Blog Post # 11

Mrs. Kathy Cassidy is a first grade teacher from Moose Jaw, SK Canada who began to incorporate technology into her classroom 10 years ago. Her technological journey began when 5 computers were donated to her class. She received funding from the Federal Government for her own professional development and has been employing safe and educational use of technology ever since. She began developing a Webpage 10 year ago and began using class blogs 5 years ago. Since then, she has added Wiki, Skype, SmartBoard instruction, and the use of the Nintendo DS into her lesson plans. 

In the video, the students explain their use of each device. They explained their excitement for C4K on their blog posts. Their parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, and others interested in education are able to comment. Blogging allows the first graders to improve their writing skills. The Webpage allows safe navigation to websites that teach through games, videos, and connecting with others. The students seemed to really like using Wiki and Skype to share information and connect to educators and other classrooms around the world. The Nintendo DS helps the students gain responsibility, problem solving skills, and teach them to read.

In the Skype interview, she acknowledges that technology is here to stay and is an important educational tool. It is necessary to change the tools in which we use to teach our students. Technology allows students to better connect to their instructors and educational journey. You must keep up with whats going on in technology. She mentions using your interests to guide your development of tolls and networks.For example, if a student or educator is interested in videos, they should set up a YouTube account.She also emphasizes Twitter as a wonderful educational network. It allows us to follow educators who are passionate about education and are able to share ideas and strategies.

Mrs. Cassidy gives some great insight into technology in the classroom. The collaboration allowed through social networks is a wonderful tool for education. Students' families are able to keep up with what's going on in the classroom, which is a very important aspect of learning involvement.  I think it's amazing that she is able to teach first graders to use each of these sites. I'm not even sure if I can even create and use each of these devices. I love her passion and dedication to her students.