Reflection

This course has helped me develop my professional use of technology by forcing me to explore new uses for technology. I was also provided with many opportunities to use different technology that I probably would not have used as easily on my own time with out this course. I have learned how important it is to use these different forms of technology to help better prepare students for the work force that they will find themselves in after school. This course also explained that students today need to be taught using different technology driven strategies to best serve their way of learning as a "Digital Native". By using technology different ways in the classroom students will have more direct involvement in creating their own learning experiences. The shift in the classroom from the teacher being the focus to the students directing their own learning through technology will be beneficial for students because they will own their work and what they are learning. By October 2011 I hope to have a classroom that uses a blog on a regular basis. I would want to use this classroom blog as a place to post final writing assignments were peers can read or listen to a story and comment back on the positive parts of the story. This classroom blog could also be used in Reading to discuss classroom books or independently read books. Students could share parts of the story, use summarizing skills, or focus on the main idea. Finally the blog could be used for math, science and social studies for discussion on assignments that are to be completed at home. In order to accomplish this goal first students need to practice with the computer and accessing the Internet. After students are comfortable with the Internet it will be important to teach them what is acceptable when commenting on a blog and make sure that students have a clear understanding of what is exceptable and what will not be tolerated when they are posting a comment. They are also going to have be taught how to respond to the question while staying on topic and not going off topic. Finally students will need to be shown how to use the blog site that the class has. My next goal for my classroom is that I will continue to teach skills that students will use in the 21st century workforce. The classroom will be working on group activities, communication and problem-solving. I will continue to educate myself on teaching strategies that will better help my students in the future and then implement the strategies in the classroom with students.

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Spring

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Spring by Betty Birney Atheneum

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty G. Birney is a book with an old-fashioned, folk-tale feel. Eben is fascinated by the seven wonders of the world, and his father challenges him to find seven wonders right in his small, rural home town of Sassafras Springs. Eben doubts that it is possible, but his father says that he can travel to Colorado if he manages to find all seven wonders in seven days.

Author Home Page: http://bettybirney.com/

Say What?

Say What? by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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Author Home Page: http://www.promotega.org/ksu00003/authorinfo.htm

Project Mulberry

Project Mullberry by Linda Sue Park

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Author Home Page: http://www.lspark.com/

The President's Daughter

The President's Daughter by Kimberley B. Bradley

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Author Home Page: http://www.kimberlybrubakerbradley.com/

No Dogs Allowed

No Dogs Allowed by Bill Wallace

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Author Home Page: http://www.promotega.org/msc00008/author.html

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Have you ever had a special possession (like a stuffed animal or action figure) that you thought of as real? Maybe even a friend? If so, you will like this story about a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. Instead of being a friend to his loving owner, 10-year-old Abilene, Edward is selfish and cold-hearted. When Edward falls overboard during the family’s ocean voyage, he begins to learn about fear, love, and humility.

Author Home Page: http://www.katedicamillo.com/about.html