Friday, July 13, 2012
Photo Stories
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Google Reader
Google Reader Assignment
Summary of Google Reader Experience:
After participating in this class and the Google Reader assignment, I will be using this resource consistently for professional education, classroom ideas, and technology tips among other things. It has been so eye-opening to understand how many other educators there are out there that can come together throughout the blogosphere to share ideas and encourage others.
Required blogs followed:
CoolCatTeacher Blog-- http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/
Will Richardson-- http://willrichardson.com/
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day-- http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
Free Technology for Teachers-- http://www.freetech4teachers.com
A Media Specialist’s Guide to the Internet http://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/
Additional Blogs followed:
School Psychology Blog -- http://www.schoolpsychologyblog.com/
The Psycho-Educational Teacher: Helping Students with Recurrent heavier Problems -- http://thepsychoeducationalteacher.blogspot.com/
I chose these two blogs to focus on the psychology aspect of classroom management. I find that most of the difficulties I have are elated to student behavior and class management, not curriculum or technology.
Other Blogs Followed:
2 Cents Worth: Teaching and learning in the new informational landscape -- http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/
Graham Wegner: Open Educator -- http://gwegner.edublogs.org/
The Open Classroom: Constructing an Identity in the Blogosphere while reflecting on learning and teaching and technology... -- http://theopenclassroom.blogspot.com/
High Techpectations: Ideas and Resources for Educators by Lucy Gray-- http://elemenous.typepad.com/weblog/
The Tech Savvy Educator: a practical guide to integrating technology in the classroom -- http://www.techsavvyed.net/
Favorite Blog:
The Psycho-Educational Teacher: Helping Students with Recurrent heavier Problems -- http://thepsychoeducationalteacher.blogspot.com/
This was my favorite blog throughout this class because of its direct application to my classroom. The number one challenge is classroom management. Specifically, the challenge is in regards to student behavior. Curriculum, standardized testing, and lesson planning have come easily, but connecting with students from so many different backgrounds and issues is very difficult. This blog has helped me to better understand students and their behavior. Also, it has offered useful tips to encourage healthy and positive communication between myself and the students. Finally, it has great tips for classroom management in general. My undergraduate work prepared me for teaching, and this blog has helped me with student behavior and communication.
Favorite Blog Post:
"Why not use political cartoons in your teaching? Here are 15 places to find them" -- http://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/2012/02/why-not-use-political-cartoons-in-your.html
I really enjoyed this post because I have always wanted to include more political cartoons throughout my social studies curriculum, but they have been hard to find and gather into one resource. Using a social bookmarking site, I was able to put all of my resources in the same place. I love hearing students discuss their own interpretations of political cartoons, especially those from long ago. It is such a great way to connect the past to the present.
Summary of Google Reader Experience:
After participating in this class and the Google Reader assignment, I will be using this resource consistently for professional education, classroom ideas, and technology tips among other things. It has been so eye-opening to understand how many other educators there are out there that can come together throughout the blogosphere to share ideas and encourage others.
Required blogs followed:
CoolCatTeacher Blog-- http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/
Will Richardson-- http://willrichardson.com/
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day-- http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
Free Technology for Teachers-- http://www.freetech4teachers.com
A Media Specialist’s Guide to the Internet http://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/
Additional Blogs followed:
School Psychology Blog -- http://www.schoolpsychologyblog.com/
The Psycho-Educational Teacher: Helping Students with Recurrent heavier Problems -- http://thepsychoeducationalteacher.blogspot.com/
I chose these two blogs to focus on the psychology aspect of classroom management. I find that most of the difficulties I have are elated to student behavior and class management, not curriculum or technology.
