Thing #15 - 21/Capstone Reflection

A)   The technology applications I have been exposed to throughout this class, and those I learned while researching for the class, are all very valuable to my students and to myself.  With the shift toward project based education, the technology applications I have been exposed to over the last two months, will extremely helpful.  As I stated before, our school will receive net books for our classes next year, as well as the fact we have a computer lab available for use by classes.  I will be having students use many of the applications I have been exposed to, to aid in their projects, assessments, and daily learning experience.
  As a teacher, I will continue to use the applications to enhance my teaching.  My website is starting to take shape, and with the new found resource, "screencasting," I can create screencasts to post to my site that will allow students to view assignments they either missed or need more review on.  Wordle is a great tool for teaching purposes or review.  The on-line graphic organizers will also be a great tool for students in their daily work or projects.  I think the problem I have right now is that I need to take time to decide how I am going to remember and use all of these wonderful applications the best way possible.

B)   Technology in the classroom allows students to take an active roll in their learning.  They are making choices about how to obtain information, manipulate it, and display it.  Technology allows students to perform authentic tasks, and therefore define their goals, make decisions, and evaluate their progress.  They will be provided with opportunities to interact with each other in a variety of ways so their learning will be enhanced.

C)    I would like to use Prezi to create a timeline presentation of Michigan's history.  The presentation would have different pictures, video's, web links, etc. as a demonstration for the students.  The students will then create their own Prezi presentation continuing the timeline throughout the year and completing it when we reach our current time.

3 – H3.0.10 Create a timeline to sequence early Michigan history (American Indians, exploration, settlement, statehood)

Thing #21 - Screencasting

  The screencast I created was for a graphing lesson using tallies, frequency charts, and vertical and horizontal bar graphs.  I showed it to my students today as we were doing graphing, did a lesson using this today, and having an assessment on it tomorrow.  Of course 3rd graders are good for your ego, they loved it.  It was rough, my first attempt, but the kids liked it.  Because I want to develop a web site for my class, I think screencasts similar to this one for other math areas that students and parents could access from home would be great.

http://www.screencast.com/users/mcquillan1/folders/Default/media/b7ae7b13-22b7-4689-8bd9-166bec8df882

Thing #20 - Wordle

  I entered a bunch of words from our Michigan History unit on the Hopewell Indians and then created a word cloud.  I loved this feature.  I will use it for reviewing important facts, comparing and contrasting student work, current events, vocabulary, and much more.

Thing #20 - Bubbl.us

The following is a mind-map of the Animal Kingdom.  I would use this in our animal unit.  I think I would start with just the title and then build the rest of the mind map with the students as we learn more about each of the classifications.  The amount of information we can put in here is endless.  When finished, I can print this for each student as a review, or they can have access on-line.

Thing #19 - Navigating on the Land of Learning

  First, in order to be a successful on-line learner, the student needs a good computer, or access to a school computer with a quality internet connection.  The student also needs to make sure that the classes he/she picks are good for their learning style and are courses that are accredited and will count toward graduation.  Working with their counselor, the student should make sure they know who will be helping them understand how the course works and if they need special skills, if the course has any cost, and can they take the course from home or do they have to be at school.

Thing - #19 - Extend Your Classroom

  Ways in which I plan to extend my classroom will include a web site, Skype, and virtual field trips.  Since Thing #7 I have been trying to continue developing my web site.  Over the summer I hope to work on it enough to be ready for fall.

 














  Using Skype, I hope to attempt a time virtual author visits.  I am still looking into this, but the more I research it, the more doable it seems.  Marzano  strategies "Questions, Ques, and Advance Organizers" will fill perfectly with this type of virtual classroom.

  I am most excited about virtual field trips as a way to extend my classroom.  Each of our classrooms will be receiving 4 net books next year.  Along with this, I have 3 computers on-line in my room that students have access to.  If I schedule early enough, we also have an empty computer lab for use.  Because of this, I am researching several virtual field trips that go along with my curriculum.

