First of all, this has been a terriffic class for me summer. I have enjoyed having something to do and think about and it has kept school in my thoughts this summer break. I feel like I have some great ideas for my classes, useful tools I can supplement my lessons with and a great way for me to communicate with my students and their parents.
To top it off, I have shared these tools with my family and friends and not only did my sister start her own blog - (Bonnie, you're next) I have been in touch with my friends too this summer, by commenting on their posts and vice versa. I even shared my blog with my next door neighbors.
So now on to the questions and answers:
How would you describe this course to a colleague?
What was the best part of the course and why?
For me, the best part of the course was the blog. I finally found a use for the original one I started last summer!
What will you take away from this course to use in your classroom?
I am definitely using the blog and wiki. I have decided to keep my Houndtracks blogs as my personal blog once school starts and to create a new one for school. I may use that as my "web page". Then I would like to link my wiki space to the blog so that I can post assignments, PowerPoint's, art links etc. Also, Mark commented too, that by using the wiki for my Teacher Web is not really what the intent of a wiki so I think I will make a "sandbox" page too for my Advanced Art students and Yearbook staffers. Thanks Mark, for that tip! That way, it's not just me adding to the content.
What is one thing you would change about this course for the next group?
I would increase the time commitment that is required - I know I spent more than two hours a day on some of the assignments. Now, I must say, I do get distracted easily, but I also teach swim lessons in the mornings. By the time I get home for lunch and my nap - my afternoon is pushing into evening and then I've got to get ready for happy hour! So, I can imagine that those who have kiddos really have to use their time wisely - I just have three dogs and extra-curricular activities!
Would you recommend this course to anyone else? Why or why not?
Absolutely! I would not only recommend, I would require it for all teachers! I think you guys need to do this again and again every summer until all teachers have had this class. I know Technology is not for everyone, but if I have to sit through TAKs training, then others should have to sit and learn this! This is fabulous!
Congratulations to you all - this class was informative, organized, creative, original and productive! Look at all what we have accomplished in 6 weeks!
1 comment:
It sounds like you have a great plan for using blogs and wikis in your classroom next year! I agree that I spent more than 2 hours a week working on the course. It was definitely worth the time and effort.
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