CREATIVE WEB TOOLS FOR & BY KIDS
http://weewebwonders.pbworks.com/w/page/9067376/About%20This%20Project%3A%20For%20Teachers
This is a very interesting wiki for elementary age students. The purpose is to encourage kids "to invent, create, and design alone and with others." It offers an opportunity for them "to participate in collaborative learning" and "to gain a broader understanding of a global interconnected world." In the process they learn "to use digital tools effectively and safely."
Creative writing projects could be set up. This would be a good way to begin using this kind of wiki. As students gain more skill and confidence, other projects could be ventured.
CODE BLUE
http://codeblue.wikispaces.com/home
A wiki with a collection of cool learning links about the human body! Great for a study/review about the human body (geared for upper elementary or middle school); includes games as well.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Thing 12
How could we use photo uploading and sharing? I can see this as a 'get aquainted' activity. I could also see this as a creative writing activity. The teacher could have a photo stream of pictures, then students could pick one and write a story to go with it. Or, for those reluctant writers, there could be a sequence of pictures that would help guide them through a story.
While I practiced uploading, tagging, and describing pictures, I'd like to also explore some of the other options on Flickr as well. For instance, typing in the word 'horses' brought up some beautiful pictures from which to choose. There seem to be countless images available. However, that is also a concern because students could easily stumble upon an inappropriate picture. I'm not sure how I could monitor that or how Flickr regulates their sight either.
While I practiced uploading, tagging, and describing pictures, I'd like to also explore some of the other options on Flickr as well. For instance, typing in the word 'horses' brought up some beautiful pictures from which to choose. There seem to be countless images available. However, that is also a concern because students could easily stumble upon an inappropriate picture. I'm not sure how I could monitor that or how Flickr regulates their sight either.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thing 11
Yes, my head is ready to explode! The 11 Things covered a lot of material and since this was all new to me, it took longer to get through it! However, I'm happy that this class was offered because it got me 'out of my cave' and opened up a whole world I didn't even know existed. Now I'm ready to go on to the 12 Things---after a little break, that is.
I definitely need more time to scout around and do plan to check out/try out the tech tools we've covered so far. I especially want to learn more about the spreadsheets because they could be useful for so many things such as recording grades or scheduling. So far, I plan on substitute teaching and possibly teaching a class like I did last year (Biology).
IF I teach a class OR if I get a part- time position (which I'm checking into), I would like to do some kind of a new student survey from Google Docs to help me get to know the students. Prior to the school year, however, I would want to check out some websites to bookmark for further reference and some SlideShare presentations that could be used to teach some of the major concepts. I might even create some of my own presentations from Google Docs, but only after I explore the options and 'play around' first!
Last year, I sent out weekly emails to my students as a way to 'keep in touch' and review their assignments and/or remind them what to bring to the next class. The comments I included were often a type of reflection, something like 'blogging' so maybe I could create some kind of blog where the students could also respond(?); just a thought.
Many classrooms I'm in have a smart board so I definitely need to learn how to use it. The couple times I've used it, I had to be instructed what to do. So a class for this, along with the 12 & 13 'other things' offered through the ISD, will help gear me up with the technology to teach and learn in the 21st century. I'm looking forward to learning about wikis, photo uploading, podcasts, Skype, and everything else listed in the class description.
It would be good to stay connected to collaborate and offer support. It would probably be even better to connect with colleagues at a teacher's own school, especially at the middle or high school level where subjects are taught separately. I don't have any real solutions except to keep all of us subscribed as we've been.
In conclusion, I believe we that we can use Web 2.0 to enhance our teaching. The students in our classes are the digital natives and acquire the skills quickly---and they NEED them. Computer/tech classes should be covering the things we're learning so students have the necessary skills and accounts already set up to be implemented by the regular classroom teacher. So let's get started, one step at a time!
Just one last thought, let's not forget that working together (in person) and doing 'hands-on' activities are also important. I am concerned that too much technology could interfere with personal interaction and cause some to be isolated from real people. Let's make it work to our advantage and not our disadvantage.