Thing #18 - RSS Feed

  I was pleasantly surprised to find out about the RSS feed.  I have used IGoogle for years and have not explored many of the tools if offers.  The RSS feeds is a valuable tool for educators for many reasons.  First, it allows you to subscribe to articles or blogs and have it "delivered" whenever there are new posts.  You do not have to search for them.  Another reason RSS are valuable is that you can send the posts conveniently through email, right off the post to your peers.  When an interesting or important article is found, it is so easy to share with colleges.  Lastly, as a teacher I may find a lot of Weblog and media sites on the Internet that are consistently publishing interesting and relevant information, and to keep on top of these is nearly impossible.

Thing #17 - Cite 1 and 2

  I searched for a cite on UDL using the OmniFile.  I then took a screen shot of an article entitled, "Would You Recognize Universal Design if You Saw It?"  and used the MLA format.

  For the second cite, I used BibMe and looked up the book, "Follow the Drinking Gourd", and used APA format. 

  Both ways were easy to use, once I figured it out, but BibMe was very user friendly.  My book had all of the information right there for you, but I did like the feature of being able to fill in whatever else you needed.

Thing #17 - Advanced Research

  General OneFile is an online database that is meant for general use.  It has news, periodical articles, video clips and more, for about any topic imaginable.  It is updated daily, so the information is current.   The database is extremely easy to use and appropriate for all age levels.  Each of the articles are well documented for credibility. Another feature I like about General OneFile is that when you search, you are given the option of magazines, academic journals, books, news, or multimedia.

Thing #17 - MEL

  The two data bases I chose were e-Library and Kids InfoBits.

1. e-Library was the first database I went in to.  I found the site a little confusing to maneuver around.   You could choose video, audio, text, pictures, etc., but it took quite a bit of time to figure it out.  I chose to research the armadillo, so I put that into the search box.  When several options came up, I was pleased to see the reading level of each option.  Students would then be able to choose an appropriate reading level article.  For credibility, each article was well documented with the source, date of publication, page number, etc.

      2.  Kid InfoBits was the second data base I researched.  I used the armadillo, once again, for my topic.     found this database to be much easier to use.  When you first get into InfoBits, it is organized by topic.  I just clicked on animals and put armadillo in my search.  From here, there are tabs to click on if you want to look at magazine articles, reference material, pictures, charts and graphs, and much more.  Another feature in InfoBits is that it, also, has the reading level posted as well as the capability of having it read to you.  As with e-Library, the source was well documented.

Thing #16 - MACUL Space

  I joined MACUL Space, "Skype in the Classroom."  This group's purpose is for people who are interested in using Skype to connect with other teachers for idea sharing, and for classroom video conferencing.  There is no cost for the group and it had several postings that would beneficial for me.  Next year all of our classes will be receiving six net books.  I am very excited the possibilities this will bring.  I joined this group mostly for my own benefit, but I feel since I am familiar with Skype and its possibilities, once my students start using it, I will have valuable information to share.

Thing #16 - Facebook

  Facebook is still a somewhat controversial social networking site.  There are some schools, I have heard, that do not allow teachers to have accounts.  Some allow it, but do not allow teachers to have students as 'friends.'  Ours does not have a policy, but my own policy is to not have students under 18 as part of my Facebook, unless they are relatives.  I think that there are times other people may post inappropriate things I do not want children to see, and it is my personal site.
  Saying that, I think it can be a valuable tool for parents.  Last year was the first time I was on Facebook.  I joined for my own enjoyment, but soon found many of the parents of my students wanting to be friends.  I have often thought I would like to created an account just for our class.  This would be another tool that would allow communication, and in some cases, instant feedback and responses.

Thing #16 - LearnPort

  I love this site.  Earlier in this class I was in the site for Differentiated Learning and thought it was a good site.  I had no idea how much more was available.  There are so many courses to choose from that are relevant to any teacher.  What a great place to go for credits and SBCEU's. 

Thing #15 - Google Calendar

  Google calendar is a great tool to help keep parents and students informed.  Class parties, field trips, assessments, birthdays, and much more can be kept track of this way.  On my class web site I had a spot for calendar but couldn't figure out how to insert one.  Now I have linked it to my Google Calendar.

