There was an enormous number of useful tools described in this training. Some of my favorites are: image generators (especially Wordle and Big Huge Labs), the amazing video resources on various subjects, the huge number of apps (many free) for iTouch, wikis (very collaborative and efficient), Google Docs (also efficient), Google Reader (fast way to get updated information on favorite sites), and Skype (talking to others around the world for FREE and being able to "tour" world famous museums).
I plan to use Wordle, so my students can make a word cloud (given a choice of topics, such as, "My Favorite Place," "My Pet," "Texas," and "My Favorite Subject.")
I suppose that an unexpected outcome from this program is to be more aware of the TREMENDOUS NUMBER of resources and tutorials. I feel that there are so many others who are very willing to share their vast knowledge of these 21st Century tools. After reading some of the other educators' blogs, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to learn from them.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Tool #11
Instruction in being a good digital citizen is vital to its success. Safety first comes to mind (not giving out personal information and keeping your password private). Also, students need to respect the privacy of others and treat others the way they want to be treated. In addition, students need to be aware of and respect copyright laws. They need to know guidelines for appropriate uses of the Internet.
Brain Pop has some appropriate videos on digital citizenship. Another site that I think very beneficial for teaching this subject is: http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/kidinternet.htm
Brain Pop has some appropriate videos on digital citizenship. Another site that I think very beneficial for teaching this subject is: http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/kidinternet.htm
Tool #10
Some of the free educational apps that I reviewed are:
iBooks - allow you to read and buy books (classics to best sellers)
It "has a screen reader support for playback of closed-captioned content."
iTunes U - has videos, lectures, podcasts, and "tours" of well known museums
WeDict - dictionary program
There are numerous activities for students to do on iTouch. Some activities are:
iTouch Flashcards - Students can even make the flashcards. The visuals on the cards are a wonderful aid for memory retention.
Pop Math Lite - a game that allows students to practice basic math (four operations)
On the screen there are six pairs of bubbles with numbers. The student "pops"
the corresponding math facts and answer bubbles.
On one of the student/teacher videos, a student was playing (Tandom Life?). For this game, a student manipulates shapes (geometry).
On another student/teacher video at the end of tool 10, one student was playing a game that asked the names of the US capitals. Also, I observed a student doing a Language Arts activity (a picture of a fox was at the top, and the student had to spell the word "fox" at the bottom of the screen). This is a very entertaining tool for practicing spelling.
In addition, students can do "Word of the Day," "Fact of the Day," and "Quote of the Day."
iBooks - allow you to read and buy books (classics to best sellers)
It "has a screen reader support for playback of closed-captioned content."
iTunes U - has videos, lectures, podcasts, and "tours" of well known museums
WeDict - dictionary program
There are numerous activities for students to do on iTouch. Some activities are:
iTouch Flashcards - Students can even make the flashcards. The visuals on the cards are a wonderful aid for memory retention.
Pop Math Lite - a game that allows students to practice basic math (four operations)
On the screen there are six pairs of bubbles with numbers. The student "pops"
the corresponding math facts and answer bubbles.
On one of the student/teacher videos, a student was playing (Tandom Life?). For this game, a student manipulates shapes (geometry).
On another student/teacher video at the end of tool 10, one student was playing a game that asked the names of the US capitals. Also, I observed a student doing a Language Arts activity (a picture of a fox was at the top, and the student had to spell the word "fox" at the bottom of the screen). This is a very entertaining tool for practicing spelling.
In addition, students can do "Word of the Day," "Fact of the Day," and "Quote of the Day."
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tool #9
Screencasts can benefit students by giving them detailed instructions for a project. The student can review the screencast many times, and the parent could also view the screencast. Jing can give more support to a student (a screencast could be a mini tutorial that the student can view at a time suitable for him/her). Perhaps the teacher could review a math concept for a homework assignment.
I might use Skype to assist a student with a social studies project. An example would be an assignment about a foreign country. By interviewing a person via Skype, the student would have an opportunity to do research in a new, interesting, and fun manner. I think utilizing Skype for this project would help the student appreciate another culture much more than just reading about it.
I might use Skype to assist a student with a social studies project. An example would be an assignment about a foreign country. By interviewing a person via Skype, the student would have an opportunity to do research in a new, interesting, and fun manner. I think utilizing Skype for this project would help the student appreciate another culture much more than just reading about it.
Tool #8
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=58200&title=COOL__Place_Value
This video could be used when introducing , "Number of the Day." The video includes several examples with the numbers in standard form, expanded form, and word form. There are futuristic sound effects.
http://www.schooltube.com/video/d5ea8454de36fc86ab0d/Complex-Solids
When introducing a unit on 3-D figures, this video is a quick, fun set for a lesson. It's very easy to hear, and the students are doing the instruction.
Videos are good resources because they are often entertaining. There are several short videos that serve as stimulating sets for lessons. Others reinforce concepts. The sound effects/music
make instruction more interesting.
