Comments for SCITA http://scita.org/blog The Spartanburg County Instructional Technology Academy Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:54:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Class Session 5 by khughey http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474&cpage=1#comment-341 khughey Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:54:22 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474#comment-341 I do have to say that Scita has been a great experience for me. I have always been an advocate for technology. I have always been a teacher that was willing to change and to try new things. But, I think that there have been some changes that I have made as a classroom teacher because of this program. The number one thing I have noticed is that I have cut my time in half creating things. I was taught a lot of short cuts and tricks that make using technology more effective and less annoying. I also think that I am always aware of technology. I am conscience about incorporating it in my lesson planning. I am always trying new things. My kids are also enjoying my class even more. I do have to say that Scita has been a great experience for me. I have always been an advocate for technology. I have always been a teacher that was willing to change and to try new things. But, I think that there have been some changes that I have made as a classroom teacher because of this program. The number one thing I have noticed is that I have cut my time in half creating things. I was taught a lot of short cuts and tricks that make using technology more effective and less annoying. I also think that I am always aware of technology. I am conscience about incorporating it in my lesson planning. I am always trying new things. My kids are also enjoying my class even more.

]]> Comment on Class Session 5 by knoe http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474&cpage=1#comment-340 knoe Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:56:58 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474#comment-340 When I applied for SCITA, I did it because I was burned out on teaching the same old way. I was looking for new ideas and a way to integrate technology more into my classroom and to make my classroom become more alive and student centered. This class opened my eyes to new ideas and strategies. Now when I plan, I am more focused on the nine strategies, my teaching styles, and how can technology possibly be used to help me help my students to master the content. This class has given me wonderful ideas and I know this is just the beginning of a technology oriented classroom. I have always enjoyed using technology in my classroom, but was always nervous about it because it was new to me as well. This class has helped me become more confident in using technology and using it more effectively. When I applied for SCITA, I did it because I was burned out on teaching the same old way. I was looking for new ideas and a way to integrate technology more into my classroom and to make my classroom become more alive and student centered. This class opened my eyes to new ideas and strategies. Now when I plan, I am more focused on the nine strategies, my teaching styles, and how can technology possibly be used to help me help my students to master the content. This class has given me wonderful ideas and I know this is just the beginning of a technology oriented classroom. I have always enjoyed using technology in my classroom, but was always nervous about it because it was new to me as well. This class has helped me become more confident in using technology and using it more effectively.

]]> Comment on Class Session 5 by swilson http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474&cpage=1#comment-339 swilson Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:51:24 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474#comment-339 As a media specialist, I have begun to take notice of current technology instructional practices and emerging technologies. After participating in the instructional technology course offered through the Spartanburg Instructional Technology Academy, I am more aware of the unlimited possibilities a single computer, software, or electronic tool can make before, during, and after instruction. There have been no immediate changes in my instructional practices. The most significant changes in my technology usage are my newfound love of blogs and wikis. I’ve recently become familiar and comfortable with using software such as Kidspiration and PhotoStory 3. One of the most important beliefs which became clear to me throughout the course is the need for technology to help students build a foundation of knowledge. The enhancement of instruction is possible with correct application of technology. Along with the appropriate teacher and his or her instructional strategies, technology can help students fill in the gaps, build foundational skills, and compensate for weaknesses. As a media specialist, I have begun to take notice of current technology instructional practices and emerging technologies. After participating in the instructional technology course offered through the Spartanburg Instructional Technology Academy, I am more aware of the unlimited possibilities a single computer, software, or electronic tool can make before, during, and after instruction. There have been no immediate changes in my instructional practices. The most significant changes in my technology usage are my newfound love of blogs and wikis. I’ve recently become familiar and comfortable with using software such as Kidspiration and PhotoStory 3.
One of the most important beliefs which became clear to me throughout the course is the need for technology to help students build a foundation of knowledge. The enhancement of instruction is possible with correct application of technology. Along with the appropriate teacher and his or her instructional strategies, technology can help students fill in the gaps, build foundational skills, and compensate for weaknesses.