I definitely need more time to scout around and do plan to check out/try out the tech tools we've covered so far. I especially want to learn more about the spreadsheets because they could be useful for so many things such as recording grades or scheduling. So far, I plan on substitute teaching and possibly teaching a class like I did last year (Biology).
IF I teach a class OR if I get a part- time position (which I'm checking into), I would like to do some kind of a new student survey from Google Docs to help me get to know the students. Prior to the school year, however, I would want to check out some websites to bookmark for further reference and some SlideShare presentations that could be used to teach some of the major concepts. I might even create some of my own presentations from Google Docs, but only after I explore the options and 'play around' first!
Last year, I sent out weekly emails to my students as a way to 'keep in touch' and review their assignments and/or remind them what to bring to the next class. The comments I included were often a type of reflection, something like 'blogging' so maybe I could create some kind of blog where the students could also respond(?); just a thought.
Many classrooms I'm in have a smart board so I definitely need to learn how to use it. The couple times I've used it, I had to be instructed what to do. So a class for this, along with the 12 & 13 'other things' offered through the ISD, will help gear me up with the technology to teach and learn in the 21st century. I'm looking forward to learning about wikis, photo uploading, podcasts, Skype, and everything else listed in the class description.
It would be good to stay connected to collaborate and offer support. It would probably be even better to connect with colleagues at a teacher's own school, especially at the middle or high school level where subjects are taught separately. I don't have any real solutions except to keep all of us subscribed as we've been.
In conclusion, I believe we that we can use Web 2.0 to enhance our teaching. The students in our classes are the digital natives and acquire the skills quickly---and they NEED them. Computer/tech classes should be covering the things we're learning so students have the necessary skills and accounts already set up to be implemented by the regular classroom teacher. So let's get started, one step at a time!
Just one last thought, let's not forget that working together (in person) and doing 'hands-on' activities are also important. I am concerned that too much technology could interfere with personal interaction and cause some to be isolated from real people. Let's make it work to our advantage and not our disadvantage.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thing 9---The Blog
I spent a fair amount of time viewing SlideShare, feeling like a kid who made ANOTHER new discovery (the first one was Google Docs). It was not difficult to embed the slide show, but I didn't see an option to restrict related URLs like the example in our moodle. Is that unusual or did I miss something?
Well, anyway, I think this is an excellent tool for a teacher to illustrate a lesson in any subject. However, if students were to use this, they would obviously need prior knowledge to know HOW to use it because there just isn't enough time to learn those skills in the regular classroom.
The basic skills we've used in Web 2.0 should really be part of the Computer/Tech class. (Does anyone know if these things are taught?) Individual accounts could be set up and students could practice accessing the different 'tech tools' so they COULD be implemented in the classroom. Of course, these activities would be geared for the upper elementary, middle school, or high school levels and should be supervised to avoid inappropriate material.
Well, anyway, I think this is an excellent tool for a teacher to illustrate a lesson in any subject. However, if students were to use this, they would obviously need prior knowledge to know HOW to use it because there just isn't enough time to learn those skills in the regular classroom.
The basic skills we've used in Web 2.0 should really be part of the Computer/Tech class. (Does anyone know if these things are taught?) Individual accounts could be set up and students could practice accessing the different 'tech tools' so they COULD be implemented in the classroom. Of course, these activities would be geared for the upper elementary, middle school, or high school levels and should be supervised to avoid inappropriate material.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thing 8
Google Docs offer so many options! It was interesting to check it out and amusing to create new documents---even drawing with color! I can see students using this tool to create their own presentations. And . . . isn't teaching something like learning it twice? (sound familiar?) Personally, I would like to use it for record keeping and perhaps as a daily planner.
Online documents seem like a good thing, making them easily accessible from other computers, and acting as a back-up system---especially if your own computer is having a problem or 'crashes'. However, I understand that students may not have internet at home or it may not be available in certain areas.
