BP18_2009113_Week3_Reflective_Media_Asset

BP17_2009113_Web_2.0_Tool_bubbl.us

Being a science teacher, writing and organizing is often apart of my instruction and lessons. Although students practice these techniques in Language Arts, they often forget that skills do transfer across the curriculum ("Why do we need to write in science?"). I found this bubbl.us tool that allows students to prepare for writing assignments by organizing their thoughts/paragraphs for essays via concept maps. This tool is so easy to use (yes, it is free also) for teachers and students. The help tool allows you step by step, in the moment assistance to make the process painless and fun! The bubbles are labelled as 'family' members to distinguish between them. You can create a child or sibling balloon depending on where you click on your original bubble. You can also control other aspects of the bubble from the original bubble as well. Did I say easy and fun already?

The user can also collaborate on concept maps in addition to share work with others (so no need for teachers to recreate something that has already been made). I have made a concept map for Cells and asked that the students use the words in a reflective writing assignment on what we've covered.

The next assignment will be that they use this tool to organize their thoughts for an essay on a science article/prompt from USAToday.com as I have partnered with them to get students to read in science.

Here is a link to an article sample that I would have them use. http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/0711-identical_twins_identical_problems.htm

They are used to writing their responses on paper, however this would be much more efficient, easy to access, cut down on clutter and allow them to share with as many people as they like.

I am going to have fun with this as well as share it with the reading and language arts teachers in my building.

BP16_2009113_Response:Blog_Tech-Tools_CN

BP2_20091101_Getting_Started_With_Blogger

As one of the Web 2.0 tools, blogs can be use in classroom environment as an educational tool. There are many ways that a blog can be beneficial. As a technology teacher I encourage blogs in the learning environment because it provides excellent opportunities for students to read and write it opens the doors for student discussion about a certain topic. It gives the students the opportunity to apply critical thinking skills. With a blog, people have an equal opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on a regular basis.

Blogs provide a space where teachers and students can work together to develop academic skills. Teachers can offer instructional suggestions; positive feedback and students can practice and benefit from peer review.

In my school we run different types of blogs, an example of that is a Class blog that serves as a communication portal between the teacher and the student. These types of blogs are being used to inform students of class rules, homework assignments, and they also act as a question and answer board. A class blog opens a window of opportunity for students to talk about topics outside of the classroom. Students have the opportunity to be reactive and reflective to one another. Students even may collaborate with students from other classes or other schools to complete an interactive project or to get feedback from other students. In a class blog the teacher can create a showcase of students work and the students can reflect on their own work.

BP15_2009113_Response:Blog_Modern_Learning

bp12_2009112_Flickr

Flickr Fun Storytelling.

In Kid's Church, I often taken my students outside to observe God's creation. They use their eyes to observe unique things about His creation, point those things out, and then come back to the classroom for further discussion about the significance of those things through God's word. I think it would be incredibly powerful, and much more fun for my young learners to capture the beauty that they're seeing with a digital camera and come back to the computers in our classroom to upload and share their digital pictures.

Instead of having the students go home with color sheets, it would be great to have all the students work together to create one magnificent digital storybook! Then, we could work with the church to perhaps embed a link on our church web site for the students to really show off their work.

I've found a resource for learning how to create a digital storybook from flickr images, which we could use to make this happen. Clickhere or on this link to view tutorials.

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. I believe that encouraging students to capture, organize, and share pictures that they've taken is a great way to engage, and solidify learning. The same way students have for decades processed stories by drawing or coloring images on a page, flickr picture books can become a great, modern way for students to create their own picture books reflections, and share their perspectives with the world!

As an extension to this, I want to note that in Kim Heumann's post about new Web 2.0 technology she discusses ebooks, which is yet another great way to incorporate pictures into the classroom:

The pictures are a great starting place for a brainstorming session to create a short story to match the illustrations. During our reading lessons we always take a picture walk of the books we read together, but also as part of something else we do instead of centers, I teach my students to read the pictures of a book. For the students who can’t read yet, reading the pictures really empowers them. This would be something that every student would be able to contribute to.

Image used by permission, Jupiter Images, Inc.

BP14_2009113_Post_Response:Review_of_Carrie_Keebler's_Web_2.0_Tool_"Xtranormal"

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009

BP15_2009113_Peer Review of Carrie Keebler's Web 2.0 Tool "Xtranormal"

There are so many Web 2.0 tools and applications available, it can be overwhelming finding tools that will work in the classroom. However, after sifting through the numerous Web 2.0 choices, I discovered an application I am excited to use in my classroom.

