Ok, so I am not exactly sure where this post is going to end up so I am not going to give it a title yet. The title you see at the top wasn't thought of until much later in this post... Let me tell you where I'm at (figuratively, not literally) right now, and we'll work our way backwards or maybe forwards. Oh, I don't know, maybe even a bit sideways...
As I sit at my desk, typing away at my "main" computer, writing this blog, I have our newly acquired iPad remotely connecting to my other desk top teacher computer, which has a program called iTALC on it that allows me to view all of the student computers in the lab. While I remain productive, I am able to monitor my students, making sure they are staying productive. What inspired me to write on this topic today was from my recent experiences, using the iPad to remotely monitor my students. Now, instead of being stuck at my desk to monitor students, send messages to students, and be able to click into their computer to directly help them, I can do all of that from my iPad as I walk around the room. Now you might say, "Why don't you just walk around the room doing all of that directly with the students' computers?" A valid question, and I often do that, but it is often the case that I will be in one area of the room (and it's a big room) helping students and I have no idea what the other students are working on or if they need help. I can even take a step outside for a bit of fresh air and still make sure they are on task. And if you know anything about teaching middle school kids, that bit of fresh air might just be all you need to get through the day with smiles on your face. So, this newest connectivity that I have been able to acquire has allowed me tons of new possibilities. Above, I have only given a glimpse into the possibilities. Maybe in future posts I'll share more, but for now I am in a bit of a technological sweet spot, enjoying the labs new capabilities!!! I think I've found my title...
Do you ever get excited about a new technological experience or capability?
