Emerging Technologies

How will I use blogs as a resource with parents?  Will I create a blog and upload documents used in class?  Will I upload rubrics so parents can view them when students are not forthcoming with information?  How would a blog empower me to be a better communicator with parents?  How would a blog empower parents to be more active in their students’ work?  How will I manage the actual postings?  Is there some way I could build time into the schedule and have students take ownership of the task?  Hmm…  I have a lot of questions about using a blog to increase my parent communication.

I will first try to use a blog in my classroom.  I feel using a blog during class will promote student participation and thought.  My students will enjoy having the ability to use as much wait time as they need to gather and organize their thoughts.  Students who usually do not participate an overwhelming amount will be able to express their thoughts without the stress of participating in front of the class.  When we return in the fall I will try to use the technology tools at a higher level. 

-I liked the format of the workshop because Randy explained what we were going to learn, then modeled it, then we participated in the hands on applications.
- I have no recommendations at this time other than that Randy should continue teaching these workshops.
- The content was organized in such a way that you can access it during the workshop and continue to access it through the wiki that was utilized.  I felt that the information was presented at a nice pace where everyone could participate with the help of Randy and others.
- I will not incorporate these new strategies this year because I feel that I need to catch up with the classroom work that was missed.  Next year, I plan on utilizing some of these strategies in our new course and my current courses.  My first step would be to have the students create a story about themselves and share it with the class in whatever medium they choose.
- I would definitely choose to take a workshop like this in the offerings for Summer Academy workshops.

Format:  I thought the workshop format was well designed for learning the new technologies of wikis, blogs, social networking and podcasts.  I liked the structure that was provided, first having “instruction” with examples and then taking the time to explore and practice the technology. The format of the workshop allowed time to share and brainstorm with my colleagues. Breaking the content into three days was an effective way to format the instruction.
Content:  The content was divided into three sessions allowing us to learn the new technologies at an appropriate pace.  It was important for Randy to asking us throughout the workshop to consider how we will use this with our students.  Ideally, I wish I had my own computer to use.  Having to share a computer made it difficult for me to absorb all the content.  The video clips were thought provoking.  The third day really helped me to put this all together.  I finally made connections.  I am anxious to brainstorm with Steph, Frank, Michelle, and Michele on projects that will utilize this technology in my classes. 
Implementation:  I would love to use podcasting with my child development classes.  I can see my “learners” both at the middle school and high school, creating podcasts where they are recording stories/children books for children, integrating music and sounds.  It would be exciting to see sixth graders develop podcasts on the food pyramid, basic cooking skills, or kitchen safety. I hope to take more workshops in the future to further my skills in the use of these new technologies.

Dividing the workshop into three parts worked well. While there was carryover between the sessions, each session was an entity. There was closure for each session. If you were unable to make all three sessions, one still came away with knowledge and practice on specific types of tech. The mix of discussion, previews of what’s out there, how-tos, and hands-on time was ideal and very valuble. I’m not a laser fast learner, but the pace allowed me to learn, practice and revisit later. The success of the workshop was due to the facilitator. Randy is excellent. He provides info, resources, know how, and most importantly the climate to experiment and share.

I think I will pursue a library blog for students. Although it sounds like the same old, same old, the blog will focus on book discussions. Per a chat with Randy, student input will be used to help design it. I will begin this year, so there will be carryover for next year. I will need help designing the blog.

I feel the pace of the workshop was very good. There was plenty of good conversation, content, and hands-on activities. The content was presented in multiple ways. It would have been better if everyone had their own computer, though, I do understand why that wasn’t possible.

The content of the workshop was good. I felt the pace was good, although, for me, it could have been a little faster. I enjoyed the content itself and I will experiment and play with many of the tools we were shown.

My main goal for next year is obviously using this technology in the LifeSmarts curriculum. I will need to learn as much as I can about these technologies and possibly set up directions / instructions for the students. Our first step will most likely be to develop what we want to achieve and then determine the best method to accomplish those goals. We will need support in developing the course.