Thing #15 - Media Converter

  I tried to use Media Converter but had trouble with it.  I then tried Zamzar and it was incredibly easy.  I converted a word document to PDF in Zamzar.  Other options for conversion were: txt, png, pcx, odt, ps, and mp3.  Using this in the class will be beneficial, as stated above, to save files that will not be able to be changed.  I also will be able to download music and change it to mp3 and use for media sharing.

Thing #15 - Converted Word Document

I converted a math assessment to PDF. Because we have to have common assessments and we post them to our share drive, having them in PDF will secure them so people can not change them. It is important to leave them in doc. format for changing, but PDF is great for protection.

Thing #8 - 14/Capstone Reflection

A)  Using the applications to improve learning:  The applications in the last seven sections are all very beneficial for my classroom.  I will use a lot of them in conjunction with each other.  For example, Picasa is a great site for uploading and editing pictures.  From there I I can add them to my web site, do digital story telling, use them in Quizlets, and in creating Prezis.  Most of them are also great instruction tools.  My creating different ways to present my lessons, students will be exposed to ways they too can create and present information.

B)  Effective teaching and learning strategies:  Using any of the many types of presentations talked about in these 7 areas, students will have the opportunity for effective note taking, summarizing, and creating questions and organizers over and over.  Google Earth and Quizlet have a vast number of opportunities to allow students to create and tests hypothesis. Lastly, many of the online assessment tools provide and allow for immediate feedback so that students can quickly self-assess.

C)  How does this lesson meet a MI or Technology standard:  The "Thing" I am choosing to use for a lesson is Prezi.  Students can create a Prezi presentation for Science (or any other area) to show comprehension and understanding of their plant and animal unit. 

S.RS.03.17:   Identify current problems that may be solved through the use of technology.

#14 - Online video and audio resources

  The screen shot I have below is of Discovery Streaming.  This online video resource has thousands of video clips in every subject matter imaginable.  The clips are in documentary, cartoon, movie, and many more formats.  I use Discovery Streaming for instruction purposed to enhance the unit we are working on.  I use it for all subject areas, not just one.  Sometimes students go to the computer lab and find their own videos in a particular subject matter and choose their own video to watch.
  Podcasts and other audio tools can also be valuable tools in the classroom.   I have tried podcasts before and elementary kids don't stay focused long enough without the video.  However, adding Itunes and copyright allowed podcast to presentations can enhance them greatly.  Although I have heard very good poscasts, in my opinion, video streaming is a great way to go with elementary and younger, but podcasting has its values for upper grades.

Thing #13 - Quizlet

  The Quizlet cards I made were Science cards to review for an Animal and Plant unit.  The activity went over very well.  The students enjoyed using the cards, quizzing their partners, and then taking them home to study.  I think that's what I like best about this tool is that I can make several copies for students to take home and use.  We also went to the computer lab and I had them experiment using the tools provided.  They played the games, used the voice recognitions, and took a sample test.  I will continue to use this tool for test reviews, math centers, and daily choices.  This is a great tool.

 

Thing #13 - Google Earth

This is a screen shot of Yorktown, VA and Virginia Beach, VA where my kids have moved to.

The following is my house with a placemark

Thing #12 - Data Tools

  Our school uses a data tool call "IGOR".  Because of the various committees I am on, and meetings I have had to go to this year, I am somewhat familiar with it, although most of our staff is not.  IGOR has been a valuable tool this year as we are revamping our assessments and looking at the common core.  In doing so, we have been able to pull specific data from IGOR.  for example:  student achievement for specific types of questions, compare to other districts, look at the decline or achievement over the years which allows us to determine are we doing things differently or do we need to change.  IGOR is helps us to know what changes we need to make for the following year, or what things to leave alone.
  FERPA/HIPAA laws are important to project the student and families.  Students with IEP's, 504's, disciplinary issues, etc. have the right to the protection of their privacy.  Most information schools have on students would not be of interest to anyone, but there are many students who need laws like this to protect them.  Parents who are separated or divorced need to be able to access their child's record, but I have seen secretaries tell them no because they are not on the emergency cards.  FERPA states both parents have the right to the records.  Basically, as stated above, FERPA and HEPAA were created to protect students privacy.

