I really enjoyed this project. I have learned so much about the internet and tried websites that I would not have if not required to by this class. I really liked Thing #21: Animoto, Thing #7: Flickr, Thing#6 discovering Web 2.0 tools, Thing#13: Google Drive, Thing # 8: Flickr mashups, and Thing# 20: Beyond YouTube.
I have enjoyed blogging. I never thought I would ever blog, but this project through me right out there and said "sink or swim". I see a lot of benefits from blogging and plan to continue. I am excited to try to integrate it into my classroom and get my kids blogging also.
I am still not sure about Tweeting. I will have to give it some time to see if I really enjoy it. I have been given some great advice from fellow students about the tweeting and all the wonderful things Twitter can do for me. But, I am still a little hesitant. But, I am trying to tweet daily. Send me a friend request, if you want to help me out.
There were a few assignments that I am not sure how I will best use them in the future. Or, for that matter, if I will use them. But, I really enjoyed this project and would not change one "Thing" about it. (Sorry…. I know that was corny. ) I learned a lot in the class and with this project. I am better for both and am really glad I completed it.
Watch out world, a blogger has been born. See you all soon!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Thing #23: Creative Commons
We discussed Creative Commons a couple of weeks ago in class. Obviously, I had hear about Creative Commons and Copyright rules, but really did not know much about them. The lesson and exercise gave me a lot of good information that made it very clear.
The first part of this assignment was to show the "23 Things" assignment was based on someone else's work. So, I copied the following from the APSU 23 Things blog:
CREDITS
I also wanted to show a website that I had found that is similar to our project. PLCMC learning 2.0 is the website. It also references the following credits:
This blog has been setup to support PLCMC's Learning 2.0 program for staff. Questions or comments about this project should be directed toHelene Blowers, Public Services Technology Director for the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC).
Now that I have a clearer understanding about creative commons, I plan to pay more attention to items I want to use from the internet. I think it is very important to try to give credit, when credit is do, to the originator. I plan to teach my students as much as I can about creative commons so that they have knowledge to protect their original work and understand the importance to credit others for their work.
Thing #22: Livebinders
Once again, I am working with a website that I had not heard of until this assignment. This has been a reoccurring theme this semester. Our next assignment was Livebinders. I signed up for a free account and good the tutorial.
The assignment was to create three binders. I created the following three binders, 1.) Health/PE websites for kids, 2.) Educational websites - elementary, and 3.) Educational websites - teens. I have embedded the Educational websites - elementary binder below.
Click here to open this binder in a new window.
I think Livebinders could be very useful in a classroom. It could be a great addition to our classroom website page. It could give students and parents a "go to" place for helpful websites for our class. I like the idea of having a binder that has health information that could help my students study and learn more about their health. I could also link fun, safe game websites to a binder.
For my older students, eight grade for middle school and all high school grades, I could create a lesson plan to explore websites that would be helpful for a specific subject. This could be a good way to "team teach" with another department or subject. Another idea is that searching for websites that gave good information about a subject could be a good lead into a web quest assignment.
This could be very useful in both the classroom for students and as a resource for parents on the website.
The assignment was to create three binders. I created the following three binders, 1.) Health/PE websites for kids, 2.) Educational websites - elementary, and 3.) Educational websites - teens. I have embedded the Educational websites - elementary binder below.
Click here to open this binder in a new window.
I think Livebinders could be very useful in a classroom. It could be a great addition to our classroom website page. It could give students and parents a "go to" place for helpful websites for our class. I like the idea of having a binder that has health information that could help my students study and learn more about their health. I could also link fun, safe game websites to a binder.
For my older students, eight grade for middle school and all high school grades, I could create a lesson plan to explore websites that would be helpful for a specific subject. This could be a good way to "team teach" with another department or subject. Another idea is that searching for websites that gave good information about a subject could be a good lead into a web quest assignment.
This could be very useful in both the classroom for students and as a resource for parents on the website.
Thing #21: Animoto
I had barely heard of Animoto before this semester in college. I did not know what it was until this assignment. I really liked the website. I signed up for a free account and took the tutorial. I explored the different free styles before I choose Bloom. It was very easy to add photos to my account. It automatically let me know when I reached the amount of photos I needed for my project. I really liked that feature. I chose to use pictures of my kids from this past school year. I then searched the free music. I was not as impressed with music selection as the style selection. But, I finally found one that would be okay and selected the song. I also really like that you can preview the movie before you publish finish. The following is my video of the kids.
I hope you liked the video. I am very excited to explore the sight more in the future. I see many picture videos in my family's future.
