I have learned a lot about myself, my abilities, and my teaching style from the activities and postings that I've completed in this class. Even though I knew how to use several of the tools we were assigned to learn to use, I discovered more about them, or looking at another post led me to think of something I could do with the tool in my classroom.
I will leave this class with a legal pad full of ideas and plans that I will slowly but surely implement into my classroom and my daily life. I know that my iGoogle Calendar will be used along with my Google starter page. I am so in love with the To Do List that is on my starter page. I am going to try to use Remember the Milk in order to save trees, but it's one that I will implement slowly. I see myself using it more in my classroom than at home. I really enjoyed the online sign generators. I don't recall visiting any of the sites before this class because I didn't want to risk getting a virus from one of the sites.
One thing that I am going to work on is changing my view of myself as a lifelong learner. I am going to start looking at setbacks as challenges and I will not let them upset me so much. I am also going to continue to look for RSS feeds and subscribe to ones that interest me in my personal and educational life. I plan to explore the world of Podcasts now that I know that I don't have to have an iPod.
I'm glad to know that I can continue to improve my Blog. After looking at other bloggers' blogs, I'd like to add some things (such as a playlist), more pictures, etc. I'd like to have a product that I can share with those who are afraid to take this class. I hadn't thought about adding my blog URL to my email signature, but I will so thanks for that idea.
Thank you for taking the time to create such a fun and user-friendly class. I will recommend this class to my colleagues and I will take any other class that you all offer. The one suggestion that I have is to send out scantrons to those who have registered and have them return the scantron through school mail before school is out. If someone doesn't complete the course, destroy that person's scantron before turning them in for credit. I had to drive an hour just to complete a scantron.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Thing #23
Learning 2.0 is a discovery learning program created by Helene Blowers and adapted by the California School Library Association and others. Content and style for Learning 2.0 - 23 Things has been borrowed and duplicated with permission, under a Creative Commons License.
This class itself is based on the idea of another class--43 Things. The creators of 23 Things undoubtly had to start with a small spark to become what it has become today. During this class, we used Flickr. Flickr itself is based on other photo sharing and storage sites such as Yahoo Photos (which is now Yahoo Flickr), Shutterfly and before either of those, Slide. Shutterfly and Photobucket led to the creation of stores such as Walgreen's and Walmart allowing customers to upload their digital photos and videos and order hard copy prints and DVDs.
I don't think a creative commons license means that you take someone else's idea and take credit for the original plan. You should always give credit where credit it due. I don't see anything wrong with improving someone's idea, but give the origianl credit for sparking your imagination.
I try to give credit when I've found something to share with my students, or when I use someone else's idea in my classroom, but I know that teachers are sometimes the worst about giving credit. I'm all for sharing my ideas (when I have one that's creative and good enough to share), but I do like to receive credit so I try to give others credit also.
This class itself is based on the idea of another class--43 Things. The creators of 23 Things undoubtly had to start with a small spark to become what it has become today. During this class, we used Flickr. Flickr itself is based on other photo sharing and storage sites such as Yahoo Photos (which is now Yahoo Flickr), Shutterfly and before either of those, Slide. Shutterfly and Photobucket led to the creation of stores such as Walgreen's and Walmart allowing customers to upload their digital photos and videos and order hard copy prints and DVDs.
I don't think a creative commons license means that you take someone else's idea and take credit for the original plan. You should always give credit where credit it due. I don't see anything wrong with improving someone's idea, but give the origianl credit for sparking your imagination.
I try to give credit when I've found something to share with my students, or when I use someone else's idea in my classroom, but I know that teachers are sometimes the worst about giving credit. I'm all for sharing my ideas (when I have one that's creative and good enough to share), but I do like to receive credit so I try to give others credit also.
Thing #22
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/3377523
Of course I chose to look up a topic that interests me (sports mainly the NFL and Nascar) and felt like a child at Christmas. I am now officially overloaded with Podcasts. Before Thing #22, I didn't bother to try to listen to Podcasts because I thought I needed and IPod. Sounds so silly now huh?
I found Mike and Mike in the Morning (from ESPN) Podcast and spent at least an two hours listening to shows that I have missed this summer. I think spent some time thinking of items to search for that I could use in class. I found some Science lectures, but I don't think my 5th graders would listen to them. I did however, find a Podcast site that allows you to record your own Podcast. That's neat. I don't think I'll try it, but I will share with my coworkers who aren't embarassed about their voices on tape.
I preferred PodCastDirectory just because it was organzied in topics as well as it used Google as the search engine to find podcasts.
Of course I chose to look up a topic that interests me (sports mainly the NFL and Nascar) and felt like a child at Christmas. I am now officially overloaded with Podcasts. Before Thing #22, I didn't bother to try to listen to Podcasts because I thought I needed and IPod. Sounds so silly now huh?
I found Mike and Mike in the Morning (from ESPN) Podcast and spent at least an two hours listening to shows that I have missed this summer. I think spent some time thinking of items to search for that I could use in class. I found some Science lectures, but I don't think my 5th graders would listen to them. I did however, find a Podcast site that allows you to record your own Podcast. That's neat. I don't think I'll try it, but I will share with my coworkers who aren't embarassed about their voices on tape.
