There are amazing technologies to use in today's classroom from computer programming to screencasting to online databases for monitoring student progress, but where and how it all fits in is the bigger challenge, especially, amid transitioning to Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards at the same time. I keep asking myself how this technology can be used as a transitioning tool versus a burden, and I'm finally figuring out some ways.
Pinterest has now become my pacing guide for the year. I have all of the NGSS standards separated into boards with links to Teachers Pay Teachers Units and other suggestions to us that I found on the web. Licenses through language programs have helped a lot with literacy in Tech class, however, keeping up with student log ins and rosters is becoming a problem. Weebly is helping me communicate to parents, so things are coming together, but I want to do more.
Then, I went to #FallCUE, and all seemed right again in the universe. Minecraft, Khan Academy and Google now have classroom portals. There are many different programming applications for students beyond Scratch. There are still many free apps for enrichment. "Flipping" can be managed at an elementary level. Everything that I've been worried about keeping up with is being fixed before my very eyes by many dedicated programmers and educators.
So, I will carry on and maintain flexibility as all of the technology around me continues to be streamlined and made to be more classroom friendly.
