National Geographic Known Universe S03E06 Print Tools

This I found to be on the cutting edge!  It is a copy machine that actually takes an image of an object and duplicates it!  Wondering how it works, check out the video that was posted:

www.Acapela.tv

Tool # 11 Self Assessing and Reflecting

1.  What are your favorite tools you now have in your personal technology toolbox? Briefly describe a I particular activity that you will plan for your students using at least one of these new tools.

I have so many different tools that it is hard to say which ones are my favorites!  I pick and pull all the time based on what the kids are into.  This next year, I'm planning to use more with "menus" so that the kids can have more in the decision process on their assessments!

2. How have you transformed your thinking about the learning that will take place in your classroom? How has your vision for your classroom changed? Are you going to need to make any changes to your classroom to accommodate the 21st Century learner?

No - not really!  I was pretty much doing everything before.  I will start to use more of the interactive websites that help track the student's progress to help differentiate for them.

3. Were there any unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
 Backstory About Myself:
First of all, I'd like to state that I am proud to have only scored a 750 on my SAT's.  During my Junior year in high school, a counselor sat down with me and suggested that I should NEVER attend college because I didn't have what it took to graduate.  So, for 1 year after graduation, I kept a stack of letters from Universities - having never opened one of them because of the fear of being stupid!  During which time, I went ahead and took classes at HCC.  Then, one day, I came across that dreaded stack of letters as I was cleaning out my closet.  I opened them and didn't understand the "verbiage" that they were using... except for one.  Southwest Texas State University announced that I had been accepted into their school.  I remember running into the kitchen to tell my parents that "I was GOING to college"!  They stood there just looking at me like a "deer in the headlights" - just shocked!  August of that next year, I packed up my car and headed to San Marcos!   I finished my undergraduate degree at the University of Houston.  I came back home because I was homesick and my mother had caught me calling my dad everyday on a 800 line he had subscribed too.  Needless to say, I graduated from the University of Houston, Cum Laude and was on the dean's list for 9 semesters (including summer sessions) straight.  That was done while substituting during the day and waiting tables at night!  Who again said I wouldn't succeed?  Oh yea, a counselor from high school!  
After beginning my career, I decided that it might be time to go back to school and see what else I could do in life.  I enrolled in a Master's OnLine through Houston Baptist University.  The only way I got into the program, was through a "trial" study".  The study was based on achievement tests with regards to academic performance.  With that being said, I took the "Graduate Admission Test" and was accepted no matter what the score was.  For me, that was my "Win! Win!" moment.  I wasn't scared of failing something to keep me from trying!  I graduated 2 years later with only having 1 B(psychology) and 1 C(statics class) - all the rest were A's.  I am now proud to say that I have 250 accumulated (Undergrad & Grad) hours!  Had I listened to my High School Counselor, I never would have even tried - which was almost the case!  
I guess what I am trying to say, is, that Test don't show what a person is capable of or what he / she has learned!  I HATE them and try my hardest to keep that in mind when I am assessing the knowledge of my class.  I understand that they can guide instruction, but practical conversations and experience with someone can do the same!  
I took the 21st Century test and scored 85%.  I guess what surprises me is that I should have scored a 100% based on the information learned from Library to Play 23 Things, Library to Play 11.5 Things, and lastly, 11 Tools!  Really people?  If we are using a "portfolio" to keep a log of what we are learning, do we really need to spend an hour assessing?  What is the relevance?  What does this tell us?  It just all goes down to:  it's a quick check to see if we understand and let's just see if people can dissect those confusing questions and words that people use!  

Tool #10 - Underneath it All - Digital Citizenship

1. Discuss at least three things you would want to make sure your students understand about being good digital citizens. 

• Treat people the way you would like to be treated!
• Know that they leave a "footprint" where-ever they go on the internet / with email!  It will live FOREVER!
• Don't be scared to ask before clicking!
• Give credit where credit is due!  Don't steal anyone's ideas / projects!

2. Share at least one of the resources mentioned above or on the Ed Tech website that you plan to use instructionally.

Brain Pop - this is such a great resource to seamlessly integrate technology into the classroom!  The kids love it and it also offers things for those who need things to be a little more difficult.  It holds accountability because the kids can take a quiz using their activates - which then can be used a grade in the grade book!  

3. Explain briefly how you would "teach" the idea of digital citizenship to your students.

I wanted to first say, that I am very impressed in the way that my school teaches and facilitates the use of the Internet throughout the school / classroom. Secondly, I want to also state that "locking down" the Internet, is not always the best way to teach ethics, reliability, and the "etiquette code" to the world wide web.

Fortunately, because my librarian does such a phenomenal job in guiding students with reliability, I feel certain that most of the "recommended" sites that we use are accurate. If in doubt, I ask! That is what I encourage my kids do too. If you guide them as they are learning, and give them pointers to teach to that moment, then the process of validity becomes seamless in their search for knowledge. Keeping that in mind, I always tell my kids as they begin to do a google search, if you happen to come across an inappropriate site, close it immediately and do not make a big deal out of it.
One issue that I think needs to be visited more, is that of a cyber-bully. When Gmail became open for social networking (Google Buzz), we had some issues where students were bullying others - and, unlike Facebook, conversations were open for all to see... And, the user cannot have "selected friends" like that on Facebook. Although this specific issue was conducted off of school premises, it was a springboard for future expectations in acceptable use policies and as a means of communication that we were going to have zero tolerance for bullying! Again, our librarian conducted some trainings with the 3rd, 4th & 5th graders and revisited our community agreements.
 Fortunately, I teach 2nd grade and have been doing so long enough to know if the sites we are using, (with many of million of thanks to our librarian and the library resources page) are appropirate for 7 and 8 year olds!

4. Explain briefly how you plan to share the idea of digital citizenship with your parents. 

I usually share this information during open house.  I also spend a lot of time with my classroom about it at the beginning of school!  Here is what it somewhat looks like:

Each year, I discuss how it is a privilege to be able to have access to so much technology.  Then, using a pair share process, we discuss what it means to have privileges.  We list privileges that they may have at home.  Then, using a T-Chart, we talk about ways we lose those privileges & the consequences that follow.  After that, we discuss what happens when you abuse the privilege.  This is the key to setting the stage of what MY expectations of my students are.

I also explain to them that everything is tracked to their name and that people constantly are watching where they go, what they are looking at, etc...  If they happen to open something up that is not appropriate, then they should close out quickly - making sure they do not bring any attention to what was on the screen (that means no giggling or telling a friend about it too).

Next, I place the fear of God (not really but I try) in them and state that if they misuse any of the devices, they will not be able to use them for the remainder of the year.  Instead, they will go back to the way in which I grew up learning (books) and complete research that way.  So, if they decide to do something inappropriate, they will use board games and cards instead of fun and cool apps!  That seemed to do the job last year!

This past year, I had one person who placed inappropriate comments on a site.  I had her speak to our librarian about it and had a parent - teacher conference with her parents.  She did lose the privilege to work in the library and with peers.  She had to sit right next to me at all times where I could visibly see what she was doing.  This was not something she liked at all!

Tool #8: Taking a Look at the Tools

… Learning about the classroom devices

1.  After watching the videos/tutorials, list two to three things you learned about the device(s) that will be in your classroom this fall.

First of all, I'd like to say that I'm a little, more like a whole lot, upset that PK - 2 have been predetermined to receive more iTouches instead of an iPad.  I have an ECH background and just because their hands are a lot smaller than that of a 3rd - 5th grader, does NOT mean that they can use the devices any better.  In fact, it is most likely, just the opposite.  Now, my other gripe is that those teachers who are ready to "move past" the iTouch should maybe be allowed to select an iPad on an interview / application process.  I personally feel that I could take learning to a whole different level (having the GT kids in my class) with the use of an iPad vs. an iTouch.  Don't get me wrong, I'm delighted to have these extra things in my class - I'm just really miffed that we can't even have at least one!
So, with that off my chest, I can now complete this tool!

iTouches:  Well, we have been using them now as a listening station during our Daily 5 stations so having more will just help out!  We won't have to use the "rockstar" as much.
I've also used them for mini workstations that are aligned with the curriculum.  I have even discovered how to download Animoto's and that can be used to fill in the gaps on learning, or to remember what was learned.