I preferred PodCastDirectory just because it was organzied in topics as well as it used Google as the search engine to find podcasts.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Thing #21
Well, I wasn't impressed with the music choice, but I surely did like being able to upload my personal pictures and someone else do the mixing and editing. I had no idea this site existed but now that I do, watch out Animoto. I don't think it will get a moment's peace because I plan to share, share, and share this link.
It's a very user-friendly program, but I found myself getting impatient waiting for the initial video to be made. I found something else to do, finished what I was doing, came back, and the thing was still working and I have one of the fastest connection you can get at home.
I could see my students having a ball with this program. I think they'll be the ones behind the camera this year and I'll be the one watching the happenings.
It's a very user-friendly program, but I found myself getting impatient waiting for the initial video to be made. I found something else to do, finished what I was doing, came back, and the thing was still working and I have one of the fastest connection you can get at home.
I could see my students having a ball with this program. I think they'll be the ones behind the camera this year and I'll be the one watching the happenings.
Thing #19
View my page on 23 Thingsters
Ning is nice, but I love Myspace and will stick with it. Ning didn't offer some of the things I like about MySpace, but I could see Ning being more beneficial in the classroom than MySpace. Ning seems like I would have more teacher control over who could join the social network and I know I would have more control over the topics discussed. I would start with a small group of Internet savvy kids to work out any kinks. I really didn't know there were other social networking sites because Facebook and Myspace do get all of the press. I did take a look at the Bake Space network and will probably join it after I'm finished with this class.
Find more photos like this on 23 Thingsters
Thing #20
Well, I know listening to my friend Twila sing her version of "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" is not relevant to the classroom, but when I need a laugh or something to remind me of my college days, I look at this video and think about how crazy Twila really is because at the age of 35 she was not embarassed to get on stage, how fun she really is, and how much she kept everyone in the sorority house laughing even when we should have been crying.
I think You Tube is the best thing since sliced bread. I used to spend hours looking at the latest funny videos, but that got pretty old. Maybe you'll stumble over one or two of my funny moments.
I haven't spent much time on Teacher Tube, but I'm sure I could find all sorts of things to share with coworkers and students. I think it would be fun to have my students make a video teaching a short lesson on a Science topic. They could even dress up as the teacher and get into character which would really be fun to them--to have the chance to mock me.
When you need a laugh, here's her You Tube link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDCLXLKMJcA#GU5U2spHI_4
Thing #18
Whew! I was so ready to get to this Thing to share my thoughts on MySpace. I have had a MySpace account since a few months after Tom created the darn thing. In case you don't know who Tom is, he's the one who is on everyone's page. He's the brains of this much talked about social network.
Just like anything, MySpace has attracted some bad actors and like life on the outside (of MySpace) you do have to be careful, but for the majority of us (those who have been around since the beginning) are at MySpace to stay connected or connect with new people. Until MySpace hit the news, it was a relatively quietly kept secret among those of us who were in college.
Anyhow, that's my spill. I know that I have students who are on MySpace and their parents don't know it and I know they lied about their ages. I would have never known my students were on MySpace unless they looked me up because I certainly wasn't looking for them. I finally had to open two accounts, one for my students who are under 18, Bowman97, and my original account, Nascargal101 for my friends and former students who are at least 18. It works for me. My original account is private, only my friends can see it, and my account for my students is public.
On another note, some kids use MySpace to blog about their feelings and in a way, I find that comforting because at least they aren't holding those feelings in. MySpace is how one of my former student's parents found out she was cutting herself (yes, I told her mom to read her blog), how I found some of my former students who had graduated from or were near graduating from high school, and I use it to dish out advice to kids (present and past) who sometimes trust me with their problems before they trust their parents. They all know my rule: I WILL TELL IT! and IF YOU ARE IN DANGER, I WILL TELL IT!
Personally, I wouldn't use MySpace in my classroom because it's just too much fun and there is not enough control over the content for it to be of any use.
One word of caution to those who don't use MySpace all of the time, be careful of where you get your layouts, etc. You could run into a killer virus or a spybot.
Just like anything, MySpace has attracted some bad actors and like life on the outside (of MySpace) you do have to be careful, but for the majority of us (those who have been around since the beginning) are at MySpace to stay connected or connect with new people. Until MySpace hit the news, it was a relatively quietly kept secret among those of us who were in college.
Anyhow, that's my spill. I know that I have students who are on MySpace and their parents don't know it and I know they lied about their ages. I would have never known my students were on MySpace unless they looked me up because I certainly wasn't looking for them. I finally had to open two accounts, one for my students who are under 18, Bowman97, and my original account, Nascargal101 for my friends and former students who are at least 18. It works for me. My original account is private, only my friends can see it, and my account for my students is public.
On another note, some kids use MySpace to blog about their feelings and in a way, I find that comforting because at least they aren't holding those feelings in. MySpace is how one of my former student's parents found out she was cutting herself (yes, I told her mom to read her blog), how I found some of my former students who had graduated from or were near graduating from high school, and I use it to dish out advice to kids (present and past) who sometimes trust me with their problems before they trust their parents. They all know my rule: I WILL TELL IT! and IF YOU ARE IN DANGER, I WILL TELL IT!
Personally, I wouldn't use MySpace in my classroom because it's just too much fun and there is not enough control over the content for it to be of any use.
