Even Technology Needs a Reflection

I wanted to preface this post by saying... I had absolutely no idea what to write! Finding a topic for this week's post took a good portion of the week, and I have erased and restarted my writing countless times and have stared at a white screen for far too long. Just goes to show that the post you think will be the easiest always tends to be the hardest (and the one you're most distracted from)/ Plus, it can quickly turn into something completely different than what you wanted it to be...

Normally, I would use my Learning Journal post to explore into a specific piece from our weekly learning modules, and talk about how it could have an effect on the classroom. This week, however, I decided to take a different approach and reflect on how technology is molding my classroom every day.

Some of the kids working on a class laptop

It would be safe to say that students in today's era are accustomed to learning with technology. In fact, they are the offspring of the technological boom that shook the nation in the past few decades. In my class, I see this on a daily basis... and am just starting to really understand exactly what that means for my kids. As I've said in previous posts, my classroom isn't a stranger to the realm of technology. We use it constantly with laptops and an interactive white board (not to mention the stab at Class Dojo with my phone that I dropped the ball on since I always forget to update points).

But recently, we started to push ourselves even more with what we're doing technologically. Instead of just using the white board as a display board, we play interactive Jepoardy to learn different aspects of science. We use the website Khan Academy to watch lesson videos and practice different math skills. Study Island allows my students to sharpen skills in all subjects, and play games when they get the right answer. A virtual field trip led us to EPCOT so we can learn about where energy comes from with Ellen Degeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy, and then we followed it by going on a first-row-seat ride of a roller coaster to experience potential/kinetic energy. And today, we started with a website called MobyMax to bring extra math practice (geared specifically to that student's level) so we're ready for FCAT.

We even have our own Edmodo group now that is used as a classroom network and a place for extra homework help, as well as study tips.

Sometimes, I actually find myself feeling overwhelmed with the increase of technology we use. But, EME5050 has really had me reach out past just using the curriculum to help my students. Now, they are able to really feel engaged in their learning. They take a sense of ownership, and ask what new things they can do next. Their brains are reaching out for the next challenge, whether it be a review game for the next test or a virtual lab to see how static electricity affects a balloon.

What's next in the education technology department though? All of these resources are being used with students, but how can we make sure it is having the right effect on them that we want? That part, personally, I'm still working on with my class. I want them to get the most out of what I can offer them, but I don't want there to be so many things that they become overwhelmed and it goes over their heads. Especially as we head into FCAT crunch time and these kids need to really buckle down to prepare.

For me, I think it's time I try to calm the technology waters and get them used to certain programs/skills - I don't want to throw anymore in there and make a tech storm that they can't handle.

Any experience in this and how to effectively continue to introduce students to technology without overwhelming them? Or to find the right balance for what works with their learning level?

The BYOD Stalemate

"Technology is the future of education and the school systems." I feel like this is a truth that is constantly thrown into the faces of teachers on more than a daily basis. The push for technology integration is in such high demand that teachers are bending over backwards to make sure that there are multiple types of technologically advanced moments in each part of the lesson plan. Students are interacting with SmartBoards, using laptops to practice math skills starting in Kindergarten, and making their own YouTube videos at the Elementary level. Not a single one of my students in 5th grade is without at least a cell phone in their lives, and most of them have laptops and iPads to go along with it. Not to mention e-readers, iPods, and many other gadgets that they stay glued to throughout the day. And they aren't allowed to use these in the classroom due to, for a lack of better term, quality control.

"iphone" by jgarin on flickr

CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jgarin/8189626137

With all of the available apps and QR codes out there, wouldn't it be spectacular to actually be able to let all students use these resources? Yearly, more school districts are adopting a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy for students, allowing them to bring their phone or iPad in to do work on as long as they adhere to the rules set by the school district. No discriminating sites. No games. Many districts have even created a separate wireless network for students so they don't "hog" the network from the teachers. There's a lot of information found online about how to implement and incorporate BYOD in the school setting, such as this article from Scholastic.

One of the biggest red flags with BYOD comes from cheating - giving students the access to any information they could care for at all hours of the school day also gives them a larger chance to pull said information at any time during class. Including during a test or while writing a paper. And teachers can push the "it's wrong to do that" as much as they want, but when push comes to shove and that student is feeling stressed from an answer that they swear they know, will they take a guess or will they just do a quick phone peek? 

As an educator, I myself am torn on the idea of students bringing in their own equipment. I am learning to incorporate our set of 7 class laptops into daily instruction, and have recently created an Edmodo group for my kids to connect with me out of school (at their request, too)... but I am also very quick to take any electronic away from them the moment I see it. I scared one of my students one day by snatching up a blue device right out of her hands since it was out in the middle of instruction time. It ended up only being a calculator, but it looked so realistic to an iPhone that I panicked, not wanting the school leadership to catch one of my students with a piece of contraband in their hands. 

