When I discovered Pinterest, it was bye-bye Diigo, but I've just "rediscovered" my interest in Diigo thanks to joining a Diigo group. After searching for various groups, I decided to join one called NiscLearners. NiscLearners is a professional learning network for teachers who are interested in using technology with their students. After joining, I found myself checking out the many bookmarks and absorbed in new ideas. In one bookmark, I learned about the possibilities of creating my own digital stories and doing digital storytelling with my students. I was also able to download a digital storytelling planning map as well as a rubric for grading. One my favorite discoveries was ideas for using QR codes in the classroom. The link discussed how an art teacher posted QR codes at an art fair next to students work. A code could be scanned to view the child artist's narrative, summary, or description of the artifact. I thought about how I could do this with hallway displays. I could start small with one QR code which would inform visitors of what we had been studying and what the pieces hanging in the hallway represented. I could later simulate the art teacher and post QR codes on each child's piece which would lead them to more information. I also learned about great apps for the ipad which I anticipate being useful very soon. Something called "Air Sketch" was continously mentioned as an app which is a wireless whiteboard on the ipad. I also discovered another blog called "iLearn Technology." This is also an edublog about integrating technology in the classroom. I added this one to my Google Reader! I also read about digital portfolios. The possibilities are endless with keeping a digital portfolio for each student. Not to mention, less paperwork for filing and storage in the classroom, and a way to communicate student's work and progress easily and frequently with parents. I am wondering if there are any apps or programs that already exist involving digital portfolios for students? Joining a Diigo group is going to be very beneficial and another is another PLN that I am truly excited about!

Professional Learning Networks

My new favorite professional learning network is blogs via Google Reader. I love that all of the blogs I follow are located in one place where I can view recent posts with educational information and activities. I have recently been focused on my literacy instruction, and the best things I've learned via bloggers include ideas and downloads for reciprocal teaching. I have discovered various templates for students to provide written response to reading during guided reading groups. Students can then share their thinking and lead some of our discussion themselves.

I am also learning a lot more from Pinterest now that I've reorganized some of my boards and pins. Because I now have more specific titles for each of my boards, I am finding it much easier to make better use of this learning network. I have used many more ideas from Pinterest in the last couple weeks than I have in a while, simply because I have been able to find the resources!

I have no idea what teachers did before blogs and Pinterest and professional learning networks. I'm so thankful I have begun my career in education at a time when these networks are rapidly growing and expanding!

Watching "A Day Made of Glass" was eye opening. Sometimes when I see glimpses of new ideas or hear bits about what the future holds in regard to technology, it can be overwhelming and even a little bit scary. While I at times still find myself in these situations wondering, worrying, or questioning, I have been trying to channel some of that energy into a more positive vision thinking about the advances and benefits to this rate of growth and development.
This video absolutely helped me view our technological advances more positively. In the first scene the young girl wakes up to her alarm clock, and I thought about how neat that would be to see first thing - everything I wanted right there - time, weather, notes about the day, etc. The windows and light entering the room is also something I would enjoy, as I like it black when I am sleeping but love the bright light in the morning. I would love to know more about the closet capabilities with outfits and matching items. The classroom technology use and the use at the hospital/doctor was unbelievable. When the video showed the patient receiving a brain scan and how quickly and easily technology appeared to show the makeup of his brain was when I really realized what advances we could make in so many areas thanks to the technology we have and are going to have in the near future. As a Jurassic Park fan, my favorite part might have been the scene in the park with the dinosaur. I thought about student engagement and future field trips and learning possibilities.
I became so interested in this video and had so many questions, so I actually followed up and watched the video which describes and explains each part - what is  possible now and what is not possible yet. I hope to continue feeling inquisitive and excited about our technological advances.

To be an active learner means to be engaged, to be an active participant in one's own learning, to be hands-on. In my building I was introducted to an activity called "Quiz, Quiz, Trade" and I feel that it is a great example of active learning. For this activity, each student receives a strip of paper with a question and answer on it. The information may involve a particular vocabulary word, or any question related to content in a subject area. Students walk around with their hand in the air looking for another available person. These two find each other, high five, and stand together. One individual reads their question to their peer who then proceeds to answer. Then the other reads the question and first student replies. Students then swap/trade their strips of paper, put their hand in the air, and look for another person to quiz and trade with. I have used this activity in my classroom and my students really enjoy it. It has also been very beneficial, as students have performed well on tests involving difficult vocabulary when we did this activity.
While there are still numerous activities, like this one, where students can be active learners, technology is becoming a major piece when it comes to engagement. Kids today like the young girl in the video are so "tuned in." Toddlers are intrigued by iPads and are able to use them properly to play games and educate themselves. Students know how to use devices and technology better than some of their teachers. We are constantly in a race to keep up. Many students now have their own devices where they are the active participant in using and manipulating the technology. We need to take advantage of these learning tools that so many students have at their fingertips because they are so actively engaged by them. Education is changing, and while students in the past may have taken keyboarding, now they need courses on browsing the web, doing internet research, and using various apps or computer programs. We need to teach these skills so students can be successful in this digital word. This knowledge is applicable and beneficial. Education is changing, and we have to think about how traditional classrooms will adapt and change to accomodate the active learner. "Do you recognize me? Very soon I will be your student, but I will not always sit in your classroom."