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Please ignore the big blank space up top! (Now that I've drawn your attention to it!) Downloaded a new template, since I couldn't reply to comments with the old one.  I'm waiting for the custom header to arrive.

Welcome!

   

Wow! I never imagined that I would be turning in homework for a college class via a blog post! My how times have changed since I graduated with my Bachelor's back in 1997! I am taking W531 Technology for Teaching and Learning this summer online through IUPUI.  To be honest, my main purpose for taking this class is to renew my teaching license.  I need 6 credit hours, so this is one of the classes I've chosen to take.  However, I am really excited to learn some new ways to integrate technology into my teaching!

     When I was in college, I was just starting to get acquainted with the internet, and what it was, and didn't even own a computer.  Therefore, any technology I've used in the classroom since then have been things that I've had to figure out on my own, or learn by watching someone else. (ie-Smart board, document camera, copy machines, etc.) While I am fairly familiar with technology in my own personal life, I've always been a little intimidated or frustrated with it's usage in the classroom.  Much of this frustration has come about due to lack of good technology.  Most of our school computers are slow, old, and freeze up often, and there often aren't enough to go around.  I have found myself many times having to create a new lesson plan on the spot due to technology issues.  I also struggle with lack of ideas or know how to create engaging lessons that integrate technology and new ideas-especially with the younger, less independent kids I work with in Kindergarten and first grade.

     I'm confident that the books I've chosen will help increase my comfort level with technology integration in the classroom.  Who Owns the Learning: Preparing Students for Success in the Digital Age will challenge my thinking as I consider how to help educate 21st century learners.  I'm excited to read  Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World  because I would love to learn some ways to encourage kids to use creativity to solve problems by thinking outside of the box.

     Thanks for coming along on this journey with me as I challenge my thinking and update my teaching techniques for digital learners.