Reflection

This course has helped me develop my technology skills as a professional teacher. I have been able to read books and articles, watch videos and listen to podcasts that explain and support my understanding of technology. I now have a greater understanding of how to use the different technology tools in the classroom. Through the support I find the technology easy to use. I have successfully used podcasting and video making within my classroom something that I might not have used in the past. I feel comfortable and confident in using technology.

Through the work and readings of this course I have deepened my knowledge of the teaching and learning process. In our schools today there is a population of students who have always been surrounded by technology. They are comfortable and accustomed to technology and due to this they are able to access knowledge in a different way than before. It is our job as educators to adjust our classrooms to support these students. If we provide an envorinment that is more exploritory and interest driven students will succeed while being engaged.

With this idea in mind, I have started to change the design of my lessons. I am trying to use technology tools and programs to engage my students and increase their achievement. I use my Smartboard to show quick video clips to introduce lessons. I also use interactive websites and computer generated lessons that able the students to manipulate, touch and develop an understanding of the topic. We also use programs like imovie and garage band to record what they have learned to share with others. I will continue to expand my knowledge in order to foster the learning of my students. My students have only given me positive feedback when using technology because of their excitement I am encouraged to continue learning about different programs to help support them.

If is important for educators to make goals that will keep them current in the field of education. Over the course of the school year I would like to work on improving and transforming my classroom environment. My first goal is to develop social studies units that are student centered. I am going to develop these units through the use of a WebQuest. I teach a second grade special education class. My second goal is to have students engaged in their reading. Through computer based reading programs paired with interactive websites and guided reading students will improve their overall understanding of reading (comprehension, fluency and decoding).

Assignment 5 - Podcast

Listen to a podcast about the digital learners in Class 2-12

http://www.podcastmachine.com/podcasts/2402/episodes/10533

Learning for the 21st Century

When looking at this website for the fist time it is rather overwhelming. http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf In reality it is a plan that has been drawn up to address the achievement gap of the 21st century. They layout their plan in three sections:

• Defining the Need for Change
• The Key Elements of 21st Century Learning
• Implementing 21st Century Learning Skills: 9 Steps to Build Momentum

Each of these sections is broken down in to subsections where the major information is bulleted for easy understanding. Although the information is wordy key points are hard to miss.

As an educator I was surprised when I saw how many big businesses where a part of this program along with the U.S. Department of Education. I was a little skeptical of the information that was to follow but quickly realized that I agree with all major points. As you read through one notices that there is a major focus on the learner, how they learn and making a connection to their personal lives. For example:

• Education that connects to students' lives
• Education that reflects how people learn
• Emphasizing core subjects
• Emphasizing learning skills
• Develop learning skills
• 21st century context
• 21st century content
• Assessment to measure skills

The ultimate goal of this project is to focus on the preparation of our students for the 21st century. To posses the skills necessary to become successful and productive members of an ever changing world by using the technology that is available and accessible. As an educator in today's schools, it is my job to use these tools to help prepare my students for the world ahead of them.

Purpose of Classroom Blog

After thinking about how to use this blog with my classroom I have come to the decision that I will use it as a space to publish the works of my students. I teach 2 nd grade in a Special Education classroom. I am always looking for ways to increase student production and engage my students in their learning. Podcasts and movie making are excellent ways to captivate students. This will be a format for showcasing their work as well as a message board to communicate with parents about the progress of their children.

Check back next week and see what we have been up to in Class 2-12!

Welcome Parents from Class 2-12

Here are some hellos from your children:

Karissa says, "Welcome to Class 2-12! Our class has a lot of stuff. We have books. We learn. We have a bathroom."

John G says, "We have computers. They are fun to use."

Kenneth says, "We have a calendar. On the calendar there are numbers, months and days of the week."

Kevin says, "There are books to read. I really liked reading the book Just Like Daddy by Frank Asch."

Gerard says, "I like looking at the rocks. We rubbed them together and they became dust!"

Eder says, "We have classroom jobs. We get jobs every week on Mondays. I want to be the door holder next week."

Anthony says, "The carpet has animals inside the letters. D is my favorite letter because it is a dog."

Roselyn says, "I like to read all the books in my bin."

Brian says, "I am the weatherman. Everyday I look outside and I see the weather."

John P. says, "I enjoy school because in this classroom I can listen to the teacher and I learn!"

Aldrich says, "I like reading with Ms. Balbi."

Edward says, "We like to read books. I like to read books about bunnies."

Thank you for coming to visit.... Hope to see you soon!

Love,
Class 2-12 :)

Welcome to 2nd Grade!

I hope that you had a relaxing and refreshing summer. I need you to be ready for a fun filled year in 2nd grade. I just want to welcome you to my class and go over a few quick notices. We have an early lunch this year so we will be having a small snack. Please send in a healthy snack (apples, carrots, crackers) with your child. Also, we have physical education on Wednesday mornings. Please make sure that your child is wearing sneakers every Wednesday. Every child has been given a plastic homework folder. All notes, announcements and memos as well as homework will be sent in this folder. Please check the folder everyday.

September is a busy month and before we know it the leaves will be turning colors and we will be wearing winter jackets. Here are the focuses for this month:

• Reading Workshop ~ Getting Back into Writing
• Writing Workshop ~ Writing Small Moments
• Math ~ Unit 1 Numbers and Rituals
• Science ~ Pebbles, Sand and Silt
• Social Studies ~ Getting to know New York City