April 7

Just got grades entered, now I can play around and have fun! I just got an iPad 2 right before I went on spring break. I love it! I downloaded several apps that allow me to write documents, view PDF files and print to my printer wirelessly through my home network. Technology is great!

A little about myself. I grew up in Alabama. I went to Auburn University (War Eagle! I was so glad they won the nationAl championship this year!) and received my B.S. in Chemical Engineering. I worked as an engineer for ten years and enjoyed every minute of it. However, after I had my 2nd child, I quickly realized I couldn't have it all. I tried to quit but they convinced me to try working halftime at the manufacturing plant and halftime at home by telecommuting. I was actually one of the first telecommuters, if not the first at our plant. It worked for 6 months but then my husband got a job that allowed me to stay home. I went back to school and received my teaching degree and when my fourth child started kindergarten, I started teaching. I have only been teaching for 5 years and I love it. It is probably the hardest job I have ever had but it can been so rewarding. I teach third grade. I have always been a technology nut (geek, as my colleagues refer to me!)and have really brought that into my classroom. I actually had one of the first Apple IIe computers when I was in college! (that really dates me doesn't it!)I have a website. I have included a blog on that website for the students to use. I wrote a grant and got 6 iTouches for my classroom (no wireless yet so they are of limited use, great apps though!) I use a Smartboard and try to design my lessons so that they are engaging and fun. I use technology to differentiate for my students. Some of what I use is Kahn Academy, Raz-Kids (paid for), YPP (online math program we use that students can access at home). Actually all of the aforementioned sites can be accessed at home. My classes have used Moviemaker to make a DVD of poems that they wrote along with music they recorded with our music teacher.

I am really excited to learn more tools that I can use to make learning engaging and fun!