For PhotoPeach I created a short summer slideshow:
Abby's Summer on PhotoPeach
This was really a neat tool and SOOOOO easy to use. I could easily see this used to display student work at open house or even use in digital story telling within the classroom. I also could see it used with science for content like habitats or even living/nonliving.
Reflections
1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I think my favorite discoveries included Zoho docs (so much easier for me to use than Google docs in some ways), PhotoPeach and blogging! I have always wanted to blog but never thought I had that much interesting to really blog about. This is making me realize that blogging in the classroom and using it as a tool to extend my teaching to my students outside of the traditional day is definitely possible and will be fun. Blogging is not necessarily personal, it can be a wonderful tool to use professionally as well.
2. How has this type of program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
I think it has definitely helped me to add to my toolbox and I like that it is in one place that I can go back to and reference if need be or even add to. I also feel like it helped me realized that learning doesn't have to be huge involved projects. By breaking down each learning exercise into smaller bites, I as a student can go deeper and spend more time focusing and developing my expertise in that particular area. I think this is an important concept to remember when we are teaching our students in the classroom.
3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I think one of the biggest unexpected outcomes is that now that everything is so "connected" it is a lot easier to use these different tools than I realized. By being able to share resources across multiple applications I can use my phone in a lot of ways in the classroom and then easily make that content available to students and/or parents.
4. What could I do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
To be honest, I can't think of one thing that I would change. I felt like it was paced exceptionally well, I thought the activities were nicely organized with wonderful resources and links to support our learning. I thought the activities themselves were challenging and fun to complete. Overall, I think this program has been wonderful and I hope someday to be able to share something like this with either my campus or team.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Thing 15 - Skype and Things Like Skype
I am very familiar with Skype as I use it at least once or twice a month to communicate with my brother in Hawaii. I also use it quite often with my parents as they live in Arkansas. It was really interesting to read through some of the different ideas and ways to use Skype in the classroom. We had a student move out of state two years ago and we used Skype to communicate with him. The kids not only enjoyed seeing and talking with him, but they moved to Michigan so when early fall/winter came around the kids were truly amazed at the difference between our weather here in Texas vs. Michigan which we had talked about, but I don't think they really understood until they saw all of the snow.
I think the article that I found most interesting was the article on 50 different ways to use Skype in the classroom. I liked that they not only had ways for children to use and be involved with the technology, but it also listed several wonderful ideas for professional use as well parent/school communication. I also spent some time exploring Skype in the classroom. What a wonderful resource! The search feature was super easy and I could pinpoint specific age and subject matter very quickly. We have just finished a unit on community, and there was a 1st grade class looking to Skype with other elementary classes to compare and contrast their communities. That would have been a wonderful real life connection that the kids could have made to really help them to understand the differences between urban and rural areas. It seems really easy to post as well as connect with others around the globe who want to collaborate. I know there was another website that I would reference in years past, but now that I have found Skype for educators, I think this will be my first place to look for collaborations (and possibly create some of my own : ) ). My goal before the end of the year is to try and at least Skype with another educator somewhere in the world at least once.
I think the article that I found most interesting was the article on 50 different ways to use Skype in the classroom. I liked that they not only had ways for children to use and be involved with the technology, but it also listed several wonderful ideas for professional use as well parent/school communication. I also spent some time exploring Skype in the classroom. What a wonderful resource! The search feature was super easy and I could pinpoint specific age and subject matter very quickly. We have just finished a unit on community, and there was a 1st grade class looking to Skype with other elementary classes to compare and contrast their communities. That would have been a wonderful real life connection that the kids could have made to really help them to understand the differences between urban and rural areas. It seems really easy to post as well as connect with others around the globe who want to collaborate. I know there was another website that I would reference in years past, but now that I have found Skype for educators, I think this will be my first place to look for collaborations (and possibly create some of my own : ) ). My goal before the end of the year is to try and at least Skype with another educator somewhere in the world at least once.