Other Blogs Followed:
2 Cents Worth: Teaching and learning in the new informational landscape -- http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/
Graham Wegner: Open Educator -- http://gwegner.edublogs.org/
The Open Classroom: Constructing an Identity in the Blogosphere while reflecting on learning and teaching and technology... -- http://theopenclassroom.blogspot.com/
High Techpectations: Ideas and Resources for Educators by Lucy Gray-- http://elemenous.typepad.com/weblog/
The Tech Savvy Educator: a practical guide to integrating technology in the classroom -- http://www.techsavvyed.net/
Favorite Blog:
The Psycho-Educational Teacher: Helping Students with Recurrent heavier Problems -- http://thepsychoeducationalteacher.blogspot.com/
This was my favorite blog throughout this class because of its direct application to my classroom. The number one challenge is classroom management. Specifically, the challenge is in regards to student behavior. Curriculum, standardized testing, and lesson planning have come easily, but connecting with students from so many different backgrounds and issues is very difficult. This blog has helped me to better understand students and their behavior. Also, it has offered useful tips to encourage healthy and positive communication between myself and the students. Finally, it has great tips for classroom management in general. My undergraduate work prepared me for teaching, and this blog has helped me with student behavior and communication.
Favorite Blog Post:
"Why not use political cartoons in your teaching? Here are 15 places to find them" -- http://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/2012/02/why-not-use-political-cartoons-in-your.html
I really enjoyed this post because I have always wanted to include more political cartoons throughout my social studies curriculum, but they have been hard to find and gather into one resource. Using a social bookmarking site, I was able to put all of my resources in the same place. I love hearing students discuss their own interpretations of political cartoons, especially those from long ago. It is such a great way to connect the past to the present.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Social Bookmarks
http://www.delicious.com/hewettc
After completing the ED505 social bookmarks assignment, I now understand how helpful sites like www.delicious.com are. There are so many different ways I can incorporate this into my classroom. My goal is to create a few "stacks" for different tools to be used in the future. I am going to use this website to collect Internet resources on the ARMT+, student games, quality student research sites, teacher lesson plans, and resource materials. I think this is a great way to have all of my favorite bookmarks on all of my classroom computers. I am going to create a shortcut on the desktop so students can reach the sites easily. I can imagine student research flourishing as quality websites are already identified for them to search for information. Also, with all of my online lesson planning resources at my fingerprints, planning will be so much easier.
After completing the ED505 social bookmarks assignment, I now understand how helpful sites like www.delicious.com are. There are so many different ways I can incorporate this into my classroom. My goal is to create a few "stacks" for different tools to be used in the future. I am going to use this website to collect Internet resources on the ARMT+, student games, quality student research sites, teacher lesson plans, and resource materials. I think this is a great way to have all of my favorite bookmarks on all of my classroom computers. I am going to create a shortcut on the desktop so students can reach the sites easily. I can imagine student research flourishing as quality websites are already identified for them to search for information. Also, with all of my online lesson planning resources at my fingerprints, planning will be so much easier.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Week 5 - Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship
Why is it important to be a good digital citizen? What values does a good digital reputation have?
Just as it is important to be a good citizen in real life, it is also important to hold these same values in the digital world. Good citizenship creates a safe, orderly, and respectful environment for all to interact peacefully. Bad digital citizenship could result in the loss of a friendship, a lawsuit due to copyright violation, or the loss of a job. It is very important that we think before we post. Unlike speaking to another in person, you may not have a chance to explain real meaning behind digital interaction. A good digital reputation consists of respect, reflection, empathy, and clear communication.
A person with a good digital reputation:
- thinks and reviews before posting
- keeps criticism constructive and objective, not highly emotional
- respects the opinion of others
- does not always yell (typing in all CAPS)
- cites references
- remembers copyright laws and fair use rules
- remembers that recipients cannot see facial expression
- types only what they would say in person
- treats others as they would like to be treated.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Week 4 Simulations
Week 4: Simulations
www.thinkport.org
As I browed throughout the thinkport.org website, I found numerous activities and tools I could incorporate into my classroom. I have been studying ecosystems in my fifth grade science class and have been looking for ways to make the concepts more authentic. The first tool I found to be really helpful is the "Heating Up" activity.
"Heating up" Actities
This unit is full of worthwhile resources. There are activities, lesson plans, links to pictures, activities, additional weskits listed, and even a simulation of a forest fire. It includes chart makers and other user friendly technologies to enhance the topic. I can definitely simulate the effect of a fire on ecosystems in my classroom using this resource.
