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.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thing 20
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.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Thing 18
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.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
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.
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!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
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.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thing15
I found the experience of creating a PDF file fast and easy. Using Zamzar I downloaded the PDF converter software and in four short steps my word document was turned into a PDF document. While I chose a small document to turn into a PDF document, this tool is really geared towards more cumbersome files. Since a PDF cnverter is independent from my computer's operating system, hardware, and application software, it makes it compatible to computers whose configurations may differ from yours. I remember going to the school library and having to look up the hard copies of research done on a particular topic and how difficult it was to make copies for myself and the three other members of my team. The PDF format saves of tons of paper, bulk, and precious trees. Sending someone the work in a PDF file, carrying a hard copy around for each of you...which would you choose? With PDF files you can incorporate hyperlinks, bookmarks, text, graphic,or multimedia content.Security features allow the user to prohibit editing, unauthorized copying, viewing, or printing of their PDF file. Great protection.
For classroom use, wow, I remember when I taught science at an NHA charter school. They had no science book or set curriculum, but did have sources on-line that could be used. I would have loved to have been able to convert the material into PDF files, sorted by category, standards, etc...To be able to insert the video or audio resources that would fit well with lessons, links to sites that would enhance the material, and have it all saved in files that I could bring up easily,would have been wonderful. I would be able to update my files, incorporate new materials, etc... and would be able to keep up with state standards, which seem to change often, (at least in the area of science). I would like to spend more time familiarizing myself with this tool after the class is completed (aswith many of the other tools we've been shown). The frustrating part of shoving 21 Thingsw into a few short weeks is that you have a brief moment to go,
"Wow! I like that!" and then you have to move on to the next.Google calendar is easy and fast and gives you and your students a visual on what is coming up in the week. I created a sample Mon-Fri. calendar but there are many ways that you can utilize a calendar for the classroom. Whether it's a calendar of specific due dates for one big project, or a calendar showing the special celebrations and events that come up in school, reminding students to get in permission slips, etc... Google calendar is easy to use.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Thing 14
First of all I'd like to state my frustration. I couldn't post my blog last night because my computer crashed. I attempted to get on from 8:00-11:30 when I finally gave up for the night.
Reflections on Things8-14
In these Things we covered everything from copyright laws to video and audio streaming. All were important and all can positively enhance and educators practice as well as offering important technology to enhance a student's educational experience.
Beginning with copyright laws. As educators it is good to be refreshed on what is legal and what is not when it comes to using others' work. Students will be writing many papers and doing projects throughout their educational experience, and using copyrighted material is many times, a part of that. When we, as educators, make it a priority to give this information to our students correctly from the beginning of their experience, the more it will become ingrained in their educational pursuits correctly, from the beginning.
Students love photo sharing on the web. Using tools like Picassa 3 will not only enhance material that you, as an educator, desire to use in the classroom, but it will allow students to produce much more effective photos, slide shows, etc...Learning to use this tool to bring out the best part of your particular shot will enhance their work and allow them to put forth a more impressive presentation.
Digital Storytelling is a fantastic tool that allows students to implement Picassa 3 into their work if they desire to do so. It provides them with another venue in which to present a body of work. All students would do well to learn how to create a digital story whether it's "their thing" or not. Learning the creative aspects of digital storytelling teaches them to work with audio, scripting, background music, timing, as well as with pictures. Preplanning by way of using a storyboard is an important and necessary part of putting together a digital story that works.
Prezi is a tool that students will find multiple uses for. As an educator, Prezi could be used in numerous ways with easy access by your students. Prezi is like PowerPoint plus, so in any area where I might use one for my classroom, I could more effectively use Prezi. Being able to add links, urls, and even movies clips into your Prezi presentation makes this a tool that will enable students to put forth much more information in putting together a presentation, which will give them more effective ways to present their material. As an educator, any information that I can put out there for my students to use to enhance their learning experience, I will use it. In the lesson I did I made it a test review. I was able to include a movie clip, links to sites that gave additional information in a short appealing format for students, as well as downloading some pictures to round out the review information I provided. I was abel to provide multiple ways for my diverse classroom of students to review for a test. There will be aspects of this Prezi review that will call to every kind of learner, thus enabling them to better learn and retain the material.
