So much technology . . . where do I start?

From Facebook to Vine, from email to Powtoon, it is easy to get the feeling that there just isn’t enough time to keep up with it all. The question shouldn’t be ‘How do I keep up with it all?’ but rather, ‘Which forms of technology will serve me best?’

As a technology teacher, I spend a great deal of time researching and finding out as much as I can about new forms of technology, whether that is a new website, a new feature offered in a blog, a new app, a new phone or an update on any number of these technologies.

In my opinion, different people use technologies to fit their need (need to state obvious here). Our daughters like to get their work out there, so they are always trying the newest and coolest sites, whereas members of the older generation like to learn something new and then stick with it.  Again, my daughters aren’t as concerned as to whom they are sharing with, but rather the number of people they can influence (hopefully in a good way). As for me, I don’t have time to always use the latest/greatest websites, so just let me use what I know, but let me do it really well.

If you’re an educator and want to put a little twist on your first few days back this fall, you might want to get into your student’s world and try some of the technologies listed in the following blog. Not all are appropriate for all grade levels, but you may want to check them out and see if some might work for YOU as you introduce yourself to a new set of students.

Check this out and see what you think: http://teachbytes.com/2012/08/05/21st-century-icebreakers-10-ways-to-get-to-know-your-students-with-technology/

Teachers Keeping Pace

Trying to keep pace with technology can be a never ending job. Luckily, by establishing connections and receiving posts, we can wade through the quagmire of information and websites and find just what we need (unless you happen to be the few gifted ones who can create what you need.)

Below are a two of the newest technology sites that I plan on using this upcoming year. Feel free to comment or ask questions on any of those you might also want to learn more about.

http://www.educlipper.net – If you’re a teacher and you like Pintrest, then this site is for you. Stay connected and find educational resources and organize them they way YOU want to! (Warning: this site may be a bit addicting.)

http://www.flubaroo.com – If you feel you have the need to start keeping more or better track of the learning happening in your classroom, than this site is for you. This site works with Google forms and allows the user to not only correct quizzes created using Google forms, but will allow the participants to see immediate results and have them sent to a parent’s email address. What a great way to let students show off their learning AND make correcting more efficient.