As we bid our farewells and we all begin another school year, I wish everyone a exciting and positive school year as they bring all that we have learned and explored in this classroom to their own!
As I begin to think back when we first began the class, I think about what I knew. I knew that these web 2.0 tools were there for me to use, I just didn't know how to incorporate them in my class or really dedicate the time to try. Don;t get me wrong, I used web 2.0 tools, but ones that I already Knew. Tools such as Moodle Chat Rooms, Smart Boards, Video Conferencing Systems, & Skype.
When signing up for this course, I was looking for new tools/resources/site that I had never heard of before; learning how to incorporate these tools/resources/sites into my classroom and share them with my school. I wanted to learn how to create a Podcast! I had hear all about them, listen to them, but never really took the time to create one and post one!
As we finish out Week 9, I look back and say WOW. Look at all that I have been exposed to: Webinars, Blogs, Podcasts, RSS Readers, Google Docs, School 2.0, What exactly social media was, and not to mention the great information relating to Project Based Learning & Assessment of Technology.
There is so much, and unfortunately too little time. What would be great is if they offered classes on just specific tools. I could spend 2 or 3 weeks on creating podcast and learning more about the programs available to create them.
Finally, if there is one tool that I learned about from this class, that has made my job easier, is Google Docs. As I have mentioned, I am heavily envolved in Manchester's Hockey Program and schedule games, practices, scrimmages, etc for almost 25+ teams. I have saved myself a ton of time, by switching to Google Docs.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Week 8: Teaching in a new networked world - Are you flatter yet?
In reading chapter 4 of Web2.0 new tool, new school; it talks about the 21-century learning environment and the Gate Foundation which, "helps reinforce best practices by shaping the way teachers think about teaching and learning." That's it! If we cannot get teachers to think about how these tools, facebook, youtube , Flicker, Pod-casting, Blogging, Wikis, Jing, or even Smart Boards, then how can we move forward in a networked world.
Think back to one of Kim's Posts', one was titled, "If we could build our own schools? What would they look like?" How would you build yours? What would each classroom have in it? Would every class room have a Video Conferencing System? Smart board? Student Responders? Laptops or Computers?
That would be a fun project. Create your 21st century classroom... I am excited to go back to school and incorporate some of these new tools in my classroom. Give projects that can be completed via Skype, Facebook, or Moodle. One thing I am going to try and set up, but still working on it creating a webinar that my students can log into once a week to discuss HW, Projects or Questions. The resources are endless!
Think back to one of Kim's Posts', one was titled, "If we could build our own schools? What would they look like?" How would you build yours? What would each classroom have in it? Would every class room have a Video Conferencing System? Smart board? Student Responders? Laptops or Computers?
That would be a fun project. Create your 21st century classroom... I am excited to go back to school and incorporate some of these new tools in my classroom. Give projects that can be completed via Skype, Facebook, or Moodle. One thing I am going to try and set up, but still working on it creating a webinar that my students can log into once a week to discuss HW, Projects or Questions. The resources are endless!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Podcast Project
I am on the Board of Directors for our local Hockey Program. We are in the process of coming up with new way of advertising our program. My goal is to create weekly podcast by players, coaches, and parents on anything and everything relating to our program. I have created one podcast that give a brief introduction about our program. All of these will be posted on our website.
ABOUT MRYHA:
ABOUT MRYHA:
Week 8: Topics of my Choice - OCD & Websites
You know what just bugs me more than anything? When I am looking at websites and the information is incorrect or not up-to-date. I was recently viewing our school website, specifically the page that list teachers. It frustrates me to see the 2007 - 2008 teachers listed instead of the 2008 - 2009 (recent school year) teachers.
What bothers me more, is that I have offered to help manage the website on numerous occasions with no acknowledgment or acceptance. In a world that is heavily depended on websites for information, better efforts should be made on keeping websites up-to-date.
I was recently at NHTM's website and up until just recently, many of the links were broken and information was past date. While I just happened to be browsing one day and not looking for anything specific, If I was looking for something I would have gotten really frustrated for not finding it.
