Google Docs

It took awhile but I'm starting to explore the various online technologies available to utilize in the classroom. I've been following Richard Byrne's blog, "Free Technology For Teachers" with it's plethora of outstanding free (mostly) online resources.

After using Google Docs in my graduate program, I found a need for it in my Computer Technology class. During our team video projects, the students need to collaborate and create a script. Instead of students sitting around and working on one computer, they are able to edit the same document in real time. I can also view the team's progress and include comments and suggestions on their scripts. There is no need to send a Word document as an attachment back and forth to each other anymore and figuring out which version is the most recent. We've also used the Google Docs slide presentation when each team presented their specific topic in Cyber Citizenship with success.

The students have discovered that if they collaborate on the same sentence or on the same slide, they cancel each other's edits. Other than that, it's a pretty cool tool.

Chaboya Middle School Graduation 2010

This year we got our new principal. She was here years before as our math chairperson. Initially, I felt like most of the teachers when she wanted all teachers to get involved in the graduation process; a little irritated since it was only the eighth grade teachers who were to see their students off. However, I really liked that she got all the teachers involved with the 8th grade graduation this year. All first period teachers with eighth graders got to call their names during the graduation.

After the ceremony, I really felt a sense of connection with the school and their parents since previously all teachers would leave quickly right after the ceremony. There were a few parents who wanted me to take pictures with their sons and daughters. Good job, Mary Helmer (our new principal)! Perhaps we could use a few less faculty meetings during the school year?

Graduation

Finally, completed my prerequisite courses for my M.A. I began with COMET 1 and graduated with (actually done before) COMET 2. I'm excited that it's finally done.