Here we are getting ready to start a new school year and things have drastically changed in my life and in the world of technology. As for my life, I'm now a grad student working on my MA in Education with emphasis in Guidance and Counseling. Yes this means that I'm working toward being a school counselor one day. Don't worry, I will still be in the classroom for several more years. The program will take at least three years for me to get through especially since I'm basically only taking one class at a time.
As for technology, I had a great time using my Smartboard last year. I went to several training sessions, got remotes that enabled the students to be more interactive with the board, and even programed some of my own fun games. My students really enjoyed the new interactivity and loved the fact that I would experiment with them, especially my two AP classes. I also used a blog with my AP Language class. At first they were very reserved about it, but as the year went on I saw their blogs take a form that I never expected. Because the experiment worked so well last year, I plan on using them again. The students that are moving on to my AP Literature class will start to learn about forums and the importance of how to use them in a professional manner. It will definitely be a new skill for them.
My goal this year is to write more and to do it right along with my students. I will include my blog as part of the weekly assignments and ensure that I am also commenting on and being more interactive with my students to ensure a better learning environment. I want them to understand the importance of them and how much they can help when it comes to writing about literature. This year though, I will take it to a new level. My incoming AP Language class has no idea what they are in for.