That leads me to my last comment. Making information easy to find. I don't know about you but when I am looking for an Email address or contact info and I have to navigate through 4 or 5 pages... Simple is better!
What bothers me more, is that I have offered to help manage the website on numerous occasions with no acknowledgment or acceptance. In a world that is heavily depended on websites for information, better efforts should be made on keeping websites up-to-date.
I was recently at NHTM's website and up until just recently, many of the links were broken and information was past date. While I just happened to be browsing one day and not looking for anything specific, If I was looking for something I would have gotten really frustrated for not finding it.
That leads me to my last comment. Making information easy to find. I don't know about you but when I am looking for an Email address or contact info and I have to navigate through 4 or 5 pages... Simple is better!
Week 7: Thoughts on Assessment of Technology
One thing I have always wondered or asked myself is when I have students create a media presentation, do I grade the media? I have had students complete power-point presentations, skits, web pages, and videos. In moving to standards based, I have always told students that while they should be creative the final piece will be graded based on the standards.
As we continue to go through this class and learn about all the tools that can be used in the classroom, how to I assess them? Should I be assessing them, or are they tools that are used to learn the material. I have come across the NETS before and again during this class, but never gave it too much thought as to if it is my responsibility to asses technology.
A goal that I have this year, is to create a separate rubric that will allow me to assess technology along with the actually standards I am supposed to cover.
As we continue to go through this class and learn about all the tools that can be used in the classroom, how to I assess them? Should I be assessing them, or are they tools that are used to learn the material. I have come across the NETS before and again during this class, but never gave it too much thought as to if it is my responsibility to asses technology.
A goal that I have this year, is to create a separate rubric that will allow me to assess technology along with the actually standards I am supposed to cover.
Week 7: Topic of my Choice - Turning Point Student Response Systems
I'm fortunate enough to have one of the Turning Point Student Response Systems in my classroom. These systems are great and used for a variety of uses such as instantaneous assessments, informal assessments, surveys, or just for a fun.
Using Power Point, slides are created that requires students to select what they believe is the correct response. Once everyone has selected their choice or the poll has closed, responses are tallied and reported.
Example: What is 6 + 2 x 8 - 4 =
A) 60
5 Responses
B) 18
8 Responses
C) 40
2 Responses
No one knows who selected what, just how many of each choice was selected. This is especially great for those students who tend not to participate or raise their hand. At the end of class, simply print a report that shows each students response. I have used it during class, as a pre/post assessment, and even as a formal quiz.
Week 7: Thoughts on Project Based Learning
Just like any "idea" in the educational environment, people are going to embrace it or reject it. Project Based Learning is no exception. The idea of giving a student a long-term project and working with classmates to develop understanding and mastery of GLE/State Standards is amazing. It is challenging for both the students and teachers, and keep students involved and participating.
The one concern I have is that school cannot do it because of high stakes testing. I don't mean that they are unable to in the sense of wanting to, but being allowed to. Our district is in entering its 5th year on the "list." At some point were going to be forced to follow a specific curriculum, which is no way will be close to Project Based Learning.
I found a website PBL, that list some good resource:
The one concern I have is that school cannot do it because of high stakes testing. I don't mean that they are unable to in the sense of wanting to, but being allowed to. Our district is in entering its 5th year on the "list." At some point were going to be forced to follow a specific curriculum, which is no way will be close to Project Based Learning.
I found a website PBL, that list some good resource:
Project Based Learning Resources
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Saturday, August 8, 2009
Week 6: Professional Learning Networks
We began creating PLN two years ago as a school. We call them PLC's (Profesional Learning Communities). Since doing so, I have seen a positive shift in the way academics is taught at the Middle School. Before, every teacher taught fractions or decimals different. Some taught out of the MathScape program, while some taught out of the traditional Glencoe. Now, we are all teaching out of the Glencoe. By creating PLC’s and Common Planning Times, our department work together collegiality, rather than 4 different teachers.
