Collaboration

Collaboration between teachers is necessary everywhere and can help everyone. Why not expand it beyond the classroom!
I have always wondered if it were possible as a teacher to have time to create a workout routine. Well my question is answered! It is possible! Teachers can collaborate and create a team work out group. Such a great idea to create even better relationships.
check out how some teachers decided to stay fit at their own school! //triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourmckeesport/yourmckeesportmore/3191336-74/oakley-fitness-founders#axzz2G9NADSh1

Flat Stanley Goes Digital!

As an elementary student I remember sending Flat Stanley all around the country! It was so exciting! Now classrooms can do so much more with the digital version of Flat Stanley. Stanley can now go on virtual field trips with a virtual passport and google maps as a tool to map out his moves. What a great way to enhance the Flat Stanley Project!

Check it out!

iPad Initiative

Our digital environment is expanding! As 1:1 classrooms begin to culminate in schools around the country we are still wondering about the success. We need feedback... so here are some suggestions when implementing a 1:1 strategy
iPad Deployment Preparation 
Top 10 Things Not to do in 1:1 iPad Initiative

Blog, Blog, Blog

Through edublogs you can implement technology to enhance student learning within a classroom. There is a huge push for writing within the classrooms and digital tools can help motivate your students to write. Blogs can be used at any age and double as a great tool to show parents what is happening in your classroom. Give it a try!

How do we teach our 21st Century Learners? 20 things you should know how to do

Tech and Learning reports 20 technology skills that every educator should have...

1.    Google Tools Knowledge
2.    Google Earth Knowledge
3.    Wiki Knowledge
4.    Blogging Knowledge
5.    Spreadsheets Skills
6.    Database Skills
7.    Social Bookmarking Knowledge
8.    Social Networking Knowledge
9.    Web Resources in content area 
10.    Web Searching skills
11.    Web2.0 Tools 
12.    Interactive White Board skills (SmartBoard and Promethean)
13.    Website design and management skills
14.    Presentation Tools 
15.    IM knowledge
16.    Video and Podcasting 
17.    RSS feeds
18.     Mobile and Handheld Computing
19.    Virtual Worlds
20.    Collaboration & Communication Tools
(Written By Digital Learning Environments, 2012)

As a future educator with a technology learning minor, I believe in the importance of continual professional development. The site above provides helpful sources if you need extra guidance in one certain area from the list. 

It is important for educators to know how to use technology to enhance student learning. You must become an expert with the tools that you implement in the classroom. However, do not forget that the students know technology like the back of their hand! If you need help, then ask them to help you! It will not only solve your problem, but also gives students a sense of responsibility and time to practice critical thinking. It is a great way to implement problem solving and learn together. 

Write about your shoe for all I care, JUST WRITE!!

There has been an incredible focus on Reading and Math in todays educational environments however writing is just as important and is sometimes being thrown at the back burner. I have recently made journals with my students and told them to write in it every night. I am the only one reading them. I am not even checking for correct grammatical operations, I just want them to write. I emphasized that they may write about anything; their house, their friends, their shoe! I just want to get them writing first. They need so much practice. Since accommodations and interventions are so important and because some writers can get writers block when they have so much freedom, here is a great resource for writing topics for grades k-12. Use these ideas for students who need that extra support whether it be topic ideas or further critical thinking topics. Enjoy!
Writing Topic Ideas for grades K-12

1:1 Classrooms

As technology is expanding, it is important to incorporate it into that classroom as means to enhance student learning. The following articles provide advice for adding BYOT (Bring your own technology), iPads, or Laptops in the classroom.

What you should do                           What you shouldn't do

Youtube in Education

As youtube has previously been blocked from education networks, it is beginning to expand its educational options. Youtube launches a new program called Next Edu Gurus.
Will schools let Youtube back into their network? Many already have and I believe that many more will. The important thing to remember about using Youtube is that if you use the video in your classroom, legally you must email the creator for permission. Do not get discouraged because this is extremely simple. Send them a brief email saying that, "I am requesting your permission to use your Youtube video in my classroom as an educational opportunity to learn _____. Please reply to this email if you find this to be an issue. Thank you for your time." Usually you do not get a response meaning that you may use it in your classroom. Otherwise this new Youtube site, Next Edu Gurus will be designed for the classroom and will therefore allow you to use any of its products in the classroom.
To Learn More Click Here! 

Post-it!

As I begin my blogging experience through "The Passion to Teach" I have decided to reflect on the current research that I have completed as a way to spread professional development. I have learned the importance of 'borrowing and stealing' ideas through Harry Wong's novel "The First Days of School." It is important for teachers to collaborate, question, and explore together so that students receive the latest and greatest teaching.

Recently, while student teaching, I have been using sticky notes in numerous ways. Mostly in reading I am having students actively thinking and questioning while recording those ideas on sticky notes. This article delivers more unique ways to use sticky notes in the classroom.

Sticky Note Teaching

While currently a senior at Iowa State University, I have been studying Elementary Education for over four years now. As I finish my bachelors degree in Special Education I am looking forward to continuing my educational experience as I student teacher in Illinois.