Technology in the Classroom: A Professional Blogfolio

I was a little apprehensive at first having only used a SMART board a few times before, but I knew how engaged the kids would be. Before doing the lessons with my students I practiced logging on to the computer, turning on the projector, and opening the correct program. I played for about half an hour or so to ensure that I was comfortable working with the SMART board. Waiting for the last lesson of the day seemed to take forever and I think I was just as excited as the students.

The kids were wide eyed as I explained that our science lesson was going to take place in the SMART board room. It was the first time this year that they have had a chance to use the SMART board in class. The quietly walked down the hall and took their seats. I booted up the computer and get everything ready to go. I was surprised how everything went off without a hitch. The kids were dragging and dropping pictures of clouds, creating definitions, and describing weather conditions all while using the SMART board.

It was a completely new experience for the kids and they chose their own seats. While most of the students were engaged in the lesson, some were chatting and acting foolish while others were up at the board. I addressed the minor disruptions as they arose, but there were still little conversations taking place that were not related to our cloud lesson. I found that the ones who should have been seated at the front were, instead, seated with friends in the furthest corner of the room. So, for next time, I need to think ahead and arrange a seating plan. I already have some ideas, but I better get on it because my next lesson in the SMART board room is tomorrow!

I found a neat video to show some kids using the SMART board technology. It’s incredible how easy they pick up these skills! Click here if it will not play.

It feels good to be back in the classroom with a regular routine once again. The kids seemed excited to have me back and I was just as excited to be back. I’ve been able to pick up a few more classes so now I’m teaching Health, French, Social Studies, and Science. In addition to the heavier workload, I’m becoming more involved in some extra-curricular activities. The fall musical is quickly approaching so twice a week I work with grades 4-6 for “No Strings Attached” (an adaptation of Pinocchio). Each practice I’m amazed at the talent, passion, and enthusiasm that these kids have. They are so incredibly dedicated to the performance that most of the actors have their lines memorized, and the backstage crew are ready to go! I also had the opportunity to work with the little ones (K-3) for division one choir. What an energetic bunch! I was completely exhausted at the end of the noon hour, but I had a great time.

While in the classroom I have made several attempts to keep the students engaged in the material I’m presenting. I have created games and activites for French class that challenge the students, help them learn new vocabulary, and allow them to be a little bit competitive. I turned a simple matching game into a team sport where students match the vocabulary cards with the correct illustration. On our last day before moving on to a Halloween theme the students matched ALL of the cards correct except for one! I was very happy with their performance and I told them so.

In Health class I have continued with the Multiple Intelligences unit that I created and they are very excited each time we do an activity. I can’t count the number of times that students have asked me, “When are we going to score our smart tests?!” Because of schedule conflicts we lost the Health class where the kids were supposed to find out what type of “smart” they are. Let me tell you, they were not too happy about that decision. Once we had the opportunity to do the activity, it was ALL they would talk about. Students were sharing with one another their results and we eager to talk about it in class. I think the students are gaining an understanding of the concepts I am trying to teach and it feels great to know how excited they are about being different.

Social Studies this week was interesting because my co-op and I started a GPS unit. After charging the batteries, checking all of the devices, ruling out the ones that didn’t work, organizing groups, and bundling up to go outside, we had a chance to see the kids in action. We simply showed them how to turn the GPS systems on and off, and explained how to get to the compass rose, and they were off. While they understood what to do, they were not afraid to experiment with the machines or make mistakes. All of the groups worked well together and were beaming when we explained we would use them for the next week or two.

Science this week has been a little bit difficult for me. I am finding it tough to pick up where my co-op left off. Because it is not my unit, I feel sort of disconnected from the weather actvities that I have done. While I was in the classroom during the science lessons she has taught this far, I feel like I am unsure of what to do next. I have several ideas in mind, but it’s hard for me to know where she was going with the unit. This is not a negative thing, this is just something I will have to overcome.

On a positive note, we had a PD day today. We watched a video of Doug Reeves speaking and it caused me to remenisce about a talk I once had with Tim. Claire’s dad, who just recently passed away, was the one who introduced this key-note speaker. It was a bittersweet moment to see him up at a podium addressing educators. It’s where he belonged. I smiled to myself each time Mr. Reeve spoke of something familar, for example, giving students zeros. I remembered how Tim had become frustrated with those who argued that giving students zeros would motivate them. He explained that research clearly shows the negative affect it has on students. He was angry that teachers still continue to do this despite what the research tells us. Both Tim (in casual conversation) and Doug Reeve (in presentation) spoke passionately about the positive change that needs to happen in teaching practice.

