I have to say, in the course of my reading and listening, and viewing during the level two training, I found something that set my heart to beating a little faster. I began making "ooooooh" noises that attracted the attention of my high school age daughter. Her response? "Mom, you're weird." Well, I may be weird, but sometimes I just get so excited that it leaks out in odd noises. I also sometimes mumble and talk to myself. But, I digress.
Something I had heard about, but lacked the resources to actually accomplish, was mentioned in my level two training. 20-Time. Oh, yeah. A way to integrate inquiry-based, student-directed learning into my classroom. Boom, baby! If you are not familiar with it, here is a link. You really should check it out. I also rediscovered the Google A Day website and plan to use that to help teach my students important research skills.
All in all, the google educator certification has been a great experience. I've learned about some new tools, reacquainted myself with some things I had forgotten about, and am now constantly in the planning mode.
I have yet to receive a Chromebook, but I am working on it. I keep hoping that somehow Google will find my little blog and take pity on a poor teacher, but no luck yet. ;) After I complete the level two training certification, I will focus on the Chromebook devices training.
Here's what I am facing in my planning now:
1. I keep finding cool things to use, but I know I must pick and choose. I cannot do it all.
2. Non-negotiable for me: I must do the 20-Time. I feel it is vitally important to foster my students' ability to think critically and to be able to ask their own questions and find those answers. I simply must find a way to make it work in my classroom.
3. District and state requirements - sometimes these get in in the way of my personal style of teaching. However, I am determined to do what I think is best. We will read and we will write - my students will think, and question, and create. That can only help them on the state mandated tests, not to mention life itself.
4. Star Wars, the Hobbit, and Harry Potter - As I enter this new adventure with Chromebooks, I feel like a cross between a Padawan and new student at Hogwarts. Sadly, my magic wand is not yet working, but my light saber is pretty good. I just have to choose my battles. As for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (aka high stakes tests), I do not fear it - and hopefully neither will my students. I must encourage them to join me on this adventure as we go forth to slay the test dragon using all our wits and our skill.
5. Mixed analogy - sorry - I know I go overboard...but sometimes I simply cannot help myself.
So, I encourage you all to go forth on your own technological adventure, stay strong in the force, and remember to chase away the things that suck the life out of your teaching with a nice Patronus charm.
