Reflection 5

Over the week I was introduced to so many new tools, philosophies, and musicians!  Oh my!  It was great to reflect each evening and really think about what I had accomplished or learned that day.  I really liked that the week started with the Dan Meyer video because it really opened my eyes to the tool and resource technology can be in the classroom.  I haven’t hidden my thoughts originally about how useful I felt it was in the Kindergarten classroom.  I can’t tell you how differently I feel after this week.  Although I don’t see my students using Google Docs, blogging, or Twitter, I do see how they can help me as a teacher.  I do believe the Diigo account will help me organize resources, space save, and use my time more efficiently at home and in the classroom.  I think using Twitter will be helpful to keep my mind fresh on new ideas and to assist with some of my professional development.  Recently this weekend I was visiting with a friend who also teaches Kindergarten in a different state.  She asked me how my class was.  I told her good and explained that it was a technology class.  She instantly stated, “Are you serious?  For Kindergarten?”  I actually chuckled and began to tell her about all the different things I had learned and their importance or function in and out of the classroom.  She was going to go check some things out herself.  I think the one thing I am taking from this class is that I know to try not to get stuck in my ways and to continue learning but sometimes we still do.  I think this class helped to expand my view of technology and it helped me to think.  I had to think about what I wanted to learn.  I had to think about how I would attempt that and I had to think about whether I had.  Now I am left still thinking.  I am thinking about how I can improve my webpage, should I use an e-planner, or a behavior management app?  What kinds of lessons and activities can I do with the new tablets my students will be getting?  Thank you for a great week and for introducing us to Tommy Emmanuel.