]]> Comment on Class Session 5 by swilson http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474&cpage=1#comment-338 swilson Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:50:15 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474#comment-338 a media specialist, I have begun to take notice of current technology instructional practices and emerging technologies. After participating in the instructional technology course offered through the Spartanburg Instructional Technology Academy, I am more aware of the unlimited possibilities a single computer, software, or electronic tool can make before, during, and after instruction. There have been no immediate changes in my instructional practices. The most significant changes in my technology usage are my newfound love of blogs and wikis. I’ve recently become familiar and comfortable with using software such as Kidspiration and PhotoStory 3. One of the most important beliefs which became clear to me throughout the course is the need for technology to help students build a foundation of knowledge. The enhancement of instruction is possible with correct application of technology. Along with the appropriate teacher and his or her instructional strategies, technology can help students fill in the gaps, build foundational skills, and compensate for weaknesses. a media specialist, I have begun to take notice of current technology instructional practices and emerging technologies. After participating in the instructional technology course offered through the Spartanburg Instructional Technology Academy, I am more aware of the unlimited possibilities a single computer, software, or electronic tool can make before, during, and after instruction. There have been no immediate changes in my instructional practices. The most significant changes in my technology usage are my newfound love of blogs and wikis. I’ve recently become familiar and comfortable with using software such as Kidspiration and PhotoStory 3.
One of the most important beliefs which became clear to me throughout the course is the need for technology to help students build a foundation of knowledge. The enhancement of instruction is possible with correct application of technology. Along with the appropriate teacher and his or her instructional strategies, technology can help students fill in the gaps, build foundational skills, and compensate for weaknesses.

]]> Comment on Class Session 5 by acamp http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474&cpage=1#comment-337 acamp Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:11:39 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474#comment-337 I always thought that I used a lot of technology until becoming part of SCITA. I know find myself gearing my lessons around technology and not trying to fit the technology into my lessons. I am excited to say that I will be attending a single gender conference in March where I will be conducting a session on motivation in boys using technology. I am excited to bring in the amazing projects that I have conducted so far with my boys and show how technology can really motivate the classroom. I have found more ways to use technology every day in my classroom and I know feel more comfortable using it. There are still many things that I want to learn how to do but for right now I feel that I am making a lot of progress and can't wait for more. I always thought that I used a lot of technology until becoming part of SCITA. I know find myself gearing my lessons around technology and not trying to fit the technology into my lessons. I am excited to say that I will be attending a single gender conference in March where I will be conducting a session on motivation in boys using technology. I am excited to bring in the amazing projects that I have conducted so far with my boys and show how technology can really motivate the classroom. I have found more ways to use technology every day in my classroom and I know feel more comfortable using it. There are still many things that I want to learn how to do but for right now I feel that I am making a lot of progress and can’t wait for more.

]]> Comment on Class Session 5 by jhaney http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474&cpage=1#comment-336 jhaney Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:08:46 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474#comment-336 I believe the biggest change that's occurred has been my awareness. This awareness includes, not only the new technologies available, but more immportantly, the integration, or lack of, within the educational system. I love the technology we have acquired. I do not love how difficult it is to integrate the technology into my classroom. Using the netbook and ipod has made me want to jump in with my students and create centers of learning using these tools. Not having wireless internet at my school stops me cold. I have had to rearrange my plans of technology action so that what I would like to do, my school and/or district is able to comply. I do understand there are limitations and hands are often tied. The class hasn't changed my views of the use of technology in the classroom, but has reinforced that idea. Working with the techology limitations, I am encouraged to push the useage of technology in my classroom and show how the technology is useful, not just as a tool for presentation, but for a deeper understanding of mathematical content. I believe the biggest change that’s occurred has been my awareness. This awareness includes, not only the new technologies available, but more immportantly, the integration, or lack of, within the educational system. I love the technology we have acquired. I do not love how difficult it is to integrate the technology into my classroom. Using the netbook and ipod has made me want to jump in with my students and create centers of learning using these tools. Not having wireless internet at my school stops me cold. I have had to rearrange my plans of technology action so that what I would like to do, my school and/or district is able to comply. I do understand there are limitations and hands are often tied.
The class hasn’t changed my views of the use of technology in the classroom, but has reinforced that idea. Working with the techology limitations, I am encouraged to push the useage of technology in my classroom and show how the technology is useful, not just as a tool for presentation, but for a deeper understanding of mathematical content.

