What We Want to Learn

From RE 5532: Technology-Supported Literacy

I'd like to spend a little time thinking about tech-based and tech-supported instruction. My two younger sons are in a high school that made a major leap this year to more web-supported classroom instruction, and next year is supposedly going whole hog web-based. I'm interested in how little parent input there was in the process and what the school may do to support families without computers or without internet in their homes. --Koppenhaverd 21:50, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

I'd like to know more about instructional uses of Skype in the classroom. --Koppenhaverd 22:02, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

I'd also like to know if there are free or dirt cheap, and easy ways to make podcasts and vodcasts.--Koppenhaverd 15:43, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

I would like to learn about any new current edge technology that would help my students become the 21st century learners that my county is shooting for. I teach 2nd graders, so I want them to be prepared for the future. I just received two IPods through a grant and I am going to use them for listening centers for my students. I know there is a whole world of technology that I have yet to be exposed to and I want to learn as much as I can to benefit my students. I am excited to learn about ways to use Skype in the classroom, because I never thought of that before. I want to put it to use this school year. It would be great to use it on my Smartboard in my classroom.--Oscales 00:53, 10 September 2009 (UTC)Odessa Scales

I would like to learn more about how I can use technology with my second graders also. I do not have a smartboard and I only have 2 computers in my classroom. So, I feel a little limited at this time but I know in the future I will have a smartboard. So, I want to be ready. I am currently taking a technology class through my school too. I would like to look more into using blogs for my student's writing and making class books with voice threads. --Trish 01:21, 10 September 2009 (UTC)

I would really like to learn how to use skype and twitter within my classroom and with other classes not in my school. I have every possible thing you can have for technology since I teach at a technology school I just wished I knew how to use it all. I have a video flip recorder and I would really learn how to make videos with that to be able to send to parents or other people in the school or just to put on our class website. I would really like to learn how my students can use wiki. One of our teachers has her students doing homework on wiki and posting blogs and I would love to become more familiar with it to allow that option for my students. We are looking into getting individual notebooks for our students which would be really cool for our students to have. Technology scares me and I want to become more familiar with different aspects of it to make my students 21st century learners.--Hetilley 02:34, 10 September 2009 (UTC)

--Tonna216 15:38, 12 September 2009 (UTC)I would like to learn how to teach using technology in the classroom without it being so stressful on me the teacher. Many times while instructing students on steps to take while creating powerpoints, using Microsoft Word and Excel students will always speak out and say, "What?" "Where is that button?" "My computer doesn't have that!" It is hard to do when you are by yourself with 20 students asking 20 questions. Teaching technology is a vital step in the 21st century. I hope I can steer my studnets in the right direction with new technology I introduce them to.

I have to agree with Tonna. I feel completely overwhelmed when I take my fourth graders in the computer lab. My class is technologically diverse. Some can barely turn on a computer and others have Facebook and Myspace accounts and probably know more about computers than me. I wish I knew where to start in teaching my fourth graders technology! --JenLawson070 16:27, 16 September 2009 (UTC)

I am excited about the Skype!--Tonna216 22:25, 10 September 2009 (UTC)Tonna

I will be getting a smartboard in the next few months, and I'm really excited about learning how to use it. I would also like to incorporate more photostory or moviemaker projects in my LA classes. I think the students would enjoy using digital images for projects. My school system had a technology conference over the summer and it was quite fun and interesting. I'm looking forward to learning more ways to use any type of technology in my classroom. Right now I feel like Charlie Brown's teacher because all I use is a whiteboard. - Jennifer Wagoner --jennifer wagoner 23:52, 26 September 2009 (UTC)

I have a smartboard in my class but have never received any real training with it. I wish I felt more comfortable using my smartboard. When something out of the ordinary happens with it, I feel clueless on how to fix it. --JenLawson070 16:27, 16 September 2009 (UTC)

Connie Adams-Jones: I am getting a smart board added to my classroom soon. I'd like to be able to use it effectively to not only teach my students but to help them succeed in the ever changing world of technology. I struggle to incorporate technology in my classroom and would like to learn ways to incorporate without seeming incapable. (User:Cajones51---12 September 2009)--Cajones51 21:15, 20 September 2009 (UTC)--Cajones51 21:17, 20 September 2009 (UTC)

I'm starting to feel a gap growing between what I know of technology and what my middle school students know--and I'm not all that old!  :-) A lot has changed even since I completed my undergrad degree. I would like to know how to use technology to assist ESL/ESOL/ELL students to acquire literacy skills. Our school-wide focus is on differentiated instruction; how can I use technology to push all students when they are in their small learning groups? I would like to keep learning about inexpensive technology that I can get easy access to; I fell in love with PhotoStory and CPS last year. What will the obsession be this year? My classroom is also getting outfitted to be a 21st Century Classroom, thanks to some Title I money. Once everything is hoooked up, I want to be sure I am utilizing the equipment to it's fullest extent. --Rjohnson 17:32, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

