I really enjoyed the speed geeking this weekend. I learned about a few apps that I could use in my classroom. I’m excited to try PicCollage and morfo. I think it would be neat to have my students use PicCollage to document some of their learning and then post it to their seesaw blog. I would also like to use the morfo app with my shapes unit in first grade. I think I could use it as a final representation of what they have learned and know about shapes (how many sides, vertices, etc). I also enjoyed learning how to use Imovie and hope to use it to create my promo video and put together my final product for my scenario project! This was my first time trying mystery skype and it was a neat experience. I would like to use it with my students to explore other cultures around the world. However, I’m still wondering what that will look like at a first grade level.

The online work Thursday night was interesting. It made me realize how vital it is to allow students to be creators not just consumers. I’m trying to be brave and just try something! I want to incorporate more maker model activities in my classroom. I have a few ideas,but need to just go for it and try something out! :)

Tinkercad Creation: Caterpillar

Students are interested, determined and excited when they are provided with maker movement activities. They see a purpose in what they are doing. They are invested because their own natural curiosity is guiding their learning. Their learning becomes unlimited because they are engaged and enjoy what they are studying. Another benefit of the maker movement is promoting growth mindset and learning through trial and error. It encourages kids to be resilient and learn through their mistakes. Providing students with opportunities to learn by doing is powerful!

This weekend helped me remember the importance of using technology with a purpose.  At first, I had a hard time coming up with a Transformation Scenario for my class. Every idea I had seemed to be at the substitution level. I wanted to find something that couldn’t happen without the use of technology. Although I am not as comfortable and confident as I would like to be with using technology with my students, I know I have to start somewhere and learn with them as we go. I learned about a new app called SeeSaw and I am really excited to try it out with my students. It was nice to have some time to mess around and learn how to use it today. I think my transformation scenario is focused on improving collaboration, creativity and engagement in my classroom.

I also enjoyed reading the different scenarios from One Best Thing. They gave me a lot of new ideas for implementing technology purposefully in my classroom. I learned about the importance of choice and how to provide students with choice in digital and non-digital ways. It reminded me that when we give students choice, it lets them know that we value their decisions! This weekend I was brave and tried new technology devices (blogs, twitter and seesaw). Although, I’m still trying to figure out when, where and how to purposefully use technology in my First Grade Classroom, I’m ready and open to learning, even if it’s messy!