WIth data warehousing, student information systems, management systems, etc...there are benefits for educator, student, and for parents. I had the opportunity to work with one of these systems for the four years I taught in a NHA charter school. We did NWEA testing 3X a year, and with the data warehousing system used, I was able to show the parents and each student how they were doing in the areas of reading, language arts, and math. They could see how their child stacked up with the expectations the school had for them in these areas, how they compared to other students in their grade level in the district, as well as how they compared to students who took the same testing whereever it was given. Text plus a line graph gives parents information plus a visual to better understand how their student is performing. The beautiful thing about this is that it also breaks down each subject into categories and lets the student know their strengths and weaknesses in specific detail. As an educator it helps to know what areas to work on with each student, and for student and parent they are encouraged by areas of success and by areas that they know will be a focus for improvement.
In my short experience with teaching, (4 years) I was able to use a site, United Streaming, to pull up short videos to enhance classroom teaching experience. There are many more sites available now than when I had my classroom and I am looking forward to using them to enhance their learning experience. For the students it is a win/win. They gain another dimension to their learning experience, plus they are trained in finding that technology offers many free tools for them and we can help them know where to find them and use them properly.
As I mentioned above, I was fortunate enough to be able to use United Streaming in my 5th grade classroom. United Streaming makes it easy to find material according to topic and grade level. I was able to insert a 20 minute clip into a lesson that would add a new dimension to the lesson we were on. In many instances there are several choices which may differ timewise and qualitywise. Being able to preview these videos makes selection of the right video easy. I was able to use United Streaming in my science classes and in history as well. Many times finding that right 15 minute video underscored the lesson just right and stimulated more conversation when students reflected on what they had learned. I imagine that now, 3 years later, there are more videos available than ever before. With the addition of being able to use YouTube, the resources an educator can draw from to enhance their classroom teaching are numerous.
Although I have not used audio technology, as an educator, hearing Martin Luther King Jr. give his "I Have A Dream" speech is much more effective than merely reading through it and discussing it.
As far as comparing audio to video, it would really depend on what you needed. As stated above, while a video of Martin Luther King giving his speech is effective, I would argue how much more impactful the speech can be if students are focused only on the words and the passion of the speech. Each has a place and both are important tools to bring life to the lessons we are presenting to our students.
I will post a photo of a site now that my computer is working again. Thank you Ron for the information you gave me. Within two hours after class I had a computer that ran better than it has in quite a while.
Reflections on Things8-14
In these Things we covered everything from copyright laws to video and audio streaming. All were important and all can positively enhance and educators practice as well as offering important technology to enhance a student's educational experience.
Beginning with copyright laws. As educators it is good to be refreshed on what is legal and what is not when it comes to using others' work. Students will be writing many papers and doing projects throughout their educational experience, and using copyrighted material is many times, a part of that. When we, as educators, make it a priority to give this information to our students correctly from the beginning of their experience, the more it will become ingrained in their educational pursuits correctly, from the beginning.
Students love photo sharing on the web. Using tools like Picassa 3 will not only enhance material that you, as an educator, desire to use in the classroom, but it will allow students to produce much more effective photos, slide shows, etc...Learning to use this tool to bring out the best part of your particular shot will enhance their work and allow them to put forth a more impressive presentation.
Digital Storytelling is a fantastic tool that allows students to implement Picassa 3 into their work if they desire to do so. It provides them with another venue in which to present a body of work. All students would do well to learn how to create a digital story whether it's "their thing" or not. Learning the creative aspects of digital storytelling teaches them to work with audio, scripting, background music, timing, as well as with pictures. Preplanning by way of using a storyboard is an important and necessary part of putting together a digital story that works.
