he keep those extra curricular activies at college off the gird. Post and link up with positive groups and clubs or organizations that create a positive image than all the "fun" images.

The students need to add to or update their curated research on a regular basis. This way the information is always readily available. The teacher should be requiring the students to view this information on a regular basis as well. If they are constantly adding to their list then they will have this information fresh in their minds.

I was very surprised to hear that the higher the reward the lower the production. I have always used some kind of reward for motivating my students to do better, turn in homework, keep their area tidy, etc... the list goes on and on. I did sit and ponder why the kids today have zero intrinsic motivation. Why can't they do all that is asked and the feeling of having done their best be the reward? I don't know how to teach them to be proud of their work and to know that they are making the right choices. Technology can be very motivating. It's exciting for my kiddos to use the Smartboard, computers, wordle, etc. But like I have said before, unless the activities can stay upbeat and exciting the students will eventually lose their motivation. My class is only as excited as I am. If I come in with a huge smile and great expectations and get "overly" excited then my class is eager to see what I'm about to do/teach. But if I present the same lesson with a bad attitude then I have lost them. It doesn't matter if it's technology or a board game. I'm exhausted by the end of the day but I have had motivated students who are eager to return!

Where would you rate yourself in each area of the Techonolgy Integration Matrix? If I'm being honest I would have to rate myself in the Entry Level. I use my SmartBoard for delivering instruction, for kids to participate in instruction like a chalkboard, for making lunch/attendance selection and Daily 5 selection. I just started teacing at mid year and would love to increase the use of my SmartBoard to create supplement materials for my lessons. I am definitely in survival mode this year trying to acclimate myself to 2nd grade. I feel like a new teacher! Where do you think you could reasonably be at the end of the next grading period? Again, being honest, I do believe I will be in the same level at the end of the year. This is due to getting used to 2nd grade, the new writing curriculum that my looping team is planning, and again...survival mode. I just need to get throught his year. I hate saying that becasue these students that I have did not ask for their teacher to leave mid year. They are a needy bunch that is very undisciplined. This semester has been the hardest teaching job I have ever had. I'm planning on the next year being a year of integrating technology. I'm learning now what I can implement next year. What steps will you need to take in order to make the growth happen? I need to gain more knowledge about the TIM, how to get my students to be more responsible for what they are learning and making those decisions with me guiding them. I want them to have a variety of media to choose from on how they show a finished product. I envision a classroom where students are publishing online, ebooks, etc. and parents reading the class blog and taking more ownership in their child's learning. But I can't do that unless I gain the training and information I need to guide me to that outcome. This class is a start on that journey to my vision.

Moving Mindset

This module was eye opening for me. In my school I actually feel like I have a solid understanding of technology and use it greatly in the classroom. I read the articles, read my classmates responses and blogs and realize how much I do not use technology like I could and how much I have to learn. I want to be the teacher that gives the students opportunities and experiences that will allow them to be better learners and enjoy learning. I just don't even know where to begin to do so. I guess taking this course is one way to begin. Taking this course is moving my mindset towards that goal. I have wanted to create a classroom blog or a place for families and students to go to keep updated on assignments, exciting events in the classroom, etc. This is a goal for me for next year. Hopefully after this class I will feel more comfortable creating and managing a classroom blog.

Where do you fall on the rubric? What qualities of your entries were exceptional or effective? Which qualities are still evolving or emerging?

Unfortunately at this time I feel that I am emerging in all areas. I am not connecting to the content or fellow classmates. I actually feel quite disconnected and not involved as I should be. This probably wasn't a good time for me to take on the responsibilities needed for a class. However, I did sign on for this and am going to give a better effort to this experience.

I have a blog on the challenges and everyday life with a daughter living with CdLS but it has been a long time since I actually posted anything on her blog. I'm having to learn how to do this all over again! LOL