Teaching High Tech

Famous Scientist

2011-09-11T20:09:00.002-05:00

We are using http://www.factmonster.com to research a famous scientist; then each student will write a paragraph about their famous scientist. The finished products will be published in an ebook. We will share when our project is completed.

The Important Story

2011-09-11T20:05:00.004-05:00

As you remember I love to integrate writing into everything we do. I started by reading The Important Book to the students; then I wrote my own version of the important story. My story was called The Important Thing About Me. Then the students wrote their own important stories about themselves. The final products were typed on the computer; two students typed their stories using the iPad. I was amazed at how well they typed using the iPad. The forth graders and I hope you use our idea to have fun writing your own important stories.

Back to the Classroom

2011-09-11T19:53:00.003-05:00

I completed the circle from low tech classroom, to high tech classroom, to technology facilitator, back to the classroom. I have my own classroom again this year; and couldn't be happier. I love my new students; they are energetic and eager to learn. I just can't wait to get to the classroom each day to see their smiling little faces.

My challenge this year will be to integrate the technology into the curriculum with less equipment then I've had for the last four years. I'm working with seven computers for twenty-two students, one digital camera, a document camera, and a Promethean Board. The first thing I did was dig through my own closest at home; I discovered two more digital cameras that I'm taking to the classroom. I will also take my own iPad to let students use. Even with my own equipment I am struggling not having that two to one ratio computer usage for students. However, I am bound and determined to make it work.

Book Box

2011-03-01T08:21:00.000-06:00

Update

2010-01-31T18:44:00.003-06:00

I haven't blogged for quite some time on this particular blog. I really miss being in the classroom this year. I am now in charge of a Tech Rich Grant and helping others to learn how to integrate technology into the curriculum. The main focus of the grant is integrating technology into the math curriculum; therefore, I have been helping students and teachers create the following blog: http://eaglesdoctordata.blogspot.com/ We hope you check it out, and please feel free to ask us a math question. We will do our best to answer it.

One math project we are working on is the intersection project. There is an extremely busy intersection close to our building; so we are collecting data by counting how many vehicles go through the intersection, during peak hours of the day. Students are using the data to make charts and graphs on their computers; then they are comparing the results. The students will decide whether or not to write letters to the city council to persuade them to make a change at the intersection. It could be they request a stoplight, a speed reduction, a four way stop, or speed bumps.

These are just a few of the Project Based Learning Activities that students and teachers are involved in at this time.

Also, I have just started a Tech PD website. It is in the very beginning stages. I hope to add much more to it in the future. http://eagles4601.weebly.com/index.html

Integrating Technology Into the Math Curriculum

2009-10-25T20:00:00.002-05:00

The challenge this year is to integrate technology into the math curriculum. It seems harder for teachers to integrate math and technology. It dawned on me the other day as to why when a teacher ask "What am I suppose to do throw out the textbook?" Good reading teachers learned long ago you don't have to use just the textbook to teach reading. They pull resources from everywhere-novels, magazines, newspapers, websites and etc. However, that's not been the norm for the math curriculum. Most math teachers follow the textbook exactly; with the exception of skipping around in the book to get the curriculum taught by state assessment time.

This made the light bulb come on for me. Why don't we teach math like we do other subjects. There is math in our daily newspapers, shopping carts, and households. It is a given that math and science go hand-in-hand; many teachers do teach math as part of the science curriculum. If you don't, that is a great place to start extending the math curriculum.

My friend MacMare and I created a wiki related to one math topic-the metric system. This is a beginning for some teachers to integrate technology into the math curriculum. http://metricssixth.wikispaces.com/ Along with the wiki, I have created Moodle courses on fractions and problem solving. It's a start. Hopefully, teachers will begin to use technology as part of the regular math routine; as well, as begin to integrate math and technology into project base learning units.

New School Year, New Job, New Responsibilities

2009-08-27T22:31:00.003-05:00

I'm off on a new technology adventure this year. I am now a Technology Rich Classroom (TRC) Facilitator. That means I go into the classroom and help teachers integrate technology into their curriculum. In addition, I help them find resources.

This year I will try to focus more on integrating technology into the math curriculum.
To get started here's a great website for my readers. Enjoy it!

http://www.jmathpage.com/

Cyber Bullying and Online Safety

2009-07-30T10:25:00.001-05:00

I am now a cyber bullying and online safety trainer now. If you would like for me to come to your school and give a presentation to your students on this topic leave me a comment.

