Thing 23:Reflection

I truly enjoyed the Web2.0 program.  I do agree that the world is changing and students and teachers need to educate themselves in technology.  We can teach our students by learning and using these skills we have learned.

I’d have to say that Wiki and Flicker were at the top of my list but many follow.   I have to implement those at school and it was great that I had the experience from this class.  Our school is asking us to make a Wiki for our website and I am looking forward to it.

Thank you Shelley for your great explanations and instructive videos.  You taught me a lot!

Thing 18: Podcasting

Well, I am in the middle of creating my Podcast.  I am still waiting to hear back from Zamzar.  I am doing this from home and have waited so late in the project to complete this one thing because everyone said it was difficult. I don’t know what I would have done without your videos.  They were so helpful!  I gave out a favorite recipe of mine.  I thought that would be fun.  Well I completed my podcast but it only taped 4 seconds!  I know I listened and rerecorded many times.  I don’t know what happened.  Later, if it wasn’t the night before this project concludes, I might go back and repeat the process.

I can see for real classroom instruction it will be helpful to create a podcast to teach a lesson.  Anything to grab their attention.  Students don’t always catch on like they used to.  Anything innovative is helpful and fun for students.

Podcast

Thing 22: Social Networking

I learned about Ning when I went to the Lakeview Academy Technology Institute.  I was very impressed as I watched and listened to the instructor show us her groups.  She was so excited when she would get many replys and suggestions from other teachers about lessons or ideas that she could use in her classroom.  How cool it was that the members were from all around.  She was able to meet a teacher who later came to teach with us all because of the social networking on her Ning. I  investigated and found different groups for first grade and Promethean board ideas.

Thing 21: Page Flakes

I was unable to find the K12 Learning template. I don’t know what I did wrong. I just created my own page. It was pretty easy since I could refer back to the video. I know that I would like to use this on my computers for students to choose learning games and activities independently. It is easier for a student to follow. I looked at many of the other Page Flakes and they give you many ideas on how to set it up. I set mine up as a “secretary page” for my laptop.

Thing 20: Google Docs

I enjoyed using Google Docs. It was helpful that a friend had sent me her document and I had fun adding to it. That was what we are teaching from and we will add to it all year. I also thought of a way to collaborate with my room parents when planning our Thanksgiving Feast. I start the menu and as parents sign up to make or bring items we can just edit instead of sending many emails back and forth. This idea really saves time. I think I could use a spreadsheet in my classroom with parent information. I could survey them about the hopes and dreams of their child. My assistant and I could keep an ongoing spreadsheet on our students’ curriculum development. I was interested in making a slide-show of pictures that I could make changes to as the year progresses.

Thing 19: You Tube

I have watched my own children find many You Tube videos. They truly enjoy this website. I found many teaching, cooking, cartoon, and some funny videos that I would replay again and again.

Thing 17: Podcasting

I think pod-casting in the classroom can be useful for all ages.  I watched A Super Why from PBS Kids The Three Little Pigs podcast and it was very appropriate for first graders.  I watched and saved on my Reader and tagged for Delicious the U.S. Presidents, this too can be used for students of various ages.  I have purchased iPods for my children now I want an MP3 player for myself.  I still need to work on finding different podcast and I know that it is important to preview them before showing them in front of my class.

Thing 16: Library Thing

I loved this website, library thing ! The sight was easy to follow and offers a variety of links to discuss, seek or get information about books.  I love the fact that you are not solicited to buy anything.   I spent a long time reviewing authors for personal and professional reading. It is already in my Delicious account!  I enjoyed reading some of the comments about the books I have read.  I have a list of books to read to my students and in my spare time that were great suggestions.  I found that my favorite authors were speaking at a Book Festival next month and both of them have new books coming out!

Thing 14: Exploring Tools

I explored the Wordle tool.  I was impressed when I went to a conference and saw the Wordle word cloud.  I couldn’t wait to incorporate this into my first grade cover letter.   It’s colorful, catchy and it explains your ideas or thoughts about a particular subject.  It’s another way to incorporate technology in my classroom to interest my students.  It is collaborative and sharable for all teachers.

Thing 15: Delicious

I have a new delicious account!  I had a lot of fun setting it up and finding new searches.  I had an idea there was a lot out there but this was an easy way to hold on to it.  I will definitely use it in my classroom on a regular basis.  The tagging was easy.  Now I hope I can find what I tagged.