For almost 3 months I have been diving into the word of Web 2.0 and the different applications and tools up for offer. My plan was to research 6 different tools that I could use in lessons to enhance my students’ learning. I had 3 goals at the start of the term. I wanted to Increase my own comfort level with Web 2.0 tools (I started out as a self-proclaimed ‘intermediate’ tech user), by actually implementing these tools in the classroom making the most of my learning. I wanted to increase parent-teacher communication through online tools, and also increase student engagement in and out of the classroom.
Summary of Learning:
As mentioned above I thought of myself as an intermediate when it came to using technology both in and out of the classroom. I was comfortable learning new tools, but often chose to do things the way I had in the past simply because I didn’t make time to implement the new ideas. This course was good for me in this aspect. I had to push myself to research the tools, and implement in my classroom, and for the most part, the results have been positive. I wasn’t aware of just how many Web 2.0 tools there were out there, and for that reason I still think of myself as being at an intermediate level when it comes to using these technologies. No matter how much I learn there is still more out there: I don’t think anyone can describe themselves as an expert in this field. I have learned lots over the last weeks, but definitely not all.
What worked well? In terms of my learning, I found that it was best when I applied it in the classroom (or professional-development) straight away, and didn’t wait for a few days or weeks before trying it. In terms of programs, the only one I didn’t find particularly useful was Pinterest. The rest of the programs I concentrated on (Google Reader, Blogger, Moodle, Twitter & Hootsuite, Animoto, Glogster, and Poll Everywhere) I found helpful professionally, and useful in the classroom to create engaging lessons and assignments. If I had to pick a favourite program it would be Hootsuite, and Animoto. Hootsuite was most helpful with professional development, and keeping up with new trends in education; and Animoto was so easy to use, and the results were simply amazing!
Sharing:
When it comes to sharing my new learning, I have been blogging all my thoughts and findings on my Blogger site called Haley Lucas - Exploring Web 2.0. I also have noticed how useful Twitter is when it comes with sharing ideas to other like-minded people. As for integrating the tools in my classroom I am currently already using Glogster, and have planned upcoming lessons using Poll Everywhere (see blog for more details). For me, it helps if I use programs straight away. We had a speaker come to our last Pro-D called Terry Small (a master teacher, and learning skills specialist) and he told us that if you don’t use new skills or ideas within 48 hours you never would - and I see the truth in this. Throughout this project I found that I had to apply things in the classroom immediately or else I would simply move onto the next project or new idea before completely trying the first.
The Future:
Throughout this course and my research into new tools I have found some great new ideas to make my lessons more exciting, and engaging (Glogster, Animoto, Poll Everywhere), and also new tools to ensure I stay on top of new trends in the Web 2.0 world (Twitter, Hootsuite, Google Reader). I plan to continue using the lessons and projects I have already implemented in the classroom, as well as new ideas and projects using these tools. Using the Professional Development tools mentioned above I plan to keep abreast of new trends in the Web 2.0 world, and when I find something interesting I want to experiment with it in the classroom quickly so I can see if it is useful. The more tools I can use in the classroom the more diversity I can have in my lessons.
Final Reflection:
Looking back on my personal journey I think I have come out with more positives than negatives. I ended up looking at 9 different Web 2.0 tools: Google Reader, Blogger, Moodle, Twitter, Hootsuite, Pinterest, Animoto, Glogster, and Poll Everywhere. As mentioned in my introduction My only major negative experience was with Pinterest, and perhaps with more time I can find a use for an application such as this. I am proud of the way I pushed myself throughout this project to learn new tools, and develop new ways to implement these tools in my classroom. I always find setting goals such a difficult process, you need to pick something that you know you can complete, but also something that isn’t too easy to accomplish. The three goals I set for myself fall into these guidelines, and I am pleased with myself that I managed to get so far in these aspects. I did increase my comfort level with Web 2.0 tools, and implemented them in the classroom with assignments using Glogster, and lessons using online polls. I increased parent-teacher communication with my Moodle class website, and I also feel that I increased students’ ownership of their own learning: If students miss a class, they can take it upon themselves to catch up on missed notes online. I also improved my professional development, which wasn’t a goal, but a pleasant side-effect. I really got a lot out of Google Reader, and Twitter/Hootsuite and will use them in the future to keep on top of educational and technological trends. Completing this project has made me realize that learning and implementing these tools in the classroom isn’t as hard and time consuming as I once thought. I plan on continuing this journey, and blogging about new tools.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Poll Everywhere
I have used polling applications in class before, when I was teaching in the UK our Math department had a program called Quizdom with a set of little red devices that students could use in class to select answers. The program was set to show how students voted, and even flashed to a screen with racing cars between questions to show which student was ahead.