Thing 14 - Podcast and Bookmarking
iTunes/Texas U
I found a really cool resource that I really look forward to using this year in second grade. I found a program on elementary reading strategies in the K-2 classroom. It takes all of the strategies: synthesizing, making connections, comprehending information, inferring, questioning and visualizing and not only discusses each but shows examples of how how they look at the different grade levels. For someone who is brand new to the 2nd grade classroom and my focus is ELA instruction (we are blocked) this is a tremendous resource to guide me through this year. Here is the link for anyone interested:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/reading-strategies/id394013354?mt=10
Bookmarking
I for the most part have historically used Delicious as my primary bookmarking site. I actually downloaded the bookmark to my toolbar and I have to say that it is much easier to just click on the icon on the toolbar when I am on a certain site. I find when I have to cut and paste between two windows, it is a little more challenging and I am less likely to bookmark using Delicious. I am assuming I can add this tool to the toolbar at school.
The other bookmark resource that I have really started using more is Evernote. While I know Evernote may not be a pure bookmarking site like Delicious, I find that it is easy to create notebooks and within those notebooks specific tags to make it easy organize and find resources easily. I like the fact that you can take notes within the specific note and notebook and it really does make it one stop shop for everything personal and professional. While my Evertnote tags and bookmarks may not necessarily be public, you can share your notes/notebooks with others making it a nice collaboration tool as well.
I found a really cool resource that I really look forward to using this year in second grade. I found a program on elementary reading strategies in the K-2 classroom. It takes all of the strategies: synthesizing, making connections, comprehending information, inferring, questioning and visualizing and not only discusses each but shows examples of how how they look at the different grade levels. For someone who is brand new to the 2nd grade classroom and my focus is ELA instruction (we are blocked) this is a tremendous resource to guide me through this year. Here is the link for anyone interested:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/reading-strategies/id394013354?mt=10
Bookmarking
I for the most part have historically used Delicious as my primary bookmarking site. I actually downloaded the bookmark to my toolbar and I have to say that it is much easier to just click on the icon on the toolbar when I am on a certain site. I find when I have to cut and paste between two windows, it is a little more challenging and I am less likely to bookmark using Delicious. I am assuming I can add this tool to the toolbar at school.
The other bookmark resource that I have really started using more is Evernote. While I know Evernote may not be a pure bookmarking site like Delicious, I find that it is easy to create notebooks and within those notebooks specific tags to make it easy organize and find resources easily. I like the fact that you can take notes within the specific note and notebook and it really does make it one stop shop for everything personal and professional. While my Evertnote tags and bookmarks may not necessarily be public, you can share your notes/notebooks with others making it a nice collaboration tool as well.
Thing 13 - Using YouTube
I uploaded a video from my daughter's Spanish class. I was a little worried about how difficult it would be to get it off my phone, however, with the direct link/upload to YouTube, it was super fast and convenient. In terms of class, given the ease of transferring something from my iPhone, I could possibly do short videos showing techniques or lessons on topics that we are covering in class and then upload for parent's to access. This could be a really good tool that the kids could access from home, especially those who might be struggling.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Thing 12 - Discovering YouTube
I have come to really appreciate YouTube throughout this Masters Program as I have used it quite often in previous activities and projects. I think I was somewhat aware of YouTube, but I did not quite realize all of the videos that are available and the various applications of these videos both professionally and personally. I also have run into more resources to use in the classroom, which up until about a month ago, we were unable to access at school. Now that our district is allowing teachers to access and use content form YouTube, I am finding a lot of really interesting and engaging material that otherwise would not be available to me. I chose the following clip because in second grade, we have several historical figures that we are required to teach the kids which are not in our textbooks, nor do we have readily available materials. The Navajo Code Talkers were some of these citizens. I was amazed at how much the children truly enjoyed watching it, and they requested several times to watch it again.
I think one of the challenges I find in using YouTube, however, is when I do search for certain topics, I get a lot of "hits", however, many of them are unusable or inappropriate. I wish there was a more specific or detailed search that might make it easier to filter out certain videos or find what I am specifically looking for more quickly.
