Technology

This past week, I implemented a new app in my class called StoryLines.  I used this app as a vocabulary game, but the possibilities are endless.  The game is similar to the game telephone, but with words and pictures.  Up to nine students are able to play at a time.  In my class, I used the app as a whole group game by projecting the iPad screen for all the students to see.  The first student typed in a vocabulary word.   The next student drew a quick sketch to show the word.  I then projected the iPad for the whole class to guess the word.  My students really enjoyed this game and asked to play it again and again.  I plan to use this app again in my class.  In the future, I would like to use this game in small groups as a center.

Persistence

I have been feeling extremely stressed lately.  I am feeling as though there is no down time.  I am feeling like this because it is a busy time of year at school.  I have many meetings on a weekly basis so I try to keep up with my lesson plans and papers outside of school.  Report cards and conferences are also coming up and that stresses me out.  With all the school stuff, there is also all the master’s work.  I am trying to keep up with things and get ready for the spring conferences.  I am trying to stay positive with all the stress in my life.  I know that I am slowing approaching the end and will soon graduate and have some work lifted off my plate.  When I reflect upon persistence, I know that with hard work, I can meet any challenges and goals I have.  I am always up for a challenge and right now, I feel like I am challenging myself to do my best and complete everything that needs to be done to the best of my ability.  Reflecting upon persistence has improved my mental state and attitude as I constantly remind myself to stay positive.  I know that when I fall down, I can always call my colleagues and friends to encourage me to keep going.  As I think about myself, I have learned that it is okay to feel down, but it is important to get back up and keep going.

Technology: Haiku Deck

I began creating a Haiku Deck on my own to try it before presenting it to my class.  I wanted to create a deck with synonyms and then have students add to the deck by creating their own pages.  Well, as soon as I began creating one and typing in words for pictures, inappropriate pictures came up multiple times.  I instantly knew that I would not be able to use this tool to let my students explore with individually or projected for the entire class.  As an alternative, I wrote the words on the deck and found a picture.  Students then worked as a class to add synonyms without having to find pictures.  My students enjoyed using this technology tool.  This tool could be very beneficial for the future especially with vocabulary words.  I would use this tool again, but similar to how I used it the first time due to the pictures.

I have always been very excited about technology in the classroom.  Before the master’s work with technology, I was always looking for new ways to incorporate technology in my classroom.  This program has given me more resources for my tool kit that I can continue to incorporate in my classroom.  Although the resources are limited for my students, there are still many ways to get technology in the hands of students even if it means with whole group instruction.

http://www.haikudeck.com/p/dY91txsnb0/my-story