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This newsletter was created in Microsoft Word for a 4 year old preschool class at Chaparral Elementary.
This newsletter was created in Microsoft Word for a 4 year old preschool class at Chaparral Elementary.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Journal # 5 Collaboration in a Web 2.0 Environment
Bull, Glen (2006, April). Collaboration in a web 2.0 environment. Learning and Leading with Technology, 33, Retrieved February 25, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume_33_2006_2005_/April_No_7_/April_2006.htm
Glen Bull's Article from Leading and Learning with Technology discusses the uses of Web 2.0 tools in a classroom setting. Bull discusses some of the ways educators can utilize these tools to allow students to create collaborative documents, blogs and checklists. The great thing about all these websites is that they are all free and easy to access from anywhere. The days of having to get your parents to drive you across town the night before a group project is due are long gone. Students can collectively edit documents and blogs from their home computers. These sites that Bull suggests all have RSS capabilities which allows the teachers to easily view changes to the student's blogs as they are made. What I found interesting is that this article still holds true today, two years later, when so much on the internet has changed.
1. Could these sites be used in an elementary school setting?
Today, with the amount of technology that young children are accustomed to using, there is no reason why this couldn't be utilized in an elementary classroom. Young students would be able to create blogs to discuss the solar system in the third grade or utilize class discussion pages to post comments about the class reading book. By utilizing these sites, teachers are teaching students to use the internet responsibly and appropriately all the while increasing content knowledge.
2. What are some of the benefits of using these types of programs?
Any student can use these sites and tools since they are free and user friendly. The great thing about them is that all students have access to these tools. There is no user fees or startup costs. Students can access these sites at libraries if they do not have computer access at home.
Glen Bull's Article from Leading and Learning with Technology discusses the uses of Web 2.0 tools in a classroom setting. Bull discusses some of the ways educators can utilize these tools to allow students to create collaborative documents, blogs and checklists. The great thing about all these websites is that they are all free and easy to access from anywhere. The days of having to get your parents to drive you across town the night before a group project is due are long gone. Students can collectively edit documents and blogs from their home computers. These sites that Bull suggests all have RSS capabilities which allows the teachers to easily view changes to the student's blogs as they are made. What I found interesting is that this article still holds true today, two years later, when so much on the internet has changed.
1. Could these sites be used in an elementary school setting?
Today, with the amount of technology that young children are accustomed to using, there is no reason why this couldn't be utilized in an elementary classroom. Young students would be able to create blogs to discuss the solar system in the third grade or utilize class discussion pages to post comments about the class reading book. By utilizing these sites, teachers are teaching students to use the internet responsibly and appropriately all the while increasing content knowledge.
2. What are some of the benefits of using these types of programs?
Any student can use these sites and tools since they are free and user friendly. The great thing about them is that all students have access to these tools. There is no user fees or startup costs. Students can access these sites at libraries if they do not have computer access at home.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Journal #4 Create, Collaborate, Communicate
Riedel, Chris (2009, January). Create, collaborate, communicate: empowering students with 21st century skills. THE Journal, Retrieved February 18, 2009, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23872_1
In his article, Reidel discusses some innovative ways to add technology to the classroom and school setting. In many of the classrooms that you visit today, the teachers are still very uncomfortable with the use of technology. Beyond maybe a computerized grade book, many of them are still computer dinosaurs. Reidel has some great tips and ideas for teachers to begin the process of demystifying the internet and computer usage in the classroom. Many of these are ideas that are taught in technology classes in the credential programs, but for teachers and administrators who have not been a student in a while, this article is very informative.
1. How would I incorporate these ideas in the school setting?
These would be great ideas to incorporate into a professional growth day at the school. Have a couple teachers collaboratively teach each section. This helps spread the knowledge and also creates experts in certain concepts. If teachers have questions later on about the idea or tools, then they know which teachers to visit. As Reidel says, find a mentor! The fun thing is that most of the tech savvy teachers are now the newer teachers, who may need mentors in the traditional classroom items. It helps to create a partnership between some of the older teachers when information can be shared in both directions.
