Blogging

Well, blogging has been an experience for me. It took me a moment to get the concept of blogging. I do see how it would be beneficial. It's a place to log you thoughts and gain feedback from others. It has been a little challenging keeping up with the blogging. I got off track when the first blog sight did not work, and have found it time consuming trying to catch up. I do feel confident about using blogging in the new school year. I volunteered to create a blog sight for Peer Mediators for PG County. The coordinator was interested in finding a way to communicate other than email to our team. We get so many emails per day, that many times emails were lost. We are looking for one central location to share and receive information. I am looking forward to setting up the Peer Mediation Blog site as well as possibly helping to create a Blackboard site.

Blogging

I think that we were at a disadvantage with the construction of this blog. This is actually the second site that we used for blogging. I don't know about everyone else but I have atleast three entries on the original site. I know that it might not seem like a lot, but as a current classroom teacher I have very little time to do assignments repeatedly.

Conducting a Voicethread/Podcast Workshop

Today I conducted a staff development workshop for Voicethread. It was actually fun. The teachers that attended the workshop were definetly excited to be there. I presented examples of student work, and I discussed my instructional method with my coworkers.

During the presentation, the teachers were able to make their own voicethread. We had a couple of problems with the microphones, but oveall the workshop was a positive experience

Voicethread Workshop

Tomorrow I will be introducing Voicethread and podcasting to some of the members of our staff. I am excited to spread useful information to the staff. Staff development is always interesting. Some teachers will be excited, and others could careless. This is something that will add another dimension to the classroom setting. I know that the purpose of the STEP program is too share information with staff members, and I have chosen to be proactive in this process by sharing information with the members of the science department and anyone else. So wish me luck!

Gallery Walk Anxiety

I have to admit that I am nervous about the gallery walk. I am not sure what to expect and how prepared I will be. I am putting the finishing touches on my work now. I still feel that what I am working on still can use some more expert help or more time. I am wondering if I will be able to make changes after June 2nd. I hope so. I want to put my best foot forward. Besides all of that I am excited about seeing how other teachers used the same applications in their classrooms.

Voicethread is Awesome

I would like for everyone to know that voicethread is a fantastic concept. Let me begin by stating that voicethread is a form of podcasting, but it is more than that. It is an instructional tool. When I use voicethread in my Environmental Science Class, I was able to instantly view student progress on each part of the assignment. I decided to use one username and password. I know that in the future this may cause problems, but for now its working. By using one account, I am able to view each group assignments instantly. Voicethread also allows each person to comment. So if a group is not keeping up, I can make a quick comment and move on.

Getting Away from Traditional Testing

Testing online has been my life for the past two weeks. There were some positives and negatives to this. On the plus side, testing online is more efficient, uses less paper and tools to give students, and is an easier process than the traditional paper and pencil tests. The online tests went by quicker than some of the paper and pencil tests and uses a venue that students are highly familiar with. The negatives were that I missed teaching my morning classes for two weeks, some computers did not have the links properly installed or loaded, and some computers had glitches that had not been taken care of before testing.

It would be great if all state and county high stakes testing could be completed online. I do feel that the option for pencil and paper should still be in place for the few students who actually do better with that option. The other issues would be extending the testing window (or starting earlier) in order to accommodate all students, making sure that every single computer is working properly to eliminate additional time used to troubleshoot during testing, and making sure that every school has the necessary numbers of computers to accommodate all the students for testing. Will the county move in this direction? Probably, but not anytime soon. With the budget cuts and restraints I know this is probably nonexistent on the list of needs and priorities. However, it needs to be addressed soon. As I see it, technology is moving forward, not backwards. So, it is imperative that our county administration keeps up.

I had the experience of being the test administrator for tests involving special needs students, general education students, and AP students. Behaviors varied, as expected, but I can say that the testing process was more efficient and used less time to pass out multiple tools students would need for testing. The Algebra test had the calculator online and their formulas sheet online as well. With time, I feel that this is the new direction for education. Yet, balance is always key. No matter how much technology advances, there is nothing that can replace that human interaction and need for human contact which makes teaching so magical.

Podcasting Quiz

I created a quiz using podcasting. As I was in the podcasting training, I pondered on ways to using the Voicethread to enhance mathematics. I thought about using them to create BCR’s and ECR’s where students could respond on the Voicethread. I thought about using them to create quizzes. I also thought warm-ups could be created, or it could be one of the rotations in the classroom if the teacher used centers. I created an HSA Algebra review quiz because my partner teaches two classes using HSA materials. My goal is to have students complete the Voicethread a few students at a time. This quiz could take the place of a paper/pencil quiz.

