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First year of teaching!
In my first year of teaching I didn't use much technology. We had one student computer in our classroom and a few iPads we could check out from our librarian. I also had a projector, but that was strictly for me to use. I only used the iPads on a substitution level. We used the Xtra Math app to practice math facts, and that was about it. -
Second Year of Teaching
In my second year, we got our first two chromebook carts. We could check out the entire cart for our class to use. They were new and very few people wanted anything to do with them. At the time our assistant principal (now principal) was a HUGE advocate for technology integration. I started to use them more and more often, but again only on a substitution level like typing papers, typing practice, and practicing math facts. -
Google Pilot
In December of my second year of teaching I was asked to pilot our new digital citizenship curriculum as well as Google Student Accounts. I happily obliged. I was so excited to try so many new things and a whole new world was opened for me. -
Google Accounts, Just Kidding!
After I piloted Google Student Accounts for the final semester of my second year, the district found themselves dealing with legal/privacy issues and decided not to roll out the student accounts the fall of 16. I was pretty frustrated since I had gotten used to them and created some neat activities for students to do, and then my new group of students didn't have access to them. -
Third Year of Teaching
My third year of teaching is when I really became passionate and an advocate for technology. We got 3 more chromebook carts. I went to the technology conference at ISU and I brought back many ideas to try and got to work right away. I used the green screen for the first time with my students as well as different apps like Seesaw, Class Dojo, and continued to build my knowledge about enhancing my instruction using technology. -
Google Certified Educator
I kept seeking more information, but no one in my building seemed to know the answers. I ended up watching some of the Google modules and found myself with a Google Certified Educator certificate. -
Google ... FINALLY!
Finally, our district figured out their issues and rolled out Google Student Accounts in January of 2017. That wasn't without issues though. It also gave 5th graders access to email, which was different from the pilot. -
Chromebooks, Google, and Students Oh My!
The idea of Google Accounts was really overwhelming for most of our building. Many teachers were somewhat interested, but didn't know where to start. My principal had asked me to put together a PD for staff on how to use Google accounts including Google Classroom. I had a lot planned, but realized our staff wasn't ready for most of that and it ended up being more of a how to log in and set up your class type of PD. I ended up with two sessions, one for beginners and one for more advanced staff. -
Currently...
Today, I use technology probably more than anyone in our building. My most recent adventure is with BreakoutEDU and I'm testing it out later this week! I use QR codes for missing homework, Class Dojo, Google Classroom, Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, and fun websites daily. I also have a chromebook cart parked outside my classroom for easy access! We are not a 1:1 district, but my classroom almost is! -
My Dream Job!
My dream job would be to be a tech coach or integration specialist. I'd love to get teachers excited about using technology in their classroom and help them recognize the benefits!