Blog #8

Through the website assignment I learned many different things. I learned more about the different functions of Wix such as drop down menus, how to link to different pages I've created for the website, as well as how to link to outside pages. The biggest thing I took away from this assignment was how to link a Google calendar. I don't use my Google calendar to keep track of my events and assignments, I've always preferred a physical planner, so there was a lot for me to figure out. Creating events and adding them to the calendar came easy, but figuring out how to make it accessible and have the ability to be linked to a website was a bit harder. I did eventually figure it out and was able to add it, and that made me feel very accomplished. I also love getting to play around with Wix and finding neat layout and design options. I love being creative but I have never explored the technological ways to create things and I love all the opportunities I've been given to make new websites and flyers. My website is linked below :).

https://catmar927.wixsite.com/teachersite

Diigo is a very helpful tool that makes itself useful in many ways. It provides a good way to not only share work but interact with the work your peers have shared. While I do see it as a valuable resource, I am unsure of how I could implement it in my classroom. I aspire to teach grades K-2, and I do not think I could successfully implement it in my lessons. I feel like with the material I will be covering and their limited knowledge of professional educational platforms, Diigo would not be as effective as other forms of online resources. I feel that this website is better suited for older students as they will better be able to understand and utilize the website's functions. With team members it can be helpful because it provides a way to directly interact with other members' work. I found it easy to share my work and be able to see the work of my classmates, which I feel would be useful especially when ding groupwork with a team. While I do see it as a valuable tool to have and keep in mind, I do not see myself using it in my professional efforts, as I do not see it being beneficial to my future students due to the type of assignments and learning they will be taking part in.

A resource I found that could help teachers stay up to date on technology they can use in their classroom is a website titled "Free Technology For Teachers." It is updated frequently with new technologies that are free for teachers to use. They also include and explanation of how the resource can be applied in the classroom. In a world where technology is becoming more and more prevalent, the task of making sure kids are proficient in using technology has been given to teachers. It is seen as a necessary skill to succeed in an increasingly digital world, and now teachers are expected to be the ones that help their students learn to use and apply technology, in addition to typical lessons. Technology is incorporated in the majority of classrooms and it is becoming more and more prominent in the learning environment. This is a lot to ask of teachers on top of all the other requirements they're expected to meet, so it is helpful for them to have resources like these to keep them updated on new, useful technologies.

https://www.freetech4teachers.com/