About Me

 

 

      Teaching for over 11 years has been my passion and keeping students engaged my challenge. Integrating technology, changing my approach as new sites, apps, programs and devices hit the shelves is also a major feat to undertake for most. My curriculum, approach and learning has to change each year and it's not like in traditional classrooms where I can take a lesson I enjoy and just augment that; my whole approach changes. I've taught K-9th grade in traditional, virtual and blended environments, teaching general education, math, science and Computer Literacy. I've enjoyed the journey and currently I'm both a teacher of technology and a trainer for my district, as well as my school.

      The purpose of my blog is to provide others with information on ways to integrate technology in 1:1 environments with tablets or chrome books. The focus is 21st Century Learning and Common Core State Standards. In my classrooms, integrating technology has been second nature and something I've done since I began teaching. I'm approached often for the best solutions for classroom integration in all subject areas. I have experience with each recommendation and evaluation of named resources herein.

     Why? Our students are digital learners and they need to be taught the way they learn, this is how they engage.  If you're limited in technology you can still be creative, you can include technology even if your students don't have computers or iPads. If they have smartphones, you can incorporate the bring your own device plan. I will write about how to best incorporate this tool.

Comments overheard in my classroom: 

• "This is my favorite class" (6th grade student)
• "Do you realize you have 100% engagement in your classroom?" (entrepreneurial teacher)
• "Hey, I figured that out, let me help you!" (7th grade student)
• "I can teach you, Ms. Brenner showed me in computer class!" (8th grade student) 

     I have listed a variety of online applications, apps, Learning Management Systems (LMS) that I've used for years and currently in my Computer Literacy classes. I'm constantly learning new tech savvy digital media as I discover and use it, so as to give quality advice, feedback and evaluation.

Please let me know if there's something you're looking for that I can help elaborate more fully on by contacting me.

In the beginning of the 2014-15 school year I moved my instructional practices to Classroom.google and gave up my Edmodo LMS. I discovered the value and limitations of the new Google LMS and after quality evaluation of new products at a Tech Summit I went to this weekend, I found a more comprehensive and complete LMS that I will add to my book on "Best Practices for Tech Integration in 1:1 for Common Core State Standards," includes Digital Media, new apps and programs, Creativity Solutions and Building a 21st Century Learning Classroom from discovered techniques, written lessons and curated resources.