MJ's Blog

Tool #11 Assessment/Reflection

2011-07-20T21:04:00.003-05:00

1. My favorite tools:

Stupeflix -- have students take picture of their family and create an electronic collage for the classroom.

Edmodo -- use it in the classroom for "social networking" posting comments, questions, problem solutions, etc.

Glogster -- use it for classroom presentations.

2. I believe that it is important for students to take ownership of their learning...working in the ways described within "11 Tools" makes many things possible. I will embrace a couple of techniques at a time and become proficient at using them and add on necessary...

3. I found all the tools that I looked at very helpful...no unexpected outcomes just a lot of learning and fine tuning to go through.

I am really looking forward to using many tools with my students this year and learning from them as well as them learning from me.

Tool #10 Digital Citizenship

2011-07-20T14:29:00.002-05:00

If we want our students to be good digital citizens, then teachers need to take the lead role and set expectations for the students. It is also imperative that the teachers themselves are somewhat knowledgeable with the tools the students are being asked to use; I don't think it is necessary to know all the ins and outs of the device/tool, but to have a working knowledge on how to get the students started and where to get help if need be.

It is important for the students and teachers to understand why it is important to teach Safety and Etiquette to students. We can't just take it for granted that because students have an iPhone, iTouch, iPad, computers, or cell phones that they understand the impact of its misuse or even how it could be misused. Since our students have these devices, it's best for teachers to be proactive and show them how they can be used to their advantage and not just turn a blind eye believing that the students will use their devices responsibly.

The classroom teacher should have a poster in the classroom describing the appropriate way to use the devices; and what is acceptable, not acceptable, and what will not be tolerated. There should also be a poster describing how to properly post to a blog, facebook, etc. It is also important for students to understand the consequences for not following the rules.

Tool #9 Incorporating Classroom-Based Devices

2011-07-20T10:52:00.008-05:00

1. The time we have in the elementary classroom to prepare students is getting shorter and shorter. There is so much we need to teach that teachers really need to start working smarter not harder. In the classroom, curriculum integration is the way to go instead of breaking the day into specific teaching periods. The technology devices are good resources to encompass many aspects of learning. Also, students are very familiar with the technology and very willing to work with it. It seems that if we want them to learn, using the devices is the way to go. The devices are not going away, if anything, they are always being enhanced and are more readily available.

2. We still need to make sure that students are accomplishing the skills that are being taught; therefore, holding them accountable in turns helps them become responsible for their learning. It becomes a partnership and not just a one-way street with teacher doing all the delivery. Helping the students become responsible kids, helps them become responsible teenagers, and adults.

3. I really liked the following three sites because they offer grade-level appropriate material. Students can practice skills learned/discussed in class. If the activity does not have a printed assessment, the way to hold students accountable is to have them journal in their notebook and transfer that to a classroom blog -- similar to the way we have been posting on our Blog.

http://tutpup.com/

http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/ (offer printable sheets)

http://www.studyladder.com/ (offer printable sheets)

4. The station will be available for students to use to provide practice on Math skills. The devices will also be used for writing blog responses as well as for creating documents and research.

Edmodo, VoiceThread, Stupeflix, Picasa, and Google Apps is another way I see the students using iTouches, notebooks, and iPads to respond and design and create projects.

Tool #8 The Tools

2011-07-19T16:44:00.002-05:00

I like the idea that we are not being constricted to just one platform (Dell/Mac). It's nice that, for the most part, we are able to interface the equipment.

As I have been working with "Tools" I use my laptop and my iPad. I have not used the iTouch but see it as a scaled down version of the iPad. I also haven't used the Notebook but I like the idea that it is web-based as is the iTouch and focus can be on research; hopefully we won't have problems with the network while working with the technology. It will be like having a small "computer" lab in the classroom. One group of students can focus on one thing with the other group of students focusing on something else.

I can see how use of all our technology is going to really prepare the students to use these tools appropriately. We all have to do our part and keep adding to their "database" each year. We also have to consider that, in some cases, the students are mover savvy than we are with the technology and use it to our advantage.