One word of caution to those who don't use MySpace all of the time, be careful of where you get your layouts, etc. You could run into a killer virus or a spybot.
Thing #17
I knew of del.icio.us but had never been to the site nor had any desire to go to the site until this class. I knew of tagging but once again had no desire to learn anything about tagging or social bookmarking. Maybe it's because I didn't think I'd find anything I'd like or maybe it's because I just didn't want to take the time to find out how this type of site would be beneficial to me.
However, now that I have taken some time to look into the site, my thoughts have changed and I know that I will look to del.icio.us to find sites with information that interest me. I typed in Green Bay Packers and found a number of sites that have catalogued the Packers history, a site that is nothing but a database of Brett Favre's games (with highlights), and I also found a site that has little known Nascar facts. The Navy even has an RSS for for the USNS Mercy (my brother's ship) so no more waiting for him to call or email.
For my classroom, I looked up moon phases and found several useful sites. There is even a blue moon calculator. 5th graders like to know the meaning of the saying, "Once in a blue moon" so now when I explain to them the meaning of the saying, they can look up when the next blue moon will be. I also found links to photos of glaciers and other landforms as well as clip art that can be used in Science.
Finally, I am going to use the site to bookmark some of my favorite sites so that I don't have to worry about trying to remember them from home to school.
However, now that I have taken some time to look into the site, my thoughts have changed and I know that I will look to del.icio.us to find sites with information that interest me. I typed in Green Bay Packers and found a number of sites that have catalogued the Packers history, a site that is nothing but a database of Brett Favre's games (with highlights), and I also found a site that has little known Nascar facts. The Navy even has an RSS for for the USNS Mercy (my brother's ship) so no more waiting for him to call or email.
For my classroom, I looked up moon phases and found several useful sites. There is even a blue moon calculator. 5th graders like to know the meaning of the saying, "Once in a blue moon" so now when I explain to them the meaning of the saying, they can look up when the next blue moon will be. I also found links to photos of glaciers and other landforms as well as clip art that can be used in Science.
Finally, I am going to use the site to bookmark some of my favorite sites so that I don't have to worry about trying to remember them from home to school.
Thing #16
I chose to use IGoogle as my start page because I figured it couldn't be too hard since most Google products are very user-friendly. Once again, I spent tons of time just playing around on the site and at some point realized that I really must complete my assignments. I finally ended up with an IGoogle page that incorporates a ToDo list (from the list of add-ons), famous optical illusions, a tab for MySpace, a Weatherbug.com feed, and some other nice tidbits. Of course there's a tab for Odd News and sports.
Since I've already spent time on an IGoogle Calendar, I decided to create a To Do list. I really like the setup of Jott but balked at giving out my home or cell number to a random site. So, I chose Remember the Milk and I like it. I can't say that I will use it much because I really prefer to write my To Do list out, but if I were more into completing things like that using technology, I would save that tree and go for it.
I also took quite a bit of time on LifeHacker. I probably shouldn't say this, but I know a hacker (former student) and so I was eager to see what I would run across on this site. It's not what I thought it would be, but it does hold some good info that I will find of use.
Since I've already spent time on an IGoogle Calendar, I decided to create a To Do list. I really like the setup of Jott but balked at giving out my home or cell number to a random site. So, I chose Remember the Milk and I like it. I can't say that I will use it much because I really prefer to write my To Do list out, but if I were more into completing things like that using technology, I would save that tree and go for it.
I also took quite a bit of time on LifeHacker. I probably shouldn't say this, but I know a hacker (former student) and so I was eager to see what I would run across on this site. It's not what I thought it would be, but it does hold some good info that I will find of use.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thing #15
Every time I want to read the spolier of a movie or find out who played a character in a movie, I go to Wikipedia. Whoever thought of the idea of being able to post a topic and allow the world to create or have input on the information was a genius. I don't think I've found one topic that I've thought about looking on Wikipedia for that I couldn't find. This lesson taught me that there is more than just Wikipedia though.
I took quite a bit of time browsing the Book Lovers Wiki. By the time I'd finished, I had a list of new books to read and even places to order the books for less than half of the publisher's price. I have a friend who teaches computer science, so I sent him the website address for the Computer Science Wiki.
The Sandbox was fun but the image I wanted to upload was too large. I finally learned the ease of how to edit a wiki page. I may just become a contributor to Wikipedia someday. One activity that I thought of for my Science class is to use the classroom set of laptops to create a Wiki of Science Notes. I could assign each group in my 4 classes a topic. Their challenge would be to add something of importance to the Wiki for their topic. No group could repeat anything already stated on the Wiki. At the end of the day, I could print out the Wiki topics, and copy the notes for each student.
I took quite a bit of time browsing the Book Lovers Wiki. By the time I'd finished, I had a list of new books to read and even places to order the books for less than half of the publisher's price. I have a friend who teaches computer science, so I sent him the website address for the Computer Science Wiki.
The Sandbox was fun but the image I wanted to upload was too large. I finally learned the ease of how to edit a wiki page. I may just become a contributor to Wikipedia someday. One activity that I thought of for my Science class is to use the classroom set of laptops to create a Wiki of Science Notes. I could assign each group in my 4 classes a topic. Their challenge would be to add something of importance to the Wiki for their topic. No group could repeat anything already stated on the Wiki. At the end of the day, I could print out the Wiki topics, and copy the notes for each student.