Xtranormal is a text to video program that can help students think critically about writing. Basically, the program allows the user to type a script for one or two people, and then the site animates the text. When the program starts it allows the user to choose the number of characters in the movie (one or two), the way the characters will look, and the setting of the movie. After the basics have been chosen, the user can then go on to type the script, choose camera angles, change character voices, and determine different types of animation for the film.

The educational benefits of this program are far reaching. Xtranormal forces the user to think about the script they are writing. What is the purpose of the movie? Who will be viewing the final product? How will the users know they have accomplished their goal for the film? These are questions I would hope my students would think about when they are writing.

Other educational benefits of Xtranormal could extend beyond Language Arts. Social Studies teachers might use the program to have students explain a famous historical figure. Math teachers could have students create a film that explains how to solve a specific math problem. Science teachers could use the program to have students explain different types of rocks. The possibilities are endless.
Posted by Carrie Kleber at 9:57 PM

cmills said...
Carrie,

Based on you review of Xtranormal I will check it out as a possible tool for my classes. I teach Video Graphics and it sounds like a program my students would like. I am also looking for ways to incorporate more writing in my curriculum and it sounds like Xtranormal would provide that opportunity as well.

Sheryl Floyd also commented that she might use it in her Video class. This is all the more reason why I am going to check it out. Thanks!

November 11, 2009 5:22 PM

BP13_2009113_Post_Response:FSO_Grad-Student_Chronicles

Saturday, November 14, 2009

BP11_20091114_Web 2.0: KerPoof

Web 2.0 is transforming the possibilities in education for students in today's classroom on all levels of our educational system. The Web 2.0 tool that peaked my interest this week was Disney's KerPoof Studio. This website was designed to provide children and students educationally stimulating activities. There are places to create stories using story starter idea boards, create movies, draw and much more.

Teacher's can also create an account with KerPoof Studio and use it as a tool within the classroom. By creating a teacher account educators can access and share lesson plans that have been designed to utilize in conjunction with the tools on KerPoof. Seven states have their standards posted on the site as well as the National Technology Standards for students.

I have already set up an account with KerPoof and have set up a class list for my students. I am planning activities now for them to do. I will be able to check on each student's activity progress. I think I may also use this site for our after-school program. I would like to help the students create movies and this site provides an elementary version movie making program.

I look forward to utilizing KerPoof and many other web tools into my grad school studies and classroom practices. Diversifying my lessons can provided a more exciting learning experience and help the students become more involved and interested in their lessons.

BP12_2009113_Post_Response_FSO_Grad-Student_Chronicles

Sunday, November 8, 2009

BP8_20091108_Web 2.0: Survey Monkey

Getting to know 20+ students each school year is a challenge. I try to find out something about each one as the school year goes along. Some things I find out late in the school year that would be helpful to know at the beginning of the year.There are lots of getting to know you games and ice breakers that help get the kids out of their shells a little bit at the beginning of the year but the knowledge of who the kids really are is still a mystery. I was thinking of how I could get to know more info about the kids without having to take up a large amount of class time to do it and I thought that a survey would be a good way to find out about the kids.

I created a survey in my last course and thought that it could be a beneficial tool to use to get to know my students more quickly at the beginning of the year.The Web 2.0 tool I liked was Survey Monkey. It allows you to create a survey very easily and quickly. You can create your own questions, design your own rating system and provide a space for comments as often as you would like throughout the survey.

My idea:

My plan is to begin thinking of things that I would like to know about my students early in the school year so that I am better able to address their needs. I would include things like who they live with, how much they like school, etc. I would then take a look at the information I’ve gathered and use it as a way to connect with the kids early in the school year.

Future idea:

I think creating a survey for my parents to complete may help me create a better home/school connection.If I designed a survey asking parents what they expect for the school year, how they feel about school, etc I can better connect with the parents of my students and in turn hopefully create a better working relationship with the families.

BP11_2009113_Response:...The Beginning.SAPP HD

BusinessCard 2

When preparing students for life in the corporate world, there are so many small details that simply get overlooked. One of these details is the importance of networking and making strong and valid business connections. With only two years under my belt in the corporate world, I have learned that one of the greatest (and oldest) ways to make contacts is through the use of business cards.

It is always a good idea to keep a few tastefully designed business cards on you at all times. You never know who you maymeet, and how they may be beneficial to your professional life.

While having business cards readily available is the old fashioned way of networking, there is a new web 2.0 tool called BusinessCard 2 which allows you to create and share virtual business cards.

This tool would be great to utilize at the high school or undergraduate levels to teach students how to market themselves in the best way possible. Each student in the class would be responsible for creating a business card, and sharing it with the rest of their classmates. Once the virtual business cards had been shared, student would then critique one another on style, design, layout, etc.

This lesson provides the opportunity to teach students that in business, reputation is everything. You have to know how to market yourself, in order to become successful.

BP10_2009113_Response:Blog_Roxanne_Magic.Pen

Magic Pen is a web 2.0 flash game that works like a brainteaser. It is a physics-based puzzle playground created by Alejandro Guillen. Using the mouse, players draw shapes with a crayon to get a red ball across the screen toward a flag. In order for the players to accomplish this, players must draw bridges and other shapes to get the red ball to move toward its destination. Any shapes can be drawn anywhere to make this possible. Players can even use pins and hinges to connect shapes to get them to swing and move other shapes.

This game is addictive! The shapes are affected by gravity, friction and inactivity. You must understand how physics works in order to complete the task. Once you draw an object it is set in motion. It is extremely challenging. I tried testing out the game and the next thing I knew an hour had passed. I wasn’t even far in the game but was enjoying the challenge. This game can get the students to use their critical thinking skills to move on to the next level of the game. I can see teachers, like myself, using this game as a reward for students who have completed a project early. Play now! http://magic.pen.fizzlebot.com/

Dedra said...

Roxanne,

Even though I am a middle school teacher and this seems like something that would appeal to elementary school, I think my students would love it! It would be a simple was to teach and add to lessons of physical science for 8th graders as they have to work with Simple Machines. In that Unit, they will have to make, and develop an understanding for how simple machines work within their everyday world and have to build simple and compound machines as projects in class. I am interested in using this tool to see how 8th graders use it. I am sure they will come up with better ideas than us teachers on how to use it and what will be interesting for kids.

Thanks for sharing.

November 14, 2009 4:17 PM

Dedra said...

Also in 8th grade we study gravity and friction. This is a great choice or reward activity that keeps the learning going for my students even after the regular part of class. My middle schoolers are so competitive that they will get all into this. We may have to devise a way of score keeping so that there is a prize for the student or class that reaches a certain level.

This is great!

November 14, 2009 4:22 PM

BP9_2009113_Response:Educating_With_Web2.0_Tools

Please check out this site and if you can not use it, pass it along to one of your colleagues who can:

www.ubidesk.com

Dedra said...

Kaye,

I really like this tool as one of the things my students complain about the most with group work is everyone not doing their share. I will play with this some more this weekend and see how to try it out in class next week as we will be gearing up for another project. Thanks for sharing this tool!

November 14, 2009 4:06 PM

BP8_2009113_Response:Camshaft_CM

BP14_2009113_Web 2.0 Tool_Comic Strip Creator

I have spent countless hours scouring the Internet for Web 2.0 tools.The Emergent Technologies in a Collaborative Culture (ETC) course requires researching and blogging about Web 2.0 tools but my motivation for locating excellent tools goes beyond the requirements of this course. My Action Research project draws upon Web 2.0 tools and the introduction of several of them to my students. Additionally, having extra tools in the teacher’s toolkit is a good thing. I have had a lot of fun researching, experimenting with and evaluating these tools.

I have always been intrigued by comic books. Growing up, my older brothers had quite the collection of Superman, Batman and the Archies. I wanted to find some type of a comic strip layout tool I could introduce to my classes. I teach Video Graphics and I am looking for small interesting projects that include a writing component. A short comic strip about school life just might be something the students are interested in.

In researching the Web I found several different comic strip tools. Most were not free so that caused me to move in another direction. I did find one that I think meets the needs of this particular project. It is called Comic Strip Creator. It is available as a free download but works only with Windows. Since there is only one Mac computer in my entire school (a loaner from Apple), this will not be a problem. After downloading the program I could not get it to work. I sent the company an email and they responded the next day saying I needed to “turn off” any anti virus software installed on the computer. It installed like a dream after I did this.

Comic Strip Creator is great. I laid out this comic strip in about 3 minutes. In addition to downloading the program, there is also a download for clip art and backgrounds. I used both of them in this example. And finally, a word to the wise… be careful when searching for the site. The correct url is listed below. Changing the .org to .com may “strip” you of all rights as a teacher!

http://www.comicstripcreator.org/

BP7_2009112_Reflective_Medial_Assest_Dabbleboard

BP6_2009112_The_Practice_of_Social_Bookmarking

The practice of social bookmarking is new for many of us as I know I had not heard about it until this assignment. As much as I like to make list and bookmark, as a means to keep up with links and make them readily accessible, this is a blessing! I was not sure what to think with a name like 'Delicious' what one might find. As I continue to do the lessons and explore, I am finding that there are thousands of sites out there just waiting to be discovered and possibly send my mind into overload!