Tool #7 Digital Projects - Outside the Classroom

2011-07-19T11:13:00.014-05:00

I have had experience with "asynchronous" learning -- without realizing what it was called -- while working on my Masters. During the school year, our classes were 50/50: 50% face-to-face and 50% online. I received my Masters from The University of Houston Clearlake without stepping foot into a classroom at the University. My summer classes were all taken on-line -- long distance learning. We used WebCT for discussions and assignments. Also, about 10 years ago, I participated in a technology training through Region IV and we used "Blackboard" in order to communicate and turn in assignments.

Many teachers on our campus use a version of this type of learning when they create a classroom blog and assign students projects to complete and then respond and write about it on the blog.

I learned about Skype a few years ago after my daughter left to college in Chicago. We downloaded it on our computer and we were able to "video chat" with her. I am happy to see that it has vigorously moved into the classroom.

Social Studies Project Using Tools

Local History : This site has a similar project to the one below....

Objective:

Students will become familiar with the states they need to learn by contacting a school in the state capitol via Skype.

Project:

Prior to contacting a school, students will research information on their city/area to share with a the corresponding school. The can design a questionnaire to help them keep track of information gathered.

The class will discuss what information is important for them to know regarding their state and the students can choose questions from the classroom bank or come up with pertinent questions they want to know.

The students will pair up and design a questionnaire that they will use to get information from students from their respective school.

After the information has been gathered, the students will create a VoiceThread and post it on the classroom Blog. The VoiceThread will include images, text, and narrations.

On a U.S. classroom map, the students will keep track of the states from which they have gathered information.

Assessment

Teacher will assess groups based on their questionnaire, their ability to converse and gather information from others, their blog post, and their reflection of learning upon completion of the project.

********

Here are some Science Projects that seemed appropriate for our elementary kiddos:

Wonderful World of Weather (Real-Time Data Project)

Whichever Way the Wind Blows (Design a windsock)

The Three Little Pigs (Design an indestructible house for the third little pig)

Tool #6 Discussions Using Web Tools

2011-07-06T18:15:00.007-05:00

I attended a GT in-service out of district in which the presenter mentioned "Edmodo" and I registered to use it then. He defined it as "Facebook" for you classroom. Something important that he stressed as necessary is to have "rules for posting" so the students understand how to post responses to each other. Click here to link to my edmodo.

I intend to use Edmodo in the classroom setting as a way to have students respond to readings, class discussions, and/or clarification.

I viewed "VoiceThread" and it reminded me somewhat of "Photostory" that I learned when I did the original Web 2.0 tools.

I really like "Backchanneling with Todays Meet" for the classroom because it is "Twitter" for the classroom so the teacher is still in control and can monitor what is being discussed. I especially like the fact that this can be viewed on the ActivBoard; this encourages the students to readily use the tool.

I can see using this tool for class discussions in Math, Reading, and Science. Posing a question and having students respond to the question and, as they become proficient in the use of this tool, respond to each other.

Tool #5 Producing w/Web 2.0

2011-07-05T21:55:00.004-05:00

I have used Animoto with students in the past, and showed Glogster to the 5th graders this school year for their Science projects. I decided to learn something new -- Stupeflix Video.... I compiled some family photos, uploaded them to Picasa, then to Stupeflix, to create the following video. I would like to use this with the students in the same way; they can take photos of their family members, upload them to Picasa then to Stupeflix and create their family video.

As an example, I will show them this video I made and then create a class "family" video taking photos of everyone in the class, uploading the photos via Picasa and then using Stupeflix to create the video.

I took a look at storyjumper and really like the idea that students can write their own books. In Science, they can have their own inquiries, or they can summarize their favorite book or collaborate with someone else and write a new book as a project. I didn't create anything in storyjumper but plan to use it in class and will create something with the students as a sample, before they create something on their own.

Tool #4 - Using the Clouds

2011-06-20T22:15:00.002-05:00

While working on my Master's, every semester we were assigned at least two group presentations. On several occasions my group used Google Docs Presentation which is the equivalent of PowerPoint presentation.

In 2009, when our library received the Macs, the group of 5th grade students used Presentation to do their Science Project... it always amazes me how kids adapt to technology easier than adults do.

