Smartboard in training

I am at a brand new school and one of the many perks are the smartboards.  They are new to us in the elementary school.  Wow, what a great tool to use to teach students with!  They are AMAZING but there is still lots more to learn.  Along with the fact that it technology and sometimes technology does not work the way we want it to.  I am having a blast learning new things to do with it but know there is lots more to learn.  Now it is just finding the time to explore it. 

Reflection

Blogging has been a great way to reflect.  I feel like I have learned so much in such a short amount of time.  I have found that I am amazed by what Google has to offer.  I LOVE the Google document.  I plan on using Prezi in my classroom.  I think it is such a neat way to present information to students.  I love that Google documents and Prezi can be used collaboratively.  I am thrilled to share with my co-workers all the neat, cool technology stuff I have learned!

What to do next?

I have narrowed it down to a reading lesson that I plan on implementing technology.  Now I have to decide what type of technology to implement.  I feel like a little kid in the candy store.  There is so much to pick from, the choices are endless, or at least it seems that way.  I am excited to implement technology in a lesson and try it out this school year.  As well as continue to implement technology in other lessons.   I am excited to do some more exploring and see what I can use for my reading lesson.  I have already been spreading the news about all the new, free technology I have learned about already.  I can't wait to show my friends/co-workers all the cool, neat stuff!!

Cool Tools For Schools Rocks!

I am really enjoying exploring Cool Tools For Schools.  It seems like there is everything one could imagine here.  I find myself spending lots of time here.  I have to give myself a time limit on the computer now or nothing else would get done!

Learning New Things

I worked with Prezi a lot today.  It takes a little getting used to, but I think I am starting to get the hang of it.  One thing that I did find interesting about the program is it will only accept Youtube videos.  I found that to be very interesting.  I thought I would try a different site to get a video and when I tried to put it into Prezi it would not let it.  I did find the same video from the one site on Youtube so I was able to use what I wanted in the end.  It just surprised me that it would not accept videos from other sites. 

Nothing more than feelings....

I am feeling overwhelmed, excited, frustrated, anxious, and intimidated all at the same time with all this new technology stuff I am learning.  I am finding Google Maps to be very frustrating.  I am hoping to work the kinks.  Prezi looks pretty neat.  I have checked out the tutorials, now I have to prepare for the real thing.  I am hoping that I can get "the hang of it" so that I can use it effectively with my group as well as with other ideas I have for the classroom.  I know that the more I "play around" with the new programs the more comfortable I will be with them and the more I can do with them.  I am really excited to continue to explore all the new, FREE sites that I have recently been made aware of. 

So Excited!!

I am now able to comment on other peoples' post!!.  I am so excited!  I know it sounds funny, but it feels like an accomplishment.  Dr. John gave a suggestion and it worked.  When first signing in just unclick the stay signed in button, sign in, and you should be able to comment.  Or at least I was able to.  Here's hoping it works for everyone!