October 22, 2007

Thank you for your feedback! All of your questions, comments, and ideas have been very helpful. Hopefully you have been able to start setting up your own blog. Let us know how you use a blog in your classroom. What ideas were you able to come up with? Also, what are some pros you have discovered to blogging? Cons?

Check out the poll on the right side. Now that you know more about blogging, feel free to post your vote. Ask me how to post a poll into your blog.

Don't forget...November we'll be talking about CPS. But you don't have to wait until the next Mini-T to learn more. I'm available to come by your classroom and help you get things started. Especially if you still feel in the dark about blogging.

October Mini-T

So here you are...your first Mini-T.

What do you think so far? What thoughts are running through your head?

Are you watching the clock, thinking of all the other things you have to do?
Does the time feel as if it is flying by and you still didn't get enough?

Whatever is on your mind right now, know that this is your time.
These sessions have been created for you. To meet your needs.

My purpose is to not add more to your plate.
(Trust me, I am quickly learning how much teachers have to do!)
But rather, it is to make the load lighter.

My goal is that you learn a few things during these Mini-Ts to use in your classroom, to make things such as - your lessons, accomodations, grading, and communication with your parents and students - much easier.

Do me a favor. Answer 3 simple questions. If you have more to add, please feel free to post as much as you want. Remember, this is your page.

#1 - What technology would you like to discuss in the upcoming Mini-Ts?

#2 - Do you use a lot of technology in your classroom? Why or why not?

#3 - What are a few ways you would feel more supported in the area of technology?

Mini-T

Mini-T: (noun) a quick 30-minute technology training session packed full of classroom ideas and incentives

WHO
Open to all Walhalla Middle School teachers and staff!

WHAT
This is your time to learn how to use a variety of technology in your classroom effectively…
…and get free stuff just for coming!

WHEN & WHERE
Mini-Ts will be held once a month on Thursdays from 3:20 - 3:50 pm in Room 207.

2007 Mini-T Schedule
October 11 – Blogs, Small Wonder
Incentive: Free Jeans Day
(on the Friday of your choice in the month of October)

November 8 – CPS
Incentive: Lunch served to you by Mr. Middleton

December 6 – United Streaming and Airliner Notebook software
Incentive: A special treat for you and your classes

*EXTRA INCENTIVE*
If you attend ALL 3 Mini-Ts in 2007
your name will be place in a drawing for a new piece of technology equipment to use in your classroom.
(Who knows, you may win a new Small Wonder or wireless mouse & keyboard!)

2008 Mini-T Schedule
Topics and incentives TBA!

January 10
February 7
March 6
April 24

I am open to developing these sessions around your needs.

Please feel free to email me and let me know what technology you would like to know more about or if you have any questions.

Hope to see ya’ll there!

My Vision of the 21st Century Classroom

...is one where teachers are not intimidated by technology, but rather welcome it into their daily lessons.
...is one where students are given opportunities to use the technology themselves.
...is one where the textbook is no longer the only resource.
...is one where students are given an opportunity to learn the content in a variety of ways - for the visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learner.
...is one where teachers are provided adequate training so that technology makes teaching easier, not harder.
...is one where teachers are given opportunities to collaborate with others.
...is one where assessment of students is made easier so that teachers, students, and parents can recieve immediate feedback.
...is one where teachers can quickly and easily communicate with parents, students, and faculty.

What's your vision for the 21st Century Classroom?

Welcome to WMS IT Blog!

This is our space, Walhalla Middle School. To post ideas, questions, comments. It is a way for us communicate with one another to discover what technology can do for our classroom. Please continue to read the blog posts to stay updated. Get excited....there's more to come!