My Journey with Technology

Yesterday while at Ed Camp I was reminded that it was only a year ago that I attended my first Ed Camp, met Karen Lirenman, joined Twitter and jumped into using technology in my classroom.  It has been a whirlwind year, full of amazing learning.  I have learned so many things and in the process have grown as a teacher and as a learner.

I have learned that the iPad is just a tool.  Last June, when George Couros spoke and asked us if the iPad was a tool I didn't know the answer.  It was too new to me and I was not sure if an iPad was a tool or more than a tool.  I now know that it is just a tool.  The iPad can be used to demonstrate creativity, imagination, communication and innovation but it is only one of the tools.  It is how the teacher approaches teaching and learning that matters.  It is the opportunities that the teacher gives the students that matter.  It is listening, hearing and providing the students with the materials that they need to be engaged in their own learning.  It is about transforming their learning and the iPad is just one of the tools.  For this reason, you don't need a whole class set of ipads.  Not all students will choose the iPad to demonstrate their learning.  I have 5 in my classroom and it is working for me to have 5 that the students always have access to.

I have also learned that the apps should be creation based and not test and drill.  My students use the apps to create, demonstrate, expand on and communicate their learning.  Their favourite apps are Draw and Tell, Garage Band, Felt Board, Explain Everything, KidBlog, iMovies, Scribble Press, and Story Buddy 2.

I have learned that the technology can flatten walls and give the students opportunities that they would have never had, such as communicating their ideas on their own blog for others to see. When I first introduced blogging to my students last March I password protected their posts because I thought that I needed to.  I soon realized that by putting those restrictions on they could only share their blogs with their family and classmates.  I realized that the students needed to be able to have open blogs so that they could share their blogs freely.  This has been the best thing.  My students love seeing comments from other students in other provinces and countries.  They also enjoy commenting on others blogs.  My students have also participated in Google Hangouts with other classrooms.

I have also learned that Twitter is an excellent way to find out about Professional Development, teaching ideas and to connect with wonderful, innovative teachers.  The world is getting smaller because of Twitter.  Through Twitter I was able to participate in the Global Read Aloud, Quad Blogging and Primary Blogging.  I learned about Edmodo through the Twitter feed.  I also learned about Google Hangout and Adobe Connect through Twitter.

Through the Surrey Dinner Series I have been inspired from the wonderful speakers Dean Shareski, Shelley Wright, and Bill Ferriter.  I have learned to make 60 second videos and to develop a sense of wonder in my students.  I have learned about the power of choice.  I give my students choice every day in where they sit or stand, where they learn, how they show their learning, what they read, where they read, what they write, where they write, and where they eat.

 I have learned that it is okay to not have all the answers, that learning is messy and noisy and that it is important to include your students in decisions.  I have learned to listen to what the students want and that what I think is fun and engaging might not be what they want to do and that is okay.  Beautiful art projects might look nice on the walls but if they have no meaning for them then they are pointless.  I have learned to let things go and to try different things in their place.  I have learned to not be afraid of technology and to try new things (baking bread, putting on Pro-D for teachers etc..).  I have learned to not sweat the small stuff and to not stress out if the technology isn't working or the wifi is acting up.  For example. failed Google Hangouts are not a waste of time but rather a learning experience.

I am excited to see where this journey is going to take me.  I don't know if I would have gone on this journey if it had not had the support and encouragement from Lora Sarchet, Shelley Brett and Karen Lirenman.