Things #14
Once again, I am amazed at something else that I've learned in this class. First Zoho and now http://www.bubbl.us/index. I tried Flowchart.com first and was impressed with how easy the program is. It reminded me too much of Inspiration and Kidspiration though. I do think it would be more useful and take care of more Technology Apps if older students were allowed to use the program. I could see our Math teacher using the site for the kids to complete one of her many and usually fun JAM topics.
I spent most of my time on Bubbl.us and must admit, I'm hooked. It would make wonderful presentation material and I love the idea of being able to change the colors of the bubbles and to connect a parent bubble with a child bubble in a matter of clicks. The only thing I couldn't figure out was how to get my complete bubble to fit in my screen.
I did not like mindmeister though. Probably because I didn't really take the time to view the video and thought I'd just try to "figure it out." I got tired of it and tried something else.
Thing #13
I had never hard of Zoho before this class and I'm now hooked. I will definitely use this site to transport documents from home to school. Even though I use my flash drive, I have been known to forget the thing in the computer at home or school. This program will solve the problem.
In the classroom, I see Zoho as something my kids could use on the laptop and then those who have Internet access at home could use to finish their documents. I will share this site with colleagues and friends who will come up more creative ideas than I ever could.
I did find publishing to my blog easy and simple so that's something I will introduce to my Quest students also. Enjoy.
Dear Mom,
I remember when I used to get so angry with you for making me rewrite my homework because it was messy, or for making me make my bed before I left home, or bathe off my fresh layer of sand. I remember when I used to get angry with you because you would come into my room and take my flashlight to keep me from reading when I should have been sleeping or when you would discipline me for acting up no matter where we were. I still remember the temper tantrum I threw in McClellan's for a pair of flip flops and you had to buy the flip flops because they tore up when you spanked me with them. (Now someone would say that was child abuse even though the only thing hurt was my pride.)
Remember when I used to sneak your best cake pans outside to make "mud cakes", or when you would let us play outside in our underwear during a spring rain, or how I used to challenge you to our "animal name calling contest" and you'd let me call you a jackass. Remember how you would pinch my cousin and me for playing in church and when I told the preacher I wanted to be a madam. Remember when I used to ask you what a word meant and you would say, "Look it up."
Remember when you told me that, "I brought you in this world, and I will take you out." and I still believe that. Remember when you used to cook my friends and I thin T-bone steaks and eggs for Saturday breakfast and how all of my friends wanted to spend time in the country with us instead of at home. Remember the kegs of Kool-Aid and water on the porch, locking us outside to play because we would track mud on your freshly moppped and waxed hardwoods, the summer softball games in the pasture, and the kickball games in the winter in the pasture, and the Halloween party in the barn, and when I jumped out of the barn into the pond and chipped my tooth only to have it fixed and then I chipped it again and decided I like the chipped tooth better because it was a "war wound".
Remember how you taught me how to can food, make preserves, wash on a washboard, make lye soap, cook from scratch, dry fruit on an piece of tin, to sew, to unplug a drain (the old-fashined way), how to tell which plants I could eat if I was lost in the woods, how to build a campfire, how to cross the road when new tar was being laid, how to be a good respectful girl so that boys would understand that I'm marriage material, and how to climb in the "curving" if a tornado comes. Remember when the bike chain came off of my bike and I thought it would be a good idea to super glue it back on but ended up super gluing my hand to the chain. Remember when I got gum in my Kindergarten teacher's hair?
Oh, remember how you used to rent horror movies and we would watch them together and then when it was time to walk Keisha home you would sneak out and scare us. Man, you sounded just like Jason coming. Remember after I watched Psycho, I started calling you "Mother" like Norman when I was I angry with you. Remember when you and Daddy bought the GMC Jimmy with 23 miles on it and told me that, "it's yours if you want it and yours if you don't" and I was the first girl in Marshall with an SUV and who was driving at the age of 15. WOW!
Remember how you came to school to tell me that your grandmother had passed and when I went to pieces you were my rock and how even though Daddy would let me get away with murder you stood firm. Remember when I came in past curfew and you didn't yell, but gave me a blanket and made me sleep in the car during winter and you came out to check on me every hour. Remember when I started the food fight in junior high when you didn't yell or spank, but you made me eat crackers and water for lunch the next day and my friends refused to help me because you "whip people". Remember how Craig and Kenyatta came down the night before and morning of before I left for college because none of us wanted to go our separate ways and we stood in the yard and made plans to get together once a month no matter where we are and we still do.
Remember when you told me it was okay to stop playing softball because my ankles and knees would no longer let me even though it meant I would no longer be on ASA Select, remember your "how to use a condom" demonstration to my friends and I and you told us that if we were old enough to do what adults do, then we needed to be old enough to be honest with our parents before we did anything. Remember when I used to get stuck in the cedar tree because my pet geese would chase me and when I asked for a calf for a pet and named her Cherry because she was the color of cherries. Remember when Trigger kept eating your elephant ears and you reminded me that he was a Shetland pony not a dog and that if I wanted to keep him, I was going to have to turn him out in the pasture, but somehow he just getting back into the yard. (I'm sure you know, but I "accidently" left he gate open each night so he could sleep under my window.)