Elementary Ecosystems
Thinkport.org also linked to this activity that creates a "microecosystem". This simulation activity is perfect for year-long observations about ecosystems. My class already uses 2 liter bottles to create an "Eco-column" with a terrarium and aquarium for a unit, but this would be a great idea to keep active all year long.
This website is a great way to add new ideas, resources, activities, and simulations to any classroom. I suggest that all educators look into the educational treasures of Thinkport.org.
www.thinkport.org
As I browed throughout the thinkport.org website, I found numerous activities and tools I could incorporate into my classroom. I have been studying ecosystems in my fifth grade science class and have been looking for ways to make the concepts more authentic. The first tool I found to be really helpful is the "Heating Up" activity.
"Heating up" Actities
This unit is full of worthwhile resources. There are activities, lesson plans, links to pictures, activities, additional weskits listed, and even a simulation of a forest fire. It includes chart makers and other user friendly technologies to enhance the topic. I can definitely simulate the effect of a fire on ecosystems in my classroom using this resource.
Elementary Ecosystems
Thinkport.org also linked to this activity that creates a "microecosystem". This simulation activity is perfect for year-long observations about ecosystems. My class already uses 2 liter bottles to create an "Eco-column" with a terrarium and aquarium for a unit, but this would be a great idea to keep active all year long.
This website is a great way to add new ideas, resources, activities, and simulations to any classroom. I suggest that all educators look into the educational treasures of Thinkport.org.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Week 3 - Software Reviews
Software Reviews:
SREB Evalu Tech - http://wwwevalutech.sreb.org
The website above did not load. It said this:
California Learning Resource Network - http://www.clrn.org/home
The California Learning Resource Network is a website designed to help identify and review video, software, and other Internet resources that align with California's state academic standards. Many links are provided to guide you through the website. There is a page to search for resource by publisher, a page to locate and open an archive of monthly newsletters, a page that explains the review process, and many more. The reviews are done by a panel of three members, all varying in technology experience. As I explored the website, I even found a list of electronic textbooks with reviews as well. The information is organized in its presentation and links are provided as well. The website has been frequently updated and consistently publishes a monthly newsletter in pdf format. I really like that you can browse products based on what type of software is needed, such as tablet, web resource, etc. This website does a thorough job of reviewing many different types of sources and organizing the information well.
SuperKids - http://www.superkids.com
This is a very user-friendly website. I really like the "best sellers" and "What's new?" tabs that are very easy to browse. This site includes numerous reviews as well as resources like a hangman game and a math worksheet creator. Each review is divided into sections and scored separately. Each resource is scored in the areas of educational value, kid appeal, and Ease of use. It also included the product support information, system requirements, and a summary. There is a a lot of information easily available in a small place. It is very easy to read and search for titles. There is a free email newsletter available as well. SuperKids has been providing information since 1996 and reviews are completed by educators, parents, and children from across the United States. This site has a lot of great tools and reviews, but the reviews may be more opinionated than other sites due to the opinions of the reviewers.
Education World - http://www.educationworld.com
This website has a very busy front page. It provides a lot of information through many links all over the page. It is organized well into sections like professional development, technology, administrators, and lesson plans. It also offers a free email including education headlines each week. The site looks professional and thorough. Under the technology page, the newest reviews show in the center, and there are many links that address other products, tips, tools, and web resources. It is not the easiest site to navigate, but does contain a large amount of useful information. This website is a site that can be used for much more than software reviews. It is an all-around useful website for educators.
Summary:
All of the websites have strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I like Education World the best because of how much information and tools are provided in one place. Superkids listed many different reviews, but were more based on opinions, which can differ greatly. The California Learning Resource Network website is organized well, but it is also focusing on the alignment of California state standards. I will probably use all of them in the future, but after my first explorations, I like Education World the most.