I think one of the challenges I find in using YouTube, however, is when I do search for certain topics, I get a lot of "hits", however, many of them are unusable or inappropriate. I wish there was a more specific or detailed search that might make it easier to filter out certain videos or find what I am specifically looking for more quickly.
Thing 11 - Web 2.0 Tools
From the first list, I chose Planboard to explore. I liked the idea of being able to create the plans online and then actually sending a link of the final plans to colleges to access. You can type in plans, but you also have the option to upload documents as well as embed hyper links. We have several programs that we incorporate a lot in our lessons (brainpop jr. and Pebble Go are two examples) and it would be nice to have the direct link for teachers to click on. It looks like you can also import specific state standards so they are referenced in case that is something that one's campus requires in regards to their lesson plans. I did find the sight to be somewhat difficult to navigate and I could never find the lesson plan "circle" that was present when I first logged in. You also can search for other teacher's lesson plans, however, when I tried to search 2nd grade social studies there were few resources and the list was a little difficult to decipher. I wish they had a more detailed search option to help narrow in on grade specific plans. This is something I think I will experiment with over the next few weeks to see if it will help with lesson planning this year.
The other Web 2.0 tool hat I thought was really cool was PowToon. We create PowerPoints throughout the year to go with curriculum units and what a cool tool to use to change up from regular old PowerPoints. I also think it is a more engaging tool to use with colleagues during in-services and trainings.
The other Web 2.0 tool hat I thought was really cool was PowToon. We create PowerPoints throughout the year to go with curriculum units and what a cool tool to use to change up from regular old PowerPoints. I also think it is a more engaging tool to use with colleagues during in-services and trainings.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Thing 10 - Online Productivity Tools
I really liked Zoho docs. I found that for me, it was MUCH easier to navigate and use than Google docs. I created a preliminary spreadsheet for our faculty fund and it was just like using MS Excel. I also like the idea that other members can access the document and make changes to the file. I was thinking that this might also be a good alternative to Dropbox since you can actually create files within Zoho. I will have to see if it is easier to share the document with one of my colleagues compared to Dropbox. I have had some trouble sharing documents through Dropbox in the past as they seem to be confused with the sign-in process. I could see where this would be wonderful tool to use a team to be able to save and work on planning documents, but the plus to how we currently do it is that we can actually log on from anywhere. I really enjoyed experimenting with this!
As a side note, I did download the file as a HTML, however, I could not figure out how to upload it to blogger. Any suggestions?
As a side note, I did download the file as a HTML, however, I could not figure out how to upload it to blogger. Any suggestions?
Thing 9 - Play with Wikis
How cool is this popper wiki! I plan to share this link with a few colleagues at school so that they have a good reference to go to to find good (but not necessarily overwhelming) technology integration ideas. I think sometimes we think of technology integration being huge and involved projects which sometimes can be overwhelming to a lot of educators. With a list of proven ideas that are relatively easy to implement, it not only gets them excited about using technology, but I think it also makes them want to find more things on their own to use in the classroom.
As I said in my last post, I think I am going to try to use a wiki with our faculty fund group to try and get more school wide participation and ideas into the different things we do throughout the year. I also think it would be neat to develop a grade level specific wiki that could possibly be shared district wide that would allow teachers to collaborate across all campuses and share ideas that work. I know I get stuck on some curriculum units and it would be a great place to go to for ideas. I also have a lot of neat resources that I have created to augment our curriculum units and would love a place to post them for others to use if needed.
As I said in my last post, I think I am going to try to use a wiki with our faculty fund group to try and get more school wide participation and ideas into the different things we do throughout the year. I also think it would be neat to develop a grade level specific wiki that could possibly be shared district wide that would allow teachers to collaborate across all campuses and share ideas that work. I know I get stuck on some curriculum units and it would be a great place to go to for ideas. I also have a lot of neat resources that I have created to augment our curriculum units and would love a place to post them for others to use if needed.