Skype

2009-07-07T20:26:00.002-05:00

One of the final activities we did this year was skype with our epals in Indiana. This was our first skype experience as a whole class. To prepare for it I skyped the teacher the day before to make sure everything was going to work.

Students began the session by introducing themselves to their epal partner. Then they discussed the novel "Sign of the Beaver." From there the discussion evolved into the students sharing information about their home states. Students learned a lot about each other and the regions we live in.

If I had this to do over again, I would have students skype earlier in the year so they could see their epals face to face.

Adding A Little Twist To An Old Experiment

2009-05-31T00:01:00.003-05:00

Most of you have probably heard of or done the egg drop experiment with your class. You know the one-students design a container to protect an egg when dropped from a high place.

To introduce this investigation, I found several excellent video clips of the experiment on youtube.com. Here is one of the videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb1uduZcvY4
I shared this video with my class; then let them design their own investigation.

As students dropped the eggs, I had other classmates take pictures of them with the digital cameras.

The new twist was integrating the technology. Not all technology integration has to be a huge event.

2009-05-30T23:54:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Design A New Classroom

2009-05-30T23:01:00.005-05:00

Now that the year is almost over, we can have a little fun. However, I always want them to continue learning; so one activity we did was "Design A New Classroom."

I had students measure the area of our classroom, desk, cabinets, closet, door ways, windows, the sink and anything else that I could think of. Then they drew a picture of their desired classroom to scale on graph paper using the dimensions of the items they measured. Next, they used the internet and catalogs to look up the prices of everything. They put the data into a Numbers Document and calculated the cost of their model classroom.

For fun students used cardboard or foam to create their version of the model classroom to scale. This part students found fun and challenging. Since it was the end of the year this was a good activity to review math skills we learned while having fun creating a model. It took students several days to complete the activity. They were astounded when they discovered the actual price of these model classroom.

Webquest

2009-04-28T21:30:00.003-05:00

During our last chapter of the social studies textbook, students used the following webquest to learn about the Underground Railroad. http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/ath/library/webquests/underground/default.htm

When students finished the webquest, they shared their keynotes with the rest of the class. It was one of the few times this year I let the class view each individual keynote with the whole group at one time. Usually to share or celebrate a finished product, the class did a Walk About Review.

During a Walk About Review, students sit their computers on top of their desk while students strolled quietly from computer to computer observing the work of their peers. This type of sharing is much quicker then watching 23 keynotes or projects for an entire afternoon. It still allowed the class celebration time.

What's 5th grade doing now?

2009-04-21T19:03:00.003-05:00

Now that state assessments are over, it is time to continue our learning and have fun. Over the last week students have made a keynote about their favorite book that they have read this year. They are recording their voices in this keynote which is something new for them. It is harder to record your voice in keynote because you can't cut out mistakes like you can in Garageband. However, students have created some beautiful products. We will share our work with the rest of the school by displaying our keynotes on Obee T.V.

Also, we are using Pages to create a response journal for the book Holes. In addition, we created a chart using Pages to record literary devices as we read.

The Big Cache

2009-04-07T20:28:00.003-05:00

Today was wonderfully exhausting. The students were so excited about going to Dillon Nature Center to go geocaching. Mrs. Frazier, Mrs. Worthing and Mrs. Clark planted our caches for us the day before in the freezing cold. I planned the caches which was called "Mystery Numbers." They were math problems that I made up. Each cache had a math problem to solve and a sheet to sign. Mrs. Frazier made the guide sheet for students. It included what the students were to do: take pictures of nature, take pictures of your group, take a picture of a cache, and the geo bug. It also included the coordinates and a place to record the answer to the math problems.

I've never seen such a bunch of excited students before. They couldn't wait to get to DNC; the bus ride was a buzz there and back. They listened carefully while Mrs. Fraizer and I gave instructions; then we set them off with their adult in charge to find the caches. Every group I saw was smiling, working hard to solve problems and find caches.

The curriculum areas we covered in this event were as follows: Math, geography, technology, and physical wellness. Also, thanks to all the parent volunteers. We couldn't have done this without your help monitoring each group.

All I heard on the ride home was Mrs. Gilley that was so much fun when do we get to do this again. What a memorable experience for students. I was exhausted after following five excited girls around the Nature Center all afternoon, but it was a wonderful feeling.

