Week 9

Overwhelming. That would be my one word to describe technology. Before this class started, I had no idea what a blog was, what a Voki was, or how to post a video. Even though it has taken me several attempts to successfully complete these tasks, it has without doubt, made me realize the world is moving on without me. I did not realize just how far behind I am. I would still prefer to use paper and pens, but that is not the direction of the future.


I think my favorite activities were during Week 7. I loved the Wordle website, the KidPix on atomic learning, and the Kid Zone website. I hated taking the tests on Week 8. I did not know what many of the questions were referring to.

I am going to try and incorporate the digital part (Photo Story) of technology into my class. My plan is to photograph as many students as possible during a unit and then put together a slide show using graphics and music. I think the students would enjoy seeing and laughing at themselves.

Even though some of the tasks have been time consuming and difficult for me to complete, I have enjoyed working on this project. Many times when I attend workshops in a classroom setting with "experienced" technologist, I feel intimidated and lost. I hate to ask questions for fear of reviling my lack of computer skills. The course instructors usually assume you can move along rather quickly and keep up with their instructions. For those of us who are visual learners, these lessons are perfect.

I have been reading some of the other blogs and actually became followers to a few. I have enjoyed reading the pros and cons to these lessons from other bloggers points of views.

Applaud to Michelle who has taken some of us by the hand and walked us through the difficult lessons. Without her help, I would still be trying to figure out how to post a video and create a Voki.

Thank you Michelle!!!

Happy blogging...

Week 8

Well, sigh, I took the pre-test....not so good. Thank goodness it doesn't count against me. Once again, I realize how "out of touch" I am with technology. I had my 10 year old sitting next to me pointing out my wrong answers. At the end of the test her response was "you should have listen to me mom."

That being mentioned, I have learned quite a bit from this technology course. The website atomic learning has many great suggestions on how to incorporate technology into the classroom as well as help the teacher.

While in PE, it will be impossible to engage students in technology programs, but I do feel like we could re-enforce some of the subjects being discussed in the classroom.

As a teacher, the programs discussed on atomic learning will be a great resource when helping me "try" to introduce technology into my PE class. I feel the most valuable programs for me, is the professional growth section and the digital age section.

Week 7

I think this is my Wordle. That is a really neat website.



I could see the students really enjoying this website. The could help build up a students vocabulary. It could also help make great posters.

I thought the TerraClues website would be a little difficult for some students to be able to maneuver. Following written directions is hard for many students, so maybe paring students up for this website work work well.

The Kid Pix Delux was a neat website. I thought the younger grades would enjoy "playing" on this site. It could help re-enforce color and shape lessons.

Unfortunately because of the number of students we see every 30 minutes, we do not have the time or computers to be able to expose our students to these sites.
They are however a great resource for me to take home to my own kids and also to share with friends who teach at other districts.

Week 6

I searched through the different web sites mentioned in Week 6. My two favorites were Scrible Maps and Kid Zones. I love geography and miscellaneous trivia. I could use the Scrible Maps web site to help students learn distance, especially when we start our Running Club. We could also estimate how long it would take to run across Texas/America if the students combined their miles. In the past, we have kept maps of Texas and marked their progress each week, but with this website, the students could mark themselves.

The Kid Zone website is my favorite. I think students are bombarded everyday with such technical information needed to build higher learning on, that sometimes they need "non-important" trivia. I'm sure all the classroom teachers out there will disagree, and I don't mean to insult their curriculum, but students get bored with the everyday fundamental information. I love asking the students non-important trivia. If they get the answer great, if they don't, good try. Not everything is passing or failing. I think I could use this website everyday to pull information from.

My intent was not to upset anyone with my opinion.....

Week 5

When the lesson started,I wasn't even sure what a wiki was, but after watching the lessons on Atomic Learning, I am beginning to realize just how "out of the technology loop" I am.
I can understand the importance of both the blog and wiki. I think depending on the circumstance,depends on which I prefer.
I like the idea of the blog when it comes to delivering information, and I'm good with the feedback/comments from others, but I'm not sure I would want parents and students "revising" my information. However, I like the wiki when it comes to sharing information with Susan or other PE teachers and assistants because I feel the "intent" would be purposeful. Does that make any sense? Example: Susan may be able to help revise game rules/equipment from past experiences not just because she wants her child to win. If more PE teachers shared wikis, then the gateway to new games open.
In summary,I like the blog to inform parents and students BUT I like the wiki to share ideas with other PE teachers.

Week 4

This is really difficult when you are at home trying to navigate through all the tabs, its much easier when Michelle is a few feet away.
Teacher tube is great. I love all the videos geared towards students and the classroom, it's nice to having to worry about what is going to pop up in front of you.
Here is a jump roping video I found on teacher tube:
http://media.teachertube.com/flvideo2/95055.flv



Michelle...i made my video in storybook, but posting to a blog was not one of my options, did I miss that information somewhere?

Week 3

igoogle is full of all types of interesting and miscellanous information. I like the fact that you can delete and add categories for various reasons. I also like how you can personalize the page.
The page gives you an opportunity to list several different topics and ideas on one page.

I'm getting better....

Week 2

Hooray!!! I did it with much help from Michelle. It will probably take me several "practice" times to get the hang of this.

Parents and students will be able to access this blog and have an idea what is taking place during PE. With time, I'm hopeful I can use this tool on a regular basis.

Week 1

Not being one to adjust to modern technology, I was a little hesitant to start is my first blog. Web 2.0 explained the importance of using technology in the classroom and how important it is for teachers to adjust to new ideas. Students are so far advanced compared to teachers, so we as teachers need to expand our horizons when it comes to technology. The video "A Vision of K-12 Students" was quite interesting and really made me stop and think about my "resistance" to technology.
Thanks Michelle for all your help!!!