After another long day I’m realized how quickly I’m inching closer to my three week block. I am beginning to feel the pressure as I am at the school at 8am and I usually don’t leave until after 4:30pm. I continue the planning when I arrive home and work until I’m too tired to do so. I’m not surprised at the amount of time it takes to prepare and execute lessons, but I think my body needs some time to catch up. Hopefully after this inspiring video, some family time, and turkey dinner I’ll be well rested and ready to go again.

After a long day at school I pulled up to the house and put my car in park. I wandered into through the front door without knocking and greeted Jake (the family dog). I found my closest friend waiting for me at her kitchen table. I slumped into the chair breathing in the familiar scent of candles. Each week Claire and I make time to sit together, relax, and refocus. Being that we are both in our internship, this time allows us to stay positive, grounded, and it allows us to reflect on our days in the classroom. We offer suggestions, share successes (and failures) while laughing over a pot of tea.

Just as I was finishing my cup of tea, Claire’s father came home. She hollered, “Happy birthday Dad!” and I followed with a sqeaky singing of “Happy birthday.” Tim laughed and asked if I was staying for his birthday supper. I declined and explained that I should head home to see if my own family had plans for supper. I placed my cup on the counter, said good-bye, and drove home only to find an empty house. With no energy to make a supper for one, I went back to Claire’s to join in on Tim’s 54th birthday celebration.

Over a delicious taco dinner I shared with the family various lessons that I had planned for my advisor’s visit, which was the very next day. Tim carefully explained his reasoning for supporting my multiple intelligences lesson while enjoying his favourite dessert, raisin pie. I respected his opinion very much. He has been in the teaching profession for thirty years as a teacher, board member, trustee, superintendent, assistant director, and director of education. I think he might know what he’s talking about… We all cleaned up our plates and talked into the evening. For some reason I was in no hurry to return home.

We laugh and joked, but also had some “teacher talk” as we often did. Erin, Claire’s older sister, was proud to share that she had written the last five pages of her thesis. I entered the computer room with her and Tim and proceeded to read her brilliant words. “She is just like her dad,” I thought to myself. Tim took off his glasses and praised her for her work. He asked if she would present her thesis with him at another conference after her baby was born and Erin smiled knowing that he had already made the decision for her.

As the night and our conversation wore on I decided to say good-bye to my “other” family and turn in for the night. I wished Claire luck, as her advisor was coming the following day as well, and felt Erin’s belly before leaving. I thanked Claire’s mom, Linda, for supper and thanked Tim for sharing his beloved raisin pie. The door closed behind me and I looked up to the stars all the way to my car.

The next morning came earlier than I anticipated, my lesson went well, and my advisor seemed to be pleased. The kids enjoyed the lesson and were eager to continue on learning about the multiple intelligences. I went home for lunch and returned to the school in time to organize some of my lessons. The last half of the day began with our reading buddies. Our grade four students were working with their kindergarten partners in the library when I was told to answer a call. I thought it odd to be getting a call while at school and quickly walked to the phone. I don’t remember what exactly was said, but I knew that I needed to go to Claire as quickly as I could. Her dad had died at noon.

I approached my co-operating teacher, explained that I needed to leave immediately and dropped my books at my desk. Looking back now I was probably in no condition to be driving, but I drove to Claire’s. It was the longest 4 minutes of my life to date. I ran through the door, past the police, and hugged her hard as tears streamed down our faces. I cried harder as I saw her mother with her head in her hands and sister holding her belly sitting at the kitchen table in complete shock. I spent the next 6 days with my other family.

Tim was a brilliant man with infinite wisdom. He was an amazing husband, father, teacher, and friend. His beliefs about education will be carried on by those of us who had the opportunity to share a conversation with him. He was a very special man and an inspiration to me.

I have realized that writing and singing are a release for me. I sang at Tim’s memorial service, and now I’m sharing this story with those who choose to read it. Some advice Tim gave me that I will forever remember is: “Keep the positive people close to you.” and “He does too love raisin pie!”