What does this mean for our students? They are getting the same instruction regardless of what class they are in. IF they are taking Math with myself or another teachers, the same principals and standards are being taught and assessed. With that comes a PLN for our students. This year we are creating a Math Central Moodle page in which ALL 450+ students will be enrolled and required to participate in online discussion forums, blogs, and other “new” tools that can be incorporated in the classroom and Moodle.
We will expect our students to work with one another on group projects, even if students have different teachers. We will expect that students will approach other students for help and assistance even if they have different teachers. By doing this we are fostering a PLC/PLN within our school, which will carry through (hopefully) their education and be a foundation for using web2.0 to influence and make them want to learn on their own.
What does this mean for our students? They are getting the same instruction regardless of what class they are in. IF they are taking Math with myself or another teachers, the same principals and standards are being taught and assessed. With that comes a PLN for our students. This year we are creating a Math Central Moodle page in which ALL 450+ students will be enrolled and required to participate in online discussion forums, blogs, and other “new” tools that can be incorporated in the classroom and Moodle.
We will expect our students to work with one another on group projects, even if students have different teachers. We will expect that students will approach other students for help and assistance even if they have different teachers. By doing this we are fostering a PLC/PLN within our school, which will carry through (hopefully) their education and be a foundation for using web2.0 to influence and make them want to learn on their own.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Week 6: Topic of my Choice: Evolution of the Cell Phone
So I was at party yesterday and people were showing the type of phones they own. Some had a Blackberry, some had old flip phones,and some even had the iPhone. As I was thinking about what to write about for my free choice, I began to think about how the cell phone has evolved over time. So, instead of writing about my thoughts, I opted to make a video using Animoto, which I have never done....(Hope that is OK.)
For the record, if Verizon offered the iPhone, I'd have one! It is killing me its only offered through ATT!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Week 6: Reflection on Chapter 5
What do teachers think of when the hear Professional Development? Clock hours? Incriment hours? How many actually think, wow what will I learn new that I can bring into my classroom?
As I was reading Web2.0 I immediately thought of my school when I read the following sentence, "Unfortunately, even though massive amounts of money have been spent on training educators, we have not seen a real difference in the ways technology has been integrated into the classroom." I am fortunate to work in a district, sau16, that has and spends the money on technology for classrooms, and schools. They also have a website dedicated to Technology New. It is there I learned about sites for educators such as CommonCraft , Best Of website, or the Mac 101 classroom. The problem is that not many teachers take advantage of the technology or the resources around them. Being that we are heading into our 5th year as a School in Need of Improvment, teachers are less concerened about using technology. "It takes up time, that could be used teaching what matters," is what one teacher told me this past year. AHH!
To address this problem Sau16 created positions at each school where classroom teachers would become technology mentors. By becoming a technology mentor they would agree to engage in ongoing professional development (100% paid for by the district), actively use and promote technology within their classroom, offer and hold technology sessions for faculty to share with them ways of incorporating technology into their classroom that coincides with what they are teaching.
I quickly applied and received the position, this past year completing my second and the programs second year. I have found over the years, that teachers are a) not even aware of the technology tools available to them, and/or b) have no idea how to incorporate them into their classroom.
As we move forward this new school year, our goal within my school is to promote several tools that can be easily integrated into the classroom. By beginning small, our hope is that once teachers become familiar with some tools, they will begin to move ahead and research and incorporate new tools on their own. While CMS is ahead with having all the technology, we are far behind in how we use it in our classrooms.
As I was reading Web2.0 I immediately thought of my school when I read the following sentence, "Unfortunately, even though massive amounts of money have been spent on training educators, we have not seen a real difference in the ways technology has been integrated into the classroom." I am fortunate to work in a district, sau16, that has and spends the money on technology for classrooms, and schools. They also have a website dedicated to Technology New. It is there I learned about sites for educators such as CommonCraft , Best Of website, or the Mac 101 classroom. The problem is that not many teachers take advantage of the technology or the resources around them. Being that we are heading into our 5th year as a School in Need of Improvment, teachers are less concerened about using technology. "It takes up time, that could be used teaching what matters," is what one teacher told me this past year. AHH!