One of the first times I had heard of Web 2.0 tools such as online poling devices was at the Librarian Pro-D conference in October. I went to a talk by Crystal Stranaghan who is one half of the team at Live Your Dream Workshops. Crystal had some great ideas on how to get bring technology into the classroom using devices that students already have. The one that I most wanted to use was the polling website Poll Everywhere. Using an online tool such as this not only saves money (you don't have to purchase expensive hardware such as the Quizdom program) but also gets students using their devices in a positive manner in class. With the free account at Poll Everywhere you can poll a maximum of 40 people at one time, an adequate size for most classrooms. Poll Everywhere advises users that they are spam-free, phone numbers are kept private and that anyone participating in a poll will never receive unsolicited text messages.
As Neal Grandgenett discusses in his article Poll Everywhere from Mathematics and Computer Education (Vol. 46, Issue 1, Pg. 79) the results from quizzes can also be stored to review later. And there is also the option of using this application for "testing purposed by recording the correct and incorrect responses of each student using the unique number from their cellphone or other device to identify them. In addition, attendance could be taken by having students 'sign in' with a particular text message unique to that day or by responding at the beginning of class to a particular homework problem." Grandgenett also mentioned how Poll Everywhere had been used at his staff meeting, and how staff were engaged and the Dean was provided with useful feedback.
Poll Everywhere is also listed in Lisa Neilsen's 8 free and easy ways to begin educating innovatively in Technology and Learning (Vol. 30, Issue. 7, Pg. 16, February, 2010)
I have adapted one of my old PowerPoint presentations on plans and elevations to include Poll Everywhere. It was pretty easy to create. I simply created the multiple choice questions on Poll Everwhere and downloaded the PowerPoint file. I then copied and pasted the pictures from my original presentation.
I have tested it, and it works. (I only had access to two phones, so there are only two votes). The one downside to this program would be that it needs access to the internet to work. So if the internet is down or not working on a particular day, the poll will not work.
Then at the end of the lesson you can go to your questions on PollEverywhere.com and clear results if you have another class you want to use the same presentation with.
One of the first times I had heard of Web 2.0 tools such as online poling devices was at the Librarian Pro-D conference in October. I went to a talk by Crystal Stranaghan who is one half of the team at Live Your Dream Workshops. Crystal had some great ideas on how to get bring technology into the classroom using devices that students already have. The one that I most wanted to use was the polling website Poll Everywhere. Using an online tool such as this not only saves money (you don't have to purchase expensive hardware such as the Quizdom program) but also gets students using their devices in a positive manner in class. With the free account at Poll Everywhere you can poll a maximum of 40 people at one time, an adequate size for most classrooms. Poll Everywhere advises users that they are spam-free, phone numbers are kept private and that anyone participating in a poll will never receive unsolicited text messages.
As Neal Grandgenett discusses in his article Poll Everywhere from Mathematics and Computer Education (Vol. 46, Issue 1, Pg. 79) the results from quizzes can also be stored to review later. And there is also the option of using this application for "testing purposed by recording the correct and incorrect responses of each student using the unique number from their cellphone or other device to identify them. In addition, attendance could be taken by having students 'sign in' with a particular text message unique to that day or by responding at the beginning of class to a particular homework problem." Grandgenett also mentioned how Poll Everywhere had been used at his staff meeting, and how staff were engaged and the Dean was provided with useful feedback.
Poll Everywhere is also listed in Lisa Neilsen's 8 free and easy ways to begin educating innovatively in Technology and Learning (Vol. 30, Issue. 7, Pg. 16, February, 2010)
I have adapted one of my old PowerPoint presentations on plans and elevations to include Poll Everywhere. It was pretty easy to create. I simply created the multiple choice questions on Poll Everwhere and downloaded the PowerPoint file. I then copied and pasted the pictures from my original presentation.
I have tested it, and it works. (I only had access to two phones, so there are only two votes). The one downside to this program would be that it needs access to the internet to work. So if the internet is down or not working on a particular day, the poll will not work.
Then at the end of the lesson you can go to your questions on PollEverywhere.com and clear results if you have another class you want to use the same presentation with.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Deeper Reading - Animoto
The more I hear about what people have to say regarding Animoto, the more positive I am that I made a good choice to look into this Web 2.0 Tool. It is a program that can be used by everyone from Grade school kids, to Seniors who are new to the whole technology vibe. I will be applying for the Education Licence, but from what I have read it can take a few weeks to become activated. Until then I will be playing around with the 30 second free videos.
Lisa Perez talked about the education account in her article Animate Your Students with Animoto! Published in The School Librarian's Workshop (Fall 2010, Vol. 31, Issue 2, p12) "Your account will be active for six months and you can request to renew it. The site will give you your own classroom code and a link to download a file that you can print for your students to guide them in setting up their accounts." Perez notes that describes some of the various safety features that are built into the Animoto Education account. Students under 13 years cannot create their own accounts; teachers can create "dummy" accounts for students, and teachers also "have control over communications. In addition, there is no way to contact students directly through these accounts." Which will help keep them safe from other people online. Perez also gives further advice to ensure students' safety; steps include not allowing students to include personal pictures of themselves or friends without signed photo releases, and also having students refrain from including their names in the project.
Keith McPherson also talks about the benefits of teacher-librarians using this program to develop students information literacies in his article Mashing Literacy published in Teacher Librarian (June 2008, Vol. 35, Issue 5., Pg. 73-75)he lists some advantages of using Animoto in the classroom.
One: it "enables visual, aural, and textual learners to quickly create and communicate complex new and powerful stories and messages of a multimodal nature".
Two: due to its ease and adaptability to a multitude of different projects, it will keep students engaged over long periods of time.
Three: Animoto can be used to develop the online social skills of students.
McPherson lists different ways that programs such as Animoto can be used in the classroom such as "developing students' online critical thinking and communication skills." Teacher-Librarians can lead lessons, and discussions involving topics such as copyright, plagiarism, and how to establish safe and effective presentation posting practices.
Lisa Perez talked about the education account in her article Animate Your Students with Animoto! Published in The School Librarian's Workshop (Fall 2010, Vol. 31, Issue 2, p12) "Your account will be active for six months and you can request to renew it. The site will give you your own classroom code and a link to download a file that you can print for your students to guide them in setting up their accounts." Perez notes that describes some of the various safety features that are built into the Animoto Education account. Students under 13 years cannot create their own accounts; teachers can create "dummy" accounts for students, and teachers also "have control over communications. In addition, there is no way to contact students directly through these accounts." Which will help keep them safe from other people online. Perez also gives further advice to ensure students' safety; steps include not allowing students to include personal pictures of themselves or friends without signed photo releases, and also having students refrain from including their names in the project.
Keith McPherson also talks about the benefits of teacher-librarians using this program to develop students information literacies in his article Mashing Literacy published in Teacher Librarian (June 2008, Vol. 35, Issue 5., Pg. 73-75)he lists some advantages of using Animoto in the classroom.
One: it "enables visual, aural, and textual learners to quickly create and communicate complex new and powerful stories and messages of a multimodal nature".
Two: due to its ease and adaptability to a multitude of different projects, it will keep students engaged over long periods of time.
Three: Animoto can be used to develop the online social skills of students.
McPherson lists different ways that programs such as Animoto can be used in the classroom such as "developing students' online critical thinking and communication skills." Teacher-Librarians can lead lessons, and discussions involving topics such as copyright, plagiarism, and how to establish safe and effective presentation posting practices.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Animoto
I was just falling asleep last night when I suddenly remembered a district Pro-D day I had been to last year. I went to a book talk by two middle school librarians (which was great by the way) but they examples of "book trailers" that students had created using Animoto (I had to get out of bed to dig trough all my papers before I found the program they had used). I am planning to look into this program for my inquiry project (replacing google education apps). After about 10 minutes I had already produced my first video. And about 9 minutes and 30 seconds of that was choosing a song, and which pictures I would include. Now it isn't a book trailer, but for 30 seconds effort and a new program I don't think it is a bad first attempt. I do need to look into the program a bit more. You only get to make 30 second videos in the free program. I wonder if they have educational licenses....
Make your own slideshow at Animoto.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Surface Area & Glogster
I have created a Glogster on Surface Area. I am going to post it to my Moodle site as a revision tool. But I am also going to have my grade 10 classes create their own glogs to illustrate a Math topic. We are just getting into surface area now, so I won't be able to assign the project until after spring break. I hope I can get some examples up here before the 28th. But I am excited to see what the kids come up with, they always surprise me with their projects.
My Surface Area Glog
I really like Glogster, it is easy to use, and according to Berger and Trexler in Choosing Web 2.0 Tools for Learning and Teaching in a Digital World (2010) it "is fun, imaginative, creative, and it is a very motivating learning experience for students." They also point out that a Glog can be a great way to illustrate the "Express" phase in the Stripling Inquiry Model.
Glogster has made an impact all over the world. In an article from Austraila Jann Carroll discusses using Glogster to teach poetry to boys. The article, Boys, Ballads and Glogster: Techno-poetry in Year 7 published in Literacy Learning: The Middle Years (Vol. 20, Issue. 1, January 2012) highlights how Glogster was used in a year 7 English class full of adolescent boys to teach poetry. Glogster EDU (Educational Glogster) was used and Carroll discusses their findings. "We found the benefits to include security, easy teacher control over all the students’ online activities in Glogster, the creation of individual student portfolios, easy to mark assessments and provision of timely feedback. From the students’ point of view we discovered high engagement, interactive, imaginative and creative expression;positive peer relationships as boys helped and mentored each other and motivated learners who were able to express themselves and their choice of ballad in a multisensory way."
I look forward to using this in more lessons, and review sessions, and anticipate some amazing projects from my students. Has anyone else used this program in their class?
My Surface Area Glog
I really like Glogster, it is easy to use, and according to Berger and Trexler in Choosing Web 2.0 Tools for Learning and Teaching in a Digital World (2010) it "is fun, imaginative, creative, and it is a very motivating learning experience for students." They also point out that a Glog can be a great way to illustrate the "Express" phase in the Stripling Inquiry Model.
Glogster has made an impact all over the world. In an article from Austraila Jann Carroll discusses using Glogster to teach poetry to boys. The article, Boys, Ballads and Glogster: Techno-poetry in Year 7 published in Literacy Learning: The Middle Years (Vol. 20, Issue. 1, January 2012) highlights how Glogster was used in a year 7 English class full of adolescent boys to teach poetry. Glogster EDU (Educational Glogster) was used and Carroll discusses their findings. "We found the benefits to include security, easy teacher control over all the students’ online activities in Glogster, the creation of individual student portfolios, easy to mark assessments and provision of timely feedback. From the students’ point of view we discovered high engagement, interactive, imaginative and creative expression;positive peer relationships as boys helped and mentored each other and motivated learners who were able to express themselves and their choice of ballad in a multisensory way."
I look forward to using this in more lessons, and review sessions, and anticipate some amazing projects from my students. Has anyone else used this program in their class?
Glogster
It has been a few months since the last time I was on Glogster, and I have already forgotten my password! I always thought I could rely on the "forgot your password" buttons, but it has been almost an hour since I requested a new password, and I still haven't gotten an email. It is annoying me. I want to get to work on a project for my surface area lesson!
Wading Through Pinterest
I am not sure what was up with Pinterest last night, but my page wouldn't load. It seems to be working today though. I am trying to get things posted to my board. I think this is a great way to get ideas and organize them, and agree with Elisa Calder in this Macleans article that "it’s really easy to consume. You’re just staring at pictures. It’s really addictive.”
I tried to find some Math related Pins to post to my Mathness board, but everything I found seemed related to Elementary Math. I am not sure how much educational use I will get out of this site, but I think I will be able to get some wonderful ideas for my personal life such as decorating, renovating, and cooking ideas!
You can see my Pinterest Board here
I wish you could change layout, and backgrounds more like a real pinboard. Based on what my friends were saying, I thought this would be more like Glogster with the way you can "pin" things and change the layout.
I tried to find some Math related Pins to post to my Mathness board, but everything I found seemed related to Elementary Math. I am not sure how much educational use I will get out of this site, but I think I will be able to get some wonderful ideas for my personal life such as decorating, renovating, and cooking ideas!
You can see my Pinterest Board here
I wish you could change layout, and backgrounds more like a real pinboard. Based on what my friends were saying, I thought this would be more like Glogster with the way you can "pin" things and change the layout.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
WUPHF
My boyfriend shared this video with me. He showed me as a joke, but I thought it was even more funny because as part of my project I am studying applications like this! (such as HootSuite)
I am trying to create a Pinterest account. After multiple suggestions to look at this tool I am switching out Prezi from my Inquiry Project Proposal in exchange for Pinterest. I am having a bit of trouble getting started; I don't know why they have to send you an invite (which takes more than a day) and why you can't just sign up like other Web 2.0 tools and networking sites. I finally received my invite, but every time I try to get in they say my email is already registered. I will have to play around with it for a while I think.
At the same time I am trying to create a review Glogster for my Math class. I became familiar with this tool for my Autobiography of a Technology User assignment and am finding the second project easier because I already toughed-it through the basics.
At the same time I am trying to create a review Glogster for my Math class. I became familiar with this tool for my Autobiography of a Technology User assignment and am finding the second project easier because I already toughed-it through the basics.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Twitter Virgin No More!
I have finally done it! I have posted on Twitter! (besides the everyonegives post). I wanted my first post to be meaningful in the educational and Web 2.0 world. But it ended up being partly just fun, and partly educational. follow me @haleymath.
I don't want to post anything with my school hashtag (we are supposed to be staying away from all class/school websites through job action) but when this is all over I want to share this website with everyone. And it will definitely go on my Moodle site too!
I don't want to post anything with my school hashtag (we are supposed to be staying away from all class/school websites through job action) but when this is all over I want to share this website with everyone. And it will definitely go on my Moodle site too!
Games
With all this talk of Game-Based Learning I have been concentrating on how I can use Web 2.0 to do this. But I am forgetting that there are great classic games out there that can be used for learning in a Math classroom. In the classes that I teach this year A&W and Foundations there are specific game, strategy, and problem solving learning outcomes. Games such as these would be a great way to teach these skills in a classroom. According to Chris Hunter's blog each secondary school in Surrey received these games this year. Some of these are better than others, but I am really interested in Blokus Duo,Top This!, Tip Over and Quarto.
Some of the games on this list are also available online such as Rush Hour. And I have always liked (be careful they are addicting!) Phit and Bloxorz
Some of the games on this list are also available online such as Rush Hour. And I have always liked (be careful they are addicting!) Phit and Bloxorz
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Apps in Education
Found this blog. It looks like a great resource to keep in our now organized bookmark lists. It lists Apps by subject area making it easier to find ones that are applicable to you! Mathsmagic sounds fun!
Everyone Gives
My current event for next week talks about the website Everyonegives.org. (see info on my current events page). My school is thinking about doing something like this for our Take Action Day coming up, and I thought I would try to use my own social networks to see how many people I can influence. I have posted it to my facebook, and twitter, and I hope to see some more donations soon.
If this idea speaks to you, feel free to check out my tree.
If this idea speaks to you, feel free to check out my tree.
Tablet Woes!
First of all, sadly, I am not implying by the title that I finally got an iPad. But the current (less than satisfactory) laptop tablet I have in my class has been annoying me for months! The screen has always been so sensitive that it thinks I am writing when my stylus was nowhere near the screen! The results were hard for students to read, and difficult for me to write - even semi-legibly!
It got to the point where I would rather write on the board than use technology! I finally started asking around, and tried updating the laptop's drivers, but that didn't work. Then I tried with the specific stylus program and searched around online for an update of that one. It took an hour or two of searching, and updating, and restarting (you know the drill) but the good (well great) news is that it is finally fixed! Now I can write notes on the tablet without my equals signs looking like z's! And my writing doesn't join up (unless I want it to that is).
I think my lesson here was that I shouldn't just settle for the way things are. If things are bothering me I should change them, or try to fix them! Enter Job Action :)
It got to the point where I would rather write on the board than use technology! I finally started asking around, and tried updating the laptop's drivers, but that didn't work. Then I tried with the specific stylus program and searched around online for an update of that one. It took an hour or two of searching, and updating, and restarting (you know the drill) but the good (well great) news is that it is finally fixed! Now I can write notes on the tablet without my equals signs looking like z's! And my writing doesn't join up (unless I want it to that is).
I think my lesson here was that I shouldn't just settle for the way things are. If things are bothering me I should change them, or try to fix them! Enter Job Action :)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Back to Moodle
My goal was to have my marks on Moodle so that the kids could see them, but since I already use Integrade (which is super easy to email parents progress reports with) I didn't want to have to constantly change 2 grade books. I haven't decided if I should just put up total grades every once in a while, or just upload a PDF of student grades (by student #) every week or so. For the time being I think I will just put on PDF files so I won't have to change it all the time, and this way students will still be able to see what they are missing when they are not at school to ask me.
Monday, February 20, 2012
HootSuite
According to their website HootSuite is“the leading social media dashboard to manage and measure your social networks”. I took the quick tour to get a quick run down of what this tool actually does. I have heard good things about HootSuite. It was easy to create my account using my Google account, and easy to add twitter to the feeds. Eventually I might try to add Facebook too, see if it makes it easier to follow everything if it is all in one place.
I have added a few hash tags to follow and I really like the way I can see them all at the same time. I must admit paging side to side through the lists isn’t as fun on my laptop as it is on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod…. But perhaps someday soon I will share in the fun with other iPad users.
The hash tags I have added were suggested to me: school district, school, provincial education. I will try to find some more to follow over the next week or so.
I have added a few hash tags to follow and I really like the way I can see them all at the same time. I must admit paging side to side through the lists isn’t as fun on my laptop as it is on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod…. But perhaps someday soon I will share in the fun with other iPad users.
The hash tags I have added were suggested to me: school district, school, provincial education. I will try to find some more to follow over the next week or so.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
haleymath
Well I have done it: something I said I would never do. I have signed up for a Twitter account.
First of all Dislikes:
I do not like the way that when you set up an account it makes you follow people. I understand why they do that, so that you can understand how it works, and to get you started. But I did not like the way that you couldn’t continue with the application until you had picked 5 famous people to follow. It seemed useless. I ended up going in after and “un-following” them.
I also do not like the way that just anyone can follow you. A teacher at my school warned me that people will try to follow you mostly just to advertise something they are offering, no matter if you share that interest or not. So I have made my account a little more private and I have to accept all my followers. Perhaps this goes against the whole idea of what Twitter is: to share not only what you are doing, but also sharing links and ideas, to the world. But something about me just shies away from opening my profile completely to just everyone!
But despite the above I do like the way that you can change your tag at any time (if it is available). At the moment I have chosen haleymath (pretty self-explanatory I think….my name is Haley, and I teach – and love – Math). I have put on a picture of my Mii to make it slightly personal. I am not sure if I will change my tag at some point, to give myself more anonymity perhaps, but for the moment I am happy with it as it is. So I now have a Twitter account. Feel free to follow me……well if I allow you that is.
First of all Dislikes:
I do not like the way that when you set up an account it makes you follow people. I understand why they do that, so that you can understand how it works, and to get you started. But I did not like the way that you couldn’t continue with the application until you had picked 5 famous people to follow. It seemed useless. I ended up going in after and “un-following” them.
I also do not like the way that just anyone can follow you. A teacher at my school warned me that people will try to follow you mostly just to advertise something they are offering, no matter if you share that interest or not. So I have made my account a little more private and I have to accept all my followers. Perhaps this goes against the whole idea of what Twitter is: to share not only what you are doing, but also sharing links and ideas, to the world. But something about me just shies away from opening my profile completely to just everyone!
But despite the above I do like the way that you can change your tag at any time (if it is available). At the moment I have chosen haleymath (pretty self-explanatory I think….my name is Haley, and I teach – and love – Math). I have put on a picture of my Mii to make it slightly personal. I am not sure if I will change my tag at some point, to give myself more anonymity perhaps, but for the moment I am happy with it as it is. So I now have a Twitter account. Feel free to follow me……well if I allow you that is.
Twitter - Why?
In a world where now everything is described as something-2.0 it is important to understand what that implies, and the impact on everyday life. According to Wikipedia the now-widely-used term Web 2.0 used to describe applications, and programs online that encourage sharing and collaboration. “A Web 2.0 site allows users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators of user-generated content in a virtual community, in contrast to websites where users are limited to the passive viewing of content that was created for them.”
This trend is here to stay, not matter how tech savy you are. And it isn’t just in the education system. Most businesses, charities, towns, and almost anything else you can think of has a website, facebook page or twitter feed. Berger and Trexler state that most students use the internet, and up to 77 percent have their own networking site (Pg. 161). Teachers come from generations where we remember what it was like before the internet (and I am only 30!), but we still need to realize that there are benefits of using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, and not just to teach students how to be safe online. "When asked what they learn from using social networking sites, the students listed technology skills as the top lesson, followed by creativity, open to new or diverse ways, and communication skills" (Berger & Trexler, pg. 162, 2010). By definition Web 2.0 tools are interactive and invite collaboration and "Social Networking supports all phases of inquiry as learners interact and collaborate" (Berger & Trexler, pg. 163, 2010).
It has some promising uses in the classroom, but the real reason I am getting into social media at this time is to collaborate with other teachers. The NSBA (National School Board Association)”recommends that schools consider using social networking for staff communications and professional development". Using Twitter I hope to be able to find easily new trends in education, locally, and globally.
Berger, P. and Trexler, S. (2010). Choosing Web 2.0 tools for learning and teaching in a digital world. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.
Creating & Connecting: Research and Guidelines on Online Social – and Educational – Networking. 2007. National School Board Assoc., in association with Grunwald Associates LLC. http://www.nsba.org/site/docs/41400/41340.pdf
Web 2.0. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 16, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0
This trend is here to stay, not matter how tech savy you are. And it isn’t just in the education system. Most businesses, charities, towns, and almost anything else you can think of has a website, facebook page or twitter feed. Berger and Trexler state that most students use the internet, and up to 77 percent have their own networking site (Pg. 161). Teachers come from generations where we remember what it was like before the internet (and I am only 30!), but we still need to realize that there are benefits of using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, and not just to teach students how to be safe online. "When asked what they learn from using social networking sites, the students listed technology skills as the top lesson, followed by creativity, open to new or diverse ways, and communication skills" (Berger & Trexler, pg. 162, 2010). By definition Web 2.0 tools are interactive and invite collaboration and "Social Networking supports all phases of inquiry as learners interact and collaborate" (Berger & Trexler, pg. 163, 2010).
It has some promising uses in the classroom, but the real reason I am getting into social media at this time is to collaborate with other teachers. The NSBA (National School Board Association)”recommends that schools consider using social networking for staff communications and professional development". Using Twitter I hope to be able to find easily new trends in education, locally, and globally.
Berger, P. and Trexler, S. (2010). Choosing Web 2.0 tools for learning and teaching in a digital world. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.
Creating & Connecting: Research and Guidelines on Online Social – and Educational – Networking. 2007. National School Board Assoc., in association with Grunwald Associates LLC. http://www.nsba.org/site/docs/41400/41340.pdf
Web 2.0. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 16, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Google Reader - Organization
I have just taken Katrina's idea, and now my Google Reader account is a little more organized, and easy to follow. I have renamed all my subscriptions to make them easy to find.
Moodle Update
Just has a total 'aha' moment or maybe it was more of just a lightbulb moment. I was uploading things to my moodle site realized I didn't like the layout because the list was already really long and my classes are only just finishing the first chapter..... Then I thought, why can't I post more than one file in a heading, and it turns out you can! So now I have all the chapter 1 stuff under the same title so it takes up WAY less room. See?
I even added important stuff under the title. I like this SO much better!
I even added important stuff under the title. I like this SO much better!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Moodle
I have been working on starting my Moodle website for my Math classes. With a huge help from Michael (our district tech helping teacher) for inputting all my students I have set up the account. I have now uploaded all my outlines and daily notes. My hope is that students will be looking here daily for notes (especially if they miss a class).
First I changed my background. It is a nature scene that changes each time you log in. Here are some 'leafy' examples.
