Thursday, April 29, 2010

Goodbye Class G and Edm 310 Students

Well, class it's been interesting. It seems it's been really fast paced and the time has gone by so quickly. Doesn't it seem we've just met? Now, it's time to move on.
I would like to say good luck to you all in your education and career goals. I wish we had had more time to meet and talk. Once again, good luck to you all.

Summary Final Post

As an answer to item 1, I would have to say there are many things I have learned in this class that I will take with me. Number one being Google Docs. I know this is something I will continue to use in my career and personal life. I will continue to use Twitter as part of my PLN and my professional blog. I really enjoy using Picassa and Audacity, though I know there is more I can learn about these programs. I have already been using iTunes before this class and will continue, but will now add iTunes U to the palette. I'm sure when I have my own class I will upload videos to youTube. I definitely plan on having a class blog. I plan on my students commenting on other class blogs. Yes, most of the tools learned in this class will be utilized in the future or will be continued.
For number 2. When asked if there was anything we wanted to learn but didn't, I personally can not think of anything. I was overwhelmed with what we already had to learn.
Number 3. I don't believe there is anything that I haven't learned that I don't plan on using at all in the future. Probably the only tool I can think of that I may not use much of is Wiki's unless my class creates their own backed by reliable resources.
For number 4. In some aspects, portions of the class excited me while other times I was overwhelmed. I really enjoyed the video's and presentation projects.
Number 5. Intellectually challenging? Yes, probably reading other teacher blogs and having to comment on them. You definitely have to think about how to comment and not just comment in a lame manner.
Number 6. We really didn't have time to be bored. If there was boredom, I would have to say it got boring to write in your blog every week. Some posts I found boring.
Number 7. Change the course? Hmmm...not sure how to answer that one. Maybe give a break on the weekly blogposts? Would love to see a few more demonstrations in class on some of the tougher programs to post. For example, on posting Google Earth tours and maybe editing programs for videos.
Number 8. Yes, I believe I am technologically literate from a medium to good extent. Not great but good. I feel I can learn any of the tools and programs with a little reading and hands on experimentation. I feel I have to just jump in and try it out. The more practice, the better you get.
Number 9. I guess I would have to look back on number 8. I will just have to continue reading and researching on the internet to stay up to date on new technology. Continue practicing and becoming more proficient in the tools that I have already learned. I think you also have to have an interest in it to continue your learning. I'm always looking for new ideas and new programs to try out.

Week 13 & 14 Comments for Teachers

I commented on the Intrepid Teacher website. He wrote about the new i pad and how one can read a book with cool apps. I commented on the fact that nothing was better than reading a good book and using your imagination and visualization for the storyline.
I also commented on his blog post about Kaia's blog. I let him know how wonderful it is that he has decided to share her life with the world.

Google Earth

Here is the link to the download page of my Google Earth project. I kept getting an error for the tour gadget.
http://sites.google.com/site/sandranapp/edm310-files or click here .

My PLN

As part of my PLN, I've created a professional blog and am following educators on Twitter. I especially like Classroom 2.0 and Dave and Cori, the Ed tech guy. Dave and Cori have some great tips pertaining to educational technology. I am continuing to update my Twitter account and adding people to follow. My PLN is a continuing work in progress. I plan on adding much more to it once my college class is over, as I will have more time to research.
I have learned about so many tools in EDM310. Delicious is a bookmarking tool that I would say is part of my PLN. I've bookmarked many educational sites that I would like to keep up with. Google Docs is a tool I will continue to utilize as I create documents pertaining to education, so I would say Google Docs is part of my PLN. I have yet to explore Symbaloo, but plan on checking this out as it looks to be a tool I would like to use for my PLN.
As a final post on my PLN, I would state that it is a continual work in progress. I plan on doing so much more with it to stay up to date with education and technology.

Skype

I have used Skype to talk with a classmate for a podcast project. I have also talked with a family member in Tennessee and a friend in Arizona via Skype. I used Skype in the past for a video conference business call, although it was a bit choppy, lost connection and reconnected. I will probably continue to use Skype occasionally, but prefer to speak on my cellphone.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Interview Videocast

Below is my interview with Ms. Shelly Hicks of Hollinger's Island School. She discusses her thoughts on if a teacher should be technologically literate and what constitute a technology literate teacher.
Thank you, Shelly, for taking time out of your schedule for this interview.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

April 25, 2010

Wordle: Two questions
A Reflection on Two Questions That Can Change Your Life
The video, Two Questions That Can Change Your Life by Daniel Pink was a pretty good motivational video that makes you definitely think about the two questions. What's my sentence? Was I better today than yesterday? What's my sentence? is a question I would have to really ponder over. I think it would have something to do with students achieving success through my teaching. I feel all students can achieve, for I have seen it in the classes that I have taught in the past. As far as the question, Was I better today than yesterday?, it's a great question to ask yourself everyday. Would I ask myself that question everyday? I would probably have to frame it on a wall in my room for awhile until I was accustomed to asking myself if I was better today than yesterday. It would give you something to think about on a daily basis, a reflection on what you've done yesterday verses today. It is something to think about. I think if everyone actually reflected on that question everyday there would possibly be better people in this world (better, in this instance could be defined in any way, for example: morals, values, productivity, teaching, learning, giving, etc.).

