Trista Virtue's 20% Project

           For my 20% project I focused on developing my Google site.  At a back-to-school workshop I hastily created my Google site with the intention that I’d revamp it and have it operational by the semester switch.  Well, I didn’t have any idea where to begin with the Google site.  I’ve had time throughout this cohort to become familiar with uploading Google.docs and creating links to various websites.  I was able to update my Google site to reflect content for the current week and content in my classroom.  With assistance, I put an informational website on my Google site (2day.sweetsearch.com) that allows students to: read about current events, view the word of the day, read a poem of the day, read ‘On This Day in History,’ and a variety of other topics.  Check out my Google site.  I look forward to continuing to explore technology and incorporate it into my Google site.

One NETS*T standard that I met was the ability to effectively use current and emerging digital tools to support learning by integrating these tools into my Google site.  Learning how to navigate through a new web tool can be intimidating, but with the correct amount of support and the time allowed to explore, such a task is possible.  I appreciated the time to actually try some of the new digital tools that are available, even though it can be frustrating to try to have all of the 'tools' work together to accomplish your final product.

Another NETS*T standard that I was able to satisfy was to respond to the various forums/blogs regarding my status with the 20% project and to model to my students that I am a lifelong learner.  I created a reading survey for my students to complete, at the time of this blog I haven't revealed it to them yet.  To my surprise a few of my students actually took the survey unprompted.  I applaud children's innate curiosity and their willingness to try new technology.  There were a few sample projects that I also created throughout this cohort and showed the final product to my classes.  I reminded my students that I, too, am learning something new and it's alright to try something that you may not be completely proficient with, but to keep trying.  Therefore, I think that I have also accomplished the NETS*T standard of developing a technology-enriched learning environment that enables all students to pursue their individual curiosities.