Happy Wordling!

I've been a wordle user for a couple of years now and I always look forward to sharing this fun and easy to use tool to educators.  I found a great article written by Michael Gorman called I Can Back Off My Blogging, Turn Down My Tweeting, And Even Wrap Up My Wiki, But I Can’t Wane My Wordling... at Techlearning.com.  Michael discusses multiple applications for using Wordle in the classroom from biographies, speeches, lyrics to songs, restaurant menus, student's writing and even food journals.  Micheal also blogs at http://www.21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/


I loved the idea of "Guess the Wordle" so to get everyone in the mood for the holiday break (as if they aren't already)  I created a wordle using a Christmas favorite.

Guess the Wordle...



Created with Wordle.net

 

Technology Training with the NETS in Mind

As I began to plan training sessions for the New Year I wanted to connect learning to the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Teachers.  I always find it helpful to have a framework to work with and the standards seemed to be a natural fit for what I was doing.  I want our teachers to become familiar with the NETS for teachers and by connecting them to specific training sessions the teachers can begin to make connections and see that the technology is only a tool in the learning process. 

In this planning I also knew that I had to learn how to use Glogster.  Many teachers had been asking about it and up until now I hadn’t found a purpose for using it so I didn’t know much about it.  After looking at some examples and brainstorming I finally found a purpose for this multimedia tool.  Once I had a reason to use it and tried it out I began to see how teachers could use it in their classrooms.  I created a visual poster to advertise my upcoming training sessions and this was a perfect way to learn how to use the tool.




This is a perfect example of authentic learning.  Our kids need to have a purpose for their learning just like we do.  I’m excited to offer some new training sessions that will encourage our teachers to find a purpose for their professional development and to give their students opportunities for authentic learning.

Trip of a Lifetime

In the summer of 2009 I was fortunate to win  a scholarship to attend the ISTE Conference in Washington DC.  In addition to the conference I joined hundreds of educators in a March to Capital Hill to meet with Legislators about the importance of Educational Technology funding.  It was one of my first experiences with advocacy and I learned a lot about the process. I also spent time touring the historical city and the impressive monuments.  

Click here to view this photo book larger

Welcome to the Learning Together Blog. I am the Educational Technology Specialist for the School District of Rhinelander. I have been teaching for 20 years with 9 years in an elementary classroom and the last 11 years in this current position. My role in this district is to provide technology staff development and support as teachers integrate technology tools and software in their classroom. My goal is to encourage teachers to use technology as a tool as they bring 21st Century Skills into their classrooms.

On this blog I will be posting ideas, tips and strategies throughout the year and I encourage you to comment and share your ideas as well. In the 21st Century the need to collaborate, communicate, think critically and problem solve is vital and before we expect our students to use these skills, we as educators need to practice them as well.

I invite you to read, comment and participate as we learn together!