Before I get into this week's topic, I have a very important newsflash. I TOOK MY FINALS TODAY!! I'm just a little excited about that. Now, on to the topic at hand: technology. This is an exciting topic too. In June, I was handed a Macbook Air and an iPad Mini. In July, I received several hours of training on those devices from Apple. My school has an Apple grant. I knew nothing going in, so it was very overwhelming at first, but I love it now. I still have a lot to learn. So far, my students mostly use their iPads for enrichment Apps. We did start an online journal this week. I am very interested in getting into a program called eBackpack so assignments can go virtual. I had two fifth graders help me set it up, but unfortunately their knowledge did not extend to the teacher settings and our school tech specialist is not familiar with the program. I just need to pull aside one of the teachers who are using it to get those questions answered. I see a lot of benefits in going digital. I have some disorganized kids. Their folders are falling apart, and our school does not have new ones to provide. I know this will help organize their learning as well as help the environment and prepare them for our technological society. I look forward to learning and growing more with this amazing tool at my fingertips. The kids love it. I have also found that when they are on their iPads, they are quiet, and the atmosphere is more conducive for small group and individual assessment times. I use the Apple projector all day long. I use a virtual behavior chart with Dojo and project it onto the screen. I can project everything up from my iPad very easily such as video clips or documents via Hover Cam. Whenever I need help, the kids have my back. It is an exciting time in education.