11.5 More Things Needed for Teaching

11.5- Thing #11.5

2010-06-21T23:05:00.002-05:00

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? My favorite find was Screencast-O-Matic. I've been wanting to find something this simple to use for my students and you found it for me. So excited.

2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? Just like with the original 23 things, these 11.5 have definitely assisted me. I love using technology in the classroom. I am not the know-all, but I still wish others on my team felt the same way about technology as I do. The Library2Play just helps me find more ideas and tools I can use to be the best teacher I can be.

3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? Screencast-O-Matic hands down. SO EXCITED about it.

4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? I love the set up the way it is. I like being able to work and explore at my own pace without having to sit through meetings.

11.5- Thing #11

2010-06-21T22:47:00.002-05:00

I definitely agree and disagree with the various ideas about digital citizenship. Most of what I disagree with seems to come from people (not sure if they are all teachers) who are not being very realistic. How can we expect students to be digitally responsible if no one shows them. It doesn't matter whether students are using technology or hard copy resources. Expectations should be explained, modeled, and practiced both guided and independently. They must be shown that 1 resource is never enough, how to decide what is important information based on their assignment, how to compare the information as that will help them determine ranges or whether there is no way a fact they found could be true, to use their own words and not plagiarize, and to cite their sources. Kids, I don't care what age, will not know how to be responsible like this if the adults around them don't take the time to show them. This obviously means that we need to devote the time to show them. 1 lesson will not be enough. This is a continual process that will learn from and build on for the rest of their lives.

11.5- Thing #10

2010-06-21T22:26:00.002-05:00

I joined a virtual world, named an avatar, learned to walk and sit and talk and then explored. I used one of the free sites: Frenzoo. I wasn't that into it. I'd rather talk with people in person. That's one of the reasons why I don't like to use the phone, but that's just me. I know my students have experience with virtual worlds because they have shown me in the classroom and they communicate with each other through the virtual world as well as in person because they will tell each other to go to a specific room or place in the world. I can see how it can be used education wise and how it might give some students a bit more confidence, but I am just not that excited about it. I don't plan on using this Thing in my room unless my students are really into it and then I will because of them.

11.5- Thing #9

2010-06-21T21:20:00.002-05:00

I think Slideshare or another similar site is useful, but I don't know if I'd use the word important. This can allow for collaboration or just sharing of information. This will also help students share with others who may not have access to Power Point. Useful, allows for sharing and collaboration, but I still don't know whether this can be classified as important.

11.5- Thing #8

2010-06-21T20:45:00.002-05:00

I really like using Screencast-O-Matic. I know my video is not the best, but I want to keep it on my blog so I remember how truly easy it was to use even without any prep. I didn't rehearse or play around with the site before I did this so I could really tell how easy it was to use and whether my students would have difficulty. There was some squeaking here and there, but I didn't use fancy equipment either. I just used my district laptop with its own internal microphone which is good since I won't have to worry about extra equipment for my students. I'm really excited. I had tried Jing before and didn't like how I had to download the software and my computer wouldn't let me, blah, blah, blah. I totally recommend Screencast-O-Matic!! I will be able to have my students do this to model technology skills, to evaluate web sites, have a screen shot of a poster or photo and have students present info., editing skills...I can't wait to use this in the classroom.

11.5- Thing #7

2010-06-21T19:11:00.003-05:00

http://video.pbs.org/video/1108704964/
This video is about lonely animals which happen to be endangered. I will definitely be able to use this for earth day where I usually have students focus on endangered animals and what this means for our planet. (PBS- NOVA)

This video will go along with our study of ecosystems and adaptations found through Hulu- National Geographic. Students can then create a web sharing what they feel is most important.

Additional sources of videos that I use: still love Discovery Education (aka United Streaming).

11.5- Thing #6

2010-06-21T18:48:00.004-05:00

iTouches/iPods are so easy to use. There are so many apps that are appropriate for students/the classroom that ARE free. I just went to a district tech session with an apple rep as the presenter. Unfortunately, I was completely bored during this 6 hr. workshop because I really did know how to do everything for this presentation. To make the day worth it, we received a handout with tons of apps for the different subject areas (all free too) AND I won an AWESOME door prize- a rockstar so now I can have 4-5 iPods connected and turn them into a listening center. Depending on your class or the time of year, you will need to download what you want on the iPods or provide certain choices and then let the group decide what to listen to (music, audiobook, podcast,...). If not every student has a device, partners or group work will do. Just like with literature circles in the classroom or experiments, every person in the group can have a specific duty: leader, recorder (voice or text), getter... You can even, depending on what the assignment is, switch devices and have groups build on what the previous group did on the device.

