Monday, July 23, 2012
Web Technology Course
I am just finishing up a web technology for teachers course through the Professional Learning Board web site. I am happy to say that I have learned a ton about how much is out there that teachers can take advantage of in order to integrate technology in and out of the classroom. Beyond simply creating enormous collaboration opportunities for professionals and for students, the technology I learned about through this course opened a whole new world of classroom resources that will only enhance my teaching! The tools for creating a twenty first century classroom/education are right at my fingertips I just need to put them to use. For instance, the Diigo.com site and the tools it offers provide the perfect place to share student work and research for peer review, editing, or discussion. As well, I am already putting it to good use for bookmarking useful sites. Some of the other resources that I will definitely be utilizing are Google Docs, Google Earth, Google Reader, ToonDoo (or an alternate comic strip site), and the multiple blogs that I now know how to access. I am still not sure if Twittter will be of great use to me, but I am still willing to give it a chance and see where it takes me. All in all, I learned how to access these and other resources and use them on a beginners level and now I have the confidence to build on my understanding and make them useful tools as an educator.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Google Docs & Voicethread
A couple of ideas on using Google Docs and/or Voicethread to enhance your lessons.
In my AP US History class we do an in class activity called Four Square where students are given a prompt (historically debatable point) and have to choose, after a brief consideration period, whether they Strongly Agree, Agree, Strongly Disagree, or Disagree. Then, they spend about fifteen minutes compiling their evidence that supports their position and finally debate the prompt. Of course, with this method the students have already worked with the material at hand, possibly in numerous ways, and thus should be able to provide a solid argument with the time allotted. However, if one were to use Google Docs/Voicethread the same activity could be done more thoroughly and outside the classroom, leaving the classroom time for other things. Simply assign, in what ever way you deem fit, students to one of the "four corners" positions, give them a time frame, and let them debate the prompt using Google Docs/Voicethread. This would allow students to better prepare their argument, flexibility in presentation and rebuttals, as well as flexibility in the format of their argument. As well, students would be able to post quotes, pictures, documents, etc. as evidence to their point. Finally, a summary/conclusion discussion would rap things up very nicely allowing for the teacher to highlight strong points, answer questions, and add to the debate if necessary. This could be done through Google Docs/Voicethread as well or simply in the classroom.
Some other quick ideas:
- Project guidelines/explanations and allowing students to ask questions or give suggestions
- Discussion forum for primary documents, readings, or book
- Allowing student review/editing of papers or essays
- Parent access for communications pieces or specific updates
So there you go. I know these are basic, but maybe they will help spark other ideas!
Teachability
In my AP US History class we do an in class activity called Four Square where students are given a prompt (historically debatable point) and have to choose, after a brief consideration period, whether they Strongly Agree, Agree, Strongly Disagree, or Disagree. Then, they spend about fifteen minutes compiling their evidence that supports their position and finally debate the prompt. Of course, with this method the students have already worked with the material at hand, possibly in numerous ways, and thus should be able to provide a solid argument with the time allotted. However, if one were to use Google Docs/Voicethread the same activity could be done more thoroughly and outside the classroom, leaving the classroom time for other things. Simply assign, in what ever way you deem fit, students to one of the "four corners" positions, give them a time frame, and let them debate the prompt using Google Docs/Voicethread. This would allow students to better prepare their argument, flexibility in presentation and rebuttals, as well as flexibility in the format of their argument. As well, students would be able to post quotes, pictures, documents, etc. as evidence to their point. Finally, a summary/conclusion discussion would rap things up very nicely allowing for the teacher to highlight strong points, answer questions, and add to the debate if necessary. This could be done through Google Docs/Voicethread as well or simply in the classroom.
Some other quick ideas:
- Project guidelines/explanations and allowing students to ask questions or give suggestions
- Discussion forum for primary documents, readings, or book
- Allowing student review/editing of papers or essays
- Parent access for communications pieces or specific updates
So there you go. I know these are basic, but maybe they will help spark other ideas!
Teachability
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Worthwhile links
I just visited three sites below that have tremendous posts related to education, technology and curiosity. Check them out if you get a chance, you will not regret the time spent!
Teachability,
http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2012/06/08/its-good-to-be-curious/comment-page-1/#comment-14801
http://www.teach42.com/2012/04/16/how-to-learn-from-diana-laufenburg/comment-page-1/#comment-291096
http://www.bethknittle.net/WP_Blog/?p=1056&cpage=1#comment-114749
Teachability,
http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2012/06/08/its-good-to-be-curious/comment-page-1/#comment-14801
http://www.teach42.com/2012/04/16/how-to-learn-from-diana-laufenburg/comment-page-1/#comment-291096
http://www.bethknittle.net/WP_Blog/?p=1056&cpage=1#comment-114749
Persoanl Finance Help
I am teaching personal finance for the first time and I'm seeking advice/ideas that will make the classroom interesting and engaging. I know the curriculum has its ideas and activities, but I believe it is always very helpful to get first hand experiences of successes and failures. I will be teaching high school students. Any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Teachability
Teachability
Friday, July 13, 2012
Who I am
Hello All,
I am a high school social studies teacher of 13 years and I am creating this blog in an attempt to become more involved and educated about the use of technology as a teacher and professional. A bit of personal information that might help understand me a bit more; I am married 21 years with three children, two in college and one in high school and have devoted the vast majority of my time to my family. The more specific purpose of this blog is twofold: First, I would like it to be a resources for myself and other teachers to gain ideas, support and perspective; Second, I would like it to be a site to find random (or not so random) items of enlightenment about anything that may improve a life. My intention is that this not be a social entertainment tool. I hope to hear from you!:)
I am a high school social studies teacher of 13 years and I am creating this blog in an attempt to become more involved and educated about the use of technology as a teacher and professional. A bit of personal information that might help understand me a bit more; I am married 21 years with three children, two in college and one in high school and have devoted the vast majority of my time to my family. The more specific purpose of this blog is twofold: First, I would like it to be a resources for myself and other teachers to gain ideas, support and perspective; Second, I would like it to be a site to find random (or not so random) items of enlightenment about anything that may improve a life. My intention is that this not be a social entertainment tool. I hope to hear from you!:)
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