I am currently a Grade 5/6 Teacher at Lightning Reef Primary School. Easily inspired by others, I am always trying something new, especially around the area of technology in the classroom.
I have always had an inquiring mind for technology and although I am not technically a digital native, it does come naturally! I am an X gen, although only just. I remember being introduced to a computer when I was in primary school. It was so far removed from my lifestyle at that time that I don’t even remember how it worked or what it did. I was much more excited about the VHS. That had potential in my life!
By the time I was in Year 9 at school I was once again introduced to computers. Windows 3.0! I even remember carrying around a 5.25inch floppy. Back when a floppy disk was actually floppy! And for any ‘Y gens’ reading this, you may need to ‘Google’ floppy disk!
I remember doing 6 months keyboarding class in Year 10. I never did learn to touch type in that class (‘BBC Dance Mat Typing’ helped me do that years later!). I was sure at that point in my life that I was not going to be a secretary, so I never felt the need!
When I got to University, technology was starting to embed itself in my life without me really noticing. Tech classes popped their way into the syllabus, although the chalk and blackboard test was still a high priority! The walkman was a tool of the past and in my third year we were ‘forced’ into typing our assignments. And on an iMAc of all things. It was nothing like Windows 3.0!
I guess my real introduction to a love of technology was when I moved to England in 2005. It was the same year they introduced Interactive Whiteboards into all of their classrooms. Staring into that board was, for me, like staring into the realm of possibilities.
It was over the next few years that I really put an effort into knowing as much as I could about technology. And there was plenty around! If I wasn’t finding old friends on Facebook or updating my travel blog with photos, I had plenty to fill in my time at school as we were introduced to Learning Platforms (A virtual learning environment similar to the Ultranet).
In 2009 and returned to Australia with a wealth of information and ideas. I was lucky enough to fall into ICT coordinator position, where I learnt more about using technologies in my classroom.
This year I have started a class blog and am lucky enough to be in a school with 1:1 technology. Everyday I find something new to share, inspire or help organise my life!
I admit that it can be very addictive, searching the plethora of information there is on the internet. Sometimes I am sure I dream in WEB 2.0. And then there’s the times I have to force myself to go for a run or to close the laptop lid!
I hope you enjoy looking through my blog and find something useful. Please leave a comment or let me know if you have a blog I can check out.
And please feel free to pop into our classroom blog.
Happy technologies!
Mel
Mel you have inspired me to learn more about blogging and 2.0 technology. Am going to miss hearing your enthusiastic chats about twitter this, blog that and of course … the Ultranet!!!!! But I plan to be updated through subscribing here, while not quite the same as the daily interaction we’ve shared this term it will still keep me on the road towards integrating more of this great technology in my teaching.
Hi Mel,
After exchanging a few messages on Twitter I decided to visit your blog. It’s great! I loved reading about the things you have been doing with your class, and I’m going to “borrow” some of your ideas! I also found it interesting to read about your experiences with the iPad. I have been trying to decide between an iPad (or iPod touch) and an iPhone. I think maybe I’ll have to get both!
Anyway, keep up the great work!
Cheers,
Graeme Bennett
@ Graeme
Thanks for your comment. I love the way Twitter builds such a wonderful PLN! I have really enjoyed using the iPad in the classroom. This week we have been focussing on fluency and will be making our own audio books. To get the kids to practise we once again used Talking Tom. It was great because if the kids paused when they were reading a sentence, Tom interrupted them. Some children became a little frustrated by this but worked out that if the read fluently he doesn’t stop!
Good luck with the iPad/phone!
Mel
Reading your post brought back memories for me! I, too, carried around 5.25″ floppy disks. You’ve inspired me to revise my “About” page. It was lacking a personal touch, but now has a bit more information about myself.
@Deb,
When I first started writing a blog I checked out many others to see what hey were doing. The about page was something that I found quite a variety of when I went searching! I decided to share a bit about me and I am glad I did. I think it is nice to feel like you know the person who writing the blog.
Thanks for your comment
Mel
Hi Mel
I am beginning to set up a blog with my 5/6 class and have been checking out others’ blogs for ideas. I am in the process of ‘borrowing’ some of your great ideas! But I have a technical question for you…on your blog you have a ‘box’ in your sidebar with the title ‘Links’, under which are a whole lot of links to various websites. Can you please tell me how you created that box?? I have been playing around trying to figure it out, but have had no luck…
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Caithlin
Hi,
Your grade 5/6s will love blogging. You will have to share your URL so we can visit your blog. For the links box all you need to do is add a link in dashboard on the left. When it first comes onto your blog it is called a blog roll but when you add links to a new category you can name it anything you like. I have put a category title links and social bookmarking.
Then when you add links you can just tick the category you want it to go under.
I hope that makes sense! Happy blogging
Mel
Thanks Mel! Will give it a try. Sounds easy
We will definitely send you our URL once it’s up and running.
Caithlin
Thanks for helping me out!