Gimmy Tech Blog

Since attending CCIRA in Feburary of 2012, I have been reflecting on how I want to further encourage my students to share their genius with the world. I have received many suggestions from my administrator and by tuning into my PLN on Twitter. Each thought is getting me steps closer. However, I was able to take a huge leap forward by attending EdCamp Denver on April 28. I listened and absorbed so many thoughts from other EDTech people I now am able to envision my role as a Media/Technology Teacher for the students and my building that could be a 21st transformation for my role and the student’s learning environment.

The people who attended the first ever EdCamp Denver were amazing. Special thanks to  Michael, Nancy Deanna, Robert, APSTechGoddess (AKA Shannon), Michelle,  and the many others who were there. I learned so much from all of you and the afternoon sessions I attended were very valuable. There was one session that has stayed on my mind and is helping frame my vision for my Media Center in my school. It was the session discussing technology integration that evolved into a discussion about real world interaction and Ms. Frizzle came into the conversation. As the group paused–Ms. Frizzle did have it right–true inquiry learning, what a model to follow.  The days that have followed I have been thinking about this idea , the materials needed to convert my library environment to an Inquiry Learning Center (ILC). The name Inquiry Learning Center is something I really like and helps remind me what I want students to do: Be inquisitive, Find answers, Ask Questions, Take Chances, and Share the Genius Gems they discover.

Over the weekend I thought about my environment, the Magic School Bus themes and how I can involve students in inquiry. I spent time considering a cross-curricular theme, found some theme songs and sounds, and a variety of multi-media materials to involve the students in using both print and electronic materials. I also decided to start small with a grade to begin with so that I can reflect and monitor how students are navigating with their learning and sharing and so that I can also assess behavior and make adjustments for next year. My environment is coming together and I am ready to roll this week. Second Grade is where I decided to start. Thinking about the vast resources I know about and have access to-My theme is: My World. Inquiry areas: GoogleLit Trips, a poetry center which includes writing poetry, Literature sequencing activities, Tumblebooks for free reading, Scholastic News, and Floor Maps with Atlases. So far with 2 class visits the students are loving the choices they have. The next step I need to add are questions for students responses. So as I look forward to the coming week I am adding a subject for the theme, language structures and frames to help students focus there energy. I love seeing the students excited about their learning and them wanting to share–I have to find a way to contain the power of an Atom Bomb of excitement constructively and acknowledge all students sharing their learning and experiences.

Thanks to all that are helping me refine and develop my practice! YOU ALL MATTER!!! 

Next week Make Way for Ducklings BEEP BEEP..