This video could be used when introducing , "Number of the Day." The video includes several examples with the numbers in standard form, expanded form, and word form. There are futuristic sound effects.
http://www.schooltube.com/video/d5ea8454de36fc86ab0d/Complex-Solids
When introducing a unit on 3-D figures, this video is a quick, fun set for a lesson. It's very easy to hear, and the students are doing the instruction.
Videos are good resources because they are often entertaining. There are several short videos that serve as stimulating sets for lessons. Others reinforce concepts. The sound effects/music
make instruction more interesting.
Tool #7
My experience with digital storytelling has been a very challenging one, but it was a rewarding process. After I finally came up with an idea for the story, I had a lot of difficulty with the digital process. I am truly very thankful for my amazing son's assistance. I certainly can see how students would enjoy this, however. A student could use this to give a book report or social studies report.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tool #6
Wikis are powerful motivational tools. Being able to collaborate on a project makes it a lot more enjoyable. Through revisions by others (that can be designated to a certain group), students realize the value in revising their work. It helps the students want to take the extra time to improve their assignments because there is a wider audience reviewing the stages of their work. I also appreciate the added bonuses of promoting : acceptance of editing by others, teamwork building, and creativity. A student, who is shy by nature, can be more at ease in a group project through this venue. A student doesn't feel the pressure of responding as quickly, allowing him/her to give a more creative and thoughtful response. Consequently, the student can take pride in his/her contribution to the project.
There was a sample wiki about a story created by students in Australia. It had a few sentences to start the story, followed by several options for the continuation of it. I didn't like the use of one inappropriate word, but otherwise it was brilliant.
http://terrythetennisball.wikispaces.com/About
A wiki could be used by a team when creating a letter to parents about curriculum night.
There was a sample wiki about a story created by students in Australia. It had a few sentences to start the story, followed by several options for the continuation of it. I didn't like the use of one inappropriate word, but otherwise it was brilliant.
http://terrythetennisball.wikispaces.com/About
A wiki could be used by a team when creating a letter to parents about curriculum night.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tool #5
http://www.aaastudy.com/cmp.htm
From the delicious site, I tagged: education math.
http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2010/07/05/100-excellent-online-lectures-for-educators/
From the delicious site, I tagged: education learning.
Social bookmarking will be useful in the classroom because it will provide me with many instructional sites (while also saving me time in accesssing the sites).
From the delicious site, I tagged: education math.
http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2010/07/05/100-excellent-online-lectures-for-educators/
From the delicious site, I tagged: education learning.
Social bookmarking will be useful in the classroom because it will provide me with many instructional sites (while also saving me time in accesssing the sites).
Tool #4
I think that Google Docs will assist students by enabling them to collaborate on a project, even when they can't be at the same place at the same time. Google Reader will save time for students when they are doing a research project.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Tool 3
These pictures were found at:
I made the guinea pig mosaic for two reasons: I love guinea pigs, and lots of kids love animals. Creating a mosaic is fun, and it is a great tool for writing because the pictures help you generate ideas. The pictures assist you with writing more descriptive details, which will hopefully carry over to the kids having an image in their minds and expressing their ideas in words (as well as pictures).
I chose to make the reading word cloud because I enjoy reading, and it is a creative way to express your thoughts about a topic. I enjoyed seeing so many different layouts with the words I chose. Not being a very creative person, this served as a great guide. This activity is great for building vocabulary and seeing the value of revising what you've written. It helps you focus on what you really want to say about a topic (and do it in a fun way).
Friday, June 25, 2010
Not being as comfortable with technology as many others, I feel somewhat apprehensive about participating in a PLN. However, I certainly see the benefits. I am very interested in learning from others' experiences. Even though I may be too busy to attend a class on a particular date, I can still have some of my concerns addressed by others who been in a similar situation. I can benefit from different perspectives.
The point that stood out from the comments I read was from Mrs. Peterson. She stated that using more technology is so important because kids are very comfortable with it, and we need to meet kids where they are. I certainly understand the need to work with students where they are academically, so they can be successful. If using more technology helps to achieve this, I need to overcome my discomfort.
1. live 2 learn & learn to live
2. sharp tool
3. what a cinch
4. fatigued teacher
5. savcic's savants
The point that stood out from the comments I read was from Mrs. Peterson. She stated that using more technology is so important because kids are very comfortable with it, and we need to meet kids where they are. I certainly understand the need to work with students where they are academically, so they can be successful. If using more technology helps to achieve this, I need to overcome my discomfort.
1. live 2 learn & learn to live
2. sharp tool
3. what a cinch
4. fatigued teacher
5. savcic's savants
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tool #1
I found this to be very challenging, so I am very grateful for the help session. I came to the help session before looking at the directions, which was not wise. I am not technologically savvy, so I may have had less difficulty with a preview of the directions. I think this is going to be very enlightening (after the murkiness disappears).
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