Excited for the New 2012-2013 School year!

It’s the end of August, my classroom is set up and I am ready to go! There are still a few more days of my teaching holidays, but I am so excited for this new school year.

Last February I became a member of the Thom Technology Catalyst team. This was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I strongly believe that technology will play a huge role in our students learning. I also believe that there should be no fear to use technology in the classroom, as long as it is both educational and meaningful for the learner.

Students can follow me on my 2 Educational Twitter accounts:
@SenoraGates
@MadameGates

I am a strong advocate for the BYOD (BRING YOUR OWN DEVICES) at our school. I have created a document in regards to this awesome technological movement:

This is a BYOD Classroom
(Bring Your Own Device)

Mrs. Gates is committed to moving forward with students in a 21st century learning environment. In my classroom, (for Educational purposes) students will have access to the wireless network using their own technology devices such as: Cell phone, I Pods, I Pads, laptops etc.
With direct teacher approval, students will be able to use their own devices in the classroom to access information from the internet. They will also be able to communicate with other language learners from around the world (Skype classroom).

Educational research has shown that Technology in the classroom:
-increases student engagement and success rates
-helps increase the quality and quantity of students work & writing
-promotes project based work while meeting subject area’s objectives
-promotes collaborative team work

Mme. Gates classroom rules for BYOD
(Bring Your Own Device)

1) Please take great care of your own device.
-You are responsible for your own device, so take great care of it. If lost, broken or stolen it is your own responsibility. Please do not abuse it, lose it or let others misuse it. If you are borrowing someone else’s device please be careful and considerate.

2) Mme. Gates has FINAL SAY so please listen.
-Do not bring gaming devices. I will make the final decision on what devices or internet tools are used.

3) WHILE IN CLASS DO NOT ACCESS: Video games and YOU TUBE. You will only be allowed to access resources that are classroom related. Please keep your device away until I allow you to use it. You are responsible for accessing appropriate school resources. (The school monitors what you access, so make good choices. Failure to do so will result in no access to BYOD in our classroom for YOU.

4) When I am teaching or explaining a lesson, do not use your device. Turn your ringer off, do not make phone calls or receive phone calls

Wishing all students and teachers out there a fantastic start of the school year!
Krista