Review of I-Pad apps

I wanted to share this link http://techlibraryclassroom.blogspot.com/2011/04/ipad-apps-to-love.html It is a great blog on technology. This post in particular is one on I-Pad apps and using them in the classroom. This post makes me want an I-Pad to use in my class. I love the "I Write Words" handwriting app. I better get busy writing grants!

EDTC 5010

This class, EDTC 5010 Computers in Education, has been very informative and an eye-opener. This has be an eye-opener for me, because I didn't think I could learn so much from an online class. I have learned how to create a web page, blog, database, and spreadsheet in this class. I have never used Googledocs before this class. I actually enjoy using this more than Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. I like being able to work on a document from any computer. I don't have to worry about saving it on a flash drive in order to work from other computers. This class has also allowed me to collaborate with other students. Using Centra, was also new to me. I enjoyed "meeting" in our classes on Tuesday (and Thursday) nights. (My group met on Thursdays). It was a learning experience for me. This class has really opened my eyes to technology. I have used technology this year more than previous years. I have enjoyed the website and software reviews. I use these reviews to help decide what to use in my classroom. I enjoy reading other classmates' reviews and bookmarking them so I can use them in my classroom. The class, Computers in Education, has taught me so many new things. I look forward to using many of these ideas in my classroom.

Geocaching---again!

We have been geocaching again! My students love to do this! They follow the directions the GPS tells them to go. They get so excited when they find the hidden object. We invite the preschool class to come along. My students love to show the younger students how to geocache. I enjoy watching them teach the preschool students and giving them the chance to find the surprise. Geocaching teaches students math skills (counting steps), following directions, and working together. We always incorporate a book to go along with the "treasure" we are finding. This week, the students will be having their Easter Egg hunt, geocache style! It will be egg-citing.

Technology Blog

http://blog.4teachers.org/

This is a great blog for teachers. It has many great ideas, activities, and links for teachers to incorporate technology in their classrooms. One thing I really like is the "Site of the Week." I have already used several of their sites for my classroom.

EXTEND 2 Trials

My students have been involved in EXTEND 2 (alternate assessment) trials. The trial tests are completed on the computer. At the end of the test, the students are given a survey. The survey has questions asking do the students like the computer test or the paper/pencil test. All of the students who took this test selected the computer. My students were excited to take this test on the computer. The paper/pencil test brings them more anxiety. It was really interesting watching my students navigate through the test. I read the test to them if it was math or science (and they received read aloud). Before the students take the test, they are given directions to tell them how to use the buttons and move through the test. My students seemed more comfortable with the computer test more so than the paper/pencil way. I believe that in the next couple years, all of the high stakes testing will be given on the computer.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park Webcams

My class loves to watch the different animals on the webcams at the Smithsonian Zoo. We watched the animals everyday (for a few minutes) for a week. I had my students write on a Post-It note, their favorite animal they observed. I assigned their favorite animals to them as a project. They used the Internet to find interesting information about the animals. They created a project using Microsoft word to type their information. We found pictures on the Internet and printed them off. When the project was complete, each student had an animal with interesting facts and pictures. My students even go on their own time to check out animals at the zoo.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/WebCams/default.cfm

This is the website if you would like to check it out.

Databases and Spreadsheets

Two of our class projects are to create a database and a spreadsheet. A database stores information and a spreadsheet calculates information. Programs such as MS Access and MS Works can be used to create a database. I created a database to use in my classroom. My database contains information on my students, their annual review dates, and their reevaluation due dates. I have also included whether or not they receive any related services. I plan to create a database to help keep track of whether my students receive their related services on their assigned days. Programs such as MS Excel or Googledocs can be used to create spreadsheets. his was the first time I have ever used Googledocs to create a spreadsheet. I believe it was easier to use than MS Excel. I create a spreadsheet to calculate grades in my class. This is an easy way for teachers to keep a grade book.