11.5- Thing #5

2010-06-21T18:26:00.005-05:00

I think Facebook can be used if you create a group or another account specifically for school- not your personal account. This will allow for the class and parents to communicate in different ways and you can help control who can participate. As far as back channeling, I definitely see some pros to that. Here are some of my favorites from http://pistachioconsulting.com/twitter-presentations/

3. Audience members can get questions answered on the fly
In the past, you might have lent over to you neighbor and said “What did she mean by that?” or you remained confused. Now, audience members don’t have to wait to clarify things they don’t understand. They can tweet their question and another audience member will tweet back with the answer. Audience members who tuned out because they didn’t understand now stay engaged.
5. The audience can innovate
As your presentation sparks ideas, audience members can tweet them and build on each others’ thoughts
6. You don’t have to be physically present to participate
Not only can you watch a live videostream of the presentation, but you can also tweet or chat with the physically-present participants.
You’ll get immediate feedback
You can also use back channels to help make sure everyone participates in some way. You can go back and check who responded so that credit can be awarded. One major con: not having the technology available. I teach elementary so unless we have the laptop cart, the whole class would not be able to back channel during a lesson or discussion.

11.5- Thing #4

2010-06-21T16:33:00.002-05:00

Some advantages of having teaching/learning videos available online at sites like these is that students AND their families can access them to see what's going on in the classroom as well as to make connections to what's going on in the classroom. Having student videos uploaded will let them feel more engaged and responsible for their learning and will help them look forward to what others are doing for the same assignment. Sites like this will also let the kids access videos anytime and they can save their favorite ones. We just need to make sure we educate the kids as to what is expected, how to stay safe online, what can/should they publish,...

11.5- thing #3

2010-06-21T15:51:00.002-05:00

Skype definitely has some possibilities in the classroom depending on the time you have available to set up, model, and practice with students. I can see it used across the curriculum: chatting with authors (reading/writing), book chats with the librarian or other classes, mathematical discussions where groups solve the same problem but then discuss the different strategies used, interviews for social studies, sharing data or performing and sharing labs with other classes.

11.5- Thing #2

2010-06-21T12:57:00.012-05:00

A student can use Wordle for so many things- it's quick, simple, and makes students have to focus on key points. Ideas that are more important have to be typed more times than less important ideas. I have used this for biographies and endangered animals for example.

Students and teachers can use animotos many ways as well. Teachers can use animotos to introduce a topic and get kids interested (they love the music). Students can create animotos to share what they have learned especially if timing is limited. Sending animotos is easy. I am having trouble embedding today. Go figure. Vokis are cool. I know my students will love this!! This will definitely change the way they write, send and read/hear emails. I embedded the small player, so make sure you click on the teeny tiny play arrow in the bottom left corner of the player.
Get a Voki now!

I liked Bookr. Simpler process than Photo Story and has more of a book feel. Bookr would be good for a quick book reflection. Like Wordle and animoto, students have to be more focused. You could also use this when older students work with musch younger ones. Older students could bring in the pictures and help the younger students tell the story by typing for them. the little ones could then send the "books" home. Chocolate by

11.5- Thing #1

2010-06-21T12:03:00.002-05:00

I loved how the student received permission to mimic commoncraft. I love their short, simple, and funny videos! The video the student created was simple, yet very informative. I think the idea of "connectivism" is becoming more common. The teacher is a guide, a helper. I feel it allows for students to take more control of their learning. When students have more control of their learning, that fosters learning so that they will become adults who will continue their learning even though they are no longer in school. LIFELONG LEARNERS!!! Yes, librarians AND classroom teachers can be this guide, I unfortunately don't see classroom teachers being able to take this role on so easily due to testing pressures, TEKS, and other such restrictions, but hopefully that will change in the near future.

Thing #23!!

2009-07-02T11:00:00.002-05:00

I loved the whole process- new ideas, working at your own pace, having colleagues support you, using colleagues as references, being able to go back to certain "things" and review them, reviewing things that I've already done and gotten new ideas as well as being introduced to new things.

