1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I really enjoyed learning about the iTouch applications. Since this isn't a piece of equipment that I own I had never used/explored it before.
I also really love the screencast. This is something I will absolutely be using this year. Being able to give my students a visual they can watch will be so beneficial to them!
2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
I always have a technology goal each year. Using these tools will be able to help me reach those goals more efficiently. I also have more ideas through microblogging to engage parents as well into our daily classroom.
3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I had never heard of the Virtual Worlds....the creativity of those worlds surprised me.
4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program's format or concept?
I really enjoy the set up and format of the program. Being able to do this online is helpful. Also the required blogging to "turn in" assignments is great. Before last summer I had never blogged, really even read a blog, and couldn't imagine myself as a blogger. Now however it seems second nature. I would have liked more of these "Things" to apply to elementary. Sometimes it is hard to find great ideas to do with younger elementary kids. They are absolutely capable of digital learning! They love it when they are able to create and complete assignments using digital components.
Thanks for creating Library2Play2. I really enjoyed all of my digital learning this summer!
Monday, August 10, 2009
11.5 Thing 11
Digital Citizenship is so important. Our Librarian does a wonderful job teaching digital citizenship. It is my job as the classroom teacher to continue to model and teach upon what she has taught.
I loved the diagram of the 4 areas (Literacy, Safety, Learning Strategies, and Etiquette) with the student in the middle. It really makes clear what digital citizenship includes. A great visual for parents if they are worried about their child being on the computer. Being able to show them that this is what we teach your child about the computer and digital citizenship would be so helpful.
I also liked the site that had the 9 Themes of Digital Citizenship with the definitions. It helped a lot to organize my thoughts on what I have taught my students in the past and what I need to continue with or add to.
In our school, all the grade levels have a computer lab time, PreK-5th. As the students move up, their work on the computer increases. Since I'm on the Technology Committee at my school, I tend to try more new ideas with my students. This way I'm able to report back to my team with ideas for their computer lab time. I can also give them tips that I found useful when I presented the lesson to my students.
The beginning of the year is spent on Digital Citizenship-learning about the computer (Digital Literacy) and what the proper conduct for technology use is (Digital Etiquette). It is very important for me to begin with these two areas and to continue on reviewing them as the year continues. Digital Citizenship is not something that is taught only at the beginning of the year, but through out the entire year. It is not something that is taught in 1st grade and then assumed they remember it in 2nd, but retaught year after year. It is important to do so. Not only as a review, but also because technology changes so quickly there is always something new to learn!
I loved the diagram of the 4 areas (Literacy, Safety, Learning Strategies, and Etiquette) with the student in the middle. It really makes clear what digital citizenship includes. A great visual for parents if they are worried about their child being on the computer. Being able to show them that this is what we teach your child about the computer and digital citizenship would be so helpful.
I also liked the site that had the 9 Themes of Digital Citizenship with the definitions. It helped a lot to organize my thoughts on what I have taught my students in the past and what I need to continue with or add to.
In our school, all the grade levels have a computer lab time, PreK-5th. As the students move up, their work on the computer increases. Since I'm on the Technology Committee at my school, I tend to try more new ideas with my students. This way I'm able to report back to my team with ideas for their computer lab time. I can also give them tips that I found useful when I presented the lesson to my students.
The beginning of the year is spent on Digital Citizenship-learning about the computer (Digital Literacy) and what the proper conduct for technology use is (Digital Etiquette). It is very important for me to begin with these two areas and to continue on reviewing them as the year continues. Digital Citizenship is not something that is taught only at the beginning of the year, but through out the entire year. It is not something that is taught in 1st grade and then assumed they remember it in 2nd, but retaught year after year. It is important to do so. Not only as a review, but also because technology changes so quickly there is always something new to learn!
11.5 Thing 10
I spent days on this assignment. It is really easy to get lost checking everything out. Even though I had fun learning about the Virtual Worlds I'm having difficulty trying to adapt it to fit into my classroom. I don't think it is appropriate for the Elementary level, especially my 1st graders. I can see the potential for Secondary grade levels. I will continue to learn and work through the Virtual Worlds, maybe an idea will come to me on how to use this in the elementary classroom. Right now though, Virtual Worlds won't be something I focus on at the moment.
