Final Reflections

This class has been my favorite so far since on this journey to getting my Masters. It was my 6th course. (Four more to go!). The reason it is my favorite is dependent on many reasons. These are it was very hands on. We got to "play" with different software and devices as we learned about them. There was not any papers we had to write about we got to experience what we were learning about. As well the information we were learning about was very current. I was not learning about information or technology that happened 10 years ago.  Much of what I learned could be used in my classroom. There are so many ideas that I will use in my classroom now and years to come. For example I already have two students on Co - Writer and this is already changing how they are in the classroom. This class had opened my eyes up to how technology can play a role in my classroom and assist those students can benefit from it.

Case Study Day!

Today was our last day of class and we all presented our case studies. These are my reflections on the day.

•  Co-writer was a very popular assisitve technology used today and in all the case studies it was a very successful tool.  I  found it to be the same experience in my class. I used  Co-writer for a student who has difficulties writing but is able to read well and can spell. The short version is the blossomed on co-writer after the first try! I went around showing everyone what he had done. 

• Most of the case studies were often about writing. This year I have the advantage of teaching many of the same students I taught in grade primary and one.  I can see how their writing has changed over the two years. In most cases the students who had difficulty with writing in grade primary are  one the same students who are having  difficult y in grade three. I am just wondering how we could get to those students earlier instead of having them struggle throughout the grades.

• Teachers are very passionate about their students! It was so obvious today how much every cares about their studetns. It was very interesting to get a peek inside other teacer's classrooms and students.

• The difference that technology can make in the students life. It not only improves their writing or their academics it improves their confidence.  It is a shame to think about how many students are struggling within our school system that would not need to with the integration of technology.

• French for Caleb: Many of the case studies had students in  french immersion. My son began learning English at age two as we adopted him from China . As well he was born with a cleft palate so speech is delayed. I am just wondering if putting him in french immersion would hinder his learning instead of helping. Something for us to think about.

• Things to remind myself  to check out!
• Solo
• Ginger
• Story line
• Litteractive
• Word bingo
• Story wheel
• Monkey pre-school lunch box
• Grover
• ABC Tracing
• Charlie Brown Christmas
• Lightening Was Here