It's over...almost.  I honestly can't believe that May is almost here.  I said it in my past post, but I really have learned so much about using technology in the classroom over the past semester.  I admit to having spent countless hours searching, creating, deleting, creating again, tweaking, and finally submitting my projects.  For each project, I wanted to create something of value that I could actually use with my students.  Despite the times of intense frustration, I feel successful.  You can teach an old dog new tricks.  I really do have a whole new arsenal of activity ideas that truly help me dive right into the Web 2.0 world - and I'm still afloat!

It's hard to believe that this semester and my final three weeks of grad school are coming to a close.  I've learned a lot about technology that I can actually use with my students.  I plan to continue playing with the new software, technologies, and project ideas that I have learned through this course and use them to enhance the learning environment for my students - and me!

Concept Maps

This week I have been learning all about concept maps.  I have used several different thinking (mind) maps over the years, but I was not really familiar with concept maps.  The part I really like about this visual tool is that linking words or phrases are used to show the relationships that exist among the words/concepts.  I have discovered Kidspiration software.  I have spent way too much time playing around with it this week, but it's so much fun!  I plan on using this in the near future with my students.  I am using the 30-day free trial right now, but this is something that I do want to purchase for my classroom.

What's a Wiki?

This week I have been introduced to a new concept - the wiki.  I am familiar with the term, but not its meaning.  Our assignment for the week is to upload a lesson plan to the class wiki.  So basically, a wiki is a website that allows a group to coordinate things online with the ability to edit and see each other's contributions.  It really does make it easier than simply emailing back and forth.  Check out the YouTube video above for a great explanation!

Greetings!

Hi!  I am about to embark on a totally new journey into the world of technology.  I am excited, nervous, and challenged all at the same time.  I look forward to branching out of my comfort zone of limited technology and emerging as a newly competent (hopefully) blogger.