A Well-Equipped Educator

http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/Reference/images/web_2_Bloom.jpg

When I first walked into my EDU 560 course about integrating technology into the classroom, I thought I was golden. I implement technology constantly inside my classroom. I use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet and all of its educational applications. I sync the tablet to a device called a Dongle and this allows me to wireless use my tablet on the projector. I use virtual manipulatives and allow the students to use laptops when working on a project. I am really confident and comfortable with all of this. Was this actual implementation of technology?

I thought it was. I was wrong. There are web 2.0 tools such as Glogster, ThingLink, Wikispaces, and Prezi that students can use to learn. Students can have blogs, use live documents for discussion, create talking avatars and animals on Blabberize, and make a Wordle. After experiencing this course, I feel way more prepared to educate the 21st century learners I have in my classroom.

Next year, I plan on implementing tons of technology through a product box. Students will be able to pick from a product box to show that they completely understand the material and can go further on the Bloom's Taxonomy. I will probably use Glogster the most as a choice for students to use because I thought Glogster was fun and very appealing to the human eye. Another tool that I plan on using a lot more is Prezi. At first, I thought Prezi was disappointing. After a few more experiences with the tool, I decided it is a tool I want to add to my toolbox. With the implementation of Common Core right around the corner at my school, I feel more prepared to educate my students and create successful individuals that are ready to tackle any task at hand.