The Techno-Novice

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Permalink Reply by Kirsty Wertz on September 16, 2009 at 10:05am

Great question Dean--glad to see you're reaching out to the Villagers to tap them for some useful insights. Be sure to keep your eye on the netTrekker blog (you'll see a feed for it on the Village homepage below the Discussion area) where we share practical examples for using netTrekker resources, along with other technology tools, in the classroom.

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Permalink Reply by Danielle on September 21, 2009 at 9:04am

Hi Dean,

As a former technology coach, the one thing that I learned was not to overwhelm. KISS it - Keep it so simple. For instance, if you want to use a write board, first just get use to using it as a modernized white board and just write on it. Then use it as an oversized touch monitor. Get comfortable with standing at it, clicking and touching, but still writing. You'll notice that there's a different way to stand in front of it. Once you are comfortable with clicking through a website and writing on it, then try saving notes on it. Or try opening a new program. Or try their software. If you try their software, such as Promethean's Flip Chart or Smart's Notebooks, see if you can find any that are pre-made. netTrekker has some great links to teacher-made materials from both of these companies. Try those out first, and then see about editing the teacher made notebook/flipchart for a customized feel. Then, try building your own.

I also recommend developing your own personal learning network. Build this using a tool like Twitter or even Facebook. Follow the people on here, join discussions, ask questions, take part in answering questions.

And don't be afraid. Sure, you can crash a computer. But your technician should be thankful - you're offering him job security by willing to take a chance and use the machine the way it's suppose to be used. The computer can be fixed (unless you throw it to the ground in a temper tantrum, but I doubt you'll get that way.) You have to play, experiment, and experience the computer's capabilities to see what you can do with it.

There are some great books out there too. Do you have one computer in your classroom? Check Amazon or Tom Snyder for the book "One Computer Classroom." Hopefully they have updated it since I read it. There's also some great books from ISTE. Check with your tech people to see if they have any integration books.

If you're looking to start project/problem based learning in your classroom, do a search in netTrekker. We have some great resources to get you started and My Portfolio is wonderful to get you started.

So I guess the question is, what are you wanting to start experimenting with first?

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Permalink Reply by SpEdTeach2 on October 23, 2009 at 1:00pm

Greetings techno-novice

I, too, am a 'digital immigrant' - however, I have taken the time to investigate Web2.0 resources for use in the classroom. One Web2.0 resource which is utilized in my classroom quite frequently (and in other classrooms in this facility, as well) is our wiki. A wiki is a web-based tool that can simply contain assignments or descriptions of coursework expectations or it can be used as a gateway to a myriad of tech tools: hyperlinked resources based locally or on the web, podcasts, blogs, videos, et cetera. For an example of a constantly-evolving wiki, go to this URL: http://spedteach2.pbworks.com (you may have to request access initially).

Another great way to experience Web 2.0 tools is to create your own del.icio.us account online, then add people to your network (and their related bookmarks). My username in delicious is SpedTeach2.

You may want to check out a Ning (and possibly even create your own!): For SmartBoard users, check out The Interactive Whiteboard Revolution

I like to use Annenberg Media to supplement my Math and Science classes, go to http://learner.org/; the Futures Channel is also a great resource for adapting 'boring' lessons to real world applications.

Hope this helps!

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Permalink Reply by Dean Bennett on October 27, 2009 at 7:38am

I have requested access to your wiki. I will await response and check it out. I have begun using wikis in my classroom. It's a work in progress for me so far. We are using it as a showcase for our ongoing classroom poetry project. It is kinda neat to watch the pages grow with content and ideas. I hope that I am using it properly. Thanks again for your interest in helping a fellow educator!

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Permalink Reply by Denny Nkemontoh on October 26, 2009 at 2:45pm

I know that it can be overwhelming. The best thing I did for myself was to set small goals at first. Pick one area in which you're going to use technology in your classroom for that term or that year. Then, do one lesson each week in that area. If you teach more than one section of a class, you even get to practice it to become more comfortable with it. As time goes on, you will not only become more confident but you will build up an arsenal of technology based lessons and strategies. After a while, it will become easier.

Remember that your students can teach you too. Take advantage of that. Assign work where they choose the online tools to complete the assignment. Watch and learn from them.

Take advantage of the many free webinars that are out there. Borrow from other teachers who are using technology. (Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.)

Be honest with your students when you run into a glitch, someone is likely to step up to help you. Learn to laugh at yourself. Have fun!

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Permalink Reply by Dean Bennett on October 27, 2009 at 7:31am

Hey Denny - thanks for the feedback. Your advice makes sense, and I actually have done just this recently. I have set goals for myself and for my students with regards to our technology use. It's working out great so far, as students are becoming acclimated to doing certain tasks in the online classroom instead of on paper. Eating the giant elephant one bite at a time certainly makes it easier than in one gulp!!

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