Capstone Reflection Thing 15-21

It's time for that final reflection.  21 Things really are a lot of things to accomplish in this short amount of time, however, I have to say, I'm very glad that I have had the opportunity to learn about each one of them.

Thing 15 was about creating PDF files, and using Google calendar.  Finding ways to transfer a handful of paper down to a file is wonderful for educators.  Working on grade level projects, now we can save a tree by transferring information to a PDF file.  I used Zamzar and it was very simple.  I didn't transfer a large file, just a two-page rubric, however, it was quick and easy.

Using Google Calendar is an easy way to display due dates on one project, the week's schedule, or for special events.  Students and parents have easy access and it is quick and easy to plug in the information.

Thing 16 was learning about Professional Learning Networks.  I was pleased to see that YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook can all have very positive educational value.  My biggest problem with Twitter was trying to figure out what to tweet about.  Most people are very banal in their tweets and when Ron demonstrarted how he uses Twitter a bright new world of possibilities opened up.  I already know that kids like to follow their teachers Facebook page, so I figure Twitter would be the same thing.  Twitter is another way to impart information on a more relaxed stage.  As far as a site available to educators, Learnport was excellent.  Not only can I access classes for CEU credits, but you will also find latest information on a number of topics.

Thing 17- Research Reference Tools
I chose to compare and contrast the eLibrary Kids Elementary site with Kids Infobite.org.
Both sites requested a library card ID, however, elibrary left the option for a drivers license instead, which may be a good option, because everyone still does not have a library card or access to a library, but their parent will more likely have a drivers license.
Both sites offer fantastic resources for kids.  Kids Infobites is geared towards K-5, while elibrary is K-12.  Reading levels are simplified for Kids Infobites by easy, more difficult, while elibrary kids offers multiple reading levels, as well as a source key to understand these levels.  Kids Infobites offers something that I believe is wonderful, especially in the case of struggling readers and ESL students, which is an audio choice.  Students can choose to listen to an Infbites reader read the article and may choose to listen or read along.  This also allows for MP3 download for later listening.
For many elementary students I would probably recommend the Kids Infobite site because it is all information that is within their grade level K-5, which means it will be much less information for them to sort through.  eLibrary is very user friendly and is good for all levels, but possibly not as "fun" to use as Kids Infobites.
For 5th grade and up I believe eLibrary offers more diversity and a wider choice of materials, and that is because what they will be exposed to increases with each grade level.
I went to each source, looking up newspapers, magazines, books, maps, pictures, audio/visual, and transcripts.  All was very user friendly and a solid source of resources for students to depend on when writing papers, working on projects, or research.

Thing 18 RSS- Aggrigators
I joined Netvibes and have called mine, Kathy's Netvibe.  Not original, but I can always change it later.  I now will have updates on technology for the 21st century educator (so many things came up for that topic!) and the MSNBC network.
This can be helpful in the classroom because it's another way the teacher can set up a resource that the parents and students can go to access homework assignments, to check grades, go to specific websites that the classroom is using for a specific topic.  Teachers can use it to provide daily lesson plans.
It is great to be able to add and sort as many widgets as you want to.  I haven't had much time to sort through all of them of course, but I've chosen some widgets that I like personally, and I also believe will be of benefit to my students, so I will have them on my public page.  Widgets from Newsweek, US Today, etc...provide current national topics that students can easily access for current events work.  I believe that the biggest plus for me at this point is the availability of so much information so quickly.  I can keep sites available that carry information on the topics we are covering in our core classes.  Whether review, assignments, test preparation, any site the student would need access to is contained in one place for them. I know how frustrating it is to find the sites with the information you are looking for, and now that will be provided for them and they can get right to the business of doing their research, review, or whatever. They
will be reminded what is due immediately and what they have more time to work on. As an educator I can have the satisfaction of knowing that I've provided one more tool for them to access to make their learning process a more successful one.  Information can be provided week by week, as well as providing the sites that will help them.  Parents can access all of the same information which will give them the option of becoming more involved with their student's work.  Having worked with many Spanish families with parents who don't speak or read English, this would not be that helpful unless versions could be provided in Spanish.  That would be something worth checking into; any widgets in Espanol?
This is a site I need to spend a copious amount of time experimenting with.  The downside to having so many Things to learn about is having only a brief introduction before you have to hurry on to the next thing.  I already wish I could have access to the moodle for 21 Things after the class is over so I can go through all of the material again.  I know that I will learn to appreciate all that tools like Netvibes, have to offer me as an educator, both personally, and for my classroom

