Afternoon Reflection

I've really enjoyed learning about the amazing amount of technology available to us as teachers over these two days, but often pondered how to integrate more into the primary levels.
When I searched for a video to view I specifically looked for lower grade examples.

This teacher incorporated iPads into her curriculum to enhance a unit on digital storytelling.   Although not the ultimate in new technology, I do believe the level of engagement she got out of her students made it really worth her while.  I like the idea of challenging them to get creative and also affording the opportunity for them to learn from each other.

I really liked the "elevator" activity we did this afternoon to share what we found in watching the videos and look forward to trying it in the classroom.
It brought home the idea of connectivism in that students need to interact to gain other perspectives allowing them the opportunity to learn other ideas and discuss differences.  They continue their learning only in a broader scope of which they may not have attained on their own.  This can happen in person, or globally through the use of technology.  I find it exciting that students today have access to a global student network of ideas and experiences to draw upon the likes of which we have never seen before.  This can only serve to enrich their understanding of content as they experience it through the eyes of a peer.  It is our job as teachers to attempt to expose our students to opportunities to utilize this network as much as possible.