Thing #12 - Rubric

I created a rubric for a project we do every year.  Students are required to create a poster choosing a Michigan-made product.  They have several criteria to follow.  I have always given rubric for projects assigned, but created my own.  Using the tools on-line, it will be so much faster and easier.  An aspect I like about Rubistar is that it will fill in the rubric, but also allows you to create your own criteria as well.

Thing #12 - Educational Quiz

  The following is the results from a 5 question Michigan History quiz I gave my peers.













Educational uses for this tool are more valuable now then ever.  With the Common Core leaning toward more on-line assessments, this would be a quick easy way to create tests or surveys.  The way the answers are all in columns and rows with the participants name makes it an easy way to score or create a data table.

Thing #11 - Zoomit

  The word document I am attaching is of some fraction problems.  Some of the words are cut off, but you can tell it has been enlarged.  I think Zoomit will be very beneficial for my students who have visual impairments as well as those who have reading difficulties.  I can present the information on the over screen, zoom into important parts.  Zoomit will allow us to highlight key words for daily assignments as well as assessments.

Thing #11 - Prezi

  The following is a Prezi presentation I created based on our Plant unit.  I had a hard time getting used to Prezi and its components.  I have use Power Point for years, so it was very different and hard to move around in.  However, the longer I did, the more I liked it and saw its value.  Power Point is based on 'slides', whereas with Prezi everything is all on the same page.  Students can easily maneuver around the page and go directly to the content area they need.  It is internet based, so they can access it from school computers or from home.  I love the easy capability to insert internet pictures, sites, and UTube.  We have been watching seeds germinate in the class, but I added a time-elasped version to my Prezi presentation that allowed students to watch them every step of the way.

Thing #10 - Feedback

  When I showed this presentation to my students, they were very excited.  They loved seeing themselves put to music.  The students would comment about what they had experienced throughout the year as they looked at the pictures.  It was a nice time of reflection, especially this time of year.  When I asked them what could I have done if I had chosen to use a voice-over, I was amazed at the ideas they came up with, but especially the fact they remembered clearly the activities and told me I should talk about what we were doing in the lessons.  THEY remembered what we had done, and offered text suggestions.  It was nice to know they had remembered what they had been taught.

Thing #10 - Digital Storytelling in the Classroom

  Digital Storytelling can be a valuble tool for both students and teachers.

1. Students will be allowed another avenue to share what they have learned.  How fun it would be for most of them to put their knowledge in a digital story format?  They could also use it as another means of projects.  Diorama's were popular in the past, but with digital storytelling students would have the capabilities to add so much more information and effects in a interesting way.  I did not use a voice over with my presentation, but if used for assessment or projects, I am sure students would be very creative.
2. As a teacher, digital storytelling would allow me to grab the students attention in a different way.  It could be used for a unit introduction, teaching a lesson, or, as I did with my presentation, allow the students to see pictures taken of themselves throughout the year.

Thing #10 Photo Story - "Our Year in Review"

   The following link is a digital story using many of the pictures I have taken this year in the classroom.

http://thirdgradehappenings.weebly.com/slide-show.html

Thing #10 - Digital Storyboard

Storyboard.  I created a storyboard based pictures from my class doing cooperative, hands-on math and science lessons.

Thing #9 - Public Photo Sharing

Below is a link to all the photos taken during the Math/Science activity.  Included is the editing I did before posting.

https://picasaweb.google.com/momofjanda/Math?authkey=Gv1sRgCJGNk_LQn-TmCg

Thing #9 - Dital Images

Picasa
Below is a picture I took of students measuring weight during a Math/Science activity.

http://picasa.google.com

I uploaded it to Picasa and used the editing tools there to enhance the picture.  I wanted to target the students at this table, but there was a lot of clutter behind them.  I cropped out the background students and added some text to explain what they were doing.  After adding the text, I changed the color of the text to blue and italicized it.  I also used the auto color feature to allow Picasa to give it the right amount of light/darkness contrast.
I will use the edited picture below, as well as many more I will be editing, in my class newsletter.

