kEY tAKE AWAYS FROM THE COURSE:
Technology is always changing and evolving. While the apps and tools I have found helpful before may still be useful, it's important to remember that there could still be something better. It's all a quick google search away.
Things I learned about myself:
I learned that I am a visual and auditory learner. I naturally gravitate to tools or applications that work best for myself, but I need to take time to look at what may benefit other learning styles. As a new primary teacher, I am grateful for the opportunity to look at tools and websites that may make learning more accessible for these early learners. I was happy to take time revisiting Read&Write, which is an app I had previously dismissed, as the tool is fresh again as my needs and life evolve.
How will I use what I've learned to continue personal/professional growth:
I love the way these online learning platforms or tools help to increase student engagement and I find myself feeling curious right along side my students. I'm excited to explore the tools or sites discovered more over the summer and the upcoming school year. I am going to try and move out of the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" mentality and recognize that these tools are constantly evolving. In order to stay current I need to evolve as the tools do. It's funny being a millenial, I felt like I had such a handle on tech, but lo and behold, there's a whole new genre that I have yet to explore.
INfo sharing with colleagues
I'm currently a TikTok content creator and have a bit of an Indigenous Education following. I like to share new tools or things I find helpful on that platform. I will used to coordinate with our school's technology coordinator in sharing new techs or new uses for our current platform. The position was left open for the last half of the year and I'm hoping it will be filled again in the fall.
What am I likely to incorporate?
I will be incorporating Read&Write and YouTube/Epic story read alouds. I would like to explore more with screencast-o-matic and online whiteboards. I would also like to look at creating a classroom website in place of our Facebook group. I like that it would give the information needed, without giving 24/7 access directly to me. I will be looking to further explore the apps I've listed in my toolbox.
Which tools or technology will make a difference to my life?
I am quite shocked at the usefulness at Read&Write. I still haven't had the chance to work with and use it as a full option user. I experienced delays in getting access to a "Teacher's Account". I am looking forward to getting full access and incorporating the tools into my future classes. I really struggle with a lot of pop ups, with words that are broken up by ads and random "click baits" and I like that R&W will give me the option to simplify those options away. I love that it allows for creating vocabulary sheets and note sheets which will be great as I currently am doing that copy/pasting myself. I hope it will make these last months of student life more manageable. When you have 3 kids and work full time, you appreciate any short cut you can find.
Goals for my future learners...
I love that these apps and platforms allow students to take the classroom with them everywhere. With Covid and frequent absenteeism occuring in all of our classrooms, tools like these will enable students to take control of their at home learning with proactive, engaging, and accessible tools and applications. I hope to level the field and allow those who need to "catch up" after prolonged absences during the pandemic.