Then I started uploading my files (in PDF format)
When students log on they will see a list for uploads from their course only
And when they click on a file they can view the notes, and catch up on any missed work!
I am hoping this will make my life easier by putting more ownership on the students to know what they are missing rather than me chasing them up. Now when they say they haven't done their homework because they weren't here for the notes I reply "but I am sure you went on the moodle site to get caught up!"
First I changed my background. It is a nature scene that changes each time you log in. Here are some 'leafy' examples.
Then I started uploading my files (in PDF format)
When students log on they will see a list for uploads from their course only
And when they click on a file they can view the notes, and catch up on any missed work!
I am hoping this will make my life easier by putting more ownership on the students to know what they are missing rather than me chasing them up. Now when they say they haven't done their homework because they weren't here for the notes I reply "but I am sure you went on the moodle site to get caught up!"
Friday, February 3, 2012
Semester 2
This is a busy semester for me. I am teaching 4 blocks and 3 new courses (new to me, and also to the math curriculum) so I find myself so busy with the developement and preparation for the courses. The good thing about my Enquiry project is that many of the things I want to learn and initiate I can actually complete directly within these new courses. But still for the whole week I have been at school until at least 7:00PM. It will be a long semester, but the work and positive attitudes I get from my kids reminds me that putting in the extra effort makes it worth it. I know I could just come in in the morning and do examples right from the textbook, but students loose interest so fast that way and it would be more work to get them back.
I have my Moodle site all set up which was the first thing I wanted to do, I have played around with all the settings, and now have a nice waterfall or nature scnene on all my class pages. I have also started uploading class notes. When I have some time I want to find links on the internet to supplement the students learning, or so they can review topics from home. I will try to get up some screne shots soon so you can see what I have done. I have emailed all my parents about the moodle site so I hope this will increase their awareness of what we are doing in class, and make sure that they keep up to date with their childs' learning.
I have also set up a Google Reader account as Joanne suggested, and am finding it very useful. At the moment I am only following the blogs of my small group members (hello members!), but will add more to the list as time goes on.
I have been using PowerPoint to create lessons for years now, but I am just learning all the new features in PowerPoint 2010 which is a bit time consuming as it takes time (obviously) to play around. But now my presentations in class are much more interesting, but also it is easier to illustrate many math concepts so that students can see things visually. Because I am teaching these new courses it is pusing me to develop new lessons and I think it will be good for both myself and the students in the long run.
Overall I am pretty pleased with what I have done these last few weeks. I am excited to get my twitter account up and running soon I have a list from other colleagues of people that they follow.
I have my Moodle site all set up which was the first thing I wanted to do, I have played around with all the settings, and now have a nice waterfall or nature scnene on all my class pages. I have also started uploading class notes. When I have some time I want to find links on the internet to supplement the students learning, or so they can review topics from home. I will try to get up some screne shots soon so you can see what I have done. I have emailed all my parents about the moodle site so I hope this will increase their awareness of what we are doing in class, and make sure that they keep up to date with their childs' learning.
I have also set up a Google Reader account as Joanne suggested, and am finding it very useful. At the moment I am only following the blogs of my small group members (hello members!), but will add more to the list as time goes on.
I have been using PowerPoint to create lessons for years now, but I am just learning all the new features in PowerPoint 2010 which is a bit time consuming as it takes time (obviously) to play around. But now my presentations in class are much more interesting, but also it is easier to illustrate many math concepts so that students can see things visually. Because I am teaching these new courses it is pusing me to develop new lessons and I think it will be good for both myself and the students in the long run.
Overall I am pretty pleased with what I have done these last few weeks. I am excited to get my twitter account up and running soon I have a list from other colleagues of people that they follow.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Inquiry Project – Plan
Over the next few months, and hopefully beyond I would like to increase my usage of available tools in the Web 2.0 environment. I am planning on concentrating on the following tools:
- Moodle
- Glogs/Glogster
- Prezi
- Poll and Survey Tools (e.g Poll Everywhere)
- Blogging (making and following)
- Social Networking (e.g Twitter)
- Google Aps for Education
Goals
1. Increase my own comfort with using Web 2.0 tools, and actually implement these tools in the classroom
2. Increase parent-teacher communication through online tools
3. Increase student engagement and ownership of their education.
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