Thing #8 - Creative Commons

Thing #8 - Copyright

  I created my quiz in Survey Monkey.  Following is a copy of the quiz I gave along with the answers and staff responses.  23 of my peers took the quiz, and as you can see, the majority had a good handle on the copyright laws, with the exception of only a few questions.  However, although the majority had a good handle, there were still quite a few people that struggled with various questions.  A lot of people were emailing me for the correct answers after they took the test as they felt they really didn't understand the copyright laws and wanted to make sure they were abiding by them.  After I closed the test, I emailed them all the correct answers.

                   

                   

             1.  Is it a copyright infringement to make a local copy of another person's image file so you can include it on your own web page?  
   

2.      Is it a copyright infringement to link to an image on another person's web site?   No 

Providing a link to copyrighted materials is not the same as copying the work itself.

                

3.     If you do not profit from a copyright infringement, can you be sued for damages?  Yes

Copyright infringement can occur whether or not the user profits from the copying.

4.      Copyright ownership analysis starts with this principle: The ______________ is the owner.   Author 

The creator of the work is the copyright holder until or unless he or she waives or transfers that right to someone else.

5.      Which of the following is NOT a copyright infringement?  A teacher making a photocopy of a single cartoon as part of a student worksheet which is then copied 25 times and distributed to a class 

This use falls under the Fair Use Doctrine.

6.      You have written a story to read aloud to your class. At what point is it covered by copyright law?   When you write the story down on paper. 

By writing the story down on paper, you have captured your original creative expression in a fixed medium, and thus established a copyright on the work.

7.     Ms. Smith's students are big fans of the Star Trek television series. In order to excite them about a writing exercise, she encourages them to write stories based on Star Trek characters. Which of the following rights of the creators of Star Trek are violated by the writing of these stories?   The right to prepare derivative works based upon the copyrighted work. 

Creation of derivative works, such as stories based on characters in books or movies, is a violation of copyright law.

8.      Mr. Jones has a computer program at home that he thinks the students in his class will benefit from. He brings in the program and installs it on all three computers in his classroom. Because the program is for use by students and has met the spontaneity test, he concludes that this is legal under the Fair Use doctrine. Is it?  No 

The Fair Use doctrine does not apply to computer software.

9.      Which of the following works is in the public domain?  U.S. Senate proceedings from 1998 

Government documents are not protected by copyright

10.  Central to the concept of copyright is the idea that you own and have control over anything that you create.  True 

Any original, creative expression that you create (and fix into a permanent medium) is covered by copyright, giving you control over your work.

Things #1-7/Capstone Reflection

A)
  The technology applications explored so far have been beneficial for both myself and my students.  The more hands on, and the more variety that can be offered students, the better they are apt to learn.  I don't believe technology in itself, it s the only answer, rather a piece of the puzzle that will give all students the opportunity to learn in a different way.  I have incorporated technology in my Daily Choice during math.  Students have a variety of activities they choose from that to reinforce a particular skill.  I am fortunate enough to have 3 computers in my room that students can get on during one of their choices and explore the skill in a different way.
  As for myself, I have already learned so many new ways to enhance my teaching.  Blogs will allow student feedback in a constructive, positive way.  Skype and other social networks will allow students to communicate with authors, museums, other students, etc.  The value of the many, many websites with lesson plans will be a great resource.  I love Thinkfinity and how there are so many lessons that not only give me great teaching ideas, but most of them incorporate technology with the lessons.

B)
  Even though we are only 1/3 of the way through this class, my mind is blown away by the vast amount of information and resources available to educators today.  The teaching and learning strategies based on Marzano, all can be addressed by the technology applications we have been learning about.  A main point of Marzano is that students need to be challenged in a variety of ways and have time to explore and take ownership of their learning.  In the "Identifying Similarities and Differences" category, Marzano recommends for classroom practice:

• give students a model for the process
• use familiar content to teach students the steps
• give students graphic organizers
• guide students as needed

  Some of the types of technology integrations suggested are:  Power Point, Venn diagrams, Kidspiration, smartboard, excel, as well as many others.   The list could go on and on for each subject in our classrooms, including homework.  Instead of the traditional paper and pencil activities, students need to be challenged to use technological resources that are available to help them learn in a variety of ways.


