Monday, January 25, 2010
BP9_2010013_Web2.0T3_SchoolNotes
The Web 2.0 tool that I would like to share is SchoolNotes.com. SchoolNotes.com is a tool that keeps parents, teachers, and students on the same page and right track. SchoolNotes.com is a free site that allows teachers to post what their classes will be working on, as well as, homework for the week. Once a teacher has registered, they have the capability to email parents to let them know that they are registered with SchoolNotes. To find a teacher, the parent only needs the teacher's name and the school's zip code. The teachers of the school are listed alphabetically. They simply click on their child's teacher and the page comes up. Teachers can attach worksheets, post due dates to the calendar, and create flash cards. It is very simple for students to use SchoolNotes as well. SchoolNotes.com also allows teachers to view what other teachers are doing. Another wonderful feature of SchoolNotes is that it notifies anyone subscribed to your page, via email, when the page is updated. No more wondering what was for homework or when a project is due. SchoolNotes.com is a great linking tool to keep parents informed as to what is being taught in the classroom, as well as, what assignments and/or projects are due and when they are due. There is also the email option if there are questions about anything posted on the page. Teachers receive an email titled, "You received a message from a SchoolNotes.com visitor". SchoolNotes.com is a great way to keep in contact with parents. I wish it had been available when I was a student.
Monday, January 18, 2010
BP5_2010012_Web2.0T2_Penzu
The second Web 2.0 tool I have decided to research is Penzu. Penzu is an online journal site. One factor that I am impressed with in using Penzu is the ability to keep the journal private or share with others. My students are middle schoolers and many of them have younger brothers and sisters. This online journal will allow them to express themselves without fear of little brother or sister getting to it and destroying it. Journal pages in Penzu can also be printed. There is also the option of adding a photo.
I will be incorporating Penzu in my classroom. Our school is taking part in a Science in Action Project. We recently completed our first project; which was packaging and distributing food to the homeless and low income of Columbus. I was going to have the students write essays on the experience. Now that I have discovered Penzu I want them to keep an online journal about the experiences they have while participating in the service-learning projects. Many of the students expressed that they would like to do it again. If they would like to share their journal entry, I am going to print it and have it published in the school newspaper and on our school's website. I believe this will encourage those who did not participate this time to do so next time. I will also be personally using Penzu. I will be documenting my journey of ups and downs in pursuit of this Masters. I love the fact that Penzu can be used by children and adults alike.
Monday, January 11, 2010
BP4_2010011_RSSFeeds
The 5 RSS feeds I chose to follow are:
1. White House.gov Press Office feed: As a teacher it is important to stay abreast of what is happening in our Nation and world. I chose this feed because it keeps me informed as to what is going on in the White House.
2. Upcoming Events for Columbus GA: This feed keeps me informed as to what events are happening in my local community. This feed address everything from school events, to council meetings, to local entertainment.
3. The NSTA Learning Center: I am a science teacher and this feed offers helpful tools in being successful in the classroom, as well as, how to implement the standards. It offers professional development opportunities as well.
4. National Science Education: This feed provides updated information on advances being made in the field of science. I look for the teachable moments. This feed allows me to have those moments with my students.
5. Most Recent Teach Positions: I am interested in teaching abroad. This feed lists the most recent postings of teaching opportunities to their www.teachabroad.com site.
BP3_2010011_Web2.0T1-Wordle
The Web 2.0 tool I chose to use was Wordle. Wordle allows the user to type words and the program arranges those words in different patterns. I created a collage of geology words that can be used to help my students grasp the concept of pangaea. This tool allows me to be creative in presenting vocabulary words to my students, instead of them having simple word lists.
There are several ways Wordle can be used in the classroom. The Wordle document can be enlarged and used as an interactive word wall. The students could write the definitions to the words on index cards and attach them to the correct word. I have already incorporated in my classroom a vocabulary game called "Swat". The students are divided into two teams and listen to definitions and try to swat the correct answer choice. Using Wordle will add a bit of a challenge because the students would have to locate the word in the group, being that the words are jumbled together, as opposed to having 4 multiple choice. The students can also use Wordle as an index to words they have defined or as a self review in preparing for a test.
I am glad that I found this tool and will be using it in my classroom.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Starting Anew
This is week one of my new course. It seems to be another adventure. I recently made my first video with transitions and sound effects. I was really impressed with what I have been able to accomplish in this short period of time. The weeks are flying by. I am glad that each class builds upon the last while introducing a new technique or concept.
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