I would like to introduce my students to this website. I also think it could be a great way to make keepsake videos of field trips, field day, class parties and various other events that take place at school. This has my mind working on all the possibilities!!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Thing #20: YouTube and Beyond
TeacherTube is a great website. I had already located and explored TeacherTube while researching educational websites that could help me in the classroom for another class. I have found some very interesting videos. I found several good videos, but Basketball Dribbling Techniques explains several basic dribbles and gives an example of how they are performed.
YouTube is fun. My family has uploaded several videos of the fun times when we get together. One of my favorite videos was my husband going down the zip line shooting the kids in the woods with the paintball gun. That ended up causing a huge paintball war, kids vs parents, that was lots of fun.
This video is my brother, Chris, on a kiiking swing that he and a friend built.
I checked out a couple of other video tools and applications per the assignment. Powtoon seemed pretty neat. You can make your videos have animation. The sight is free and seemed to be easy to use. I think it could be a good way for them to make a fun video about eating healthy foods. I would like to explore it a little more to determine how I could use it best with my students.
YouTube is fun. My family has uploaded several videos of the fun times when we get together. One of my favorite videos was my husband going down the zip line shooting the kids in the woods with the paintball gun. That ended up causing a huge paintball war, kids vs parents, that was lots of fun.
This video is my brother, Chris, on a kiiking swing that he and a friend built.
I checked out a couple of other video tools and applications per the assignment. Powtoon seemed pretty neat. You can make your videos have animation. The sight is free and seemed to be easy to use. I think it could be a good way for them to make a fun video about eating healthy foods. I would like to explore it a little more to determine how I could use it best with my students.
Thing #19: Beyond Facebook
Teachers must be very careful when using Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. When I use Facebook, I try to be very careful of what I post or what pictures I use because not only does it reflect me, but also my children. Those pictures will get out on the internet, not matter how careful you are, and before posting you need to ask yourself "Do I want everyone to see them?". The same goes for your posts, people will find a way to get the "not so great" posts and spread them around. Now, I do not think you need to hide who you are and what you do, but you need to think about what you are posting. Ask yourself "Is this something I want my kids to see one day?", "Would I want my Mother or Grandmother to see or read this?".
If you can be honest with yourself and use common sense, social media is a great thing. I think it is a great way to reach your students, parents, fellow teachers, and resource. I found some great tools, as I have mentioned in earlier blogs, during this experience. Heck, I opened a Twitter account (I never thought I would say that…lol) and expect it to be a great tool professionally. Social media can be a great experience, you just have to be smart and think before you post or tweet.
During this assignment, I was asked what other online communities I was involved with besides Facebook and Twitter. Facebook is the biggest, I just signed up for Twitter and I use and like Pinterest a lot! Also, for this assignment, I looked into a few other sites. I liked Classroom 2.0.com the best. I like that there are several different ways to be involved, communicate and get information. I also liked that there are members from all around the U.S. and World. As far as the other sites they suggested we explore, I already use Yelp, Goodreads, and several recipe and cooking sites.
I expect to integrate technology into my classroom and teaching. I hope to use it in a fun and innovated way to not only teach the students but to allow them to explore and possibly to teach me.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Thing #18: Twitter
I have never used Twitter before and never thought I would ever have an account. I am not into the whole "hashtag thing" that is so popular right now. I created an account solely for this assignment. You can visit my page (or Twitter account) by clicking @Susseducation. I did not understand Twitter or what it was used for until doing some research. The video Twitter in Plain English was very informative. I also found this blog, 8 Sure-Fire Ways To Tick Off the Twitter verse by Jennie Cromie, with some great advice. I also found this blog to help teachers with hashtags, The Complete Guide to Twitter Hashtags For Education.
It is important to understand social networking and their outlets. The students we will teach are constantly on social networking and talking to each other with various social networking sites. As teachers, we need to know what sites they are using and what draws them to those sites. We need to understand their "language" and use it to our advantage. Reach out to them and use the technology tools that they love to teach them what they need to learn.
I look forward to exploring Twitter more and how to use it effectively in teaching and communicating with my students. I am sure there is a lot more to learn and I look forward to the exploration of that knowledge.
It is important to understand social networking and their outlets. The students we will teach are constantly on social networking and talking to each other with various social networking sites. As teachers, we need to know what sites they are using and what draws them to those sites. We need to understand their "language" and use it to our advantage. Reach out to them and use the technology tools that they love to teach them what they need to learn.
I look forward to exploring Twitter more and how to use it effectively in teaching and communicating with my students. I am sure there is a lot more to learn and I look forward to the exploration of that knowledge.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Thing #17: Tagging and social bookmarking with Delicious
I created an account on Delicious, which is a bookmarking site that is very popular. I was surprised by how easy it was to create an account and start adding links. I really like this and think it could be a very useful tool for my profession as a teacher. I also think it will be helpful for my students in my classroom. I could create a special account for my classroom with specific links that were useful in our subjects. The students could log into the single account to have access to the links. They can also explore to find other links that could be useful for the project we are completing.
