White Bear Lake Cohort Reflections

I just finished teaching two Cohorts of teachers who earned a Graduate certificate in Teaching & Technology from Hamline University.  In this cohort, teachers complete four courses for the certificate. 

1. Creating a Community of Learners with a Global Perspective
2. Curriculum in the Cloud
3. Authentic Assessment using Technoloyg
4. Emerging Technology and Trends

The following are a few final reflections from the teachers in the White Bear Lake Cohort.  It is fun to see how much they have changed as teachers and learners and they ways that learning will change in each of their classrooms.  Enjoy!

* Edina Cohort reflections coming soon!

White Bear Lake Cohort Reflections

Abby


Carol



Cassandra


Christine 

Elizabeth's Final Reflection

Jacob's Final Reflection in MoveNote

Jeanne's Thinglink


Reflection from Jim

My aha moments included signing up (I almost didn’t) and finishing each class (which I also almost almost didn’t).  My growth is in not just getting by but doing the homework (which is really hard for me), presenting to other teachers (which also is really, really hard for me).  The assignments were great and the the technology options covered was at times overwhelming, but truly awesome.  The motivation to keep trying to improve and to always be thinking of how I can be better for students, is my aha moment keeping motivated and always looking for ways to motivate students.

I have grown in my confidence, skill base, and am becoming more organized in using more resources efficiently.  To say that technology is a powerful learning, is an understatement.  Using technology in the classroom will increase independence and empower students to be better learners, in school and out.

My classrooms include more independent learning with increased options, both of which are very important for my students.  Students have many chances to learn in a variety of ways with support when needed and freedom to be more independent when they progress.  My classrooms have always been differentiated, but now I can do it in a much more organized fashion with much more meaningful collaboration.

I have always been willing to try new things, but I have gained skills and knowledge of resources that will increase the learning potential for students and and maintain more purposeful outcomes.  I have gained knowledge of tools, resources and ideas. Learning is forever and challenging students to do more, be more independent, and increase their ability to learn with technology will help them be more prepared for their future (the expected and the unknown).

Joshua Lane (Prezi is embedded below, but if you can't see it click on the link)


Lindsey's Voki

Melisa's StoryJumper

Read this free book made on StoryJumper

Deep Thoughts by Seth



Shannon's Favorite New Tool and reflection

One of my favorite tools is Symbaloo. Symbaloo is a free visual bookmarking site that gives you access to anything you bookmark with a tile from any computer. It takes bookmarking to a whole new level.

Here’s a video that explains what Symbaloo is. There is also a free app for your phone or ipad.

You can create tiles to create a webmix which is a collection of websites for a specific subject. Each tile is a link that will take you directly to the website.

I have created a webmix for each unit in our textbook. I then share these with parents, students and colleagues so they have easy access to helpful websites. Here is an example of one of my units. I have also made a webmix of my favorite classroom resources. This tool has made my website organization a breeze!

Here is an interesting article called 11 Ways to Use Symbaloo in the Classroom that may give you some ideas.



Shawna's Reflection on Collaboration



Allison's Final Reflection