I finally finished my multimedia project! Wow, it was allot of work, but I can definitely see the benefits of creating lessons like these.
The lesson I created was a Social Studies lesson on slavery. I inserted many different pi cures, videos, and other websites for students to get a clear picture of the content.
The software that I used was softchalk.com, and it was very friendly user. The steps given in the tutorials were very easy to follow. I really feel like my students will be engaged as I ensured to include videos, quizzes that give them immediate results, and even games for them to play. The software was really similar to creating a document in Word so it was not very difficult for me to learn.
The only confusing part came when I had to package my lesson, and submit, but after attentively listening to the tutorials offered through Softchalk, I was able to zip it all together.
I am definitely sharing this knowledge with my colleagues! I really think they will love it!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Timetoast.com
Timetoast.com is a timeline program for sequencing practice. Anyone can create an account by using their email address. You can even create a class acount or create Epals accounts for your students that hot have their own email accounts.
This is such a great tool for Social Studies. You get to choose a title for the timeline, and upload images from your computer.
While working, the timeline is a draft that can be viewed, but not shared. After, one can publish the timeline for others to view.
I really recommend this website! My students are creating their own personal timeline based on their live. They are having so much fun playing with it.
This is such a great tool for Social Studies. You get to choose a title for the timeline, and upload images from your computer.
While working, the timeline is a draft that can be viewed, but not shared. After, one can publish the timeline for others to view.
I really recommend this website! My students are creating their own personal timeline based on their live. They are having so much fun playing with it.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Digital Data
The only person that I was able to get information on protecting digital data in our district was our campus CIT. I tried contacting the district administration building, but unfortunately, no one ever returned my phone calls.
As we all know it is very important that we save and protect our digital data. My school issues each teachers and students an "H drive"; a personal storage space to save data. Teachers are able to look at students H drive. I always have my students save their writing in their H drives so that I can later go and revise them and grade them and give them feedback from there versus them printing them out and using paper.
Another storage space that is given is to teachers is called Lucy. Teachers are each given this storage space so they can download classroom pics, documents that they would like to share with other teachers like lessons or handouts.
Having these two types of storage spaces makes my job so much easier and much more organized.
As we all know it is very important that we save and protect our digital data. My school issues each teachers and students an "H drive"; a personal storage space to save data. Teachers are able to look at students H drive. I always have my students save their writing in their H drives so that I can later go and revise them and grade them and give them feedback from there versus them printing them out and using paper.
Another storage space that is given is to teachers is called Lucy. Teachers are each given this storage space so they can download classroom pics, documents that they would like to share with other teachers like lessons or handouts.
Having these two types of storage spaces makes my job so much easier and much more organized.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Creating my Website
This was my first time creating a website, and I can say that it was pretty difficult for me, but after finally publishing my website I was pretty pleased.
I used intuit.com. It's only $5 a month, and I really recommend to those who have never created a website because the customer service representatives are very helpful. I came across several problems, and all I had to do was pick up the phone and call them. There was maybe a 2 minute wait before someone was able to assist me. The representative were very knowledgeable of their product, and knew exactly what I was talking about.
The biggest problem I had was linking pages to one another, and other websites. It was like a foreign language to me trying to figure how to link everything together. But after finally talking to intuithelp line, my problem was resolved.
I am planning on keepig my website, and it is something that I know my students and parents will appreciate as it will be a great way to link my classroom to their homes.
Only problem is that next year I will be teaching all in Spanish as I will be the Spanish Dual Reading Teacher for 5th grade. Therefore, I will have to translate everything into Spanish.
I used intuit.com. It's only $5 a month, and I really recommend to those who have never created a website because the customer service representatives are very helpful. I came across several problems, and all I had to do was pick up the phone and call them. There was maybe a 2 minute wait before someone was able to assist me. The representative were very knowledgeable of their product, and knew exactly what I was talking about.
The biggest problem I had was linking pages to one another, and other websites. It was like a foreign language to me trying to figure how to link everything together. But after finally talking to intuithelp line, my problem was resolved.
I am planning on keepig my website, and it is something that I know my students and parents will appreciate as it will be a great way to link my classroom to their homes.
