The first STEP Training and Setting up Wikis

Before this class, I never heard of wikispaces. I considered myself pretty technology savvy but after listening to what we were going to do with the technological toys we were going to receive over the next few months, I feel like a kid in a candy store!

They said that most of the stuff we will be working with will not be compatible with Macs, and I was kind of disappointed, but I can work around this setback. Hopefully, later we will be able to use Macs along with the IBM computers with the hardware we'll be getting.

Orientation Training

As I sat through the Orientation Training for STEP last week, I had mixed emotions. What have I gotten myself into?! Part of me was excited to have the opportunity to learn how to use new technology and incorporate it in the classroom. The other part of me felt very overwhelmed! I don't even know how to use Facebook, burn a CD, print pictures off of my digital camera! This is the first time I've ever blogged!! Am I really equipped for this class? Where will the time come from to prepare and implement the new things I will be learning? I am the least technologically savvy person on my team. I will certainly be counting on my team members to help me through!

What does it mean to be a STEP member

Being a member of this team means that I am learning about technology. Technolgy is important to the classroom because it enhances learning. I feel that children are like a sponge and they love learing new thing. Using teachnology is the consturctivist way of teachnig . Thank you for letting me be a step Team member

Document Camera

December 17, 2008
We used the document camera today for IEP updates. It was very helpful. The staff was able to follow along and see the highlighted areas on the original document. We also discovered that you have to be very careful where you stand because you can cast a shadow on the screen.

Step Team

Hi All ,
This is an awesome team I am working wth . I think I am going to love it. feel that t6his may be a lot of work.

Document Camera Training

Yesterday we got to use the document camera during training. I liked it because I can see the students staying engaged with any lesson that incorporates it. Three year olds love to see themselves on camera and they like to see projections of almost anything. I can see myself using the camera introducing almost any lesson plan and have instant interest from my students. It should be fun using this camera in the classroom.

STEP Orientation

I was the very first participant to arrive at Ammendale for the STEP Orientation. The overview of the program was presented. We designated specific responsibilities for each STEP member in our school and I was the Secretary of Internal Affairs.

An interesting video was shown to us. It was about how today’s generation learns best through digital technology. This poses a big challenge to us, educators, for how can we teach something we don’t know?

At the end of the day, I thank God because I am about to have the opportunity to learn how I could use technology inside the classroom to make learning fun for my students, starting this school year.

Document Camera

Today we had our first STEP workshop on the Document Camera. It was exciting to learn how to use this equipment. I had only seen the document camera in action at a Powering Up Technology Conference. I knew it was a great piece of technology but until our workshop, I had no idea how much I could really use this with my prekindergarten inclusion class.

STEP Orientation

Well... I just left the STEP orientation and I have a lot of different emotions. I feel very excited to have access to new technology equipment and exposure to new programs and I also feel very nervous knowing that I will be taking on more responsibilites and requirements this year. I can not wait to share/integrate more technology into the classroom. Let's get STEPPING

Being a STEP Member

This is my second year at Wheatley and when I was told by our Assistant Principal, Ms. Pat Williams, that there’s a meeting after our students were put on the bus, I was a bit nervous. But then her note said that the meeting was about “exciting possibilities” and so I went to the meeting with a mixed feeling of nervousness and excitement.

Briefly, Ms. Pat explained to me and two other teachers, Ms. Benita Lance and Ms. Linda Mitchell, about the STEP program and how the school intends to apply to be a part of the program.


We were asked to prepare a lesson plan that incorporates the use of technology. As I was preparing that, my mind couldn’t help but think about the “exciting possibilities” that Ms. Pat was referring to. I had a vague feeling that STEP program will definitely change my classroom for the better.

December 2, 2008
Today we learned about blogging in class. The whole process was pretty interesting even though I never really saw myself as a blogger. We were also introduced to the document camera. This is the first time I have ever used it so this too should be interesting.