Thing 8 - Wikis
I enjoyed reading the articles about Wikis. I actually have been involved with several wikis over the past few years and to be honest, I don't think I truly understood nor appreciated their benefit at the time. In some ways, I found the wikis hard to navigate, but I think now that I understand that they were intended to be places for collaboration amongst professionals, I can understand why they were structured the way that they were. I also like the fact that wikis don't necessary have one author. I think by others being able to add to or even change posted information can be helpful. I can also see, however, how this might be detrimental and would need to be taken into consideration if using information from a Wiki.
I like the idea that the wikis allow for multiple contributors and discussions which makes them quite suitable to be used to not only share ideas, but also to organize projects. As I think about our campus team, what a neat way to elicit feedback and get more people involved in overall conversations about what is going on on our campus and/or what might need to be addressed or changed. I could see it as a place to share ideas as well as research and I think it would be a format that teachers (and administrators ) could easily understand how to use . I am head of our faculty fund, and we usually have a few "projects" that we want to talk about throughout the year and am thinking that maybe I should create a wiki that can be accessed by not only our representatives but also the rest of the staff to develop these ideas and get good feedback throughout the year.
I like the idea that the wikis allow for multiple contributors and discussions which makes them quite suitable to be used to not only share ideas, but also to organize projects. As I think about our campus team, what a neat way to elicit feedback and get more people involved in overall conversations about what is going on on our campus and/or what might need to be addressed or changed. I could see it as a place to share ideas as well as research and I think it would be a format that teachers (and administrators ) could easily understand how to use . I am head of our faculty fund, and we usually have a few "projects" that we want to talk about throughout the year and am thinking that maybe I should create a wiki that can be accessed by not only our representatives but also the rest of the staff to develop these ideas and get good feedback throughout the year.
Thing 7 - Image Generators
Voki
The first tool that I spent time exploring was Voki and it was awesome! I think I had heard about this tool, but had never spent the time to really explore all that it has to offer. First, I definitely agree that if a Voki was sent in an email, it would definitely get the attention of the recipients and could definitely make a much bigger impact than a more traditional all text message. As a parent myself, if I received some of our weekly updates with a Voki, it would definitely capture my attention as well as make me wonder what other cool things the instructor could be using in the classroom to engage my daughter as well!
I definitely think this tool be used with and even by my students. I know that Voki classroom has an expense tied to it, however, for $30/year, I think that is an expense that I would not mind incurring. This tool could be something that could be used across all of the curriculum by students to demonstrate understanding of specific topics in a way that allows them to be creative in many ways. I also love the fact that there are lesson plan ideas available within the Voki and in fact have found a geography assignment that I am going to try to incorporate into our geography unit that we are starting next week. What a cool way to practice making maps, but also to demonstrate understanding and "make something" that is truly unique. The only challenge that I will have is finding enough microphone headsets that can be used by the students to record map directions.
Even if one did not want to incur the $30/year expense, you could definitely use the free account and create lessons using the Voki that would change up the "normal" in a way that I think students would really react favorably too.
Glogster
The second tool that I really think would be a wonderful tool to add to my toolbox is Glogster. I think in second grade the tool initially would be used more in a whole group setting where I as the instructor was modeling how to use Glogster and how to insert the different headings, text boxes as well as any images or video. I definitely think this type of poster would be much more engaging and of course interactive for students. In the beginning, these first posters could also be posted on our class website or links shared in weekly emails with parents to not only share what we are learning, but also to provide students with "self created" resources to return to to review material if we had a test or other assessment that was coming up.
I definitely think there is different thinking that goes into making an interactive poster and this process really cements the learning in a students' mind. I think the biggest challenge is helping the students learn how to use the tool, but once they become more independent in creating their posters, the thinking becomes more meaningful and permanent. I also like the fact that this tool can also be used in several subject areas so you are not just teaching them one tool to use for one assignment.
