A start

Let me take a moment in this, my first blog post, to introduce myself and set a course for this blog. I am currently a fourth grade teacher in Watertown, Massachusetts. I've been teaching in this grade for the past three years (I finally feel like I'm getting the hang of 9 and 10 year olds!). Each year, I've worked to integrate technology deeper into my instruction. I think that there is an intrinsic motivating factor for kids using technology to learn. They forget that they are working - and the end results are often much more impressive than what they might have developed originally. Plus, as a bit of a tech junkie myself, I get excited about the lesson, too!

I am also currently a student at Cambridge College, working on a master's degree in elementary education. As part of this program, I must complete an Independent Learning Project (ILP) that includes research and completion of a professional project. I have chosen to learn about ways to effectively integrate technology to enhance student's expressive communication. The new world of web 2.0 make so many things possible that many of hadn't considered even a few years ago. It seems as though the possibilities are nearly endless. In bringing my project to completion, it feels natural to me to create an on-line component. After all, if I'm touting the virtues of interactive technologies for the classroom, shouldn't I put my money where my mouth is and put my work on-line?

In the coming weeks, I plan to explore and discuss some guiding principles of technology integration, identify specific technology tools that can support the development of communication skills, and produce lesson plans for integrating those technologies. I look forward to sharing my ideas and learning more in the process.