How I want to use a blog for my classroom.

As I was reading, French Crazy an educational blog I came across Padlet.com, which lets my students and I write on a wall to share information. I posted a grammar question on the wall, then, I had the students use the iPad's to log into the wall and answer the question. My students are 8^th graders in level 1 French and they simply loved the idea of being able to use a blog wall to share ideas with each other in real time.

I found a few problems with the way that I set up the activity. I was not happy that the students could simply copy the answers from other students. I thought about a creating writing prompt in French that the students would have to respond to, however, they would still be able to view the answers of other students.

I have come to the decision that for the time being, my Padlet site would be a study helper. Where students would have to post questions to study for the upcoming Quarterly exams. They could ask grammar questions, ask for translation or question formation clarifications, or inquire about cultural readings from the book. Each student will have to as two questions and respond to at least one other student’s question. I have told the students that they can share study ideas on the wall also. The students seemed very enthused about the prospect of having this Padlet outlet to share with each other.

I think that if I set up this site in the beginning of the school year, and I have a direct RSS feed to my phone, then I can very easily answer questions or make clarifications that the students might need.

UGH!

Ok, so life is not so easy. Full time job, grad school, fall at work resulting in back injury, a five year old, and a spouse on unemployment does not equal an easy time. I am having a very tough time getting all of my work done this week. I am so behind that I am drowning in all the things that I have to make up!!! Deep breaths and just get it done, right? I could use a time machine to start this week over. God, help me.  :-(

21st Century, here I come!

As a 39 year old wife, mother, and teacher, you would think I feel more in control of the technology around me.

My husband is an IT professional specializing in all things Apple and is so educated about technology that I am in awe. Our five year old daughter, Melodie, has been using an iPad since she was 16 months old. It is scary when she tells me how I am doing something incorrectly on the iPad.

My students… where do I begin? Every time I have them use the iPads or computer labs in class, they inform me about how we can do it better with a new app.

As a middle-school French teacher, I want my students to use technology they are comfortable with, while learning some new tricks from me, to use their new language skills and communicate in French. I want them to take virtual tours of French museums and have conversations with classes in France.

That is why I decided to pursue my Masters in Education with a specialization in Technology. I want to be effective in my classroom and make a difference in my students' lives. I need to overcome my fears of change and learn all that I can about new and upcoming technology and how I can incorporate it into my lessons.


Here I come 21st century, ready or not!

Bonjour!

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