To address this problem Sau16 created positions at each school where classroom teachers would become technology mentors. By becoming a technology mentor they would agree to engage in ongoing professional development (100% paid for by the district), actively use and promote technology within their classroom, offer and hold technology sessions for faculty to share with them ways of incorporating technology into their classroom that coincides with what they are teaching.
I quickly applied and received the position, this past year completing my second and the programs second year. I have found over the years, that teachers are a) not even aware of the technology tools available to them, and/or b) have no idea how to incorporate them into their classroom.
As we move forward this new school year, our goal within my school is to promote several tools that can be easily integrated into the classroom. By beginning small, our hope is that once teachers become familiar with some tools, they will begin to move ahead and research and incorporate new tools on their own. While CMS is ahead with having all the technology, we are far behind in how we use it in our classrooms.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Week 5: Toughts on Blogs
To be honest, I found this post more challenging than I think any. I just was not sure what to write about. Usually I write my post, then read everyone else is just in case I wrote about the same thing I would not want to feel like a copycat :)... This time however I read everyone else is first which in turn gave me ideas to write about.
First, the hardest part I am finding with blogging is the "linking" aspect of it. I feel as though I am not linking enough or not linking the important aspect of my blog. Since this was the first time that I blogged, I didn't see the relevance of linking everything. That being said, when I am reading everyone else is blogs, it is so helpful to click the link and find out more of what has been discussed or the actual website that is being discussed; and so I quickly realized the importance and linking and appreciate the idea much more.
So in my quest to determine what to blog about on blogs, I began to search for specific blogs on Math, Hockey, and the NHL and was amazed at what I found. I found sites such as 601a a blog from a hockey referee, the Sydney Crosby Show a blog dedicated to Sydney Crosby, or the Math Blog dedicated to Math Education. I could find blogs about anything from hockey, to math, to education, all of which are other peoples thoughts and opinions.
It was at some point that I was searching for blogs that I connected what Mark said in his blog, "It is starting to become apparent to me that Web 2.0 is all about establishing connections with people with similar interests. We are no longer limited to the people we share lunch with to bounce ideas off of. The entire world is out there, ready to and willing to collaborate."
First, the hardest part I am finding with blogging is the "linking" aspect of it. I feel as though I am not linking enough or not linking the important aspect of my blog. Since this was the first time that I blogged, I didn't see the relevance of linking everything. That being said, when I am reading everyone else is blogs, it is so helpful to click the link and find out more of what has been discussed or the actual website that is being discussed; and so I quickly realized the importance and linking and appreciate the idea much more.
So in my quest to determine what to blog about on blogs, I began to search for specific blogs on Math, Hockey, and the NHL and was amazed at what I found. I found sites such as 601a a blog from a hockey referee, the Sydney Crosby Show a blog dedicated to Sydney Crosby, or the Math Blog dedicated to Math Education. I could find blogs about anything from hockey, to math, to education, all of which are other peoples thoughts and opinions.
It was at some point that I was searching for blogs that I connected what Mark said in his blog, "It is starting to become apparent to me that Web 2.0 is all about establishing connections with people with similar interests. We are no longer limited to the people we share lunch with to bounce ideas off of. The entire world is out there, ready to and willing to collaborate."
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Week 4: Reflection of Will Richardson Article
"Our ability to learn whatever we want, whenever we want, from whomever we want is rendering the linear, age-grouped, teacher-guided curriculum less and less relevant."
How true is this statement? Weather its a college course, PBS Class, or Professional Development Conference, I am able to learn what I want when it is convenient for me. Convenience for me is at 11:00 pm when no one is up to bother me. Convenience for me is when I can sit here and not worry about "getting ready."
As I was reading through the Connection Meets Content section, my brain was racing with ideas on how I can incorporate group projects with students from other schools. Can I utilize our Video Conferencing Systems to have guest teachers, or sit in on a similar lesson delivered from another teacher from another school.
Finally, the section on Opportunity Cost got me thinking; There are school that CAN afford to move ahead and are not; there are are schools that CANNOT afford to but want to; and there are a school that CAN afford to and are moving ahead. How do we as interested Web2.0 teachers get our schools or continue to move our school ahead both financially and physically?