11.5 Thing 9
Powerpoint is used a lot in our school. It is nice to have another option. Especially for those students that might not have access to powerpoint at home.
I really liked that you can add a podcast to it and create a slide show with the student's own voice.
I could use this almost in the same way I plan to use the screen cast.
I really liked that you can add a podcast to it and create a slide show with the student's own voice.
I could use this almost in the same way I plan to use the screen cast.
11.5 Thing 8
I love this new resource! And I love that they are FREE!
I had some problems creating one because my computer is acting up and something is apparently wrong with my JAVA. I'm trying to fix it and will hopefully have a screencast posted soon.
How I am going to use this in my classroom this year....
In 1st grade it is the first time many of the students are learning to save to their San Folder without the full help of a parent helper or teacher. Most of my students had this concept mastered before leaving first grade, however a few still needed a bit of help. The first few months of school I spent a lot of time helping each student by talking them through the steps as they saved their work. By creating a Screen Cast-I can capture the screen shots, talk them through it and beable to play it back on the computer connected to the projector in the computer lab. This would allow all the students to have a visual of the screen they should be seeing and also be able to hear the verbal directions. All the while freeing me to help individual students with other questions or help those that need more one-one help with these directions.
Another use will be when we have our 5th grade learning buddies helping with a project. I can use the screen shots and my verbal directions to help the 5th graders know my expectations for the project. Allowing them the chance to better guide the 1st grader in the project.
I can't wait to put this to use this year!
I had some problems creating one because my computer is acting up and something is apparently wrong with my JAVA. I'm trying to fix it and will hopefully have a screencast posted soon.
How I am going to use this in my classroom this year....
In 1st grade it is the first time many of the students are learning to save to their San Folder without the full help of a parent helper or teacher. Most of my students had this concept mastered before leaving first grade, however a few still needed a bit of help. The first few months of school I spent a lot of time helping each student by talking them through the steps as they saved their work. By creating a Screen Cast-I can capture the screen shots, talk them through it and beable to play it back on the computer connected to the projector in the computer lab. This would allow all the students to have a visual of the screen they should be seeing and also be able to hear the verbal directions. All the while freeing me to help individual students with other questions or help those that need more one-one help with these directions.
Another use will be when we have our 5th grade learning buddies helping with a project. I can use the screen shots and my verbal directions to help the 5th graders know my expectations for the project. Allowing them the chance to better guide the 1st grader in the project.
I can't wait to put this to use this year!
11.5 Thing 7
This took up a lot of time...but only because I kept searching for new videos. I liked learning more about the copywrite. As teachers we hear so much about what we can and can't do according to the copywrite laws that it can be confusing at times. It is important to start the students learning about copywrite now.
I loved that I found videos of interview with authors. This would be great when we introduce a new author, began an author study, or to learn a little bit before we have an author visit. It allows access to authors' thoughts even though your school might not be fortunate enough to have author visits. This ties in nicely to my belief that everyone is an author and has a story to tell. It provides a visual for the students to see that yes, they can be an author too!
TOTLOL was great for videos for basic concepts. It is wonderful for the younger grades and for those students that need a little more help in their basic concepts. There were many videos about letters, numbers, letter sounds, etc. This would also be useful to the ELL students. Especially the students that come into our school with out any previous English instruction or knowledge.
Hulu had some great resources for 1st grades science units.
I love having more resources for videos--it is something that catches students attention. I liked that most of the videos I found had small clips so that I could show only what is relevant and also not use up too much classtime finding the specific clip of the video I wanted to show.
I loved that I found videos of interview with authors. This would be great when we introduce a new author, began an author study, or to learn a little bit before we have an author visit. It allows access to authors' thoughts even though your school might not be fortunate enough to have author visits. This ties in nicely to my belief that everyone is an author and has a story to tell. It provides a visual for the students to see that yes, they can be an author too!
TOTLOL was great for videos for basic concepts. It is wonderful for the younger grades and for those students that need a little more help in their basic concepts. There were many videos about letters, numbers, letter sounds, etc. This would also be useful to the ELL students. Especially the students that come into our school with out any previous English instruction or knowledge.
Hulu had some great resources for 1st grades science units.
I love having more resources for videos--it is something that catches students attention. I liked that most of the videos I found had small clips so that I could show only what is relevant and also not use up too much classtime finding the specific clip of the video I wanted to show.
