Many times we find ourselves with new technology whether given to us by our district or family and we just don't know where to begin. We can do one of two things, we can spend hours on days researching and messing around with the new technology taking in everything we read and see or we can set it in the back burner and hope that we never see it again.
A few years ago I finally gave in and got on the bandwagon. I really didn't purchase an iPad, I won one. They had just come out and I was up to the challenge of trying to figure out what all the hype was all about. I L-O-V-E-D it. I couldn't wait to introduce this new device to my class. The possibilities were endless and so were the apps. I downloaded just about every app that was related to my grade level, but then came the real problem it was just so over whelming for both me and my students. They had too many choices to choose from and they really didn't spend any quality time on learning what the app was set up for.
So then back to the drawing board (there's an app for that you know). I had to stop and think about what to do so back to researching how others are using the iPad in their classroom and how to keep students focused on the skill they need to be focusing on. Any time I had the opportunity I have attended conferences and even presented in a few myself. Though I do not by any means consider myself to be an expert, but I can get things done :).
As I take charge of my classrooms technology I would like to bring you along on my journey. Let me begin by letting you know this year I became my campus technology specialist. I am the first line of defense when it comes to technology I try to keep our over worked technology guys from having to hear all the low level problems. I also currently have 4 student iPads in my room, along with 3 iPod touches (2-3rd generation *no camera* and 1-4th generation), a few years back I earned a Smartboard and projector. I also wrote a grant that won our bilingual staff Elmo's and projectors. Much of this technology was won by foundation grants, I also did a semester of technology camp at our district and earned $2000 worth of technology for my classroom. This year our district purchased iPad 2 3G for all the teachers. So with all this technology, I am looking for a better way to round it up and keep students engaged in the curriculum.
So since you have stuck around for this much of my blog I invite you back to join me as I take this journey of Techies in First Grade and maybe a few other things along the way.
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