How true is this statement? Weather its a college course, PBS Class, or Professional Development Conference, I am able to learn what I want when it is convenient for me. Convenience for me is at 11:00 pm when no one is up to bother me. Convenience for me is when I can sit here and not worry about "getting ready."
As I was reading through the Connection Meets Content section, my brain was racing with ideas on how I can incorporate group projects with students from other schools. Can I utilize our Video Conferencing Systems to have guest teachers, or sit in on a similar lesson delivered from another teacher from another school.
Finally, the section on Opportunity Cost got me thinking; There are school that CAN afford to move ahead and are not; there are are schools that CANNOT afford to but want to; and there are a school that CAN afford to and are moving ahead. How do we as interested Web2.0 teachers get our schools or continue to move our school ahead both financially and physically?
Week 5: Thoughts on Podcasts
The first time I heard a podcast was during my student teaching at South Meadow Middle School when the Principal at the time Mr. Dunning, would post weekly podcasts of the "Happenings at SMS."
What I think is great about Podcasting, is that when posted, you don't have to actually be sitting in front of the computer or be 100% focused to listen. You can be exercising, cooking, cleaning, etc and have it playing in the background. Own an iPod? You can download podcast that, and take it with you. Since begining this week, I have found great free subscriptions such as World New for Children, The Tech Teachers, & Teacher 2.0. There is an entire section on iTunes for Technology Education Podcasts.
I would like to incorporate Podcast into the coming school year by having students do somehting simiar to what was done by Mr. Dunning. I would like to have a weekly pocast of what went on in class, assignemtns that were givin, upcoming projects or assessment. Each week two or three students would be responible for producing it.
What I think is great about Podcasting, is that when posted, you don't have to actually be sitting in front of the computer or be 100% focused to listen. You can be exercising, cooking, cleaning, etc and have it playing in the background. Own an iPod? You can download podcast that, and take it with you. Since begining this week, I have found great free subscriptions such as World New for Children, The Tech Teachers, & Teacher 2.0. There is an entire section on iTunes for Technology Education Podcasts.
I would like to incorporate Podcast into the coming school year by having students do somehting simiar to what was done by Mr. Dunning. I would like to have a weekly pocast of what went on in class, assignemtns that were givin, upcoming projects or assessment. Each week two or three students would be responible for producing it.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Week 5: Topic of My Choice - Creating Your Own Smartboard.
I am sure we have all seen the videos posted on youtube on how to create your own smarthboard with a Wii Controlor and some other materials for less than $50 bucks. I have posted two videos below of students creating Smartboards as well as the Jonny Lee video, inventor of the Wii Smart Board.I think Smart boards are a great tool for the classroom. I use it as much as I can, but being that we are limited, I don't get it in as often as I would. Another Math teacher received a grant for a Smart Board and used it in his class daily. All of the notes for the class could be then saved and printed for an absent student or posted on Moodle for all students as needed. I noticed that when using the Smart Board in class, students generally stayed more focus and had a higher participation rate.
If student's can build these, then I think so can we as adults? My project this summer is to try and make one. I'll keep you all posted.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Week 4: Wikis in the Classroom
So I began this assignment by simply running a yahoo search for "Educational Wikis." The very first site was found in wikispaces and was a wiki itself listing educational wiki. The page contains about 50 or so different types of educational wikis. From 2nd Grade Class Wiki's to ahsmedia an online media center for Apalachee High School in Winder, GA this wiki list it all. What is unique about this site is that since it is an open wiki itself, anyone add educational wikis or personal wikis with a click of the mouse.
One of the websites I liked was a web2.0 wiki in which it appears to be a centralized location for different web2.0 tool as well as tutorials to assist in using or explain each web 2.0 tool. Ever wonder how to use cell phones in the classroom? This appears to still be a work in progress, but seems like it could be extremely beneficial for new teachers and introducing these tools to veteran teachers.
