Welcome, Students and Parents,
Many of us are used to the stereotypical social studies classroom where we read from a textbook and then recite that sequence of facts. However, in my classroom, we will be trying to make things more engaging and fun. Technology will be a large part of our classroom. With that, we need to create a respectful and positive climate for all of us to share our work and thoughts. We will learn how to use technology and find information in a safe and appropriate way. For parents and myself, Common Sense Media is a great resource to “check tech” for students. Students need to be made aware of digital citizenship to make smart choices online and in the outside world.
In my classroom, we will use technology often for projects, research, and content. There will always be times when our technology use will be limited. Students should have phones put away unless I have told them that they can be using them. As for laptops/tablets, they will need to be put closed/turned off when someone is speaking or presenting. It is easy to get off track and start using our devices for something that isn’t school related. We will have daily check-in on what you have completed and it will be evident if you have not actually been working. I want to be able to trust my students with their tech, so we can do these fun activities. I will do my best to keep activities engaging, but I am always willing to hear feedback on the activities so we can adjust and your learning will benefit the most. I can only control so much within the classroom. I expect that the respect I give to all of you I will get back in return.
I always want to keep my tech use relevant for my students. I will try and incorporate popularly used social media, movies, shows, and ideas to keep the classroom fun. At the end of every unit, I will give the students a short survey to all of my students to provide me with feedback. I will always be taking my time to research and find new and more interesting things to incorporate into my lessons and benefit all of my students.
Ms. Connelly