]]> Comment on Class Session 5 by ptrageserkay http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474&cpage=1#comment-335 ptrageserkay Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:59:26 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474#comment-335 The class prompted me to do what I had been taught early along in my career: guide the students to learn on their own, use hands-on activities and creative programs. I enthusiastically embraced those principals when I began teaching, but as the years have passed I have reverted to teaching the way I was taught: “you sit still and listen and I’ll do the talking”. Although I have always tried to be creative in my teaching methods, this course has reminded me that allowing the students to learn through doing, produces creativity and an eagerness to learn. Using modeling, graphic organizers and a willingness to allow them to make mistakes, I am watching my students perform better and enjoy technology more. However, while I do appreciate the concept of learning being fun, I believe that students really need to know facts about their history, their geography and their culture. When I allow my students to select the subject of their research, they invariably choose rap stars, movie stars, or wrestlers. To be comfortable, they want to search more about what they already know. But I believe that the Internet can make traditional subjects fun and that it is the teacher’s job to guide students in the appropriate direction. While I suspect most of my students see our founding fathers as nothing but dead white guys, helping them find facts about Marco Polo and how he brought pasta noodles from the orient to his home in Italy gets their attention. Then when we find that Thomas Jefferson brought a pasta machine with him from Italy some five hundred years later, they are interested. And last, we find that Thomas Jefferson made pasta at Monticello and added cheddar cheese. He continued to serve his guests this at the White House. Somehow, through a guided search of the internet, Marco Polo and Thomas Jefferson come alive, even if the students only remember who invented macaroni and cheese. It is the perfect tale for a Photo story project or for a Voki performance. I’m not sure our culture will allow for us to continue in the classroom without expanded use of technology. Students are accustomed to instantaneous responses and results. How can we demonstrate to them the significance of learning if we cannot use the tools they see being used on TV and in the movies. We need to know at least what they know about text messaging, the use of an iPod, or understand how to operate a camcorder. We are there to show them how the technology they are using for entertainment can be used to learn and succeed. The class prompted me to do what I had been taught early along in my career: guide the students to learn on their own, use hands-on activities and creative programs. I enthusiastically embraced those principals when I began teaching, but as the years have passed I have reverted to teaching the way I was taught: “you sit still and listen and I’ll do the talking”. Although I have always tried to be creative in my teaching methods, this course has reminded me that allowing the students to learn through doing, produces creativity and an eagerness to learn. Using modeling, graphic organizers and a willingness to allow them to make mistakes, I am watching my students perform better and enjoy technology more.
However, while I do appreciate the concept of learning being fun, I believe that students really need to know facts about their history, their geography and their culture. When I allow my students to select the subject of their research, they invariably choose rap stars, movie stars, or wrestlers. To be comfortable, they want to search more about what they already know. But I believe that the Internet can make traditional subjects fun and that it is the teacher’s job to guide students in the appropriate direction. While I suspect most of my students see our founding fathers as nothing but dead white guys, helping them find facts about Marco Polo and how he brought pasta noodles from the orient to his home in Italy gets their attention. Then when we find that Thomas Jefferson brought a pasta machine with him from Italy some five hundred years later, they are interested. And last, we find that Thomas Jefferson made pasta at Monticello and added cheddar cheese. He continued to serve his guests this at the White House. Somehow, through a guided search of the internet, Marco Polo and Thomas Jefferson come alive, even if the students only remember who invented macaroni and cheese. It is the perfect tale for a Photo story project or for a Voki performance.

I’m not sure our culture will allow for us to continue in the classroom without expanded use of technology. Students are accustomed to instantaneous responses and results. How can we demonstrate to them the significance of learning if we cannot use the tools they see being used on TV and in the movies. We need to know at least what they know about text messaging, the use of an iPod, or understand how to operate a camcorder. We are there to show them how the technology they are using for entertainment can be used to learn and succeed.

