First Timer

This is my first post to this particular blog. I am a late career teacher having graduated in 2003 with a degree in Secondary Eduation - English. I will complete my master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in May 2007 through a cohort program. During the past 2 years I have engaged in action research in my classroom focusing on the effect of technology on student reading comprehension and success in the classroom.

I have embraced using blogs in the classroom just recently. I wanted to make sure I had trained my students in appropriate use of language before turning them loose in the blogosphere. I have used Blackboard as my instruction platform for the past 2 years and have documented increased student success when using technology. Students actually turn in their assignments at a higher percentage than in a traditional classroom setting, plus the are more actively engaged in the assignments.

This year I have incorporated hyperlinked texts, Photo Story, and blogs in my classroom. I also work with a group of talented students known as the Student Technology Leaders. We develop inservice presentations, web pages and powerpoint presentations for the teachers in our school. We are getting ready to compete at the state level this week and they are really excited.