Prezi is a tool that students will find multiple uses for. As an educator, Prezi could be used in numerous ways with easy access by your students. Prezi is like PowerPoint plus, so in any area where I might use one for my classroom, I could more effectively use Prezi. Being able to add links, urls, and even movies clips into your Prezi presentation makes this a tool that will enable students to put forth much more information in putting together a presentation, which will give them more effective ways to present their material. As an educator, any information that I can put out there for my students to use to enhance their learning experience, I will use it. In the lesson I did I made it a test review. I was able to include a movie clip, links to sites that gave additional information in a short appealing format for students, as well as downloading some pictures to round out the review information I provided. I was abel to provide multiple ways for my diverse classroom of students to review for a test. There will be aspects of this Prezi review that will call to every kind of learner, thus enabling them to better learn and retain the material.
WIth data warehousing, student information systems, management systems, etc...there are benefits for educator, student, and for parents. I had the opportunity to work with one of these systems for the four years I taught in a NHA charter school. We did NWEA testing 3X a year, and with the data warehousing system used, I was able to show the parents and each student how they were doing in the areas of reading, language arts, and math. They could see how their child stacked up with the expectations the school had for them in these areas, how they compared to other students in their grade level in the district, as well as how they compared to students who took the same testing whereever it was given. Text plus a line graph gives parents information plus a visual to better understand how their student is performing. The beautiful thing about this is that it also breaks down each subject into categories and lets the student know their strengths and weaknesses in specific detail. As an educator it helps to know what areas to work on with each student, and for student and parent they are encouraged by areas of success and by areas that they know will be a focus for improvement.
In my short experience with teaching, (4 years) I was able to use a site, United Streaming, to pull up short videos to enhance classroom teaching experience. There are many more sites available now than when I had my classroom and I am looking forward to using them to enhance their learning experience. For the students it is a win/win. They gain another dimension to their learning experience, plus they are trained in finding that technology offers many free tools for them and we can help them know where to find them and use them properly.
As I mentioned above, I was fortunate enough to be able to use United Streaming in my 5th grade classroom. United Streaming makes it easy to find material according to topic and grade level. I was able to insert a 20 minute clip into a lesson that would add a new dimension to the lesson we were on. In many instances there are several choices which may differ timewise and qualitywise. Being able to preview these videos makes selection of the right video easy. I was able to use United Streaming in my science classes and in history as well. Many times finding that right 15 minute video underscored the lesson just right and stimulated more conversation when students reflected on what they had learned. I imagine that now, 3 years later, there are more videos available than ever before. With the addition of being able to use YouTube, the resources an educator can draw from to enhance their classroom teaching are numerous.
Although I have not used audio technology, as an educator, hearing Martin Luther King Jr. give his "I Have A Dream" speech is much more effective than merely reading through it and discussing it.
As far as comparing audio to video, it would really depend on what you needed. As stated above, while a video of Martin Luther King giving his speech is effective, I would argue how much more impactful the speech can be if students are focused only on the words and the passion of the speech. Each has a place and both are important tools to bring life to the lessons we are presenting to our students.
I will post a photo of a site now that my computer is working again. Thank you Ron for the information you gave me. Within two hours after class I had a computer that ran better than it has in quite a while.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Thing 13-Interactive Learning Tools
The 2nd picture is of the house I grew up in located in South Haven, MI. What you can't see, is that to the West of our house, just down a small hill, is the South Beach right on Lake Michigan. What a beautiful view I had to enjoy for years.
The 3rd picture shows my placemark on my house as I zoomed out over the city.
http://quizlet.com/_156za For this portion on the assignment I chose a set of flashcards for a science class that helps review for a test on simple machines. Having been the 5th grade science teacher at my school for four years, this was a portion of science my students thoroughly enjoyed. Testing in science, however, is a different matter. Had I had the opportunity to prepare my students for upcoming tests with flashcards like these and at a site like Quizlet, the outcome would have been much different. With the game features on Quizlet, even those students more easily bored with the traditional book work, would enjoy studying with this. It is also a study tool that they can use at home on their computer. This is not a new method of learning for the students I worked with, however it covers a much broader range of academics than they have previously been exposed to. My students worked with programs designed to strengthen their skills in the areas of reading, language arts, and math. They loved the challenge and competing with each other to do their best while playing games. Quizlet is several steps ahead of this and I will put it to use in my classroom.