Digital Camera too

The second digital camera project I want to introduce one of my strongest lessons about self-portraiture. In the digital story I will clearly identifies the objective and explain the background and knowledge needed for students to understand the basics of self-portraiture. I will also include pictures of famous self-portraits and conclude the lesson by showing finished student self-portraits, before and after images.

Technological Implications

Today, I took my students through an advanced search lesson using google.com. It was part one of a two part lesson in which students will create annotated bibliographies tomorrow in class. I have a class of LD students who range anywhere from a 4th to 6th grade reading and writing level. Keep in mind I am teaching 10th grade students. What I have found is that not all of my students have access to computers at home, and many do not see the importance of learning appropriate research skills. I believe in the use of technology because I see the transformation in our world with its uses, its connectivity around the globe, the advancement and variety in career choices, and the need for it in our daily lives. This lesson showed students how to specifically narrow down ideas and searches in order to lesson the number of hits on a page and to find specific information for research purposes. The lesson also required students to assert reasons as to why certain searches based on keywords receive higher or lower numbers of hits. It was difficult for most of my students to follow the directions at first. One, they may have never had to conduct such a type of search; two, they may have limited exposure and knowledge as to what research is and its uses. What I should have done is to survey students on their level of skills and what they are familiar with technologically. This would have given me a better perspective as to where to start.

I know that the HSA will cover research and locating appropriate sources, and that is one reason why I decided to conduct this lesson; However, what has discouraged me the most is that in this day and age of technological advancement, some students are being left behind the technologically. Unfortunately, many of those students are those who are in special education. I find it vital to teach and use the skills necessary for employment in today's society. I still get parent emails full of grammatical mistakes, students who have electronic devices that are not used to their full capacity to encourage learning daily, and a huge gap between those who are well informed and knowledgeable of technological applications and those who are not. This applies to my students as well as the parents of those students. Using technology and teaching its uses and applications are an imperative.

I have made the decision to make technology a huge part of my teaching for next year. I am armed with information and training that I will use to create a 21st century classroom.

Technology Blues

Currently, I am working through my technology blues with trying to get my whiteboard in my classroom up and running. I have put I the request to order the part needed to connect my whiteboard to my Mac Book Pro. Unfortunately, because of other pressing deadlines my request has been put on hold. So, I began to concentrate on other areas of technology in my classroom that need my attention.

Recently, I received an upgrade on the software used in my iMac Lab, with the upgrade I did not receive the monitoring tool needed to monitor my students work from my workstation. At the MICCA conference I found a vender who was promoting a classroom-monitoring program called InVision and she gave me a free 30-day trail. I have not tested the program out yet however, I have been researching the program to see how I could use it with my classes. The next step is to take it to my Art Supervisor and see what she thinks. So far the program look promising.  

MICCA and me

Since the MICCA conference I have found a renewed hope for using different forms of technology in my class. Since I teach computer graphics I am always surrounded by technology. I constantly, try to learn new graphic software or develop new design stills to teach my students. One day (hopefully soon) I will start designing for my self and create enough work to have my own art show. However, because I am always searching for better projects or skills to teach my student I am able to give them an advantage, especially for those students who take graphic design classes in college.

The only aspect of the MICCA conference that bothered me was that there were not enough computer graphics/Apple/Macintosh workshops. If there were more workshops like these, maybe then I will not have to work as hard in trying to connect what they are presenting to what I teach in my classroom.

MICCA Conference Review

I had an awesome time at the MICCA Conference. It was great to network with other educators and learn new ideas for the classroom. I enjoyed the Web 2.0 presentation, which was actually presented by a PG County educator. This presentation highlighted many websites that could enhance learning in the classroom. I especially liked animoto.com and xtranormal.com. These sites actually allows users to created animated movies. I also enjoyed seeing the comparison between Moodle, Blackboard and SharePoint. The vendors had many great tools for learning. I enjoyed the science board diplays which highlight student work, especially the one that featured VoiceThread.

MICCA 2009

I am so glad to have had the opportunity to go to MICCA. It gave me so many technological tools and websites to use in order to enhance my teaching within the classroom. I had no idea that so much was available and free at the same time. I am going to definitely use what I learned and employ it in my classroom for next year. One thing that I want is to make my classroom one that uses technology on a daily basis and teach students how to apply the same applications and tools in the real world.