Remember when I graduated from high school and my whole family, cousins and all, stood up and yelled, "Bojangle". Remember when I graduated from college and I thought you would not get to come because you were recovering from having a breast tumor removed, but when I walked outside and saw you I couldn't walk to you because I had so many tears in my eyes. Remember when I graduated with a Master and you told me not to think I was Master of anything. Remember when I graduated again and you told me that I must have been serious when I said I was going to be a professional student.
Well Mama, I remember those things and I could not imagine not having you and my Daddy as my parents. Some people will never understand the power of time spent with their child is much more than the things bought. Some children will never understand what it's like to grow up the way I did, in the country, staying outside to all times of night, having everything I needed and most of what I wanted. Some children will never understand that having boundaries and expectations do make you a better person and some people will never understand that "sparing the rod" does make a spoiled child.
Remember how I used to love shelling purple hull peas and going to work with you to see your patients and how when you started working 11 to 7 I would go to work with you so all the "old people could play with me and treat me like I was their grandchild." Remember when I told you that I wanted to be a teacher and you said that you wanted to be a teacher but chose nursing instead because you weren't able to pay for college to be a teacher.
One last thing, I still don't appreciate all those spankings I got for cussing, because your grandmother is one who taught me how!
I love you Mama.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thing #12
The Google calendar will come in handy for use in my classroom. Instead of using a desk calendar to remind myself of ARDs, faculty meetings, and all the other things that come along with teaching, I am going to start out the year trying to use the Google Calendar. I have already set it to remind me when to start cutting my 2-liter bottles for Science and of course staff development and school holidays. If I get crafty enough, I may just use it for my To Do list.
The Google Notebook will also come in handy for sharing and remembering links, clipart, etc. Since it can be accessed from anywhere, I can stop making list of sites to add to my Bookmarks on the computer at school when I find something on the Web from home.
The Post-It notes company may go out of business now that I've found paperless goodies to use.
The Google Notebook will also come in handy for sharing and remembering links, clipart, etc. Since it can be accessed from anywhere, I can stop making list of sites to add to my Bookmarks on the computer at school when I find something on the Web from home.
The Post-It notes company may go out of business now that I've found paperless goodies to use.
Thing #11
I've always thought Google Blog Search was the best thing since sliced bread but Topix has it beat in my book. I really like the way I can read the latest "Hot Topic" and then immediately look to the right and find some places to comment and read others comments. I don't have to read about the topic and then go to a blogspot just to post something.
While visiting Edublog, I found a Science teacher's blog that I think is awesome. Too bad he teaches a higher level of Science than I do, but he has done some things with his blog that I would never think of. I think my Quest students had better watch out. They are going to be bloggers!http://rangerblue.edublogs.org/ (Edublog)
I wasn't thrilled with Syndic8 so about two minutes after looking at the bland site, I returned to my 23 things list and went to the next assignment. I did add another feed to my RSS readers. Of course it has something to do with Offbeat News. As mentioned in Thing #10, I also added RSS feeds for Twice Exceptional Children and other topics of interest to me.
While visiting Edublog, I found a Science teacher's blog that I think is awesome. Too bad he teaches a higher level of Science than I do, but he has done some things with his blog that I would never think of. I think my Quest students had better watch out. They are going to be bloggers!http://rangerblue.edublogs.org/ (Edublog)
I wasn't thrilled with Syndic8 so about two minutes after looking at the bland site, I returned to my 23 things list and went to the next assignment. I did add another feed to my RSS readers. Of course it has something to do with Offbeat News. As mentioned in Thing #10, I also added RSS feeds for Twice Exceptional Children and other topics of interest to me.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Think #10
I already use Google Reader, so I decided to see if I could find more RSS feeds that I'd want to check each day. I was amazed at what's to offer now. Clearly, RSS feeds are gaining popularity since I first started using them. Before this exercise, I only subscribed to the Green Bay Packers feed, This Day in Science feed, and the USA Today weird news feed.
This time, I was able to add WebMD, ESPN.com (as if I don't listen to ESPN radio or watch ESPN enough), Nascar.com, Cool Cat Teacher Blog, and I also found a feed for parents of Twice Exceptional Children (children with high intelligence and a disability--hers is progressive hearing loss). We've come a long way with her (from thinking she was autistic to finding out the culprit is progressive hearing loss) and this feed is just one of the support systems for parents (well in my case godparents with custody) like me.
I already use the This Day in Science Feed to build and keep my students interest in Science. By the second 6 weeks, my kids are bringing in "Did you know facts" and actually looking for things to share. I also volunteer with a girls mentoring organization for low SES African-American and Hispanic girls so the other feeds that I've signed up for will only increase my resources to help them understand their role and importance in society. I haven't spent much time in Cool Cat Teacher blog, but I will.
This time, I was able to add WebMD, ESPN.com (as if I don't listen to ESPN radio or watch ESPN enough), Nascar.com, Cool Cat Teacher Blog, and I also found a feed for parents of Twice Exceptional Children (children with high intelligence and a disability--hers is progressive hearing loss). We've come a long way with her (from thinking she was autistic to finding out the culprit is progressive hearing loss) and this feed is just one of the support systems for parents (well in my case godparents with custody) like me.
