Tuesday, May 31, 2011

WHAT IS YOUR COMFORT LEVEL WITH USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM?




As we begin the Teaching With Technology workshop, we would like you to consider where you presently are concerning the use of digital technology in writing.

Consider the following continuum...




----Anxious----Indifferent----Competent----Enthusiastic----




Where would you place yourself in terms of composing your own work using digital tools?




Where would you place yourself in terms of teaching students to compose their work using digital technology?




Explain your rankings.




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27 comments:

  1. tsmJune 6, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    My comfort level using digital technology in the classroom is about a seven. I am still learning the ins and outs.

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  2. adrienneJune 6, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    Hi,I am open to using digital technology since next year all the 5th graders will be getting netbooks and our classroom will have a smart board.

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  3. SashaJune 6, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    I feel caught between indifferent and competent when it comes to technology. If I have a lot of time to figure out a new tool, then I generally feel pretty comfortable, but this can sometimes decrease when it comes to actually teaching others.

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  4. BrittanyJune 6, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    I am very comfortable and enthusiastic about technology and using it in my future classroom. I have composed my own work using digital tools such as wordpress, twitter, facebook, glogster, and storybird; therefore, I am enthusiastic about introducing students to such tools. Students are already using these tools and it could provide a fun co-learning environment, and one that prepares students for the quickly changing world they are expected to navigate.

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  5. Tommy ButeauJune 6, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    I have used technology several times, and I am very comfortable with it now. There was a moment while teaching students about google sites when I realized that it was all right for everyone to move at their own pace and to help each other figure it out. Since then, using technology has become fun. Being prepared and having used the tools many times before makes it easier.

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  6. AnonymousJune 6, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    I am always in a state of anxious, enthusiasm. Writing with technology and sharing this with my students gets me all excited, but a part of me is afraid I won't be to solve problems as they arise. My biggest fear is that I'll be in the middle of a project with my class and my students will sit with nothing to do as a I flounder my way through solving it.

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  7. adamJune 6, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Even though I've been at this awhile, I am still moderately comfortable with using technology. I am, however, enthusiasitic. I think tech. is fantastic. The thing is tech. is constantly changing and I have to adapt with the change. I've learned not to panic. And, I always have a plan B, C, and even D.

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  8. KimJune 6, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    I am comfortable and excited to add technology to my instruction. I have a Smartboard and 4 netbooks in my classroom that I am wanting to utilize.

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  9. BeckyJune 6, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    I am getting more comfortable, but I still feel like I have so much to learn. Most kids know more than me.

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  10. JasonJune 6, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Probably a bit too enthusiastic. I tend to go forward sometimes before I'm truly ready. I appreciate that in myself in the sense that I am more than willing to try things but I have to keep Jim's words from this morning in my mind... Why am I doing this? I need to continue to challenge myself on this.

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  11. TCJune 6, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    I am mostly comfortable with using technology in my classroom. I do feel anxious whenever I try because so often there is some kind of glitch and I have 27 little faces staring at me while I try to figure out the problem.

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  12. ConnieJune 6, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    I'm new to all of the tools we are talking about. I'm nervous about keeping up, but I like it and hope to use much of it in my classroom.

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  13. BarbieJune 6, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I'm feeling more comfortable. I don't have a problem asking the students for help. I'm excited for the possibilities!

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  14. JimJune 6, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I have been fairly indifferent regarding using digital technology to date (in part because I am a bit of a technological illiterati), but this morning has already inspired me to move toward the right on the above spectrum.

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  15. adrienneJune 6, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Connie - I'm at the same level as Connie is, but I am glad I have the time and someone to help me learn this during the summer when there are no kids!

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  16. SashaJune 6, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    I think what Mrs. Hale's class said about how she approaches technology is a good way to view my own anxiety. I might feel unsure of the practicalities of using specific technologies in my classes, but at the same time, I feel enthusiastic about the larger possibilities.

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  17. BrittanyJune 6, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    Dear "Mrs. Hale's Class",

    That is a fear of mine too! Technology is great but it is also sometimes unreliable...and ever changing! It seems like we have to learn a lot to navigate and make it run smooth; however, I am sure students could help with these "issues"

    :Brittany

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  18. ann DurkinJune 6, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    I am comfortable with some digital story telling with myself and kids. I am a member of one wiki, but have not used wikis or blogs with students. Have used google sites, forms and presentations

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  19. adamJune 6, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    I think Tommy is right about preparation. It usually is best for me if I can anticipate the problems tech. users/students might face.

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  20. Ann DurkinJune 6, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    I always want to make sure we are using the right tools for all jobs. Sometimes that means technology and sometimes it doesn't.

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  21. JasonJune 6, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Kellie (Mrs. Hale) makes a good point. We have to be willing to struggle a bit, or turn over the reins of being the expert (which is hard for many teachers). Technology can be scary, especially when it doesn't work properly. And at some point (ex: this morning), it won't. Kids will always be more ready than us. How can we use this to our advantage in the classroom, to foster a different type of community.

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  22. KimJune 6, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    Kellie - I have that same fear! As teachers, we think we need to always have the answer to every question (or problem). :)

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  23. TCJune 6, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Adam -

    As a neophite user of technology, it is often not possible to anticipate many of the problems that pop up. But I guess the key is like Tommy said, to use the technology several times to feel comfortable with it.

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  24. BarbieJune 6, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    "Mrs. Hale's class",

    I agree with your fear of being in the middle of a project and having something go wrong. I figure we will all just plow through together!

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  25. TCJune 6, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Adam - sorry, I spelled neophyte wrong:)! TC

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  26. Tommy ButeauJune 6, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Turn over the reins of being the expert
    -Jason

    I know the students in my class often taught me how to do the stuff I had not figured out yet.

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  27. JimJune 6, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    TC.
    This leads me to my question (which I was just discussing with Jason, Jenny, and Adam): should spelling count?

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