Ever since our school moved to a 1:1 system a few weeks ago, my classroom has changed. I have been a strong user of technology for the past 5 years with my students, so I didn't think it would change so much once students got their Macbooks, but I was wrong. It has changed dramatically.
As we are all still figuring out the best way to incorporate these devices into the everyday, one thing that I am pretty excited about is what I was able to do for a day like today, when I am unable to be with my students. Usually sub plans are the worst to deal with as a teacher. You know that no matter what you try to write down, nothing is going to substitute the expertise and ability of you as the teacher being there (that is why many teachers say it is just easier to be there than to be away from the classroom).
With the help of our 1:1 system, I am feeling a little more at ease today. Instead of just writing everything down for the sub, I copied the plans for my students and emailed them what needs to be done. Instead of relying on a sub to try and figure out what they are supposed to be doing with their watercolor projects, I created a screen-casting of the demonstrations and posted on our Moodle page. I also encouraged students to email me with questions so I could help them if they get confused.
Even though this is no substitute for me being in the room and helping kids in real-time, it is way better than what I had to rely on before. I am also able to see the kids work as they are handing it in through our Moodle page and give them feedback where needed.
Technology has the capacity to do amazing things and this is one that seems obvious, but one I really wasn't expecting.
How do you handle having a sub in your classroom? Have you used screen-castings to help the sub?
As we are all still figuring out the best way to incorporate these devices into the everyday, one thing that I am pretty excited about is what I was able to do for a day like today, when I am unable to be with my students. Usually sub plans are the worst to deal with as a teacher. You know that no matter what you try to write down, nothing is going to substitute the expertise and ability of you as the teacher being there (that is why many teachers say it is just easier to be there than to be away from the classroom).
With the help of our 1:1 system, I am feeling a little more at ease today. Instead of just writing everything down for the sub, I copied the plans for my students and emailed them what needs to be done. Instead of relying on a sub to try and figure out what they are supposed to be doing with their watercolor projects, I created a screen-casting of the demonstrations and posted on our Moodle page. I also encouraged students to email me with questions so I could help them if they get confused.
Even though this is no substitute for me being in the room and helping kids in real-time, it is way better than what I had to rely on before. I am also able to see the kids work as they are handing it in through our Moodle page and give them feedback where needed.
Technology has the capacity to do amazing things and this is one that seems obvious, but one I really wasn't expecting.
How do you handle having a sub in your classroom? Have you used screen-castings to help the sub?
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