C)
   The "Thing" I am choosing to do for a lesson with my class is Buzzword.                 
Third grade students, according to GLCE    3 – H3.0.10 ,   are required to create a time line to sequence early Michigan history through statehood. After studying Michigan during the time of the Voyageurs, students will collaboratively, in groups of 4, use Buzzword Presentations to create a time line of Michigan from beginning to the time of the Voyageurs. They will continue to use this tool to add to the time line through Michigan's statehood.  By using Buzzword, students will be adding to, taking away, and enhancing the time line as a group in a Power Point.
      

Thing #7 - Website

Web Presence

I chose to create a web site for my third grade class.

http://thirdgradehappenings.weebly.com/

I team with another teacher and thought this would be a great tool for many reasons.

• Parents will be able to have easy access to what is happening in the class. 
• Students and parents will be able to download assignments or check on projects for due dates or "how to's." 
• I take lots of pictures throughout the year but never have enough room on my newsletter to display them. The web site will be a great place for this. 
• Calendar of events will be easily accessible for parents and colleagues. 

Years ago I did not think having a classroom web site was worth the trouble because most of our parents did not have internet.  Today, every one of  my students and families have access, so this will be a great parent/teacher/student communication too.

Thing #6 - Cyber Bullying

Cyber Bullying and I-Safe

  Two activities I will use to help parents and students understand the safety and responsibility of internet use are the following:

Core Rules of Netiquette:

  A parent/student night at our school where both are exposed to various videos and information about proper netiquette.  Below are a few resources available.

http://www.networketiquette.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dRoclqDJh0

http://www.education.com/reference/article/netiquette-rules-behavior-internet/


 Cyber Bullying:

  Another activity would be to present either in a parent/student night, or to the class, information on Cyber Bullying. 

http://www.digizen.org/cyberbullying/fullFilm.aspx

   Digizen has informative, believable, and credible videos and resources that would be valuable tools for informing parents and students about Cyber Bullying.

Thing #6 - Bogus Sites

Bogus sites

http://clickmonkeys.com

After reading through this web site and looking for credibility, I really couldn't find any.  At the bottom of the page it said they were a Ukranian company and not subject to US laws.  This was a red flag for me right away.  The explanation on how they perform their service was also fishy.  They have a lighthouse off shore they use for "clicking."

I could not find any other sources that reviewed, critiqued, or supported this company.  When reading the explanation for existence, the company seemed to have a legitimate  reason for their business, but the company was questionable.  I tried to google reviews or anything that would tell me more about it, but the only thing I could find was sites that told me it was a hoax.

 I could not find a date on the website.  No where did it give a copyright or update. 

There were no sources behind the text.  There was supposedly one testimonial, but that was it.

http://www.stephenswork.com/funkyshoes/goodkarma.html

Funky shoes was a site that immediately caught my attention as a bogus site.  It is totally based on the premise "Good Karma Shoes Make You a Better Person."

This site claims that they scour the world for shoes worn by good people doing good acts.  If you buy these shoes, you too will have good karma.  Although there were several testimonials in the sidebar, they were not necessarily credible.   There were no dates on the site.  The only other sites I could find about Funky shoes were the ones that claimed it as a hoax.

Thing #5 - Differentiated Learning

Differentiated Learning

  I teach 3rd grade, but I team with another teacher, so I teach only Math, Science, and Social Studies.  I use differentiated learning on a regular basis.  

