The Magical Classroom™

Hello all,

Tonight I was browsing the web while thinking about some of the technology I have seen become available to teachers that I observe in my pre-service teaching at Georgia State University. I came across a video advertisement on YouTube.com about SMART boards.

Now, I am not an affiliate of the company that makes SMART boards, so I am not getting paid to talk about them. However I do feel that they make a great teaching tool. I plan to incorporate a lot of collaborative learning projects in my classes and I think this tools helps us explore use the computer/internet, find research, and save projects together as a class without the hassle of monitoring several students on different computers at different times. Check it out:

Parent's Corner Topic: Mrs. Caddle on Using Technology in the Classroom

Hello parents,

I hope you have all had a great day. Tonight, I want to briefly voice my opinion on the value of using technology in my 21st century classroom. This should be a simple read, hopefully you can finish this post by the time little Timmy is done with his bath. But first, a quick overview of the literacy skills that students need to learn in the 21st century classroom brought to you by Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools.

Digital-Age Literacy

• Basic, scientific, economic, and technological literacies
• Visual and information literacies
• Multicultural literacy and global awareness

Inventive Thinking

• Adaptability and managing complexity
• Self-direction
• Curiosity, creativity, and risk taking
• Higher-order thinking and sound reasoning

Effective Communication

• Teaming, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Personal, social, and civic responsibility
• Interactive communication

High Productivity

• Prioritizing, planning, and managing for results
• Effective use of real-world tools
• Ability to produce relevant, high-quality products

Source: (NCREL, 2003, n.p.) © 2003 North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission of Learning Point Associates. Via Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum.

My goal as a 21st century teacher is to embed these skills and literacy into each and every student that goes through my class. It is my goal to educate kids with the content knowledge coupled with these skills to make sure that they can develop into functional and prosperous adults who will drive the society in a positive way. I value technological integration in the classroom because it allows me to stay abreast of the technology kids are using (with no problems I might add). I am not a current owner of the I-pods and I-phones and anything else “I”, but I understand their influence on students' use and access of information. So, I want to have a way for students to digitally access and use the information that is relevant to what they need to know to excel in my class and beyond. Students nowadays like to chat and surf on the web, so I would like to provide a safe and secure learning environment in which they can do what they like while keeping their interest on what they need to know. Using modern technology such as this blog, is a way that I can demonstrate and encourage the benefits of having and using these 21st century skills.

What are your thoughts on technology skills and integration? Please comment below.

Welcome to the Clubhouse!

Hello all!

I'm so glad that you could stop by! Welcome to Mrs. Caddle's Classroom Clubhouse (or should I say OUR clubhouse). This blog is created for you: my excellent students and my super-supportive parents! This blog goes beyond the classroom to connect all of us with the current theme and goals for the school year, day-by-day, week-by-week, and month-to-month.

I strongly encourage you all to visit this page daily for updates regarding all of the topics that we cover in class.

To my Students: This blog is not a way for me to be a tattle-tale! I vow not to put any of you “on blast” in the clubhouse. What I do vow is that I will do my best to use the clubhouse to:

• listen to your comments and feedback about class,
• answer questions regarding long-term assignments and projects,
• share creative and fun games that help you learn (and earn extra credit!),
• let you participate in fun polls so that you can help me help you, and
• highlight your accomplishments!
  

To my Parents: This blog is not a way for me to be a tattle-tale (I'll tell on them over the phone). I want this blog to serve you as well. As a fellow parent myself, I know how hectic life can be when you have to manage your kids, your home, your job, and your relationships. So, in my efforts to build our relationship and make things easier on you, I vow to use the clubhouse to:

• clearly communicate my curriculum and goals for your children in my class,
• report our progress as a class,
• highlight student accomplishments so that you can see the impact of my curriculum on your child,
• provide helpful information for you in a variety of forms that is easy to access,
• and MOST IMPORTANTLY: listen to your comments, questions, and provide you with feedback in timely manner.
  

While I am very excited about the use of this powerful and fun way for all of us to stay connected and informed, I am aware that not all of us prefer the “blog-o-sphere” so, I will provide most of the same content in weekly take home newsletters that you all can use anywhere at anytime. Please feel free to join us in the clubhouse at anytime throughout the school year.

I look forward to having a great school year with all of you!

Sincerely,
Mrs. S. Caddle