SREB Evalu Tech - http://wwwevalutech.sreb.org
The website above did not load. It said this:
test page for ip address 98.129.170.225 on rack01b
The California Learning Resource Network is a website designed to help identify and review video, software, and other Internet resources that align with California's state academic standards. Many links are provided to guide you through the website. There is a page to search for resource by publisher, a page to locate and open an archive of monthly newsletters, a page that explains the review process, and many more. The reviews are done by a panel of three members, all varying in technology experience. As I explored the website, I even found a list of electronic textbooks with reviews as well. The information is organized in its presentation and links are provided as well. The website has been frequently updated and consistently publishes a monthly newsletter in pdf format. I really like that you can browse products based on what type of software is needed, such as tablet, web resource, etc. This website does a thorough job of reviewing many different types of sources and organizing the information well.
SuperKids - http://www.superkids.com
This is a very user-friendly website. I really like the "best sellers" and "What's new?" tabs that are very easy to browse. This site includes numerous reviews as well as resources like a hangman game and a math worksheet creator. Each review is divided into sections and scored separately. Each resource is scored in the areas of educational value, kid appeal, and Ease of use. It also included the product support information, system requirements, and a summary. There is a a lot of information easily available in a small place. It is very easy to read and search for titles. There is a free email newsletter available as well. SuperKids has been providing information since 1996 and reviews are completed by educators, parents, and children from across the United States. This site has a lot of great tools and reviews, but the reviews may be more opinionated than other sites due to the opinions of the reviewers.
Education World - http://www.educationworld.com
This website has a very busy front page. It provides a lot of information through many links all over the page. It is organized well into sections like professional development, technology, administrators, and lesson plans. It also offers a free email including education headlines each week. The site looks professional and thorough. Under the technology page, the newest reviews show in the center, and there are many links that address other products, tips, tools, and web resources. It is not the easiest site to navigate, but does contain a large amount of useful information. This website is a site that can be used for much more than software reviews. It is an all-around useful website for educators.
Summary:
All of the websites have strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I like Education World the best because of how much information and tools are provided in one place. Superkids listed many different reviews, but were more based on opinions, which can differ greatly. The California Learning Resource Network website is organized well, but it is also focusing on the alignment of California state standards. I will probably use all of them in the future, but after my first explorations, I like Education World the most.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Web 2.0 Assignment
After working with this concept mapping website, I eagerly await the chance to teach my students how to use it. I believe this is a great way to involve students in getting their thoughts down on "paper". This is also a great way to illustrate how concepts and ideas link together in the big picture.
http://edu.glogster.com/
This is a great tool for educators that has numerous possibilities for the classroom. It is a great way to provide students and parents with information concerning topics of study, school happenings, upcoming events, fund raiser information, useful websites, interesting videos, and many more items of information. It is a great place to link a large amount of content in a small amount of space that can be accessed anywhere the Internet is available. Adding links and videos is extremely easy to do and it is also simple to "publish". My glogster page featured below and at the end of this post has notes, links, and a video about ecosystems.
http://chewett1.edu.glogster.com/chris-hewett-ed505-ecosystems/
http://animoto.com
Wow! This is a great, free way to share pictures. As I would like to share photographs of what we are doing with parents on my school blog, this is a simple and quick way to make a quick slide show using the photos. I can embed the videos and have them all in the same place. I can see how upgrading would be something to consider as well. Students could create projects and present using this website very easily.
http://animoto.com/play/O52kUlA4RC7PBDjhrff1LQ
Ecosystems: Producer or Consumer?
Try our video maker at Animoto.
http://classtools.net/
Class tools is a great site for a new and interesting way to present concepts and to practice using that knowledge as well. I used only two of many different tools available. Fishbone Diagram is different version of the usual outline format. Visually seeing the information in different representations can aid in student retention. The second tool I used was the Dustbin game. It is a game that can be used to teach the classification of items in up to four categories at one time. This is a great website that can be used to create items to include in a blog, for student practice, or for whole group instruction.
"Fishbone Diagram"
"Dustbin Ecosystem Game"
http://classtools.net/widgets/dustbin_0/OeviJ.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)