This has really inspired me on so many levels. In the past, I have been one to shrink away from technology because of the time I assumed it would take to learn and apply for a daily lesson. The more I use the applications and tools that I have at my disposal, the more inclined I will be to use what I have learned with confidence and dexterity. I also shrank away from using technology because I felt that I didn't have the skills necessary to apply technology within the classroom, not having much of a computer background or interest. Now, I have an interest in really maximizing this on so many levels. At the MICCA conference I received information about becoming certified in integrating technology within the classroom. Whereas, at one time I would have totally dismissed this as being possible for me, I know am confident I can effectively integrate technology within the classroom and teach what I have learned to others. STEP has definitely boosted my confidence and given me the tools I need in order to apply this and begin my journey in effectively being a teacher trainer on some level.

MICCA Conferene

My STEP experience has been enjoyable. I have learned a great deal of information. After the MICCA conference I have found renewed hope that I can get all of the technology elements in my classroom working. Currently, I am trying to gather all of the supplies needed to operate the Smartboard in my classroom. I feel it will be a great tool to use for teaching Computer Graphics.

Podcast

Voicethread is a wonderful concept. Most of my students enjoyed creating the podcast, and I think that this will become apart of my classroom requirements. I have also had the oppurtunity to provide a Voicethread/Podcasting workshop to members of my staff, and all of the teachers were excited about using Voicethread in the classroom.

Blogging is a nice concept

I know that I could never be a professional blogger. It's really simple. I don't have enough to say. Ofcourse, I dream of completing a novel one day or maybe a travel guide, cookbook, or a self-help book for teachers that are over worked. However, a blog requires discipline. I would really need to dedicate time to sitting still and writing down my thoughts, but I just have too much going on to devote the time to this task. Even as I sit her typing this blog, I'm thinking about my lesson for tomorrow. What will I wear? And do I have enough change to buy coffee.

So could I be a professional blogger? I don't think so.

Photostory

The photostory was an interesting activity. I don't think that it was practical, however, because of the limited number of computers with the software installed. For instructional purposes, we need more computers with the software. I found it difficult to create an assignment for an entire class while using only one computer.

Podcasting Removes Excuses

The podcasting session was informative. What I was able to learn is that whatever I want to share, I have a forum with which I can spread the news. What I realize is that I never really understood how podcasting was done, and now I do. I would like a way to be able to record lessons or information for students to download onto their IPODs. I see all of my students with IPODs, so I know that they listen to them frequently, and I can take away any excuses for them not having access to information that is necessary for their learning. I also would love to have a weekly podcast where I can also provide information to parents as well. Podcasting seems so natural and such a wonderful extension to what I do in the classroom.

I realize that with technology comes training and learning how to use the tools and applications, but it also takes away the lack of availability of resources. With technology comes access to resources. It definitely takes away any excuses as to why information has not been or cannot be accessed. This is a wonderful result of technology. I love the fact that what my students and their parents use on a daily basis can be used to provide all the information that parents and students need at the touch of a button. One thing is for sure, most of my students have access to computers at home. Even if they don’t, they have access at school during the day. This really hones in on the fact that there are very limited places in the world today that don’t provide access to a computer for its multiple uses.

I am going to use voice thread for podcasting, but I wonder is there any other type of podcatcher that I can use, or what else is out there for me to use so that I have the ability to record consistently and post the information or download it for student and parent use?

Teaching with Voicethreads

The Podcasting session was awesome. I learned many ways to use Voicethreads in the classroom as a teaching tool. My focus has been on mathematics, and I saw plenty examples that I can incorporate when completing my podcast. Several ideas came to mind for me. I could create mini-quizzes for the students, bcr’s and ecr’s could be completed using voicethread, or I could use it as a reflection piece for students to respond to specific mathematics lessons. I am looking forward to creating a Voicethread for the students.

Reflection on the Podcasting

The podcasting assignment was most likely my favorite project out of all. This project allowed me to accomplish something I have been trying to do with my students for some years. Which is the ability to look at artwork in an aesthetic way, talk about each other’s artwork in a matter that is constructive and help them to understand what aspects of their designs they need to improve upon in order to produce wonderful art.

Math PhotoStory

I have been working with a math teacher here at Wise High School. My goal this year was to work with a colleague on integrating technology in the classroom. Mr. Thompson has been very pleased with the use of the Elmo in his classroom. He uses the Elmo to give instruction, display and discuss student work and as a visual means for teaching the use of manipulatives to his students. I have observed Mr. Thompson using the Elmo on a regular basis. Students are engaged in learning and enjoy being on camera as the do presentations in the classroom. I believe it is important for the STEP team to share what we have learned and reach out to other staff members who may need training for integrating technology into their daily lessons.

