I went through the course and showed my blog to our department at the beginning of the meeting.
Fortunately, we have many strong tech folks in our dept. People were impressed with all of the information and some had ideas on how they have used Prezi and Zooburst. I think we will work on implementing some in my PLC's. I feel that many in my building and even dept. are miles ahead of me. It will be interesting to see how these tools become obsolete or change into the future.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Final Reflection Post
I experimented with all of the tools and found it a
challenge common to all students working to understand expectations and methods. Thankfully, I was familiar with screencasting
and creating a YouTube channel due to teaching a flipped class. Other presentation tools, Zoocast, Prezi,
Quizlet were interesting, but not as directly useful for the time I have to
implement technology this year. The
polling and Googledoc tools will be useful and I plan to implement one or both
of them. Using real-time, student
information to refine instruction in my classes as well as across my PLC, will
be an advantage. Although our district
and in fact America,
has been successful through innovation and continuous improvement, I believe
too much change can overload those it is meant to benefit. It would be interesting to collect feedback
from parents, deans, teachers, etc. to determine the cost/benefit of the
variety of communication tools we employ.
I feel very fortunate to have such high energy, available practioners of
the cutting edge technology that is defining the modern school. Please be patient with those who want to get
on board, but lack some of the capacity to really run with it.
The tools used for this summer camp were well chosen for a
teacher’s application. They mesh
together well and allow flexibility for a teacher to choose the tool/s that
will work best for the subject. I can’t
imagine having the time to use all of them.
The amount of options causes me
to question/clarify my goals for teaching, which is a good thing. I also
began to wonder how parents receive the plethora of mediums they must manage to
track/support their child. As a parent,
I will need to engage in certain formats of communication chosen by my children’s
schools. Adding in applications that
Irondale requires and our ARCC relationship has me feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Activity 3: Digital Storytelling
here is my book
http://www.zooburst.com/zb_books-viewer.php?book=zb04_521391f9bd8d3
wow, that was painful. i had to work quite a bit to get the book done. i use a lot of images from smart lessons and getting them in jpeg form takes too much time. i like the effect and my son wants to make a book, but it is a bit time consuming for me to use regularly.
http://www.zooburst.com/zb_books-viewer.php?book=zb04_521391f9bd8d3
wow, that was painful. i had to work quite a bit to get the book done. i use a lot of images from smart lessons and getting them in jpeg form takes too much time. i like the effect and my son wants to make a book, but it is a bit time consuming for me to use regularly.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Activity 2: Pimp My Presentation
http://prezi.com/hgqtd5xaexso/edit/#60
the presentations were very interesting when it was a new technology, now, i am less impressed.
i like the features of smart presentations, especially with clickers.
the presentations were very interesting when it was a new technology, now, i am less impressed.
i like the features of smart presentations, especially with clickers.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Activity 10: Free Choice!
technology survey
click: here
Doing google doc polls has been a priority for me. I want to capture information and ideally do tests with google docs on my iPads.
I am not sure if google docs will be the best option for instant grading, but having the answer key for kids to check their answers gets kids verifying their understanding.
click: here
Doing google doc polls has been a priority for me. I want to capture information and ideally do tests with google docs on my iPads.
I am not sure if google docs will be the best option for instant grading, but having the answer key for kids to check their answers gets kids verifying their understanding.
Activity 9: Fitness Assessment
Scenario 3: Anonymous Blogging
Ms. Gifford learned about a new blog that does not require the arduous process of setting up individual accounts for each student. This seemed like an easy way to jump into blogging as a class. Ms. Gifford talked about acceptable use with her students but did not inform the principal or parents of her instructional goals or objectives for using a class blog. Because students did not have accounts, they were able to post comments on the blog anonymously. Although, this protected student privacy, it snowballed into a barrage of inappropriate and harassing comments. Ms. Gifford quickly shut the blog down and went back to the drawing board.
1. Discuss the possible ethical issues involved.
First, I don't think this is a very likely scenario, but it is certainly possible. The ability to be anonymous allows kids to recognize a real-world situation where they can affect and be affected by words as they try to express themselves.If the site is controlled by Ms. Gifford, she should consider making it private and taking it down while they discuss how to use the site after problems.
2. Determine if the safety or well-being of anyone is in jeopardy.
Certainly well being is in jeopardy, but kids will be exposed to this pain at earlier ages as cell phones and social media become more available.
3. What advice, strategy, or policy would you recommend to individuals or schools based on this scenario?
I think Ms. Gifford should filter all comments and maybe show examples of proper and improper communicating.
4. Share any real-life incidents or personal connections related to the scenario.
As stated earlier, this situation models what has become fairly commonplace for kids and adults. Since this history may affect a young person's college and job prospects, these lessons need to be taught at home and at school in some way.
We have been using iPads and it has been a struggle to deal with instant messages and photos. There is a market for full-featured iPads that can be locked better.
