I can't believe it! It has been a long 18 months in my mind, but I when I really look back and reflect, it has gone pretty quick. I can't believe all that I have accomplished and what all I have learned from the beginning. However, as we (educators) know our learning never stops! Just when you think you know everything something changes and new advances are made. Knowing this, I will look to several people for support and to create my Personal Learning Network.
First, I will continue to collaborate and look to my teammate, and mentor from this practicum, for advice and constant advances in regards to integrating technology into my daily instruction in my classroom. He has been a great role model and mentor, and I look forward to years to come of working together in this aspect, but more collaboratively.
I will also continue to look to Kim Benfield, our school's technology instructor. She is constantly going to trainings and meetings both conducted by the district and through college level courses. She is completely and totally on top of the new technological advances for curriculum. She takes her profession seriously is always trying to find new ways to enhance and improve our instruction while integrating technology.
Another guide that I will use in my Personal Learning Network is my district personnel in the Technology department. They have been able to help me incorporate so many different pieces that I never even knew were possible before this experience. Additionally, they are willing to come out to my school and support me anytime and any day of the week. I am thankful for this! I am lucky to be in a district where this is possible.
Three professional experts that I will continue to lean to for support are; Rajan Sheth, the creator of the Chromebook, http://techieclassroom.wordpress.com/ blog, and http://blog.isaacpineda.com/ blog. I have looked to Rajan quite a bit in my classroom, seeing that I have 75 Chromebooks that we use on a daily basis. He has been able to do GoogleChats with us and made everything so much easier. Also, he is willing to help for years to come. Both blogs I have referenced and used throughout my time on my Master's and therefore, I plan to continue to use them, as they have been really helpful.
Some other resources that I will continue to use as a tool, and support throughout my teaching career is edutopia.org. This site has had some great articles and tools with technology for 21st Century learning. I frequently look to this site for new ideas and resources.
The Scholastic website also provides many different technology related resources and allows for many intergration opportunities with their materials. All of which I have access to in my classroom, so I use the Scholastic website and suggestions with technology almost daily.
My learning is not over! In fact, it is just beginning. I look forward to embracing all the changes and new opportunities ahead.
