NETS-T3 Exploration

(I'm running out of creative titles for my blog... so please bare with me. :))


Today's post will an involve an exploration of NETS-T3, which is indicated in bold font below. (Feel free to click on "NETS-T3" in the previous sentence and open the PDF file if you'd like to learn more!)


Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.


I'd like to think that in today's society, I am both digitally savvy and globally aware. I'm reminded on almost a DAILY basis (whether I can't figure out how to work my coffee pot or I forget watch the news) that I am mediocre in these two areas, at best. That may sound a bit disappointing for a teacher of the esteemed and decorated Mason Middle School, but hey, it's the truth. :)


However, as this graduate class (EDT 610: Technology & Education) progresses, I can feel myself growing. I feel myself not only becoming more knowledgeable, but I feel myself becoming more comfortable with the idea of not knowing. Previously, if there was a technological skill that I did not know how to utilize in the classroom, I would avoid it completely. Now, I find myself asking others for help on a regular basis-- and I'm only slightly embarrassed! :) I'm learning that it's okay to not have all the answers. That may sound trite, but for a control freak like me, it can be a difficult pill to swallow.

I'd like to focus on Indicator C (outlined under NETS-T3), which states the following:

Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

With the adoption of overhead projection systems into all MMS classrooms, I have been able to achieve this goal MUCH easier than I did last year (when I was a lowly, first-year-teacher). I use my projector at least 2-3 times per week, but I don't just use it to give notes. I have been using it most recently to give brief quizzes to students. I'll type the quiz up in a Microsoft Word document and project it onto the screen. Then, the students take out a blank piece of notebook paper and get started. Not only does this integrate technology into the classroom, but it saves money on copy paper and saves precious time spent at the dreaded copier!!

Of course, like most teachers, I use my overhead projector for PowerPoint (both for individual slides and slide shows). Journal prompts usually go on individual slides, and notes for a specific unit of study will go into a slide show. Like Kelly and Jessica have written about, I also use PowerPoint (and my projector) for games. I don't use it as often as some other teachers, but I also do not feel that my subject lends itself to as many tests and quizzes as other subjects (such as math, science, and/or Social Studies).

And, of course, I've gotta love my EdLine. :) Again, I realize that I haven't utilized this tool to the best of my ability, but I play around with it more and more each day. My favorite feature is EdLine E-mail!! I have sent several e-mails this way to both my homeroom AND to all four of my academic classes. I love that I have the option of sending it to parents only, students only, or both students and parents. The best part is that there's a "No Reply" feature that you can check-- so that you don't get 5,000,000 parent e-mails afterwards!! :)

That's all for now, folks! See you next week! ;)