Can I Really Become a Professional Blogger?

I recently received my copy of Fortune magazine and read an article about a lady who left her job and is making $10, 000 a month from blogging. She started her business out of curiosity of how to do use computer applications and to become more familiar with up-to-date technology. She turned this into a business. I forgot the name of her site, but the article continued, and although what she had done is somewhat of an anomaly, she is not alone and it is possible. I found out that through a blogging site, many people can monthly take in a couple of hundred dollars to a couple thousand based on the numbers of ads or hits that are made. I am not completely clear as to how this all works specifically. The article only gives an overview of how this works.

Now, she found her niche, how can I find mine? I love writing and my goal is to finish my first children’s book by the end of the year, but how can I get into blogging as being a part of my job or for supplemental income. What is out there that I can talk about, that people want to hear, where they will respond, and I can give information that is useful. What is out there that has yet to be talked about or at least been talked about in a way that I can get their attention? This will require some thought and planning. The other thing is that what most people blog about is directly related to a personal interest or part of their lives that they don’t have to go to school for, study for, or even have to get additional training. Now, I need to know how this works from A to Z. Maybe I can find some way of obtaining this information (a blog perhaps) to make this idea a reality.

Hardware Issues????????

I have a lot of ideas for possible uses of technology in the classroom, however, I have encountered a number of hardware issues this year. I have 5 computers in my classroom that have been offline for two years. Yes, two years.I have requested assistance multiple times this year, and I have been ignored by the tech coordinator in my building. It's really frustrating to work with someone with this type of attitude, but I refuse to become discouraged. Its just sad.

Podcast

At the work session the month we learned about podcast and voice threads.  I think there is a lot that I could do with this form of technology integration. I could create a gallery of art works or review a lesson so that students could go online form home or even from school to get information that they might have missed. The project I will present in the STEP program is a gallery of artwork created by seniors in my class. All the student’s work in the gallery would have to be done by advance level students who have explored varies techniques in designs. The overall goal of the podcast is for other students to comment and develop critiquing skills needed to help develop their knowledge and understand of their work as well as others.

Achieving Balance with Technology in the Classroom

I am concerned because my digital camera is showing that my battery is low. I really do not think that the battery should be replaced so soon. I turn the camera off when I am not using it. Maybe the batteries that I have need an upgrade.

I am finding that using technology in the classroom, not only requires critical thinking on my part, but it requires me to transfer these same skills to my students. When using technology, I cannot just use an application and think that it is going to work or even be effective the first time that I use it with my students. I have to plan ahead, which I am used to; however, I have to be even more proactive when working with special needs students. I realize that have to break all necessary indicators and skills down to their barest parts in order to teach special needs students the same skills that most general education students will grasp more quickly. This is the work within special education.

What I find to be evident is that my special needs students grasp the uses of technology with so much ease. They are excited about using the computer or anything that requires the use of kinesthetic and tactile skills. They struggle with reading text and having to generalize these skills. With my new found training on technological applications through STEP, I really am hoping to find a variety of ways to assess, teach and apply the same skills I have been teaching over the years, using technology and engagement. I still feel that there are just some days and concepts that will require direct instruction, so I need to apply a balance. I really need for them to understand that technology has its places and uses and that everyday in class, will not be all the bells and whistles. This is my struggle. Unless my students are listening to an IPOD, or texting, everything else seems to be boring and they easily tune out. This is a struggle. Balance, balance, balance.

WikiSpaces

WikiSpaces is a unique way to house assignments. As a teacher you could display student projects with specific instructions and examples to follow. Each student could also have their own Wiki Page of which the teacher can access it. This would be a place for students to upload and reflect upon all projects and activities for a specific class. Wikispaces eliminates many paper and pencil activities. Students would need to have access to the internet outside of school, however, in order to keep up with assignments. I found it very easy to follow the steps for created a Wiki Page. You only need a working knowledge of basic computer skills to be successful.

Digital Camera Reflection

I found the digital camera project to be overall enjoyable. The major challenges was deciding what the digital stories should be about and getting the narration recorded smoothly. There are two different version of each digital story. The first versions are four and five minutes long because of the detail and content that went into each project. Therefore, editing down the project posed a challenged as well. This is definitely a tool that would be useful in the art classroom. I hope everyone enjoys it even though it is not as polished as I would have liked the assignments to be. I guess there is room for improvements. 