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I loved the mashups, avatars, and how easy it was/is to set up a blog. I've used WordPress and I thought it wasvery complicated compared to this one
How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? I have definietly decided I will use a blog or blogs in my classroom this year. I just have to narrow my ideas down. This process just wants to make me keep seeing and finding what's new and how it can help me be a better teacher.
Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? Again, how easy it was/is to create a blog using Blogger compared to Word Press. So much easier and quicker.
What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? I say just be a little more clear or up front with certain statements/warnings (ex. video won't load unless you do it at home first and then in the classroom, avatars may not appear b/c ___, ). I would definitely embark on another discovery program like this, especially in the summer since it's self paced even though there is a deadline.
How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities? Self paced learning is wonderful and being able to understand and learn how to use the technological tools our students are using will help me be a better teacher who can reach more of my students both at school and at home.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS EXPERIENCE!!!

Thing #22

2009-07-02T10:46:00.002-05:00

I think different Nings are definitely another way to collaborate with others. I don't really like the layout, it's overwhelming (too much on the page- it's a me thing). Educationally, students could create Nings based on certain school related topics- book clubs, science experiments, homework helpers...

Thing #21

2009-07-02T10:24:00.006-05:00

This is a Photstory video I made awhile ago. I am so glad that I only have to show my students once and then provide support b/c what they produce is so much better than mine.

Thing #20

2009-07-02T09:48:00.002-05:00

I have used TeacherTube in the classroom and the kids love it b/c they equate it with YouTube. This video on the water cycle is hilarious, but I love finding things like this to use. he kids love it and what's wrong with laughing while you're learning? That makes the ideas stick with the kids more b/c they can't stop talking about it or wanting to share it with others.

Thing # 19

2009-07-01T09:20:00.002-05:00

After exploring the Web 2.0 Awards site I will have to say... I like how it's organized and you have the different places which you may or may not agree with. The listings can be used as mini tutorials. You can also incorporate the lists into writing classificatory pieces. Students can visit all awarded sites for a specific topic. While they're exploring, they can complete a pros/cons t- chart which they will then use to present what's good/or not about using these sites or to compare why one site was awarded 1st place and not 2nd. Either way, they still explored and learned how to use the assigned topic.

Thing # 18

2009-06-24T16:54:00.002-05:00

I've wanted to explore Google.docs for some time. Advantages are that this allows for collaboration between colleagues and/or students. Students can also use this at home if they don't have Microsoft programs loaded on their computers. Disadvantages, none to think of now.

Thing # 17

2009-06-24T16:29:00.004-05:00

Rollyo- I think this will be better than what I've done in the past. Usually when I'd want kids to work on a research project, I'd prepare a Word document with all the hotlinks for specific sites I'd want the students to visit. This will make researching more accessible b/c the kids can access Rollyo from home. This is a search roll for Penguin Awareness Day (yes, there is such a day): http://rollyo.com/hce4thgrade/penguin_awareness/

Thing # 16

2009-06-24T15:47:00.002-05:00

I am excited about wikis. They seem easy to use. I want to use blogs and wikis in class, but how much is too much. That's going to be the tricky thing to sort out. Wikis can be used in many ways to continue and/or start classroom discussions. This could even involve parents so that we bring the community in to what's being done in the classroom. Book discussions, historical topics, science concepts, current events,... sometimes I think I have too many ideas.

Thing # 15

2009-06-24T15:41:00.002-05:00

I felt the perspective: a temporary place in time, gave a great picture of what our libraries will be like in the future (near future I hope). I feel that it will make accessing information or reading material more fun and easy to acquire. I interpreted it that we would not necessarily have to be in an actual library building. We could be at home. We could even choose the form we want our reading material to take and then take it anywhere with us. If students don't have transportation to go to the library, the library can be brought to them. Library 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 will make it easier for all people to be readers and learners.

Thing # 13 and 14

2009-06-23T15:30:00.002-05:00

Tags, hmmm. I'll keep it short and sweet (or bitter). They'll help to find info. quicker, assuming the tag is good/descriptive. Unless it's a tag you made, it may not be what you're looking for. I'm having a hard time using Technorati based on the speed today and navigating the site itself. I don't find it Mimi friendly today. I can't claim my blog either. The site has has said no claiming today. I took a look at the widgets and MAYBE I'll add a tag cloud, but maybe I won't.