I already use the This Day in Science Feed to build and keep my students interest in Science. By the second 6 weeks, my kids are bringing in "Did you know facts" and actually looking for things to share. I also volunteer with a girls mentoring organization for low SES African-American and Hispanic girls so the other feeds that I've signed up for will only increase my resources to help them understand their role and importance in society. I haven't spent much time in Cool Cat Teacher blog, but I will.
Thing #9
I spent so much time just having fun looking at all the different signs I can create. I never would have thought to look for a site like this, but now that I know they are around, watch out. I used http://www.signgenerator.org/ to create the sign above. The list of signs that can be made is so long that I spent at least an hour looking at the site before I could make myself create something.
I also enjoyed http://www.customizemagnets.com/ecards/childrens.asp. I created a magnet for the outside of my classroom door that shows a little humor, but it true. Fifth graders don't always do what they should, so a little bit of sarcasm on my sign tells the story.
I played around with other signs so enjoy.
I always write reminders on my hands.
For my Mentoring Girls group.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Thing #8
My creation
Originally uploaded by wendy's wanderings
Darn it took a long time to figure out which Blog I'm using and how to get Flickr to "Blog This" poster so that you all would be able to click on the photo and view a larger picture. I'm still not impressed with Flickr, but I am impressed with some of the tools that I can use for my classroom
It would be awesome if I could feature each of my students on a poster like I did for Sky. The poster says, "My Life, My Dreams" and the tagline says, "Deaf doesn't mean you can't dance." This would be a good self-esteem building tool and I know the kids would treasure it always.
If I could take them to the computer lab and allow them to create their own poster, that would be even better. I am thinking about creating another Science Website for my 5th graders so I could use some of the Fickr 3rd party applications to enhance the site and make it more interesting than the last. I am seriously thinking of using the jigsaw tool to order a jigsaw puzzle for Biddy, my great-grandmother who just turned 100 and is in excellent health but spends her time doing puzzles with what she calls the elderly on her volunteer days.
Thing #7
Flickr is not my choice of online photo sites for several reasons. You're limited to the amount of uploads each month unless you decide to pay for Flickr professional, it's not always as secure as it should be, it doesn't track who's been looking at your pictures if you allow them to be public (as in the case of this class), and the photo quality isn't as rewarding as it should be once you upload the pictures.
I do like the features of Flickr some of which I don't have with my choice, Shutterfly, but the bells and whistles of Flickr don't convince me to leave Shutterfly or it's user friendly and inexpensive but nice photo gifts and prints.
Since I'm a private person, I leave nothing public on the Internet except my two MySpace pages. There are just too many perverts to take a chance on one inadvertly using a picture of a child to find him or her. Once this class is over, I will go back to my Flickr account and make the picture private again.
Thing #6
It was sooooooo hard for me to not go to my favorite Web 2.0 sites! Craigs List, Yahoo Answers, Facebook, and Google Earth are just a few of the ones I love on the Awards Lists and use anywhere from daily to weekly. I did choose to go to Cocktail Builder and let's just say that I spent too much time on this site and left home with a list of what to buy at Dub's. You can imagine what Dub's is. You have to be 21 to go in the store.
My girlfriends and I enjoyed a nice evening outside on my deck trying all of the interesting cocktails I found. It was one of the best and funniest "Girls' Nights" that we've had in a long time. Thank goodness someone chose to have the "Gotta Drive" which turned out to be pretty good. I'm sure that you can tell, I will be enjoying Cocktail Builder's award just as much as they will. Now when I tell my coworkers I'm going home to have a Chocolate Chip Cookie, I'll get the pleasure of them not knowing what I'm talking about.
I also chose to go to the Going.com site. We're always looking for reasonably fun and inexpensive things to do in Dallas and have always relied on Quick or Dallas Morning News or Movin 107.5 to find the weekend happenings in Dallas. Now we have another resource.
My girlfriends and I enjoyed a nice evening outside on my deck trying all of the interesting cocktails I found. It was one of the best and funniest "Girls' Nights" that we've had in a long time. Thank goodness someone chose to have the "Gotta Drive" which turned out to be pretty good. I'm sure that you can tell, I will be enjoying Cocktail Builder's award just as much as they will. Now when I tell my coworkers I'm going home to have a Chocolate Chip Cookie, I'll get the pleasure of them not knowing what I'm talking about.
I also chose to go to the Going.com site. We're always looking for reasonably fun and inexpensive things to do in Dallas and have always relied on Quick or Dallas Morning News or Movin 107.5 to find the weekend happenings in Dallas. Now we have another resource.
Thing #5
2.0. What does it all mean in the big scheme of things and for the future of our world. To incorporate technology into the daily education of students is wonderful and powerful and scary all at the same time. While technology can not be ignored, neither can the fact that man is becoming so dependent on technology that when something falters, the world stops.
Maybe I feel this way because when I graduated from high school in 1991 we researched the old fashion way (microfiche, microfilm, Reader's Guide, etc) and tended to use a dictionary and found pleasure in the process of research. Two years into college, I was researching in a different way--the Internet, but often missed having to go to the library and digging through "old stuff".