Only problem is that next year I will be teaching all in Spanish as I will be the Spanish Dual Reading Teacher for 5th grade. Therefore, I will have to translate everything into Spanish.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
VIDEO
So after finally publishing my video,I learned so much from all the mistakes I made.
First of all, prepare with your students way ahead of time. I had to retake so many shots of my students because they would forget their lines, or start giggling in the middle of the video shot. Eventhough I started preparing for my video way ahead of time (early in the semester), it still wasn't enough for my students to be mentally ready. I guess this goes with having good classroom management....
I also learned that when I was shooting my video, I had to leave enough time so that when the editing part came, I would have enough time for the transitions. My transitions needed to be a little bit slower and smoother. My plan is to count off seconds after the students said their lines to ensure timing for transtions.
In addition, I learned that making a story board in paper really helps to know exactly what each scene will entail.
The audio of the students was very low! Next time I will definetely have to invest in a microhpone...
It was so much fun making a video with the students.We will be broadcasting the video for the whole school to see this week. My students were very happy to see their names on the credits, and I'm sure they will even happier when their peers outside of the classroom see the video!
First of all, prepare with your students way ahead of time. I had to retake so many shots of my students because they would forget their lines, or start giggling in the middle of the video shot. Eventhough I started preparing for my video way ahead of time (early in the semester), it still wasn't enough for my students to be mentally ready. I guess this goes with having good classroom management....
I also learned that when I was shooting my video, I had to leave enough time so that when the editing part came, I would have enough time for the transitions. My transitions needed to be a little bit slower and smoother. My plan is to count off seconds after the students said their lines to ensure timing for transtions.
In addition, I learned that making a story board in paper really helps to know exactly what each scene will entail.
The audio of the students was very low! Next time I will definetely have to invest in a microhpone...
It was so much fun making a video with the students.We will be broadcasting the video for the whole school to see this week. My students were very happy to see their names on the credits, and I'm sure they will even happier when their peers outside of the classroom see the video!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Video
Making a movie is not so easy! I have this great picture in my mind, and have finally got the editing down, but the problem is the recording. I have used the flip and my camera, and have not been very successful at holding my hand still and the students voices are bearly heard. I am currently trying to borrow a camcorder so that I can hopefully be more successful at recording.
On the other hand, my students have had a great time putting the scenes together, and are very excited to start shooting. The students were split into groups of four. Each group was given a task. It was great to see all the team work around the room.
I think that this assignment has created a very positive environment. Even my usual off task students were so involved.
Tomorrow will be our first day to shoot the video...Hope that everything goes as planned.
On the other hand, my students have had a great time putting the scenes together, and are very excited to start shooting. The students were split into groups of four. Each group was given a task. It was great to see all the team work around the room.
I think that this assignment has created a very positive environment. Even my usual off task students were so involved.
Tomorrow will be our first day to shoot the video...Hope that everything goes as planned.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Film Fiesta
My district is having a Film Fiesta! Students are to create films/videos all about their communities, and the best 10 will be selected from professional reviews and YouTube popularity.
I am very excited to see all the wornderful videos that students will be creating.
Plus, this is a great experience for students and will help students empower their voice.
Below is the link to examples of videos made by students:
http://www.sfett.com/html_movie/Ican/i_think_iCan.html
I am proud to be at a district that embraces technology!
I am very excited to see all the wornderful videos that students will be creating.
Plus, this is a great experience for students and will help students empower their voice.
Below is the link to examples of videos made by students:
http://www.sfett.com/html_movie/Ican/i_think_iCan.html
I am proud to be at a district that embraces technology!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Cyber Ethics
It is essential that students are educated on internet safety as daily technology is used in the classrooms. I am proud to be at a school that takes this issue very seriously. Our campus technology teacher takes time to schedule computer lab time for each class so each student is aware of how to properly use the internet.
My district recently partnered up with I-SAFE to provide Internet safety education for students. An i-SAFE account was created for each teacher in the district. This district subscription to i-SAFE allows all teachers to access to i-SAFE’s Internet Safety curriculum. i-SAFE is the worldwide leader in Internet safety education. i-SAFE incorporates classroom curriculum with dynamic community outreach to empower students, teachers, parents, law enforcement, and concerned adults to make the Internet a safer place. Every student was given a book that was provided by i-safe to take home so that their parents are educated as well.
