Final Blog Self - Assessment Posting

What an adventure this year has been! I am thankful it is drawing to a close though- I am currently on page 40 of the comps paper and eye deep in moving into a new house and dealing with all the fun, stressful things that go along with that! Writing to the blog bi-monthly (and often more than that!) was one assignment out of all the ones we were required to complete this year that I genuinely enjoyed. I have probably doubled my knowledge of technology and its uses in the classroom this year from where I was this time last year due to this and other Fellows classes, and having a super-technology-savvy partner teacher right next door pushing me out of my comfort zone!

I'd like to reflect on the Instructional Technology Plan I completed back in August and how that activity's outcomes reflected Grappling's Technology and Use Spectrum portion of the text for this class. In reflection, I did not accomplish all of the things I boldly planned to do back in August - mainly, I did not get around to writing the A+ grant. However, next year, when I have more time, that is something I will do! Because I really want an LCD projector for my classroom! My webquest that I completed for this assignment was on researching different types of World Music - which ended up meshing perfectly with my Action Research on Multiple Intelligences! So I really "killed two birds with one stone" on that one!

The learning which took place in the World Music webquest was active, constructive, and intentional because it required students to complete a real-life adult task in a simplified version with the aid of technology while learning cooperation skills with their partner. (Cooperative Learning in Multiple Intelligences was also part of my Action Research) It mainly satisfied Grappling’s Technology Literacy Uses in that students wererequired to reflect on their experience with the webquest through writing. My students enjoyed completing this inital webquest that we did in class as well as the numerous others I designed throughout the course of the year!

I am looking forward to another great, technology - filled school year! But right now, I am ready for a break!

Status: EMPLOYED

I officially signed my contract to accept employment with Mexico Public Schools on April 1st, 2008 - and no, it was no April Fool's Joke. I had considered a few other districts, but decided to stick with Mexico. How nice it will be next year when I get to teach again the same things I am doing now, and not having to create everything from scratch! My subject level partner came up with a revolutionary idea that he hopes to enact once he becomes department head - that the next time we are able to buy textbooks, we but only one set that stays in the classroom (around 30) and use the extra money to buy laptops for my room! I struggled all this year with stifled ideas because of the lack of technology.....finally, that may be changing in the future!

MAP testing - DEAD AHEAD!

Our building is in a tizzy about the MAP tests coming up next week. I'm so grateful I teach Social Studies and don't have to proctor or worry about the exam. However, I have tried to help out by preparing the students for things they will see next year when the take the MAP for 8th grade Social Studies. Other than all that drama, contracts were offered today and Tonya and I were both relieved to see we were offered one each! I'd still like to get more technology availible for myself and the students, next year I'm going to get busy and write alot of grants to hopefully get some more things for my classroom technology-wise!

Spring Break Work - Fest!

When my students ran screaming out the door today, thrilled because they didn't have to see then inside of the school for another ten days, I was just as giddy as them! Turns out, the weekends really aren't long enough, and Spring Break at Mexico came at just the right time. I am looking forward to cranking out my lit review for the Comps paper, (plus quite a bit more!) and tackling the huge project Karen Weston just gave us. (Thanks a bunch!) But the end is beginning to come in sight!

Virtual Field Trips are the next best thing!

Today, many of our students are going to be gone at various contests. This is teaching me that you still have educational lessons planned for those left behind; plus, since you have reduced class sizes, you can do alot more than you normally would be able to do! I'm taking my remaining students to the computer lab and they're going on various virtual field trips all found on a really great site: http://ldshomeschoolinginca.org/vft.html. It's worth checking out!

My E-Themes Request is Finished!

I was just notified by the E-Themes scouts that my request for info on Africa's National Parks is complete! My students are still wrapping up our unit on South Central Asia (or, the Middle East) but are anxiously awaiting moving on to Africa. And so am I, with such a great activity awaiting us!

Technology Makes Learning Easier for Special Needs Students, too!

At the beginning of the school year, I felt a litle daunted by the prospect of having so many special needs students in my classes on all different levels - modifying and discerning the ins and outs of IEP's is something barely mentioned in undergraduate college - but I was ready for the challenge of getting to know my students and all of their various educational requirements. I have found numerous wonderful web-based games and programs, such as "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego" that have really proved to be benefical and fun for my special learners. Also, I frequently cruise through Google images to help me design flashcards with realistic pictures on them, rather than just an illustration out of a textbook. Lastly, there are just all sorts of great modifications and suggestions on how to vary instruction out there on the web just waiting to be implemented with your special needs learners!