Also want to be sure that I am using the most current technology available so that my students have access to things they might not have at home. They're going to be the designers and inventors in another 7 to 15 years...we better help them prepare!--Rjohnson 17:33, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

I would like to learn as much about technology as I can. i want to be able to use technology more in my classroom. I want my students to be 21st century learners and be prepared for the feature of technology. I teach a 1st/2nd combo and I would like my students to begin using technology from a early age. I think it would be neat if my class could skype with another class in our county. I also would like to teach the children to use photo story or powerpoint to present their work. --Ashleycaldwell82 19:20, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

I would like to learn about free technologies for my classroom, or grants to help me get technologies. I have tried donors choose for cameras, but was unsuccessful. I would also like to know what technology can help ESL students AND parents. My school does not have ESL services, yet we are getting ESL students. How can I help them, using technology? I also want to find a social networking site just for primary students. --Sefeinman 20:09, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

I join some of the others in wanting to know more about things that I can do with my Smartboard. I use it the best I know how, but know that the sky is the limit and I've only hardly scratched the surface. I would also like some fun ideas for things to do with the document camera in the primary classroom. I have had minimal training on several areas of technology, but am looking forward to this class making me take the time to experiment with some of it that I don't take time to do on my own!--Jessicajackson52 02:03, 13 September 2009 (UTC)

I would love to find some practical applications for the technology that I have in my classroom that will really prepare my students for life in the 21st century. How do I teach a six year old the power of technolgy and how to use it to gather information of answer questions safely. I too want to learn about free resources that are available for classroom teachers--CandyMooney 15:36, 13 September 2009 (UTC)

Like several of the others, I am exited about Skype. I used it a bit last year to communicate with a classroom in the next county; however, I would love to figure out a way to safely communicate with classrooms in other countries. I would love to be able to do classroom podcasts, as well. Also, more information on free technological opportunities for eduators would be helpful. Heather Coe

I hope that we as a class can share our experiences and knowledge of technology with each other to improve the practices in our own classrooms. I completed a grant last year that involved teaching for the 21st century learner. With the grant I received a document camera, projector and laptop. I would like to learn even more ways to utilize them in my classroom. Amanda Burcham

I would like to be able to teach my fifth graders how to use technology successfully for SCHOOL, not just recreation. Unfortunately, many of them have little to no experience with the office programs, and like Tonna said, it is difficult to teach 21 children to do something at the same time when you have to worry about whether the computers really are working properly or if there is so sever user error happening. Our computers are fairly dated and need help-probably more than our students do! Stacy Cabeen

I would really like to learn more about the uses of Skype and Twitter in the classroom setting. As others have said, I am familiar with most technologies; however, I would like to learn more about how they could be effectively used in the classroom. I think Skype could be a good tool to communicate with those of other cultures, but I do not know how to find others or make sure it is safe for all of my students. -Brittanyjguy 19:42, 13 September 2009 (UTC)

I am interested in learning the classroom applications of Skype. I would like to learn how to use IPOD's as an updated format of the traditional listening center. I am also curious about any and all free technological resources available to classroom teachers. I hope to be able to keep up with the many technological advances of our time. - Brandy Rogers Davis

I would like to know how to better incorporate technology into my 1st grade classroom. I use websites and a smart board and can fumble my way through a borrowed document camera. I can create things such as sorts and games on the Smart technology, but I know there are endless possibilities out there. I would like to know what types of technology are being found to be effective instructional tools. I would also like to explore the shift in my role as an educator as my classroom becomes more technology centered. I also would like to explore the question of how to find a balance between technology use and paper/pencil. My students are still learning how to use a pencil--they have to use one at least part of the time, right?--Smithmk1 01:44, 14 September 2009 (UTC)

I would like to learn even more web-related resources I can use in the classroom. I love finding great sites that the kids can interact with on the Smartboard. I'm also curious to learn about the classroom applications of Twitter in an elementary school setting. --Adover 01:51, 14 September 2009 (UTC)

Where should I begin? There is so much for me to learn about technology and literacy. I would love to learn what other teachers are doing in their classroom for project based learning. I want to hear what can be done with limited amounts of technology. I have a computer and a document camera. What are some activities that are successful with large groups? What can we as teachers do for the children when they can't access technoloy from home?--Carol Sherrill 16:48, 14 September 2009 (UTC)

