Another News Article

Our classroom Skype calls have been very exciting, and have reached the local media for attention. I was excited to have the Marshall News Messenger come and visit with Crystal and I about this new technology. They had the chance to see one of our calls in action this past Thursday, and took the time to talk with us and some of the children about the experiences. This Sunday's newspaper featured a story on the front of the Lifestyle section. I'd like to clear up some of the confusion or misunderstandings from the recent article. 

First, if you read the article in the paper as opposed to the online version, you may have noticed several references to Karnack. Jefferson Elementary is not in Karnack. It is, in fact, still in Jefferson and a Recognized school in Jefferson ISD. JISD has been making great strides in the face of technology. Our district has been working to provide the teachers with more equipment and programs that enable us to create 21^st century classrooms.

Crystal Gregory, another 4^th grade teacher, and I are preparing a presentation for teachers across the state at the annual technology conference held by TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) in Austin this February. The title of our presentation is “The Skype is the Limit”, and will show teachers the benefits of using Skype in the classroom, as well as the best ways to begin implementing the program. For those of you who don’t know, Skype is a computer-based software that allows you to make video calls to anyone around the world for free.

It is true that Crystal and I have a huge passion for technology and are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to integrate technology into our curriculum. However, we are not the only two teachers in our district that make an effort to find “cool” projects and make them happen. The face of education is constantly changing and that requires that all educators be open and seeking the newest and best ways to reach our students. I have had multiple opportunities to learn from other teachers on my campus, while also sharing new ideas with my fellow teachers.

This Skype project has allowed my students the chance to visit places they may not otherwise have the ability to see. They are making connections with students and experts across the globe, which provides them with real life experiences. Projects such as these help my students make connections to their learning and apply them to their own lives.

Children are “digital natives” and using technology such as Skype and blogs peaks their interest and keeps them engaged in their learning. We started this project in a very small and easy way, and it has since taken off and grown into something much better than we could have imagined. The students are learning geography, science, social studies, math, and writing. They are learning to research and are becoming responsible for their own learning.

If you’d like to read the original article, you can find it online here.