Google Docs

Hall Kent Elementary I just wanted to share how we're using Google Docs in our school at the present time. In my third grade classroom we're using Google Docs to collaborate. Each student has their own username and password to connect to Google Drive. When they are working on a project or a writing assignment, they simply log into Google Docs and get to work. Google Docs automatically saves which saves which is a life saver for younger students. By using Google Docs, the kids are able to work in groups and collaborate on the same doc. The teachers also use Google Docs to collaboratively work on our yearly Professional Learning Plan in each grade level. Everybody is involved and has input.

Google Calendar

I just wanted to share one way that my school is using Google Calendar. My school's technology specialist created a specific calendar for teachers to sign up to use our Chromebook cart. The cart is shared among all grade levels at my school. Becky (our tech specialist), shared the calendar with all teachers at the school. Now, instead of trying to search all over the school for the cart and the notebook to sign up, all we have to do is look at the Google Calendar. We can instantly see where the cart is located for pick up and see what dates are booked and available. This has been a great time saver for our school! Just an idea for you to think about if you're interested in using Google Calendar with your faculty.

Reflection

My Personal Learning Network was nonexistent before beginning this course. This course has taught me so much and made me comfortable sharing what I know with other professionals at my school. I used several Web 2.0 tools for social purposes, but never dreamed of how useful these tools could be on a professional level. I am currently a third grade teacher at my school. I plan on using these tools for professional development purposes. However, when I get in an administrative position I will feel completely prepared to use these tools to share information with stakeholders on a larger level. As fast as technology changes, I am sure there will be something new by the time I reach this position, however, by keeping up-to-date with new technology from my own PLN I will know where to go now for professional development and questions I will have along the way. I have developed a professional relationship with the technology coordinator at my school through this course. We are now following each other on Twitter and keep each other informed of things we think are interesting to know and beneficial to our school. I am going to work together with her to provide a professional development session with the teachers in my school. I will show them how to use various Web 2.0 tools to create their own PLN. I look forward to reflecting on our school's progress during the PLU session of this course.

Podcast Using iPadio

New Blogger

I actually opened this account during the summer. However, I began teaching at a new school and they will not allow us to use Blogger.com so I haven't had time to look into what they use. I intend on using Blogger.com during this course to become comfortable with blogging before setting up my own blog for my classroom. As a teacher or administrator, I love the idea of posting important information and getting feedback from parents and students. I will also post pictures of the students at work and other interesting things going on at our school for positive PR purposes. After viewing other administrators blog sites, I found myself relating more to the blogs that have pertinent information than blogs with the administrators thoughts and feelings. I feel that if you are constantly putting your thoughts and feelings as an administrator, parents, students, and other educators will become uninterested. In this busy world today, people are all about whatever is the quickest source of information. I don't feel many people would care to sit and read my thoughts and philosophy of education. Therefore, when I create my blog for my classroom (or when I become an administrator), I will focus on aspects that pertain to the students and parents.