The following are some good resources that I found on internet safety:
VyberBully411.org
ConnectSafely.org
NetFamilyNews.org
NetSmartz.org
WiredSafety.org
StaySafeOnline.org
It is so important that we take the issue of internet safety seriously so that our students are protected from harm. In addition, parents should be made aware on how to guide their children at home when using the internet.
My district recently partnered up with I-SAFE to provide Internet safety education for students. An i-SAFE account was created for each teacher in the district. This district subscription to i-SAFE allows all teachers to access to i-SAFE’s Internet Safety curriculum. i-SAFE is the worldwide leader in Internet safety education. i-SAFE incorporates classroom curriculum with dynamic community outreach to empower students, teachers, parents, law enforcement, and concerned adults to make the Internet a safer place. Every student was given a book that was provided by i-safe to take home so that their parents are educated as well.
The following are some good resources that I found on internet safety:
VyberBully411.org
ConnectSafely.org
NetFamilyNews.org
NetSmartz.org
WiredSafety.org
StaySafeOnline.org
It is so important that we take the issue of internet safety seriously so that our students are protected from harm. In addition, parents should be made aware on how to guide their children at home when using the internet.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Classroom of the Future
Technology is the word that comes to my mind as I vision the classroom of the future.
I think of collaborative and interactive learning through technology. I also envision a world where technology makes teachers' lives easier and helps parents better understand their child’s progress.
There will be electronic white boards, and computers connected to a cyberspace library. Laptops will take over paper completely. Students will complete all of their assignments by using a laptop. They will have to email their work instead of turning it in. Students will be able to connect with other students via skype, and classroom blogs. This will help create a multiculture responcive classroom as students will learn from other students around the world. The learning will be tailored to each students' differences and students will be more engaged and motivated.
The lives of teachers will be much easier. Teachers will be roaming around the room as mentors and individual learning coaches. They will be able to give immediate feedback to students as they will be communicating through technology. Instead of carrying their student's daily assignnments, teachers will have all of their work in one portable computer. There will no longer be "snow days"; make up ice days. Teachers will be able to post assignmnets for students to work from home.
Parental involvement will increase. Parents will able to see all of their students work on-line, participate in classroom blogs, and easily communicate with teachers.
This is a vision that is just around the corner. Teachers must take action to be prepared for the new classroom envision.
Below is a perfect example of what the new clasrooms will look like, can't wait...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcXEznPXj8k
I think of collaborative and interactive learning through technology. I also envision a world where technology makes teachers' lives easier and helps parents better understand their child’s progress.
There will be electronic white boards, and computers connected to a cyberspace library. Laptops will take over paper completely. Students will complete all of their assignments by using a laptop. They will have to email their work instead of turning it in. Students will be able to connect with other students via skype, and classroom blogs. This will help create a multiculture responcive classroom as students will learn from other students around the world. The learning will be tailored to each students' differences and students will be more engaged and motivated.
The lives of teachers will be much easier. Teachers will be roaming around the room as mentors and individual learning coaches. They will be able to give immediate feedback to students as they will be communicating through technology. Instead of carrying their student's daily assignnments, teachers will have all of their work in one portable computer. There will no longer be "snow days"; make up ice days. Teachers will be able to post assignmnets for students to work from home.
Parental involvement will increase. Parents will able to see all of their students work on-line, participate in classroom blogs, and easily communicate with teachers.
This is a vision that is just around the corner. Teachers must take action to be prepared for the new classroom envision.
Below is a perfect example of what the new clasrooms will look like, can't wait...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcXEznPXj8k
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Creating Video
This was my first time creating a video, and ended up being such a great learning experience. Taking the shots were not very difficult because the two websites that were given www.mediacollege.com/video/shots and movements were very easy to understand and learn from. The tough part for me came while I was editing the video. I found myself going back and forth to atomic learning to ensure I was doing this correctly. I also played with all the tools as well to help me maneuver around Movie Maker for a while before I was sure I was doing it correctly.