Dell 2120: There are a lot of capabilities with this.  The downfall is - we will not have access to Microsoft Office.  So that means, the kids are not going to be able to take a "Screenshot" and go into Powerpoint, Paste the Image, Crop & Save it as a .jpeg.  That was very beneficial for many different things.  Another downfall, we are entering the world of Google Docs.  So much of what teachers have already created has been using Word.  Now, we will need to start converting things over.  Maybe this is a way to "free up" our SAN server - who knows.


Pros: 

• Can connect to the projector
• Vents can stay cool
• 3 USB Connector
• Microphone / Speaker Connector
• Network Connector
• SD Camera Connector (I like this the best!)
• Web Cam
• Full Functioning Keyboard
• Trackpad (a.k.a. Mouse)
• Power Button
• Indicator Lights (Number Lock, CAPS Lock, Display Mode)
• WIFI Built In
• Small enough for kids to work at their desk!
• Product Key & Service Tag are located in the SAME spot!

2.  How do you plan to manage the device(s) in your classroom? Do you have ideas/suggestions that others may find useful?

I have an iPhone and an iTouch so I am not worried about managing this myself at all!  I've been using both of them in my classroom for this past year.  If you do let a child use your personal device, I would suggest that you turn on the "Airplane" mode so that they are not able to read or send texts, go on Facebook, or receive personal Emails.

Tool # 7 Reaching Outside your Classroom: Online Digital Projects

1.  After visiting the resources above, design a collaborative project with another classroom.

This past April, Sally Craddock and myself got together and had our students share out what they learned about their bird research.  Before we started, however, we decided to group the kids into categories such as Raptors, Songbirds, Waterbirds, etc…  If we had kids with the same bird, then we had them speak to each other using SKYPE.  Using an iMac made this very easy!
Click here to see some of our SKYPE Lesson

2.  Post the following about the project:

Content objective:
To orally collaborate and assess what the children had learned about a specific bird.

When you plan to implement:
In the classroom using an iMac computer that had a built in camera and microphone device.  

What tool(s) you plan to use:

• iMac
• SKYPE
• The students could bring their research, use a photograph, and their 3-D bird that they constructed out of model magic.

A brief description of the project (plan - two or three sentences)


Sally Craddock and myself had many discussions over email.  We started to pair up the kids who had researched the same birds.  Then, we set up a time and began our journey!  The kids were pumped and eager to participate.  I even met with my guided reading groups during this time.  It went very smooth!

Group 1:  Bald Eagle
Group 2:  Golden Eagle
Group 3:  Red Tailed Hawk
Group 4:  Snowy Owl, Great Horned Owl, Falcon & Cassowary
Group 5:  Pacific Loon, Seagull, Flamingo, & Pelican
Group 6:  Penguin, Puffin, & Kiwis
Group 7:  Swallow, Atwater's Prairie Chicken, Rock Dove, & American Goldfinch
Group 8:  Pine Grosbeak, Blue Jay, Mockingbird & Cardinal


So, during each 5 -7 minute session, kids would briefly share 3 interesting facts, some distinct physical characteristics, diet, family life, & habitat. 

If you need to find another classroom - We can begin networking with other classrooms right here!
I would absolutely LOVE to find more people willing to share their kids with mine.  It was so cool!  I'm ready to "Bring it On!"

Tool #9: Incorporating Classroom-Based Devices as Tools for Learning

11.  Why do you think it is important to tie the technology to the objective?

How could you NOT tie technology to the curriculum or objective?  Seriously?  I can almost use Big Huge Labs in some form or fashion and tie it to the objective as a product.  I can also have kids use Animoto or Zooburst, GoogleDocs, iMovie, Post to a Wiki / Blog as well.  The sky is the limit and with kids who are WAY more advanced than I am, they usually surprise me in what they know!  I just try to stay ahead of them and teach them new avenues of production so that they stay interested!  Ultimately, we as educators need to provide kids for the world in which they will become!   If we give them more opportunities for consumption, critiquing and producing, then we are "farming" them for the 21st Century!

2.  Why should we hold students accountable for the stations/centers?

If you do not have any type of accountability, then the students do not take things seriously.  In other words, it is more like free time / play time and usually not a productive use of time.  For instance, when using Tumblebooks, I have an expectation that the students will participate in creating a reading response that focuses on either a summary, BME, or other things like Character Analysis, etc.  It is ok, I have learned, that kids can "take a break" and play from time to time.  That is important and I usually work that into to a goal completion - a motivator to stay focused and on-task.