Smile for the camera!

The digital camera session was good. I am having a brain freeze on how to use it in the mathematics classroom. I have used PhotoStory before, and loved it, but can’t seem to wrap my mind around using it in the mathematics classroom. Maybe I will focus on geometry and create a story about “mathematics around the world” or something. This project will be challenging for me, but I will conquer it, no doubt.

PhotoStory Lesson

I figured out that I am going to have my students create a story using the following elements of literature: mood, tone, setting and characterization. Now, when am I going to be able to effectively complete this? My first issue is that I have to give direct instruction on these elements and how they are used in a story. I know the kids know these elements superficially, but now, how will I be able to have them use their background knowledge to identify these things and to be able to creative use them in a story. My other hurdle is how to have them correctly differentiate between tone and mood. This is a challenge because most of my students are struggling with analyzing implied information from text. This is not going to be an easy project. I am going to have to dedicate at least one week to identifying these elements, reading and analyzing these elements within an actual story. Then I need to use another week to actually analyze non-print text using these elements because students will need to use the cameras in order to take photos that display these elements and create a story that will specifically show these elements as well. So, now I am at a definite two weeks, and I need to use one week to actually have students complete their own story, maybe a week an a half. I am thinking that they will have to use a story board, edit their work, take pictures, and then create their product in photostory. This may end up being a four week project, because the students need a lot of review, reinforcement, practice, and guidance.

I can make this into a whole class project, assign jobs, and use this as a tool to also teach social skills. I am finding that it takes more time to cover the same material with special education students than with my general education students. I also have an observation during the course of this project. I guess I will be planning over the weekendL

I guess its time to give up on the 35mm

I am ashamed to admit that I do not own a digital camera. Why? I have no idea. I never really saw a need for it until now. The meeting that Larry conducted was very informative for me. I'm sure that most of the team did not need this information, but I needed basics. How to install batteries? How to aim and take a picture? How to upload the image onto the desktop? I mean it all seems simple now, but before the meeting I really did not have these skilss. Since that time, I have had the oppurtunity to become familiar witht he camera and the software, and I must say it adds a new dimension to the classroom setting. I am a biology teacher, and I really like to use the camera for cause/effect. It is also helpful for laboratory activities

Digital Camera

During this month’s work session we were introduced to the Digital Camera and Digital Stories. At first I was unsure of what I could do with my digital camera outside of what I already do within my computer graphic classes. After two weeks of trying to figure out the best way to create a story about computer graphics, I decided to present two students different ideas on specific lessons. In this presentation the students will explain the requirements of the lessons and their different approaches and outcomes to the projects. The presentation would be narrated by both students in a way that told a story of their artwork. 

Sharing with Colleagues

I have been working with a math teacher here at Wise High School. My goal this year was to work with a colleague on integrating technology in the classroom. Mr. Thompson has been very pleased with the use of the Elmo in his classroom. He uses the Elmo to give instruction, display and discuss student work and as a visual means for teaching the use of manipulatives to his students. I have observed Mr. Thompson using the Elmo on a regular basis. Students are engaged in learning and enjoy being on camera as the do presentations in the classroom. I believe it is important for the STEP team to share what we have learned and reach out to other staff members who may need training for integrating technology into their daily lessons.

Document Camera

I have used the document camera for a month now, and I can't remember my teaching life without it. It has added a new element to the classroom. I am still in the process of learning the details of the software, but so far I'm enjoying spontaneously capturing my students as they conduct research. I enjoy displaying documents, and highlighting important elements on the documents

Digital Camera

I finally received my digital camera!! This training was useful and gave me all the tools and information that I needed in order to use my camera effectively. I also learned how to crop and edit my photos for whatever use I may have. I am so excited. Receiving the digital camera now makes my artifact easier to do. I was using the document camera to show use of it in the classroom, but I didn’t have a camera to do so. I used the document camera to take pictures of the information to be displayed and a student at the board, but it did not truly verify my use of the document camera. Maybe next year, the team will distribute the digital camera first and then the document camera to make it easier to complete the artifact.

I did like how easy and more efficient photostory is to use. It is ideal for use in the classroom and for my students to use. I actually tried using movie maker and found it to be tedious. It took a longer time to create a movie, and it was not as easy as photostory, when having to add music. I was able to quickly devise a story with narration. Now, all I need is a pair of headphones with a mic to replicate the same thing we completed in training. Even though I don’t have the headset, I will still be able to have my students create a story. Now, what will that story be about??