Online documents seem like a good thing, making them easily accessible from other computers, and acting as a back-up system---especially if your own computer is having a problem or 'crashes'. However, I understand that students may not have internet at home or it may not be available in certain areas.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Thing 7
Social bookmarking is completely new to me. However, after reading and viewing about it, I can see how useful this could be. The organization is the first thing that impresses me. To be efficient and effective, a person needs to be organized and here is a tool that serves that purpose. Secondly, the sharing of various sites among teachers expands the list of available resources for everyone. Another way of getting teachers to collaborate!
It seems like social bookmarking could also be used to help students. If a student is struggling, specific websites could be set up for them to view and/or work on that could help them grasp important concepts. And, of course, they could do take this at their own pace, repeating if necessary. Certain websites could be set up for research as well. This would guide students to reliable sources.
It seems like social bookmarking could also be used to help students. If a student is struggling, specific websites could be set up for them to view and/or work on that could help them grasp important concepts. And, of course, they could do take this at their own pace, repeating if necessary. Certain websites could be set up for research as well. This would guide students to reliable sources.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Thing 4
Wow! Have I been living in a cave? Well, it seemed I was computer literate: I have sent emails, composed written work on Microsoft Word, viewed youtube & Facebook, looked up links and researched topics; in addition, I've copied, cut, and pasted when appropriate. But, after reading and viewing the slides about Web 2.0, I feel like I've really been 'out of it'!
What was I missing? The interaction that Web 2.0 offers in contributing and collaborating with others. This presents a whole new dimension in computer usage (at least for me). Yes, we can glean knowledge and wisdom through others' research and experience---AND others can learn through us! Furthermore, educators are able to collaborate to enhance their subject area and integrate learning across the board.
So not only could we benefit, but since our 'digital natives' are growing up with this technology, learning in different ways from our traditional education, doesn't it make sense to say that education needs to change to accommodate these changes?
I have already recognized a need for education to change in several areas. Well, we need to utilize this valuable resource. On a more personal level---I have a lot to learn! Yes, let's get into 21st century teaching and learning!
OK---Web 2.0 encourages collaboration. I've seen examples of how this learning plays out in the classroom. For math, students have worked together in small groups to solve problems where everyone is encouraged to participate. When it is time to share their step-by-step solution with the class, students can see and learn several different approaches to the same problem. No longer do 1 or 2 students come up with all the answers; everyone can have a part. And when students are actively engaged, learning is more likely to 'stick' with them. (Kudos for Monroe Public Schools and any others for this progressive teaching method.)
Think of the scope of learning when there are 'countless' people interacting with one another! Teachers, we need to learn how to implement this tool (Web 2.0) to enhance our skills and stay current with the explosion of knowledge. Then we can teach our students to use it efficiently so that they will have the skills to live and work in the 21st century. (Am I grasping the essence of Web 2.0 and this class?)
What was I missing? The interaction that Web 2.0 offers in contributing and collaborating with others. This presents a whole new dimension in computer usage (at least for me). Yes, we can glean knowledge and wisdom through others' research and experience---AND others can learn through us! Furthermore, educators are able to collaborate to enhance their subject area and integrate learning across the board.
So not only could we benefit, but since our 'digital natives' are growing up with this technology, learning in different ways from our traditional education, doesn't it make sense to say that education needs to change to accommodate these changes?
I have already recognized a need for education to change in several areas. Well, we need to utilize this valuable resource. On a more personal level---I have a lot to learn! Yes, let's get into 21st century teaching and learning!
OK---Web 2.0 encourages collaboration. I've seen examples of how this learning plays out in the classroom. For math, students have worked together in small groups to solve problems where everyone is encouraged to participate. When it is time to share their step-by-step solution with the class, students can see and learn several different approaches to the same problem. No longer do 1 or 2 students come up with all the answers; everyone can have a part. And when students are actively engaged, learning is more likely to 'stick' with them. (Kudos for Monroe Public Schools and any others for this progressive teaching method.)