Our thanks to Dillon Nature Center for letting us plant the caches there and to Mrs. Clark, Mrs Frazier, and Mrs. Worthing for all their help.

2009-04-07T20:25:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Preparing for State Assessment

2009-03-23T16:22:00.003-05:00

I have to admit I haven't been blogging much lately. I've just been too busy preparing students for state assessments. So how am I using technology in this endeavor. I am using several websites that can be found on my portal. One that I really like for math is Mr. Anker http://tinyurl.com/cq46sq

I also found this page with many links to test prep activities. http://www2.redmond.k12.or.us/mccall/renz/mathsites.htm#5

In addition, we have been playing many, many teacher made Jeopardy games. Jeopardy is a fun way for kids to practice the skills they need while having fun. I usually divide the class into teams and assign a score keeper. You can download many Jeopardy games and templates online.

Geocaching

2009-03-11T21:26:00.003-05:00

Geocaching

2009-03-08T21:25:00.002-05:00

Today my class and I discovered the wonders of geocaching. I have to admit, the first time I ever experienced geocaching I couldn't imagine how I could possibly use it in the classroom. However, today I used it for the first time and will most certainly use it again.

I placed the caches around our schoolyard. Then students were given a paper skeleton with missing bones; the caches included the missing bones. Students were divided into groups of 4 and 5. Their job was to use the coodinates and the GPS systems to find the missing bones of their paper skeletons. Since the skeletal system was taught earlier in the year, this was a nice review activity.

Some students struggled with using the GPS systems at first, but most quickly figured out how they worked and successfully found their cache.

The best part of the whole activity was the aftermath of the event. After our excersion with GPS systems, we took our third common math assessment to determine if students had reached benchmarks in math. The result were amazing. Students scored higher on this assessment then any other they've taken this year. I really do believe stimulating their brains and bodies before taking the test had something to do with it.

I can't wait to use geocaching again. Our next event will include a geocache at a local nature center. It will be on a much bigger scale.

Voicethread Example

2009-02-23T21:10:00.002-06:00

As promised I have uploaded an example of one our voicethreads. My students love voicethreads and so do I. We hope you enjoy this version of Judith Vorist poem "If I Were In Charge of the World." This poem is a great model for students to practice their writing skills.

Teaching High Tech

2009-02-23T20:59:00.001-06:00

More Comic Life Fun

2009-02-19T19:46:00.002-06:00

I just love integrating writing into every subject across the curriculum. It was even more fun integrating it into math today. Students used comic life to write acrostic poems about perimeter, area, and volume. Students were very creative in their thinking, and this was a quick assessment to see if students really understood these concepts. Here is a short example of student work:

Area

A-Area is a covering of a space
E-Everything has area like walls, carpet, and gardens
R-When it rains an area is covered with water
A-Amazing LxW=A

I would say this student has a good understanding of area.

Google Earth, Math, and Geography

2009-02-19T19:38:00.004-06:00

What excitement in the classroom today, when students used Google Earth to fly around the world to find 3-D figures in real life. We have been studying 3-D figures in math; so students were given the assignment to think about how these solids were used in real life. They came up with things like The Great pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, skyscrapers and the Pentagon.

Then students used Google Earth to fly around the world and locate 3-D objects. They placed a marker on the location; then told how many faces, edges, and vertices the object had. Students had a wonderful experience with this activity. They were applying math skills, a little geography, and writing was involved too.

3-D figures using Comic Life

2009-02-17T20:08:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I introduced 3-D figures to my class. After using a wonder Promethean lesson on the topic, their assignment was to discover real world uses for 3-D figures. Students had to show a pictures and tell what type of 3-D figure was used in their Comic Life project. Some students included the number of faces, edges, and vertices each figure had.

Poetry

2009-02-13T20:47:00.004-06:00

This is a website that my technology facilitator showed one of my students. Today that student came back to class and showed all of us. We wrote poems for Valentine's Day. At http://www.festisite.com/ you can also upload your own poetry, put your face on a playing card or a 1,000,000 dollar bill. I loved the poetry and writing aspects of this website. I also loved the fact that the student was sharing her knowledge of technology. I completely let her take over the instruction here because I didn't have a clue as to how to use the website. (Of course I remained in charge of the classroom and facilitated.) She did a great job of teaching us all. This also gave her self confidence and pride.