Thing 19
This was of particular interest to me since I am involved in this type of learning at my high school.  As a geometry paraprofessional I spend my mornings working with Novanet students in the blended program.  Novanet is not the best resource and they will be replacing it for the 2011-2012 school year, but I don't know what with as yet.  I know they will continue using it throughout the Summer School program.  This really does marry the relationship between face-to-face and on-line instruction.  The rate at which students progress through the Novanet lessons is certainly up to them, however, the face-to-face portion keeps them on track to move through the material at a steady rate.
As an elementary teacher working in a high school geometry class, I have enjoyed working through the Novanet lessons just ahead of the students, so that I may be an adequate mentor when they have questions.  Although the teacher answers most of the questions, I have been able to keep up and be of help to the students as well as the teacher.  On top of that I am finally learning geometry.

Thing 20
Graphic organizers are wonderful tools to help us organize our thoughts and ideas.  I imagined my 5th grade science class brainstorming thoughts about our ecosystem.  I used Bubbl.us and it was appropriate for this type of activity.  Not only could the students do their original brainstorming on this topic, it would be very easy to now put them in groups and have each group focus on a topic of importance to them on how we can impact our ecosystem.  They can use this graphic organizer to expand on the original ideas; say, on the topic of recycling.  After they ennumerate the different aspects involved in responsible recycling, they can then choose how to divide up the work or research.  Each person can then create their own organizer for their particular part of the project.  Graphic organizers focus us on the important 'stuff ' of our work and help us to visually see the bigger picture.
I created a word cloud with Tagxedo.  I wrote some things about my son and he became my first word cloud.  He would be very unhappy with me if he knew...
I can see that students would enjoy this very much.  There are a number of elements they can control to form their word cloud.  As a jaded high school worker I can say that teachers would have to be on their toes as to the content of those word clouds.  Teenagers can become masters of technology when it comes to getting around their teachers and trying to slip contraband sites, songs, etc...past them.  On the positive side, students would enjoy this creative alternative to expressing themselves academically.  While I would not be able to except a word cloud alone for a project, if the text came with the visual of the word cloud, that would be impressive and show me that the student wanted to make an impact with their work.

Thing 21
Well, I believe I've covered my bases by providing the url as well as the MP4 video that I made.  I blubbed my way through and really enjoyed it!  Having screen-o-matic free, is wonderful.  Again, I gauge everything based on "when" I get a classroom again, however, when I do, I will use Thing 21 all of the time!  My first year of teaching I tutored 5th graders before and after school several times a week in math.  5th graders really struggle with fractions of every kind.  Having the ability to make a short recording that they can play at their own rate, watch as many times as they need to until they "get it" is wonderful!  This can be a wonderful help in learning languages as well.  Conjugating verbs can be so confusing (I speak from my own personal experience with Spanish)  How easy and helpful to make short videos on the verbs they are working on weekly.  I can definitely see students' grades improving with a help like this in place.  I will use this frequently and for many different ways to help my students learn more effectively.  Some students may never need this aid, but for those who do, it's as close to one-on-one as you can get without actually being there!

As I was watching the Screencasts demo I watched the videos where teachers were giving their students feedback for projects.  Another wonderful way to use this tool, giving students an auditory feedback as well as a written one for their work.

Some of the things in 21 Things are repetitious, but they all offer other things as well, so each is also unique.   This is a worthwhile course for every educator to take, however, I would stretch it out over a longer semester, two months was too quick to really get a chance to get too comfortable with anything before having to move on to the next Thing.