The workshop was well formatted.  I enjoyed all aspects of the workshop.  Through the conversation piece, many topics, questions, and opinions were presented.  The collaboration of ideas created a clear picture as to what our goal is concerning the role of technology in the classroom.  I enjoyed the fact that a group discussion took place at the onset of the workshop.  The discussion helped clarify my personal views, gain the views of others, and provide meaning for the remaining sequence of the workshop.  A hands-on approach was effective.  Instruction was first provided and then we were permitted to work freely at our own pace and to our own interests, which again enhanced the usefulness of the workshop as everyone will likely use the technology in a unique way that correlates to the subject matter being taught.  Time was appropriately paced, supplied, and used.  I recommend the workshop continues to be run in the future in the same manner.  It will make for interesting discussion between us to hear stories of actual classroom use, which will likely include some stories of success, but also stories of lesson reflection that maybe did not result in the desired outcome, but can be used to help further our ability to incorporate technology into the classroom. 

Overall I would say this is one of the BEST workshops at Salisbury that I’ve attended.  I especially appreciated our “conversation”.  It was never dull or uninteresting.  One comment always generated more discussion.  The variety of knowledge, ideas, and opinions expressed during our conversations made one see a concept from many different points of view.  The climate created by the group allowed for both agreement and disagreement.  I never felt uncomfortable participating both verbally and with technology. I think it was important that the group included a variety of educators (subject and jobs).
My ability to play, to try out, and experiment with technology made me more willing to try to develop activities using some of the various tools, butI would have preferred if I was able to work on my own computer ( sorry Frank).
The pace and information presented was easy to handle since I had already been exposed to all the topic we covered.  I think if it was my first time it could have been information overload. The workshops were carefully structured with enough freedom to make me feel at ease - not restricted.
So much of what we’ve done will be implemented in our LifeSmarts class. When I think about the course next year I have mixed feelings. Initially I am excited about the possibilities technology will allow the learner and facilitator, but I am also fearfull.  Will we be able to do what we want to do?  It kind of seems utopian. The help and support of Randy, Louise, Frank, Beth and Michele are essentail! I hope we are able to accomplish 50% of our ideas.  I know we will become frustrated, but our team is a strong one.
I think it is imperative that I continue to learn more about technology.  I will need to practice, try new things and discuss with others pitfalls and successes.
I would recommend a summer workshop to all faculty.  It has been awesome!!!

I believe that the biggest constraint to utilizing technology would be the cost to initiate these technologies throughout the district.  But if we can afford it, then the sky is the limit in terms of preparing our students to be able to compete in a technologically advanced global society.  I believe the biggest skill that we need to teach students is to how to research or gather information properly in order to promote efficiency.  THey need to be problem solvers and we need to teach them how to solve problems in a methodical fashion.  I will need to get acclimated to being a facilitator rather than a lecturer in my classroom.  The teaching and learning will come from not just from the teacher but from the students as well.  They will be able to teach and learn from each other.  The creative aspect of technology has no ceiling also.  The students can be very creative with their work that will lead to innovation with new projects and other tasks.  There are numerous ways that I use technology now but I will have many more with this class.  We can use these technologies to have the students check notes from home.  I will utilize podcasts in class as well.  Wikis will be prominent as well as other applications that I will learn. 

As we discussed, I think we really need to concentrate on writing and keyboarding skills in order for the students to achieve success with blogging. Not only do the students have to be able to express their thoughts clearly, but they have to be able to express them succinctly. Lengthy posts will probably be ignored by other students. (They are used to “padding” their essays or responses to give the impression that they know more than they really do!)  Also, the process will be tedious if their keyboarding skills are weak. I would hate for them to get frustrated with the process.

Because I only see the students once in a six-day cycle, I hope to be able to use a blog for additional time to address questions, receive feedback, clarify instruction. I’d also like to start a blog right away for the students to offer their opinions on their favorite books, websites, etc.

Dorian