Thing 12
vhttps://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGg3eWxDMHh1aWVkRk9IRmNlejhtVUE6MQ
I'm going to start with #3 first. When I worked for NHA we did NWEA testing in the Fall, Winter, and in the Spring. We were then able to print out the results of the testing which was greatly helpful in a number of areas. Results were available in both text form and in line graph form. I always printed off both, making them available to my parents at teacher conferences. With the line graph I am able to show them where their student falls according to expectations for where they fall at their grade level. I am then able to show them how their child's performance compares to other students in that grade level in the area as well as anywhere the NWEA testing is being done. This visual aid is very effective with parents and students alike, because it 'cuts to the chase' and let's them see immediately, one aspect of how they are progressing.
The students are tested in Reading , Math, and Language Arts. Each section is then broken down into sections and an individual readout informs you where a students particular strengths and weaknesses lay in a given subject. I could easily go over this information with the student or parent and we could target the areas each student needed to spend time working on. I would laminate a copy for each student to carry with them to the computer lab so they could work on strengthening that area.
Although it's a pain to have so much testing, on top of the MEAP testing, it really is helpful to see how a student is progressing and what areas you can work with them in individually. The one drawback is that NWEA testing or MEAP testing will not necessarily get the best work a student can do. If they are having an off day the testing will not accurately reflect where they are. Overall however, data warehousing, student information systems, management systems, etc... are invaluable tools to aid an educator who wants to effectively help her students to progress and succeed.
I'm going to start with #3 first. When I worked for NHA we did NWEA testing in the Fall, Winter, and in the Spring. We were then able to print out the results of the testing which was greatly helpful in a number of areas. Results were available in both text form and in line graph form. I always printed off both, making them available to my parents at teacher conferences. With the line graph I am able to show them where their student falls according to expectations for where they fall at their grade level. I am then able to show them how their child's performance compares to other students in that grade level in the area as well as anywhere the NWEA testing is being done. This visual aid is very effective with parents and students alike, because it 'cuts to the chase' and let's them see immediately, one aspect of how they are progressing.
The students are tested in Reading , Math, and Language Arts. Each section is then broken down into sections and an individual readout informs you where a students particular strengths and weaknesses lay in a given subject. I could easily go over this information with the student or parent and we could target the areas each student needed to spend time working on. I would laminate a copy for each student to carry with them to the computer lab so they could work on strengthening that area.
Although it's a pain to have so much testing, on top of the MEAP testing, it really is helpful to see how a student is progressing and what areas you can work with them in individually. The one drawback is that NWEA testing or MEAP testing will not necessarily get the best work a student can do. If they are having an off day the testing will not accurately reflect where they are. Overall however, data warehousing, student information systems, management systems, etc... are invaluable tools to aid an educator who wants to effectively help her students to progress and succeed.
I created a rubric for a presentation. In a desire to give students as much creative freedom as possible the presentation topic is Saving the Environment. This allows students to choose their particular topic and to create a presentation in a form that they desire. Whether a diorama, PowerPoint, poster, booklet, paper, sculpture, rap, or perhaps more creatively, a project designed using Prezi or perhaps using Photostory 3. Whatever each student will choose will still need to be presented to the class, where presence, posture, clarity, knowledge of their choice of topic, etc... They will hopefully be much more invested in the project when so many choices are open to them to express the topic in their own unique way.
Having worked with students (mostly 5th graders) who lean up against the whiteboard, bend over a stool, wiggle while talking, make little eye contact, and speak in a near whisper when at any other time their loud voices carry with no effort, presentation is important. As well as knowing how to present a student needs to know how to be a good listener when it is their classmates turn to present. Being able to ask a question that will bring out more information from the presenter (instead of,"Did you like making this project?) is a component of a presentation as well. Peer rubrics can also be very effective and teach students to look at the effort and quality of each others work, as opposed to giving high marks to their best friends.
The link at the top of the page is to the survey I've written. When I get the results I will post those. I decided to use a survey format and ask students in my blended geometry class, how they liked the blended learning experience. The results will be posted when they are in.