I worry constantly about what my students are sending to one another on their phones without them being allowed in class - my kiddos can be very sensitive, so the smallest bit of name calling is a top-notch bully issue to them. Imagine how that would increase if they had their phones consistently within their reach. Any time someone got an answer wrong, I could just see a "that was stupid" text getting sent to them and World War III being set off. 

However, I would love to have them have iPads in my classroom. I feel so much could be accomplished! It would really improve small group instruction, and allow them to react more hands-on with the material. 

Is it right to have them banned from school? Honestly, I believe that actually changes based on the classroom. Yes, there are many many many perks attached to being able to get students technologically tuned in, but what some consider the "ethical" stand point (I see it as just plain common sense) needs to be weighed in too. 

I'm at a stalemate with my decision, and the more I search BYOD, the stronger that stalemate becomes. 

What do you think would be the most beneficial/harmful aspect of having students bring their own devices?

February Currently

It's a new month! My BIRTH MONTH!!!! :)    So, yes, that entitles THREE blog posts now in 24 hours. I feel like I'm on a roll! Though... I partially blame grad school for it, since the first post was due to that. It's also time to link up with Farley for my second currently ever. Onward! 

Listening: Shaun's been sick since yesterday at 2am, so I didn't go into work for fear of spreading more germs around the school (I was pretty much in a coma most of the day as well). He's been drinking gatorade today to try to get his electrolites up from how weak yesterday made him. Poor boyfriend. :( 

Loving: I'm a huge Marshmellow. Meaning, I love Veronica Mars. And the movie is coming out next month after a 7 year wait... which means, rewatching all 3 seasons from back when I was in high school. We finished Season 2 yesterday during the sick episode. 

Thinking: Did I mention it's my birth month yet? 23 more days! Though... I'm not really planning on celebrating much. Maybe just bringing cupcakes in for the kiddos at school. Shaun and I will be spending the weekends around my birthday watching all the nominations for Best Picture at a local AMC theater. And then, I think, when I'm home in Delaware for spring break next month, we will be going to see a play in New York. (Though... getting my class project funded on Donor's Choose would be the best birthday gift.)

Wanting: Updatessss. Today is a new week for my online classes in Grad School, so I am impatiently waiting for the "week 4 updates" to see what the feedback was for the week! (*Note: part of the homepage was just updated.... so hopefully soon!)

Needing: A VACATION. I haven't been out of Orlando since summer. I remember when my vacations use to be coming TO Orlando, now I want to get away from having to drive through tourists to get anywhere! UGH. End of March, come quick. I'm ready for a change of scenery that hopefully won't involve snow. Don't get me wrong, I love Orlando. This is my home... but I am itching to go on a trip :) 

2 truths and a fib: 9 monthaversary... TRUE. Shaun and I are 3 months away from our one year. And he just decided to come use me as a pillow. I guess sick boy wants attention? 

I've been sick for three weeks.... TRUE. Unfortunately. So has half of my class. And every time, it's a different sick. So each weekend I've been flat on my back in bed trying to get better. It's been horrible!

I'm turning 24... FALSE. I'm turning 25, and I really don't like admitting it to myself! I feel like I've gained too much weight in the 24th year, and keep hoping for a do-over in that aspect... a bunch of the year was fantastic, except for the health side. And I feel like I'm paying for it. :( 

Expanding Thought Through Literature

When I first became a teacher in November, I was very quick to put up my first ever project on Donor's Choose looking to get funded. When I walked into my new classroom, the previous teacher told me that she brought her materials to the class from her year of teaching 2nd grade.

Including books.

So, my wonderful group of 5th graders are stuck choosing between picture books and stories about Flat Stanley. Not the best for trying to get them to expand their horizons.

And my school doesn't have a library so I can't just say "go get a new book from there" to them. They want more stories and challenges.

So, I set up my first project looking for people to help fund a revamp of my classroom library. I went through, and picked out books that I thought would excite my kids, as well as ones that would excite me (ahem, I'm talking about you Peter Pan and BFG). One of the most exciting parts is that I included the ENTIRE collections of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and the Magic Tree House (which the second set is a third of the entire project alone).

Today, I went on to see how much longer I have left, etc. 36 days. And there's been 4 donors, 3 from my family, and one matched. So there's still about $310 to go.

I had told my students about the project before and how I'm trying to help them get more books. They're waiting in anticipation to see if it happens.

The project's listed here.

I'm hoping I can give an update in the next few weeks with the word "completed!!!" in it... fingers crossed! :)


Here's a picture of our current library's state: