tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34644050702885514892024-02-05T16:48:57.862-06:00Techie FunAmie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-36475477567897235242011-06-14T10:56:00.012-05:002011-06-21T16:51:08.263-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Tool 11: Self Assessing and Reflecting<span class="Apple-style-span"><b>1. What are your favorite tools you now have in your personal technology toolbox? Briefly describe a particular activity that you will plan for your students using at least one of these new tools.</b></span><br /><br />My favorite tool is <a href="http://www.diigo.com/">Diigo</a>. As I mentioned before, I think it is a great tool to use with inquiry based instuction/ research. I also liked exploring the iPad apps and downloading new books. I want to experiment with incorporating <a href="http://todaysmeet.com/">Today's Meet</a> and wikis with literature circles in order to make the reflection and evaluation more meaningful to students. I would also like to connect to other classrooms, especially in other states and/or countries. The more we can get students connected to the outside world and engaged in real world learning applications, the better.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>2. How have you transformed your thinking about the learning that will take place in your classroom? How has your vision for your classroom changed? Are you going to need to make any changes to your classroom to accommodate the 21st Century learner?</b></span><br /><br />One can always improve on teaching practices. I want to focus on finding authentic ways to use technology to increase student learning, instead of just using technology as a gimmick. There are lots of activities out there that emphasize using technology just for the sake of using technology. I think some of the referred websites and tools, such as <a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/">Learning Games for Kids</a> and <a href="http://thinkfinty.org/games-and-tools">Thinkfinity</a> (in some regards) do just that. Of course, that is just my opinion.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>3. Were there any unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span>I guess I was most surprised that we had to take a multiple choice "test" at the end of this session. Just a little ironic. </div>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-84120487868330174972011-06-14T10:55:00.018-05:002011-06-15T00:45:02.468-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Tool 10 Underneath it All - Digital Citizenship<span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Discuss at least three things you would want to make sure your students understand about being good digital citizens. </b></span><br /><br />In their article, <a href="http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/uploads/1stLL.pdf">"Digital Citizenship: Addressing Appropriate Technology Behavior"</a>, Mike S. Ribble, Dr. Gerald D. Bailey, and Dr. Tweed W. Ross identify nine general areas of behavior that make up digital citizenship: <div><br />1. Etiquette: electronic standards of conduct or procedure<br />2. Communication: electronic exchange of information<br />3. Education: the process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology<br />4. Access: full electronic participation in society<br />5. Commerce: electronic buying and selling of goods<br />6. Responsibility: electronic responsibility for actions and deeds<br />7. Rights: those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world<br />8. Safety: physical well-being in a digital technology world<br />9. Security (self-protection): electronic precautions to guarantee safety<br /><br />It is imperative that parents and teachers explictly teach etiquette, responsibility, safety and security. Luckily, we have a great librarian who has helped teachers reinforce high standards. Most of the children at are school have been exposed to technology and its use and practices from a very young age. However, it is important to review the procedures and expectations each year. With intermediate students, I like to focus on access, rights, and communication. Since cyber bullying is on the rise, especially in middle school, I think it is important to address this issue early in Elementary.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Share at least one of the resources mentioned above or on the Ed Tech website that you plan to use instructionally. </b></span><br /><br />The <a href="http://isafe.org/">iSafe</a> program looks promising. I like the real stories found in the <a href="http://xblock.isafe.org/docs/Student_Toolkit.pdf">Student Toolkit</a>.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Explain briefly how you would "teach" the idea of digital citizenship to your students.</b></span><br /><br />To start the year off, it would be neat to have students make an animated video describing the various components of digital citizenship. Merely talking to them about it would not be as meaningful (or memorable). <a href="http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/framebyframeleopard_philippbrendel.html">FramebyFrame Leopard</a> would be a neat tool to use on the Macs (if we have it). Students could create their own animated videos. This <a href="http://www.acma.gov.au/interforms/Cybersmart%20videos/cyberbullying_isnt_right/cyber_isnt_right.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">video</span></a> shows an example of the possibilities;however, I would make sure my students produce a video with a little more "meat." I have begun to bookmark sites on <a href="http://www.diigo.com/">Diigo</a> and plan to start the year with an introduction of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Comprehension-Collaboration-Inquiry-Circles-Action/dp/032501230X">inquiry circles</a> focused around the theme of cyber bullying.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Explain briefly how you plan to share the idea of digital citizenship with your parents.</b></span><br /><br />We can inform parents of digital citizenship at Back to School Night. We can also post tips on our grade level blog. </div>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-10371546787975520942011-06-13T20:31:00.030-05:002011-06-15T00:47:13.711-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Tool 9: Incorporating Classroom-Based Devices as Tools for Learning<span style="font-weight:bold;">Why do you think it is important to tie the technology to the objective?</span><br /><br />Technology is a tool. Without tying it to the objective, it can become meaningless, busy work. Without meaning to, sometimes teachers fall into the trap of using their Activboards as glorified powerpoints or worksheets. I also feel that some of the websites out there do the same thing. Instead of filling in the blank with paper and pencil, we now use the click of a mouse. It is important for teachers to reflect on the objective, task analysing the skills students need to grow. Kids love technology and some of them know more than I do! Unfortunately, our current high-stakes testing system does not measure how creative or innovative students are; however, we want to teach them to be critical thinkers and thus need to provide transformative learning opportunities.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzu9SdR-06hZXrhFFm5ojATu4mvjhxoI9AKG2_D2tWvF5sxBpk6n0dEGsPr9TpM7xhXSCM3Jf4o6vQs_oDljA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Why should we hold students accountable for the stations/centers?</span><br /><br />I believe most learning takes place when we reflect on our process. Holding students accountable for their learning is a must because it helps them have a purpose for their learning. By establishing clear expectations and achievable goals, students are more likely stay focused and engaged in the learning process.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Visit 2 of the applicable links to interactive websites for your content/grade level. Which sites did you like? How could you use them as stations? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?</span><br /><br />I tried <a href="http://thinkfinity.org/games-and-tools">Thinkfinty</a> and <a href="http://www.studyladder.com/">Studyladder</a>.<br /><br />I could see using <a href="http://thinkfinity.org/games-and-tools">Thinkfinty</a> as a station. Many of the <a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/">ReadWriteThink</a> activities have a product that students would produce.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.studyladder.com/">Studyladder</a> and <a href="https://www.atomiclearning.com/login/springbranchisd">Atomic Learning</a> would be good for individualized teaching, allowing students to practice grammar rules they may be struggling with. I would hold them accountable by asking them to edit their own writing, applying the new grammar skill learned. Students could also use these websites for homework practice.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">List two to three apps you found for the iPod Touch/iPad that you can use in your classroom. What do you see that station looking like? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div>I will use ibook, Kindle or Nook as a listening/ reading station (see below), depending on the books provided for classroom use. To hold students accountable, students would (from time to time) be required to annotate their thinking by taking notes on the devices and look up words they do not know. I would also create a wiki or blog for students to share their thoughts on what they are reading. Students who choose to read the same books can collaborate and share ideas using this media.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/built-in-apps/ibooks.html">iBook</a>: This app allows you to downloads book right to your device. Most of the classics are free; however, other books will cost you between $.99 and $14.99. The new 1.3 version has a <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks/id364709193?mt=8#">read-aloud feature</a> for children that "uses a real narrator to read the book to you, and in some books, it will even highlight the words as you read along</span><span class="Apple-style-span">."</span></span></span></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxSA22a8PuXcYSDxx7KMqFClBOclVjBWhQu0C1cTZ3xa8nO-qdclY4h9kiir5hsFpWrRxdAnf5NmB4UbRkxxQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Other book apps include <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nookcolor/features/index.asp?cds2Pid=35583">Nook</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reader-Wifi-Graphite/dp/B002Y27P3M">Kindle</a>! If you have an iPad, iPhone, or iTouch, you can download all three of these apps for free. The <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nookcolor/features/index.asp?cds2Pid=35583">Nook</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reader-Wifi-Graphite/dp/B002Y27P3M">Kindle</a> are also available on Android phones/ tablets.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am also excited about trying Jing. While it is not currently available on the iTouch or iPad, I am hoping they will add it soon. If not, I will use it as a station using the Netbooks. I think it would be a good tool to use with research, as students can take a screenshot of any of the pictures they wish to use and take notes about them. Watch the overview video <a href="http://www.techsmith.com/jing/">here</a> to learn more. </div><div>Also check out<a href="http://blog.simplek12.com/education/how-to-use-jing-in-your-classroom/"> I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: sans-serif, arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana; font-size: 26px; line-height: 52px; ">❤</span>EdTech</a> to check out more classroom ideas!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight:bold;">What about other ways to use the iPod Touch/iPad? Share another way you can see your students using the device as a station.</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Did you know, you can take a screenshot with the iPad by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">pressing the power and menu buttons simultaneously</span></b>.</span></span> Pretty cool!</div><div><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight:bold;">Some of my favorite apps include:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/penultimate/id354098826?mt=8">Penultimate</a>- cost: $1.99: Take notes, keep sketches, and allows you to share ideas.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/world-book-this-day-in-history/id364739528?mt=8">Worldbook--This Day in History</a>: An interactive calendar that features historical information for each day of the year<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flipboard/id358801284?mt=8">Flipboard</a>: This app allows you to keep up with all your RSS feeds in a magazine format. Great for those who want to keep up with Facebook, Twitter, Google Reader and other news.<br /><br /><a href="http://mastersinelementaryeducation.org/2011/19-best-ipad-apps-for-educators/">Dictionary.com</a>: A dictionary and thesaurus<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?mt=8">Dragon Dictation</a>: Dragon Dictation is an easy-to-use voice recognition application powered by Dragon® NaturallySpeaking® that allows you to easily speak and instantly see your text or email messages. In fact, it’s up to five (5) times faster than typing on the keyboard.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxEP_0cJ3drp99sv7d_7MCTwTreZJcb5DQwqLwsyB0fkPDCjzwJGTH2qf9jAiD_UIQBUyfn7-2mGVYOSoBukQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://mobilemouse.com/">Mobile Mouse Pro</a>: This app acts as a remote control that allows you to control all of your internet and media programs. It is supposed to work with the Activboard. Very cool! Check out this video for more information:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyZVkeCdc9gLIZ0LKqzwTv3yOlhNZcUjHupjJoNCSBi5TNqP5z8o9jyVZuBTZ-9AIi1Vg8y_7n6iuqnWVjHCA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/evernote/id281796108?mt=8">Evernote</a>: An app that allows you to take notes with the ability to insert audio clips, pictures, and video clips.</div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9qBNvn13IJ5oltYIHscMgXuC1bRCT9uaHL8WanwKP6l5q5bOKWcA7EKeIptg70CjaaG2-RBOlOsOBkyziPg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />I look forward to experimenting with these apps in the classroom next year! <a href="http://edtech.springbranchisd.com/iWebsites/tabid/5856/Default.aspx">SBISD's database</a>, which allows you search for Web 2.0 tools, is very helpful. If you have any other ideas for using apps in the classroom, please share!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-90090913602232927552011-06-12T19:47:00.025-05:002011-06-14T22:33:58.362-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Tool 8: Taking a Look at the ToolsI'm very excited that we are getting Netbooks, and iTouches/ iPads! While we have access to them in the library, teachers will now be able to set these up as stations. For the most part, the kids are very familiar with using these devices. I also own my own iTouch and iPad, so I will have no problem incorporating them into my teaching. As with all things, teachers will need to provide lessons on how to use for and care for them. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Netbooks</span>:<br /><br />While I do not find these as user friendly as a full sized laptop, the kids are more flexible with the smaller screen and keyboard. When using these last year, we had problems when using GoogleDocs. Many strange things, which are hard to describe, happened. For example, the cursor would not show up on the page, the text on the screen would not correspond to the text being typed, words would flip around on the page, etc. Currently, we have found that GoogleDocs works better with the PC vs. the Macs (especially when using the spell check feature), so I am hoping that this was an issue with the SBISD version of GoogleDocs and not the Netbooks themselves. Hopefully all of these issues will be worked out by next year. On the plus side, I am hoping that having the Netbooks in the classroom will make using Wikis more accessible. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">iPad/iTouch</span>:<br /><br />What's not to love? I will use the iPad/iTouch as a station, mainly to use with research. With the Diigo app, it will make accessing bookmarks for research a cinch! I have listed some of my favorite apps on the next post. <br /><br />I am wondering if they will come with the garageband and keynote apps. I know they are on the Mac but it would be great if we also had access to these programs on the iTouch/iPad.Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-74448905451240242732011-06-12T18:01:00.019-05:002011-06-14T22:06:28.367-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Tool 7: Reaching Outside your Classroom: Online Digital ProjectsI could work with the librarian and other teachers on my campus/ in my district. I would like to eventually collaborate with another classroom in a different state or country.<br /><br />I would like to try the following: <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Content objective</span>: This unit would encompass a wide variety of TEKS/ objectives but the main focus of the lesson would be to provide students with the necessary tools to make a difference/ impact in the world, around a unit of study such as, health lifestyles, bullying, childhood labor, ending world hunger, etc. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">When you plan to implement</span>: Jan.-May<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What tool(s) you plan to use</span>: <a href="http://www.nwabr.org/education/pdfs/PRIMER/PrimerPieces/SocSem.pdf">Socratic Seminars </a>, <a href="http://www.diigo.com/">Diigo </a>, <a href="http://todaysmeet.com/">Today's Meet</a>, and perhaps <a href="http://www.epals.com/">epals</a>. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A brief description of the project</span>: I would like to start an open-ended <a href="http://www.heinemann.com/products/E01230.aspx">inquiry circle</a> unit with another classroom. To get started, it would be best if each classroom conducted a curricular based inquiry unit in the fall in order to model and guide the process. I will probably reconstruct the healthy eating inquiry unit I started last year, mainly because I have collected student resources and student examples of going public. Then in the spring, the kids could collaborate with another classroom and choose their own topics for inquiry. <br /><br />Anyone interested?Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-25787530692019485432011-06-11T20:57:00.012-05:002011-06-13T20:07:10.537-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Tool 6 Using Web Tools to Promote Discussion in and out of the ClassroomLast year, our school used <a href="http://www.facebook.com">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home">Skype</a> to collaborate with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=103927689991">John O'Flahaven</a> as he led discussions around CCP. <a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home">Skype</a> is a great tool for education and the uses are endless. When we were exploring <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Comprehension-Collaboration-Inquiry-Circles-Action/dp/032501230X">inquiry circles</a> in my classroom last year, one of my students tried to get Jamie Oliver to Skype with us with no luck! But it is a good tool to use tap into experts.<br /><br /><a href="http://todaysmeet.com/">TodaysMeet</a> is the tool I am most excited about for next year. I want to experiment with using <a href="http://todaysmeet.com/">TodaysMeet</a> to enhance student participation during <a href="http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/activities/fishbowl.html">fish bowl</a>/ <a href="http://www.pflugervilleisd.net/curriculum/ela/grade8/documents/inneroutercircle.pdf">inner/outer circle</a> lessons. <br /><br />Thoughts on other tools:<br /><br /><a href="http://voicethread.com/">VoiceThread</a><br /><br />So what is <a href="http://voicethread.com">VoiceThread</a>? Here's a description from their website:<br /><br />With <a href="http://voicethread.com">VoiceThread</a>, group conversations are collected and shared in one place from anywhere in the world. All with no software to install.<br /><br />A <a href="http://voicethread.com">VoiceThread</a> is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to navigate slides and leave comments in 5 ways - using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via a webcam). Share a VoiceThread with friends, students, and colleagues for them to record comments too.<br /><br />Users can doodle while commenting, use multiple identities, and pick which comments are shown through moderation. VoiceThreads can even be embedded to show and receive comments on other websites and exported to MP3 players or DVDs to play as archival movies.<br /><br />This tool provides a creative way for students to present their learning. It then provides ways for others to offer feedback. Below is a student's presentation of the life cycle of a butterfly:<br /><br /><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMDc4NTA*Mzk5ODQmcHQ9MTMwNzg1MDQ*MzE1NiZwPTIwNjQyMSZkPWI2NjI2OSZnPTImbz*5ZmRlZTA3OGViYmM*/NmVlODZhOTQ5MmUyMzIzMGVkNyZvZj*w.gif" /><object width="480" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=66269"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=66269" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="480" height="360"></embed></object><br /><br />I could see how this could also be a useful tool for book talks/ clubs as seen in the clip below:<br /><br /><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMDc4NDM5OTg2ODcmcHQ9MTMwNzg*NDAwNDc1MCZwPTIwNjQyMSZkPWI5ODc2NTEmZz*yJm89OWZkZWUwNzhlYmJj/NDZlZTg2YTk*OTJlMjMyMzBlZDcmb2Y9MA==.gif" /><object width="480" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=987651"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=987651" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="480" height="360"></embed></object><br /><br />However, as I listened to some of the participant's comments, I couldn't help but think that this tool could easily become a gimmick. Some of the comments are shallow and do not add to the overall discussion at all. Take Linda's response for example. She goes on and on about how the reading was hard for her. She then purports that the book has many useful tools, ones that she wishes to try over the summer, but she doesn't go into depth about any of them. She doesn't describe which tools she liked or how she wants to apply them to her teaching. Hmmm...some of the other posts were equally disappointing. So while I do like the fact that users can leave comments in five different ways, this, like all technology, would need to be explicitly taught to students, giving them time to critique the qualities of effective, meaningful feedback. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.polleverywhere.com">Poll Everywhere</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.polleverywhere.com/">Poll Everywhere</a> is a site that allows users to create a multiple choice or open ended response. Using a cell phone (with text messaging) or computer, students can log in and submit an answer choice. Poll Everywhere graphs the results. For students who do not have a cell phone, they can go to poll4.com and submit a response. For more information on how <a href="http://www.polleverywhere.com/">Poll Everywhere</a> works, click <a href="http://">here</a>. <br /><br />I liked this tool and thought it would be neat to use in high school, especially when most kids can text faster than they type. But for Elementary. it seems easier to use the Activotes instead.Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-85178397685307803962011-06-10T20:00:00.025-05:002011-06-11T20:10:56.264-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Tool 5: Producing with Web 2.0 Tools<div><span class="Apple-style-span">I've used many of tools in the past, so I revisited those and then played around with a few new ones I was not familiar with such as </span><a href="http://prezi.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 0); ">Prezi</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a></span>.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><u><a href="http://animoto.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Animoto</span></a></u>: </div><div><br /></div><div>An oldie but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">goodie</span>. <u><a href="http://animoto.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Animoto</span></a></u> is good about adding new themes often. Couldn't resist adding in this one I made of my son, Brian and his girlfriend, Andrea which displays one of <a href="http://animoto.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Animoto's</span></a> newer themes. <u><a href="http://animoto.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Animoto</span></a></u> is fun and easy to use. </div><div><br /></div><div><object id="vp1SDcyd" width="398" height="221" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1307758678&f=SDcydap39LqHuzz3FfsRww&d=37&m=b&r=240p&volume=&i=m&options="><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed id="vp1SDcyd" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1307758678&f=SDcydap39LqHuzz3FfsRww&d=37&m=b&r=240p&volume=&i=m&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="398" height="221"></embed></object><p>In the past, I have created <a href="http://animoto.com/" style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Animoto</span></a> videos to use as a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(170, 0, 51); font-family: 'Crafty Girls'; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 23px; "> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">prewriting</span> activity (listing). Students view the video and write down connections or ideas for writing. I usually show the video several times and have students share ideas). </span>Next year, I would like to have students make their own videos and then write using snapshots of the moment.</p></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwkcNvjHEm1xezwwAmE92N6DYLxaMBBvzwVs1ps5lPvm7CdPXSI_x99xX1zFABkmdce_RjgSmM3ounSFtjlcQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></u></div><div style="text-decoration: underline; "><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">Create your own <a href="http://animoto.com/">video <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">slideshow</span></a> at <a href="http://animoto.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">animoto</span>.com</a>.</span></div><div style="text-decoration: underline; "><u><br /></u></div><u><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Prezi</span></u><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Prezi</span> is a glorified <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Powerpoint</span>--definitely more interesting to watch than the traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">slideshows</span> we are all used to. I could see making this an option for student presentations. It is easy to do and allows the designer to include videos in addition to pictures and texts.<br /><br /><div class="prezi-player"><style type="text/css" media="screen">.prezi-player { width: 550px; } .prezi-player-links { text-align: center; }</style><object id="prezi_ucbqnfjsurg9" name="prezi_ucbqnfjsurg9" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="550" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://prezi.com/bin/preziloader.swf"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="flashvars" value="prezi_id=ucbqnfjsurg9&lock_to_path=0&color=ffffff&autoplay=no&autohide_ctrls=0"><embed id="preziEmbed_ucbqnfjsurg9" name="preziEmbed_ucbqnfjsurg9" src="http://prezi.com/bin/preziloader.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="550" height="400" bgcolor="#ffffff" flashvars="prezi_id=ucbqnfjsurg9&lock_to_path=0&color=ffffff&autoplay=no&autohide_ctrls=0"></embed></object><div class="prezi-player-links"><p><a title="" href="http://prezi.com/ucbqnfjsurg9/what-is-prezi-press-the-play-button/">What is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Prezi</span>? Press the play button!</a> on <a href="http://prezi.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Prezi</span></a></p></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/MAKEBELIEFSCOMIX.COM">Makes Beliefs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Comix</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">This site allows students to make their own comics using various scenes, objects and characters. The neat thing about this site, it that it is great for ESL students as it allows students to make their own comics in any language. One great idea I found on the site was: </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; ">At the beginning of each new school year <b>have students create a comic strip talking about themselves and their families or summarizing the most important things about their lives.</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; ">Let each student select a cartoon character as a surrogate to represent her or him. After students complete their strips, encourage them to exchange their comics with classmates to learn more about each other. Students can also create strips that summarize what their individual interests to help a teacher to learn more about them. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">For more ideas, click here: <a href="http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/How-to-Play/Educators/">Ideas for Teachers</a>.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/?comix_id=59596135C493816">My Comic Strip</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; ">After trying it on my own, I don't think I will use this with students. With the limited tools and features, it seems that this is more of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">gimmick</span> than learning tool. If you find a good classroom use, let me know. But for now, I think I'll stick with <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "> is a creative tool that allows you to write your own story or you can collaborate with a friend. Students would love this! An added bonus is that parents can purchase a hardcover book for as little as $25.95. Softcover books are also available. <a href="http://storybird.com/faq/commerce/#prices">Check out the price list here</a>--Sweet!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; ">Here's one of my favorites:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; "><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://storybird.com/books/father-a-guiding-light/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1307764226_0" style="color: rgb(54, 99, 136); "><object width="586" height="368"><param name="align" value="lt"><param name="scale" value="noScale"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="flashvars" value="book_slug=father-a-guiding-light&size=xl&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/"><param name="src" value="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf"><embed src="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="586" height="368" align="lt" scale="noScale" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="book_slug=father-a-guiding-light&size=xl&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/"></embed></object><span style="display:block;font-family:Georgia,Times New Roman,serif;font-size:14px;margin:5px 0 10px 0;"></span></span></a><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1307764226_0" style="color: rgb(54, 99, 136); "><a href="http://storybird.com/books/father-a-guiding-light/">Father: A Guiding Light</a> <span style="color:#666666;">by</span> <a href="http://storybird.com/members/tanyaattewellsmith/">tanyaattewellsmith</a> <span style="color:#666666;">on</span> <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "> </span></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-92182159850584983942011-06-09T22:31:00.004-05:002011-06-11T20:10:36.544-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Tool 4: Moving Up to the Clouds<u>Google Apps</u><div><br /></div><div>Creating documents in Google Docs is easy. I like the fact that you can view your documents from any computer. During staff development sessions, I have used Google Docs to create documents with coworkers. It is neat that people can collaborate on one document. I also like using Google Docs with students. It makes it easy to store and view student work. They are able to work on projects together, adding to each other's ideas. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have Google Reader linked to my<a href="http://www.google.com/ig"> iGoogle homepage</a>. It makes it easy to keep up with NPR topics, Education Weekly and other blogs and sites I have subscribed to.<br /><br /></div>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-18866185208270533542011-06-09T17:30:00.042-05:002011-06-10T23:51:43.551-05:00RCE 11 Tools, Thing 3: Finding Online Video & Image Resources<span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 22px" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I love <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">Youtube </a>and wish it would be available to use in the district. Although <a href="http://www.zamzar.com/">ZamZar</a> is easy to use, it is a pain to convert all the videos you wish to use. Maybe the district could find a way to make it accessible to teachers without opening it up for student use. I used <a href="http://keepvid.com/">KeepVid</a> to convert the following <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">Youtube</a> video.</span></span><span style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline"><span style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline"> </span></span><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzB_oKFFDf_Ke-7Ljzaecq3UpQrqHtOa8ABL0gwWtjtdC-cJjWslsWAe8znckMZSjoy623oHdukHHi7-kvPhA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 22px" class="Apple-style-span"><br /><br /><br /><ol style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; COLOR: rgb(68,68,68); FONT-SIZE: medium"></ol></span><a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">Spell with Flickr</a><br /><br />I saw this on <a href="http://fabulouslyfowler.blogspot.com/">Courtney Fowler's blog</a> and just had to try it. So fun!<br /><br /><br /><a id="fs_1" title="'" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/4785449219"><img title="letter L" border="0" alt="letter L" src="http://static.flickr.com/4122/4785449219_98bd0472ae_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_2" title="'" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/5492993146"><img title="information" border="0" alt="information" src="http://static.flickr.com/5133/5492993146_8fdc5c71c2_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_3" title="'" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/4931765180"><img title="letter V" border="0" alt="letter V" src="http://static.flickr.com/4121/4931765180_6bd27ca83c_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_4" title="'" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83949488@N00/5379042698"><img title="IMG_1052" border="0" alt="IMG_1052" src="http://static.flickr.com/5166/5379042698_e6de0ac699_s.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a id="fs_1" title="L" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50318388@N00/4842464607"><img border="0" alt="L" src="http://static.flickr.com/4112/4842464607_9639b64328_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_2" title="'" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50318388@N00/5126959190"><img title="o" border="0" alt="o" src="http://static.flickr.com/1165/5126959190_9b9d9ce6b1_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_3" title="'" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/4647187264"><img title="letter V" border="0" alt="letter V" src="http://static.flickr.com/4030/4647187264_18dc95f35e_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_4" title="'" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/5323383968"><img title="letter E" border="0" alt="letter E" src="http://static.flickr.com/5130/5323383968_04d7048344_s.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a id="fs_1" title="letter L" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/4970584678"><img border="0" alt="letter L" src="http://static.flickr.com/4149/4970584678_42939fa5d6_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_2" title="letter A" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/5427368413"><img border="0" alt="letter A" src="http://static.flickr.com/5172/5427368413_e134d5b799_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_3" title="letter U" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00/4673748319"><img border="0" alt="letter U" src="http://static.flickr.com/4028/4673748319_4ba02647ac_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_4" title="'" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95229107@N00/5374018596"><img title="G" border="0" alt="G" src="http://static.flickr.com/5009/5374018596_5ec8ab2637_s.jpg" /></a> <a id="fs_5" title="h" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50318388@N00/4655535814"><img border="0" alt="h" src="http://static.flickr.com/4055/4655535814_0770345ccb_s.jpg" /></a><br /><br />For more <a href="http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=852">ideas</a> on how to use <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">Spell with Flickr</a> in the classroom, check out these tips from <a href="http://ilearntechnology.com/">iLearn Technology's blog</a>:<br /><br />What it is: <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">Spell with Flickr</a> is a site that has been around for a while but I was reminded of it again this week when I used it with my students for a project. Type any word or name into the <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">Spell with Flickr</a> website and the site will pull letter pictures from Flickr to spell out the word in pictures. You can click on each letter to get a new picture and when you are satisfied with your picture word, you can drag and drop the word onto a desktop to use later or you can copy code to embed on a website, blog, or wiki.<br /><br />How to integrate <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">Spell with Flickr</a> into the classroom: <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">Spell with Flickr</a> is a simple but neat website to use in the classroom. Students can use this program to type in and practice their spelling words, to create titles for reports, to spell out their name for an auto biography poem, and to practice letter recognition. Teachers can use <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">Spell with Flickr </a>as a fun way to create titles for bulletin boards, classroom signs, to make a unique word wall, or to make an alphabet banner. <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">Spell with Flickr</a> can also be used on wikis and blogs making it perfect for fun titles. Create an alphabet book, phonics blends book, or sight word book out of <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/">Spell with Flickr </a>pictures.<br /><br />Tips: If you aren’t happy with the pictures that were chosen for your letters, click on the picture for a new one.<br /><br /><u>Digital Citizenship</u> (reposted)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gmw_rP0hGXo/TFYvn3eijnI/AAAAAAAAAGc/g7phfNCxZ5s/s1600/digitalcitizenship.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500636356833087090" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gmw_rP0hGXo/TFYvn3eijnI/AAAAAAAAAGc/g7phfNCxZ5s/s320/digitalcitizenship.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I liked the article <a href="http://rhondda.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/digital-literacy-and-the-classroom/">Digital Literacy</a> (another teacher's reflection on digital literacy). Rhondda makes a good point. As educators, we must show kids how to safely and effectively use online tools and digital strategies. It is also important to model how to validate sources.<br /><br />The link to the <a href="http://www.txssc.txstate.edu/media/K12/downloads/iNetSafety/isafe.pdf">I-Safe facts sheet</a> and <a href="http://www.txssc.txstate.edu/K12/internet-safety">Texas School Safety Center</a> were helpful because it not only lists suggested lesson ideas, it also has many useful resources for families.Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-67844947381300479272011-06-09T16:19:00.005-05:002011-06-09T22:32:35.604-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Thing 2: Building a CommunityI like being able to view other people's blogs, gathering ideas for the classroom. Building an online community is neat, especially because it allows people to travel outside of their own four walls. For elementary students, I prefer to use wikis to create a sense of community, rather than blogs, because I feel they are more flexible and interactive with a group. However, I could see using blogs in the classroom to help students reflect on their learning experiences while tracking growth over time. I guess they both have their limits. <br /><br />As I was exploring some of the posted tools, I came across these two articles:<br /><br />1. Ways to use Voki in the classroom from an anonymous user (response edited):<br /><br />I have used Voki in the classroom with fourth graders. Their first project was a research on the accomplishments made by, conflict and/or cooperation with the Native Americans, and what reasons did the explorer set out for North America. The students found the information then set out to create their voki as close to the explorer as possible. Their next project was a book talk. This was to persuade others to read the book of their choice. This must include the title, author, and summary of the book. <br /><br />2. An article on the best Ipad/ Itouch apps--worth checking out:<br /><a href="http://savedelete.com/top-100-best-free-ipad-apps.html">Top 100 Best Free iPad Apps</a><br /><br />I also signed up for Diigo. I plan to use this site to set up student accounts for research. When you sign up for an educator's account, you can:<br />■ Create student accounts for an entire class<br />■ Highlight critical features within text and images and write comments directly on the web pages<br />■ Collect and organize series of web pages and web sites into coherent and thematic sets<br />■ Facilitate online conversations within the context of the materials themselves <br /><br />Check out this powerpoint presentation for more information:<br /><div style="width:425px" id="__ss_607013"> <strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/cliotech/dig-deeper-with-diigo-presentation" title="Dig Deeper with Diigo">Dig Deeper with Diigo</a></strong> <iframe src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/607013" width="425" height="355" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="padding:5px 0 12px"> View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/cliotech">Jennifer Dorman</a> </div> </div>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-58619639420535598532011-06-09T11:01:00.004-05:002011-06-09T22:32:45.672-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Thing 2: Building a CommunityGrrr...after a few hours of unsuccessfully trying to post on other's blogs, I found this forum: http://knownissues.blogspot.com/2011/05/were-investigating-issue-which-is.html. Are you having trouble leaving comments on your own blog, other blogs, or both? We realize we still need to work through some issues which are still causing trouble for some users. The Blogger Team.<br /><br />But here's the Best answer by a long shot- The new Katney (Top Contributor:<br /><br />1. If a blog's comment form takes you to the log in page, UNCHECK THE BOX THAT SAYS "REMEMBER ME" and log in. It will take you back to complete your comment.<br /> <br />2. If you have the embedded below the post comment form, CHANGE TEMPORARILY to either the pop-up form or the whole page form. When the underlying problem has been resolved, you will be able to change back. <br /> <br />Whew! Thanks, Katney! This finally worked.<br /><br />Did anyone else have this problem??Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-11636351277843786782011-06-06T20:47:00.005-05:002011-06-09T22:32:57.437-05:00RCE: 11 Tools, Thing 1I've updated the template for my blog and added a Vovi avatar--let the fun begin!Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-55641175528991513842010-08-04T19:43:00.015-05:002011-05-18T15:06:08.565-05:0011.5: Thing 11.51. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? <br /><br />I love these summer on-line quests! It's exhilarating to be able to explore new programs, especially when they are linked to instruction. My favorite programs were <a href="http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/">Screencast-o-matic</a> and <a href="http://www.glogster.com/">Glogster</a>. <br /><br />Check out this video of a group of 4th graders using <a href="http://www.glogster.com/">Glogster</a> in the classroom:<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HiS-Mdm3ZXc&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HiS-Mdm3ZXc&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />I particularly liked how they linked their <a href="http://www.glogster.com/">Glogster</a> poster to <a href="http://earth.google.com/">Google Earth</a>. <br /><br />2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?<br /><br />Before taking 23 Things, I thought I was pretty current with technolgy. Boy, was I wrong! Through 23 Things and 11.5 Things, I was exposed to many programs I didn't even know exsisted! It is obvious that a lot of time and effort went into creating these programs. Thank you to all of you who made them possible!<br /><br />3. Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? <br /><br />I was surprised to find that I did not enjoy the virtual worlds. When I first read the post, I thought it was going to be one of my favorite items because I am a big SIMS fan. However, I found the navigation through <a href="http://secondlife.com/">Second Life</a> to be tedious. I went through the tutorials and read the posts on how to use virtual worlds in education, but I just don't see how this would be used at the Elementary level. <br /><br />4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?<br /><br />Nothing really! The only thing I would change would to be add more tools!! It's a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest technolgy. I hope that SBISD will continue to offer more Library2Play sessions...I must admit, I'm totally addicted!!Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-84789839100067175232010-07-16T00:21:00.014-05:002010-08-07T20:58:57.982-05:0011:5: Thing #11<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gmw_rP0hGXo/TFYvn3eijnI/AAAAAAAAAGc/g7phfNCxZ5s/s1600/digitalcitizenship.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500636356833087090" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gmw_rP0hGXo/TFYvn3eijnI/AAAAAAAAAGc/g7phfNCxZ5s/s320/digitalcitizenship.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I liked the article <a href="http://rhondda.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/digital-literacy-and-the-classroom/">Digital Literacy</a> (another teacher's reflection on digital literacy). Rhondda makes a good point. As educators, we must show kids how to safely and effectively use online tools and digital strategies. It is also important to model how to validate sources. </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>The link to the <a href="http://www.txssc.txstate.edu/media/K12/downloads/iNetSafety/isafe.pdf">I-Safe facts sheet</a> and <a href="http://www.txssc.txstate.edu/K12/internet-safety">Texas School Safety Center</a> were helpful because it not only lists suggested lesson ideas, it also has many useful resources for families. </div>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-55484914770845814852010-07-15T23:55:00.004-05:002010-08-07T20:56:32.204-05:0011:5: Thing #10Although I am a big SIMS fan, I really did not enjoy SecondLife. It wasn't very user friendly. While I enjoyed flying, it was frustrating trying to figure out what to do and where to go. When I have more time, I may give it another try. I thought it was interesting reading about how it is being used in universities and can see the appeal it would have for teenagers. Since I teach elementary students, I do not think I would use this in the classroom; however, it's nice to know such programs are out there.Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-86882646972430598682010-07-15T22:18:00.010-05:002010-08-07T20:56:00.999-05:0011:5: Thing #9<div>I had a little trouble on this one because I couldn't find the two links to Stephen's Lighthouse that were listed (Ignoring Social Software--Not and Slideshare). Did anyone else have this problem? If so, did you ever locate them--and if you did, please share! I spent about 20 minutes browsing through various posts before finally giving up.<br /><br />I was able to play around with <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">SlideShare</a> and <a href="http://www.authorstream.com/">Authorstream</a>. Both programs give students an authentic reason to create presentations. After creating their presentations, students could share them with family members and others, which would hopefully motivate students to do their best work. I think it would be neat for students to use <a href="http://280slides.com/">280 Slides</a> to make virtual Power Points, which would also them easy access from home. </div>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-33037734651193310412010-07-14T20:24:00.011-05:002010-08-07T20:45:27.437-05:0011:5: Thing #8<div>My favorite Screencast-o-matic is <a href="http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/create">Screen-cast-<font id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">omatic</font></a>. It is very easy to use. When I teach students how to use a program, I will be able to record the lesson and post it for students to review if needed. Students can also use this site to record their own demonstrations. What an easy way to make technology <font id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accessible</font> for all! </div><br /><div><br />Below is a screencast created to show students how to create their own Photostory: </div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwzzkW2zncxa3jFXprSPfF19qxDOFiWrqc09inwqlWZ57myUZVNW_HyFqcsE0emcgxGcwlEA38fRM3C-EMjyw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-35686128178016408422010-07-14T15:15:00.027-05:002010-07-28T14:26:15.227-05:0011:5: Thing #7Students love working in inquiry groups and these sites will give them additional resources, besides Untied Streaming, to use! The video on copyrighting and fair use was helpful. It is important to teach students how to document correctly.<br /><br />I used <a href="http://www.blinkx.com/">Blinkx </a>to find the following Texas History video, which was created by 4th graders. This video is a good model to show students so that they can then create and produce their own videos. It would also be good for students to critique the writing and presentation (as it would be good to jazz this up a bit!)<br /><br /><embed src='http://www.blinkx.com/w?g_StageWidth=340&g_StageHeight=180&&g_ApiServer=www.blinkx.com&g_sImgServer=http://cdn.blinkx.com&g_sApiQuery=%2Fapi3%2Fstart.php%3Faction%3Dgetcontent%26databasematch%3Dmedia%26maxresults%3D75%26list%3D1679106831%26characters%3D10000%26printfields%3Dsummary_link_text%2Csummary_link_href_field%2Cplaylistpath%2Cmedia_source_url%2Ccategory%2Cmedia_bitrate%2Cuse_lightning_cast%2Cuse_adult_full_video_adverts%2Cadditional_info%2Cmedia_duration%2Cdrecontent%2Csection_start%2Clink%2Cmedia_type%2Cdefault_hit_image_location%2Cexternal_player_url%2Cnum_dpflvs%2Cnum_hdmp4s%2Ctitle%2Csource_page_url%2Csummary%2Cowner_id%2Cdefault_wide_image_location%2Cwide_image_link%2Cdefault_footer_image_location%2Cchannel%2Cmedia_publish_date%2Cid%2Cmedia_location%2Cnum_swfs%2Caverage_vote%2Cnum_views%2Cnum_preflvs%2Cnum_hdflvs%2Csafe_flag%2Cdisplay_name%2Cnum_comments%2Cnum_dpmp4s%2Cstaticpreview%2Cpre_location%2Cpost_location%2Cs_tpcategory%2CS_TPCATEGORY%26tvshowresults%3Dfalse&g_ApiTunnelPath=/f/' width='340' height='180' quality='high' bgcolor='#000000' name='newwall' align='middle' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer'></embed>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-70450565000052365542010-07-14T14:39:00.001-05:002010-07-14T14:39:20.393-05:0011:5: Thing #6I've owned an iPod Touch for a couple of years now. I use it many to listen to music and access an audio Bible. It's also good for staying in touch through facebook and twitter as well as checking e-mail. And I love using my Kindle application! It's not as good as the real thing, but it works. Had I not already purchased the iPod, I would have bought the iPad. Although the iPad is bigger (and bigger is better, right?), it doesn't make sense to own both, though. <br /><br />I orginally bought the iPod so that students could easily make, edit, and listen to podcasts of their book club discussions. <br /><br />From reading all of the posts, it seems that some of the biggest advantages the iPod include giving students easy access to the internet, podcasts and word processing apps. such as, Google Docs. One of my favorite apps. is Dragon Dictation, which turns speech into text (it is similar to DragonSpeak). For more information, check out: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2010-01-13-dragon-dictation-iphone_N.htm. <br />I am attending a staff development presentation on using the iPod in the classroom during TeacherU, so I am looking forward to gathering new ideas.Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-72272163411204468362010-07-14T14:37:00.001-05:002010-07-14T14:38:29.802-05:0011:5: Thing #5I've been a facebook junkie for quite awhile now. I use facebook to stay connected with my own kids, their friends, people at church, etc. I am also a big gamer and facebook certainly has some addicting sites. I also tweet from time to time but do not use it as much as facebook. I currently use Twitter to stay up to date on the latest Perry Stone videos and Lemonade Day events. <br /> <br />For the classroom, facebook is a good way to stay in touch. Twitter and back channeling could be used to keep up with other classmates' posts and ideas, without all of the distractions of games, apps., groups, etc. that are found on facebook. Cyberbullying would need to be monitored. <br /><br />I would be interested to hear how other people are using these apps. in the classroom.Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-18769164775690368752010-07-12T17:49:00.004-05:002010-07-14T14:19:18.434-05:0011:5: Thing #4Uploading videos to YouTube was a cinch! I privately uploaded my son's guitar video. It would be neat to have students upload their own videos so that parents, other family members, and classmates could have easy access to their work. I think I would chose to have students upload to TeacherTube (with parent's permission, of course). Making videos and uploading them would motivate students to do their best since it provides authentic opportunities for publishing while allowing their work to be viewed bu others. Perhaps students could record skits of personal narratives or act out reader's theaters using a Flip Camera and then upload to TeacherTube for others to view.Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-47450445329971229172010-07-12T12:26:00.004-05:002010-07-12T12:37:14.905-05:0011:5: Thing #3The Language Arts department plans to use Skype as a way for SISes and teachers to keep in contact with an out-of-state consultant. This way, we will be able to communicate what is working in the classroom, ask questions, get new ideas, etc. It's a great way to stay connected! It is also a great way to access professional development opportunities. <br /><br />I am not sure I am ready to have students conference with classes from around the world, but I think it will be a good way to help students with homework as well as set up peer conference opportunities when not in class. <br /><br />I like the following ideas and just might give many of these a try:<br />* See Me, Hear Me: Skype in the Classroom. Read how these students had the opportunity to chat with an author of the book they studied via Skype.<br />* Field trips. If students aren’t able to participate in a field trip due to factors such as budgetary or distance constraints, use Skype to bring the field trip into the classroom.<br />* Present a performance. Whether your class puts on a play, demonstrates a science experiment, or presents the results of a class project, share the fruits of their works with other classes, parents, or other interested people.<br />* Bring busy parents into the classroom. A busy parent who has knowledge to share with the classroom may be more likely to be able to make the time for a presentation if she or he can do so with Skype rather than having to leave work and come to the school.<br />* Skype an Author Into Your Library or Classroom. This site will connect schools with authors through Skype. Short sessions are free, while longer sessions are subject to a fee set by each author.Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-75738236791056367542010-07-12T11:26:00.009-05:002010-07-28T14:25:13.791-05:0011:5 Thing #2<A title="Wordle: Untitled" href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/2222813/Untitled"><IMG style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ddd 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #ddd 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; BORDER-TOP: #ddd 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #ddd 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 4px" alt="Wordle: Untitled" src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/2222813/Untitled"></A> <br /><br />For this image, I copied and pasted verses in the bible that pertained to Jesus. It was interesting to see the main ideas pop out. Students could use this to copy and paste text from non-fiction articles to determine main ideas. <br /><br />I am going to have students use Videotracer to record discussions that take place in book clubs/ lit. circles. <br /><br />Bookr would be good to use to have students document an event in time, such as a memoir, fieldtrip experience, or even a historical event. Students could also use Bookr to document the main events in a story, perhaps tracing the changes a character went through.<br /><br />I created the following Animoto to use it as a prewriting activity (listing). Students view the video and write down connections or ideas for writing. I usually show the video several times and have students share ideas).<br /><br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-f0f3e0fab20f033b class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="f0f3e0fab20f033b"></OBJECT>Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-5925424651188875662010-06-07T18:04:00.003-05:002011-05-18T15:06:38.427-05:0011.5: Thing 1Using <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">technology</span> to create self-determined learners seems only natural. Of course, most of us are not techie-natives but the students we teach are, and we owe it to them to make sure they are prepared for the real world. Social networking not only provides models and ensures students are not learning in isolation, it also creates authentic opportunities for students to research, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">synthesize</span>, publish and celebrate their learning.Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3464405070288551489.post-2292460991675423922008-08-04T15:16:00.013-05:002008-08-05T16:37:36.250-05:00#23 Yippee!It feels good to be here (especially since the deadline tomorrow)! Although I have been frustrated at times, I have really enjoyed this experience. I'm glad I took good notes, though, because I will definitely need to go back and review some of the items.<br /><br />I just loved the experience of creating and posting items on a blog. Creating an avatar was neat too. And I just don't think I could live without my Google home page! LOL! Other favorites included, making the <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/photostory/default.mspx">Photostory</a>, looking at <a href="http://www.teachertube.com/">TeacherTube</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> videos, and reading other people's blogs. I also feel as if I've learned a new language--and for that, I'm grateful. It's neuroplasticity in action!<br /><br />It is important to me to stay up-to-date with everything. I thought I was doing a pretty good job; however, this program made me realize that I was lagging behind in the technological world. I was surprised to find out that there's so much out there and it's expanding daily!<br /><br />For the most part, I found the 23 Things format user friendly; however, I spent a lot of time searching other people's blogs when the information was not clear. For example, (although I did not have trouble personally), a lot of people seem to struggle with posting their PhotoStories and podcasts. I found directions on Vaughn's blog, <a href="http://library2play.blogspot.com/">Library2Play</a>, but it would be nice if those directions were posted directly.<br /><br />Being able to go through the program on my own time was wonderful. I had mixed feelings about reaching this point. It felt good to look back and see all that I accomplished. On the other hand, I was sad to see it end. I would certainly participate in another program like this (and I really hope one will be offered in the future).<br /><br />To sum up the program: definitely (yes, it is my favorite word) worth the time and effort!<br /><br />And now, I'm off to continue my journey. I know this is just the beginning....Amie Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885492711447635488noreply@blogger.com1