Everyday Software Skills

Teaching 1st grade is challenging enough in the 21st century before I even think about all of the technology that I use and plan to use.  The thing is, I use a lot more software that I give myself credit for.  When some one asks me about my experience with technology, I quickly say that I am fearful and that if I didn't have to use it then I wouldn't.  But in reality, I use quite a bit of software and I am getting ready to use A LOT more. 

Regular use of software applications:

• Microsoft word for communication with parents, creating behavior charts, newsletters, creating worksheets, and creating tables for scheduling/organization.
• Harmony program for grade book, attendance, and behavior/communication documentation
• Outlook for emailing
• My projector and tablet to model and do lessons along with the students and to view videos
• Power Point for beginning of the year Back to School Night
• Laptops for Compass Learning Odyssey and other educational websites

Recently I have had the privilege of attending in-services about Google Apps. (Google Docs.) and a brain exercise program called Fast ForWord.  I will be using Fast ForWord daily for 30minutes beginning next week with our laptops.  I am interested in using Google Apps. to create collaborative stories and view You Tube through the presentation mode because it will just show the video with out the comments visible to the students.  To me, this is important because of the appropriateness of the the comments found on the Internet.  I also will be using Microsoft Excel to help create graphs to prove student growth and to identify struggling students.

My action plan is simple: use Fast ForWord 30 minutes a day each day, continue to build the Excel templates and view the growth with my students on their tests and their reading benchmarks, and to use Google Apps. whenever I am viewing a video from You Tube (which is about weekly).  I am eager to show the students what I have learned to excite them that no matter how old or educated you are, you can always learn new things.  I also love to show the students things I have learned regarding technology because they love it so much and are engaged with the lessons that focus on technology.  It is their native language, after all.