I learned that it is really important to make sure that you are using technology in ways that you could not use paper and pencil. In order for technology to be incorporated by more teachers we need to show how we can use it to improve teaching and learning in a different and effective way. I think that technology is a great way to have students learn independently. Where teachers use a more "guide on the side" approach. I think one of the best things we can do as teachers is to encourage and facilitate independent learning. Technology also really utilizes deductive teaching. Students can read, see examples and then create their own work.

I think that seeing several web-based technologies made me even more excited about incorporating technology into my classroom. I believe that a lot of trouble shooting needs to happen inorder for them to be used effectively by each individual teacher. But, I think that the benefit of that work will be worth it for the students.

I learned several new ways to incorporate technology into my lessons plans. I have several plans that I would like to do for the rest of the year. And some unblocking to beg for! Wish me luck! My new goals are to make sure I put what I have learned into action by incorporating these technologies into my lessons. My plans for reaching my goals are to take the time to create new ideas to use these technologies in a majority of my lessons. I think it is a great way for students to practice, practice, practice!

Blackboard or Moodle

I would like to use Blackboard or Moodle. I have just begun to explore Moodle and will be going to a training this summer on Blackboard. I think that it would probably be in my students best interest if I used blackboard so it would be consistent with the other teachers. I know that there are a couple other middle school teachers in my district who plan on using it next year. I think it would be great for the students to become familiar with blackboard on a small level before they go to high school.

I would use blackboard to post my lessons. I think this would be great for students when they miss school for the day or our out for awhile. You can link documents, presentations, videos, and directions. The students can also refer back to this information from home. I would also like them to turn in papers and rubrics on blackboard.The pedagogical strategies used would be deductive. The students will be reading the directions, looking at examples, and then doing the given task.

I think that you might have the problem of students not be able to access the Internet from home. But, I think that opportunities can be made available for students to stay after and use school computers. I know that many students at our high school stay after to do their assignments in the library and computer lab. I think that my students will really enjoy using blackboard. They pick up on things so quickly and love the idea of being on the computer and learning at the same time!