Cross posted at blog.EdTechTeam.com.
By Second Grade Teacher Julie Stewart
It is just about a year ago when I told Beth Mossholder, our resident Google Certified Teacher and technology teacher, that I was going to try to find a way to get tablets into my classroom. Little did I know that I could actually make it happen! After attending the Google Apps for Education Rocky Mountain Summit this past August, I knew I had to get the 21st century into my classroom for more than just one day a week when my class had a technology class. When I saw the opportunity offered from the Ed Tech Team to place Nexus 7 tablets into the hands of students for a pilot program, I knew this was my chance to make this a reality. I applied and am now thrilled to be part of this amazing journey that has already opened the world up to my students.
September 24, 2012 marked the beginning of this amazing journey for my second grade class with the arrival of our classroom set of Nexus 7 tablets. We had been following the shipment via UPS with their tracking system, so when we saw that they were in Colorado at a UPS depot just miles from our school, the class could hardly sit still! The school office was alerted to make the phone call once the truck arrived with this very special delivery. Beth and I knew our world was about to change in a matter of hours.
The phone finally rang with our much anticipated phone call. I quickly got the students to line up; how I managed that I will never know! I went two doors down from my classroom to get Beth as my second graders followed me like little ducklings all in a row. We started to hurry down the long hallway when hurrying suddenly turned into something similar to running. The chatter of happy voices disturbing every classroom along the way was priceless! Little faces peered out from behind classroom doors as we made our way to the school office. We were greeted with a smiling UPS delivery man with the special delivery from the Ed Tech Team!
This had to be the best day ever for my second graders! The addition of these tablets is going to change the way my students learn this school year and beyond into their futures. The 21st century has arrived in my classroom, and I cannot wait to see where it takes us.
Thank you, Ed Tech Team, for making a dream come true. Our journey has just begun and what a ride it is going to be!