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.

Googledocs

I have never used Googledocs before until EDTC 5010- Computers in Education. I love Googledocs now! I really enjoy using this more than Microsoft Office. I have used it to create a presentation, text document, and a database. It is so nice to be able to use Googledocs from any computer. I do not have to worry about whether I have a flash drive to save my information. It does it for me! I highly recommend using Googledocs. Love it!!

Animal Rocks

I purchased a Rock Painting kit for my students. We finally got around to painting rocks on Friday. I had no idea how much my students would enjoy this activity. They went through the book to decide on what animal they were going to create. One student decided he would create his own animal that was not in the book. I think this is a cute activity and we can even incorporate Science and Technology. For Science, the students can research the animal they decided to create and write about their animal. For technology, the students can research and then create a video explaining their animal. My students was to create a video. I think I will let them lead this to see what they create. This should be fun and interesting.

St. Patrick's Day 2011

This year for St. Patrick's Day we had to change our plans. We were going to to do geocaching for leprechaun gold, but it was too cloud for the satellites to connect with the devices. So we improvised! We went on a treasure hunt looking for items and finding clues. While we were at lunch, the leprechaun made a mess in our classroom. None of us caught him with the traps he made. Oh well, maybe next year.

Can we say DINOSAURS? These are the two computers that I have in my classroom. They are so slow! My students will turn these on at the beginning of our school day so they will be ready when we use them. They love working on the computers and I would love to have newer ones for them. Anytime I can incorporate technology in my lessons, I do! The students are amazed with technology.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!!

Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2) is a big deal in elementary school. It is Read Across America day. Some classes spend all day reading in their pajamas. This year, my class, read Dr. Seuss books and completed many activities. I made Thing 1 and Thing 2 cupcakes for our class and Ms. Manning's class. We also made "Moose Juice," which is a mixture of Orange Sherbert, Orange Juice, banana, and a little vanilla. The students actually tasted the "Moose Juice." The students also designed their own wacky hats to be like "the Cat in the Hat." We closed the day with the book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go." I really like this book, plus I tell my students they can go anywhere and do anything, as long as they try their best!

SMART Table

Today was a great day! I loaded a new "game" on the SMART table today for my students. I say its a game, because my students (all boys) would rather hear that and not a "learning activity." I really enjoy watching the students work on the table. They work together and compliment each other when they get a correct answer.

NETS-T National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers

There are many terms used today to describe how well people know technology: Technology-Savvy, Dinosaur (my dad says he is a dinosaur when it comes to technology), Technology Immigrant, and Technology Native. I am a technology immigrant since I was introduced to all of the new-age technology later. In middle school, I attended "Computer Camp." This was very special because only a select few were able to attend because computers were so new. In high school, I took the class "Keyboarding" as an elective. We learned how to type on the typewriter since my high school did not have a computer lab. Today, there are computers in every classroom. Some classes have SMART boards in the place of chalkboards. The students today are technology natives-they are growing up with technology.

I love technology and using it in my class. I love to learn new things and ideas to use in my classroom. Currently, our school has SmartBoards in 2 grade levels, 1 SMART Table, Mimios, Digital cameras, document cameras, and Neos. I teach in a separate setting grades 2nd-5th. We have 1 newer computer and 2 very old computers. This year, we got a Mimio to use in our class. The Mimio is fantastic. The students love to use it and are actively engaged in the lessons. We also have the SMART table in my classroom. We got this by luck! It was being housed in the library. When the book fair came in the Fall, they needed some place for the SMART table. They asked my class! Of course we said, "Yes!" The students love to "play" on the SMART table. Recently, I have learned how to save new lessons/activities to the SMART table. Last year, I attended several days of QTL training (Quality Teacher and Learning). We learned a lot of new technology to use in our classes. It was the best training (hands-on) for technology that I have been to since I started teaching. This training it was taught me how to use geo-caching in my classroom.

Looking at the NETS-T, I work on all of the standards in my classroom. I facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. I think this standard is the one I do the most. I try to incorporate technology in my lessons. Even on field trips, for example, I gave my two fourth graders a disposable digital camera to take pictures of thier zoo field trip. I believe another standard I work on often is: Engage in professional growth and leadership. We are always working closely with our technology facilitator and participating in staff development on technology. I believe by working on these two standards, I model digital-age work and learning (Standard 3). Recently, the RTI specialist came into my class and helped me assess my students using the Discovery Education Assessment (DEA). This is the 2nd standard: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments. I believe everytime my students are using technology, I am working on this standard. Everytime we use technology, I am always assessing, whether its by observing, getting a student's score/report on an activity, etc. I believe the one that I am constantly working on is Standard 4- Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility. Since technology is always changing, so are the interactions and other information. This standard is very important. Especially with all of the cyber-bullying that is going on in today's society. Students needs to know the etiquette for using technology. I would like to learn more ideas on how to develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness using technology.

I will always be working on these standards in my classroom since technology is always changing. As it changes, we will be teaching our students and developing plans to use the technology. Technology has advanced and because of this, special education students have been able to advance.

Just an idea if anyone is interested.....Go geocaching for Leprechaun gold!!! Last year, my class went geocaching for Leprechaun gold. We had several different points where items were hidden. The final point was the Leprechaun's gold!! The students loved it!! When we came back into the classroom, the Leprechaun had visited and made a mess!!!!!!!

My students using the SMART table we have in our classroom. I am excited because I have just learned how to upload new activities on the SMART table. I can now find activities that go along with the lessons I am teaching.