Web Conference Recording 3/23/11

After several attempts in entering a web conference, I was unsuccessful. I decided to go back and watch and read the recordings of, March 23, 2011. This particular conference started with many questions are integrating technology in the classroom. Many students mentioned that there just was not enough time in their schedule to plan for technology use. Dr. Cummings made it clear that it is the law that by the 8th grade all student must be introduced to technology. Students were frustrated at the limits set on technology use. For example, the filters are so tight that teachers are unable to view many educational websites. Dr. Cummings said that is a difficult one and it depends on the schools filter settings. Collegues continued to list their concerns and ideas: cell phone usage, blogs being blocked, students access to computers and internet at home, administration not will to take a leap with technology. Dr. Cummings suggested Project Share and to see if our district has access to it. My eyes were opened to the amount of technology that teachers have access to at their schools. The amount of knowledge that most of my collegues had regarding current technology tools was jaw dropping. This knowledge and experience is so beneficial to the students. I love what one of the members of the conference said, "The best way to keep up with changing times is to ask the students. They know EVERYTHING" This web conference was a knew experience for. I gathered many ideas and new technology tools that I was unaware of.