This year, I watched my 5th graders who couldn't use a dictionary but could use dictionary.com, who couldn't spell 5th grade vocabulary but who could use the spell check only to choose the incorrect word, and those who could tell me the latest gossip from the Internet but couldn't tell me what 5x5 is. There has to be a balance and a leveling of the playing field. It seems to me that parents and schools are going to have to collaborate in order for students to reap the rewards of Web 2.0. Parents can't allow technology to substitute for good old-fashion teaching and teachers can't be afraid of the future.
Maybe I feel this way because when I graduated from high school in 1991 we researched the old fashion way (microfiche, microfilm, Reader's Guide, etc) and tended to use a dictionary and found pleasure in the process of research. Two years into college, I was researching in a different way--the Internet, but often missed having to go to the library and digging through "old stuff".
This year, I watched my 5th graders who couldn't use a dictionary but could use dictionary.com, who couldn't spell 5th grade vocabulary but who could use the spell check only to choose the incorrect word, and those who could tell me the latest gossip from the Internet but couldn't tell me what 5x5 is. There has to be a balance and a leveling of the playing field. It seems to me that parents and schools are going to have to collaborate in order for students to reap the rewards of Web 2.0. Parents can't allow technology to substitute for good old-fashion teaching and teachers can't be afraid of the future.
Thing #4
When I began blogging, it was just because it was the latest thing to do on the Internet. I soon found out that I wanted to know if someone was reading my blogs and if so, what did that person think? Commenting helps the writer to know someone is paying attention, in the same situation, or can give an honest opinion. Commenting also leads to being able to be constructive and for some, open the line of communication.
From the reading, I found it important that people know there is an etiquette to commenting just like there is to anything else. I spent more time on the 10 Commandments of Commenting than anything else because it seemed to fit what people need the most when commenting. I'd never thought about inviting someone to comment (maybe because sometimes, I just don't want to know what others think) but I do like the idea. One person made the reasoning that commenting should be made easy. I too hate to login in just to make a comment.
For the rest of Thing #4, I am going to read and comment on 50 Year Learner, Coach D's Corner, MimisWordsofWisdom, Teachartiscoool, Reese Reading and as for my choices, ummm, I don't know.
UPDATE:
As I commented on the blogs, I found that I have several things in common with the people I randomly chose. 50 Year learner inspired my mom to use her computer, Coach D's Corner was fun to visit and I could tell she really spent time fixing up her blog, MimisWordsofWisdom was truly words of wisdom with tons of neat ideas (some of which I hope I remember to use), Teachartiscool proved to me that I am too logical and need to explore my creative side (maybe my boyfriend will stop calling me Mrs. Spock), and ReeseReading and I will probably run across each other on bakespace.
I chose to comment in two blogs with subjects that I hold dear to my heart. One blog Twice Exceptional was found purely through accident, but it's a support group with a forum for parents of children who are considered Twice Exceptional. Children with high intelligence and a disability (or disabilities). Had Skyler not been diagnosed correctly with degenerative hearing loss, she would have been labeled as autistic when in fact, her intelligence level is higher than average but less than genius (thank goodness) and she is not autistic. The group mainly talks about frustrations of dealing with school issues (Skyler is in Montessori because she did not qualify for a deaf-ed program), where to find support systems (especially in small towns), and how to deal with the choices parents of these children have to make.
The other blog that I left comments in is for women with a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Millions of women are misdiagnosed each year who have this condition. I was one and thankfully, my dermatologist (yes the dermatologist) had the forethought to test my insulin level. It was out of this world high and with his recommendation to a new family physician, I felt better within a week. Three years of thinking I was a hypochondriac and my Dr. telling me I was one was erased within a week. We discuss all the things that come along with PCOS and mainly serve as a support system for those newly diagnosed.
From the reading, I found it important that people know there is an etiquette to commenting just like there is to anything else. I spent more time on the 10 Commandments of Commenting than anything else because it seemed to fit what people need the most when commenting. I'd never thought about inviting someone to comment (maybe because sometimes, I just don't want to know what others think) but I do like the idea. One person made the reasoning that commenting should be made easy. I too hate to login in just to make a comment.
For the rest of Thing #4, I am going to read and comment on 50 Year Learner, Coach D's Corner, MimisWordsofWisdom, Teachartiscoool, Reese Reading and as for my choices, ummm, I don't know.
UPDATE:
As I commented on the blogs, I found that I have several things in common with the people I randomly chose. 50 Year learner inspired my mom to use her computer, Coach D's Corner was fun to visit and I could tell she really spent time fixing up her blog, MimisWordsofWisdom was truly words of wisdom with tons of neat ideas (some of which I hope I remember to use), Teachartiscool proved to me that I am too logical and need to explore my creative side (maybe my boyfriend will stop calling me Mrs. Spock), and ReeseReading and I will probably run across each other on bakespace.
I chose to comment in two blogs with subjects that I hold dear to my heart. One blog Twice Exceptional was found purely through accident, but it's a support group with a forum for parents of children who are considered Twice Exceptional. Children with high intelligence and a disability (or disabilities). Had Skyler not been diagnosed correctly with degenerative hearing loss, she would have been labeled as autistic when in fact, her intelligence level is higher than average but less than genius (thank goodness) and she is not autistic. The group mainly talks about frustrations of dealing with school issues (Skyler is in Montessori because she did not qualify for a deaf-ed program), where to find support systems (especially in small towns), and how to deal with the choices parents of these children have to make.