Part of our assignment was to search "educational technology" and I was very disappointed not to find any current information on Delicious. The newest was October 2011. Then I clicked on how many people saved or shared the link and was able to find other people that saved the link. When I clicked on their name, I found some great educational information.
All-in-all it seems to be a good resource.
Part of our assignment was to search "educational technology" and I was very disappointed not to find any current information on Delicious. The newest was October 2011. Then I clicked on how many people saved or shared the link and was able to find other people that saved the link. When I clicked on their name, I found some great educational information.
All-in-all it seems to be a good resource.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Thing # 16
For the first part of this assignment, I had to create a customized start page. I used Symbaloo.com to create my start page. I really liked the format of the page and how easy it was to navigate. It was very easy to create. It gave me a few options for ad-ons and I like the EDUtools option, which had edublogs, school tube, flickr and teacher tube (to just name a few). This was great to have all these tools in one location. I then began to explore a little more. I searched for several different items and was disappointed not to find a few. I did like the option to create your own tile. I think that is a great option.
The next part of the assignment was to create an online calendar. I currently use the calendar on my iPhone and google calendar, but am always looking for a better way to organize my extensive calendar. I originally wanted to try UpTo.com. It is an App for iTunes, etc. I decided not to try it after I read several reviews that said it kept crashing. I did not want to put a lot of work into a calendar for it to continually crash and have to start over. So, I decided to try 30 Boxes. It was easy to setup, but it is very similar to the calendars I currently use. I will explore it more, but do not think I will use it long term. I was really hoping to find a calendar that would allow me to easily store my various calendars separately, but also have one view of events. I did not find this calendar to do what I needed. I will most likely continue to use the two calendars I have already.
The last step was to pick an additional tool that might be useful in my classroom. I think that using a PDF converter could be a useful tool for my classroom. I have needed to use one personally and professionally several times and I believe I will have the same need as a teacher. This converter is free for basic use, but you can also sign up for a membership (starting at $9 per month) for added benefits.
The next part of the assignment was to create an online calendar. I currently use the calendar on my iPhone and google calendar, but am always looking for a better way to organize my extensive calendar. I originally wanted to try UpTo.com. It is an App for iTunes, etc. I decided not to try it after I read several reviews that said it kept crashing. I did not want to put a lot of work into a calendar for it to continually crash and have to start over. So, I decided to try 30 Boxes. It was easy to setup, but it is very similar to the calendars I currently use. I will explore it more, but do not think I will use it long term. I was really hoping to find a calendar that would allow me to easily store my various calendars separately, but also have one view of events. I did not find this calendar to do what I needed. I will most likely continue to use the two calendars I have already.
The last step was to pick an additional tool that might be useful in my classroom. I think that using a PDF converter could be a useful tool for my classroom. I have needed to use one personally and professionally several times and I believe I will have the same need as a teacher. This converter is free for basic use, but you can also sign up for a membership (starting at $9 per month) for added benefits.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Thing #15: Wiki
I have learned more about Wiki this class than I ever wanted to know. I did not like Wikipedia before and still am not a great fan. I do not like that anyone can change, add or delete information from a subject, item or post. Knowledge does not matter when you are posting on this website. I can edit the information whether I actually have the knowledge base to make the changes or not. My nephew used to use this site to research information for papers until I informed him of the truth about the information that can be gathered from the site. Please don't understand, I am not saying that all the information is bad, wrong, false or misleading. I am saying that there is no basis on whether or not the information is actually true and can mislead students trying to research topics.
I understand that a positive point is that it is a great example of the sharing tools on the Internet. Probably the most know and, per the website, the largest. I do have to say that I did like that you can set up a wikispaces to share things for your school, class or organization. Sharing lesson plans, book lists, etc. on wikispaces is a great tool to get information out to fellow teachers. I did find some interesting pages through wikispaces that had some good information.
Truthfully, I do not know if I will use wikispaces in my classroom. I need to research it further.
I understand that a positive point is that it is a great example of the sharing tools on the Internet. Probably the most know and, per the website, the largest. I do have to say that I did like that you can set up a wikispaces to share things for your school, class or organization. Sharing lesson plans, book lists, etc. on wikispaces is a great tool to get information out to fellow teachers. I did find some interesting pages through wikispaces that had some good information.
Truthfully, I do not know if I will use wikispaces in my classroom. I need to research it further.
Thing #14 : Mind maps and Flowcharts
For this assignment we had to explore mind maps and flowcharts. We needed to understand the difference between them and when to use each one.