]]> Comment on Class Session 5 by cwall http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474&cpage=1#comment-334 cwall Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:41:34 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474#comment-334 I applied for SCITA so I could obtain more technology for my classroom, but I have obtained so much more. SCITA has changed to way I teach and inspired me to try many different teaching strategies for teaching my students. I have learned many new ways to apply technology and software to reach students. Learning the nine instructional strategies has taught me to try many different strategies to reach all learning styles. It has helped me to focus more on the way I teach and not solely on what I teach. I have learned many ways to provide notes for my students. Being part of SCITA has taught me to use technology in a variety of ways. I am very excited about teaching my students what I have learned. Using technology really excites my students and increases their interest in learning. I have began using a variety of flipcharts for promethean and made learning more fun. When planning lessons, my focus is more on the ways I can use technology to increase learning and make students more motivated. I applied for SCITA so I could obtain more technology for my classroom, but I have obtained so much more. SCITA has changed to way I teach and inspired me to try many different teaching strategies for teaching my students. I have learned many new ways to apply technology and software to reach students.
Learning the nine instructional strategies has taught me to try many different strategies to reach all learning styles. It has helped me to focus more on the way I teach and not solely on what I teach. I have learned many ways to provide notes for my students.
Being part of SCITA has taught me to use technology in a variety of ways. I am very excited about teaching my students what I have learned. Using technology really excites my students and increases their interest in learning. I have began using a variety of flipcharts for promethean and made learning more fun. When planning lessons, my focus is more on the ways I can use technology to increase learning and make students more motivated.

]]> Comment on Class Session 5 by kwells http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474&cpage=1#comment-333 kwells Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:31:43 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?page_id=474#comment-333 When I signed up to participate in SCITA, I was excited about the opportunity to get new technology toys and learn how to use them in class for instruction. Through the process of taking this course, I have become more aware of the fact that I do not regularly use technology enough and am currently looking for opportunites to implement technology whenever feasible. I have also learned about many new technologies that are available that would benefit students. I now pay more attention to what technology is available to me and how I can use it to enhance instruction. I did not expect to learn the teaching strategies, such as the variety of ways to take notes, that went along with the course. To me, that was an added bonus. I am excited about looking back through certain sections of the text and my class notes to serve as a refresher and help me find more ways to implement technology into my lessons. I am glad to have participated in the course and I am thankful for the new knowledge and the focus this will give me for future lessons. I think the fact that we alternated between workshop-type class meetings and classroom instruction, including teaching strategies like the variety of notes, was an effective way to structure the class. It did provide us with a variety of information to take back to our classrooms. If I had it to do over, I would definitely take the class again! When I signed up to participate in SCITA, I was excited about the opportunity to get new technology toys and learn how to use them in class for instruction. Through the process of taking this course, I have become more aware of the fact that I do not regularly use technology enough and am currently looking for opportunites to implement technology whenever feasible. I have also learned about many new technologies that are available that would benefit students. I now pay more attention to what technology is available to me and how I can use it to enhance instruction. I did not expect to learn the teaching strategies, such as the variety of ways to take notes, that went along with the course. To me, that was an added bonus. I am excited about looking back through certain sections of the text and my class notes to serve as a refresher and help me find more ways to implement technology into my lessons. I am glad to have participated in the course and I am thankful for the new knowledge and the focus this will give me for future lessons. I think the fact that we alternated between workshop-type class meetings and classroom instruction, including teaching strategies like the variety of notes, was an effective way to structure the class. It did provide us with a variety of information to take back to our classrooms. If I had it to do over, I would definitely take the class again!

]]> Comment on Academy Participants Announced by byoung http://scita.org/blog/?p=81&cpage=1#comment-332 byoung Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:30:46 +0000 http://scita.org/blog/?p=81#comment-332 Dione Williams and Brandie Young are not listed above. Dione Williams and Brandie Young are not listed above.

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