The first tool that I spent time exploring was Voki and it was awesome! I think I had heard about this tool, but had never spent the time to really explore all that it has to offer. First, I definitely agree that if a Voki was sent in an email, it would definitely get the attention of the recipients and could definitely make a much bigger impact than a more traditional all text message. As a parent myself, if I received some of our weekly updates with a Voki, it would definitely capture my attention as well as make me wonder what other cool things the instructor could be using in the classroom to engage my daughter as well!
I definitely think this tool be used with and even by my students. I know that Voki classroom has an expense tied to it, however, for $30/year, I think that is an expense that I would not mind incurring. This tool could be something that could be used across all of the curriculum by students to demonstrate understanding of specific topics in a way that allows them to be creative in many ways. I also love the fact that there are lesson plan ideas available within the Voki and in fact have found a geography assignment that I am going to try to incorporate into our geography unit that we are starting next week. What a cool way to practice making maps, but also to demonstrate understanding and "make something" that is truly unique. The only challenge that I will have is finding enough microphone headsets that can be used by the students to record map directions.
Even if one did not want to incur the $30/year expense, you could definitely use the free account and create lessons using the Voki that would change up the "normal" in a way that I think students would really react favorably too.
Glogster
The second tool that I really think would be a wonderful tool to add to my toolbox is Glogster. I think in second grade the tool initially would be used more in a whole group setting where I as the instructor was modeling how to use Glogster and how to insert the different headings, text boxes as well as any images or video. I definitely think this type of poster would be much more engaging and of course interactive for students. In the beginning, these first posters could also be posted on our class website or links shared in weekly emails with parents to not only share what we are learning, but also to provide students with "self created" resources to return to to review material if we had a test or other assessment that was coming up.
I definitely think there is different thinking that goes into making an interactive poster and this process really cements the learning in a students' mind. I think the biggest challenge is helping the students learn how to use the tool, but once they become more independent in creating their posters, the thinking becomes more meaningful and permanent. I also like the fact that this tool can also be used in several subject areas so you are not just teaching them one tool to use for one assignment.
Thing 6 - RSS Feeds & Newsreaders
I love the idea of having everything in one centralized spot. I really like netvibes and being able to set up various dashboards that are subject specific where you can log in and have everything truly in one place. My first dashboard is my home page which automatically brings up the weather along with email updates from my various email accounts as well as Facebook updates and local weather. No more going to different sites and remembering various logins. I like the fact that it automactially logs me in and shows me my most recent information from all of these sites when I first get into netvibes.
My second dashboasrd is on 2nd grade and specific feeds that I have subscribed to from various 2nd grade teachers who blog regularly about what they do in their classrooms. Again, it is nice to go to once place to explore these resrouces and it is also handy to see the subject lines pop up so I can go to specific content areas or ideas that are of most use at the moment within these specific blogs. I also added news feeds from places like education week as well as TCEA to be able to browse headlines more efficiently.
I think libraries can use RSS feed with students by creating a homepage that is school and/or subject specific linked to credible resources which would allow students much easier and faster access to subject area information. It would be a great resource in the elementary classroom as a guide as to credible resources and links.
I will say that the netvibe platform gave me some trouble in the beginning when I was setting up dashboards, I somehow kept getting confused with which dashboard I was using or posting links too. I think with more practice and use, however, this is a tool that would be easy to navigate and use. I plan on setting it up as my default internet browser screen on my personal computer.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Thing 5 - Mashup
.jpg)
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Thing 4 - Flickr: Beagle in the park
I chose this wonderful beagle picture to blog about in thing 4. The reason I chose this particular picture is because we adopted a beagle this past weekend from a local rescue group in Houston. Her name is Sophie, and so far, she has been a wonderful addition to our family! Origianlly we were looking for an older beagle, around 4 or 5 years of age, however, when we met her, she was just so loving and kind (and actually somewhat calm :)) and we knew that we had to bring her home. Abby has been wanting a dog since we lost our lab this past December, and needless to say, they have had tons of fun playing together for the past few days. The reason I chose this particular picture is that I think it really captures the beagle spirit and looks quite a bit like our Sophie! I especially love this dog's expression and his nice droopy ears. He looks just like Sophie does when we are at home....ready to be a part of the family and of course PLAY!
