Saturday, February 28, 2015

Are things changing?

Three years ago I created this video about some of the ways my students and I were using technology in our grade one classroom.  

Since then THREE YEARS have passed and I wondering, are things changing in other classrooms? Have they changed enough? Have they changed too much? I'd love to hear your thoughts.


2 comments:

  1. I can't believe how much my classroom has changed! Thanks to your mentoring! Three years ago I had no idea what an iPad was - truly!!!! but now it is an integral part of my practice - I use it as a way for students to "show what they know" which is a common phrase in my room. I also use it for word work, art, writing, math and on and on it goes. I don't use it for drill and practice every day but have on occasion when it has proven to be helpful. I also use it for my English Language learners - both for vocabulary development, reading practice - hearing the English language and as a translator when necessary. I still use many of my previous "best practices" but technology has definitely enhanced my program. As you know I have a class blog that helps my parents stay informed as to what is happening in our class. It is also a way to connect with other classes. In addition to our class blog my students have individual blogs. We "get connected" with other students and teachers throughout our district and the wider world. Thanks, Karen, for being such an inspiration for me and many others!

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    1. Sarah I have truly loved watching you go through your journey these past three years. I do remember when we started on our iPad journey together. I also love that many of your previous "best practices" are still an integral part of your teaching day. There is a VERY IMPORTANT place in our classrooms for non digital "best practices" too. I wonder though how many others have made the changes to their practice now that technology is available to most teachers in our district. How many, while still holding on to non digital "best practices" are afraid to try some new digtal "transformational practices"? That's what worries me most. The students who still struggle with writing, and have not been able to get their stories written with the aid of an iPad. Or those students who have great stories to share but the only person who ever reads them is their classroom teacher. While I know you are on an incredible journey, how do we get others to join us too? In a district our size, while there has been growth, has it been enough growth for the time and money already invested? Could we be doing more to help people get on the train? I've been out in left field for a while now and after three years I thought I'd have a bit more company. Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog Sarah. I appreciate your feedback. :-)

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