Thing 21

Oh my, this is it!
http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cXh0rYFof

Well, I believe I've covered my bases by providing the url as well as the MP4 video that I made.  I blubbed my way through and really enjoyed it!  Having screen-o-matic free, is wonderful.  Again, I gauge everything based on "when" I get a classroom again, however, when I do, I will use Thing 21 all of the time!  My first year of teaching I tutored 5th graders before and after school several times a week in math.  5th graders really struggle with fractions of every kind.  Having the ability to make a short recording that they can play at their own rate, watch as many times as they need to until they "get it" is wonderful!  This can be a wonderful help in learning languages as well.  Conjugating verbs can be so confusing (I speak from my own personal experience with Spanish)  How easy and helpful to make short videos on the verbs they are working on weekly.  I can definitely see students' grades improving with a help like this in place.  I will use this frequently and for many different ways to help my students learn more effectively.  Some students may never need this aid, but for those who do, it's as close to one-on-one as you can get without actually being there!

As I was watching the Screencasts demo I watched the videos where teachers were giving their students feedback for projects.  Another wonderful way to use this tool, giving students an auditory feedback as well as a written one for their work.

Thing 20

Graphic organizers are wonderful tools to help us organize our thoughts and ideas.  I imagined my 5th grade science class brainstorming thoughts about our ecosystem.  I used Bubbl.us and it was appropriate for this type of activity.  Not only could the students do their original brainstorming on this topic, it would be very easy to now put them in groups and have each group focus on a topic of importance to them on how we can impact our ecosystem.  They can use this graphic organizer to expand on the original ideas; say, on the topic of recycling.  After they ennumerate the different aspects involved in responsible recycling, they can then choose how to divide up the work or research.  Each person can then create their own organizer for their particular part of the project.  Graphic organizers focus us on the important 'stuff ' of our work and help us to visually see the bigger picture.

When I worked with my 5th grade team we used graphic organizers to plan our group projects, like our reading incentives and our Heritage Project.  I buy what was said about the amount of information we take in visually compared to just text. It's one more way to reach out to more students and capture their interest and engage them in learning.

I created a word cloud with Tagxedo.  I wrote some things about my son and he became my first word cloud.  He would be very unhappy with me if he knew...
I can see that students would enjoy this very much.  There are a number of elements they can control to form their word cloud.  As a jaded high school worker I can say that teachers would have to be on their toes as to the content of those word clouds.  Teenagers can become masters of technology when it comes to getting around their teachers and trying to slip contraband sites, songs, etc...past them.  On the positive side, students would enjoy this creative alternative to expressing themselves academically.  While I would not be able to except a word cloud alone for a project, if the text came with the visual of the word cloud, that would be impressive and show me that the student wanted to make an impact with their work.

I would certainly lobby for my school to have access to these sites if they don't already have them.

Thing 19- The Virtual Classroom

This was of particular interest to me since I am involved in this type of learning at my high school.  As a geometry paraprofessional I spend my mornings working with Novanet students in the blended program.  Novanet is not the best resource and they will be replacing it for the 2011-2012 school year, but I don't know what with as yet.  I know they will continue using it throughout the Summer School program.  This really does marry the relationship between face-to-face and on-line instruction.  The rate at which students progress through the Novanet lessons is certainly up to them, however, the face-to-face portion keeps them on track to move through the material at a steady rate.
As an elementary teacher working in a high school geometry class, I have enjoyed working through the Novanet lessons just ahead of the students, so that I may be an adequate mentor when they have questions.  Although the teacher answers most of the questions, I have been able to keep up and be of help to the students as well as the teacher.  On top of that I am finally learning geometry.

The other classes I am a paraprofessional in are the E2020 computer classes.  These are not blended and cover all of the curriculum.  The main teacher, tech parapro and myself are more limited in how we may help students in this format.  This is more about the on-line course.  We are able to help with mentoring in some areas but have to call for help in others. Both the Novanet and E2020 courses can be accessed at home as well as at school.

Navigating the Land of Online Learners is a great way to introduce the basics to educators and students alike.  After completing the student 'trip' you realize that the student has many responsibilities in being an on-line learner.  With these responsibilities come options that the traditional student does not have; such as scheduling when and how much time you will put into each class.  Students are responsible to contact their teacher or mentor with any questions or problems that come up while they are working through their on-line coursework.  Feedback is important and students need to have a balance of independence, feedback from peers, and input from educators.  In taking on-line courses students must know what their rights are and what they can expect in terms of course work helps, mentor help, teacher help.  They must know what their course work is building for them in their educational pursuits.  Is the class accredited?  Will it count towards graduation?  Taking an on-line course doesn't mean that a student shouldn't expect the full support and aid of a teacher, technician, or mentor.

