Blog Post 11

I had a lot of trouble loading Ms. Cassidy’s skype session with the EDM class, but after several attempts I was able to watch the entire video and was so glad I did. She did not begin as a technology specialist, or a software designer, just a 1st grade teacher looking for a better way to engage her students and facilitate learning. And now she is what I would call an authority on enhancing classroom learning through technology. As I listened to her speak, I jotted down questions I have for her and other teachers of like talents. Ms. Cassidy at one point prompted one of Dr. Strange’s students to ask how blogging would be a useful tool for a physical education instructor, then she detailed how a class blog would expedite communication with students in the upper grades and provide a location for disseminating information to those students. I was struck with how effective this would be for me as a middle school math teacher. I intend to ask Ms. Cassidy for suggestions on the best host for a class web page, in which I can communicate with my students and parents. My class page can display daily assignments and homework, test schedules, review materials, and I even feel that I could now record podcasts of my classroom instruction and post for students who are absent.
I am so fascinated with the blogs of the young students at the Pt. England school in New Zealand and in Ms. Cassidy’s class. I’m anxious to begin seeking fellow teachers in my school who are ready for new ideas and sharing some of what I have learned. The possibilities for a middle school English class are just limitless. Thank you to Ms. Cassidy for taking the time to share her expertise with students.