Fearless in First!

So often when trying to incorporate technology in my classroom, I feel something holding me back.  Maybe it's the fact that I DREAD when something goes wrong and for some reason if something CAN go wrong, it will.  My new attitude towards technology (and other things!) is to be fearless!  The worst thing that can happen is there will be problems and we'll move on to plan B.  Isn't that what teaching is all about?  It's rare a single day goes by without minor changes here or there.  If teachers can't be flexible....maybe teaching isn't for them!

In our school we have a computer lab and a media center where there is another classroom set of computers.  My class is signed up for 3 half hour slots to use these computers each week.  Twice for a math program and the third time is for whatever I would like the kids to work on.  I have a moodle site that I teach the kids to get on early in the year and I post link regularly for my little ones to explore and have extra practice at home.  They love it....and so do I! I LOVE when one of my firsties asks "Miss Hensley, will you put that on your Moodle?"  MY PLEASURE!  I use my projector on a daily basis to show the kids websites and documents saved on my computer.  I do have a total of 3 computers in my classroom that we use for reading counts quizzes and stations.  I feel like I do a pretty good job of meeting technology standards for the kids at this age.  Really I just try to expose them to basic programs they will be using throughout school.

I will admit, there are a few barriers at school when it comes to technology use.  Our network isn't always up and running.  For some reason if it rains, our internet connection is pretty hit and miss.  Maybe it's a coincidence and the rain has nothing to do with it, but I do know there are times when we just can not get on.  Its frustrating!  Especially frustrating on those days when my kids are sceduled for computer lab time or I've found a really neat site or video I want to share with my kiddos.  Also, I would LOVE to get some extra computer time here and there, but there are so many computer programs we use as a school that oftentimes the older kids get dibs on the extra computer slots.  Oh well!

My personal goals as I begin this technology class are to have an open mind and to be fearless!  I want to have the courage to try new things with my kids.  I'm hoping to find some things that would really benefit my little ones.  (I also must admit that im a HUGE blog stalker and the thought of starting my own blog has me pretty *EXCITED*!)