Reflection

This course has not taught me new skills, but rather has just enhanced my ideas on how to incorporate technology in my classroom. I was already familiar with wikis, blogs and podcasts, but this course allowed me to explore new ways of incorporating these new technological tools into the classroom.

I have always been interested in technology and of finding ways to use technology to engage students in various subject areas and will continue to explore new ways of doing this.

In the next few months, I would like to incorporate a class wiki for use in Language Arts. I like the options for discussion and collaboration that wikis can provide and I think that, for me, it would be much more feasible than a blog (especially since our school division does not allow blogs of any type). I think that wikis provide an opportunity for every student to contribute to the discussion and this is especially good for my class this year. They are opposed to taking part in any type of class discussion. For the most part, they do enjoy using computers and I think that they would really shine in this forum. The second goal that I have is to incorporate a podcast as a means of making a newscast as a joint social studies and language arts project. Since my class has so much trouble talking in the class, I think that they would be far more comfortable presenting information in this format.

I look forward to incorporating technology increasingly in my classroom. Ultimately, I want my students to be prepared to use technology in their lives. I think that even though specific technologies may change, the skills will assist them though life.

Hi everyone, I posted a new episode to my podcast, Sarah Harder's Podcast. Please click the link below to view it. http://sarahmahiharder.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-12-08T17_55_51-08_00 See you there! - Sarah

21st Century Skills

Exploring http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/

I thought that there were some good ideas presented on this website.
Quite honestly, I thought I might find more interesting and useful information and resources. (But perhaps upon further exploration, I may find more...)

I did find the "Route 21" page very interesting. There were interesting visuals and information to accomany the visuals. I think this provides a good overview of the necessary steps to get a 21st century education.

I think that the concept is great, BUT I think that it is difficult to accomplish when budget demands are limiting, and the current technology is limiting. But despite this, I will do my best to equip my students with the skills they need in order to be ready to function in the 'real world'.

Using Blogs in the Classroom

I have so many ideas of how blogs could be used in the classroom. I think that I would use it mainly as a tool for interacting about content.
They could be used in my Grade Ten Computer Science class to discuss issues (about ethics or programming problems).
A blog could also be used to reflect on a piece of writing or picture or video in any level of ELA. I think that this would offer opportunities for students who may be too shy to participate in class discussions to share their thoughts with their classmates!

HOWEVER, blogs are blocked in my school division so I cannot actually use a blog for anything in my classroom.
I get very frustrated at the limitations that are placed on me by the division tech department. There is so much that I would like to do with my class that I am unable to do!

A Brief Introduction to Sarah

Well, in all honesty, I only started this blog in September because we were supposed to one evening at university. But now I have to create a blog for another class at another university, and so I'm back here in blog-land.

It's actually quite odd that I've never really had a blog before because I love writing. And I love ranting. It seems like the perfect combination.

So here is a little bit about me:
I am a teacher.
This is my fifth year teaching. I am currently teaching Grade 8 (all subjects) and Grade 10 Computer Science.
I have taught a very wide range of subjects in these last five years including: Grade 5 & 6 Music, Grade 7 (all subjects), Grade 9, 10, 12 ELA, Grade 9 Social Studies, Grade 10 Geography, Grades 10-12 Computer Science, Grade 10 Drama, Grade 10 Modern Life Issues, Grade 10 American History, Grade 12 Psychology...and all in the same school!
I am a technology geek.

And now it is time for supper so it is time for this post to end.

Is anybody out there?

What to say??...

Nothing at the moment.