After writing their quick and easy poems, I let them explore the cards and money. They loved it because it was fun. However, one must keep in mind we are at school; so their has to be a learning application involved. Therefore, I am trying to figure out ways that I could connect the money to a practical application. These are some ideas I came up with: use the face of a character from a book and write about the character using the party printer, have students uses their faces and write about themselves to introduce themselves to the class at the beginning of the year, and use the playing card and have students place two character's from a book on a card and write a compare contrast paragraph about the character. Another use might be to put faces of explorers on different types of money from a country they explored; then write a list of reasons as to why this explorer found a million dollar discovery. If anyone else has an ideas, please feel free to post a comment.

Poetry

2009-02-13T20:47:00.000-06:00

Creating a Flip Book using pages

2009-02-11T21:02:00.002-06:00

Today students used pages to create a flip book on the Three Branches of Government. The outcome was for students to learn what the Three Branches of Government are and their functions. Student had a good graphic in their social studies book; so they used that as a starting point for their information. Then students used the website Ben's Guide to the Government for Kids: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/government/national/legislative.html to find more information.

After exploring the website; students created their flip book. First, they had to set a vertical ruler on the side of the document. You can find this under pages, preferences, enable rulers. Next, they used the shape tool to make a line at 3 inches and 4 inches on the first page of the document. (No line is placed at the bottom of the document.) They had to create a new page to place their last line at 6 1/2 inches on the new page. (Tip-if you hold down the shift key your line will be straight.) After all lines are in place, students made textboxes and placed labels of the three branches in the boxes. These boxes must be placed just above the lines, so the labels can be seen when books are put together. Finally, students had to place pictures and write a short paragraph about each Branch of Government and its function on sections of the document that were marked off with the lines. One student made a wonder graphic on the title page by placing her pictures inside a shape.

When students were finished, they printed their work and cut the document apart on each line; then layered the book and stapled it.

There you have it a flip book created on pages. You can make flip books for any subject area. Other examples may include but not limited to are 3 types of rocks, plot line in books, or 3D solid figures in math.

Making a Vociethread

2009-02-03T21:11:00.002-06:00

After reading the poem If I Were In Charge of the World by Judith Vorist, I wrote my own version of the poem as a model for the students. Then they wrote their own versions of the poem.

We are in the process of turning our poems into a Voicethread. This seems to be taking more time then I had anticipated, but students are really enjoying this activity. When finished, I plan on posting our examples on to this blog.

Students can upload pictures to the Voicethread or make a keynote, and take a screen shot of each page; then upload it as their pictures. Using keynote is one way the students can add text to their Vociethread.

I love this activity, and students can really get creative with it.

Finding new ways to use the Promethean Board

2009-02-03T21:03:00.003-06:00

I am experimenting with new ways to use the Promethean Board. Today I showed a Brain Pop video on erosion; then used the activotes to take the quiz. This is done by bringing up the Promethean software and activating the activotes to take the quiz. Students seemed to enjoy the experience the first few times I did it a couple of weeks ago, but were a little board with it today.

I also scanned a math worksheet last week; then placed it into a flipchart to make it interactive. This was a way for students to practice problems in a more active manner. Students were engaged by this which surprised me.

Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum

2009-01-21T20:58:00.003-06:00

Wow! What a week we're having in 5th grade. We are completing so many exciting small projects. First, we celebrated the Inauguration by decorating the room red, white, and blue. I made cupcakes for the class (in the same colors) to enjoy while watching the Inauguration Live on television. An old technology, but one that served its purpose today. Before watching the Inauguration, I used a wonderfully made Promethean lesson on the Inauguration. (It was one I downloaded from the website.) It included a compare contrast of the president and vice president, pictures of past Inaugurations; as well as a video.

The following day, we read the 2008 Year In Pictures Time for Kids. I discussed visual literacy and using captions. Then students created their own version of this kid friendly magazine by doing a 2009 Inauguration in pictures using pages. I showed them how to use the shapes and put the pictures into the shapes and how to place a textbox under the pictures. Some students quickly figured out the reflection tool on their own. (How exciting when they make their own discoveries, and they teach me something new too.) My expectation for a thirty minute activity was to include four pictures with captions and a title. They exceeded my expectations very quickly. Hopefully, some students will save these for future references.

Later in life they can say, "I remember watching that on T.V. in 2009."

The other exciting project we completed this week was sending our first epal emails. I began this last week by introducing students to epals and letting them email several emails to classmates. I used their examples to teach formal language in writing. When they emailed each other, they used texting type language; such as "waz up," lol, and etc.

I quickly pointed out that this was not the type of language we use in emails. I showed them an example of one of my emails and an example of a formally written email by a student. Yeah! No more texting in our emails. When student emailed their epals; they did not using texting language. I am so proud of them!

Using Garage Band and Keynote in Science

2009-01-12T20:22:00.002-06:00

This week students are using garageband to develop a production on the water cycle. Since students have been introduced to the water cycle before; our focus is a deeper level of thinking about the cycle that includes difficult vocabulary. They took notes over the water cycle vocabulary words while watching a unitedstreaming video. Some of the vocabulary words include: evaporation, transpiration, percolation and sublimation.

Next, they found pictures that showed examples of each of the vocabulary words. Then students narrated the pictures and gave definitions of each word the picture was portraying. After editing, their work and saving, they placed their work into a keynote document.

These make quick and easy presentations that students can share with others including parents at conference time.

Seven Things You Don't Know About Me

2009-01-10T20:48:00.006-06:00

I've been tagged! Rosemary Miller has tagged me so now it is my responsibility to tell the world seven things you don't know about me. So here goes.

1. I'm a quilter. There is something about just touching the cloth that calms my soul. I've made many quilts, but have given most of them away. You know you are very dear to my heart, if I have given you a quilt.

2. I have a strong faith in God. He is my rock and foundation. My husband tells me I'm one of the strongest people he knows. My strength comes from believing in God and reading his word daily.

3. This is a very well kept secret and something that I don't brag about. I sing in church. I enjoy singing, but am not an expert. In addition, I have written several songs; yes, I do sing them at church in front of an audience.

4. I waste no time! I can put a meal on the table before my husband can take a shower. It is often a race in the evening to see who can finish first. I always win!

5. I like to write. My goal someday is to write a picture book for children.

6. My grandmother is my inspiration for life. Even though she had many trials and tribulations in her life, she was very caring, loving, and happy. She too had a strong faith in God. She died when I was forty five years old. During those forty five years, not one time did I ever hear her say one bad word about another person. I want to be like that!

7. I am resilient. When I decided to go to college, my mother told me I was wasting my time and I'd never finish. I smiled and thought to myself-watch me! Four years later she was taking me out for a steak dinner and paying the bill.

When my husband beats me in a game of Dominoes, he proudly states, "I am the king."
I quietly reply, "let's play another game."
When I win, I scream, "I am the queen!"

Tag-Becky Mullins your it. It is now your turn to tell the world seven things they don't know about you.

Intel Visual Ranking Tool

2009-01-08T20:08:00.003-06:00

We are finishing up our imovie projects by using the Intel Visual Ranking Tool. We are only allowed to use six of our imovies on our global "Life Around Here" project; therefore, students are using a rubric and voting on which movies we will use. First, students are viewing our eleven videos and rating them using a rubric that I created. The rubric includes items such as audio quality, picture quality, and content. After scoring the movies, students will rank them in order using the tool. From this data the top six movies will be chosen for our project.

Later before viewing other videos in the project, students will use the Visual Ranking Tool to predict what life is like in other areas around the globe. This will help them to compare and contrast their thoughts about other parts of the world. Hopefully, they will learn that life in other parts of the world may not always be the sterotype that we think it is.

http://educate.intel.com/en/thinkingtools/Visualranking/

Integrating Math Curriculum

2009-01-08T19:44:00.003-06:00

We have been using our computers and the internet to make graphs this week. Students created graphs today using http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/ You use this site by clicking on the graph icon at the top of the page; then click on the type of graph you want to make. After that, enter your data, and print your graph.

I had students make graphs the old fashion way-on graph paper the first day. Several students left labels and titles off of their handmade graphs. However, when students used the website and their computers; not one student left off the labels. Amazing!

imove

2008-12-22T18:32:00.005-06:00

Our newest project is making a movie with imovie. Students are working on movies about our community. For time and convenience, I did the leg work by taking pictures of our community. I took pictures of places in our community and surrounding area. Students are using the photos to make a movie.

