Tech Talk for the Middle School

Wow school has started again. I am actually very happy to be leaving the world of 4 and 6 year olds to enter the middle school classroom again. I have some new toys to play with. However I get the toys and new site and now have to find good efficeint ways to use them.

1. Jing Project – this is free (for now) software that can be used to create screencasts. I have started to use it to do mini tutorials for the teachers in my building. Like how to check email. Very easy to use. I also thought it would be a good thing for Special Ed students who need extra instructions. It would be great for the visual learner. I also saw a math teacher having students create thier own screencasts on math topics.
2. Twitter- is a new site that I just started using. You send out short little “Tweets” to people who are following you on the site. You can add a “tweet” to a website or blog that you find interesting. You can also follow people who you want. I have some very interesting people and groups that I follow. It is a great way to get info that does not require a lot of reading unless you want to. A lot of bloggers use it to advertise their new topics. My user name is LisaSteb if you want to follow me. www.twitter.com

So I am finding new things to play with but now need to find the time to use them. Using cool new things in the classroom is good but I have to make sure it doesn’t cut into all the standards that I need to cover. Sure I can justify teaching just about anything with technology but what is being left off can be very important.

I recently saw this video and it really motivated me in my planning for next year. It really hit home that we literally ask our students to power down when the enter school. Let me know your thoughts on this.