11.5 Thing 6
A few weeks ago I went to the Apple store and played with the iTouch.....of course now I really want one of my own!
I did find out that the easiest way to search for applications is through the site: appshopper.com
Since I didn't own the iTouch I couldn't download the application but through appshopper it shows you more screens from the application and gives more details.
I found tons of useful applications. It was difficult to find applications that could be used by more than 2 users.
I could see students pairing up to use the flashcard applications, iwrite word slate, name that state, etc. and quizzing each other. Some of the applications were interactive through bluetooth technology which allowed several users to be connected and work together. The possiblilies are endless!
I did find out that the easiest way to search for applications is through the site: appshopper.com
Since I didn't own the iTouch I couldn't download the application but through appshopper it shows you more screens from the application and gives more details.
I found tons of useful applications. It was difficult to find applications that could be used by more than 2 users.
I could see students pairing up to use the flashcard applications, iwrite word slate, name that state, etc. and quizzing each other. Some of the applications were interactive through bluetooth technology which allowed several users to be connected and work together. The possiblilies are endless!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
11.5 Thing #5
I have been on Facebook for a while now and I agree that it has changed the way I communicate with others. I "facebook" more than I email with most of my friends. With elementary age kids I don't see this as an appropriate form of communication between student and teacher. Although between teacher and parent is another story. I have ignored many friend request from parents because it is my personal account. I am thinking about creating a school account for me though. Since so many people use facebook (some I know are on ALL day long it seems) it only creates another avenue for communication between school and home. Also, with facebook mobile being available many people check facebook or get instant text messages to their phone. This would be an easy way to send out reminders-especially last minute reminders to parents.
Twitter makes my head spin a little. I personally don't like twitter all that much. Maybe I'm just not use to it, but so much information is coming at me from all sides I feel a bit overhelmed with Twitter. I'm trying not to be closed minded about it but I still haven't fully embraced it yet.
Twitter makes my head spin a little. I personally don't like twitter all that much. Maybe I'm just not use to it, but so much information is coming at me from all sides I feel a bit overhelmed with Twitter. I'm trying not to be closed minded about it but I still haven't fully embraced it yet.
11.5 Thing 4
You Tube and Teacher Tube are great! I had never uploaded a video before--it was so easy!
Last year while we were learning about essays my kids did book reviews. I used our school flip camera to record them. These videos are now stored in their server file. This next year I will take it one step further. The parents that grant me permission I'll up load their child's file to Teacher Tube. I didn't find many videos of primary kids giving a book review. How great would it be for another 1st grade class to be able to view a book review by someone their own age? I think it would be more meaningful to them than just hearing from a teacher..."you should read this book"
Last year while we were learning about essays my kids did book reviews. I used our school flip camera to record them. These videos are now stored in their server file. This next year I will take it one step further. The parents that grant me permission I'll up load their child's file to Teacher Tube. I didn't find many videos of primary kids giving a book review. How great would it be for another 1st grade class to be able to view a book review by someone their own age? I think it would be more meaningful to them than just hearing from a teacher..."you should read this book"
11.5 Thing #3
Skype is very interesting. I could see classrooms with in schools around the district connecting to each other through Skype or some other form. Then branching out and even having a "sister classroom" in another state! It would be interesting to do this during our insect unit. My kids could discuss and what their classroom was seeing in the changing of their insects and we could tell them what was happening with our insects! It could be a type of virtual field trip!
11.5 Thing #2
Well I've had too much fun going through and playing with all the assignments but I haven't kept up with my blogging. I'm spending the next few days to review everything I've done over the summer and blog about it all.
I used Wordle in my classroom this year so I worked on Wordshift. I can see how it can really help ME create a very technology interactive lesson. However, I think it is too much for my 1st graders to use. It give you so much information I believe it will be too overhelming for them. I do think that used in a whole group setting--shown on the active board for all to see can be very beneficial to them.
I think I will stick with the wordles for my first grade class. At the beginning of the year our 5th grade Learning Buddies came to the computer lab with us. The created wordles about themselves using their name and words that described themselves or things that they liked. The 5th graders helped with the typing, taught the 1st graders how to cut and paste from Word to Wordle, the save in Power Point after copying the screen and cropping. Yes!! 1st graders did all that!! :) In class we created wordles by my typing their responses and then I did the cutting and pasting. At the end of the year we had enough wordles that each student was able to take one home.