Thing 18

I joined Netvibes and have called mine, Kathy's Netvibe.  Not original, but I can always change it later.  I now will have updates on technology for the 21st century educator (so many things came up for that topic!) and the MSNBC network.
This can be helpful in the classroom because it's another way the teacher can set up a resource that the parents and students can go to access homework assignments, to check grades, go to specific websites that the classroom is using for a specific topic.  Teachers can use it to provide daily lesson plans.
It is great to be able to add and sort as many widgets as you want to.  I haven't had much time to sort through all of them of course, but I've chosen some widgets that I like personally, and I also believe will be of benefit to my students, so I will have them on my public page.  Widgets from Newsweek, US Today, etc...provide current national topics that students can easily access for current events work.  I believe that the biggest plus for me at this point is the availability of so much information so quickly.  I can keep sites available that carry information on the topics we are covering in our core classes.  Whether review, assignments, test preparation, any site the student would need access to is contained in one place for them. I know how frustrating it is to find the sites with the information you are looking for, and now that will be provided for them and they can get right to the business of doing their research, review, or whatever. They will be reminded what is due immediately and what they have more time to work on. As an educator I can have the satisfaction of knowing that I've provided one more tool for them to access to make their learning process a more successful one.  Information can be provided week by week, as well as providing the sites that will help them.  Parents can access all of the same information which will give them the option of becoming more involved with their student's work.  Having worked with many Spanish families with parents who don't speak or read English, this would not be that helpful unless versions could be provided in Spanish.  That would be something worth checking into; any widgets in Espanol?
This is a site I need to spend a copious amount of time experimenting with.  The downside to having so many Things to learn about is having only a brief introduction before you have to hurry on to the next thing.  I already wish I could have access to the moodle for 21 Things after the class is over so I can go through all of the material again.  I know that I will learn to appreciate all that tools like Netvibes, have to offer me as an educator, both personally, and for my classroom.

Thing 17

I chose to compare and contrast the eLibrary Kids Elementary site with Kids Infobite.org.
Both sites requested a library card ID, however, elibrary left the option for a drivers license instead, which may be a good option, because everyone still does not have a library card or access to a library, but their parent will more likely have a drivers license.
Both sites offer fantastic resources for kids.  Kids Infobites is geared towards K-5, while elibrary is K-12.  Reading levels are simplified for Kids Infobites by easy, more difficult, while elibrary kids offers multiple reading levels, as well as a source key to understand these levels.  Kids Infobites offers something that I believe is wonderful, especially in the case of struggling readers and ESL students, which is an audio choice.  Students can choose to listen to an Infbites reader read the article and may choose to listen or read along.  This also allows for MP3 download for later listening.
For many elementary students I would probably recommend the Kids Infobite site because it is all information that is within their grade level K-5, which means it will be much less information for them to sort through.  elibrary is very user friendly and is good for all levels, but possibly not as "fun" to use as Kids Infobites.
For 5th grade and up I believe elibrary offers more diversity and a wider choice of materials, and that is because what they will be exposed to increases with each grade level.
I went to each source, looking up newspapers, magazines, books, maps, pictures, audio/visual, and transcripts.  All was very easy to do and I loved that with each resource additional related documents were available and offered.
I found both sites easy to navigate and very appropriate for students.

I went to General One File and found it a site that students would be able to maneuver through without too much difficulty.  General One File claims to be a 1Stop Source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics.  I chose Social Studies and was immediately offered an extensive range of resources dealing with the general topic.  I chose to go to a brief article, Every book is a social studies book: how to meet standards with picture books K-6.
MP3 downloads are available as well as citation helps.  I especially loved that feature because I am one of those people who are citation challenged. (yes, along with being technologically so, but this class is helping to change that).  Since I know I struggle with proper citations, I am especially eager that my students learn where to go to get the help they need to create the proper citation.  This site lives up to its "one stop source" claims and would be very helpful for classroom use.