Scenario 6: Course Management Overload
Ms. Carlson is excited to use Edmodo, a course management system similar to Moodle with her students. Although Edmodo isn’t officially supported by the tech department like Moodle is, she is excited to use it because she finds it much more intuitive to use and she likes the interface better than Moodle. Ms. Carlson is vigilant about the privacy settings, has informed her principal and parents of her instructional goals and objectives. Her students jump on board and post to the discussion at record numbers. Ms. Carlson is pleased to see such motivated dialogue on a novel that had previously felt like pulling teeth. Two weeks into the unit, she receives a parent complaint. The complaint is as follows:
Dear Ms. Carlson, Mr. Miller, Mr. Hamilton and Ms. McIntyre,
Although my son is a motivated and active participant in all of your classes, I am concerned that the school does not seem to have a unified course management system. He is using Moodle in Math, Edmodo in English, Schoology in Science, and Kidblog in Social Studies. Furthermore, all of these sites require different logins and passwords. As a parent, I am having a difficult time keeping this all straight and am requesting that the school discuss this issue and figure out a more streamlined approach.
Thank you for your consideration,
A supportive but confused parent
1. Discuss the possible ethical issues involved.
I don't see an ethical issue, but I think the school can develop greater buy-in with parents if we make our websites and systems more consistent. This uniformity can be boring for kids, but parents have a tough job.
2. Determine if the safety or well-being of anyone is in jeopardy.
No real safety issues here. The student's success hinges on parental involvement so the child may be able to avoid necessary work because of the parent's frustration and confusion.
3. What advice, strategy, or policy would you recommend to individuals or schools based on this scenario?
This is an executive decision I believe. They should do some research on robust and user-friendly platforms and narrow down the options. Even if they allow 2 options, parents would feel a bit more support overseeing student work.
4. Share any real-life incidents or personal connections related to the scenario.
I have avoided using Moodle because of problems and occasional cumbersome use. I have been fortunate to have a lead teacher that has worked in a couple formats and has decided on Google. Google will be motivated to keep customers happy, although as they "monetize" their free software, there could be issues we need to deal with.
Ms. Gifford learned about a new blog that does not require the arduous process of setting up individual accounts for each student. This seemed like an easy way to jump into blogging as a class. Ms. Gifford talked about acceptable use with her students but did not inform the principal or parents of her instructional goals or objectives for using a class blog. Because students did not have accounts, they were able to post comments on the blog anonymously. Although, this protected student privacy, it snowballed into a barrage of inappropriate and harassing comments. Ms. Gifford quickly shut the blog down and went back to the drawing board.
1. Discuss the possible ethical issues involved.
First, I don't think this is a very likely scenario, but it is certainly possible. The ability to be anonymous allows kids to recognize a real-world situation where they can affect and be affected by words as they try to express themselves.If the site is controlled by Ms. Gifford, she should consider making it private and taking it down while they discuss how to use the site after problems.
2. Determine if the safety or well-being of anyone is in jeopardy.
Certainly well being is in jeopardy, but kids will be exposed to this pain at earlier ages as cell phones and social media become more available.
3. What advice, strategy, or policy would you recommend to individuals or schools based on this scenario?
I think Ms. Gifford should filter all comments and maybe show examples of proper and improper communicating.
4. Share any real-life incidents or personal connections related to the scenario.
As stated earlier, this situation models what has become fairly commonplace for kids and adults. Since this history may affect a young person's college and job prospects, these lessons need to be taught at home and at school in some way.
We have been using iPads and it has been a struggle to deal with instant messages and photos. There is a market for full-featured iPads that can be locked better.
Scenario 6: Course Management Overload
Ms. Carlson is excited to use Edmodo, a course management system similar to Moodle with her students. Although Edmodo isn’t officially supported by the tech department like Moodle is, she is excited to use it because she finds it much more intuitive to use and she likes the interface better than Moodle. Ms. Carlson is vigilant about the privacy settings, has informed her principal and parents of her instructional goals and objectives. Her students jump on board and post to the discussion at record numbers. Ms. Carlson is pleased to see such motivated dialogue on a novel that had previously felt like pulling teeth. Two weeks into the unit, she receives a parent complaint. The complaint is as follows:
Dear Ms. Carlson, Mr. Miller, Mr. Hamilton and Ms. McIntyre,
Although my son is a motivated and active participant in all of your classes, I am concerned that the school does not seem to have a unified course management system. He is using Moodle in Math, Edmodo in English, Schoology in Science, and Kidblog in Social Studies. Furthermore, all of these sites require different logins and passwords. As a parent, I am having a difficult time keeping this all straight and am requesting that the school discuss this issue and figure out a more streamlined approach.
Thank you for your consideration,
A supportive but confused parent
1. Discuss the possible ethical issues involved.
I don't see an ethical issue, but I think the school can develop greater buy-in with parents if we make our websites and systems more consistent. This uniformity can be boring for kids, but parents have a tough job.
2. Determine if the safety or well-being of anyone is in jeopardy.
No real safety issues here. The student's success hinges on parental involvement so the child may be able to avoid necessary work because of the parent's frustration and confusion.