Here is our wordle after we completed our unit on Insects:
I liked Glogster a lot...again too much for my 1st graders. But I could see my first graders viewing the online posters that their 5th grade learning buddies made. Having the first graders view the posters on the classroom computers during station time on week would be great. Then they can discuss with their learning buddy what they learned from the poster!
I have used animoto in the classroom to make short videos of our field trips, events, and 1st grade play. The kids loved this and loved that I emailed the links home to their parents.
I really liked VoiceThread. This is something that I can see using this year. My kids can tell a story about a picture and then their learning buddy can comment back about the picture. The best thing is that it isn't just between the learning pair...but I can also comment, the student's parents, grandparents, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Booker is very easy for a young child to create a digital book. With some guidance from his/her learning buddy a student can make a book all of his/her own by using the pictures on flicker.
I used Wordle in my classroom this year so I worked on Wordshift. I can see how it can really help ME create a very technology interactive lesson. However, I think it is too much for my 1st graders to use. It give you so much information I believe it will be too overhelming for them. I do think that used in a whole group setting--shown on the active board for all to see can be very beneficial to them.
I think I will stick with the wordles for my first grade class. At the beginning of the year our 5th grade Learning Buddies came to the computer lab with us. The created wordles about themselves using their name and words that described themselves or things that they liked. The 5th graders helped with the typing, taught the 1st graders how to cut and paste from Word to Wordle, the save in Power Point after copying the screen and cropping. Yes!! 1st graders did all that!! :) In class we created wordles by my typing their responses and then I did the cutting and pasting. At the end of the year we had enough wordles that each student was able to take one home.
Here is our wordle after we completed our unit on Insects:
I liked Glogster a lot...again too much for my 1st graders. But I could see my first graders viewing the online posters that their 5th grade learning buddies made. Having the first graders view the posters on the classroom computers during station time on week would be great. Then they can discuss with their learning buddy what they learned from the poster!
I have used animoto in the classroom to make short videos of our field trips, events, and 1st grade play. The kids loved this and loved that I emailed the links home to their parents.
I really liked VoiceThread. This is something that I can see using this year. My kids can tell a story about a picture and then their learning buddy can comment back about the picture. The best thing is that it isn't just between the learning pair...but I can also comment, the student's parents, grandparents, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Booker is very easy for a young child to create a digital book. With some guidance from his/her learning buddy a student can make a book all of his/her own by using the pictures on flicker.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thing #1 Registration
I decided to continue with the same blog I had from 23 Things.
I've already emailed my information and registered on PDLC so here we go...
After watching the video I had to take a little while to think how this relates with 1st grade. The reality is this is not a first grade student but what the first grade student will become later in his/her school career. This past school year was my first year teaching first grade after several years of Pre-K. I think I did a good job with integrating technology but made notes throughout the year how I could improve the following year.
Usually most of my students come to school with a very comfortable understanding of computers. There are a few that know how to work the mouse and play a game but do not have the understanding of booting up a computer, proper way to shut down, or how to navigate to the needed program. In order for my students to become a network students they need to first know the basics.
My thoughts from the video made me take a step back and think--in order to become a "Networked Student" what does the student need to learn first? By guiding my first graders through the proper use of computers, basics in learning to operate a computer and adding tools and programs when they are ready will help them become lifelong networked students. Only after building this foundation can they move on to more difficult tasks.
I've already emailed my information and registered on PDLC so here we go...
After watching the video I had to take a little while to think how this relates with 1st grade. The reality is this is not a first grade student but what the first grade student will become later in his/her school career. This past school year was my first year teaching first grade after several years of Pre-K. I think I did a good job with integrating technology but made notes throughout the year how I could improve the following year.
Usually most of my students come to school with a very comfortable understanding of computers. There are a few that know how to work the mouse and play a game but do not have the understanding of booting up a computer, proper way to shut down, or how to navigate to the needed program. In order for my students to become a network students they need to first know the basics.
My thoughts from the video made me take a step back and think--in order to become a "Networked Student" what does the student need to learn first? By guiding my first graders through the proper use of computers, basics in learning to operate a computer and adding tools and programs when they are ready will help them become lifelong networked students. Only after building this foundation can they move on to more difficult tasks.
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