I’ve embraced the unfamiliar and it has made a positive impact on my teaching. Thank you!
1.What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? Discovering the tools available has been a real eye opener. Zoho Writer, Image Generators and YouTube top the list for me.
2.How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? This program has empowered me to help my students and colleagues to be challenged and successful in new ways. I want to keep up with what I have started and continue to grow and learn. “I’ve only just begun!”
3.Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? I was surprised by the vast amount of free tools available. I also didn’t think that early elementary students could benefit from many of the applications, I was wrong.
4.What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? I would have liked to have access to a blog or forum to see the successes and questions and struggles others experienced. The team was always just an email away; however, a forum to “chat” with the class would have been helpful.
5.If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? Most definitely. It is important for the LMS to stay current with technology.
6.How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote CSLA learning activities?
One word: Empowered!
One Sentence: I have added new tools to my “toolkit” that will enable me to
continue to challenge and empower my students and colleagues.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Week 9: Thing 22
Downloading books to either read or to listen to is a wonderful option for learners of all ages. Two sites that I particularly liked were:
Best places to get free books
Word Public Library
http://worldlibrary.net/
and
Guttenberg Project Top 100
http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/scores/top
LibriVox was the most interesting. The opportunity for students to listen to books adds a new dimension to literacy. However, there is noting like "snuggling" up with a good book.
Best places to get free books
Word Public Library
http://worldlibrary.net/
and
Guttenberg Project Top 100
http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/scores/top
LibriVox was the most interesting. The opportunity for students to listen to books adds a new dimension to literacy. However, there is noting like "snuggling" up with a good book.
Week 9: Thing #21
I explored the different Podcast site. At Podcast Alley I discovered Book Bites for Kids. This was easily found by searching for "children's book reviews." Subscribing on Bloglines was a breeze. I found a http:// www.ischool.net.au "Rat Rap". I would use this as an example with my students and then see what it leads too. Being more visual, I'm not a fan of the podcast, however, I can see their use in the classroom.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Week 8: Thing 19
Library Thing:
I have spent hours and feel like I just skimmed the surface of this online tool. I enjoyed reading reviews from other users of books. Looking at lists of other users who have similar tastes can lead to titles that may be of interest. I did the Library Thing tour, and the FAQs. Exploring tags was fun and that’s where I got “lost in time”. I was impressed with the variety of ways to search for and then import titles into your own library. Another feature that will be beneficial to use with my students and staff is the suggested readings based on what has been read. I added five titles to my library and posted them on my blog.
I have spent hours and feel like I just skimmed the surface of this online tool. I enjoyed reading reviews from other users of books. Looking at lists of other users who have similar tastes can lead to titles that may be of interest. I did the Library Thing tour, and the FAQs. Exploring tags was fun and that’s where I got “lost in time”. I was impressed with the variety of ways to search for and then import titles into your own library. Another feature that will be beneficial to use with my students and staff is the suggested readings based on what has been read. I added five titles to my library and posted them on my blog.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Week 8: Thing 18
Week 8: Thing 18
Online Applications:
I have used Google Docs with a group when rewriting by-laws for a Field Hockey Booster club. I liked the application better than Microsoft word. However, after exploring Zoho Writer, the applications available out-weigh Google Docs in my opinion. I am going to suggest that we use this when writing our information literacy/library curriculum over the summer. No more emailing files from home or school. The Zoho Show, online presentation tool is the next best thing to “sliced bread”. Having a ppt accessible without the flash drive is the BEST! I can’t wait to use this.
Online Applications:
I have used Google Docs with a group when rewriting by-laws for a Field Hockey Booster club. I liked the application better than Microsoft word. However, after exploring Zoho Writer, the applications available out-weigh Google Docs in my opinion. I am going to suggest that we use this when writing our information literacy/library curriculum over the summer. No more emailing files from home or school. The Zoho Show, online presentation tool is the next best thing to “sliced bread”. Having a ppt accessible without the flash drive is the BEST! I can’t wait to use this.
Week 7: Thing 16, 17
Week 7: Thing 16
I read over the suggested links for this exercise. I have to admit I was not a supporter of wikis, I thought that the information on the wikis was unreliable because anybody can put anything on it. After reading about wikis and exploring the sites in this exercise, I found out that a post can be edited by others who usually will correct erroneous information. There are some wikis that can only be available for editing and posting to registered members. This would be the best bet for school use. As a result of this exercise, I have changed my views. Wikis can be a very effective tool. I was most impressed with how wikis can be used to foster learning groups through collaboration. With the proper leadership and mentoring from the teacher, these groups provide guidance in content connections as well as helping to develop techniques of learning that can be simulated in other settings.
Week 7: Thing 17
The PA Curriculum Connection is one of the BEST resources I have discovered during this course. I did successfully add a comment. Thanks for setting this up Crystal. I will be visiting often!
I read over the suggested links for this exercise. I have to admit I was not a supporter of wikis, I thought that the information on the wikis was unreliable because anybody can put anything on it. After reading about wikis and exploring the sites in this exercise, I found out that a post can be edited by others who usually will correct erroneous information. There are some wikis that can only be available for editing and posting to registered members. This would be the best bet for school use. As a result of this exercise, I have changed my views. Wikis can be a very effective tool. I was most impressed with how wikis can be used to foster learning groups through collaboration. With the proper leadership and mentoring from the teacher, these groups provide guidance in content connections as well as helping to develop techniques of learning that can be simulated in other settings.
Week 7: Thing 17
The PA Curriculum Connection is one of the BEST resources I have discovered during this course. I did successfully add a comment. Thanks for setting this up Crystal. I will be visiting often!
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