I am really excited about using Form to create a "beginning-of-the-year" questionnaire of "favorites" for students to fill out. As a class, we can go back and graph the information using Spreadsheet (equivalent to Excel), as a math lesson... I also think Form can be used to create reflection questions on what students have learned -- or have students create reflection questions for each other on what they have read, i.e. for a book club extension project.

Tool #3 - Using Videos/Images

2011-06-19T17:31:00.025-05:00

Science

Benjamin Franklin: Scientist/Inventor

************

Social Studies

Students need to know information on local, state, and national governments. This video is the inauguration of our mayor, Annise Parker.

Other videos that can be used are of the Texas Governor and of the U.S. President. This will allow students to be able to associate a face with the name...

****

I located the Benjamin Franklin photo on Picasa Web Albums; I found the Benjamin Franklin video using Google videos even though the name "Discovery Education" appears on the segment; I located the CNN video of Annise Parker via Blinkx. In order to use it in the classroom, I would pass it through snipsnip.it in order to reduce the size of the video and only show what's necessary.

****

Fair Use: we can use copyrighted material for educational purposes in limited quantities and not in its entirety as long as long as we don't make money off the material...

Tool #2 - Online Community

2011-06-11T13:59:00.003-05:00

I enjoy exchanging ideas with my colleagues; a lot of times it reaffirms what/how I do things by comparing outcomes and what lead to them. Sharing is also a great way to receive information from another perspective and tweeking ones own way of doing things.

I visited all the blogs listed. I located other useful blogs from the ones visited and I subscribed to "Technology in the Middle" and "Technology Tidbits:..." Part of the reason I was not thrilled with most of the blogs listed is because they were too "busy" for me.

I have used "Delicious" for a couple of years and am really grateful I have it... I did signup for a "Diigo" account but I am not sure how I will use it... time will tell.

This summer, I have decided to go completely mental and begin training for a triathlon race some time in the near future, so I "Googled" triathlon blogs and found the information I read to be very helpful, so I also subscribed to one of these blogs.

Tool #1 - Blog/Avatar/Voki

2011-06-06T20:31:00.003-05:00

I have created Avatars before but I like the idea of the Voki that's an Avatar that talks. I didn't like the Voki characters that they had to choose from; therefore, I am glad that there was one of a chocolate lab --reminded me of my dog-- that I could make talk. This was cool. Students would really get into this...

Thing #21 Podcasts

2008-04-27T11:08:00.006-05:00

I think that Audio Books are a great idea, especially during a long trip. Personally, at this point in my life, I would not use Audio Books because I enjoy reading too much. I do the majority of my reading by my bedside table light before I go to bed. This would not be a good time to “listen” to a book. Even though I don’t find that I would personally use Audio Books, I definitely think it’s a GREAT tool for the students. Many times, I have recommended to parents, that their child use a tape player to help them, or to check-out “books on tape” so that their child could track what’s being read aloud. This helps with fluency with young readers. I had a good time doing the photostory. It was very easy...the only thing I didn't want to spend time figuring out was downloading music. I think this is a great tool to use with students for any type of literature. Here is my photostory...

Unfortunately, I was not able to upload my photostory "Star Wars." Through reporting the problem I have discovered that Blogger posted on April 22, that have been experiencing problems with uploading videos and images.

Thing #23 Summary

2008-04-27T00:06:00.001-05:00

1.What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I liked Wikis, Podcasts, Animotos, Trading Cards, Google Docs.
2.How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? This program has made me aware of things other than the usual software that I have used for years.
3.Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? Google Docs was the most impressive for me. I like the idea of saving documents that can be accessible from anywhere.
4.What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? The class could probably review the “Things” in the classroom to make sure that they are being completed. I know that we are all adults and the responsibility is ultimately on me but to help with success, then this can help.
5.If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? If I had the time I would be delighted to participate in the program.
6.How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities? The experience was enthralling!

Thing #19 Web 2.0 Award List

2008-04-26T23:57:00.002-05:00

First off, I want to say that I am so surprised that there are 500 2.0 tools. I feel like I have been in a cave. I have always considered myself "up" on technology, but I am very humbled by web 2.0. From the award list I went into Care2 and it’s a great website. One right up my alley because I am very into recycling, eating health, helping with causes that help the unfortunate, and many other causes that are discussed in this site. There are many postings on different ways to help others and especially the environment. A great place to look for opinions that have your outlook. This would be a good site for students to conduct research projects. It's also a good site for librarians to tell Social Studies teachers about for their civic projects that they do every year.

