Introduction

Good afternoon and welcome to my blog! My name is Valerie Gilbert, and I am in my second semester of my Master’s program in Instructional Technology. I am also a full-time 3rd grade teacher in McComb, MS, where my husband is a full-time youth and children’s minister.

This is my first semester to have a fully online class, so I am looking forward to “learning the ropes.” I am very comfortable with my educational and professional experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher, because I have used them consistently for over ten years. However, I have worked little or none with Access, Concept Mapping, HyperStudio, and PDF.

I am familiar with a variety of electronic communication tools. I use my personal email daily, and enjoy it. I have used discussion boards before and have liked them because I am free to access them according to my personal schedule. I also have experience with chat, but do not prefer it over the others, because it requires all participating parties to be at the same place online at the same time.

I am just beginning to familiarize myself with new technology tools for education. My 3rd grade classroom has been introduced to blogging for educational purposes, but it’s been months since I’ve posted a new question for them comment. As a class, we have also tried to put together digital storybook projects, including one on ants. I have no experience with WIKIs or podcasts for educational purposes.

From this class, I expect to become more familiar with technology tools that I can use in the classroom, and learn how to practically implement technology into my daily lessons. I am truly looking forward to this class.