Final Reflection

As I wrap up this class, I am excited.  I am a learner and I enjoy when I can learn new things, especially with technology.  This is an area that is constantly changing and I feel you MUST stay ahead of the curve (or at least on top of it) or you will be lost.  This class in particular helped point out all of the resources, tools and programs that are out there to make your life easier. I can honestly say that I think I will use a lot of the things we did.
My thoughts on the assignments:
Interactive blog: LOVE it!  I have been using a blog to communicate with parents (and to other teachers, BRI) but I now feel even more confident in what I can do with it.  I have already talked my PLC team into letting me set up a grade level blog so we can streamline information for our families. I think this will allow us to send a consistent message to them and it will keep them well-informed.
Powtoon, Pear Deck: Glad I know about it, feel like I could use it, not sure I will.  I think this might be something I could see my daughter (4th grade) and I am glad I will be able to introduce it to her.
Google Suite: Can't imagine my life without it.  This keeps everything in one spot.  No matter what device I use or where I am doing it - what I need is there for me.  We are expected to collaborate with our PLCs and this is a powerful tool for keeping us together.  I feel good about know how to use some of the features that are not quite as common.  I can see using branching forms, adjusting sharing options and transferring old docs into Google.  I need to get better at organizing my files.  We have the option to have it all there but if it is not organized then we have a mess on our hands.  That is a goal of mine this year.
Screencasting: I know I will use this. Another goal of mine this year is to reach more families and assist them in helping their children.  At times I get frustrated that they 'don't do enough' but I also know that most of them are trying their best and they don't know what to do.  I think having the ability to do a quick tutorial & record it on how to do things would be so helpful.  It is easy to post the videos and those who need it can access it.  Same would go for students - if they need a bit more information on a topic, they could watch a video and do a little extra practice.  
Apps, Add-ons, Extentions: Again, will most certainly use.  These are the little things that make our lives easier!  I hope to be able to collaborate with others on what they are using so I can stay current on good ones to have.
Google Classroom:  While I won't be doing it this year, I am excited about the new changes to Classroom!  I think they have listened to what teachers need and have made great improvements.  I have got to believe this is a 'must' for teachers that have Chromebooks.  I think Classroom gives teachers a simple and fast way to give feedback, a great way to organize lessons and have them ready to go and a quick way to share information & lessons with their students.  I have thought about having our PLC use this as a way of organizing our lessons and sharing resources.  I need more time to plan that out but I think there is potential in that idea.
Kahoot & Poll Everywhere:  Super interactive for students.  I can see that you could use these to engage students in their learning.  Again, I will not have whole class access to technology but I am glad I know how to use them.  A secret plan I would have is that I can encourage my principal to get me more technology because I know how to use it :)
Google Forms & Flubaroo:  As mentioned many times.....I see great potential in this!  Our PLC/TDAP work is all based on common assessment.  Why not use this to do half the work for us?  I commented that idea on many other Nerd's assignments.  It is easy to use, gives great information and can be easily shared with others.  AWESOME!
Digital Citizenship: This was one of the most powerful lessons for me.  We have a crazy amount of technology that has been given to us.  It is our job to teach students how to use it.  I had honestly never thought of it in the way Google training presented it yet I now see how important it is!  I think it is imperative that this is explicitly taught.  I think of my own kids and hope that their school will teach them these things.  The Internet can be a scary place and kids need to have digital literacy skills.