Thing #22 Nings

2008-04-26T23:25:00.002-05:00

The Texas School Librarians Ning intrigued me because not only does it allow me to connect with teachers but teachers in Texas. Because each state has its own guidelines connecting specifically with Texas teachers would be more of a benefit than just teachers in general because we have the curriculum in common. It could be used as a resource to better library and teaching techniques, giving me ideas on how to make the library/classroom better.

Thing #20 YouTube/Teacher Tube

2008-04-26T23:06:00.002-05:00

I am not a big fan of YouTube because anyone with a camera can put anything they want on it, not necesarrily pertaining to what you need; but teacher tube is an excellent resource allowing pertinent videos only, rather than all videos on the face of the planet. The infinite amount of videos this gives us access to is phenomenal, it allows us to teach in new ways with new resources. The first video was tricky to find, to really use youtube you have to know what you are looking for already, or you have to sift through all those unwanted videos. TeacherTube is good for just searching and that search turning up valuable videos, rather than sifting.

YouTube

TeacherTube

Thing #18 Online Productivity Tools

2008-04-26T23:01:00.002-05:00

I really like this because the opportunities are endless with these tools. Google Docs is a fantastic way to work from multiple computers without having to save a document each time to each computer, you always have an updated copy at your fingertips. Work no longer has to be saved to a jump drive or emailed to yourself, you can now just open up your google docs account and everything will be there. Another plus is not having to convert files between different computers (i.e. mac vs pc). This works like our district SAN folders.

Thing #14 Technorati

2008-04-26T22:56:00.002-05:00

At this point in time I don't have much time to sit around and concern myself with 7000 blog posts. This would be a wonderful tool if I regularly read blogs, but right now, I don't. Other than this blog and all blogs related to it, I do not frequent very much. I dont see this as being practical for elementary school kids at all. This is more of a social or personal use item, good to know about but not very useful for me.

Thing #13 Tagging

2008-04-26T22:51:00.002-05:00

This is just like cataloging a book, you add all the possible topics it could be found under so that the title appears in all these topics. I am definitely not seeing where this can really relate to the classroom, I can see where it can personally assist in web organization, but I really don't see it as a necessary tool for success.

Thing #12 Rollyo

2008-04-26T22:41:00.002-05:00

To use this tool you have to pick the websites you want to search. So you would have to do a general search of some topic, type it in "google," perhaps, and from there, look for websites you want to use. If I took the time to set this up for the students it could be relatively valuable like a “firewall,” restricting their searches to only designated sites, but most schools already have a firewall, that almost works too well.

http://rollyo.com/maryjean.gallegos/volcanoes/

Thing #11 LibraryThing

2008-04-26T22:33:00.002-05:00

I have so many personal books at home and my classroom books are my books as well. LibraryThing would be a great way for me to organize them all. I could even set it up books that students could view the books they are considering reading and review books they have read already. I found a particularly intresting group, Librarians who LibraryThing, which might give me an oppertunity to talk with other librarians about books and teaching ideas. Some other cool groups I might explore further are groups that share similar book titles and authors I have enjoyed reading and discussions or Blogs could be written up.

Thing #10 Online Image generator

2008-04-24T22:11:00.004-05:00

When I was using flickr in Thing #5, I really liked the idea of creating trading cards using books students have read or even science topics. It wasn't difficult to choose the trading card maker. Students will be able to make and trade the cards as they read the books. Rewards could be given based on the number of trading cards collected.

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/deck.php

Thing #9 Library Related Blogs

2008-04-24T21:59:00.002-05:00

(1) Searching by topic was the easiest because you are bound to find something from the various blog search engines. (2) Google Blog was simple to use because it was just a search window and search button, the results are great, though not always relavant. (3) Topix was rather confusing; at first, I wasn't entirely sure what to do. I would rather search by Google Blog because it was just one search box. Sindic8 and Technorati were rather cluttered with unnecessary "stuff" making it confusing to me. (4) I found many useful teacher blogs where I could learn about various teaching styles and methods. (5) Many websites I already access are RSS feeds. Without even trying I was able to find a number of websites...now I know what "RSS" symbol in the corner stands for.

