1. My favorite tools that were completely new to me were the Google Reader and the social bookmarking sites. This coming year I would like for my students to have blogs. The blogs would incorporate the building of digital citizenship that the children so desperately need. The Google Reader will help me to stay up to date on their posts and help me to evaluate their digital citizenship in a fairly quick way.
2. I feel much more confident teaching techonolgy in my classroom. I feel prepared for introducing tools right from the beginning. YAY!
3. I actually learned new things about technology. I feel pretty confident when it comes to technology but this format of professional development helped me excel quickly through things I already knew and spend more time learning about tools that I was unfamiliar with. I loved adding these tools to my toolbelt. This was exceptional professional development. Thank you to all who made it possible! :o)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tool #11
1. Internet Safety -- The majority of students have access to the internet. Unfortunately, most are lacking in instruction about the safety of communicating on the internet. As a teacher who is requiring my students to be technology savvy, I too must teach them how to conduct themselves in a safe manor. We will act out different scenarios and discuss how we should handle them. Have students create a safety contract and sign it and hang it in the classroom.
2. Digital Literacy -- Credible Sources and Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
Students need to be taught how to find credible information. They need to build their critical thinking skills to evaluate which sources are likely to have factual data vs. sources that might have fictional data. Students need to be explicitly taught to confirm information by reading various sources. Once factual information is found, then students need to paraphrase and give credit to the source. It is so easy to copy and paste. This must be taught. I will model and allow students to research in small groups to practice these methods. We will create a chart or scenarios of "dos" and "don'ts".
3. Digital Ethics -- Cyber Bullying is something that is increasing as the use of social networking is increasing. I will tie in this aspect of bullying into my daily character development. Again, students will create and evaluate different situations and how to handle them after brainstorming possible ways to handle these situations.
2. Digital Literacy -- Credible Sources and Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
Students need to be taught how to find credible information. They need to build their critical thinking skills to evaluate which sources are likely to have factual data vs. sources that might have fictional data. Students need to be explicitly taught to confirm information by reading various sources. Once factual information is found, then students need to paraphrase and give credit to the source. It is so easy to copy and paste. This must be taught. I will model and allow students to research in small groups to practice these methods. We will create a chart or scenarios of "dos" and "don'ts".
3. Digital Ethics -- Cyber Bullying is something that is increasing as the use of social networking is increasing. I will tie in this aspect of bullying into my daily character development. Again, students will create and evaluate different situations and how to handle them after brainstorming possible ways to handle these situations.
Tool #10
Interesting Apps from Apple Store
Math Pop -- math facts, +, -, X, /
Sequence Search: Search for arithmetic sequences (like 2,4,6 or 3,7,11) in a number grid. Like word search, but with numbers. Drag your finger over the grid to identify sequences (in increasing order). *
Word Ferret: Find as many words as you can in the allotted time. The longer the word, the higher the score. *
Reader Lite: This is like no other Web App you’ve ever used. Recoded from scratch this new eBook Reader app functions completely offline. Open Reader, sync with your account and launch books instantly. * (Workstation . . . homework assignment if grant passes)
Other Apps:
NASA 3D Sun - rotate the sun and see all views. Look at flares and sunspots up close. Three-dimensional version constructed from real-time photos & movies. ** (Science TEKS)
Planets (Q Continuum) - (Science TEKS)
I am looking forward to using apps in my class this year. I know that the technology will engage students and encourage them to ask more questions and grow.
* Wording from Apple Store
** Wording from NASA
Math Pop -- math facts, +, -, X, /
Sequence Search: Search for arithmetic sequences (like 2,4,6 or 3,7,11) in a number grid. Like word search, but with numbers. Drag your finger over the grid to identify sequences (in increasing order). *
Word Ferret: Find as many words as you can in the allotted time. The longer the word, the higher the score. *
Reader Lite: This is like no other Web App you’ve ever used. Recoded from scratch this new eBook Reader app functions completely offline. Open Reader, sync with your account and launch books instantly. * (Workstation . . . homework assignment if grant passes)
Other Apps:
NASA 3D Sun - rotate the sun and see all views. Look at flares and sunspots up close. Three-dimensional version constructed from real-time photos & movies. ** (Science TEKS)
Planets (Q Continuum) - (Science TEKS)
I am looking forward to using apps in my class this year. I know that the technology will engage students and encourage them to ask more questions and grow.