I did not know what a mind map was before this assignment. After reviewing the sites suggested, I decided to use bubbl.us to create one. After reviewing several examples and exploring, I decided to try making my own. In the future, I would like to use one of the existing templates to complete one. It was very easy to navigate and manipulate. I look forward to exploring more in the future.
Here is my example of the mind map I created.
Flow charts were more familiar to me because I had used one to create a calling list. I did not know all the options for flowcharts until this assignment. I decided to use Gliffy to create a flowchart. I really liked that it had so many options for figures and shapes available for the free version. Of course, there are more options with the Pro subscription. It was very easy. I did not find any templates for Gliffy, but I may not have been looking in the correct place. I plan to explore this site more to see what else it has to offer. Templates would be a great addition to the site.
Here is my example of the flow chart.
I did not know what a mind map was before this assignment. After reviewing the sites suggested, I decided to use bubbl.us to create one. After reviewing several examples and exploring, I decided to try making my own. In the future, I would like to use one of the existing templates to complete one. It was very easy to navigate and manipulate. I look forward to exploring more in the future.
Here is my example of the mind map I created.
Flow charts were more familiar to me because I had used one to create a calling list. I did not know all the options for flowcharts until this assignment. I decided to use Gliffy to create a flowchart. I really liked that it had so many options for figures and shapes available for the free version. Of course, there are more options with the Pro subscription. It was very easy. I did not find any templates for Gliffy, but I may not have been looking in the correct place. I plan to explore this site more to see what else it has to offer. Templates would be a great addition to the site.
Here is my example of the flow chart.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Thing #13 Google Drive
Hello everyone. Today the assignment was to watch this video about Google Drive and explore. I was surprised at the options that are available for Google Drive. I knew about it, but never really explored the options. The first part of my assignment was to create a blog post using Google Document. Here is the link for my post called Google Document.
The next part of the assignment was to use one of Google Drive's tools to create something and I created a Google Drive quiz. I had some fun with some of the multiple choice options. It was very easy to create and I will use it again.
The last part of the assignment was to explore Zoho and compare the two. I liked Zoho also. I was amazed at all the options available as well as chat options. I created an account (which is free, but it looked like some options could cost money) to explore. It was a little more difficult to navigate than Google Drive, but I think it could be very useful. I am not sure which I would say is better because they are so different. I can see a positive for using both websites and will enjoy exploring them both more in the future.
I highly suggest that if you have not explored both websites mentioned above, that you take the time to do it.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Thing # 12: Google is not just for searching anymore
I was amazed how many tools Google offered. This assignment required that we explore the different tools to see what was useful and how we could and would use them. I started my exploration with Google Translate. I started with translating to Spanish and then realized they had an Arabic tab. I was really excited about that because, I will be visiting Dubai this summer and it would be awesome to be able to attempt to communicate in Arabic. I typed Hello and here is a link to the translation: Hello in Arabic. I also liked that Google will speak the translation to you, that is a great feature! This is a great resource for the classroom. I look forward to allowing my students to explore this tool.
I then tried Google Scholar. I was pleasantly surprised with the results I found searching various topics. I think this will be a great resource for me during my Graduate Studies and my future students.
Next, I tried Google Calendar. Below is the calendar I created for my family's sports schedule for this week plus a few other events. I think this could be a great tool for me personally and for my students. They could create a calendar for their homework and classwork assignments, test, etc. to help them keep organized.
I then tried Google Scholar. I was pleasantly surprised with the results I found searching various topics. I think this will be a great resource for me during my Graduate Studies and my future students.
Next, I tried Google Calendar. Below is the calendar I created for my family's sports schedule for this week plus a few other events. I think this could be a great tool for me personally and for my students. They could create a calendar for their homework and classwork assignments, test, etc. to help them keep organized.
Thing #11: Finding Good Feeds
I really enjoyed looking for Blog feeds and was surprised by some of my findings. I tried looking up a variety of subjects and got a lot of blogs for some, but very few for others. I did find some interesting Middle school blogs.
I originally tried Feedly and it was pretty simple. Then I tried Google Blog Search and it was very easy also. I thought it was interesting that it also gave me websites, not just blog results. There were also a couple of results that I thought were blogs, but when I clicked on them I discovered they were actually websites. One was very good and I saved it. Blogsearchengine.com was very easy also. I will use all three of these sights again.
I then tried out Technorati. It was not as easy to use as the three mentioned above. I also found that several blogs were discontinued for one reason or another. I don't think that I will use this sight often to look for blogs.