Lastly, FERPA and HIPAA are important because they provide privacy protection when it comes to student records. This would include records, files, documents, and other materials that are directly related to a student. While there are situations were legitimate sharing of information will come into play, FERPA and HIPAA protect students and their families from the abuses. Loss of school funding may result and that is not something schools are willing to risk.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Thing 11-Prezi
http://s667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/ProfessionalFirefighter/?action=view¤t=JeannedArc.mp4
http://prezi.com/hkfmuprjkz4v/joan-of-arc/
Above are the links to a short film that is part of my Prezi presentation and the second is the presentation itself.
Since I don't have my own classroom at this time I chose to do my presentation on a part of the 6th grade history unit on medieval ages. I felt this was very timely, because, when doing my student teaching assignment I worked in a 6th grade classroom and the unit I was asked to do covered this unit. A favorite of the students was the story of Joan of Arc. She appealed to 6th grade students for a number of reasons. First of all, she was their age when she first received her calling to fight for France. Her strength of character, humility, and passion were all something that resounds with these students. That she was willing to die for her beliefs, that she did not conform to what men expected of her makes her a champion to these students. This is the time of year they were learning these lessons, and it is also appropriate because it was in May that Joan was burned at the stake.
Included in the site are pictures, a movie clip, and biographical websites which will appeal to students who look for other options while reviewing material for a test. While I could have gone into more detail concerning the 100 Year War and how France was a divided country, students will get that information when they go the the websites where brief biographical sketches of her life give them the information they seek, quickly and simply.
There is no comparison between a PowerPoint presentation and a Prezi presentation; Prezi far surpasses anything that a PowerPoint can accomplish. Because it is interactive, students are able to do much more within their presentation to make it a higher quality and more thoroughly presented piece of work. Because students don't come 'once size fits all' being able add elements such as movie clips, website links, etc...will appeal to all students. Giving them as many options as possible to fulfill an assignment is a teachers responsibility if they want quality work from their students; work which students have invested more of themselves into.
Students can use Prezi for various projects in all of the content areas. A science project, a history project such as the one presented here, an English project on Shakespeare, a presentation for phys.ed, all will benefit greatly using a Prezi presentation. Students will quickly learn how to navigate the creative process and Prezi offers help when you get stuck by quickly taking you through the steps to creating a successful presentation.
I will look forward to using Prezi in my classroom and to passing along this excellent presentation tool to my students.
http://prezi.com/hkfmuprjkz4v/joan-of-arc/
Above are the links to a short film that is part of my Prezi presentation and the second is the presentation itself.
Since I don't have my own classroom at this time I chose to do my presentation on a part of the 6th grade history unit on medieval ages. I felt this was very timely, because, when doing my student teaching assignment I worked in a 6th grade classroom and the unit I was asked to do covered this unit. A favorite of the students was the story of Joan of Arc. She appealed to 6th grade students for a number of reasons. First of all, she was their age when she first received her calling to fight for France. Her strength of character, humility, and passion were all something that resounds with these students. That she was willing to die for her beliefs, that she did not conform to what men expected of her makes her a champion to these students. This is the time of year they were learning these lessons, and it is also appropriate because it was in May that Joan was burned at the stake.
Included in the site are pictures, a movie clip, and biographical websites which will appeal to students who look for other options while reviewing material for a test. While I could have gone into more detail concerning the 100 Year War and how France was a divided country, students will get that information when they go the the websites where brief biographical sketches of her life give them the information they seek, quickly and simply.
There is no comparison between a PowerPoint presentation and a Prezi presentation; Prezi far surpasses anything that a PowerPoint can accomplish. Because it is interactive, students are able to do much more within their presentation to make it a higher quality and more thoroughly presented piece of work. Because students don't come 'once size fits all' being able add elements such as movie clips, website links, etc...will appeal to all students. Giving them as many options as possible to fulfill an assignment is a teachers responsibility if they want quality work from their students; work which students have invested more of themselves into.
Students can use Prezi for various projects in all of the content areas. A science project, a history project such as the one presented here, an English project on Shakespeare, a presentation for phys.ed, all will benefit greatly using a Prezi presentation. Students will quickly learn how to navigate the creative process and Prezi offers help when you get stuck by quickly taking you through the steps to creating a successful presentation.
I will look forward to using Prezi in my classroom and to passing along this excellent presentation tool to my students.
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