2. Which tools would I utilize in my classroom?
Some of the tools that I see myself utilizing in my classroom are Google Docs, EPals and Fantastic Contraptions. I love the idea of online pen pals in other countries and cities. Google Docs creates so many opportunities for students to collaboratively work on projects. Fantastic Contraptions has some wonderful physics concepts to inspire students in science.
In his article, Reidel discusses some innovative ways to add technology to the classroom and school setting. In many of the classrooms that you visit today, the teachers are still very uncomfortable with the use of technology. Beyond maybe a computerized grade book, many of them are still computer dinosaurs. Reidel has some great tips and ideas for teachers to begin the process of demystifying the internet and computer usage in the classroom. Many of these are ideas that are taught in technology classes in the credential programs, but for teachers and administrators who have not been a student in a while, this article is very informative.
1. How would I incorporate these ideas in the school setting?
These would be great ideas to incorporate into a professional growth day at the school. Have a couple teachers collaboratively teach each section. This helps spread the knowledge and also creates experts in certain concepts. If teachers have questions later on about the idea or tools, then they know which teachers to visit. As Reidel says, find a mentor! The fun thing is that most of the tech savvy teachers are now the newer teachers, who may need mentors in the traditional classroom items. It helps to create a partnership between some of the older teachers when information can be shared in both directions.
2. Which tools would I utilize in my classroom?
Some of the tools that I see myself utilizing in my classroom are Google Docs, EPals and Fantastic Contraptions. I love the idea of online pen pals in other countries and cities. Google Docs creates so many opportunities for students to collaboratively work on projects. Fantastic Contraptions has some wonderful physics concepts to inspire students in science.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Social Bookmarking- NETS 5
1. I chose the online exhibit, Charters of Freedom, from the National Archive website. This website shows copies of the declaration of independence, the constitution, and the bill of rights. This site allows you to sign a copy of the declaration alongside our forefathers. What a great class activity! Primary sources are a value in our classrooms because they allow students to view information in an unbiased manner.
2. The three areas that I chose are:
3. The site I chose was kidsreads.com. This site, geared towards kids age 6-12, has reviews of books and book lists for kids. It seems very kid friendly and encourages kids to pick books that they will enjoy reading.
4. Kathy Schrock's site has some very interesting lesson plans for beginning teachers to utilize to create their own lesson plans. For starting teachers, I think this is a great site for teachers to expand their repertoire of lesson plans. One note, though, is most of the lesson plans use a video or material that you have to them buy from her website. However, while you are building your media library, these are probably useful to own.
5. The theory of multiple intelligence is a great concept for teachers. It really encourages teachers to vary their teaching styles to address multiple learning styles since all children do not learn in the same way. The best idea would be for teachers to teach the same information and try to address as many of the areas as possible. This will expand the students' comprehension and engagement to the lesson plans.
6. Now a days, I think every new teacher has a little anxiety towards the holiday season. Trying to balance all the various religions whild still creating fun learning environment can seem a little overwhelming. This lesson plan from Teaching Tolerance offers tips and activites for the classroom to help teachers teach about Thanksgiving in a non stereotypical way. It also offers information from a variety of other organizations on the best ways to enjoy the holidays the right way in a multicultural classroom.
7. The EdChange Equity and Diversity Quiz was a real eye opener. I knew these discrepencies existed but not to the exent that some of these questions suggest. The question about the percentage of the US budget that goes to welfare was really intriguing to me. The amount of attention that is given to welfare spending is outrageous given that this is only 1% of our budget. As a parent of a young child who had complications at birth, the question about the well being of children in the wealthy countries really struck home. Insurance for families is expensive and all too often families can only afford the basics or the catastrophic policies. Children don't often get the preventive care they need and many mothers do not receive adequate prenatal care.
8. I received a 10 on the netiquette quiz. =^D
Netiquette is important for students to learn at an early age so that they understand the positive and productive ways of using the internet. Teaching kids early how to correctly navigate the internet helps them to understand the connection between the human behind the computer and the technology.
2. The three areas that I chose are:
- Build and use a network of "natural helpers" at school and in the community as well as "experts" who have knowledge of the culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups served by your school.
- Identify and include budgetary expenditures each fiscal year to facilitate personnel development through their participation in conferences, workshops, and seminars on cultural competence.
