Day 7: The Future

What do you see yourself using in the next year? What will be most helpful in your professional situation? How can the information you learned over the past 8 weeks be used in the rest of your school and/or corporation?

I see myself getting more and more involved in integrating technology.  I love to see how far I can take it with myself and with my classes.  It is overwhelming at times; there is SO much prep work to do to make sure it works.  So many things can go wrong and there is always a need for a backup.  BUT, it is SO worth it. If I can see kids wanting to work, asking to get to their projects, looking forward to what else we could possibly do, life is good.  
I hope to integrate more of Google within our classroom.  We use docs and presentation all time time, and spreadsheet a little.  I know of and have used forms, but not enough!  There are more to explore.  
I wish I had my classes for another year!  They have come so far, and I have to start over next year with a new group. Just imagine if my current kiddos were to move to the next level with me at their helm (since I know what they are so capable of!!).  Unfortunately, that is not to be.  Our district went 1:1 in the high school level, and 5/6 got them in E/LA, but there is a void for 7/8.  It is distressing to even think about it.  I have been championing for them, and hopefully the kids will add fuel to the fire when they get there and insist!!  :)
To luck, the current 5th graders have some exposure to Google as their English Language Arts rooms also garnered Chromebooks last fall.  So we shall see. 
I hope to use some of the web tools/apps that I have learned about via this course and other sources.  I don't necessarily have to use them all myself, but I'd like to explore them so I can give my students more choices of how they'd like to present their projects.  Choice is important.
Professionally, I am a classroom teacher who loves technology and shares when I can.  I share with my students; I share with co-workers who ask, and, quite often, with those who don't.  I send emails and texts about things that may interest.  Most are grateful.  I am creating mini "How to" documents and videos to share some things that I am most often asked about.  I really enjoy that and it helps my students as well as staff!  My students love learning new things and then showing others how to do certain things.
The information that I have learned from these past 8 weeks (THAT went fast!) will carry over forever--the content as well as the camaraderie.  I have bookmarked much and am grateful the modules are kept open for us, as I have gone back in to retrieve or reread things from my prior class, as it becomes more relevant.  I have shared many things from our lessons, with other teachers, and my principal.  All have been well-received.  
I am looking forward to our next class!