Week 11 - A Post Commenting on "Edutopia: How to Make Research Papers Relevant for Students"

Edutopia + my comment

I learned that even when teaching the fundamentals of English (one being research writing) that it is still important to integrate technology. But I suppose I already knew that. But it was encouraging because I haven't heard much discussion about research writing which was disappointing because I especially love that.

I wrote about an idea for a lesson that I had - which will be written about in a reflection here sometime soon. I hope it was supplementary!

Overall it was just generally encouraging.

Until next time.

Assignment #4 - Technology Project; Part One (required)

Alright-y.

For my final project I will be using the following Web 2.0 tools: Weebly.com (to make a website), Box.net (to convert normal word documents into files for a website), Vocaroo.com (for podcasts), and Delicious.com (for resources).

I will be creating a website on Weebly.com that is dedicated to a lesson unit that I'm basing on the life and works of Lewis Carroll. I am creating the unit for my Childhood Literature class and decided to use this project to supplement that project. The plan is to create links from the website to Delicious lists and different podcasts as well. Also, for the Childhood Lit assignment I will be creating assignment documents and rubrics that I will then convert, using Box.net, into files to put on the website. I really want the project to be all-encompassing and if it turns out anything like I think it will, it should be fabulous.

Until next time.

Part #2 - Friends' Blogs I've Posted On

Bethany P

Matthew W

Sarah W

Shayna P

Daley L

Week 10 - A Post Preparing for Tonight's Panel Discussion (required)

Well, here I am again. Just writing out my thoughts and concerns. More like, writing out my questions. And so, without further ado, my three requests for knowledge:

1. Based on my knowledge of the SMARTBoard Software, it seems a rather daunting task to create your own activities. Has this been true for [fill in the blank]? And what would you suggest as far as decreasing the amount of terror the idea of creating my own idea brings? A.K.A. what works best for you?
2. As far as your students' responses to using technology in class, what would say has been the biggest, technological success?
3. If you could add one more piece of technology to your classroom what would it be, and why? OR If you could integrate one more piece of technology/online program into your classroom what would it be, and why?

There you have it folks, my three inquires into the lives of today's educators of tomorrow.

Until next time.

Assignment #3 - Teacher Resources

For my toolbox I used the ever-so-trendy Diigo.com. It was relatively easy to use and had some pretty handy-dandy tools (highlighter for online text, sticky notes you could put on the web page, etc). I think if I had more time I would have dove deeper into the odds-and-ends of the site… but oh well! I think I’ll probably end up using this site for a different class project so I’ll take more time to get to know the site then… unless I decide to use a different site – WHO KNOWS!

Here’s my toolbox.

I decided to put up sites that would be resources and sites that I would send my students to. Basic criteria: none. I just went through different elements of Language Arts and looked for sites that I thought would be useful AND enjoyable for the students: vocabulary games, essay outlines, MLA citation sites, punctuation helpers, etc.

The links/resources are organized by "tags." My list contains 32 different tags - the top tags are: Reference, English, Literature, Reading, Book List, Tools, Writing, Grammar, Essay, and Punctuation. That's basically my organization.

Use of toolbox: I don’t really have anything specific in mind. Right now I think I’ll just use it to help me gather information and sources for my future classes. I want to store helpful and fun resources for teaching on this site. That’s my current goal or use for it. Sorry that’s not more interesting.

Sharing is caring. How could I share it with other teachers? Well, technically, I would share it through the same means that I share it with my students - through the direct link to the toolbox. Creatively though, I’m not super sure. I could definitely post it to my blog and if I have a future class blog or website then I could put it there too. I think there’s a way to print off a condensed list of the sites and that could be helpful to other teachers – just print it off and hand it out. Yeah, that’s all I got.

Three Sites + Annotations:

1. Purdue OWL - This is a great site that has been recommended to me by a few of my professors here at NU. It contains a vast amount of information covering a plethora of topics. There is a special link (the one provided here) that is specifically for Students and Teachers in grades 7-12, which just so happens to be what I want to teach. The site is laid out with links to more information but it's all really easy to find. Everything is true and perfect. Oh how I love thee, Purdue OWL site. :)
2. Thinkmap Visual Thesaurus - Unfortunately this site costs money! BOO! BUT, it's so amazing! It's somewhat like the option on the Google search to make a word "web" so-to-speak. But in this case, it's a word web consisting of words, synonyms, antonyms, and definitions. It's a tangled web of woven vocabulary goodness. CHECK IT OUT!!!
3. Essay Template - This is an excellent essay template! It's big enough to fit in notes and information, but not so detailed that you feel crammed into a box. Although I would say that essays normal could and probably should have more in them than the outline gives you, but hey, it's only a template... :)

Week 9 - A Post Chewing on "Caught on Video"

"Caught on Video" by Bob Spankle

Oh Bob Spankle, what curious wisdom you have.