Math:   I begin with whole group instruction and then students have daily choices that go with the concept being addressed at the time as well as review concepts.  Below are some of the choices students learn from:

•          Games
•          Response Wheels
•          Problem solving activities
•          Math Art
•          Paper and pencil work
•          Manipulatives
•          Internet activities

Science: 

•          Begin with overview and whole group instruction
•          Hands-on activities
•          Journaling and recording activity
•          Partner/Table collaboration
•          Whole group sharing 

Diverse Learning

  The application I felt would be the most beneficial in my classroom would be audio text.  To be able to transfer the written word into digital audio format for struggling readers would be a wonderful tool.  Students would be able to follow along, yet be read to.  They can stop when necessary, re-read, highlight, and go at a pace that is best for them.


UDL

  Nettrekker is a wonderful program that allows you to find lesson plans within the Michigan GLCE's.  It was very easy to use and allowed me to find a a multitude of lessons within various subject areas.  When the lessons are brought up, the readability level was displayed on the side so that it was easy to distinguish the appropriateness for the student or class you are looking for.
  This is a valuable tool for educators.  Ease of use and quick find lessons in appropriate levels makes it a nice application.

Text-To-Audio Conversion

  This program has the potential of being a great tool for students who struggle with reading. Experts note that audio books can help young or struggling readers, but just following words are not enough. With audio books children learn to listen; they will listen as the story is read and visualize the story. The use of imagination is paramount in creating independent readers. This is not an ability that you can teach your child in the traditional manner. That is one of the primary benefits of audio books for children. They will have no choice but to use their imagination and they will see how enjoyable it is.
  However, unless there are better programs out there than vozMe, I am not overly impressed.  Both the female and male voices are monotone and hard to understand.

Thing #4 - Infinity/Lesson #2

   Graphing

 In this lesson found at http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L534  students create bar graphs and find the range and mode of a set of data..  The lesson suggests they find out how many of each vowel are in the classroom names, but anything would work.  Once collected, they put the data in an online graph.  They will need to have a title for their graph and  name their x and y axis.  There are buttons to choose whether they want it a bar, line, pie, or pictograph.  After all information is put in the template, the graph of their choice is created.

  This lesson is perfect for many grade levels.  Children start graphing in kindergarten and never stop.  I will use the application periodically throughout the year.

Thing #4 - Thinkfinity/Lesson #1

Introduction to Geometry:

  Students read the poem "Shapes" from A Light in the Attic, by Shel Silverstein, and create their own illustration of the poem. In this lesson found at http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L202   students explore geometric figures and positional words.

Shapes

A square was sitting quietly

Outside his rectangular shack

When a triangle came down — keerplunk! —

And struck him in the back.

“I must go to the hospital,”

Cried the wounded square,

So a passing rolling circle

Picked him up and took him there.

After reading the poem, students, will be given geometric shapes (square, rectangle, triangle, and circle).  They will arrange their shapes according to what they hear in the poem and draw a picture to demonstrate it.  After all pictures are finished, show them what the author thought it would look like and compare.

  I will use this lesson soon as an introduction to geometry.  Although they should already know their shapes, it will be a good refresher for them as well as a nice listening skill exercise.

Thing #3 - Skype

Skype Reflection

  Teaching third graders poses a challenge sometimes with technology.  Many cannot type well, so it takes them quite awhile to communicate this way.  However, there some ways I think Skype would be beneficial for them.

·         Meet the Author:  There are many authors that will chat with students via Skype.  Students will have the capabilities to ask questions in real time.

·         Virtual Field Trips:  Once again, there are many organizations that work with schools to provide virtual field trips that go with the curriculum being taught

·         Student Collaboration:  Collaborate with other classes on projects

·         Teacher Collaboration:  Teachers collaborate and gather ideas from other teachers around the world

Thing #2 - Optional Buzzword Activity

  I was new to both Buzzword and Google docs.  After playing around with both, I liked the ease of use with Buzzword much better than Google docs.  Although at first glance Google docs seems very similar to Word, I felt the tool bars were not as easy to use as Buzzword.  I liked how easy it is to find my documents in Google docs; I am not so confident with Buzzword.  I have been about to find them so far, but it takes me awhile.
  Both however are valuable programs that will enhance my productivity.

Thing #2 - Google Docs Colleague Edit

  The following spreadsheet was created rather blandly.  When it came back edited, color, and centering had been added as well as the test scores being changed to percentages.