I would like to use more technology in my classroom in general. I saw that Odessa got i pods. I was going to write a grant for that this summer for the same purpose, listening center, but found out that they don't take the paperwork until school started up. Of course I haven't made it that far. Tapes and CD's are ancient. It would be nice to move my listening center into the 21st century. I would also like to use my SMART Board more. I have found some cool things here and there to incorporate, but I want LOTS more! Another thing that has gotten pushed aside in order to get have to's done. I am sure there are all kinds of things out there floating around on the web that I could use. I would like to learn an efficient way of finding them.--Ressler14 22:16, 14 September 2009 (UTC)

I read an article today about using IPods to help ELL students gain language skills. This is so neat! I too, am looking to procure some IPods for use in listening centers, and now with my ELL student as well. I would like to know more about the ability to view a computer's screen on a teacher computer, and also be able to help the student by moving their mouse around. I think that would be a very interesting and helpful way to aid students in learning how to use a computer effectively. Stacy

I'm being thrust into the world of technology in the classroom very soon. I would like to learn more about Google Earth all the services it has to offer. I am also interested in free programs that students are able to use to create movies, like moviemaker. I would also like ideas to use with my SMART technologies. --Melissa Martin Whitfield 23:28, 15 September 2009 (UTC)

I would like to be able to use technology more readily through blogging. I did do blogs through gaggle.net a couple years back, but it was challenging to get my students to take it seriously. I want to work on getting them to truly respond to another person's ideas to encourage more continuous dialogue rather than merely seeing the activity as playtime. I am eager to try it again. More of my students are computer savy these days. I also find it challenging as Tonna and Jennifer said to cope with the diverse computer aptitudes in the classes. Some students can take off on there own and explore a program figuring out as they go along through trial and error especially those who are computer savvy while others constantly struggle. Often it is just one teacher with 10 hands raised that need help trying to move through helping each one as quickly as possible so the assignment has a chance to actually get worked on. Luckily, I've found that my 7th graders are willing to help one another most of the time. You can pair your students up with buddies to get that computer support without the teacher needing several clones to keep sanity by the end of the day. I'd like to be able to utilize the most of computer lab and laptop time without as many hiccups so the activity whether it be blogging, creating a smartboard presentation, or a scavenger hunt on the web can be accomplished. How do I maximize the most of the short time roughly 50 minutes I have to work with computers and other technologies?--Amy Hardister 20:51, 16 September 2009 (UTC)

I would like to "see/read" texts by generation. How has it changed in a relatively short time as each generation learned to read, and what they used as texts. How does the USA compare to the rest of the world in technology literacy? How are our schools using the technology we are using in this course? I know the obvious, links to virtual field trips, etc. I already learned about posting expectations and communicating with parents on twitter, which I am starting this weekend! I hope to learn how to implement this into my class so my students will be better prepared to compete in our global job market. I also would like to use these sites as my main source of communicating with my children and grandchildren in Oregon. I want to use the internet/skype to take virtual field trips, visit with authors, watch science experiements,and anything else that connects to our interests. --Grandmacunningham 13:45, 19 September 2009 (UTC)

I would like to learn ways to use technology with my first graders that excite them as well as broaden their minds. Especially things that don't require additional funding, as funds are scarce this year. However, our PTO may help me get funding to purchase mp3 players (ipods are too expensive) to convert my books on tape and CD to digital media. I know how to do a CD not sure about cassettes. I think a special cord is involved. I have a flip video camera and would like an interesting project to create with my students. I would also like to work on a class blog and use twitter in the classroom.--Melissa graham 20:27, 19 September 2009 (UTC)

I would like to use more technology in my classroom in general. I saw that Odessa got i pods. I was going to write a grant for that this summer for the same purpose, listening center, but found out that they don't take the paperwork until school started up. Of course I haven't made it that far. Tapes and CD's are ancient. It would be nice to move my listening center into the 21st century. I would also like to use my SMART Board more. I have found some cool things here and there to incorporate, but I want LOTS more! Another thing that has gotten pushed aside in order to get have to's done. I am sure there are all kinds of things out there floating around on the web that I could use. I would like to learn an efficient way of finding them.--Ressler14 14:01, 12 September 2009 (UTC) --Ressler14 22:02, 14 September 2009 (UTC)

Here's what it looks like we want to learn according to the above:

Topic	Notes
tech-based and tech-supported instruction	differences, issues
Skype	instructional uses
podcast/vodcast	free and cheap ways
iPods	instructional uses
blogs	writing instruction uses
voicethread	class book publishing
few computers	what can you do with 1-2 computers in your class?
Twitter	instructional uses
Flip cameras	use and posting on website
anxieties/sanity	addressing fears, organizing tech integration, gaining perspective
Smartboard	instructional applications
Moviemaker	instructional applications
Photostory	instructional applications
Social networking	sites just for kids?
free stuff/funding sources	[Donors Choose] application was unsuccessful
what's current	How do I keep up?
PowerPoint	teach kids to use
ESL students	What tech can help ESL students and how?