A few of the blogs I found that were useful are:
edublogs.org - educational blogging service
mr.sicklerphysicaleducation.com
Middle School PE was on Pinterest
I originally tried Feedly and it was pretty simple. Then I tried Google Blog Search and it was very easy also. I thought it was interesting that it also gave me websites, not just blog results. There were also a couple of results that I thought were blogs, but when I clicked on them I discovered they were actually websites. One was very good and I saved it. Blogsearchengine.com was very easy also. I will use all three of these sights again.
I then tried out Technorati. It was not as easy to use as the three mentioned above. I also found that several blogs were discontinued for one reason or another. I don't think that I will use this sight often to look for blogs.
A few of the blogs I found that were useful are:
edublogs.org - educational blogging service
mr.sicklerphysicaleducation.com
Middle School PE was on Pinterest
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Thing # 10: Setup an RSS Reader and adding Feeds
Wow. By now you know that I am way behind on technology. I just call my BFF and she helps me through when I struggle. I have not called her during this class and pushed through some of the more frustrating assignments on my own. I know what some of you are thinking, but my life is busy and I just don't have the time to struggle or search through to get up to date…. before now. This class has really opened my mind to what technology and the internet has to offer. And with a little instruction and encouragement, what you can learn and accomplish before you know it.
The RSS feed has really opened my eyes to so many possibilities.
First, I did not know you could do this. Second, I am now addicted. Third, I love that it is easy and that I can create folders to organize my feeds. Fourth, I had no idea how many different blogs, websites, etc. were out there for the subjects I searched. Although, I was disappointed there was not more for a few of the topics.
The information is limitless with a RSS feed. You can get so much information quickly and conveniently. The possibilities are endless for how I can use this personally and professionally. I subscribed to fourteen different feeds very quickly and was able to organize them efficiently.
I found the Nerdy Teacher website. I really liked how he posts assignment every week that his class has to chat about. He also required each student to create a blog and they had to complete assignments on their blog sites also (like this class). He used TV shows, etc. to discuss topics they are learning and requires them to listen to pod casts for certain activities. I really liked how he is linking technology, learning and being innovated to keep his students attention.
This one feed gave me great ideas that I hope to shape into great learning tools for my students and classroom.
I look forward to using this tool in the future in my personal and professional life. I hope to show my students the value of RSS feeds to help them in their studies and their future.
The RSS feed has really opened my eyes to so many possibilities.
First, I did not know you could do this. Second, I am now addicted. Third, I love that it is easy and that I can create folders to organize my feeds. Fourth, I had no idea how many different blogs, websites, etc. were out there for the subjects I searched. Although, I was disappointed there was not more for a few of the topics.
The information is limitless with a RSS feed. You can get so much information quickly and conveniently. The possibilities are endless for how I can use this personally and professionally. I subscribed to fourteen different feeds very quickly and was able to organize them efficiently.
I found the Nerdy Teacher website. I really liked how he posts assignment every week that his class has to chat about. He also required each student to create a blog and they had to complete assignments on their blog sites also (like this class). He used TV shows, etc. to discuss topics they are learning and requires them to listen to pod casts for certain activities. I really liked how he is linking technology, learning and being innovated to keep his students attention.
This one feed gave me great ideas that I hope to shape into great learning tools for my students and classroom.
I look forward to using this tool in the future in my personal and professional life. I hope to show my students the value of RSS feeds to help them in their studies and their future.
Thing # 9 : Online Image Generators
I have worked with an image generator before. I did not know what to expect when I started, but the first one I tried was easier than I expected. I went to the Sign Generator Widgets & Image Generators website to see what type they offered. The first online image generator I tried was Fenway BallPark Sign Generator. You can see it below.
The next one I tried is the Happy Face Generator. It was very easy to use and lots of fun. I tried several before deciding on the one before.
The next one I tried is the Happy Face Generator. It was very easy to use and lots of fun. I tried several before deciding on the one before.
The next website I tried was Image Chef. This website had a lot of choices. I was not sure where to start with experimenting with all the templates. I chose to do flowers because this month is my parents anniversary. Here is what I made.
I enjoyed this assignment a lot. I had never used any of these websites and I enjoyed experimenting.
Thing # 8: Flickr Mashups
This assignment had us playing with the Flickr mashup tools and applications. This was a very interesting assignment. I was very disappointed with a few of the first that I tried, but then found a few that I liked. I was very frustrated with spell with Flickr, because I could not get the image to upload. I enjoyed picking random photos and then using my own personal ones. Here are a few projects that I completed.
I created the above image by using jigsaw on Big Huge Labs. I used this particular photo of the Night Stalker Memorial during the Annual Memorial Ceremony, because it is an awesome reminder of what the ultimate sacrifice our military and their families can make. I love the glowing eyes! NSDQ and LNSDQ!
I also used the mosaic maker on Big Huge Labs. I uploaded several pictures and made a niece mosaic that would make a great poster. I have attached it below.