3.  Visit 2 of the applicable links to interactive websites for your content/grade level. Which sites did you like. How could you use them as stations? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?

I think I could use just about everything I see.  I have kids that are on many different levels such as 4th - 5th grade reading / math.  So using these cites gives me an additional way to differentiate for them.  I also have students who are obsessed with Social Studies or who would do anything to learn more about Science.  It could be used as a reward or for additional practice!

I've tried Study Ladder.  Or at least I set it up for some pretend students.  It offers a personal username / password for each student or you can use an "open access" account.  I think that 2nd graders might just have a hard time remembering one more username / password.  

If anyone wants to play around on it without signing in (there is a lot of red tape with confirming access, emails, etc...) here are the 3 students that are in my "class":

Username:  jhn1435  Password:  school

Username:  sal913    Password:  horse

Username:  ted148    Password:  leg

So here is the deal...  It seems like the "second grade" level that I chose was very basic.  At least for mathematics.  So, maybe the "third grade" would be more appropriate for my class.  It is a cute website and kids earn points that they get to use in a rewards room.  I can see this benefiting those who either need extra practice, or who need more of a challenge.  This site allows you to differentiate much like Odyssey does.  I think this might be a keeper for me!  As far as accountability, it shows what each student does and has mastered.  This could easily be a homework activity!

I like Thinkfinity!  I'm going to have some of my students from last year check it out!  In fact, I'm going to send them an email about some of these cites NOW!

Another website I like to use, that wasn't part of the choices is Spelling City.  Here, I can upload my weekly word study units (I usually have 4 different groups based on the Words Their Way Inventory) and kids can practice their words using interactive games at home or in our "working with words" station during our morning Daily 5.  The drawback with this is that you cannot track kids individually.  If they use it for a homework assignment, then they have to print their work as proof.  

4.  List two to three apps you found for the iPod Touch/iPad that you can use in your classroom. What do you see that station looking like? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?

I have downloaded some neat apps to my personal iTouch. I am unable to do it for the ones that I have in my classroom - our librarian usually does that for us. Some of the ones that I personally have are more for younger children. 

Hangman (Helps not only develop strategy skills, but also spelling and word patterns.) 

Houston Zoo (Helps navigate when you are at the zoo, but also gives animal specifications. It also helps with the Map skills and reading a map with cardinal directions.) 

Funny Flash (This one is neat because it morphs animals and then spells them out verbally and in print.) 

Distant Suns (This app is very cool - you can use it to help identify the constellations.) 

Math Drill (Addition & Subtraction - primary grades.) 

Learn Chess (I haven't really figured this out but I want to learn.) 

Poker Delux (Fun!)

Louvre (I had some of my GT students look at the art. Then, we also discussed the artist.) 

NASA (I had some of my GT students look for intersting facts / details.) 

SAT Words 5000 (I was in hopes my teenager would use this but I don't think she has even looked at it. Never the less, my GT students can learn new words.) 

Science (This has a list of all the elements off the periodic table. I think it is cool to sometimes talk about them with my small research groups.) 

Sight Words (My daughter enjoys reading and being quizzed on these.) 

Tic Tac Toe (Just for fun! My kids especially LOVE playing this.) 

The Weather Channel (Keep current with weather conditions anywhere. Goes well with our Air & Weather Unit.) 

Words w/ Friends (More for me - I love playing my friends in a game of scrabble.) 

UNO (Fun! Fun! Fun! Love playing UNO!)

Create a list of ways to use the iTouch in the Library by multiple students (that is different than an iTouch being assigned to students).
 With the rockstar, sharing the iTouch is SO easy! I personally downloaded audiobooks and the kids listened to them. Also, the kids participate in a play and to have them be able to listen to the music, is wonderful. Especially since I do not have to hear it being played.
We have also used the iTouches in the library to research birds, & habitats. They are a hot commodity that usually is never idle!

5.  What about other ways to use the iPod Touch/iPad? Share another way you can see your students using the device as a station.

I use them:

• As a reward;
• Practice certain skills;
• Listen to books I have downloaded on my personal devices;
• Listen to music that they must learn for our productions;
• View Animoto's 
• Look up things on the internet;
• View iMovies

I will continue to use, adding:

• Face to Face
• Skype