Tuesday, July 29, 2014
The technology need in my classroom
As I stepped into my classroom today to drop off items I have bought during the summer, I suddenly noticed my 2 computers are less than what I consider ideal for my students this year. We are fortunate to have a computer lab; however, I want my students to be able to use technology in my classroom. We are focused on literacy and integrating science and SS into the curriculum but I do not have enough nonfiction books to meet this new need. So, as I stood there I realized it is going to be up to me to meet this need for my students. I am going to have to take the creative steps of finding technology for them to use (we have a partnership with the public library so I can access books online via Kindle Fires, Ipads, etc...) So, now I am on a quest of somehow buying 6 Kindle Fires for my classroom for a daily center. Sometimes as a teacher we just have to learn to be creative in our methods to meet our students needs and this is a need I deem highly important for their academic success.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
My 1st Library PD
Today was an exciting day for me. It was my first time to ever attend a library PD for my school district. I have to say I was overwhelmed with all the nice people willing to help in so many ways. I left with a lot of great knowledge and cannot wait until tomorrow's sessions. Sometimes it can be scary to face the unknown, but this turned out to be a great experience!
Monday, July 21, 2014
A Week Without Technology
I spent all last week without technology. I have to admit it was great! No phones, no internet, no social media - just a week helping others.
We all get so wrapped up in our phones and internet we truly forget what it means to be communicate on a more personal level. That was the experience we had last week and it was nice to see kids playing without some sort of technology in their hands. They had to be creative since we did not take any games with us. They had to find a way to communicate with the other kids that did not speak English well.
As an adult I was relieved to be away from my phone and the internet. It was a week without having to hear a phone ring or sound alerting me I had new email. I dreaded turning the phone back on when we landed in Miami. In the end, I did cut my phone on only to learn I missed nothing special living a week without any sort of technology. This past week was one I will not forget. I can honestly say that not having full access to technology made my life less stressful.
We all get so wrapped up in our phones and internet we truly forget what it means to be communicate on a more personal level. That was the experience we had last week and it was nice to see kids playing without some sort of technology in their hands. They had to be creative since we did not take any games with us. They had to find a way to communicate with the other kids that did not speak English well.
As an adult I was relieved to be away from my phone and the internet. It was a week without having to hear a phone ring or sound alerting me I had new email. I dreaded turning the phone back on when we landed in Miami. In the end, I did cut my phone on only to learn I missed nothing special living a week without any sort of technology. This past week was one I will not forget. I can honestly say that not having full access to technology made my life less stressful.
Monday, July 7, 2014
WELCOME!
Welcome to my blog.
This is my first attempt at ever creating a blog and I am excited and yet very nervous. I want to use more technology in my classroom and this is a great way to learn something that will help my students and their parents during the school year. I am trying to make my classroom more parent friendly for working parents that cannot come to school events by posting pictures and updates on things occurring in the class or at school. I think a blog may be the perfect way to start this school year for my 25 new students and their parents.
About me:
My name is Danielle Ball. This is my 5th college degree and probably my last. My family says I am addicted to college. I tell them I am addicted to learning new things. My other degrees all vary from chemistry to an MBA to my Ed.S. There is no pattern to my learning but I have enjoyed each degree I've earned.
My husband and I have 2 children. My daughter is 13 and cheers on her high school cheer team and on a competition cheer team. I spend many hours at cheer practice or cheer events with her. My son is all into anything involving the outdoors. If it is in season - he is hunting that animal. If nothing is on season, he is outside practicing target practice to improve his aim or technique.
I am excited to learn more about using a blog. This blog will be a work in progress but how can one learn without trying new things and making improvements as we learn?
This is my first attempt at ever creating a blog and I am excited and yet very nervous. I want to use more technology in my classroom and this is a great way to learn something that will help my students and their parents during the school year. I am trying to make my classroom more parent friendly for working parents that cannot come to school events by posting pictures and updates on things occurring in the class or at school. I think a blog may be the perfect way to start this school year for my 25 new students and their parents.
About me:
My name is Danielle Ball. This is my 5th college degree and probably my last. My family says I am addicted to college. I tell them I am addicted to learning new things. My other degrees all vary from chemistry to an MBA to my Ed.S. There is no pattern to my learning but I have enjoyed each degree I've earned.
My husband and I have 2 children. My daughter is 13 and cheers on her high school cheer team and on a competition cheer team. I spend many hours at cheer practice or cheer events with her. My son is all into anything involving the outdoors. If it is in season - he is hunting that animal. If nothing is on season, he is outside practicing target practice to improve his aim or technique.
I am excited to learn more about using a blog. This blog will be a work in progress but how can one learn without trying new things and making improvements as we learn?
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