My Summer Goals include Learning

     As I am enjoying summer break, it is providing a great time of reflection and rejuvenation. I am reflecting on how I have taught particular lessons or themes this past year, and of course, and considering how it looked with Common Core as the guiding light, and how I can make it better next year! I am also reading blogs and articles to see what's new. Let's be honest, it's changing so fast that it takes a lot of energy just to try to be in the know, let alone actually implement in the classroom. Any implementation makes a teacher rethink teaching and learning and devise a plan for the journey from start to finish! I have ran across two tools that I would like to actually implement in some way- PowToon and simplebooklet. I will determine which one works best with my teaching style, curriculum and learning goals. I look forward to the discovery of something new to use in the classroom!

Student Technology Showcase

     May 6th is an exciting day for Pinnacle leaders and their students! GCS Board Members and Administrators will have the opportunity to see the direct impact that Pinnacle participation and training has on students. I am so proud to be part of the Pinnacle XVI team! Using technology in the classroom is vital to student success! Take a look at our trifold and you will see why!!

FTT

One of my FTT or favorite tech tools is Voki. This month I will use Voki as an avenue to provide instructions and allow students to create their own. Why Voki? This is a prime example of asynchronous learning. This type of blended learning can be done anywhere with a wifi connection. Some students are so excited about using technology tools to demonstrate their learning, that they are willing to work on their project at home. This also allows parents to see what their students are learning. Other skills that are being developed simultaneously are perspective, audience, design, and critical thinking skills. Similar to Twitter, students must find ways to get their point across in a limited amount of characters. This provides great experience with avoiding wordiness and eliminating unnecessary information. I see this technology tool as a win-win for teaching and learning!

In this example, I used my Voki on my website to introduce the science concept of biomes.