I liked Big Huge Labs because they have a section that discusses how the website can help you in the classroom and for your students. You can pre-register your students so that they do not have to have a email address. The students can sent their work with a single click and the teacher can view and download the content created by your students. I think that is a great option and teaching element to this website. I hope I can use this with my students in the future.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Thing # 7
 |
| Applebee's in the Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE |
Thing #7 : Explore Flickr
I chose to upload one of the first photos my husband took when he got to Dubai. It is an Applebee's restaurant in the Dubai Mall. The photo is attached to the post listed as Thing #7 and is above this post. I had a lot of trouble getting the Flickr photo's to attach. Even the one's that I loaded into my account. When I used their Blogging tool, it would not allow me to attach to a post, it had to be in it's own separate post. I am not sure if I missed a step, but it was very frustrating. So, I improvised and added the photo in a separate post and built my main post on this photo.
I also attached the following link so that you could see the View from the Burj Khalifa at night. We were lucky enough to get to tour the Burj Khalifa the last time we visited my husband. This is not one of our photo's, but the kids had a great time. The photo that I attached below is the Burj Khalifa at night from a distance. This a beautiful shot that show just how tall the building is and how it towers over the rest of the surrounding buildings. Do you see the clouds at the middle of the building? Dubai is already working on plans and drawings to build another skyscraper to go even higher.
Dubai, a photo by Marco Markovich / Boda de Cine on Flickr.
Thing # 6: Discovering Web 2.0 Tools
When I clicked on the Go2Web2.0 link to explore the tools, I was amazed. WOW. I only recognized two or three of the links. Pinterest was the only one I used frequently. I had a great time exploring several different sites, such as:
Sweetsearch - which is an excellent search engine for students
Carrot sticks - which provides online math games
Active Allowance - "teaching kids dollars and sense"
But I chose to use Canva. You do have to create an account, but it is free. Canva allows you to create posters, cards, invitations, photo collages, etc. for free or a low price. You can choose to use their free elements and basic images for free, plus you can upload your own images, or use their premium features for a minimum cost. I chose to use the free photo collage and upload my own elements. this is the link to my collage : Our Family Snow Day Fun. I was also able to download a PDF picture of the collage for me to print or use. Here is the example of my pictures:
Sweetsearch - which is an excellent search engine for students
Carrot sticks - which provides online math games
Active Allowance - "teaching kids dollars and sense"
But I chose to use Canva. You do have to create an account, but it is free. Canva allows you to create posters, cards, invitations, photo collages, etc. for free or a low price. You can choose to use their free elements and basic images for free, plus you can upload your own images, or use their premium features for a minimum cost. I chose to use the free photo collage and upload my own elements. this is the link to my collage : Our Family Snow Day Fun. I was also able to download a PDF picture of the collage for me to print or use. Here is the example of my pictures:
I think this could be a great tool in my classroom. The students could create presentations, collages of their field trips….. there are so many possibilities. I look forward to continuing this journey of learning technology that will not only help me in the classroom, be a better teacher and mentor, but that I can use with my own family.
Thing #5 : Web 2.0
I enjoyed reading the articles on Web 2.0 and School 2.0. I had never heard of either term and was surprised at all the information that I found. I also realized how far behind I really was on technology and where it will lead our lives and classrooms in the future.
When I read the Web 2.0 and where computers came from to where they are now, I recognized some of the old "computer codes" from when I started using computers. It is amazing how different and easier they are to use today and it is changing every minute. From iPads, laptops, smart screens to cars, technology is amazing. I is easy to be left behind, as I was, and to keep up in the future will be just as difficult.
School 2.0 is also a revolving concept. It will be important for teachers to not only keep up with the technology, but to integrate it in their classrooms. It is interesting that a classroom can be virtual and can go anywhere with you. Your lesson plan can be mobile with the use of iPads, etc. and taken outside to allow the students to study differently and possibly learn more. To be able to harness that thought into something great and fulfilling for my students is a hefty goal. I look forward to working hard to answer that challenge and make it worthwhile for my students.
There were several good suggestions and points at the Teachers 2.0 website. I will be teaching gym. I look forward to the challenge of integrating technology into my classroom that is both educational, fun and keeps my students moving to the beat of the future.
When I read the Web 2.0 and where computers came from to where they are now, I recognized some of the old "computer codes" from when I started using computers. It is amazing how different and easier they are to use today and it is changing every minute. From iPads, laptops, smart screens to cars, technology is amazing. I is easy to be left behind, as I was, and to keep up in the future will be just as difficult.
