Thing 22, Share Something New

I was introduced to the Animoto app available on our Ipads. Before our winter break, my World History students selected copy free images from the internet pertaining to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Additionally, they selected an audio clip to accompany the pictures. Using the Animoto app, each student created a slideshow including their pictures and music and presented it to the class. The app is very easy to manipulate and the students enjoyed the lesson. I was able to use this new technology in my teacher evaluation. The technology designed for our Ipads have become very valuable in our classroom and I appreciate having Mrs. Willingham as a source of information so close at hand. Written by co-teacher Cindy Boyce

Thing 15, Collaborate in an Image

Thing 23, Reflect, Finally!

23 Things has given many opportunities for enhancing instruction, providing exposure to new things and a chance to share new technology with others. I share what I have learned with my teacher resource site, symbaloo, word-of-mouth, as well as working one-on-one with teachers and co-teachers. I am always excited to share new ideas, technology, and resources with others!

I have a better understanding of NETS-T (National Educational technical Standards and Performance Indicators for Teachers) through this SETIS experience. NETS-T promotes learning, leading, and serving as a collaborator and facilitator. Our students are accustomed to technology, being digital natives.  We, as teachers, need to implement technology in meaningful ways in our lessons.  Older teachers, especially, I have noticed are more apprehensive about using technology.  Our student’s knowledge and use of technology exceeds ours, so we must be more open and willing to learn and incorporate technology in our units and lessons gradually.  Currently, our students can’t use their phones, tablets, etc. in classrooms, however, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), seems reasonable and makes financial sense. 

One area that I am concentrating on is digital citizenship.  I have noticed that students copy and paste everything; pictures, text, assignments, whatever.  Students don’t seem to grasp the concept of plagiarism.  It is extremely easy to copy and paste someone else’s work without consequences. Students need to be taught about Creative Commons, plagiarism, and consequences of stealing other’s work.   This habit is one not easily broken. 

In this course, I have been given many opportunities to “explore and play”.  I watch and encourage others to watch You Tube videos for instruction, download an app, Google information needed, attend trainings, watch webinars and ask questions.  I am proud to show teachers and students something new and watch them share with others and enjoy using it.