What I like most about wikis is the safe guards behind them. Who has modified a page? Who is logged in? Who has deleted a page? Now we can get that page back! Students, parents, and teachers can feel good about allowing student to use wikis, since these type of safe guards are in place.
Another great thing about wikis is they can be easily accessed by parents. Currently our district sau16 uses Moodle. Within Moodle are wikis, blogs, discussions, etc but requires students to log in with user names and passwords. Parents either need the guest code, or their son or daughters user name and password. With wikis, certain information can be posted such as HW, upcoming events, class happenings etc. that are not so private and require students/parents to be logged in. I do use Moodle for journal entries, quizzes, file-keep etc. but a classroom wiki seems more manageable for certain aspect of the classroom. Most of all, students can be in charge of updating the information!
One of the websites I liked was a web2.0 wiki in which it appears to be a centralized location for different web2.0 tool as well as tutorials to assist in using or explain each web 2.0 tool. Ever wonder how to use cell phones in the classroom? This appears to still be a work in progress, but seems like it could be extremely beneficial for new teachers and introducing these tools to veteran teachers.
What I like most about wikis is the safe guards behind them. Who has modified a page? Who is logged in? Who has deleted a page? Now we can get that page back! Students, parents, and teachers can feel good about allowing student to use wikis, since these type of safe guards are in place.
Another great thing about wikis is they can be easily accessed by parents. Currently our district sau16 uses Moodle. Within Moodle are wikis, blogs, discussions, etc but requires students to log in with user names and passwords. Parents either need the guest code, or their son or daughters user name and password. With wikis, certain information can be posted such as HW, upcoming events, class happenings etc. that are not so private and require students/parents to be logged in. I do use Moodle for journal entries, quizzes, file-keep etc. but a classroom wiki seems more manageable for certain aspect of the classroom. Most of all, students can be in charge of updating the information!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Week 4: Topic of My Choice - Calander Sharing Programs
So here it is 12:00am and I finally figured out what I can blog about for my "Topic of Choice." I found myself at Staples today purchasing a nice spiral bound calender book to use for the upcoming year and to help keep myself organized. I began writing in all of the information I had scattered over multiple pieces of paper only to ask myself, what am I doing? Am I better off going to a web-based calender provided free with my Google account? I searched for a video to better explain web-based calendars and found this one:
After exploring Google Calender, I began to search for other programs such as Yahoo Calender, Airset Cloud Computers, Keep and Share, and Mail.Com. What I find so amazing is the number of program that are out there FREE to use. Each site is different in its own way, but the idea is the same, posting events and having all of the important dates in one place, with out lugging around a date book. :)
From an educational standpoint, this can be used for HW assignments, project due dates, upcoming school events, etc. I love how Web 2.0 is making task simpler, the problem is there is just too much. Which is the best? Personal preference I guess.
If you use an online calender, which program do you use and why?
After exploring Google Calender, I began to search for other programs such as Yahoo Calender, Airset Cloud Computers, Keep and Share, and Mail.Com. What I find so amazing is the number of program that are out there FREE to use. Each site is different in its own way, but the idea is the same, posting events and having all of the important dates in one place, with out lugging around a date book. :)
From an educational standpoint, this can be used for HW assignments, project due dates, upcoming school events, etc. I love how Web 2.0 is making task simpler, the problem is there is just too much. Which is the best? Personal preference I guess.
If you use an online calender, which program do you use and why?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Week 3: Thoughts on Media Sharing
Media Sharing is great if you can convince your Technology Coordinator to not block it. Sites such as Youtube, Facebook, Google Video, Photobucket, and Animoto are all blocked. Thankfully, my Tech Coord. is very willing to open most of these sites up, most recently Yahoo Video. Every once in a while, I'll see a video that relates to class or I feel will impact my students and will show them. It is amazing to see the conversations that can be generated through Media.
I have my own Facebook account for me personally, however I have been thinking of creating one called Mr. Durant's Math Page. Post links, video, and images relating to Math. I cannot tell you how many of my students friend request me. [I decline them all! :)] But it does show me just how many of our students have facebook accounts. I could pass on so much information through the site that is meaningful and and useful. I have passed the idea to several teachers I work with, and have hear "great idea" to "be careful". In searching for videos for using facebook in the classroom I found this interested one, that shows how to circumvent the system.