* Wording from Apple Store
** Wording from NASA
Tool #9
Jing: When teaching a particular process, such as regrouping, the teacher could record the process in a video format. Students then could go back and replay the lesson and stop it as needed. This could be in a workstation format for reinforment.
Students could also use Jing to add visuals from the computer to any other their presentations or blogs.
Skype: Students from different classrooms, grade levels, schools can collaborate and share their learning and questions about content. Students can also gain valuable information from experts in different fields that would otherwise be impossible to see face to face. Students could have book review times and could share great books to read. Also, students could share findings of science experiments with other 3rd grade classes in the district.
Students could also use Jing to add visuals from the computer to any other their presentations or blogs.
Skype: Students from different classrooms, grade levels, schools can collaborate and share their learning and questions about content. Students can also gain valuable information from experts in different fields that would otherwise be impossible to see face to face. Students could have book review times and could share great books to read. Also, students could share findings of science experiments with other 3rd grade classes in the district.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tool #8
Video Streaming
Scientific Method Song (to the Brady Bunch Theme Song)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6cV6568qjQ&feature=related
This is song will help my students better understand the scientific method in catchy way.
Science: Pelicans in the Gulf (National Geographic Kids)
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/videos/
This current event will allow students to critically think about the Gulf Disaster.
Scientific Method Song (to the Brady Bunch Theme Song)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6cV6568qjQ&feature=related
This is song will help my students better understand the scientific method in catchy way.
Science: Pelicans in the Gulf (National Geographic Kids)
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/videos/
This current event will allow students to critically think about the Gulf Disaster.
Tool #7
I loved learning how to use this tool. I had been exposed to it before. But now that I have created a photostory on my own, I know that I will use it. This would be a great way to retell a story that a student has read or publish a piece of writing. This tool will encourage content learning and allow students to use their creativity. Woohoo!
Currently, I cannot get my photostory to upload --- oh so frustrating. I have spent so much time on this tool.
Currently, I cannot get my photostory to upload --- oh so frustrating. I have spent so much time on this tool.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tool #6
The Wiki
I know that Wikis are great. My problem is that I have to remember to check the wikis and add to the discussion. When we started a wiki for the MWE faculty at the beginning of last year, not very many people knew exactly what a wiki was. Now having this tool, I think that we will be more likely to use a wiki to share ideas. Once we develop the rhythm, I know it will be beneficial because it will ease the email load. I think Wiki book reviews could be great in the classroom. Some students might like certain books while others might have a differing opinion. The Wiki would allow for both points of view and other students to comment. It also sounds like it could be very beneficial for consolidating the weeks' main objectives, especially if each teacher takes on one subject area.
I know that Wikis are great. My problem is that I have to remember to check the wikis and add to the discussion. When we started a wiki for the MWE faculty at the beginning of last year, not very many people knew exactly what a wiki was. Now having this tool, I think that we will be more likely to use a wiki to share ideas. Once we develop the rhythm, I know it will be beneficial because it will ease the email load. I think Wiki book reviews could be great in the classroom. Some students might like certain books while others might have a differing opinion. The Wiki would allow for both points of view and other students to comment. It also sounds like it could be very beneficial for consolidating the weeks' main objectives, especially if each teacher takes on one subject area.