School 2.0 is also a revolving concept. It will be important for teachers to not only keep up with the technology, but to integrate it in their classrooms. It is interesting that a classroom can be virtual and can go anywhere with you. Your lesson plan can be mobile with the use of iPads, etc. and taken outside to allow the students to study differently and possibly learn more. To be able to harness that thought into something great and fulfilling for my students is a hefty goal. I look forward to working hard to answer that challenge and make it worthwhile for my students.
There were several good suggestions and points at the Teachers 2.0 website. I will be teaching gym. I look forward to the challenge of integrating technology into my classroom that is both educational, fun and keeps my students moving to the beat of the future.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Thing #4 Importance of Comments
Commenting is a way to communicate in a world that depends on technology. Commenting is a source of communicating that allows people to feel connected and/or part of a community. Whether it is on Facebook, Twitter or a blog, commenting allows a person to let their feelings and thoughts be known whether they agree or disagree with the post.
When you are teaching or learning, it is very important to have an open venue that ideas can be shared and improved upon. Technology is an excellent place to do this.
I think it is very important to invite comments on your blog and ask questions that will encourage people to comment. In reading the articles and blogs that was suggested by assignment, I found several good suggestions and points. Two good suggestions are to put a question in the heading and to ask specific questions to get feedback. Another great suggestion was that it is important to respond to all comments. This lets the commenter know that you are paying attention and appreciate the time they took to comment on your post.
The seven blogs that I am following and commented on are:
Courtney Brown (CHS Chemistry 23 Things) - I really liked her ideas about linking worksheets,
assignments, etc. to her blog so that students and parents know what is going on in the class.
This also allows a common place to find important information.
Delma Vasquez's (Delma Vasquez's 23 things) - I like that you will use your blog to keep your students
aware of current issues and trends while teaching Spanish.
Sheilah Queener (Miss Queener's 23 Things) - I liked that she is going to set up a blog for students
about a novel they are reading. Each student would have a character they will blog as if they
are writing from that characters perspective. I think this is an excellent teaching idea.
Esther Yum (Esther's 23 Things) - I liked her dog treat ideas and the story about adopting a dog.
I also liked that she would use her blog to post pictures for her class for the parents to be able
to see.
Suzette Pinnock (23 Things) - I liked that she also struggles with technology as I do. Also that she
plans to use this in her class as a tool to interact with her students and parents. She has some
of the same struggles that I do with our home life.
Sky's Health and PE Blog (http://www.antane.blogspot.com) - I liked a lot of her ideas and posts. Her
seven reasons to be passionate about your career are good points. She gives a list of resources
you can use as a PE teacher.
Wagner's Big Red Phys Ed (http://www.bigredpe.com) - I liked this blog because it is set in the high
school setting. I had a hard time finding blogs that were not specifically elementary. I also
like that he challenges his students to different activities that are not specifically part of the
the standards, but do pertain to them.
I liked this assignment because it challenged me to get out into the blogger world and see what I could find. I was surprised to not find much in the Middle School and High School PE and Health areas. I look forward to learning more from the 23 Things assignment.
When you are teaching or learning, it is very important to have an open venue that ideas can be shared and improved upon. Technology is an excellent place to do this.
I think it is very important to invite comments on your blog and ask questions that will encourage people to comment. In reading the articles and blogs that was suggested by assignment, I found several good suggestions and points. Two good suggestions are to put a question in the heading and to ask specific questions to get feedback. Another great suggestion was that it is important to respond to all comments. This lets the commenter know that you are paying attention and appreciate the time they took to comment on your post.
The seven blogs that I am following and commented on are:
Courtney Brown (CHS Chemistry 23 Things) - I really liked her ideas about linking worksheets,
assignments, etc. to her blog so that students and parents know what is going on in the class.
This also allows a common place to find important information.
Delma Vasquez's (Delma Vasquez's 23 things) - I like that you will use your blog to keep your students
aware of current issues and trends while teaching Spanish.
Sheilah Queener (Miss Queener's 23 Things) - I liked that she is going to set up a blog for students
about a novel they are reading. Each student would have a character they will blog as if they
are writing from that characters perspective. I think this is an excellent teaching idea.
Esther Yum (Esther's 23 Things) - I liked her dog treat ideas and the story about adopting a dog.
I also liked that she would use her blog to post pictures for her class for the parents to be able
to see.
Suzette Pinnock (23 Things) - I liked that she also struggles with technology as I do. Also that she
plans to use this in her class as a tool to interact with her students and parents. She has some
of the same struggles that I do with our home life.
Sky's Health and PE Blog (http://www.antane.blogspot.com) - I liked a lot of her ideas and posts. Her
seven reasons to be passionate about your career are good points. She gives a list of resources
you can use as a PE teacher.
