Welcome

Hi Educators!

I am here to share my ideas and thoughts about technology in the classroom. Here is a little of my background so you know something about me. I am in my 11th year of teaching in Birmingham, Michigan. I am lucky enough to be teaching in an area that allows me to use a lot of technology in my classroom. However, there are a lot of things that I do that I could do even in a district that does not have the same amount of resources. Ever since I started teaching I loved to use technology in my classroom because I loved how much more engaged it allowed my students to become in the content. Eleven years ago it was mostly making power points or using the internet or email. Today it includes wikis, blogs, wordle, skype and countless others!

Last year I earned my Masters degree in educational technology from Central Michigan University. I don't consider myself a master teacher or anything all that special. I do think that I have a lot of creative ideas to share. I am still a full time teacher so I understand the realities and time constriants of the classroom so everything that I do or share with you has those realities in mind.

Eight years ago I was one of eight teachers in my district to begin a program called "IGNITE". The goal of this program was to bring constructivist teaching to the forefront and learn how to integrate technology the right way into classrooms. It was a very successful program and our district grew by leaps and bounds as far as student centered teaching and learning and using technology.

Currently I am a 5th grade teacher and an interactive white board trainer for my school. My goal here is simply to share some ideas and hopefully learn from others about how they are using technology in my classroom. The thing is, there are SO many tools out there that it is impossible for anyone to be an expert on all of them!