Blog Post 11

This week in EDM310, we journey to Moose Jaw, Canada to learn from 1st grade teacher Ms. Cassidy and her class. Ms. Cassidy made a video showing the ways she incorporates technology into her classroom. These 1st graders are precious! It also proves, they are not too young to begin learning how to use technology. She also took the time to Skype with the EDM310 class of spring 2010. She gives us insight to her techniques, opinions, how she began using technology in her classroom..etc.

Ms. Cassidy claims technology was not always a part of her classroom; however, about 11 years ago, she had 5 computers placed in it. I think that is wonderful! Two computers is the most I have ever seen in a public school classroom. Even though her class had internet access, programs could not be placed on the computers. Ms. Cassidy began learning how to blog and make web pages because she wanted to make the computers useful. I applaud her for taking the time to learn and having the patience to teach it to 1st graders. Things these students do involving technology include: blogging, teaching others how to get on the internet, using flip cameras, giving tips for keeping identify safe, Skyping with other classrooms and professionals, broadcasting their work (online portfolio)...etc. I did not learn the majority of those things until I was a junior in high school. That year, my class made a web page for the school where we posted announcements,  assignments, staff directory, sports page, a club page, interviews, outstanding work, and so on. It was a really fun process even for we juniors, and being that anyone could access it, we wanted it to look good. I believe for a 1st grader, knowing anyone can view your work would be very motivating! Not only can visitors view their work, but they can also comment on it and motivate the students even further!

Ms. Cassidy has had a webpage for approximately 11 years. She has been blogging with her students approximately 6 years, and she has been making annual videos for the past 3 years. Ms. Cassidy has a wonderful Technology Coordinator at her school that has done all he can to help. Her administration  has not necessarily been interested in the technology, but they have not tried to discourage her from using it in her classroom. I guess everyone can't be blessed with an administration who wants a change, but maybe in years to come, others will follow Ms. Cassidy's lead.

Forms are sent home to parents at the beginning of the school year, asking for permission for students to even get on a computer. In the form they also state the students' work will be posted online and identity will be protected by only using 1st names and never posting a name with a picture. Ms. Cassidy claims most parents like it; they can get online at any time and see their child's work and how their work and writing skills are progressing. Not only do the parents love it, the kids do as well. "Technology is not going away and we cannot use the tools that worked 20 years ago or even 5 years ago to teach them. We have to change because the world has changed." Well said, Ms. Cassidy. I would think getting the parents permission would be the hardest part. Some adults are closed minded a refuse to see the world around them changing. (That is not my business though.)

Another tip Ms. Cassidy gives in the incorporation of technology into your classroom, is to begin with things you love. If you like writing, blogging may be your thing to begin with. If you like taking pictures, allow the students to begin using Flickr. If making videos is your thing, use flip cameras and make a YouTube account. She also (like every other educator I have came into contact with recently) states that Twitter is one of her main tools used for finding resources.

“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity - not a threat.”