Thing 3 - Photos
This was Abby's first year on our neighborhood swim team. She had an awesome year and was even named a Gator of the Week!!!
.JPG) |
| First Place Relay Ribbon |
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Thing 2 - Blogging
Wow! Here I am! This was an interesting experience getting set up. I actually had set up a blog through blogger probably 4 years ago during a school training on blogging. I remember learning how to do it the first time and it truly was overwhelming. 4 years later, as I was setting it up in our masters class, I started to have some of those same feelings. I felt a little more in control, however, and it seems like a much more logical process now. I actually have visited several blogs and have been using them more recently as I have started teaching 2nd grade. There are a ton of wonderful blogs set up by educators to share what they are doing in their classroom and how they do it. I especially love the pictures as well as some of the video that they attach as it makes it so much easier to understand what it is they are doing and why it is working for them. I do hope that through this process I will develop my voice. I have always wanted to blog, but to be honest, never really knew what I had to blog about! :) I have however thoroughly enjoyed going through this process and look forward to being able to share about this semester's journey.
Wow! Here I am! This was an interesting experience getting set up. I actually had set up a blog through blogger probably 4 years ago during a school training on blogging. I remember learning how to do it the first time and it truly was overwhelming. 4 years later, as I was setting it up in our masters class, I started to have some of those same feelings. I felt a little more in control, however, and it seems like a much more logical process now. I actually have visited several blogs and have been using them more recently as I have started teaching 2nd grade. There are a ton of wonderful blogs set up by educators to share what they are doing in their classroom and how they do it. I especially love the pictures as well as some of the video that they attach as it makes it so much easier to understand what it is they are doing and why it is working for them. I do hope that through this process I will develop my voice. I have always wanted to blog, but to be honest, never really knew what I had to blog about! :) I have however thoroughly enjoyed going through this process and look forward to being able to share about this semester's journey.
Thing 1 - Lifelong Learning
Learning Contract
I truly love learning, however, it can sure be a challenge!!! After reviewing and thinking about the 7 and 1/2 habits of lifelong learners, I would have to say that the easiest one for me is creating my learning tool box. I love to explore and learn about new ways to approach problems as well as figure out tools that can be used to either complete tasks more efficiently or to make them more interesting. Technology and all of the new tools that are coming online constantly make building this toolbox easier and more interesting every day. I also am one that loves to work and share with others different tools that are out there to help deliver content in a more engaging way. It is amazing how many different ways one resource can be used!
The habit that challenges me the most is having the confidence in yourself as a competent effective learner. I think I have always been challenged with having confidence in myself and my abilities and in some ways, building the toolbox above does seem to help with building my confidence as an effective educator. I think continued education and personal challenges to apply new techniques and programs will ultimately help me to become more confident and this habit become less of a challenge.
I truly love learning, however, it can sure be a challenge!!! After reviewing and thinking about the 7 and 1/2 habits of lifelong learners, I would have to say that the easiest one for me is creating my learning tool box. I love to explore and learn about new ways to approach problems as well as figure out tools that can be used to either complete tasks more efficiently or to make them more interesting. Technology and all of the new tools that are coming online constantly make building this toolbox easier and more interesting every day. I also am one that loves to work and share with others different tools that are out there to help deliver content in a more engaging way. It is amazing how many different ways one resource can be used!
The habit that challenges me the most is having the confidence in yourself as a competent effective learner. I think I have always been challenged with having confidence in myself and my abilities and in some ways, building the toolbox above does seem to help with building my confidence as an effective educator. I think continued education and personal challenges to apply new techniques and programs will ultimately help me to become more confident and this habit become less of a challenge.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