Wagner's Big Red Phys Ed (http://www.bigredpe.com) - I liked this blog because it is set in the high
school setting. I had a hard time finding blogs that were not specifically elementary. I also
like that he challenges his students to different activities that are not specifically part of the
the standards, but do pertain to them.
I liked this assignment because it challenged me to get out into the blogger world and see what I could find. I was surprised to not find much in the Middle School and High School PE and Health areas. I look forward to learning more from the 23 Things assignment.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Thing #3
How can a blog be used in a classroom setting? There are so many possibilities.
1. It can give both students and parents insight to the teacher. Allow them to get to know each other better.
2. The blog can allow parents to ask questions about what their student is studying or about a specific assignment.
3. Teachers can setup websites, worksheets, books, etc as reference for any work being done.
4. Students can use their real names or a be anonymous. Being anonymous would allow the students to discuss topics that they would not normally want to or ask questions they may think are embarrassing. It could also be a way for students to inform the teacher of issues or concerns for themselves or fellow classmates.
5. You can setup special assignments (ex: 23 things) or even extra credit assignments on the blog that will encourage the students to check in once a week or even daily.
6. Set the blog up for a specific year so everyone can look at it later. It can also be a good reference tool for the future blogs. A way to compare how it was done in the past to the current blog.
I plan to teach P.E and Health. I look forward to challenging myself to be creative and find a way to use it in both areas. I want my students to embrace learning in all avenues. I also look forward to this semester and learning what all you can do with a blog. Thanks for reading and I look forward to posting again soon.
Have a great day!
1. It can give both students and parents insight to the teacher. Allow them to get to know each other better.
2. The blog can allow parents to ask questions about what their student is studying or about a specific assignment.
3. Teachers can setup websites, worksheets, books, etc as reference for any work being done.
4. Students can use their real names or a be anonymous. Being anonymous would allow the students to discuss topics that they would not normally want to or ask questions they may think are embarrassing. It could also be a way for students to inform the teacher of issues or concerns for themselves or fellow classmates.
5. You can setup special assignments (ex: 23 things) or even extra credit assignments on the blog that will encourage the students to check in once a week or even daily.
6. Set the blog up for a specific year so everyone can look at it later. It can also be a good reference tool for the future blogs. A way to compare how it was done in the past to the current blog.
I plan to teach P.E and Health. I look forward to challenging myself to be creative and find a way to use it in both areas. I want my students to embrace learning in all avenues. I also look forward to this semester and learning what all you can do with a blog. Thanks for reading and I look forward to posting again soon.
Have a great day!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Thing 2 -Create a Blog, Add a Post and an Avatar
I created a blog tonight and an avatar. It is my first blog and I am excited about the experience. I am not experienced in the blogging world. I have only read a few and they were mostly about recipes. As I said before, I am excited to see where this project takes me.
I just used my name as the posting name because it felt right. I wanted the title to be classroom friendly and appropriate.
Creating the blog was relatively easy. Learning to navigate the system was also. It just takes time to figure out where to go to do what I want or need to do. Now the trick will be remembering it next week when I need to do the next assignment. Haha! :0
The avatar is as close to me as I could get. I have dirty blond curly hair and blue eyes. I love the color Blue and am a huge University of Kentucky fan. I am a jeans and shorts kinda girl and I typically wear tennis shoes or flip flops. Check back, she might change her appearance.
I just used my name as the posting name because it felt right. I wanted the title to be classroom friendly and appropriate.
Creating the blog was relatively easy. Learning to navigate the system was also. It just takes time to figure out where to go to do what I want or need to do. Now the trick will be remembering it next week when I need to do the next assignment. Haha! :0
The avatar is as close to me as I could get. I have dirty blond curly hair and blue eyes. I love the color Blue and am a huge University of Kentucky fan. I am a jeans and shorts kinda girl and I typically wear tennis shoes or flip flops. Check back, she might change her appearance.
Thing #1 - Lifelong Learning
I read Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners today and recommend that you do also.
The hardest thing for me is begin with the end in mind. Setting Goals and maintaining them has become a challenge in the past six years. I start really strong and then get knocked off the road by life. I sometimes accomplish the goal, but not in a timely manner. I recognize that it takes 21 days to make a habit and that somethings need to be a priority to change. I need to not let life sidetrack me and when I do get knocked off the road, to get right back on the road and start again. I will challenge myself this year by going back to college while taking care of the house, bills, kids, etc. I can do this, I have done the juggling before. I will stick to the plan and look forward to the rewards.
The easiest thing for me was to play. I love to take the kids to new places to learn new and interesting things. We love to ride dirt bikes, ride horses, go out on the boat, visit the zoo and the science museum. I love to try new things, arts and crafts, play sports, etc. I need to do better about creating me time. I look forward to having some more me time and great adventures with my children.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)