First, they had to plan by using a storyboard graphic organizer. They organized photos and wrote out what they were going to record about each pictures on the storyboard. This took them about three class periods. Some students even had to make phone calls to local businesses and ask questions about it to ensure accuracy in their work, while planning.

Next, students used a flash drive and put the photos into iphoto. From there they placed them into imovie and organized their photos into the photo track.

Third, they recorded their descriptions of the photos on to imovie. Finally, they had to edit their work. In addition, their movies will be uploaded to a global project that my class is involved in.

This project is an example of project based learning too. Students used writing across the curriculum, social studies, and 21st century skills.

Wordle and Reading

2008-12-16T20:57:00.003-06:00

Today students read a passage in their novels; then created a character Woodle using http://www.wordle.net/ They were assigned to write words that described the main character in their novel. A brief discussion was given about words that we use to describe characters first.

Wordle allowed students to use their creativity to show what they know about a main character in a story, as well as improve their vocabulary and knowledge of descriptive words. Furthermore, it was a quick check of comprehension skills without answering questions. Their finished product will be used for a grade, and placed outside the classroom as artwork.

Project Based Learning

2008-12-13T10:28:00.004-06:00

Our leadership project is a great example of project based learning. I covered numerous standards in this activity from Social Studies, Reading, Writing, and Technology Skills. Students were engaged in the research because they used the Internet. They enjoyed creating the keynotes because it allowed for creative thinking. Finally, they were extremely excited about the Wax Museum performance. They had to problem solve on how to make a costume that portrayed their character. A wonderful youtube video called "Colonial Day-How to Make a Costume" helped them come up with ideas.

On the day of the performance, students were more then ready to display their work and what they learned; as well as very proud to show their knowledge of Social Studies concepts and technology.

Students did a great job of acting and remaining calm during their Wax Museum performance even when older students tried to distract them. Good job, class! I'm proud of you.

Researching

2008-12-06T22:25:00.005-06:00

For the past two weeks students have been working on their leadership projects. They have researched their leader using the Internet. Written a paper describing the qualities of the leader and accomplishments. Then compared themselves to their leader. Finally, they have prepared a keynote about their leaders.

The cumulative activity will be to hold a "Wax Museum" next week. Students will portray their leader and have their computers set up with the keynote running; so they can be viewed by our visitors.

I will post the results of the "Wax Museum" later.

Computers as a Tool

2008-11-18T18:29:00.003-06:00

Students need to learn that computers are a great tool to be used for everyday things. Today students used their computers to look up unknown words they found in their reading. They had the choice of using www.dictionary.com or their dashboard dictionary on their Mac. When writing, I often have them use these tools to enhance word choice by using dictionary.com thesaurus.

In addition, students have started a research project on leadership. They have been assigned a leader; and are learning how to research using the internet. We discussed valid websites earlier in the year, so they know what to look for. This type of activity allows students to learn social studies skills while practicing reading and writing skills.

One key concept to keep in mind is most elementary students aren't ready to do research without guidance. Therefore, I prepared them with a folder and cards before turning them loose on the internet. They have specific items to research; for example, childhood history, leadership qualities, and interesting facts. Again they have been give a time limit of three days to complete their online research. Also, I am on my feet and walking the room while students are researching. They need to be aware that the teacher is watching and paying attention to what they are doing.

Guidelines, preparation, time tables, and teacher monitoring help elementary students achieve success while completing an online research project.

Creating a Podcast

2008-11-16T18:02:00.004-06:00

The first step to creating a podcast is to write your material and practice reading it. Once again we're working on writing skills with a little reading fluency sprinkled in just for fun. We have paired up with another class this time since they are working on some of the same skills we are.

Students were put into groups and assigned to write a podcast on the circulatory system, respiratory system, or how to keep the systems healthy.

After writing and practicing, students will record podcast using garageband. They will be allowed to add a few pictures to their work. Finally, podcast will be shared with iTunes and put on classroom ipods. Students will be given four and one half science class periods to complete the work.

Often when using technology, students must be given a time limit for project completion. This keeps students on task, and provides the ones seeking total perfection a cut off time.

Reading, writing, science, collaboration, and student engagement all in one lesson. That is smart teaching!

Just Plain Fun

2008-11-10T19:53:00.004-06:00

Some days students think technology is just plain fun. Today students used science websites to reinforce concepts learned and to discover things that they would never discovery otherwise.

