Other Key Ideas to Consider
This opportunity will also allow me to become a leader in the building and in the district. Mindsets are shifting and I would like to be at the forefront of this change. Twenty years ago when I was in elementary school there was a computer most classrooms, but no computer labs. Each student had about twenty minutes a week to use the computer. Now every person can have a computer in their hands. Teachers are already using their Smart phones in class. It can be a quick dictionary or a place to make a note to check later. It can be a tool to capture a short video of students reading original poetry or a encyclopedia when students and teachers are unsure of a date. It can provide engaging learning activities and entertaining educational games. The device is extremely portable and much less expensive than a laptop. It also can be used by special education students in a number of ways. I would like to collaborate with special education teachers to learn how to tap into all the devices offers those students, which I know I am mostly unaware of at this point.
I plan on taking advantage of every chance I have to engage in discussions with other teachers implementing similar tools in their schools. I hope to learn from those who are already using iPods in the classroom, ask questions, gather data, and learn from their mistakes in order to prevent similar issues in my class. I would also like to invite any teacher in the building to observe my class using the technology and discuss how iPods could be used in their classes as well. Knowing that not every lesson can involve these tools I would be happy to allow fellow teachers to experiment too. I would gladly research apps for other subject areas and brainstorm how the iPods could be used for math, science, language arts, library science, social studies, music, gym, service learning, etc.
As for tech support, I will create a group of students to work as tech support team. They will maintain and update the devices and apps with my assistance, as well as research newer and more innovative ways to use the iPods and apps in the classroom. As many teachers know, it’s our students who are often the MKOs (More Knowledable Others) when it comes to technology. Let’s create leaders! Let’s encourage students to become role models and take initiative. Let’s create a learning culture where we are all learners and teachers. Let’s move confidently and fearlessly into the future of education!