Joy's Intro

My first classroom computer was an old Apple which I used with the kids with CD Roms like Math Blaster.  I had one computer in my 2nd grade classroom and everyone wanted to use it, that was back in 1985.  Later, I used computers as word processors but didn't have internet.  In the 90s-2000s, in my personal and professional life, I used computers to look up websites and gather info., send emails, download, edit, print and email my photos.  More recently I joined facebook, which I rarely check.  In the past several years I've taken workshops in Power Point, iLife Suite, Promethian Board, Digital Story-Telling, and attended the CLS Technology Conference.  I learned many exciting skills and applications at the Conference but haven't used any of them with students yet.  I have helped students do research, print pictures, do some film with Flip Cameras, download films and helped do some editing with the help of other students or Deb.  I am developing confidence with much of what I've learned recently and need to put in some time to play and learn.  I admit that a lot of the Tech stuff is like a foreign language to me.  At the conference I was immersed in that foreign language and I began to acquire an understanding.  But just like learning a new language, we begin to understand but cannot yet express.  I am not yet fluent enough to fully comprehend and definitely not fluent enough to teach.  So I am relying on my Personal Network of friends/colleagues to remind me to practice, go slow, try one new thing at a time, and jump in!