Completing the ELMO project

I experienced some difficulty in completing this project because I could not decide what to do for my assignment. I had a lot of ideas and had tried many things with lessons using the ELMO but could not decide which one I liked best. I decided that since my advance students were review Photoshop skills I would use this as the basis of my project. I discovered a website titled “Worth1000” that holds different contest using the Adobe Photoshop application. I used one of their contest ideas to create a project for my students where they will compare and contrast the different outcomes of their projects. This was successful because I was able to demonstrate to my student the importance of making images clear and thinking outside of the box when designing problems happen.

Elmo in the Classroom

I love my Elmo!!! It is so easy to use and now a daily part of my lessons. What I am learning is that I have had apprehensions and fears related to the use of technology. It seems that in the past, my belief was that it would take so much for me learn a new type of software, application, or tool and then try to apply it on a mostly daily basis. The truth is that it may take time to learn the information, but in the long run it makes teaching far more efficient.

While I had some apprehensions about how to arrange the Elmo in the room and seeing how I could shift the classroom to make Elmo more accessible to my desk and computer, I made some decisions. The other teacher in my room had no problems with us locking the visualizer away and replacing it with the Elmo. It has been an easier transition than I thought. Now, I was not able to move my desk and computer closer to Elmo, I just have to use my co-teacher’s cords and move my computer closer to Elmo. It is a small adjustment, but one that is fine with me. I wish I had this last year; then again, I have to wonder would I have used it with the same frequency with which I am using it now? I am using Elmo daily and it seems to be an easier technological tool to use than the visualizer.

2 wikispaces

I actually have two wikispaces. I don't think that this is the best way to use the site, but I need to separate information for instruction and the STEP program. My classroom wiki, includes useful powerpoints, diagrams, notes, poems, and student comments. The hardest thing about the wikispace is adding frequent updates. As a Biology HSA teacher, there really is no room to add to the curriculum and updating the website does require a commitment. In the future, I would like to give my students more control over the website. I know that this will introduce other issues, but I would like to have student moderators.

Finding Elmo

I was very excited to use the ELMO document camera with the microscope. I was able to connect the microscope to the ELMO document camera and display the image in front of the class. This made the activity much more meaningful because I could project an image identical to the image that was viewed by the students. Students are often confused about the image that should be seen when using the microcope. Later, I was able to label and rotate the image, and I eventually included the image in an assessment that I designed for the class.

Using the ELMO

During out work session today we learned about and received Document Camera to use for instruction. The ELMO works similar to the Visualizer, however; it is ten times better.  After familiarizing myself with the machine I began to think of the different ways I could use it in my classroom. I wanted to use it for more than displaying different artwork or demonstrating instruction.  So I showed the ELMO to my students in an art criticism lesson and asked them to help me come up with different uses of the ELMO. My students were very insightful and came up with some great ideas. The one I liked the best was the compare and contrast of specific assignments, which I used in my ELMO project.

Goodbye Visualizers, Hello Elmo!

Throw away those overheads, toss out those visualizers! Make room for the document camera. The document camera is awesome. It’s like an “all in one” gadget! I learned how to us the document camera to display images and documents. I learned how to freeze frame documents so that you can edit using tools such as highlighting, underlining, circling, etc. Did you know that you could also have students do presentations and project them to the screen. There are so many things you can do with the “Elmo”(document camera). I can’t wait to use it in the classroom.

ELMO

I received my ELMO and learned how to effectively set it up and its uses within my classroom. It all is a bit overwhelming and I want to be able to use it right away. However, I have another teacher in my classroom and I don’t know how easy it will be use switch using the visualizer for the Elmo. Because I share my classroom, I am unable to place the Elmo in close proximity to my desk and my computer. The outlets for the computer and Elmo are on the other side of the classroom. This could be a problem as far as an easy transition as to its use within the classroom.

What I love about the Elmo is the ease and simplicity with which I am able to do the same, and more, as the visualizer- without the heavy weight and bulk. It is easier, lighter and does much more than my visualizer. I am able to take pictures and move easily between my computer and camera without many steps. I am also surprised as to the implications that it has for my classroom. I have to admit, I can see myself using this so much more than I use my visualizer. My, I have moved from an overhead projector, to a LCD projector, to a visualizer, to a document camera all within the span of seven years!!! Technology is not slowing down, and I am slowly realizing that I have to catch up to it- it is not going to wait for me to get over my apprehensions or anxieties related to technology.