Soundzabound was a great site to use for audio. They had so many audio clips to choose from! I downloaded so many tunes into my itunes for free!
I have to admit that when I first read the instructions for this assignment, I was very intimidated, but after I completed the assignment, I felt really excited to learn something so new that I could take and use both my classroom and with my family.
Making a movie is so much fun, and now I am looking forward to creating my Video Content.
Soundzabound was a great site to use for audio. They had so many audio clips to choose from! I downloaded so many tunes into my itunes for free!
I have to admit that when I first read the instructions for this assignment, I was very intimidated, but after I completed the assignment, I felt really excited to learn something so new that I could take and use both my classroom and with my family.
Making a movie is so much fun, and now I am looking forward to creating my Video Content.
Monday, March 22, 2010
GEO TECH 2010
Geo Tech was defintely new experience for me. This was the first time that I had attended a TECH workshop, and very glad that I did! There were so many interesting classes to choose from.
A great session that I attended was how to geotag pictures. I was so amazed with the way a person could track pictures from around the world. The instructor gaves us some websites that allowed geotagging. Some of them were Flickr and Panaromio.
Geotagging is a great tool to use in the classroom. I could use it as a visual tool for many of my students. Many of my students are from low-socio economic backgrounds and would really benefit from seeing real life pictures to create that schema within. As their reading teacher I have learned that many of my students need that schema to improve in their reading score, and this is definetely a way that I could activate their schema!
A great session that I attended was how to geotag pictures. I was so amazed with the way a person could track pictures from around the world. The instructor gaves us some websites that allowed geotagging. Some of them were Flickr and Panaromio.
Geotagging is a great tool to use in the classroom. I could use it as a visual tool for many of my students. Many of my students are from low-socio economic backgrounds and would really benefit from seeing real life pictures to create that schema within. As their reading teacher I have learned that many of my students need that schema to improve in their reading score, and this is definetely a way that I could activate their schema!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
TEACHER TUBE
I was amazed with how many videos I found that I could show my students in class that relates to what they are learning. My students are always wanting to go on you tube when we have indoor recess time. I really believe that they are going to enjoy watching these videos, and the best part is that they are very short and straight to the point.
I watched several videos, but the ones that I plan to use soon are Writing Rap and Reading Rap. My 5th graders would really get a kick out of them. I could use them as an example for my students to listen to them, and then create their own rap with their reading book, and even with their stories they are writing in class.
On another note, just in case you want to use youtube.com.....instead of teachertube, I have posted the following....
There are plenty of educational videos on youtube. The problem occurs with the ads and comments surrounding the videos. www.safeshare.tv is a site that allows you to create a safe link to the video you want to show, without allowing the parts you don’t want to be seen by your students. It is also possible to “crop” the videos to start and stop where you want it to.
I watched several videos, but the ones that I plan to use soon are Writing Rap and Reading Rap. My 5th graders would really get a kick out of them. I could use them as an example for my students to listen to them, and then create their own rap with their reading book, and even with their stories they are writing in class.
On another note, just in case you want to use youtube.com.....instead of teachertube, I have posted the following....
There are plenty of educational videos on youtube. The problem occurs with the ads and comments surrounding the videos. www.safeshare.tv is a site that allows you to create a safe link to the video you want to show, without allowing the parts you don’t want to be seen by your students. It is also possible to “crop” the videos to start and stop where you want it to.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Audacity
My students are very familiar with using Audacity. They record themselves every 2 weeks for fluency check. They are able to listen to their own reading and listen to how much they are improving. My English Language Learners get really motivated when they listen to themselves because they realize how much their English reading is improving. I am also able to listen to their audio files because each one of my students have their own H-Drive. I am able to pull their drives up from my computer and keep electronic portfolios for each students.I like to conference with my students and sit down with them to set their reading goals.
Another way that I use Audacity in my classroom is for writing. After students draft their writing, thye log on to Audacity and record their own stories. Then, they go back and listen to their stories to listen for fluency writing. I have noticed that when students are editing their own writing without Audacity, they tend to read right through their syntax errors. With Audacity, they are able to go back and replay their sentences to ensure they are revising correctly.
