A Whole New Mind

Reading this book has really helped solidify why I do what I do. I have enjoyed reading, discussing and learning how to apply this book's ideas in my classroom using technology. This week of training has been a culminating aspect of what I have learned in my graduate classes, professional development, and county workshops over the last few years. The neat things about Pinnacle Leaders Network are the professional relationships that have been formed among various grade levels, the new technology tools to use in my classroom and the training on how to use and implement when the new school year begins! I love Pinnacle!

I'm all aTwitter!

Today I learned about using Twitter as a Personal Learning Network. This web 2.0 tool will provide resources that are literally in my hands many times throughout the day. While this will require an phone upgrade, it's one that I will now look forward to!

Alignment

Today's tools Google Reader and Google Sites are helping me get in sync with technology so that optimal learning can occur in the classroom. If technology and learning are in sync, then it's not about the technology! The technology is a way to deepen understanding, spark interest and put students in the driver's seat of learning. It's using the tools to work smarter, not harder- both for the teachers and the students. Thanks to Pinnacle I have the opportunity to see a 21st Century Classroom in action!

Tell more stories!

As we pondered story throughout the day in various ways, it was Debbie who reminded my group to tell the stories of our classroom. Boy, have I failed on that one! Of course, there are days when I tell stories to the parents, or other teachers, but not every day. There are stories happening everyday. It is because of this notion(which I told Kyle earlier in the week that I didn't want to do) that I have decided to use kidsblog so those stories will be documented. Munch, munch-eating my "I don't want to!" words! I want an "Aha" page where kids can blog about those lightbulb moments to encourage and inspire the rest of us! I would also like a stories page where we can document the moments in class-the ones we will never forget and the ones that I am likely to forget too soon. I created a Lowell Elementary Friends group on Facebook for alumni, on this page, many of the students are asking "Remember me, or remember when..." It reiterates the fact that they do want to remember, they do want to blog and now, so do I!!!!

Podcasting...yikes!

Today we learned how to mix audio, voice and sound files. This was really neat! I know my students will really enjoy using this type of technology tool!

Google Docs

Today we learned how to use Google Docs. I really liked the forms so I could utilize spreadsheets for parent information, students surveys, and to check understanding of content. I really liked the ability to work on documents simultaneously. I plan to incorporate this in teaching fifth graders how to create and develop five paragraph essays. Students will enjoy this way of writing!

Questions??

On Day 2, we discussed Bloom's Taxonomy. We completed centers to help us think like students and like teachers simultaneously! Good activities and learned how to use some new tools also!

First Day of Pinnacle XVI!

Learning about the Pinnacle XVI team members and responsibilities of The Pinnacle Leaders Network. The new equipment was unveiled! I am so excited about the new technology that my students and I will be using this year!