In going to Citation Tools in General One File, I found I was not able to download the citation.  Each attempt was met with a message saying they could not open the file and then asked if I wanted to choose where to open it.  I tried Acrobat and it said an error occured and now I can't get past Acrobat.  Each time I choose MLA or APA it takes me right back to Acrobat Reader and the same message.  HELP RON!

Here is my citation from BibMe.

Thing 16-Professional Learning Networks

 

Learnport is a professional development portal with much to offer.  Not only are there multiple courses available that offer CEU credits, but there  are also reports on research being done in the educational system with results and place for feedback.  I read a report on blended teaching and its impact in education.  Grand Rapids Public Schools figured chiefly in this report.  Since I am involved in the blended geometry program I found it interesting to see what the reports showed.  The blended program used in our school has been a frustration to most of the teachers and many students are confused by the way GRPS is implementing it.

I went through the tutorial on how to register but could not find a link that actually allowed me to register.  When looking at registering through NetTrekker, they want a school code number and I've already asked several teachers about that and they have never heard of it., so, long story short, I was not able to registrer to Learnport, but would certainly like to pursue doing so.  It is a fantastic resourse for continuing education at an affordable price.

I have accounts with both Facebook and Twitter.  I will make my first tweet today.  I am one of those who think carefully about what I say before I say it on-line, so a "I'm having coffee" is not what I would consider a worthwhile tweet.  I appreciated the examples Ron gave on how he tweets and I can now see it as a valuable resource.  Facebook  is probably more widely used by students than Twitter and I've already seen that it can be an effective tool in education.  When students have been friended by their teacher(s) they keep up with them regularly.  My son checks several of his teachers' Facebook pages regularly.  With Twitter and Facebook you can take something the students love and utilize it for their education.  With Twitter you can enter into a "conversation" based on your interests, and students can be directed and learn to use Twitter in an informative way, not just for gossip.  Educators must utilize the tools the students love to use, and Facebook and Twitter can both be positive educational additions to their learning experience.

The cons to using these sources would be the temptation for students to ignore what you are trying to do in education and just use the time to tweet or talk to their friends.  Facebook is one of the sites students are most frequently caught trying to get around blocks to access.  YouTube is right up there as well and is another tool that can be very beneficial to education if you can keep them focused.

I have submitted my application to MACUL space.  Funny, when I was filling out the registration, it did not accept my zip code.  Strange, for "city" they actually asked for Hometown.  Since I couldn't figure out what that would have to do with registration and the zip code I would have to offer would further not correspond with the school I am working at, I changed it to Grand Rapids and had to finally change to zip code to one that is in GR, but not mine. Hmmmmmmm...

I spent a lot of time pouring through TWICE, Two Way Interactive Connections in Education.  Since literacy is my passion, I absolutely love this site and all that it offers the educator as well as students.

Their main program, ASK (Author, Specialist, Knowledge) brings video conferences to students with authors or specialists in an area that students have been reading about in a novel.  This is an excellent resource to promote reading for understanding, journal writing,  and interviewing. 

The cost of TWICE is $200 ISD/ESA (all districts served by ISD/ESA are TWICE members)

or $75 per Individual school/District

ASK has a fee of $40 for TWICE members or $80 for non-members.

Ask was developed by Dr. Kettel .  If you have ever planned a field trip, this is pretty much the same thing, only you never leave your room.  Each author or specialist is available at set times and it is a shared session, with not more than 3 classrooms participating at one time.  Because they like to make sure that sessions will be fully booked, they encourage you to get on the waiting list if the time slot you wanted in unavailable.  Openings happen frequently and you may still get that first slot you wanted. They wil give educators step by step guidance for successful videoconferencing.  There are also opportunities to partner with classrooms in other schools and make it a joint project between schools.

Professional Development classes are also available in Videoconferencing, Best Practices & Research Videos are examples, with emphasis on videoconferencing.

If I had my own classroom right now I would love to introduce my students to videoconferencing and collaboration with students from another school.  What an exciting way to bring a new light to literature for your students.  TWICE gives you the tools, the how tos, and sets you and your students up for success.  This is something that I would purchase myself if my school did not have it.  I give it 5*! (yes, and an exclamation point, I loved it that much). My contribution to this interactive site would be in the form of participation and feedback.  Because I believe this can be highly effective I would also encourage other educators to look at it and see if it would fit into their curriculum.