Think of the scope of learning when there are 'countless' people interacting with one another! Teachers, we need to learn how to implement this tool (Web 2.0) to enhance our skills and stay current with the explosion of knowledge. Then we can teach our students to use it efficiently so that they will have the skills to live and work in the 21st century. (Am I grasping the essence of Web 2.0 and this class?)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Thing 3
The 21st century has ushered us into a technology/information explosion. Are our students equipped with the skills that will enable them to be successful adults?
Personally, I have been disturbed about the way we 'educate' for quite a while. I have seen too many bright and capable students 'fall through the cracks' becoming discouraged with school and with learning altogether. Unfortunately, there seems to be a high number of boys who do not thrive under our current system.
As an undergrad, I did a research paper on "Creativity and the Classroom." It reinforced some of my views such as the role of the teacher being more of a 'facilitator' and allowing the student to learn through his/her discoveries (as much as possible). It also opened my eyes to see that much of the creativity that we see in young children is either discouraged or squelched in our system of formal education. There was not much information out in the early '80s, but I learned a lot about encouraging creativity and learning in the classroom.
Unfortunately, the curriculum and state/school requirements discourage teachers from implementing different techniques. It seems to be a daunting task to change our ideas of education, but that is where it starts. Indeed, the materials I just viewed, addressed a real concern in my heart. As educators, we need to honor individual gifts and talents. We need to provide an environment that is conducive to creativity and interactive learning. And THAT will be the spark to ignite a whole lifetime of learning!
In my day, the teachers 'spoon-fed' us necessary information we needed for the test. If we were able to regurgitate the facts and figures on test days, we succeeded! This is not the case today; our life is more complex. Yes, there are basic facts in every core subject, but our 'digital natives' should learn to reflect, communicate, collaborate, problem-solve, and in addition, have a knowledge base about other countries and cultures. Our educational system should supply students with the skills and resources they need to launch out on their own and become independent learners. Let's get into the 21st century!
Personally, I have been disturbed about the way we 'educate' for quite a while. I have seen too many bright and capable students 'fall through the cracks' becoming discouraged with school and with learning altogether. Unfortunately, there seems to be a high number of boys who do not thrive under our current system.
As an undergrad, I did a research paper on "Creativity and the Classroom." It reinforced some of my views such as the role of the teacher being more of a 'facilitator' and allowing the student to learn through his/her discoveries (as much as possible). It also opened my eyes to see that much of the creativity that we see in young children is either discouraged or squelched in our system of formal education. There was not much information out in the early '80s, but I learned a lot about encouraging creativity and learning in the classroom.
Unfortunately, the curriculum and state/school requirements discourage teachers from implementing different techniques. It seems to be a daunting task to change our ideas of education, but that is where it starts. Indeed, the materials I just viewed, addressed a real concern in my heart. As educators, we need to honor individual gifts and talents. We need to provide an environment that is conducive to creativity and interactive learning. And THAT will be the spark to ignite a whole lifetime of learning!
In my day, the teachers 'spoon-fed' us necessary information we needed for the test. If we were able to regurgitate the facts and figures on test days, we succeeded! This is not the case today; our life is more complex. Yes, there are basic facts in every core subject, but our 'digital natives' should learn to reflect, communicate, collaborate, problem-solve, and in addition, have a knowledge base about other countries and cultures. Our educational system should supply students with the skills and resources they need to launch out on their own and become independent learners. Let's get into the 21st century!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thing 2
I've taken this road to blogging very slowly, but I'm on the trail now!
There seems to be many possibilities for blogging in the classroom. Yes, it may take a little creativity and effort to get it going. However, if it engages the interest of students and enables them to learn, isn't it worth the effort?
There seems to be many possibilities for blogging in the classroom. Yes, it may take a little creativity and effort to get it going. However, if it engages the interest of students and enables them to learn, isn't it worth the effort?
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