First of all, I wish to express my gratitude to the designers of the "technology toolbox" for their time and dedication in creating this educational technology training. As a lifetime learner, it certainly got my "nogging going."
My favorite tools are the digital storytelling or photostory and apps found on the iPod Touch. I'm looking forward to using the iPod Touches that have been issued for our classroom use. Most of our students already have a vast experience manipulating the iPod Touch and searching for information. Together, my students and I will explore these apps to create a student centered learning environment.
In the article Transformed Learning Environments, David Warlick expresses that "technology has advanced and it is becoming increasingly prevalent in our classrooms." I believe that educators need to keep up with technology so that we are up to date with what our students know.
I must admit that I was completely overwhelmed with this online professional development. It reminded of the college courses I had to take many years ago. I've been diligently working on these tools since the beginning of June and it's the end of July and am finally completing this assignment. As mentioned before, I've always had a love of learning and this has definitely stimulated my brain.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tool 11: Digital Citizenship
Lots and lots of reading on digital citizenship. I'm not promoting any more reading but perhaps we could purchase the book, Digital Citizenship in Schools by Mike Ribble and Gerald Bailey as an added resource.
As teachers, we're responsible for our students learning and most importantly their safety. Regarding digital citizenship, I would focus on the following:
1. Safety - We need to ensure that students understand that the internet is a powerful tool and should be used wisely and consciously. They need to be guided to scrutinize everything they read or listen to online. Students need to be very careful with information that is posted on the internet because it is easy accessible to everyone. It isn't a private place and anyone (parents, teachers, etc.) can read or see what is posted on the internet. Furthermore, teachers must actively monitor where students go on the internet.
2. Responsibility - The TEA website stressed that "teachers should create age-appropriate activities for students." By developing technology skills, teachers can guide students to be responsible in their independent learning. We also need to address the legal rights and restrictions governing technology use or digital laws. Students need to be constantly reminded of copywrite laws and that not all information on the internet is valid or appropriate.
3. Etiquette - Rules need to be set and enforced for appropriate technology etiquette. It is essential to demonstrate courtesy and respect in all our communication with one another. A comment by Tim to Moby on BrainPop, "Treat others like you want to be treated" is the ultimate golden rule.
There are many excellent resources to teach students about digital technology. I would begin the school year by reading the book, Oh, No!: Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World by Mac Barnett. Also, the video, Digital Etiquette on BrainPop gives a thorough explanation why rules and etiquette are necessary for online communication.
As teachers, we're responsible for our students learning and most importantly their safety. Regarding digital citizenship, I would focus on the following:
1. Safety - We need to ensure that students understand that the internet is a powerful tool and should be used wisely and consciously. They need to be guided to scrutinize everything they read or listen to online. Students need to be very careful with information that is posted on the internet because it is easy accessible to everyone. It isn't a private place and anyone (parents, teachers, etc.) can read or see what is posted on the internet. Furthermore, teachers must actively monitor where students go on the internet.
2. Responsibility - The TEA website stressed that "teachers should create age-appropriate activities for students." By developing technology skills, teachers can guide students to be responsible in their independent learning. We also need to address the legal rights and restrictions governing technology use or digital laws. Students need to be constantly reminded of copywrite laws and that not all information on the internet is valid or appropriate.
3. Etiquette - Rules need to be set and enforced for appropriate technology etiquette. It is essential to demonstrate courtesy and respect in all our communication with one another. A comment by Tim to Moby on BrainPop, "Treat others like you want to be treated" is the ultimate golden rule.
There are many excellent resources to teach students about digital technology. I would begin the school year by reading the book, Oh, No!: Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World by Mac Barnett. Also, the video, Digital Etiquette on BrainPop gives a thorough explanation why rules and etiquette are necessary for online communication.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tool #10 - Exploring Mobile Technology and Apps
Fortunately, I attended an iPod Touch training on June 23 where I touched an iPod Touch for the first time! As luck would have it, a very young middle school teacher sat next to me who helped me maneuver the pad. During the training, we reviewed iTunes U and Lit2go. We checked out some popular literature, such as Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm which students read online. After the reading, students can work on comprehension activities for assessment. We also downloaded some Discovery Education videos which need to be converted to MP3. We were given a list of about 100 SBISD Approved Apps for the iPod Touch including:
Skype
Animoto Videos
Dictionary.com
Google Earth
Ecosystems
Houston Zoo
Today in History
Spell Checker
States and Capitals (flashcards for each of the original 13 states along with its capital and flag, voice pronunciation of each state and capital, and a link to Google Maps for each state)
State Capitals Study Buddy (a fun and effective state capitals study tool designed to help students learn the U.S. states and capitals)
Video Science
Unblock Me is like a puzzle where you use strategies to slide the red block out of the board. It was very entertaining and fun!
Be sure to read Mabel's blog and the article she posted entitled, "ick: NYC iPad demo units . . . As a germophobic, my students and I are going to be using lots of hand sanitizers and/or anitbacterial wipes for handling iPod Touches in the classroom - ICK!
OH, and did I mention that I won 4 headphones for the iPod's in my classroom at the training?
Skype
Animoto Videos
Dictionary.com
Google Earth
Ecosystems
Houston Zoo
Today in History
Spell Checker
States and Capitals (flashcards for each of the original 13 states along with its capital and flag, voice pronunciation of each state and capital, and a link to Google Maps for each state)
State Capitals Study Buddy (a fun and effective state capitals study tool designed to help students learn the U.S. states and capitals)
Video Science
Unblock Me is like a puzzle where you use strategies to slide the red block out of the board. It was very entertaining and fun!
Be sure to read Mabel's blog and the article she posted entitled, "ick: NYC iPad demo units . . . As a germophobic, my students and I are going to be using lots of hand sanitizers and/or anitbacterial wipes for handling iPod Touches in the classroom - ICK!
