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?
Sunday, September 29, 2013
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
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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!!!
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| 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.
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