I am SO glad I took the scary leap and signed up for this class. I am so much more confident now. I also realized that the tech guru colleagues around me don't always know everything, either! (Though they know a lot more than I do.) Still, it was comforting to read other peoples' blogs and see what they were trying for the first time, too.
That piece of collaboration across the blogs was very helpful. One person might've tried something that wasn't so great, so then I chose a different path. As a parent of a high schooler, I also really liked reading what secondary teachers are trying, and it helped me understand my daughter's assignments and tech vocabulary better.
The biggest takeaways for me in terms of using these tools at school for communication are: the blog format for updating parents, the screencasting for explaining 24X7 how to do something (to parents, students, subs), how to embed and link, and creating a YouTube channel. The biggest takeaway for using these tools for and with my students would be: digital storytelling and study tools. Just yesterday, our team was talking about the standard for students publishing their work using technology, and we showed them our Zooburst examples from class.
A huge reward was working with colleagues from my school and team, but also in seeing what others were doing in other buildings and at higher grade levels.
One challenge for a few of us was commenting on at least 3 other blogs. We got ahead, so not many others were as far along as we were, thereby making it difficult to comment on other blogs. Or, we just ended up commenting on one another's blogs since we'd worked on it together, but that wasn't as useful as the initial times where we cast the net wider.
My only other comment might be to reverse the order of screencasting and creating a YouTube channel. At least I think that's what I thought at the time!
Overall, everything was put together and explained well. Since technology changes so quickly, I'm wondering if there will be a booster class with new tools in the future? Thank you!
Way to go, Anne, you rocked the class. I love your enthusiasm and love for learning. It is contagious! I like your thought for booster class in future!
ReplyDeleteA booster class - great idea! I would love a follow-up meeting even, in person, where small groups across grade levels and schools can meet and discuss how all these tools are working for them. In fact, I am including this idea in my own reflection! THANKS ANNE!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the booster class idea. Summercamp 2.0.2? Amanda's suggestion of small groups that meet to discuss how the tools worked for them is also a good idea. The most useful staff development I have experienced usually involves sharing with my job-alikes. The same benefits could be achieved by grouping according to the tools or according to the issues that the tools address.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a booster class! I also like Amanda's suggestion of small groups meeting to discuss. Collaborating together was one of the most rewarding pieces to the class.
ReplyDeleteGreat reflection on this course! I am so glad that you had a support system through out this process, and that they will continue to support you though the school year and encourage you to use your new tools. I will have to talk to Jenna and Emily about a booster course!
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