Students used the following website to review concepts on the human body. http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/interactives/systems.html

They also used Ed heads to conduct virtual surgery. http://www.edheads.org/ This is as close as they will get right now to conducting real surgery. Maybe someday a few will grow up and work in the medical field. It was extremely humorous to watch this activity. Right away you know who could handle a medical job in the future and those who can't. However, all enjoyed the websites and thought them to be just plain fun! Check it out for an amazing experience.

Using Interactive White Boards

2008-11-04T19:53:00.003-06:00

In my opinion every technology rich classroom should include an interactive white board. It is just one more avenue to engage students in learning. They can be used in all subject areas, and are extremely easy to use.

This week I made a Tic Tac Toe game for reading; then used it in a small group situation. I could have very easily used it with my whole class as well.

Students reviewed text structure today by using the Promethean Board and the activotes. I divided the small group of six into two teams. Students took turns reading the text. As a team they had to decide the text structure; then they used the acitvotes to select their answer. My rule was everyone on the team had to have the correct answer before they could put a game piece on the Tic Tac Toe game. If one team did not get the answer correct, the other team could vote on the answer and steal a turn. Kids loved using the activotes and moving the game pieces on the borad.

Scavenger Hunts

2008-11-01T21:44:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday students completed a scavenger hunt. I find sites on the Internet that relate to our classroom curriculum; then I create a scavenger hunt worksheet that goes along with the site. These worksheets include directions for navigating the site and comprehension questions. I always create the questions in sequential order related to the text students will be reading.
This week they used the site at Kids Health to learn about the heart and how it works.
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/heart.html

Technology Everywhere

2008-10-27T19:04:00.003-05:00

Today students used digital cameras to take pictures of fractions; then they wrote sentences about their pictures. The sentences had to state an example of the fraction. This was a hands on way for students to understand that a fraction is part of a whole group.

Later students completed a scavenger hunt on the heart at Kids Health. http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/heart.html

Finally, students typed up their scary Halloween stories using pages.

Students spent three and a half hours today using technology, reading, writing, and doing math across the curriculum.

What a great learning day.

Math Technology

2008-10-23T21:28:00.002-05:00

I use technology across the curriculum. Students used the Promethean board today to learn about ordered pairs. I used a lesson I downloaded from Promethean Planet.

I also made arrangements with the music teacher to work on multiplication facts by using the computer. Student wrote songs for various facts using familiar tunes; such as Old McDonald.
They will record the songs using Garageband next week; then save them to itunes. I will put the songs on our ipods, so students can listen to them later. I will play one song a day on our sound system to share student work.

This is a great example of using technology,reading, and writing across the curriculum. Students are engaged and learning is embedded into young minds. Those who are struggling with math facts will soon learn them.

Oh how I love technology!

Reading High Tech

2008-10-23T21:18:00.002-05:00

After our regular reading lesson in which we read 4 chapters today, students went to http://www.history.org/kids/ At this website they read about colonial people. They were particularly interested in the role of the apprentice since the main character in the story is an apprentice to Capt. John Smith.

They also started a story elements web using inspiration. This will be finished and posted when we finish the book. Next week, student will participate in a webquest at http://www.sites4teachers.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/

Integrating Reading and Writing

2008-10-21T15:34:00.002-05:00

I believe that reading and writing go hand in hand. I can't teach one without the other, so today's assignment overlaps reading, writing and technology.

After reading students used Pages to make postcards from Jamestown. Students had to write a postcard from Samuel's point of view to a friend in England. They were not allowed to say anything negative about the new colony-Jamestown. (Chapter 9 stated that the Virginia Company would not let the colonist write any negative letters home.) Students were allowed to put one picture on their postcard, and a picture of a stamp on it.

Blogging

2008-10-21T15:28:00.003-05:00

Today students examined their blog post. I showed them my personal blog as well as other online blogs. I pointed out specifics about blogging. I made a point to show them that blogging is not texting, and that formal language is always used in a blog. (I did this because many of my students were using texting in their blog post.)

After reading chapter ten silently, they were assigned to summarize the chapter in five sentences on their blog post today. I will use this posting as a grade for students. I will grade students on content and their use of formal language. My goal is to teach summarizing and for students to realize that blogging is not texting.