I was challenged, confused, turned upside-rightside-downside-up, and all over unsure about video recording in class.

Bob (as I will call him so informally because I prefer Bob to Mr. Spankle), discussed using video cameras in the classroom. This can DEFINITELY be helpful. But I found his suggestions less helpful than I would've liked. Things I think would be counterproductive (or at least not as productive as Bob would like to think):

• "Film a completed product from a student before it is sent home." - how would I do this Bob? A 2-dimensional art project, a poster board, an in-class essay... I don't know how helpful this would really be. What if I didn't record it well enough, the student took it home, by the time I realized I needed to see it again it had been recycled to save a tree??? I just don't know Bob, I just don't know.
• "Film the progression of fluency on a weekly and monthly basis." - How? I want to see Bob do this so I know what he means. Fluency... what does he mean by that? How would I videotape that? Frustration Bob, frustration.
• "Create video time capsules." - Where would I sign this virtual yearbook for my friends? How would we compile this? What would make the cut and what would be labeled a level of importance too low? Forget yearbooks Bob? Forget yearbooks?????
• "Film all teacher/student writing conferences." - Okay, so this makes sense - mostly. Except that writing on the paper, using sticky notes - that's all actually helpful. If you record the session but don't use SOME sticky notes the student may not understand the specifics of the information being spoken. I like sticky notes Bob, I like them.
• "Never write another long note for a substitute teacher." - what if they forget what I said in the video - should they watch it again during class? Perhaps I should write a note and record myself Bob, perhaps I should do both.

Alright... I did like some ideas.

I like the idea that we should record stuff outside of the classroom that is relevant to the subject and then bring it in to show the students - that's creating connections Bob, that's good.

Filming lesson highlights, study guide discussions, and entire lessons is always a good idea. Props to you Bob, props to you.

Film myself reflections on the school day to send to the parents... alright, I can take that Bob, I can take that.

Podcasts/Videocasts for homework - definitely Bob, definitely.

Recording answers to questions at the start of a unit and then re-asking those same questions after the unit is a good idea - good for the teacher I think. Spectacular insight Bob, spectacular.

Anyways - I can definitely see potential in recording in the classroom. I appreciate Panopto here at NU. I appreciate podcasts from different places when I miss events. I appreciate it - I really do. Just, silly Bob, you took it to too many weird places. But I am content with the ideas and information I have gleaned. My hat's off to you Bob, my hat is off.

Until next time.

Reflection #6 - Daytum.com Online Data Tracking

Hello, my wanna-always-talk-about-myself personality. My name is Jordan and today I'd like to take this opportunity to use you to help myself learn.

WHAT?:

Data. It's all around us. All the time. Especially with all this technology. So why not REALLY use it. Make it about the students. Put them in-charge.

Daytum is an online, Web 2.0 tool that allows users to track data about anything they want. The user creates a data chart (pie charts, grids, flow maps, etc.), titles it, and inputs data whenever they want to. I considered making one: "Television shows and the hours I waste watching them." But I didn't want to face the reality of how much time I actually do waste. It would've hurt my pride too much.

Here's Hayden's daytum. She talks about her TV watching and that makes me feel better.

Daytum is fun. And it seems easy. As far as I can tell.

SO WHAT?:

Teachers can use this site in the classroom to engage students. To get them thinking about their lives. To get them thinking about their potential. To get them thinking about watching less TV. Joke.

Daytum, I think, could be adapted to the classroom in many creative ways. Unfortunately. I have not thought of any of those creative ways. But I will continue to ponder. Sadly, I've been pondering for about 3 weeks now and have still come up with nothing. Nothing but this: track books read, books want to read. Mold it to the lesson plan. If I had a lesson plan in mind right now, I would use Daytum like Play-dough and find a way to use it. Because there ARE ways. For sure. I just have to find them. I have to ponder. Continue pondering.

And ponder I shall.

NOW WHAT?:

Now think of the creative ways you can use this site to benefit your students and your classroom - cause obviously I can't think of any.

Math and Science teachers could probably find more use for this.

I want to use it for English. I will find a way. Write me a comment if you thought of one.

Until next time.

Reflection #5 - Penzu.com Online Journaling

"Penzu is a free online diary and personal journal that is

focused on privacy. You can keep your thoughts and

ideas to yourself and share only if you want to!"

WHAT?:

This is what I see after clicking "Try It Out":

Just lined "paper."

A template for my thoughts.

A canvas for the paint of my mind.

A slate for the arithmetic of my soul.

An empty plate for the cuisine of my conscience.

Oh, the possibilities!!!

Penzu.com is online journaling. Plain. Simple. Priva

te. You can print your journal entries. Access them anywhere you get internet access. Email them to people (teachers, friends, colleagues, etc.). Anyone. Anytime. Anywhere. It could be turned into a simply intricate pen-pal system. Or a monologue of the soul.

