Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Meta-blogging!

I haven't written a blog post in a while so...oh, well that isn't exactly true.  I've actually been writing a lot lately. As a matter of fact, I have written daily since the school year started!  The reason:  I created Google Sites for both my high school classes, and I type up a recap of each class period at the end of the day for the benefit of those that miss class.

Here are the links to those sites:



It has been invigorating, challenging, and useful to continue doing this.  Not only does it benefit the students that are constantly in and out of my room, but it will also give myself (or someone else) a bit of a blueprint to follow for teaching the class again.  While the blog posts themselves aren't reflective in and of themselves, they do allow me a writing outlet, as well as a chance to gather my thoughts at the end of the day.  It will be interesting to see the narrative by the end of the classes to see how it can be improved for next time!.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Tech Integration - in Action!

What a start to the year! 3 weeks ago, I was ready to begin a new chapter at the middle school.  Then, one of my business ed colleagues left for another district, and suddenly there was an opportunity to teach some high school courses (as well as some elementary). Opportunities like this don't come around very often, where I can change positions but still be part of the same awesome district. I had to jump - and graciously, I was offered the opportunity to teach some high school classes.

At the middle school, most of what I taught were technology classes. I couldn't really model tech integration once since it was difficult to discern the integration from the stuff I was teaching.  At the high school, I get to be seen as more than "the computer guy". I'm not offended when people call me that - I have an affinity towards technology and it is my most marketable asset.  However, I am a Business Educator by training, and wanted to be respected as such.

So, with this opportunity, I can finally put into practice everything I have trained and discussed and mentioned and pondered and contemplated.  Students are using Google Docs seamlessly without my training - I am trying new things and troubleshooting without getting too stressed out when things go wrong.  Technology is making things easier in my classroom - more paperless, more seamless, more student friendly.  Students who bring their own device are even allow to sit wherever they are most comfortable.

This year is going to be amazing. It is incredibly challenging creating everything daily, but I can't say I've ever had more fun in my first three years of teaching.  I know that the 14 hour days are all worth it, because as I learned in Teach Like a PIRATE, every class needs to be an experience. I'm striving to do that.