OH, and did I mention that I won 4 headphones for the iPod's in my classroom at the training?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tool #9 - Sharing Information . . .
1. Teachers and students can use Jing to develop videos of previously taught skills, i.e. math and science to enhance information and explanations of concepts that students are having difficulty with. As I'm learning these websites, I appreciated Alfredo's Jing to explain How to include a YOUTUBE video into your blog. Some teachers need help, too!
2. Teachers and students can actively engage in cyberspace using Skype. We can communicate with authors and visit sites unknown to students with virtual field trips. It will also be useful for students to communicate with one another about their learning. As a mentor to one of our fourth grade students at Hollibrook, Karen J. suggested we use Skype to communicate with another SBISD elementary school but we didn't have the time or the hardware to begin the project. I'm hoping that we can implement this in our classroom at the beginning of the school year.
2. Teachers and students can actively engage in cyberspace using Skype. We can communicate with authors and visit sites unknown to students with virtual field trips. It will also be useful for students to communicate with one another about their learning. As a mentor to one of our fourth grade students at Hollibrook, Karen J. suggested we use Skype to communicate with another SBISD elementary school but we didn't have the time or the hardware to begin the project. I'm hoping that we can implement this in our classroom at the beginning of the school year.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tool #8 - Video Resources
Using videos in the classroom are an added resource to students' learning process. However, looking for the right video can be very time consuming. I spent several hours looking for a science video on the phases of the moon since our fourth graders need additional support in comprehending this concept. I viewed many videos in Spanish since we will be teaching science in Spanish next year. Unfortunately, the majority of the videos in Spanish are not compatible with our science vocabulary and/or not useful resources to enhance science skills. The GOOD NEWS is that our students could make their own videos and place them on YouTube.
DOKI DESCUBRE: EL SOL Y LA NOCHE
LAS FASES DE LA LUNA
I selected these two videos entitled, Doki Descubre: El sol y la noche and Las fases de la luna from YouTube because they are student friendly. Students can view them to reinforce previously taught concepts.
In a perfect world, students should know their multiplication facts by fourth grade, right?
So there are many, many videos for students who haven't learned them to practice their multiplication facts in a math center. This video entitled, Math Times Tables for 3, 6, 9 from Mister Numbers are strategies for students who are struggling to learn their multiplication facts. It's a fun strategy for right brain thinkers!
Tool #7 - Digital Storytelling
This being my first attempt in digital storytelling, I was quite apprehensive and intimidated by the whole process. Thanks to an "expert" I was finally able to begin and complete this project.
Once we got started, I was fascinated and enthused! I can only anticipate that our students will be as eager to capture their own stories on video using this tool. I will encourage students to write a story by adding their own illustrations and/or music. They can also explain a math, science, or social studies concept using this same digital storytelling process.
I chose this story and the music from What a Wonderful World because it's one of my favorite songs. I also use it at the beginning of the school year to build our classroom community. Afterwards, students will continue reading and listening to this heart warming song throughout the school year. It becomes a memorable moment for all of us. I recall one year that the song was used in an Earth Day assembly at Hollibrook and some of my former students who were already in fifth grade turned and looked at me while the song was playing. By the smile on their faces, I could tell they were thinking that they were playing OUR song.
Once we got started, I was fascinated and enthused! I can only anticipate that our students will be as eager to capture their own stories on video using this tool. I will encourage students to write a story by adding their own illustrations and/or music. They can also explain a math, science, or social studies concept using this same digital storytelling process.
I chose this story and the music from What a Wonderful World because it's one of my favorite songs. I also use it at the beginning of the school year to build our classroom community. Afterwards, students will continue reading and listening to this heart warming song throughout the school year. It becomes a memorable moment for all of us. I recall one year that the song was used in an Earth Day assembly at Hollibrook and some of my former students who were already in fifth grade turned and looked at me while the song was playing. By the smile on their faces, I could tell they were thinking that they were playing OUR song.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tool #6 - Wikis
Even though "wiki wiki" means "quickly" in Hawaiian, I didn't move as quickly as I should have through this webpage. I spent alot of quality time reading and taking notes from other wiki's, such has my fellow bloggers. In addition, the following link is a good resource for teachers seeking innovative ideas on how they can use wikis in their classrooms:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/wiki/wikideas2.cfm
These activities prompted me to share an interactive activity that I've utilized in my 4th grade writing classroom. It's called "Writing Roulette" which derives from the New Jersey Writing Project. The teacher posts a writing prompt for students to write and complete a story in collaborative groups. For example, the following writing prompt could be posted on wikispaces: It was the first day of school when all of a sudden . . . . Then each student formats ideas to add two or three sentences to build a story. Some to the stories end up to be on the wild side but it encourages humor and creativity.
As for posting of a wiki, I added a checklist for the first week of school to share with teachers. I'm also working on a list of science vocabulary words in Spanish since fourth grade bilingual teachers will be teaching science in Spanish this year. Stay tuned!
http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/wiki/wikideas2.cfm
These activities prompted me to share an interactive activity that I've utilized in my 4th grade writing classroom. It's called "Writing Roulette" which derives from the New Jersey Writing Project. The teacher posts a writing prompt for students to write and complete a story in collaborative groups. For example, the following writing prompt could be posted on wikispaces: It was the first day of school when all of a sudden . . . . Then each student formats ideas to add two or three sentences to build a story. Some to the stories end up to be on the wild side but it encourages humor and creativity.
As for posting of a wiki, I added a checklist for the first week of school to share with teachers. I'm also working on a list of science vocabulary words in Spanish since fourth grade bilingual teachers will be teaching science in Spanish this year. Stay tuned!
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