What are some things you can do for free to improve your technology skills?
Probably one of my biggest resources for me and my classroom is YouTube. YouTube is a great place where I can go and get ideas for projects in class as well as learning how to use new technology. For instance at the beginning of the year I had to teach myself how to use Apple Configurator, a Mac based program to control large amounts of iPads. No one else at my school had any clue how to use the program or even how to manage classroom sets of iPads, so I took it upon myself to learn as much as I could about it. I watched a 50 minute lecture given by a school technology coordinator outlining there large iPad rollout plan using Apple Configurator. It gave me a great idea of the tips and tricks of how to use it proficiently.
Google is also another tool that I use very frequently when I have problems with technology. I just type in the question I have an usually I can find the answer within just a few clicks. I have also started to browse other teachers blogs of how they use technology in the classroom (thanks to blogger!). It is amazing the resources you can learn to use for free on the internet. Lastly, however not free, with my subscription to ISTE I have access to many online resources about technology use in the classroom.
One thing, that I believe is a great resource, are the other teachers at my school. I know there are some teachers doing great things in the middle school and elementary that I would love to learn about. However, finding the time is hard to do, especially with testing approaching.
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