I haven't use a blog in such a long time - actually not since my introduction which was my first entry! Here is an update and, hopefully, the beginning of a new professional blog. Please feel free to add to my comments, give me feedback, tell stories about technology etc.
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This past school year (2007/2008) was an interesting challenge for me as, once again, I was teaching in a Grade 3 classroom. I helped Tim Pugh with a couple of presentations on videoconferencing. The first was when we co-presented at ECOO in November. That proved to be a very interesting and valuable experience. For me, the highlights of the conference (other than our own workshop) happened when I was able to connect with my class using my laptop, PVX software from Polycom, and the Polycom in my classroom. Imagine for a moment ... I was in the hotel lobby, with my laptop, webcam and microphoned headset talking to the students in my class and the supply teacher to get updates on their progress with a Remembrance Day project. The next day, during our workshop, I again was able to connect with the class. My students were so excited to tell me about the assembly and what they had learned. It still amazes me how easily children are able to adapt to technology and how they are so natural when using it. I also was able to meet Kevin Cougler face-to-face. Tim, Kevin and I chatted over lunch and I am so excited about VROC and the opportunities that are provided to our students. Thank you Kevin!
The second presentation Tim and I were able to provide was during the Leading Learning Conference in May. I LEARNED SO MUCH from the keynote speakers and from the other workshops I attended. It was fabulous to present our Virtual GrandE project and, once again, connect live to another site. This time, it was Simcoe Composite School in Simcoe, Ontario. I facilitated a live, interactive interview with the principal of the school and the moderator from our Earth Day videoconference. I also had opportunity to have some extremely interesting and encouraging conversations with others who share my passion for technology. Thank you Kevin, Geoff, Ron, Tim, and a host of others who welcomed me into their discussions. You gave me so much to think about...
In September 2008, I will be back in a Junior classroom - teaching Grade 6. I will also be helping Tim with videoconferencing and will be promoting the continuation of Virtual GrandE in our board. In the meantime, I am taking Computers in the Classroom Part 3 this summer. I expect that I will be using this blog for some "musings" as the course continues.
Keywords: videoconferencing; Computers in the Classroom Part 3