3. What advice, strategy, or policy would you recommend to individuals or schools based on this scenario?
This is an executive decision I believe. They should do some research on robust and user-friendly platforms and narrow down the options. Even if they allow 2 options, parents would feel a bit more support overseeing student work.
4. Share any real-life incidents or personal connections related to the scenario.
I have avoided using Moodle because of problems and occasional cumbersome use. I have been fortunate to have a lead teacher that has worked in a couple formats and has decided on Google. Google will be motivated to keep customers happy, although as they "monetize" their free software, there could be issues we need to deal with.
Activity 8 Polling & Data Gathering
Below is my poll of what it will take to be successful in Algebra.
click: here
I like how simple it is to create and it may be a good way to gather information about lessons in our flipped classes across all classes. At a minimum, I can see using it to choose a change in lunch or when I can allow kids to help decide on a week's schedule.
click: here
I like how simple it is to create and it may be a good way to gather information about lessons in our flipped classes across all classes. At a minimum, I can see using it to choose a change in lunch or when I can allow kids to help decide on a week's schedule.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
activity 7 cloud computing
alg pretest
Pretests are a good way to determine where kid are at. I would like to use these in a form that captures student's results and we can go over in class. Google docs are pretty universally accessible and I would use this pretest for kids during the first week of school. We also plan to have videos for kids to watch on the cloud.
The only real drawback to using the cloud is the misuse by students when they are online. We have problems with kids taking photos and sending texts on the iPads.
Because essentially all of my teaching materials are electronic, they take up a lot of space and access can be a hassle. I like using a cloud (if i actually know what it is) so i can access materials at home rather than sending emails with huge attachments
Pretests are a good way to determine where kid are at. I would like to use these in a form that captures student's results and we can go over in class. Google docs are pretty universally accessible and I would use this pretest for kids during the first week of school. We also plan to have videos for kids to watch on the cloud.
The only real drawback to using the cloud is the misuse by students when they are online. We have problems with kids taking photos and sending texts on the iPads.
Because essentially all of my teaching materials are electronic, they take up a lot of space and access can be a hassle. I like using a cloud (if i actually know what it is) so i can access materials at home rather than sending emails with huge attachments
activity 6 study tools
quizlet notecards
studyblue notecards
I am not sure if this is properly set up, so I am keeping it simple.
I think kids work well with notecards since they can be used in any class for necessary vocabulary. I emphasize understanding words as well as working problems, so this could be useful. Unfortunately, it seems like a lot of work to only get vocabulary when math is learned while doing the work. Not sure how useful this will be.
studyblue notecards
I am not sure if this is properly set up, so I am keeping it simple.
I think kids work well with notecards since they can be used in any class for necessary vocabulary. I emphasize understanding words as well as working problems, so this could be useful. Unfortunately, it seems like a lot of work to only get vocabulary when math is learned while doing the work. Not sure how useful this will be.
activity 5 youtube
factoring video
This video has a worksheet that is available through a link on my webpage.
My comments on the this activity are similar to the one on screencasting.
I would add that it is good to have a lesson on line so other teachers can look at it and give feedback (and I can see others) as well.
This video goes with a test we call a benchmark, which requires a minimum score of 80% in order to pass. Students retake this test until they pass, so having a lesson they can navigate to get to specific areas of concern is convenient for everyone with internet. I also have iPads, so they can use them after school also.
This video has a worksheet that is available through a link on my webpage.
My comments on the this activity are similar to the one on screencasting.
I would add that it is good to have a lesson on line so other teachers can look at it and give feedback (and I can see others) as well.
This video goes with a test we call a benchmark, which requires a minimum score of 80% in order to pass. Students retake this test until they pass, so having a lesson they can navigate to get to specific areas of concern is convenient for everyone with internet. I also have iPads, so they can use them after school also.
activity 4 screencasting
here is an intro i need to modify that introduced my flipped class.
i like the video recorder provided by SMART. We use the videos for material that is fundamental and can be used for review. Flipped classes require a real change in mentality for kids.
One of the key benefits for me is that I am more conscious of my lesson knowing that it is available on line. Looking at this lesson is embarrassing and will be improved for the coming year.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
activity 1 blogbling
reflection:
i let the summer get away on me and now need to get back into designing my blog.
blogs will be useful in reflecting how things are going with students. i am a bit concerned that students may become too familiar with using it and may mis-use the medium (like texting). i think multiple blogs, maybe by chapter, will help keep them relevant and useful.
using blogger will simplify the explanation of how to use my blog. i don't want to become an expert in platforms and google products generally serve me well.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
kickoff
- What motivated me to become a summer camper? I want to find a convenient way to share information with students
- What I hope to learn about in Summer Camp 2.0? I hope to find ways to provide information (videos, lesson, worksheets, etc) to my students
- How would you describe your current comfort level with technology? What tools do you use already in your classroom (if any)? I am comfortable, but overwhelmed with all the communication mediums. I want to find the most universally useful medium and make that my homebase. I currently use a google page with videos, lessons and worksheets.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)