A Seventh Grader's PLE

All I can say is, wow! What a well organized PLE. This student has it all worked out. She can take pride in creating the work that she has published online. Like she said it's not like reading and looking at the pictures in a science book. She has created her own learning environment. I am very much impressed, especially the fact that she is only in 7th grade.
I don't think there is much comparison in my PLE to hers. Mine is not quite as organized as hers. I noticed she uses something called Symbalo. I would like to learn more about this. It looks like a very good organizational tool to use.

Timetoast Timeline

United States Hurricanes from 1960 to 2008

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Presentation on GeoCaching

Podcasts Interview

Click here for our podcasts interview with Ms. Dawn Deputy at Hollinger's Island. She discusses how the teachers use their Smartboards in the classroom.
Click here for the link to EDM 310's Technology Talk page with other podcasts listings.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

April 18, 2010 Week 14

April 18, 2010
Wordle: Blogging

If All Teachers Had Classroom Blogs
What if it were mandatory for all teachers to create and keep up their own blog for their classroom? In this blog would be weekly news, student work, teacher news, homework information, pictures and video. It could be a one stop place for parents and students to find just about anything they wanted to know about their classroom. Students could view and share their work and projects with their parents, students and other people around the world. Student writings are shared or even collaborated with other students virtually anywhere.
Just think about it for a bit. If it's mandatory, then all teachers will have to learn to use the internet and new tools for the internet. Think of the networking and learning that would take place, not just
with the students but the teachers, too. What would it be like? Can you just imagine? What do you think if all teachers had to create and maintain a classroom blog? I wonder what the perfect classroom blog would be like? Please comment.


Comments4kids Week 13 and 14

Week 13 I commented on a student named Silas at Pt England School Rm 14. He made a Hyperstudio presentation called My Waka Adventure Animation. I commented on what a good job he did and how exciting it was to learn a new program.
For Week 14, I was assigned to comment on the teachers entry at Mrs. Cassidy's Classroom Blog. I commented on a Christmas video she had made of the students singing a Christmas song with instruments. I commented on how wonderful it was to have a video for parents to look back on of their child. I was surprised that not more comments were made by parents to this video. I also stated how nice it would have been to have something like this when my child was younger.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

April 11, 2010

My Presentation - An Introduction to Google Docs
I chose to prepare a Google presentation introducing Google Docs. It is a basic introduction to Google Docs specifically geared toward teachers, although just about any audience could benefit from it. I specify how to get started with Google Docs and I demonstrate some of its features. I tried to be as specific as possible in my directions, as it is for the beginner.
Here is the link to An Introduction to Google Docs.

Why is it Important to Post Student Work on Blogs?
The motivation alone is enough reason to post student work on blogs, not to mention inspiring. They take more pride in their work when they know friends, family and the world can view their work. It can also inspire them to become more creative in projects that would be published on the internet. The comments students receive can also motivate future projects.
Just look at the video of the students at PS22 singing Landslide. My gosh! It got them invited to perform at a Fleetwood Mac concert! Teachers have commented on my blog on how appreciative they are that we are commenting on their student blogs. They've also commented on how excited students are on publishing work online for authentic audiences. The proof is there. Just look at the comments from students work published online. If more teachers would realize what's happening they would more than likely climb on board for their own classroom blogs.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

April 4, 2010 Week 12

Week 12 Wordle: K
Kaia's Blog
I viewed and read the Intrepid Teacher's blog, Kaia's blog and Mr. Chamberlain's class blog. It was interesting to see the wonderful comments left on the voice thread by Mr. Chamberlain's students. It was an excellent presentation for Kaia and others to view. I cannot imagine how this will follow her throughout her life. There could be many classes all over the world following her blog. I can only think of her writing skills as she grows up and continues the blog. What better way to sharpen her writing skills but with real life experiences. I'm sure her father will continue with her blog as a documentation of her young life growing up. Hopefully Kaia will take over with the writing when she is old enough.
Mr. Chamberlain's class in Missouri followed Kaia's blog, created and maintained by her father in Qatar. Many students commented on Kaia's blog. Seeing as Kaia could not read yet, Kaia's dad Skyped Mr. Chamberlain's class and asked that his class send a voice thread or video for Kaia to view. Mr. Chamberlain's class responded with a voice thread of comments and pictures Kaia took. Kaia's father has his own blog, Singing Hearts Intrepid Teacher, where he writes his thoughts and feelings of having his daughter's pictures and life online.
It will be interesting to see if Kaia's father continues with her blog and whether Kaia will pick up writing on the blog as she gets older.

Comments4Kids Week 12
I was assigned to comment on Pt England School's Team 1 Rock Stars blog. It is a group of 5 year old students' artwork and writing. I was assigned to the March blog, number 38 down. It was a drawing of the student viewing a giraffe at the zoo with a brief description. I commented to him and the teacher that I agreed with the teacher's comment on Angelo's description of the giraffe. He described it as ..."a beautiful, elegant walker". I was very much impressed by this student's wording for such a young age.