What I Have Learned so Far

I have learned that there are many great things to do with technology.

I have also realized that I can spend hours exploring websites and my list of possibilities keeps growing. Not only have I found things with the assignments that have been given us, but I have also found ideas from my classmates.  I am so happy that there are other elementary teachers taking this course, as it enhances the learning.  This also shows me the power technology can bring to a teacher through the collaboration with other educators.

I used Moodle last year to communicate with my students and parents, sharing websites and posting pictures, but with blogs, it would be easier for my parents and students to give me feedback and communicate with each other.

I did have limited experience using Skype, but never thought of using it in the classroom.  I love the idea of author visits and video field trips.  It would also be useful if I had a child who was absent, or if I had to be absent for an extended time. I always have a parent meeting at the beginning of the year and usually at least one parent can not make it.  If I could skype them, I could show them the important things we talked about during the meeting.  It could also be used if a parent was unable to attend parent teacher conferences.

I look forward to learning about more effective tools I can use in my classroom.