I believe that any way we can reach out to students should be a option. If we look back at the map from the School 2.0, that's how we should be creating classrooms, schools, and districts.
I have my own Facebook account for me personally, however I have been thinking of creating one called Mr. Durant's Math Page. Post links, video, and images relating to Math. I cannot tell you how many of my students friend request me. [I decline them all! :)] But it does show me just how many of our students have facebook accounts. I could pass on so much information through the site that is meaningful and and useful. I have passed the idea to several teachers I work with, and have hear "great idea" to "be careful". In searching for videos for using facebook in the classroom I found this interested one, that shows how to circumvent the system.
I believe that any way we can reach out to students should be a option. If we look back at the map from the School 2.0, that's how we should be creating classrooms, schools, and districts.
Week 3: Thoughts on RSS Feeds
Ah, the days of going to my favorite sites and seeing if new articles, updates, "news", or important information was posted are over. Well they are not over, they are just shorter! Before I use to open my browser type in the website or click on my bookmarks and read the site over most of the time to fi
nd out no updates had been made since my last visit. With Google Reader I can now log into one site and see which of my favorite sites have been updates. I can even read the updated without actually visiting the site!
I also can like that fact that I can group together the different sites. For example I have my class grouped in one folder and Hockey updates in another. Since this is new to me, I am still updating and creating my Google Reader.
nd out no updates had been made since my last visit. With Google Reader I can now log into one site and see which of my favorite sites have been updates. I can even read the updated without actually visiting the site!
I also can like that fact that I can group together the different sites. For example I have my class grouped in one folder and Hockey updates in another. Since this is new to me, I am still updating and creating my Google Reader.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Week 3: Thoughts on Social Bookmarking
So I created my second bookmarking account using Diigo, to use along with my current site Delicious. I like the idea of being able to update each of them, in the event one crashes. Thanks for the idea Kim! As I was watching the video on Social Bookmarking
I realized just how many resources there are out there for me to use in my classroom. The idea of Social Bookmarking is awesome! I would like to return to school and get the other 4 Math teachers to create Diigo accounts so that throughout our search of great websites we can instantly share them with each other. In searching for a video to help them understand and use Diigo, I found the following video.
In spending the last hour or so searching through Diigo I have found so many useful websites that I can use in my classroom and introduce as resources to parents and students. What I enjoy most, is that if I search for Math in yahoo, I get a variety of sites, some of which are pointless, not usefully, or hard to navigate. If I search in Diigo, I found so far, only useful and resourceful sites.
Finally, I like the idea of being at ANY computer and still having all of my bookmarks. I can remember bookmarking a ton of site in college on the library comp, and not having any of them when I got back to my dorm room. I wish I had know about this 8 years ago!
I realized just how many resources there are out there for me to use in my classroom. The idea of Social Bookmarking is awesome! I would like to return to school and get the other 4 Math teachers to create Diigo accounts so that throughout our search of great websites we can instantly share them with each other. In searching for a video to help them understand and use Diigo, I found the following video.
In spending the last hour or so searching through Diigo I have found so many useful websites that I can use in my classroom and introduce as resources to parents and students. What I enjoy most, is that if I search for Math in yahoo, I get a variety of sites, some of which are pointless, not usefully, or hard to navigate. If I search in Diigo, I found so far, only useful and resourceful sites.
Finally, I like the idea of being at ANY computer and still having all of my bookmarks. I can remember bookmarking a ton of site in college on the library comp, and not having any of them when I got back to my dorm room. I wish I had know about this 8 years ago!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Week 2: First Thoughts
We are indeed two weeks into this class and already have tossed around web 2.0 tools that I have and haven't heard of. Skype, Jing, Animoto, Google Reader, to name just a few. This course is roughly 7 weeks long and to think that there is so much more out there is that enough time? My hope is to learn as many tools available and my fear is that there is not enough time or money.