Thing # 12

2009-06-23T14:44:00.003-05:00

I read the 10 things to get more comments from your blog. I feel the top 3 would be the most reasonable and important with a classroom blog. Obviously, you don't need 22+ comments for each post, so when you require a comment, you must state so. That way the kids can know when they have the Right to Pass or not (Tribes). Then, be open ended, otherwise, there really won't be any comments to lead to a discussion. Another important idea is that specific boundaries do need to be set, otherwise, feelings could get hurt.

Thing # 11

2009-06-23T14:40:00.001-05:00

Library Thing would be great for class book clubs. You could use this as a discussion site for your different reading groups.

Thing # 10

2009-06-23T14:03:00.002-05:00

Yeah, we're back to some fun!!I thought this soup generator was cute and silly. Had to use it! The wanted poster is just as great. Kids can use this one easily after learning about a famous person. Their text at the bottom of the poster can be to describe what that famous person is most known for. This one was from http://www.imagechef.com/. I've also used http://www.wordle.net/ in class for the same purpose. My students researched a famous Texan and then created a wordle for them. Remember that the more you use a certain word, the larger that word will appear in the wordle. So, the characteristics the kids think are most important will need to be repeated more so that trait appears larger. This could easily be used at the beginning of the year to to help introduce students to the rest of the class. It's quick and easy.

Thing # 9

2009-06-23T13:43:00.002-05:00

Tis post will be very bland. Just answering the required questions right now. Not too excited about this thing.
Which Search tool was the easiest for you? I enjoyed edublog. Perhaps because it is the most relevant to me right now.
Which was more confusing? I found these 2 sites very confusing: school library blogs and topix.net.
What kind of useful feeds did you find in your travels? Or what kind of unusual ones did you find? I found sites with an actual search box were better for me than ones that just listed blogs. You can't always tell what a site will be about unless you actually go there- not using my time well.

Thing # 8

2009-06-23T13:25:00.002-05:00

I love how simply RSS feeds were explained. To address some things...

What do you like about RSS and readers?- That this is much more time efficient than going back and forth between sites. Everything is in 1 place making info. easier to manage and share.
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your school or personal life? This will make sharing educational related blogs with students/parents easier based on the RSS feeds being linked to my own class blog.
How can libraries/teachers/administrators use readers or take advantage of this new technology? We can use readers to be more time efficient with sifting through info. Again, this will also make sharing sites with students easier by including the feed on our home blog/site.

Thing #7

2009-06-23T12:57:00.002-05:00

I have been interested in using Google tools for a while, but just haven't gotten around to learning more. I explored and created a calendar to help keep my 4th grade team on top of things for this school year and am thinking about having one for my class so that they can keep current on what's going on. Not 100% on that since we have Planners for the students. I also like iGoogle. I'm "thinking" each of my students can create a page (yes, I know, parent permission) and update it with specific curricular info. at times. During science fair for example, they could use this to track their progress and share what they've learned or done so far. The possibilities are endless. If anyone has ideas for iGoogle, please share.

Thing # 6

2009-06-11T13:56:00.003-05:00

Although I didn't know what mashups were, I have been using them with my students this year. We used Mosaic Maker at the beginning of the school year to help teach our classmates about ourselves. Then we displayed them at Open House and parents had to try and guess which mosaic belonged to who. The kids and parents loved it. This mosaic is the one I used to introduce mosaics to the class. We also used trading cards and magazine covers for various assignments as well.

Thing # 5

2009-06-11T13:45:00.003-05:00

I have used Flickr many times in my classroom this year. My students would even access the site at home to work on many self created projects. FYI...I chose this picture b/c even though red is my absolute favorite color, there's just something about pink roses (they're my favorite).

Thing # 4

2009-06-11T13:15:00.001-05:00

I just registered my blog. Hope I followed directions correctly.

Thing # 3

2009-06-11T12:59:00.002-05:00

I just created my avatar. Pretty easy, there are just so many choices. Process isn't difficult, I just need to practice creating and exporting more so it'll become 2nd nature. CAN ANYONE ADVISE ON WHY MY AVATAR SOMETIMES SHOWS UP AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T?

Thing # 2

2009-06-11T12:26:00.002-05:00

The easiest habit is of course playing. When you play, there is no pressure and sometimes you learn more and find things out b/c you accidentally stumble onto them.
The hardest habit for me would be habit 2. I accept responsibility for my learning, but timelines for things like this add pressure and unfortunately I get stressed very easily. I can set 1 final date, but don't like having 15 dates along the way.

Just Started

2009-06-11T12:15:00.001-05:00

I'm excited about starting the 23 Things process. Can't wait to make it through to the end.