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I cannot believe that we are already in week number five.   Seems just like yesterday that we were being exposed to introducing basic technological applications within the classroom.  Now these application are becoming more complex, yet at the same time being operated in a user/student friendly manner.  I would like to, however, take this Padlet note and center the topic on family, as that was one of the options on the rubric. Although I don’t have my own family per se, I thought that I’d share a happy moment in my life as I have reconnected with a childhood crush after 18 years.  We reconnected over Facebook after having a mutual friend on our friend stream, and we have been inseparable ever since.  She is definitely a positive force in my life, and can definitely see this woman in my future.  Here name is Joshua Karen Madriz, and we have agreed to see each other exclusively as of September 17.  As an educator for the last ten years, I had found it difficult  to give myself some “me” time.  I am happy do so presently, as for all intents and purposes, She is my family right now.

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On a personal note, last weekend I took my youngest son to college (UCSB). I couldn't be prouder. My goal now is to finish this MA program before he finishes his freshman year.

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This class is definitely helping me overcome some of my technology anxieties as I try new tools each week.  Setting up my class website was a major event for me as a teacher.  Reading everyone's discussion board posts and Padlet notes has reassured me  that all of us are trying to do more with technology; it's a journey that involves both risk-taking and faith that the benefits to our students in terms of engagement, creative expression, collaboration, and ownership of their learning makes the effort worthwhile.

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As a new teacher, it can be intimidating sharing opinions and ideas at school meetings, PLC's, PD’s, or even conversations with veteran teachers. I have so much to learn from my fellow teachers, and it is exciting knowing I have substantial knowledge to share as well. I always thought of myself as somewhat tech-savvy, but within 5 weeks I have learned about so many programs and sites that I never knew existed. I know it is changing the way I think about teaching, and I hope to share that with my peers.

The beauty of technology nowadays is that it is easily incorporated into any lesson. That’s not to say that it should be. My goal is to find one thing at a time to incorporate until I am comfortable and ready to introduce another new site to my students.

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Up to this point, I have learned new technological tools to incorporate into my classroom like google classroom, Padlet, and Prezi just to name a few. This is my 4th year teaching and this year, I'm teaching Integrated Math 2 and 3 and Algebra 2.

One way I tried to shake things up this year in my Integrated Math 2 class, is to start the year with a project instead of just starting with the textbook. In my Integrated Math 2 class, the students had to create a catapult and the end result was to come up with the quadratic equation that showed the projectile motion of there M&M's which they launched.

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I am very excited about the different resources that we are learning about.  One concern I have is getting sidetracked with everything else we have to deal with in the classroom once this class is over and forgetting to try on these resources. I am planning to make a binder of resources so that I can reference the resources and remember to use the great new programs we learned about.

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We are already five weeks into this course, and I feel a strong need to bring my teaching methods into the 21st century. I find that my mind keeps brainstorming ways to subtly incorporate more technology into my existing units.  I want to start out by implementing technological based activities that I am already semi-comfortable with and then I plan on being more adventurous and push myself to explore unfamiliar resources.
The thought of shaking things up and teaching with a new flare inspires me!

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This class is helping me to consider new ways to deliver information as a teacher.   I hope that I can continue to learn new ways by which to inspire and connect with my students.  I am passionate about the literature I teach, and I want my students to apply  what they learn in my class!

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I am really liking some of the ideas from this week regarding the use of technology.  The maps and this site is perfect for my history class.  We always use ticket out the doors, and this site Padlet can be great for that, and for students sharing ideas for discussion.

In our department meeting the other day I shared with them Padlet and Google Collaborative Maps  The simple visuals created great discussion and seemed to develop excitement.  It was a wonderful collaborative moment.  Hopefully the momentum can continue.

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This is my second year teaching, and I plan to be a watering can rather than a sponge!!! My focus for my induction program is CSTP 6, specifically, 6.3 -Collaborating with colleagues and the broader professional community to support teacher and student learning.

I think the whole concept of not being a sponge, and becoming a watering can and collaborating for optimal growth for colleagues, students, and all involved within the circle of influence is such an inspirational message, and one which I am influenced and driven by.