I love Audacity and it's a great resource to have in the classroom!
Another way that I use Audacity in my classroom is for writing. After students draft their writing, thye log on to Audacity and record their own stories. Then, they go back and listen to their stories to listen for fluency writing. I have noticed that when students are editing their own writing without Audacity, they tend to read right through their syntax errors. With Audacity, they are able to go back and replay their sentences to ensure they are revising correctly.
I love Audacity and it's a great resource to have in the classroom!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
First Animation
I was feeling overwhelmed just knowing that I had to create my first animation, but after reading Richardson's book, listening to the tutorials on atomic learning, and Alice I started to feel more at ease. I did try to use Alice to create an animation, but then a colleague of mine recommend another site; goanimate.com.
Goanimate.com is a very friendly user site and it's free! This is a great site to use with your students that are not very technology savvy. It was very easy to create characters and maneuver them around. I was able to easily add captions, and include music as well. One thing that I really liked about it was how I could keep previewing and editing it. It did take me a while to finally finish it, but I really think it was due to it being my first time playing around with it. The only problems that I had was downloading into my computer, and keeping it 5-10 seconds. I finally was able to do it after many trials and errors.
I plan on integrating animation into my reading and writing lessons. I know my students are really going to enjoy it! I
Goanimate.com is a very friendly user site and it's free! This is a great site to use with your students that are not very technology savvy. It was very easy to create characters and maneuver them around. I was able to easily add captions, and include music as well. One thing that I really liked about it was how I could keep previewing and editing it. It did take me a while to finally finish it, but I really think it was due to it being my first time playing around with it. The only problems that I had was downloading into my computer, and keeping it 5-10 seconds. I finally was able to do it after many trials and errors.
I plan on integrating animation into my reading and writing lessons. I know my students are really going to enjoy it! I
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Atomic Learning Lessons
I was finally able to view Lesson Accelerators on Atomic Learning! The first one I viewed was Language Arts 3rd-5th grade Kid Pix titled Shape Poem. This is a fun activity that my students can do in a center. It's all about creating poems with the integration of graphics. Students can add many colorful graphics to their poem and even record their voice. The text can be shaped to what the poem is talking about. Students create a slide show as their final product. This is a fun and unique way to get kids motivated on writing poetry.
The second one I viewed was titled a Picture Perfect Slide show and was also Language Arts 3rd-5th grade. The lesson gave an example of a Picture Perfect Alphabet using Comic Life and Photo Story application. It even gave you a tip on how to download a resource packet that can be imported directly into Photo Story. Even though this project covered ELA, it could easily be modified for other subject areas.
Monday, February 1, 2010
First Jing!
One my reading centers consists of student listening to stories on tumblebooks.com. It is a great site for students, but my students were taking too long on fiding a book to read. Jing came to my mind immediately! I went on Tumblebooks.com and captured exactly where my students had to go on to find their reading level. This will help them log on, and get started immediately!
EDU 6486 FIRST FACE TO FACE!
WOW! After Saturday's first face to face meeting I left feeling still a little overwhelmed, but at the same time feeling like I am really going to become a pro at these new programs that I have been wanting to explore!
I just downloaded Jing, and I am still playing around with it to get the hang of it. I can really see my students enjoying it, but at the same time I'm not sure how I can integrate into one of my lessons. I'm hoping that after I get the hang of it, it will come to me!
The most exciting part is knowing that I will soon be creating my own website. This is something that I have been wanting to do, and now I will have to make the time for it. My students and their parents will really benefit from it. I think it will create a stronger connection between my class and their home.
Overall, I am looking forward to learning all the new technology programs, and becoming an expert at them!
I just downloaded Jing, and I am still playing around with it to get the hang of it. I can really see my students enjoying it, but at the same time I'm not sure how I can integrate into one of my lessons. I'm hoping that after I get the hang of it, it will come to me!
The most exciting part is knowing that I will soon be creating my own website. This is something that I have been wanting to do, and now I will have to make the time for it. My students and their parents will really benefit from it. I think it will create a stronger connection between my class and their home.
Overall, I am looking forward to learning all the new technology programs, and becoming an expert at them!
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