  As far as how it will help me more productive, I can see this being a wonderful collaboration and time saving tool with other educators for reasons I stated in an earlier blog. However, I have had the occasion since starting this class to use it for private purposes as well.  A friend created an address list for upcoming wedding.  They sent the list to me through Google docs and I revised and edited it.  Just a way that it is not only useful in education, but in our everyday life.

Thing #2 - Google Docs.

Google Docs has the potential to become one of my most beneficial tools in education.  I chose the lesson plan below to demonstrate this.  Two other teachers and myself have to collaborate on a math lesson.  We have been saving it and forwarding it by email for over two weeks.  Each one of us had to wait for the other to edit and email the new, saved document.  Google docs will now allow us immediate access to the current document, and therefore save us valuable time.
  Another aspect of Google Docs that will help my productivity is that I can now create and access my lesson plans on-line.  Unless I remember to save my files on my flash drive, currently I cannot work on, or revise them, at home. 

Thing #1 - Delcious

  http://www.delicious.com/mcquillan1

Delicious is an on-line bookmarking program that allows me to access my bookmarked web sites from any computer where internet is available.  Many times I have been at home researching for my class and found valuable web sites that I wanted to remember.  I would copy and paste them in an email and then send them to my school email.  Once back at school, I would save them on my school computer.  Delicious will help my productivity as I will no longer need to that.  I will be able to save and tag a web site, and then access it whenever, and wherever, I am on the internet.
  Another aspect of Delicious that will help with efficiency is that I will no longer have to find the sites after losing them when my computer at school is re-formatted each summer,  my home computer crashes, or I buy a new one.  All sites will be bookmarked on the internet and readily available.

Thing 1# - Shortcuts

  In this word document I used the following shorcuts:
First I used Copy C to copy the "Math", "Learning Targets", and "Materials".  Then I used Control V to paste them into each day.  Thirdly, I used Shift Tab to move my bullets.  I also played around with several other shortcuts such as Shift F3 to Uppercase some words, F7 for spell check, and F12 to Save.

  Using the shortcuts will help my productivity as it allows me to format my document using the keyboard.  It takes much less time and increases productivity if you aren't always reaching for the mouse. 

Blogging

  When I first thought about what makes a good blog, I thought it would change depending on what the author was trying to get across: travels, life-long journeys, education, opinions, book reviews, etc.  However, as I read several blogs in various subjects areas, I realized I was looking for the same qualities in all of them.
A good blog has a title that will catch your reader’s attention and make them want to read the blog.  It is also engaging in that it is not too wordy and keeps the reader's attention.  A third aspect of a good blog is that it makes a reader want to come back each time it is posted.  What it has to say should be interesting and laid out well so the readers will return. I also think that the layout should not be congested or have so much advertisement that it deters from what the author is saying.  The last aspect of a good blog, in my opinion, is that it allows for feedback from its readers.  A comment section is very important so the reader feels a connection and ability to respond to what the author is saying.

  Blogs could be used in many ways in the classroom.  Students could use blogs to comment on books read, student writings, math concepts, portfolios, research sharing, and a way of helping younger students to name few ways.  Blogs would also be a great way to formatively assess students in different subject areas.  Another use of blogs in the school would be teacher/parent communication.  Daily or weekly postings by the teacher would inform parents of happenings and anecdotes from the classroom.

  Blogs are definitely an easier way for people to self-publish.   I have a nephew who blogs movie reviews.  He is great at it, but at his age he would probably never have an audience if it weren’t for blogs.  Whether it is book reviews, personal opinions on subject matters, or a budding author, blogging provides an audience that wasn’t once available. 

What Have I Done?

Today was our first day of  "21 Things" and I ask myself, "What Have I Done?"  Although  I am excited for the class as I love learning new things in technology, I wonder if I will be able to accomplish all the tasks required.  Our instructor is amazing.  He adds humor to his instruction, lets us play around while he is talking, AND he might read this, so I'm trying to get on his good side early.
I hope to take many new ideas away from this class.  Specifically, Wiki's, Moodle, and Blogging.  So, let the good times begin.