Favorite Tool:
I think my favorite tool is the blog itself. I plan to keep on using the blog as a message and instruction board for my students.
Classroom Vision:
My classroom vision has not changed. For the past eight years I have been teaching with technology as an instructional tool. With that being said, there is always room for improvement.
Unexpected Outcomes:
These tools made me realize that I need to hold my students accountable for their learning via technology.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Tool #10: Creating a digital citizen
I found a website digitalcitizenship.net while researching (online of course) on nine elements of being a good digital citizenship. Below are just three of the elements.
1. Digital Access: The digital age is here and technology should be available for the 21st century learner.
2. Digital Literacy: Students are consistently bombarded by information, and they need to filter all the information in a meaningful way.
3. Digital Etiquette: Students need to realize that what is written on the Internet can be permanent.
One lesson that really stood out to me was the lesson on Cyberbullying. This topic is creating a lot of headlines and I want my students to be aware of the seriousness of Cyberbullying.
Teaching the concept of Digital Citizenship should be ongoing, and I plan to incorporate digital citizenship on a consistent basis.
Digital Citizenship also extends to the parents of students. Having an information session for parents will be helpful.
1. Digital Access: The digital age is here and technology should be available for the 21st century learner.
2. Digital Literacy: Students are consistently bombarded by information, and they need to filter all the information in a meaningful way.
3. Digital Etiquette: Students need to realize that what is written on the Internet can be permanent.
One lesson that really stood out to me was the lesson on Cyberbullying. This topic is creating a lot of headlines and I want my students to be aware of the seriousness of Cyberbullying.
Teaching the concept of Digital Citizenship should be ongoing, and I plan to incorporate digital citizenship on a consistent basis.
Digital Citizenship also extends to the parents of students. Having an information session for parents will be helpful.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Tool 9: Tool Management
This video makes fun of how technology should NOT be used. Technological tools should not be used as toys rather they should enhance learning. Take a look at this hilarious video from SNL (the first two minutes makes fun of technology use). The rest is funny too.
1. Tying in objectives to through technology is fundamental. Without objective tie-in the States will be bouncing up and down (you really have to see the video to get it).
2. Holding students accountable will ensure students are learning and teachers can make adjustments differentiate accordingly.
3. Interactive websites: Mangahigh and TenMarks have a accountability piece embedded.
4. Apps: There are so many to talk about!
a. Edmodo App: Edmodo allows you to create quizzes.
b. Rocket Math App: This is a skill building app and record the points they have accumulated.
5. Uses for the iPad: I really want my student to start creating product through the iPad. I want to stay away from using them as a reward. I want to incorporate our new technology in my daily instruction. Technology should be seamless!
1. Tying in objectives to through technology is fundamental. Without objective tie-in the States will be bouncing up and down (you really have to see the video to get it).
2. Holding students accountable will ensure students are learning and teachers can make adjustments differentiate accordingly.
3. Interactive websites: Mangahigh and TenMarks have a accountability piece embedded.
4. Apps: There are so many to talk about!
a. Edmodo App: Edmodo allows you to create quizzes.
b. Rocket Math App: This is a skill building app and record the points they have accumulated.
5. Uses for the iPad: I really want my student to start creating product through the iPad. I want to stay away from using them as a reward. I want to incorporate our new technology in my daily instruction. Technology should be seamless!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tool 8: Sneak Peak of the Tools
Now I am starting to get really excited on receiving the tools! I remember when the iTouches came out and I really wanted to get just one for my classroom. Well the iTouch never found its way to my classroom, but now in January we get four iPad and four Netbooks! Very exciting.
Items learned from the tutorials:
I am familiar with Apple products but I didn't realize how the logistics of downloading would occur and the tutorial clarified this for me.
Another thing that had been in the back of my mind was how would the distribution of apps would be implemented and this too was answered in the tutorials.
Managing the hardware:
With all the excitement of getting the devices I failed to develop a plan for managing all the cool new learning tools we are going to receive. The suggestions and recommendations were very helpful to me to begin planning on managing the tools. I will begin with recommended suggestions and will probably have to adjust as the school year progresses.
Items learned from the tutorials:
I am familiar with Apple products but I didn't realize how the logistics of downloading would occur and the tutorial clarified this for me.
Another thing that had been in the back of my mind was how would the distribution of apps would be implemented and this too was answered in the tutorials.
Managing the hardware:
With all the excitement of getting the devices I failed to develop a plan for managing all the cool new learning tools we are going to receive. The suggestions and recommendations were very helpful to me to begin planning on managing the tools. I will begin with recommended suggestions and will probably have to adjust as the school year progresses.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Tool 7: Online Digital Projects
One of the greatest opportunities technology has given us is that it has made distant learning possible. We are now able to visually communicate with other people from around the world. We are able to see other cultures and open our eyes to other peoples' point of views. However, I would like to begin collaborating within my own school and then expand beyond our walls.
I plan to start by having my classes create an asynchronous project by having both of my classes collaborate via Google Docs where they will be able to create a presentation on Energy. Each student will be able to create one Google presentation slide and after all have created a their presentation slide I would be able to present it to both classes. I plan to begin next time we go to the computer lab.
I know that this might seem simplistic, but I can picture my students really enjoying this project and this can lead to project creation with other classes withing the district and classes around the world!
I plan to start by having my classes create an asynchronous project by having both of my classes collaborate via Google Docs where they will be able to create a presentation on Energy. Each student will be able to create one Google presentation slide and after all have created a their presentation slide I would be able to present it to both classes. I plan to begin next time we go to the computer lab.
I know that this might seem simplistic, but I can picture my students really enjoying this project and this can lead to project creation with other classes withing the district and classes around the world!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tool 6: Collaboration and discussion outside of the classroom.
If you are hesitant or having a difficult time deciding which Web 2.0 tool to use in the classroom for outside discussion I recommend TodaysMeet to get you started. It is easy to setup and you can have students reflect on their learning experience at home. Simple question like "what did you like best about today's lesson on fractions?" or "what do you still want to know about energy?". Students would be able to analyze their learning.
Another tool that I recommend is Edmodo. I use Edmodo in my classroom as part of their homework assignments. I post several question on Edmodo and those students that have Internet access at home will be able to complete their homework online, and for those that do not have Internet access I give them a regular homework sheet.
Another tool that I recommend is Edmodo. I use Edmodo in my classroom as part of their homework assignments. I post several question on Edmodo and those students that have Internet access at home will be able to complete their homework online, and for those that do not have Internet access I give them a regular homework sheet.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Tool 5: Web Tools
I have already created several Prezi presentations. Below is the link to one of my Prezi presentation on the States of Matter. I use Prezi as an introductory tool. It is a great set to begin a lesson. Additionally, there is a App for that (seriously). When we receive our iPads I plan to use the Prezi App as a learning center. By allowing students to create their own Prezi they will be able to demonstrate what they have learned. They will be able to take ownership of their learning.
This is a simple Animoto video created in minutes! My daughter's teacher uses it as an option for homework. That allows students that have computer and Internet access to create their own videos. In class I will use it as another learning station.
This is a simple Animoto video created in minutes! My daughter's teacher uses it as an option for homework. That allows students that have computer and Internet access to create their own videos. In class I will use it as another learning station.
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