Click "Why Journal?" at the top and you are shown this:

I don't know about karma, but inspiration is good. Inspiration. The word itself conjures up something within us that makes us want to enjoy life. Journaling can be the root to an infinite tree of creative writing - fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short story, novel, fable, and folk tale alike. All rooted in the fertile ground of inspiration and watered by journaling.

SO WHAT?:

I'm going to be an English teacher (Lord willing). And I want creativity to flow like the rivers in the Garden of Eden. Rushing, full, clear, and beautiful. Journaling is so helpful. I hate journaling personally. I've just never gotten super into it. But I do confess, when I have journaled, I see myself and my world different. As if I'm some outside spectator looking in. It can be helpful. So I want to encourage that in my students. I want to encourage that in myself. Penzu.com makes it easy (I feel like a sales-person). Don't worry about loosing your journal. Carrying it around with you all the time. Online. Clean. Ready. And waiting.

I'm an old-school kind of person though. So nothing will ever fully suffice for the good-ol' composition notebooks that you take permanent marker to and script your name on the front of in big, prideful letters that announce your arrival in the coming pages.

But something must be said for this Web 2.0 tool. It's a teacher's dream. No worrying about poor, illegible handwriting! They type. You read. YES!

That's "so what."

NOW WHAT?:

Use this in a class. Assign a journal entry every week. Provide one prompt each week that they must respond to. Encourage them to write more than that. Provoke their minds into vomiting their thoughts out onto these technology bound pages. The teacher reads one entry a week. The rest can be private. The more the merrier. Write. Write. Write. Get them to write.

So, really, truly, now what?

Now you find a way to get them to write - whether it's with Penzu or not - so that they know how to express themselves in words that fold like origami. People like to talk about themselves. So let them talk. Let them write.

WRITE. WRITE. WRITE. get them to write. good writing. thoughtful, inspired, meaningful writing.

Until next time.

Reflection #4 - Looking at What I Learned About the ActivBoard

I just finished observing Mrs. Wageman use the ActivBoard at Lake Washington High School, and this is what I learned and what I think about WHAT I learned:

• The ActivBoard is actually super easy to use!
• You can use your fingers on the ActivBoard like you can with the SMARTBoard.
• The ActivBoard seems less glitchy.
• ActivBoard has fewer pre-made resources than SMARTBoard, but does have different tools and more easy-to-find images.
• ActivBoard seemed easier to create programs/flip-shows on than SMARTBoard is.
• ActivBoard has more academic backgrounds (graph paper, lined paper, handwriting lined paper, etc.).

SO WHAT?:

• I'm not going to say that I'm absolutely sure I like the ActivBoard better than the SMARTBoard, but it does have some wonderful features that SMARTBoard does not. It makes me curious - what's the percentage difference between how many SMARTBoards are in schools versus how many ActivBoards are in schools. I have definitely seen more SMARTBoards in my time, but ActivBoard almost seems easier. I think the main thing for me is ease-of-creation. I know that being a teacher is hard, time-consuming, tiring, and challenging, and I have a feeling that I'm not going to want to be completely reformatting slides so that they fit what I want to teach while using the SMARTBoard. But the ActivBoard seems to make it easier and less complicated. I like the option to "right-click" also. That is very nice. However, the language arts tools in the ActivBoard software are all very elementary level. Fortunately, it's simple to make my own activity... :D

NOW WHAT?:

• I don't really know the answer to that. I suppose either way I would just like to have an interactive white board in my classroom - regardless of what kind (would probably prefer the ActivBoard though). Now, I have thought through this decision and reconciled in my heart that it's okay to let SMARTBoards take second place in the race for my heart.

Until next time.

Week 8 - A Post Praising the ActivBoard (required)

"My ActivBoard Top Ten" by Nigel Pearce

Here are the ten points summarized:

1. 'Mouse Over' - the pen acts and performs exactly like a computer mouse
2. 'Left and Right Click' - the pen can be used like a computer mouse in regards to the option of left or right click
3. Superb Accuracy - great control and precision due to the pen
4. Highly Responsive - write fast or slow, the board can pick up the pen's every movement
5. Durable Surface - it's strong like Muhammad Ali
6. Keeps you in Control - the only recorded input is taken solely from the pen
7. Natural Writing Posture - put your whole hand on the board when you write, rest the side of you palm, it's okay
8. Allows use of Real Objects - ActivBoard only records the pen, so you can touch it with anything else (compass, ruler, hand, etc)
9. Unaffected by Lighting or Line-of-Sight - the pen just works; light doesn't affect the board, write away
10. Multi-input Pen Device - two people can write simultaneously with separate pens; it's fantastic!!!

Okay, from what I just read - I'm beginning to like the ActivBoard A LOT. Especially since more than one person can write at once and you can have other things/objects touching the board at the same time as you write. What genius!

I just want to know if the ActivBoard has software like the SMARTBoard and if you can do all the fancy links and double taps to open things like the SMARTBoard?

Until next time.