Frustration

So I spent the majority of the afternoon creating a tour on Google Earth. I created the tour at least 5 times. Something always went wrong- it didn't show the bubbles with the information, didn't go to the right places, couldn't figure out where to save it, etc. Although it was fun to create the tour the first couple of times, by the 5th one I really was done with the whole thing. Of course, now I have a tour and am quite proud of it, but can't figure out how to save it in a file so that I can upload it on the class Wiki page. I have tried to use the help section on google earth but still nothing. This is the first time that I have really run into this kind of wall during this class. It is frustrating not to be able to figure it out and to have spent so much time on it. I am going to quit it for now and can hopefully pick it up again tomorrow and get it figured out. Today I think I am just too frustrated and worn out to get it to work...

Still overwhelmed

As I stated in my last entry all this new technology stuff is great, but I am exhausted! I really do enjoy learning about the new things and the chance to think about ways to incorporate it into the classroom. It's just so hard to find the time to really dig deep into the different aspects and really get to learn about them. I feel like I am quickly scraping the surface during disjointed free moments I have during the day. Everytime I get on and think "okay, I have a good chunk of free time to look at this" I swear something comes up- when you have two young children, something always comes up. What would be great is scheduled days at work to lock myself away in a quiet room and really look into the different opportunities out there and figure out ways to incorporate some of them. But I guess since that is not really going to happen I am doing the best I can getting a piece here and a piece there... hoping that it will all come together in the end and make at least a complete picture, even if it is a little out of focus.

Overwhelming

There is a lot of great technology out there that could be used in a classroom, and truly our students today should be exposed to many of the opportunities out there. It just all becomes so overwhelming to keep track of it all and figure out easy ways to incorporate it into daily lesson plans. While working through the various assignments for this class I can think about ways that I might be able to use it in my classroom. However, the hardest part is then putting that into action. There are days, okay weeks, when I am planning on the go. I never feel like I really have enough time to do these great lesson plans where I might be able to incorporate lots of this technology/ amazing stuff into them. And then there is keeping up with a wiki or blog... Yikes! I suppose that in time, as one used it more and more, it would become easier and easier to incorporate. As with anything it may be wise to start with one thing- such as a class wiki- and really focus on that to create something functional and easy to use. Then when that becomes second nature, move onto incorporating something else and continue to add new opportunities/ experiences as it becomes comfortable.