As I was reflecting on my SMART BOARD experiences in the classroom over the last four months what immediately came to mind was a trip I took to San Jose, California. I recalled the excitement and anticipation prior to actually taking the trip. The planning and mapping out the drive. Just about there...or at least that's what the map said. Arriving! And then, the multitude of experiences while actually there. Some of the planning before hand came to fruition and some experiences "just happened". The Streets of San Francisco looked intimidating and at first they were. But after a few days...a few driving experiences...somehow it seemed easier. And then, just when we thought we had become experts a simple foot off the clutch...had us rolling back "SMACK" into a Mercedes Benz. The owner was very understanding and very helpful. Amazing! Along the way, many of the experiences "opened my eyes", made me think...rethink, it was another rich learning experience in my life.
Having the SMART BOARD in my classroom is another rich learning experience for my students and I. There is always excitement and anticipation when trying to use and incorporate the technology into our lessons and curriculum. We get confident and comfortable... and then...just when we feel that we are just about there we discover that we haven't arrived. I am not certain that one ever "arrives" when on a technology journey. I must admit that some days are overwhelming because of the endless possibilities. There is so much to "SEE" and "DO"! Most of the planning we have done has come to fruition, but what is most exciting are the pieces that "just happen". The AH ha! moments. When I stop to reflect, really we are only just beginning to navigate "The Streets of San Francisco". I am so grateful for the students in my classroom, who are not intimidated or afraid to take on the technology. They are leaders and today I celebrate each one of them. When "the Streets of San Francisco" look intimidating, they simply take the wheel, navigating with expertise and confidence. I am in AWE and learning much from them. We are so fortunate to have technology leaders working with us that are so understanding and helpful..even when we roll back into the Mercedes Benz they are there to support and encourage us. Amazing! My eyes have been opened to the endless possibilities, all the thinking and rethinking has been very valuable and sometimes frustrating. Now, as we move forward, I want to continue to work collaboratively with my students using digital media to communicate with each other and the world.
Having the SMART BOARD in my classroom is another rich learning experience for my students and I. There is always excitement and anticipation when trying to use and incorporate the technology into our lessons and curriculum. We get confident and comfortable... and then...just when we feel that we are just about there we discover that we haven't arrived. I am not certain that one ever "arrives" when on a technology journey. I must admit that some days are overwhelming because of the endless possibilities. There is so much to "SEE" and "DO"! Most of the planning we have done has come to fruition, but what is most exciting are the pieces that "just happen". The AH ha! moments. When I stop to reflect, really we are only just beginning to navigate "The Streets of San Francisco". I am so grateful for the students in my classroom, who are not intimidated or afraid to take on the technology. They are leaders and today I celebrate each one of them. When "the Streets of San Francisco" look intimidating, they simply take the wheel, navigating with expertise and confidence. I am in AWE and learning much from them. We are so fortunate to have technology leaders working with us that are so understanding and helpful..even when we roll back into the Mercedes Benz they are there to support and encourage us. Amazing! My eyes have been opened to the endless possibilities, all the thinking and rethinking has been very valuable and sometimes frustrating. Now, as we move forward, I want to continue to work collaboratively with my students using digital media to communicate with each other and the world.
Our Trip Tik
Language Arts
Daily Oral Language
Teacher Read Alouds - Mind Mapping
PWIM; Picture, Word, Inductive Model
Space - Space Trading Cards; PWIM
Flight - PWIM; Flight Video; Blog with St. Joseph's Yellowknife
Tales, Heroes, Deeds and Wonders - Fables Webquest/Lap Tops
Olympics - In the News/Live
Religion/Health
Changing the World 5 Minutes at a Time - Video Production
Arts.Ed
Visual Arts - Bringing the World into our Classroom/ Connecting/ Instruction
Daphne Odjig
Math
Math Stations - websites; interactive games;Smart Notebook
Instructional tool for lessons; connecting and reconnecting before testing
Stay Posted for Photos and Lesson Details