Tool #5
It is amazing how much time I can spend on each of these tools. Learning about social bookmarking has been a blast. I know that I will use it both personally and in my classroom. I decided to use the delicious site because it seemed simpler than diigo. On that site I searched for centerpieces. I am in the process of planning my November wedding. I found two sites that gave me a couple of good ideas for floral centerpieces. They are http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/02/20/diy-project-mediteranean-centerpieces/ and http://bridalcookie.com/weddingtobe/ten-tips-for-your-wedding-reception-centerpieces/. I used tags such as: roses, dahlias, centerpieces, square vases to help me find these sites in the future. Delicious will be very beneficial to my students. When they research material, they will be able to bookmark the websites that were useful and then find them quickly the following day on a different computer. Woohoo!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tool #4
The Google Reader is such a great information organizer. I would really like for my students to each have a blog and it would be a great way for me to read their blogs efficiently. It is also very helpful for me to keep track of my friends and family's blogs as well. :o)
The Google Doc is a very helpful tool. I never truly understood it until now. This will be great for managing my wedding planning with Eric and keeping everything updated. I just created our grade inventory for 2010-2011 in a spreadsheet. I made a sheet for each nine weeks and then I shared it with my team.
The Google Doc is a very helpful tool. I never truly understood it until now. This will be great for managing my wedding planning with Eric and keeping everything updated. I just created our grade inventory for 2010-2011 in a spreadsheet. I made a sheet for each nine weeks and then I shared it with my team.
Tool #3
I really like the ImageChef program. It is user friendly. I think it would be a great way to develop vocabulary. I also think that it would be a neat way to present represent characters from stories.
My ImageChef Creation:
I also used the Word It Out Program. Students could definitely use this in all content areas to help recap learning. Students can list out words that helped them understand a concept. I have placed my Word It Out as a gadget.
My ImageChef Creation:
I also used the Word It Out Program. Students could definitely use this in all content areas to help recap learning. Students can list out words that helped them understand a concept. I have placed my Word It Out as a gadget.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tool #2
It is necessary as a teacher to submerse ourselves in the world our students are growing up in today. Building personal learning networks is an important part of creating self-determined learners. Using technology allows students to have more freedom which spurs them to further question and find answers.
One of the things that stuck out to me from the video was Richardson's comment about students already having facebook accounts and what that means for us as teachers. We have the ability to help student explore these networks in safe ways, to help students understand how to use these networks for learning purposes and safe social purposes. It reminds me that internet safety must be taught as part of this process. I think sometimes I take that for granted --since I know what is safe and what is not. Students however need explicit instruction.
The five blogs I commented on are Foster's Findings, FairyPrincipal, My Teaching Life, Ms. Maddox 2nd grade, and Johnson's Journey.
One of the things that stuck out to me from the video was Richardson's comment about students already having facebook accounts and what that means for us as teachers. We have the ability to help student explore these networks in safe ways, to help students understand how to use these networks for learning purposes and safe social purposes. It reminds me that internet safety must be taught as part of this process. I think sometimes I take that for granted --since I know what is safe and what is not. Students however need explicit instruction.
The five blogs I commented on are Foster's Findings, FairyPrincipal, My Teaching Life, Ms. Maddox 2nd grade, and Johnson's Journey.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tool #1
As summer slowly passes by, I decided I needed to get started on the 11 Tools. I appreciated the reminders from Robye; I probably would have forgotten completely!
Creating a blog is fairly easy process and I plan on using in my classroom next year. I really enjoyed having fun creating the Voki and I am sure my students will too. I might have to set a time limit on that activity. :o) I would like for each of my students to have their own blogs. Then I will have them reflect on different content. For instance, students will write book reviews on books they are reading during independent reading. Not only will this encourgage students to keep reading during independent reading, but students will learn valuable skills maintaining a blog. Most people and/or companies have blogs; it is a vital skill.
Creating a blog is fairly easy process and I plan on using in my classroom next year. I really enjoyed having fun creating the Voki and I am sure my students will too. I might have to set a time limit on that activity. :o) I would like for each of my students to have their own blogs. Then I will have them reflect on different content. For instance, students will write book reviews on books they are reading during independent reading. Not only will this encourgage students to keep reading during independent reading, but students will learn valuable skills maintaining a blog. Most people and/or companies have blogs; it is a vital skill.
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