- Gather and organize resource materials related to culturally diverse groups for use by school staff.
3. The site I chose was kidsreads.com. This site, geared towards kids age 6-12, has reviews of books and book lists for kids. It seems very kid friendly and encourages kids to pick books that they will enjoy reading.
4. Kathy Schrock's site has some very interesting lesson plans for beginning teachers to utilize to create their own lesson plans. For starting teachers, I think this is a great site for teachers to expand their repertoire of lesson plans. One note, though, is most of the lesson plans use a video or material that you have to them buy from her website. However, while you are building your media library, these are probably useful to own.
5. The theory of multiple intelligence is a great concept for teachers. It really encourages teachers to vary their teaching styles to address multiple learning styles since all children do not learn in the same way. The best idea would be for teachers to teach the same information and try to address as many of the areas as possible. This will expand the students' comprehension and engagement to the lesson plans.
6. Now a days, I think every new teacher has a little anxiety towards the holiday season. Trying to balance all the various religions whild still creating fun learning environment can seem a little overwhelming. This lesson plan from Teaching Tolerance offers tips and activites for the classroom to help teachers teach about Thanksgiving in a non stereotypical way. It also offers information from a variety of other organizations on the best ways to enjoy the holidays the right way in a multicultural classroom.
7. The EdChange Equity and Diversity Quiz was a real eye opener. I knew these discrepencies existed but not to the exent that some of these questions suggest. The question about the percentage of the US budget that goes to welfare was really intriguing to me. The amount of attention that is given to welfare spending is outrageous given that this is only 1% of our budget. As a parent of a young child who had complications at birth, the question about the well being of children in the wealthy countries really struck home. Insurance for families is expensive and all too often families can only afford the basics or the catastrophic policies. Children don't often get the preventive care they need and many mothers do not receive adequate prenatal care.
8. I received a 10 on the netiquette quiz. =^D
Netiquette is important for students to learn at an early age so that they understand the positive and productive ways of using the internet. Teaching kids early how to correctly navigate the internet helps them to understand the connection between the human behind the computer and the technology.
Journal #3 Keep them Chatting
Cole, Jeanie (2009,Feb). Keep them chatting. Learning and Leading, 36, Retrieved February 10, 2009, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200902
In this article, Jeanie Cole discusses some of the ways that educators can encourage students to go beyond the required answers to more meaningful and fun discussions on their blogs and wikis. Class blogs and wikis are fun, interactive ways for teachers to combine technology with classroom content knowledge. One issue that some teahcers have had with class blogs or online discussions is a lack of input or use by the students. They will post simply the required minumim. Cole discusses 4 ways to create posts that help get students' creative juices flowing. The 4 ways she suggests are high level open ended questions, the inquiry method, the discrepant event inquiry method, and illogical comparisons. Cole uses open ended question with high level thought process to promote student usage and encourage work that goes farther than cutting and pasting from Wikipedia. By using a blog or wiki for writing assignments versus just students creating individual papers, teachers can encourage collaboration between students. This allows the students to build upon each other's idea by adding comments or collaboratively creating work.
1. Does this have more implications in an elementary or high school setting?
I personally see this being utilized more in a high school setting where students are going to be more comfortable with the internet and higher level concepts. However, I think by 3th grade, students would be comfortable enough with the internet to be able to work on a wiki. Although, with the ease in which my 5 year old gets around on PBS. com, I suspect he might be ready to wiki earlier than 3rd grade.
2. How does peer evaluation aid in student learning?
Once students are comfortable with the standards that they should be writing to, a teacher can begin to institute peer evaluation. Peer evaluation is a great tool for students because it gives them a chance to read others' work and see other methods of writing or ideas that are presented. By commenting or evaluation, students become more familiar with the standards that they are working towards, so it will them in their own writing.
In this article, Jeanie Cole discusses some of the ways that educators can encourage students to go beyond the required answers to more meaningful and fun discussions on their blogs and wikis. Class blogs and wikis are fun, interactive ways for teachers to combine technology with classroom content knowledge. One issue that some teahcers have had with class blogs or online discussions is a lack of input or use by the students. They will post simply the required minumim. Cole discusses 4 ways to create posts that help get students' creative juices flowing. The 4 ways she suggests are high level open ended questions, the inquiry method, the discrepant event inquiry method, and illogical comparisons. Cole uses open ended question with high level thought process to promote student usage and encourage work that goes farther than cutting and pasting from Wikipedia. By using a blog or wiki for writing assignments versus just students creating individual papers, teachers can encourage collaboration between students. This allows the students to build upon each other's idea by adding comments or collaboratively creating work.
