This week we had the honor of sharing our technology ideas with teachers, administrators, and librarians from all across the state. I lost track of the people who entered my room carrying notepads, tablets, iPads, and folders of information. As they came into my room asking questions and observing my students I noted two things I thought would be worth mentioning.
First, my students were quite impressive. No big surprise to me! After all, I am aware that my students are pretty amazing! Many of our visitors commented on how great my classes were, how well the students worked, and how impressed they were. I, of course, smiled modestly and said “thank you”. I was very proud of all my kids and simply wanted to take a moment to brag on them.
The next thing I noticed was that my own excitement grew the more I shared my favorite technology tools. I love to share. There. I said it. Sharing ideas with other educators always gets me pumped up. A couple of them had ideas to share with me – which made it even better! It was a lot of fun and I hope our visitors feel the same way.
One reason I enjoy the field of technology so much is because it is so exciting. It changes rapidly, so there is always something new to learn! As a lifelong learner, this is just what I need to keep my brain going and my energies high. In school, with my students, we love to use technology. We use it for journaling, for collaborating, for creating, for exploring, for studying, for testing, and, yes, for playing. What could be better? The constantly changing, growing nature of educational technology keeps it from becoming stagnant and boring. Every day, it seems, there is something new to learn. I learn new things about the tools I regularly use every single day!
So – yesterday I left campus feeling satisfied with my students and with my own experience.
And allow me to repeat, my students were awesome! Thanks, gang!
Christine Moore currently holds a degree in education and psychology from Howard Payne University and has a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. She is now working on her Ph.D. in Educational Technology at Walden University. Married with four children who attend Brownwood schools, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 16 years. You can read her blog, Technology in Schools, at http://edtech-school.blogspot.com/ and she was recently published in TechEdge magazine. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you.