I must say that I struggled with this particular assignment for several reasons. The first being something that sounds so silly but was very relevant in my world and how I learn-the name. Everything has a meaning or an association and as we continue along this path of virtually endless discovery of web-based information, we come across very interesting and useful sites with colorful names. Well, this one I just did not get. What does Delicious stand for? Well, since I am one that loves bookmaking to save great sites for later, I figured I should love this new method or application of sorts. Well, when I started researching for articles for my Action Research Project and came across many a great article and found that lots had the delicious logo option for bookmaking right on their homepage, I was impressed and sold on the idea.

Through my research I have found numerous ways in which social bookmarking can be of use for educators and learners alike. First of all, it is a great way for both to organize their search by being able to send their favorites all to the same place to be noted and with the same system and ease (since a lot of the information has Delicious as an option for bookmarking). It also allows for a person to tag information a certain way that is consistent with their style for consistency and for classifying of sorts things that are similar. In addition to that, it allows the learner and educator to share from any computer, files and favorites with each other and the rest of the digital world. This is perhaps the biggest and best assets this application has to offer. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is for someone like me who has bookmarked some great information and yet cannot access it from any location other than the computer you originally used. This is limiting and most frustrating part about the regular way of bookmarking.

There were several sites that touched on the benefits of social bookmarking and I will give a brief overview below:

In the article, “What is Social Bookmarking and How Can It Help Me?” It reintegrated that the benefits are that you can save your favorite websites and send them to your friends in addition to being able to compare with as many others as you would like to see what is interesting, most popular, and best suited for what you are looking for. It also gives you a means to connect and dialog with people that have like interests to expand your learning community. IT is also a very powerful search engine. It has a lot of good information to check out for more detail that.

Another great resource I found using the social bookmarking search was “Serve 2.0 Resources Wiki”. This site was the most organized seemingly overwhelming site I have ever liked! There is so much to choose from on the front page, however it is all very orderly and has purpose and function. Things are organized b type, function, resource, & project with a side bar that helps you maneuvers through all the pages along with recent activity for quick reference. I like it because the site was created to share ideas specifically on how to utilize and thus share social media (Web 2.0), to encourage student service and civic engagement on college campuses. It is a Wiki site itself and I of course want to use it for middle school. They take contributions and I am sure that I will both, find suitable material for my middle schoolers on this site as well as be able to make suggestions to get the material that is already there adapted to meet the needs of my students. This looks like fun to play around and get to know. I already have identified (I feel so informed!) several items on the Type list, like Blogs, Facebook, Google Docs, Group Email Lists, Ning, Photo Sharing, Podcasts, RSS, Second Life, SlideShare, Social Bookmarking, YouTube, Twitter, and sooo many more! There is a purpose for all that we are being exposed to in this journey. How it will all shape up differently for each of us will be interesting to see. Until then, a-blogging I will go!

The third piece of supporting info was actually an article on “Taking the Social Networking Plunge”. The article was very interesting in that is talks about how during the sluggish times of the job market how important it is to be up on all the tools that will help with personal and professional networking. Several suggestions for networking were tossed out there, however LInkedIn was on the top of the list, right there with good old-fashioned networking. It stated how the sites allow you to showcase your experience and achievements to more than just the immediate group you are around or encounter. Twillter was another one that was talked about as a great distribution tool. This can be a great way to give almost real time updates about what is going on with you as well as making you then the learner able share and retrieve info much faster which can be very helpful in this competitive market for jobs and such and help one develop strategic partnerships worldwide.

Nations.D, About.com Social Bookmarking 101 - What is Social Bookmarking and How Can It Help Me? Retrieved Nov.7.http://webtrends.about.com/od/socialbookmarking101/p/aboutsocialtags.htm

Hackett.B.Serve 2.0 Resources Wiki.The Serve 2.0 InLearn & Serve America: Higher Education

program of the Corporation for National & Community Service. Retrieved Nov7,09.

http://serve.pbworks.com/

ALBOHER.M. Taking the Social Networking Plunge. Retrieved Nov7.09. October 13, 2008,

http://shiftingcareers.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/taking-the-social-networking-plunge/