While I am excited to learn all I can, I don't want to learn all that is available, and not learn how to use it. That is what leads me to a possible project for our class. If we all pick one tool that we can explore, learn, and create a artifact for; we could then create a "How-To" video/pod cast of it. Just an Idea.
Another fear for me with these tools is money. Don't get me wrong most of the sites are free or have educator discounts, but seem to have restrictions. To get the most of it, it seems as though I or my district would have to pay for it... For example Kim introduced me to the tool Elluminate. It allows for multi-people conferencing with additional features I am sure how to use (good project tool :). There is a free version but only allows 3 people to conference. Great tool, but has a cost associated to it.
Overall I am excited and ready to learn what Web 2.0 has to offer and how I can use to enhance learning and engage my students!
While I am excited to learn all I can, I don't want to learn all that is available, and not learn how to use it. That is what leads me to a possible project for our class. If we all pick one tool that we can explore, learn, and create a artifact for; we could then create a "How-To" video/pod cast of it. Just an Idea.
Another fear for me with these tools is money. Don't get me wrong most of the sites are free or have educator discounts, but seem to have restrictions. To get the most of it, it seems as though I or my district would have to pay for it... For example Kim introduced me to the tool Elluminate. It allows for multi-people conferencing with additional features I am sure how to use (good project tool :). There is a free version but only allows 3 people to conference. Great tool, but has a cost associated to it.
Overall I am excited and ready to learn what Web 2.0 has to offer and how I can use to enhance learning and engage my students!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Week 2: Initial Thoughts of School 2.0
I first began by looking at the Ecosystem Map. With all of the technology and gadgets out there, none of the "captions" seemed out of reach. From the "Can you sign and submit my online permission slip" to "there's a virtual frog dissection now", it all seems so easy. The problem I see, is that schools are only using portions of the map, for different reasons. Reasons that can and cannot be controlled by a district.
For instance, many school are opting to forgo textbooks as seen in the map, and purchase technological resources that will capture and engage more students, and enhance the classroom environment. As a school principal, I could bring this idea forward, but in my particular school would see lots of headache. Many teachers believe that the textbook is the curriculum, and would not be willing to give up a textbook, to learn new technology themselves.
In browsing more, I was intrigued by the section that shows and explains how each piece of the "map" is used or its purpose. i.e what do the stakeholders get out of a school 2.0, how does each of the pieces effect assessment, communication etc.
As I browsed the other sections I read about the eToolkit and that its helps create the vision. As a teacher, what is my vision? As a faculty, what is our vision? As a district, what is our vision? I wondered about this as I moved forward exploring the site. As I continued to explore the site I was more and more aware of just how important the idea of a vision is. To bring all these tools and not know why or to use them, makes no sense.
I believe that to effectively use the tools of web 2.0 and create the school 2.0, everyone needs to share a vision, the same vision. It must be embraced by the administration, faculty, staff, and students.
For instance, many school are opting to forgo textbooks as seen in the map, and purchase technological resources that will capture and engage more students, and enhance the classroom environment. As a school principal, I could bring this idea forward, but in my particular school would see lots of headache. Many teachers believe that the textbook is the curriculum, and would not be willing to give up a textbook, to learn new technology themselves.
In browsing more, I was intrigued by the section that shows and explains how each piece of the "map" is used or its purpose. i.e what do the stakeholders get out of a school 2.0, how does each of the pieces effect assessment, communication etc.
As I browsed the other sections I read about the eToolkit and that its helps create the vision. As a teacher, what is my vision? As a faculty, what is our vision? As a district, what is our vision? I wondered about this as I moved forward exploring the site. As I continued to explore the site I was more and more aware of just how important the idea of a vision is. To bring all these tools and not know why or to use them, makes no sense.
I believe that to effectively use the tools of web 2.0 and create the school 2.0, everyone needs to share a vision, the same vision. It must be embraced by the administration, faculty, staff, and students.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Funny Video
I show this to my students each year at the beginning of the year. It is very interesting to see what students think the actual correct answer is.
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