home

Welcome, Eons ago I took a computer class on an Apple IIe and then went forth and bought my first computer. I got an Apple IIc because I was deathly afraid of opening the CPU and adding things in like memory! When the new computers with a hard drive came out I bought one and continued to use my floppy based system. I was scared of that crazy hard drive. I have been pushing my way through technology with tension in my stomach since 1984. I'm here to tell you, if I can do it, you can too and my hope is I can show you how.

This wiki is about how to make technology practical and easily implemented into classrooms. I was recently at a training where the technician explained all about and all around how to use and image iPods. I would get a little piece, then lose a lot of pieces and I finally said, "For the love of God, can you just get to the Cliff Notes. What do I do? and How do I do it?" See, I don't "get" technology. I am not a linear thinker. I'm not a geek. What I do know is that technology is great for kids. I know it is often frightening and confusing for us as teachers to plan a lesson and be brave when it sometimes fails. I know it takes courage to try again and many times we want to go screaming into the night. However, because it is important for kids, we try again. What I want to do here, is make technology practical and simple. I plan on telling you what to do and how to do it, easily.

Being computer literate is critical for our kids. It's as critical as learning to read. We're not always successful at either one but it's what we do. Every day we try again and come up with new ways to get them engaged. If they are looking at us at least maybe we can get something in to their tiny little heads. Well I know and have proven, technology can get them engaged. And it can even deliver good curriculum and good skills. Really.

So join me on this journey as I look at practical ways to make technology a tool that can make a difference.

TPACK Model "At the heart of the TPACK framework, is the complex interplay of three primary forms of knowledge: Content (CK), Pedagogy (PK), and Technology (TK)." Basically it addresses that technology isn't a concept in and unto itself. It requires both content and pedagogical knowledge on the part of the teacher to integrate technology into the curriculum.Using technology or learning how to use technology isn't the primary goal. Always it is content first. As teachers we know what we need to teach (content). We also know how to teach (pedagogy) either through our training or a deliver model required by the principal or district.

So when planning the questions would follow: "What skill/standard/concept do I need them to understand?" "What's the best way for me to teach this?" "How can technology support/assist the students learning this concept?"