1. Does this have more implications in an elementary or high school setting?
I personally see this being utilized more in a high school setting where students are going to be more comfortable with the internet and higher level concepts. However, I think by 3th grade, students would be comfortable enough with the internet to be able to work on a wiki. Although, with the ease in which my 5 year old gets around on PBS. com, I suspect he might be ready to wiki earlier than 3rd grade.
2. How does peer evaluation aid in student learning?
Once students are comfortable with the standards that they should be writing to, a teacher can begin to institute peer evaluation. Peer evaluation is a great tool for students because it gives them a chance to read others' work and see other methods of writing or ideas that are presented. By commenting or evaluation, students become more familiar with the standards that they are working towards, so it will them in their own writing.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Journal #2 Museums in the Classroom
Reissman, R.. (2009). Museums in the Classroom. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38. Retrieved February 23, 2009 from: http:www.learning and leading-digital.com/learning-leading/200902
This article discusses some of the ways that museums' online sites can be useful to teachers. It has a great web site that lists hundreds of museum. This is a great tool for teachers. Many schools have had to cut back on field trips with budget cuts and growing strains on the PTA purse strings. So, what's the next best thing to visiting a museum? Going virtually! In addition, there is a site that lists great ideas for teachers who are unfamiliar with how to utilize museum sites. Museum exhibits are such a useful tool for students to tour so it is really wonderful that so many museums have such comprehensive websites. There is a museum out there for pretty much subject and genre so these sites can be utilized by a wide range of teachers. I absolutely loved the idea of turning the classroom into a museum exhibit. The students would enjoy this tremendously. It would be a great add on to a visit to a museum in Balboa Park.
What is one way that a teacher could utilize these sites?
Teachers could allow the students to search the sites for an exhibit related to a topic of their choice. Once they find the exhibit, they could write a newspaper article or even make a magazine describing the event. For students who are more science oriented, they could pick a natural history museum or the air and space museum. Other students might pick art exhibits or literature exhibits. The vast amount of options lets students pick something that they find interesting. Depending upon the english curiculum that a teacher was trying to teach, he or she could then gear the assignment to that.
Why would teacher use a virtual museum if there are real museums nearby?
Virtual museums offer a couple of advantages that the real museums do not. First, of course is the cost of visitng. Nothing! secondly, teachers can find exhibits from all over the world that directly relate to the topic of choice.
This article discusses some of the ways that museums' online sites can be useful to teachers. It has a great web site that lists hundreds of museum. This is a great tool for teachers. Many schools have had to cut back on field trips with budget cuts and growing strains on the PTA purse strings. So, what's the next best thing to visiting a museum? Going virtually! In addition, there is a site that lists great ideas for teachers who are unfamiliar with how to utilize museum sites. Museum exhibits are such a useful tool for students to tour so it is really wonderful that so many museums have such comprehensive websites. There is a museum out there for pretty much subject and genre so these sites can be utilized by a wide range of teachers. I absolutely loved the idea of turning the classroom into a museum exhibit. The students would enjoy this tremendously. It would be a great add on to a visit to a museum in Balboa Park.
What is one way that a teacher could utilize these sites?
Teachers could allow the students to search the sites for an exhibit related to a topic of their choice. Once they find the exhibit, they could write a newspaper article or even make a magazine describing the event. For students who are more science oriented, they could pick a natural history museum or the air and space museum. Other students might pick art exhibits or literature exhibits. The vast amount of options lets students pick something that they find interesting. Depending upon the english curiculum that a teacher was trying to teach, he or she could then gear the assignment to that.
Why would teacher use a virtual museum if there are real museums nearby?
Virtual museums offer a couple of advantages that the real museums do not. First, of course is the cost of visitng. Nothing! secondly, teachers can find exhibits from all over the world that directly relate to the topic of choice.
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