Tasty Morsels

Today was both a relaxing and productive day.  As the fresh cool breeze was drifting in our classroom window and I was working with my P2go partner, I felt that paralleled my learning experience:  gaining new skills in  assistive tech is like a fresh breeze I will be able to apply to students.

The partner I worked with, Tracy Murray, is a teacher who I've worked with for 3 years in presenting a transition panel to new resource teachers; however, if was the first time we've worked as partners directly.  Our working together gave me three "take aways" today.

1. Students should use their strengths to support each other collaboratively whenever possible.  In the the fall I am going to be the Career Access teacher in our school, as well as working with resource students.  I had been feeling badly that students will have to share computers and chromebooks in my classroom, but after today realize that sharing can make things more enjoyable and educational.  I learned a lot from Tracy on the technology side today, and she said she benefitted from my ideas/way with words.  It was a positive, enjoyable morning. In preparing for today, I brought chocolate cookies for Tracy and I.  She brought almonds. Together we shared what we had, and it was better than either of us was alone.  
2.  Immediate feedback is awesome!  As I was leaving the classroom, I saw that our professor had already commented on my blog from yesterday.  I have been in courses before where we students really don't know if the professor has seen their posts and there is never a comment. Direct engaging feedback encouraged me to write and interact more.  I will remember this when I receive assignments from my students next year.  We have two weeks to correct and post student marks, but immediate feedback is more encouraging.  
3. Hands on learning sticks.  After seeing the presentation of P2go yesterday, I had some knowledge of what to do.  Today, after hands on learning with the program, I have learned something that will last.  I need to remind myself to take time with students to focus on doing wherever possible.  Learning, learning, learning... repetition and practice.... hands on.... so much value.