The other blog that I left comments in is for women with a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Millions of women are misdiagnosed each year who have this condition. I was one and thankfully, my dermatologist (yes the dermatologist) had the forethought to test my insulin level. It was out of this world high and with his recommendation to a new family physician, I felt better within a week. Three years of thinking I was a hypochondriac and my Dr. telling me I was one was erased within a week. We discuss all the things that come along with PCOS and mainly serve as a support system for those newly diagnosed.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Thing #3
Since I teach 5th Grade Science, I could easily use blogging to direct my students to current events in Science, ask them questions in class and allow them to blog their opinion as a part of their discussion, or for my student to just ponder about things they are learning in Science.
For my Quest students, with parent permission of course, I could set a blog up for them, and allow them to discuss topics among themselves. I could also require them to comment on varying opinions and things that have been brought up in class. (WOW...I just came up with an above and beyond lesson for my Quest kids...woohoo!)
For children who are not in Quest, but love to journal or just need an outlet to relieve stress, a blog is a good place to start. I got into blogging because I am a person who holds my anger in and it lead to stress and some chest pains. After that scare, I took some advice that I give my students, and I began to write it down. First in a journal (really spiral notebooks) and then I found a blog site for people like me--those who need to take their own advice and let off some steam!
For my Quest students, with parent permission of course, I could set a blog up for them, and allow them to discuss topics among themselves. I could also require them to comment on varying opinions and things that have been brought up in class. (WOW...I just came up with an above and beyond lesson for my Quest kids...woohoo!)
For children who are not in Quest, but love to journal or just need an outlet to relieve stress, a blog is a good place to start. I got into blogging because I am a person who holds my anger in and it lead to stress and some chest pains. After that scare, I took some advice that I give my students, and I began to write it down. First in a journal (really spiral notebooks) and then I found a blog site for people like me--those who need to take their own advice and let off some steam!
Thing #2
Creating my avatar took forever because I wanted it to be different from the other ones I've created for my Yahoo accounts. I also couldn't decide whether or not I wanted my avatar to be something funny and silly or something that represents me. I opted for the something that represents me (except my love for the Green Bay Packers couldn't be displayed), but I did show my love for NASCAR and my avatar represents how I look today.
Creating the blog was easy since I blog all about my work stress and complaints on a restricted site. As far as deciding on a posting name, I just chose something that once again represents me. I can be in the middle of a conversation, execute a change of conversation and leave everyone else thinking, what is she thinking about. It's all a part of what I like to refer to as my "act".
Creating the blog was easy since I blog all about my work stress and complaints on a restricted site. As far as deciding on a posting name, I just chose something that once again represents me. I can be in the middle of a conversation, execute a change of conversation and leave everyone else thinking, what is she thinking about. It's all a part of what I like to refer to as my "act".
Thing #1
After watching the video about the 7 1/2 Lifelong Learning Habits, I accepted that I am really a nerd. I hated being called a nerd in high school because I always said I wanted to go to college, get a master's degree and then a doctorate. I managed to get two master's and I'm working on the doctorate. Somehow, I have these habits without even knowing that they are habits. I just thought I was abnormal to love to learn.
I love school, learning, and teaching, and unlike some people who shop when they are bored, I go to school. The joke with my family and friends is "what are you going to graduate with next and when so that I can put it on my calendar."
Anyhow, the hardest habit for me is to view problems as challenges. I view them as unnecessary nuisances and nothing else. I'm always asking "why" when something goes wrong and I get so frustrated when something gets in my way. It's probably more anxiety than frustration, but the problem (now challenge), throws off my time schedule and I HATE BEING OFF OF SCHEDULE!
The easiest habit for me is to teach/mentor others. I love teaching and when my coworkers are happy about summer, all I can think about is "what am I going to do next year and how am I going to make it better and how bored I'll be until summer school starts." Teaching just comes natural to me. When I was in 3rd grade, I taught my younger cousin to read. My biology professor said that he never saw me interested in his class until I had to become his TA (teaching assistant). If I won the lottery, I'd teach for free and send another lifelong learner to school to continue with my habits.
I love school, learning, and teaching, and unlike some people who shop when they are bored, I go to school. The joke with my family and friends is "what are you going to graduate with next and when so that I can put it on my calendar."
Anyhow, the hardest habit for me is to view problems as challenges. I view them as unnecessary nuisances and nothing else. I'm always asking "why" when something goes wrong and I get so frustrated when something gets in my way. It's probably more anxiety than frustration, but the problem (now challenge), throws off my time schedule and I HATE BEING OFF OF SCHEDULE!
The easiest habit for me is to teach/mentor others. I love teaching and when my coworkers are happy about summer, all I can think about is "what am I going to do next year and how am I going to make it better and how bored I'll be until summer school starts." Teaching just comes natural to me. When I was in 3rd grade, I taught my younger cousin to read. My biology professor said that he never saw me interested in his class until I had to become his TA (teaching assistant). If I won the lottery, I'd teach for free and send another lifelong learner to school to continue with my habits.
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