Thing #8 RSS Feeds

2008-04-24T21:39:00.002-05:00

(1) I like this because I don't have to visit a lot of sites to get a lot of information. All the information I wanted was in one location. I don't have the luxury of time to read a lot of blogs but it allows me to keep up-to-date on what I do want to read. (2) Again, I don't have a lot of time at my disposal so this is a great tool that consolidates a lot of information, and I get to pick the information I am interested in reading about. It's valuable in classroom use because I can set up a classroom blog, connect it to my reader, and have instant updates anytime something is posted. (3) A librarian can check blogs for new ideas as well as set up multiple blogs and keep track of how each blog is running.

http://www.google.com/reader/shared/13733985570708692314

Thing #7 Cool Google Tools

2008-04-24T21:26:00.003-05:00

The two tools that I found most useful, especially for teaching are Google Notebook and Google Scholar. Notebook allowed me to compile all my research rather than print entire articles and I created a database with all my relevant information. I could then make notes right on the articles. It is no longer necessary to have several browser windows open switching back and forth getting lost and frustrated looking for the information that I know I just saw. The collaboration feature is even better for working in groups. It allows instant and easy access to ALL the information from everyone. This would be extremely useful when students work in groups on research projects.

Google Scholar provides an excellent search resource with not a lot of effort. It weeds out the unnecessary psycho with a computer posting whatever they please. What was most impressive is not only did it provide websites but actual .pdf papers of a given subject, providing another dimension to the internet search engine. This would also be a great way for students to work effectively on research projects.

Thing #6

2008-02-18T15:56:00.002-06:00

Mashups - It was amazing to see the different that you could create combining Flickr with other applications. I particularly like the one where the photos were sorted by colors; really awesome. Looking at the "trading cards" in "mashups" gave me an idea where students could create a personal trading card about their favorite, and not-so-favorite, books to trade with other students.

REALLY COOL STUFF....

Thing #5

2008-02-18T07:27:00.002-06:00

What a great way to set up photo albums. As I was looking through "flikr" I was thinking of ALL the photos I have stored in plastic tubs in my closet as well as photos in drawers -- photo life will be so much easier placing/sharing photos online.

Sandbox Posting...

2008-02-10T17:07:00.000-06:00

Okay, I just played in the "Sandbox." I added an entry describing how I want to use Wikis in the classroom for literacy circle projects. I also mentioned that it would be a great idea for students to use Wikis to collaborate on the math Exemplars for problem solving. What a great way for students to see other's ways to solve problems. It would also be a great way for students to take notes, collaborate on SS topics, and study for tests.

Thing #16: Wikis

2008-02-10T16:24:00.000-06:00

I found some good information that's going to help with my mid-term presentation, which happens to be Wikis. The two links I found most helpful were "Book Lovers Wiki," and "Sample Literacy Circle Wiki." Both of these Wikis helped me understand what we should include on the Wiki that we will be creating. We want to create a Wiki where students will have the opportunity to reflect on their reading and respond to other's reflections. The second Wiki I mentioned gave me some good insight on other Wikis I can create with my class where the students will focus on specific details while reading then create a written assignment.

Thing #4

2008-02-03T20:58:00.000-06:00

OK, I have registered and I'm ready to PLAY.... This is great because I am already thinking of ways I can use it in my classroom: discussion board on a class chapter book, i.e. predictions, questions, commenting/answering questions with classmates. I believe this is a great way to help students increase critical thinking. I am EXCITED!!!!

Thing #3

2008-02-03T10:09:00.001-06:00

Making my Avatar was fun. I had my kids, especially my daughter help me. Navigating through my blog this time to set up my Avatar was a bit easier. It's true that the more you do something the easier it becomes to do them. I'm excited about learning this new "Stuff." I have not looked at anyone else's Blog yet, so I haven't posed any questions or comments to others. That will be my next step after I complete "Thing #4."

Thing #2

2008-02-03T09:08:00.000-06:00

The easiest habit for me is "Viewing Problems as Challenges." I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. It is up to us to learn from our situations. The most difficult habit for me is "Teaching and Mentoring Others," because I don't like to come across as a "know-it-all."