Skills

2008-10-21T14:26:00.002-05:00

On Monday and Friday my students work in skill rotation groups, during reading. We focus on skills that are on our state assessment. I have two other teachers that come into my room at this time. Students are divided into three random groups. Each teacher teaches a mini lesson, or works on a skill. Sometimes each station is a different skill, but if students are struggling with a concept; we will all work on the same skill by using different modalities.

Whenever possible I use technology in my rotation. One management tip is to have the first group sit up their computers and log on to the site we will be using that day. Those original computers stay at my station for the entire time. This makes rotations go seamlessly. Students do not have to stop, get out computers, and log on each time they rotate. Here are just a few of the websites I use during this time.

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_5th_original.htm

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/

http://www.readwritethink.org/student_mat/index.asp

I have established a portal http:/guest.portaportal.com/tgilley313 that my students use in class or at home. The portal allows for easy access to websites and an online bookmark storage for me. It is much easier to tell students go to the portal; then it is to spout off a URL. The portal also elevates students having to type the URL.

Blogging

2008-10-16T21:07:00.002-05:00

Students blogged about the theme of the book today using our 21classes blog. The question I ask them was what lesson was Capt. John Smith trying to teach Samuel when he made him stand on one foot. I will view responses today and allow. During our next lesson, students will view comments made by their peers. I required formal written language in the blog post.

The ripple of excitement spread through the room as students were blogging. They love this because it makes them feel grown up.

Integrating Reading and Technology Into the Content Area

2008-10-14T21:34:00.003-05:00

After students read chapters 1-3 today of their novel and checked out the author bio online, they went to Social Studies for Kids: http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/13colonies1.htm
At this website they read about the 13 colonies. Students opened an inspiration document and completed the concept map template while reading. Students had to compare the upper, middle, and lower colonies in the areas of food, school, church, and farming. This activity took forty five minutes. Students spent a total of two hours and thirty minutes today reading. One hour and thirty minutes of that time was spent online between reading the author bio and the Social Studies for Kids website. They were totally engaged!

Create a Classroom Blog

2008-10-12T21:14:00.002-05:00

One of the first things that I did to improve reading and writing skills while engaging students is create a classroom blog. I use http://21classes.com it is free and protected. Only my students and myself can see this blog. Since I teach elementary students, I don't want everyone in the world seeing their blog post. The great thing about 21classes is you must preview and allow all post before students can see them.

This improves writing skills because it is public-everyone in the class will see your post. I do not allow students to use informal language in this format. Blogging also requires the student to reflect on his or her reading.

Here was the blog post that students had to reflect on today for chapters 1-3 of "Blood on the River Jamestown 1607": Was it right or wrong for Samuel to steal his mother's locket from the pawn shop? Explain your answer.

Technology Improves Reading Skills

2008-10-11T21:37:00.007-05:00

Last year, my students increased their reading skills by thirty percent on the state reading assessment. The only change that I made in my classroom was integrating technology. Over the next few weeks my classroom will be reading the Novel "Blood on the River Jamestown 1607" by Elisa Carbone. I will post activities and projects that my students complete on this site, so others can see how technology is used in a tech rich classroom.

One of the first things we will do is visit the author's website and read her bio. http://www.elisacarbone.com/bio.html After students read the author's bio, they will write their own bio. I will model this before students write their own version. Then they will read chapter 1-3 in the book.

Why use technology in the classroom?

2008-10-11T20:45:00.002-05:00

Let's face it today's students are digital learners. They have grown up with computers, MP3 players, flat screen T.V.'s, ipods, and cell phones. Because of this their brains are wired differently. Using technology is just a part of their everyday life. When students come to school; they quickly become board with paper pencil task. So why not use what works for them-technology.

The advantages of using technology in classrooms are student engagement, leveled playing fields for all learners, and increased problem solving. I have learned by experience that students are on task and engaged by technology more so then traditional teaching methods. In addition, the technology provides the ability for all students to create a neat, organized project. This gives students that are not neat nor organized a learning advantage; therefore, their projects receive grades that are equal to their peers. Technology increase problem solving skills because students have to figure out problems as to how to use the technology to create specific projects and task.

It is my belief that technology should be available to all students in the 21st century because it is now a way of life. In order for our students to be productive citizens in the future, they will need to be able to use technology to survive. Educators and legislators have got to find a way to provide students with the best technology tools and skills in order to maintain the status quo.